from Jim and Melanie
We are very pleased with the vote in Ireland for equality. It is meaningful in many ways. Those family and friends we love dearly have felt a breath of inspiration and fresh air as some closed gates open a little more, although still too slowly. We are hopeful that our children and grandchildren will look back and see this decade as a time important choices were made for good and inclusion.
Reporting from Ireland shows the strongest support for Yes was in the 68-74% range. Only one county in the country voted No and barely at 51%. Overall, the vote was about 2 to 1 for Yes. Voting required your presence in person. Nearly 60,000 people returned from other parts of the world to place a small mark onto a piece of paper saying Yes I am for equality.
The news cycles move quickly. Already, the coverage is dwindling as people move on to other things. The importance of this statement by the beautiful people of Ireland will not diminish. We are proud of them. It is time to open more gates symbolized by these near my Kelly and Huston homeland.
Peace to you… Jim
Gates of Rosemead Estate 2011
Our View From Iowa 
Reblogged this on JAR Blog.
Historic indeed. I was thinking that the vote was probably helped because of the legal prohibition in such recent times. Not unlike our prohibition on alcohol, people do not like being told what the can and can’t do and often you will get what you resist.
I wish people would focus on the character and quality of people rather than their color, race, religion, sexual preference of financial standing.
Love the gates! 😀 😀 Very fitting photo!
Well said. And, thank you.
Completely agree with you. Nice photo too!
Amen!
AWESOME!!!
One by one, the barriers are falling, perhaps at an unprecedented rate.
It is good to see. Let’s hope it continues.
The gates fall and the foundations of family and society crumble as people cheer…sad news.
Sorry you feel that way. I believe there are much greater dangers to family and society than the genuine love of two people for each other.