Margaret, I just don’t get it. We’re in a global economic crisis, America ‘s fighting two wars, there’s genocide in Darfur , AIDS running rampant, and a pretty good shot that we could all be killed by bird flu or swine flu or some other animal flu in a year or two. And yet, the conservatives out there want to talk about gay marriage with Miss California. Silly me. I assumed it would have been Miss Arkansas.
Really?
So the Republican party has another washed up beauty queen as its spokesperson. I guess we can all look forward to a Palin-Prejean ticket in 2012. Lord help us. I mean it. Really.
It will be a threesome with the old Anita Bryant joining Ms Calif and Gov. I can see Russia!
By: MC on June 3, 2009
at 5:32 PM
UAW, I agree with you completely! Let’s start calling them civil unions, PLEASE! Especially when so much of this fuss is about having equal rights under the law. If the government has to be involved, they should be referring to these unions as civil unions, not marriage. Marriage is a personal matter, not a government matter. IMO
I second the double standards comment. You want tolerance and acceptance? Then you better be prepared to dish it out yourselves. I don’t see this coming from liberals at all. Not at all. It’s all YOUR way or nothing. Your speeches about tolerance just makes you sound like a bunch of hypocrites because you have ZERO tolerance for anyone that doesn’t agree with you.
Think about it. If you begin having a little respect for others’ beliefs, maybe just maybe, they’ll have respect for you? Isn’t that the peace and love and understanding you claim you strive for?
By: ILAF on May 8, 2009
at 2:45 PM
UAW-
Separate is never equal. You want us to use the term “civil union” instead of “marriage”, but “marriage” is the term used in our country. Change every marriage in the country to a civil union, and I’ll be happy with that, but I’m not settling for anything less than full equality.
By: Sherri Δ on May 6, 2009
at 2:26 PM
UWA
…..personally as far as gay marriages go,why can’t they be called civil unions….if the same rights are granted by the state and the religious objection to the word “marriage” being used is removed where’s the problem then…doesn’t the GLTV bare part of the blame for demanding”marriages”…..
As much as we (you and me) are opposing ends of the same stick, from time to time you amaze me with your common sense…..even if at other times you manage to hide your intelligence rather well…;-)
So, a (ever so slight) bow from me to you on this comment!
By: Werner Oderwer Δ on May 6, 2009
at 9:58 AM
Jean, the only difference for who is right or wrong is scientific accuracy. Our professors drummed it into our heads. Assumptions without credible supporting evidence make bad history and bad science. Sometimes, they make bad policy.
Many intersex people are suffering because of the assumption that babies and children are blank slates who can be taught to be anyone. Doctors altered their bodies to make them normal before the kids could share their preferences. In many cases, the doctors were wrong.
I also believe theories that bullying also had survival value in the past have credence. So does caring for old people.
Groupism permits sharing of resources as long as they are plentiful. Yes, leaders use our natural tendency toward bias to dehumanize outsiders as with the ridiculous freedom fries. They often work because they appeal to our groupist natures.
An e friend uses the wolf pack theory of human society. He believes wolves and we behave alike. Considering human’s and dogs affinity for each other I think he is on to something.
Our branch of the species has been around for over 60,000 to in some cases, 100,000 years. We have not had time to evolve away the murderous natures which helped us survive. Culture lets us zap each other in more peaceful ways, but the instincts remain.
HonoluluSally, Congratulations to your son! Anyone who worked as hard as he did deserves to bask in his familys’ pride and praise.
My wife who is a teacher hates much of No Child Left Behind, which Teddy Kennedy helped write. However, Miss California is not a product of the law or of the Bush years. Bush is not to blame for everything.
GreytDogA, my wife and I did the same as you. My father was in a hospital, and he kept chocking on food and getting aspiration pneumonia. His mind was fine, but he was weak. Two doctors told me my dad was wearing out at the age of 95. He had lived a good life. They decided the best thing to do was to withhold food and water until he quietly expired.
I replied it wouldn’t happen. I would sneak in a pistol and blow my father away. The doctors reconsidered. They installed a feeding tube. My father spent his days walking up and down the halls and chatting with the nurses to gain strength that would get him out of the hospital. He read, watched television, teased our son about his getting his first drivers license, listened to Rush Limbaugh and waited to get out of the hospital. He finally did and then worked to get out of the local hospital. At that time, I had to “pull the plug.” I think doctors helped him out of this world.
UAW Tradesman, I agree about the double standards. Hostile people focused much of their attention on Mormons and evangelical Christians who campaigned for Prop 8. Most ignored the majority of blacks and Hispanics who voted with the Mormons, because it was not politically correct to condemn them.
A black columnist did condemn his countrymen. He called them ignorant and disappointing only because they voted differently than he would have. If they had voted for gay marriage, they would have been been enlightened, though they would have been the same people regardless of how they voted. No one has condemned President Obama. I think he opposes legalized gay marriages and supports civil unions. At least he used to.
By: James on May 6, 2009
at 8:03 AM
Sheri…didn’t I say…
“just to piss everyone off…
didn’t California have a vote and gay marriage was banned…..sounds like a mandate to me….”
and to your reply…
“The majority of Californians did not vote to support Prop 8. The majority of voters did.”
If the percentage of people voting was the same(or close) how can a vote for Obama be a mandate and against gay marriage not be…
if people have read other posts of mine they know that the double standard applied to politics is what pisses me off….if people complain when a conservative does something why do they want to let it slide when a liberal does the same thing?????
personally as far as gay marriages go,why can’t they be called civil unions….if the same rights are granted by the state and the religious objection to the word “marriage” being used is removed where’s the problem then…doesn’t the GLTV bare part of the blame for demanding”marriages”
By: UAW tradesman on May 6, 2009
at 7:09 AM
D.C. council votes to recognize gay marriages; Congress has final say
By Seattle Times news services
WASHINGTON — After an emotional debate, the Council of the District of Columbia on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states.
The vote is considered the first step toward eventually allowing gay marriages to be performed in Washington. Congress, which has final say over the city’s laws, will get 30 days to review the bill assuming Democratic Mayor Adrian Fenty, a supporter, signs it.
If Congress takes no action, the bill will become law automatically. President Obama and congressional leaders have not signaled where they stand on the D.C. bill. Obama generally supports civil unions but has said marriage is between a man and a woman.
“The march toward equality is coming to this country, and you can either be a part of it or stand in the way,” said David Catania, one of two openly gay D.C. Council members.
The D.C. Council vote was 12-to-1, with former Mayor Marion Barry casting the lone opposing vote. Barry, a longtime supporter of the gay community, called it an “agonizing and difficult decision” that he made after praying and consulting with his constituents and the religious community.
Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa already allow gay marriage and lawmakers in several other states are considering whether to do the same. New York recognizes gay marriages performed in other states.
The Maine Legislature on Tuesday approved a bill that would make the state the fifth to allow gay marriage.
The bill faces one more vote each in the House and Senate before it goes to Gov. John Baldacci. He is a Democrat and remains undecided.
Maine would become only the second state to allow gay marriage through an act of a legislature.
In D.C., gay-marriage supporters greeted the vote with applause, but they were outnumbered at city hall by outraged opponents.
The Rev. Anthony Evans said he will work to unseat every D.C. Council member who voted for it.
“They just kissed their political careers goodbye,” he said.
By: Raji on May 6, 2009
at 6:20 AM
James, thanks to the Schiavo debacle, I had my living will and final directives rewritten with clause that stated that no local, state, or federal body or representative thereof could supercede my individual rights and any such actions to intercede by said local, state, or federal body or representative would be viewed as an infringement of my First Amendment and would be prosecuted as such. I ran that past a couple of medical and constitutional lawyers one of whom asked if he could use it as a guide for others. When my father was dying I had to remind a couple of care providers that there were final directives in place and what they were suggesting was countermanding those directives. And yes, on the whole, we treat our pets more humanely at the end of life – but as one person told me, “They’re animals, we can always get another pet” Arrrgghhh.
By: Greytdog Δ on May 6, 2009
at 5:20 AM
Oh Cheeses! Wrote a post that didn’t go through.
Perhaps I used the Q —r word.
My first post in synopsis…My Grandmother was a remarkable woman. She raised a son knowing he was gay in the 60′s. Loved him, and his friends with no reserve. Regardless of skin color, denomination, or origin. I grew up with these beautiful people in my life. Made mine and the way I raised my boys that much richer.
My original point was that my Grandmother was a
woman of much faith. This woman wore a mustard seed in a necklace, and her bible to a frail, but still opend her arms to all.
No judgment, no incrimination. We need more like her.
I share Werners view of religion. I love my religious friends…just don’t be so rigid.
By: Dawny on May 6, 2009
at 4:24 AM
Dear Joe the Plumber,
As a little girl I was held by many a man whom at
the time I didn’t know was gay. I have been called princess, smart, beautiful, exotic, [ a plethora of self-esteem building adjectives ]. Oh, Damn! Grew up hetro-! I love my husband! What possibly could have gone wrong? Seems the “gays” failed! It didn’t rub off!
Hope your children will learn the beauty of art,
song, and theater in spite of your teachings.
“Too many gays involved!. Wouldn’t want that to happen would we?
By: Dawny on May 6, 2009
at 2:44 AM
Short and sweet post… well written Helen! I don’t understand why the world should be so hell bent on judging people. Although not a practising hindu, I pray just one thing whenever I pray. Loka samasta sukhino bhavanthu. Let the entire world be at peace. And I pray that now.
By: Gili on May 6, 2009
at 2:18 AM
My Grandmother always told me to run from Christians who had to explain what they were.
“Actions speak louder than words”. Her nod to
the scripture was a mustard seed worn around her neck, her worn bible was proof of her belief.
[ I don't remember knowing my Uncle was "different ] Have learned that he had the conviction, and support to “come out”in the 60′s.
In the South no less!
My Grandmothers house was a cornucopia of race, creed, and colors. All called her Mama T. She offered a place of calm, comfort, peace, a
home cooked meal, and most importantly…
acceptance. Seems Mama T’s should be more prevalent.
Dear, Joe the Plumber,
I had no idea I was being exposed to “queers”.
Strong, articulate men held me, fawned over me.
Called me Princess, and Lil’ Gypsy Girl. I loved them all, and they only made my self esteem that much greater. You being the peon…please see to the clogged toilet…
By: Dawny on May 6, 2009
at 1:36 AM
Jean, my favorite (only) son is getting his masters from Dartmouth, then going to Germany! Yikes. My rolling stone.
Werner, as our plans get firmer, I’ll give you a holler. Maintenant, choo choo apre bon bon. Ha ha ha ha. This reminds me of how we would string together local words on the bus when I was a young kid – “Kamehameha wiki wiki lau lau poki malasadas holoholo” – and they made no sense whatsoever, but we sure impressed the tourists who thought we couldn’t speak English and that we were talking Hawaiian.
UAW! Good to see that you are still full of piss and vinegar! Would suggest some of Dr. Schultz’s Intestinal Correctional Formula #1 to rid yourself of the crap…
I feel sorry for the Miz California du jour. She is the product of 8 years of Bush’s No Child Left Behind and the dumbing down of America. The product of religion dominating humanity. It’s sad.
Watched “W” this weekend on dvd. That was sad, too.
Time to go watch some Jon Stewart to get some chuckles.
Namaste, aloha, and bien nuit!
Sally
By: Honolulu Sally on May 6, 2009
at 12:57 AM