Why You Should Support It!
So here we are, again on the eve of a major presidential election. We are forced to endure the partisan attack ads that proliferate their way into our living rooms and bedrooms through our high-definition television sets. The constant finger pointing and “gotcha” tactics can become nauseating, making you want to spew forth your patriotic innards in an effort to cleanse yourself of the political labels and titles that seem, in conversation, to be just as effective as religion in bringing out the worst in good people.
To be clear, I am a conservative democrat. I believe that every American should possess the constitutional right to carry firearms. Because you know what, that guy with bad intentions will undoubtedly think twice before trying to knock off that mum and pop shop on the corner when there is a chance that the guy standing behind him, trying to pick up a fresh pack of Marlboros and some chap-stick, might pull his .38 snub and pop a few holes in his ass! Criminals are less likely to commit crimes against other persons when the probability is high that those other persons will be armed. It’s true, go look it up.
Secondly, I believe in small government and limited government spending. In my opinion, the United States government has gotten way too big and cumbersome. Many departments are essentially useless while consistently draining funds from the federal coffers. Funds that could be more intelligently used for social and economical purposes. For instance, the Department of Education’s annual budget for 2010 as reported by the white house was $46.7 billion. Yes, billion with a “B”! Can you imagine what this country could do to improve its failing infrastructure in 5 years with just the ED’s funds alone?
Although I hold many conservative beliefs, there are fundamental ideals that are rooted in me which designates my place on the left side of the aisle. I believe in women’s right to choose; I maintain strong support of the middle class and I reject the notion that wealthy people create jobs and economic stability (we’ve seen that story and in the end, our auto industry nearly fell completely out of competitive operation, our big banks failed and needed to be bailed out and the greedy snakes on Wall Street laughed all the way to the bank – undoubtedly, one in Switzerland); and I believe that under the constitutional edict of “free and equal”, same sex marriage should not be a judicial, political or legal debate, but an inalienable right.
Recently, President Obama came out of the closet, so to speak, and announced his support for same sex marriage. However, true to political rhetoric, he refused to say whether he would back federal laws that supported legalization of same sex marriage and instead said that he believes the matter would best be decided by the states.
I don’t see the problem. Why shouldn’t we allow LBGTs to marry one another? I mean, who’s the authority on this issue? Where does it say that marriage is meant only for a man and a woman? The Bible? Don’t even get me started there! Are we relying on the authority of a so-called omni-potent and all-powerful being that controls all things good and evil? Well, how sound is this being’s moral judgment when it is found in his/her “holy” book that he commanded the Israelites to slaughter the children of the Canannites (Deut. 7.1-2; 20.16-18)? How are we justified in setting our moral compass with the ideals of a serial child murderer (“God” commands the murders of innocents and children SEVERAL times in the Old Testament)? That’s a blog for a different day, however, my point is this: there is no reason why LBGTs shouldn’t be allowed to marry one another other than social fear, bigotry and out-right discrimination. Who really cares? Straight people cry that they are repulsed to see gay public displays of affection. First of all, if you stopped staring you might solve your problem. There are heterosexual lovers that exhibit equally disturbing acts of intimacy while in public. How idiotic would people look standing on a street corner with signs that read, “I don’t care that you’re straight, just don’t flaunt it in public!” To me, thats how people look when fighting, unjustifiably, to take away the rights of gays and lesbians. The President got it right on this issue. We should not only stand behind him, but also with our fellow Americans in the new struggle for equality and justice as we consider the civil rights struggles of so many previous Americans.
Your comments are encouraged and welcome. I dare you to share your thoughts whether they support or oppose my views.
Terencio Safford
Born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in the small town of Anniston, Alabama, there’s no doubt that country living and sentiments still reside in Terencio Safford, Secret Laboratory’s managing editor.
He came a long way from his roots. He had a very unique childhood which allowed him to experience different cultures, religions and family values; this ultimately gave him a sense of awareness and acuteness that formulated his inspired outlook on life.
He graduated from Anniston High School in 2001 in Anniston, Alabama. He was recruited as a high school senior by the U.S. Army National Guard where he served two years as an Aircraft Electrician. After leaving the Army in 2002, Terencio migrated to Minnesota in 2003 in search of a better opportunity. He attended the Minnesota School of Business in Richfield studying Music Business before realizing that he wanted to pursue music as a hobby and not a career.
He has dedicated his time and talent to writing professionally. Terencio discovered his gift at an early age but pursued other talents and interests with the thoughts that writing was boring and time consuming! Now he finds pleasure and peace in formulating thoughts into creative treasures of literary prose!
Email him at terencio@secretlaboratory.org and visit him at http://www.wix.com/literaryprose/byterencio
Anyone who thinks it’s immoral for gays to marry is a neanderthal. There’s more immorality in heterosexual marriages than in the gay community. They should outlaw divorce then, if they are going to use fairy tales for law. It says in the storybook that “God hates Divorce”. How many Christians divorce. The rate of divorce is higher in the US than in any country.
People hate what they can not understand. Instead of the injustice being legally carried out on gays (denying them the right to marry), they should educate themselves on gay matters. Ignorant Christianity shouldn’t be what we base this country’s laws on. If the separation of church and state even means anything that is. I honestly do not understand how this is still an issue in 2012.
Right you are, Jimmy! There is significantly more immorality in heterosexual marriage. And I love the idea to outlaw divorce. Let’s see how many so-called Christians will fight to support that!
I like your term “conservative democrat”! If a couple is in love, they should have the right to marry no matter what sex they are.
I too am a conservative democrat … or a libertarian … or perhaps a democratic socialist. My viewpoints on same-sex marriage–and guns (I love them)–are a matter of record. Great article.
–Ed.