Tuesday, June 06, 2006

My 2 cents

I found this quote so ironic:
As this debate goes forward, every American deserves to be treated with tolerance and respect and dignity. On an issue of this great significance, opinions are strong and emotions run deep. And all of us have a duty to conduct this discussion with civility and decency toward one another. All people deserve to have their voices heard and a constitutional amendment will ensure that they are heard.
Do you recognize it? It's Pres W Bush on his stance on what he calls "the Marriage Protection Amendment".

Are you kidding me?
What part of "tolerance and respect and dignity" does W and right-wing supporters show towards homosexual committed couples who want the same financial, political, social responsibilities and benefits as heterosexual committed couples? I don't know about you, but I was taught that denying obligations/responsibilities/benefits based on certain aspects of a person's life is wrong.

What's the deal people? People don't CHOOSE who they love. It is without a doubt easier in today's world to love someone of a different gender than you. Why would anyone want to forever fight in their workplace for insurance benefits? Endlessly having to "tone it down" when going out. Trying to constantly remember who in the family "approves"? It's not easy! It's not simple! And no one tries to go out and fall in love with someone of their same gender.

As Joann Elder puts it, "This amendment is divisive … This amendment is unnecessary … This amendment is un-American..." I'd also add Russ Feingold's words. This is MEAN-SPIRITED. Leaders and decision-makers who base their work on hate and mistrust and obvious intolerance should be voted out of office. Where in the world are the leaders who work for the GOOD of the nation? What happened to people wanting to do good for each other?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

karen...... when i heard about the need for the marriage protection admendment i wanted to toss my tv out the door. how dare he...i have many gay friends who i love with all my heart and it breaks my heart to think that they are unable to legally marry there partner.... they love and care about each other so why should they be prevented from making this union legal
ok enough i better get off of my soap box...enjoy your garden
cousin lana

KarenE said...

Exactly my thoughts! I'm glad you feel similarly. Hope all is well with you!

Anonymous said...

karen....just saw on my news headlines...senate nixes gay ban....good for them...im sending you an e-mail that i know you will enjoy...or make you get up on your soap box...cousin lana

KarenE said...

LOL You beat me to it! I was just going to comment with my YIPPEE! :)

KarenE said...

Check out some recent articles / videos / websites:

(John Stewart ROCKS)
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/06/07.html#a8614

http://www.marriageequality.org/main_home.php

Fact 1:
Same-sex couples in the U.S. can only legally marry in one state: Massachusetts. (Not California, Vermont, Hawaii or Oregon)
Fact 2:
People in same-sex relationships are denied legal benefits including social security, adoption rights, immigration rights and shared medical insurance.
Fact 3:
Vermont's civil union program is a separate but unequal system. Only marriage guarantees equality.

Anonymous said...

"People don't CHOOSE who they love."

That statement is false. People DO choose who they love. Some may find it easier to love certain people, or certain types of people, but ultimately love is a choice, not something that happens to you.

KarenE said...

Wow. Someone who disagrees with me, yet doesn't have the nerve to identify themselves. YEAH! I hit someone's nerve!

Despite not agreeing with said anon. commentor, it is intriguing to think about the concept of love. What is love?