Whatever the fate of Proposition 8 come Tuesday, we'll not soon forget how the proposed amendment to the state's constitution dealing with same sex marriage galvanized our valley into action and left no doubt about the passion the community had for both sides of the issue.

For now, it's hard to drive around Simi after 5 p.m. these days and not find a rally. The blaring of car horns sounding out approval and disapproval can be heard everywhere. Lawns across the city are dotted with signs both for and against the controversial measure.

And while much can be said about what is right with this type of rabid participation in the political process, it's impossible to ignore what went wrong. Our passion, you see, turned into prejudice against those who think differently.

As it turned out, the rampant stealing of Prop. 8 signs, both for and against, was just the tip of the ugly iceberg. Even though we addressed the issue in last week's Acorn, the reports of improper campaign behavior continued to grow.

One Simi Valley father reported that his two daughters, ages 7 and 9, had their Yes on 8 signs forcibly taken away by two adults and torn into shreds during a rally. Another resident sent us a picture showing a swastika that had been spray-painted on his pro-Prop. 8 sign. We're sure the No on 8 crowd could share several frightening tales as well.

The point being that, in all this fervor over who should and shouldn't be allowed to call themselves "married," some of us have lost sight of the First Amendment rights upon which our freedom to speak so nobly rests.

And it can be seen not only at our intersections, but in our homes, our workplaces and elsewhere with this "It's my way or the highway" mentality. The mean words and hurtful actions caused deep wounds that may not be healed by Election Day.

While we all should be proud of the community's willingness to get involved in a matter that will affect the future of all of us, we must always remember that free speech applies to everyone— even those who disagree with us.

As French writer and philosopher Voltaire once famously uttered, "I may disagree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."