Argument from the opposition
Recently, thanks to the link from dancingrain, I used the ACLU's letter generator to send a fax to my 3 Congressmen (2 Senators; 1 R and 1D, and 1 Representative - R) asking them to oppose the proposed Constitutional amendment that would effectively outlaw same sex marriages.
Now up front, I don't consider myself a liberal, especially an ACLU liberal. I'm no fan of W, mind, but in the grand scheme (i.e. big government vs. state power) of things I tend to fall more on the conservative side of the moderate fence. That said I feel this is an issue of equality and tolerance. In fact, go check on super-lefty, and neck show-off malachan's excellent argument about conscience in politics. As always Cyg makes some great points and I agree with him fully. But I want to make clear that I didn't send the letter (my first time ever "writing to my congressman") just because this is a very important and relevant issue to people on my Friends List and I wanted be accepted. I did it because I believe in the point. To me it comes down to one thing, aside from the bible can anyone think of a reason why same sex marriages shouldn't be recognized by law? Why would it be wrong? I won't attempt to answer that beyond pointing again to Cygnus' argument above. I'm with him across the board (politics wise, that's a rarity) and his argument is more cogent and better stated than mine could ever be.
On to the point. The Representative actually sent a reply and a prompt reply at that. I got this no more than a week after my fax was sent. Learn why he supports H.J Res. 56:
First it's nice that he makes his argument without falling back (too much) on Christian rhetoric. And I profoundly respect actual receiving a prompt and pertinent response. Hell it even looks as though he signed it himself.
Still, I do believe my entire problem with his opinion can be narrowed down to the phrase "traditional institution of marriage." My issue is fairly self-explanatory.
How do some of you feel about his defense?
Now up front, I don't consider myself a liberal, especially an ACLU liberal. I'm no fan of W, mind, but in the grand scheme (i.e. big government vs. state power) of things I tend to fall more on the conservative side of the moderate fence. That said I feel this is an issue of equality and tolerance. In fact, go check on super-lefty, and neck show-off malachan's excellent argument about conscience in politics. As always Cyg makes some great points and I agree with him fully. But I want to make clear that I didn't send the letter (my first time ever "writing to my congressman") just because this is a very important and relevant issue to people on my Friends List and I wanted be accepted. I did it because I believe in the point. To me it comes down to one thing, aside from the bible can anyone think of a reason why same sex marriages shouldn't be recognized by law? Why would it be wrong? I won't attempt to answer that beyond pointing again to Cygnus' argument above. I'm with him across the board (politics wise, that's a rarity) and his argument is more cogent and better stated than mine could ever be.
On to the point. The Representative actually sent a reply and a prompt reply at that. I got this no more than a week after my fax was sent. Learn why he supports H.J Res. 56:
First it's nice that he makes his argument without falling back (too much) on Christian rhetoric. And I profoundly respect actual receiving a prompt and pertinent response. Hell it even looks as though he signed it himself.
Still, I do believe my entire problem with his opinion can be narrowed down to the phrase "traditional institution of marriage." My issue is fairly self-explanatory.
How do some of you feel about his defense?