Gay and Lesbian Marriage, What's the Big Deal?

So, the other day I was sitting around watching the tube, when a news spot came on. The anchor was talking about the Prop 8 craze.  He stated that who are we to claim the sanctity of marriage when you can go out, get wasted, get married by an Elvis impersonator in the middle of the night and have no recollection of it the morning after? I thought to myself, he had a good point. I have always been the one to say , "To each his own". I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and views. What works fine for one, may not work for the other. With all that has been said and that is going to be said on this issue,  the end of this debate seems to be nowhere in sight. Is it safe to assume that the state will legalize marijuana, before it allows same sex marriages?  What's the big deal? Why does our society fear change? Our nation is supposed to be one of equality and understanding. Isn't that why people are literally dying to get into our country? As far as this issue goes, it seems that neither equality, nor understanding are being considered. We have many brave men and women fighting for our country. For our freedom, for our rights!! Many of which are part of our gay and lesbian community. It's OK for them to die fighting for our country and our freedom, but who is fighting for them and their rights? I think that California needs to step out of the dark ages, expand their horizons, and come to the realization that society in our country has evolved, and with that our rights and privileges should expand right along with it. Many same sex couples are already leading a "married" life anyways, so why not offer them the opportunity to share in the advantages that a legal marriage can bring. When two people in love wish to experience and share the joy that a marriage can bring to their life, who are we to deny them? People are people. Whether you are white, black, Asian, Mexican, straight, gay or lesbian, we all have feelings, opinions, and the right to lead a happy life. Is it really going to make marriage less significant? If anything, I believe that it will make it stronger, as it will allow more love to be shared within and throughout our communities.