The ever growing debate over gay marriage, inspired by
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome's decision to grant same-sex marriage licenses, is just absurd.
On one side, you have the argument that the right to marry is just as fundamental as the right to vote, associate with who you please, speak freely, own guns, what have you. This would seem to be a debate about extending constitutional rights to all members of society. We have to do this every so often when the gradual process of societal enlightenment catches up with the our Constitutional principles.
And then there's the counterpoints. according to
Mark Morford (via
Atrios), he claims that the majority of the hate mail and arguments he gets revolve around the idea that if we allow just
anyone to marry just
anyone else, this will grease up the slippery slope to all sorts of horrible disgusting things becoming the norm (eg: bestiality, snuff films, etc). Of course this is ridiculous, but not nearly as completely nucking futs as the
president's rationale:
"I have watched carefully what's happening in San Francisco, where licenses were being issued, even though the law states otherwise," Bush said. "I have consistently stated that I'll support law to protect marriage between a man and a woman. Obviously these events are influencing my decision."
"I am watching very carefully, but I am troubled by what I've seen," Bush said.
Someone needs to explain to our appointed president, reeeeeal slow and in single syllable words, that recognizing gay and lesbian couples' right to marry
doesn't mean that heterosexual couples can't get married anymore. Straight couples that want to get married can do so in every state in the union, without fear of reprisal, and with the blessing of the whole community. They require
no defense.
Perhaps Bush is concerned, and troubled, over rumors about a certain sanctimonious GOP Governor who's about to be at the center of a scandal involving
adultery and homosexuality. George, I swear to you that this isn't happening because people in San Francisco want to exercise their right to the same legally recognized committed relationship that you and Laura have, so put that out of your mind.
(cross-posted at 2071.org)