March 02, 2004
Liberal Schmiberal
Posted by nerdling | March 2, 2004 04:48 PM
It's probably just my abnormal level of emotional sensitivity speaking, but I think it's patently ridiculous that there is even a debate over gay marriage. The issue of interference aside, any sort of a ban is inherently discriminatory; whether or not the discrimination violates anyone's civil rights is a matter for the courts to decide but I think it's fairly clear that banning marriage on the basis of sexuality would be such a violation. At the moment, however, such unions are still illegal and Jason West, the mayor of New Paltz, NY, is currently facing charges for marrying same-sex couples. If convicted, he could receive fines and a year in jail.
West said the prospect of further punishment does not deter him, adding that the newlywed couples inspire him.
"Just the looks on their faces, just the absolute joy of finally being able to be equal," he said. "That is the highest moral calling I could possibly imagine."
In another note, Democratic front runner Kerry countered Bush's call for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and is pro-civil unions, though he is part of a movement attempting to rewrite the Massachusetts state constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. With a record like that, Bush will never get that liberal label to stick!
Honestly, I don't think John Kerry is a liberal, a moderate, or a conservative. I think he's a politician, first and foremost, and that he makes decisions based, in large part, on what is politically useful at the time.
Now, the possible positive side of this is that he can respond to the general movement of public opinion, and that can sometimes be an effective way to lead. It can also lead to shocking ineffectiveness.
If he's elected, I hope for the former with Kerry.
Posted by: scotty at March 3, 2004 06:58 AM
Yes, he is a politician above all else, which means that he will go with what is most profitable and convenient for him. If that happens to be in line with public opinion, then so be it and maybe we'll get lucky along the way.
At this point I'd be happy if everyone could stop arguing about it. The only way that things will change is gradually, because forcing people to accept a change of this magnitude could cause a very severe backlash--and the last thing I want to see is an increase in violent hate crimes. So I say I hope Kerry sticks to his guns and allows civil unions and that we manage to avoid passing an amendment on the issue. Then someday, maybe people will come to their senses.
Posted by: Marleigh at March 3, 2004 03:28 PM
