A Bright Spot in the Election Results

The right to life may have suffered setbacks this Nov. 4, but the defense of marriage made progress http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0805632.htm. There are now 30 states with constitutional protection of marriage.
Why is this important? Marriage is more than just two people with romantic feelings for each other. It is a covenent relationship with two (at least) purposes. First, it is a reflection to the world of Christ's love for his Church. Second, it is a vehicle for the creation and raising of children.
From the secular standpoint, only the second of these is considered. But it still is of considerable importance. Our society recognizes marriage in a legal way not as a "perk" for the married couple but as a protection for any children born of that union. The goal is to make the union permanent for the sake of the children (and for the sake of the couple as well). It is true that right now only 50% of those unions end up being permanent. Many - most - people who get married don't understand what it is they are doing. But if we change the definition of marriage into essentially a legal agreement between two parties, then we validate those 50% that treat marriage lightly. The purpose of marriage is the propagation of our species, the building of our future.
To answer one common objection, yes, gays and single people can adopt children. That is a decision of the state left for another debate. The institution of marriage is not appropriate to protect those children. That is the role of adoption agencies.
The good news here is that Americans seem to understand, at a basic level, the importance of the institution of marriage. The even better news is that as Catholic families, we can have an even bigger impact than by simply being involved in a political movement. By living out our marriage as a sacrament, we can fulfill our calling to be a leaven for Christ in the world. When people see us living as sacramental couples, they will start to get the idea that there is something more to this marriage thing than lust, convenience, and an expensive party.