here's a great editorial from today's San Diego Union Tribune....a conservative paper

When confronting the weighty question of whether to amend the state constitution, voters should make a decision based on common sense and fairness – not inflammatory television ads that generate more heat than light. But when the issue is as emotional as gay marriage, this may be too much to ask.

There has been a remarkable turnabout in the polls regarding Proposition 8, the initiative that would change the California Constitution to ban gay marriage. As recently as Sept. 18, according to a Field Poll, the initiative was losing by a significant margin – 55 percent to 38 percent. Today, according to more recent polling, the measure to bar same-sex marriage is suddenly slightly ahead.

What changed? For one thing, the “Yes on 8” forces have recently waged an offensive but terribly effective war on the airwaves to convince voters that, if they don't draw the line at gay marriage, before they know it their children will learn about same-sex unions in public school. How shameful. That is not what this debate is about. Parents have the right to be notified if such a thing is discussed in class, and to remove their children if necessary. The ads don't mention that.

Nor is this debate about the hubris of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, an outspoken supporter of gay marriage who a few months ago celebrated a legal victory by taunting the other side that marriage equality was coming “whether you like it or not.”

It was a dumb thing for Newsom to say, and now the statement is being prominently featured in hard-hitting radio and television ads put out by Proposition 8 supporters. Newsom comes across as arrogant in trying to force his wishes on everyone else.

Enough with these petty political games. This is serious business. Let's shelve the theatrics, and think about what would be best for all Californians. The answer begins with equal rights for everyone and a No vote on Proposition 8.