Some Points of Mine

I have read most of the posts on this site, and while I still have eyesight left to type some thoughts with, I will.

First, and I believe most importantly, this issue of religion. All of you historians out there, correct me if I am wrong, but did the Pilgrims not flee their homes and come to America to escape religios persecution? Is the freedom of religion NOT protected in our Constitution? (in case you're wondering, it is, by the FIRST AMENDMENT) Again, if you're wondering, this also gives us the freedom to have NO religion. In fact, Atheism/Agnosticism is the third most widely practiced "religion" in the world.

I won't meander around looking for a place to park this argument. Suffice to say, religion and goverment do not mix. Never have, never will.

I attended a "town hall" meeting where one of my state's senators (Mark Pryor-D-AR) would be speaking and answering questions. My partner and I went, intending to ask about his position on the "Family Marriage Amendment". Before we got the chance, he brought the subject up. His answer was since the so-called Defense of Marriage Act was enacted, there was no need for our state to get into the debate. Arkansans, Arkansawyers, whatever you call yourself, does that sound like passing the buck to you? Yeah, me too. What he said to us personally after it was over was, 75% of my state is against gay marriage, so there tells the story on his position.

When the Marriage Amendment was being bandied about most recently I, as a member of the Human Rights Campaign, wrote to my senators and Congressperson (a woman) to voice my concern with and opposition to this horrific piece of legislation. She sent me a nice letter letting me know how proud she was to be one of the sponsors of the Amendment, and how nice it was that I was in agreement with her in wanting to keep marriage the way it's been for thousands of years (yes, it said that). In essence, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Oh boy! I just had to fire off another email to her, and tell her she had mistaken my stand on the issue (sounded to me like no one had really read my first email, but sent a "form" email reply). I felt compelled to point out to her that if leaving things the way they've always been were the best thing to do, SHE WOULDN'T HAVE A JOB, because there would never have been a 19th Amendment, and African-Americans would not only not be voting, they'd still be SLAVES.

The bottom line here folks, is what most have been saying. We just want what straight people have and take for granted. There are still states where you can lose your job JUST for being gay. If my partner were seriously hurt (even with a power of attorney/living will/advanced directive) her family could take her care out my hands, and bar me from even seeing her.

Fair's fair. Be fair.