Today I learned that gays and lesbians only want to get married because of the tax breaks. You see, according to my friend in the know, that's the truth, and what I believe - that whole "love" thing - that's just a rosy story to fool people.
First off, I feel it's only fair that I point out several things about my friend: he's educated, intelligent, and genuinely a good guy. He is an open-minded engineer, always trying to discover the true reason something failed or how to improve a component. However, for some silly reasons, he's closed-minded on people's beliefs, traditions and motives other than what he was told during his youth.
Back to the story...
When asked if straight couples also only marry for the tax breaks, I was informed that no, they in fact love each other and their morals are the reason they get married. The tax break stuff is nice, but not important. At all. Ever.
He of course admitted that gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to designate each other as beneficiaries, next of kin, allow them all the rights and privileges of straight married couples, except 1) the tax breaks, and 2) the actual right to be "married," because you know, that's for moral people.
When I asked if perhaps gays and lesbians genuinely love each other and want to express their commitment through vows and legal recognition just as with straight couples, he continued to insist that they can be with each other without being married. And when again pressed to explain why straight couples can't just love one another and not be married, he reaffirmed it was a moral issue.
So, I learned a few things today, and I felt the need to share with this community.
1) Gays and lesbians are not interested in love, only tax breaks. That's why they want to get married.
2) Gays and lesbians are not moral.
3) Straight couples are only interested in love, not tax breaks. That's why they want to get married.
4) Straight couples are moral.
5) I need to pick better friends.
(Just a note, in case someone misinterprets my intent here: I respect all of the different opinions and choices of people, gay, lesbian, bi, straight or whatever. My friend just pissed me off so much with his closed-mindedness I felt the need to vent and write my first diary, sharing my frustration with you all. And thanks for reading.)