That one time I liked a Viking.

It's pretty clear I'm a life long, incredibly loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers. No doubt there. I lived in Minnesota for four years and avoided wearing purple lest I be confused as a fan of the Vikings. Instead I proudly wore my #4 jersey every Sunday (I don't want to talk about him though. Let's not even use names.) So you can imagine how confused my brain feels lately as I'm GUSHING over the writing of one particular Minnesota Viking, Chris Kluwe.

If you're not familiar, Mr. Kluwe is a punter for the Vikings. He is also outspoken about his support of same sex marriage. I first became aware of his way with words and strong support in this article, "They Won't Magically Turn You Into a Lustful Cockmonster" which he wrote in response to a Maryland State Delegate asking NFL owners to silence their teams from talking in favor of same sex marriage. It was hilarious, well-written and true. And I loved him a little bit for writing it.

Flash forward to today, where I find he's written another piece on supporting gay marriage. An amendment will appear on ballots in MN in November that limits the status of marriage to opposite sex couples. His former teammate supports this amendment and Chris Kluwe has an opinion on that. This time it's laced with factual, well supported arguments that make LOGICAL SENSE. If you haven't read it, you really truly should. (Go ahead, read it now, I'll wait.)

Here's the thing. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion and I respect that. However, Chris makes some REALLY sound arguments against your opinion ruling the lives of others. It's very difficult for me to read that article and understand how anyone couldn't agree with him. He covers pretty much all the points I think of when it comes to this topic. Who are straight people to judge what makes a successful marriage (see: our divorce rate)? What if it's your kid in the future (it very well COULD be your kid)? What about divorced parents? Single parents?

At the end of the day it makes me sad. Sad that some people think they have the right to tell others how to live. Sad that people who love each other deeply are told love isn't enough. Sad that friends I have and people I know have to fight for what so many other friends and people I know take for granted, even abuse. Sad that some day my kids will learn about when gay marriage became legal and look back in time (to a time that I'm a part of now) and wonder how on Earth that ever could have been a thing. Much like I look back at segregation and wonder how we as a people ever could have thought it was acceptable to treat other humans that way.

So there you have it. In this once instance I am cheering for a Viking. I hope anyone with a voting capability in Minnesota will consider his arguments and put personal belief and religion aside, using logic and reason to make their choice on November 6th. And I longingly wait for the day when I have the opportunity to vote in favor of everyone having their right to marriage here in Wisconsin.