tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33739204.post6197189792817340897..comments2023-10-19T02:52:59.768-07:00Comments on The Shady Glade: Slight Political DiversionAlyssa Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17493806120430252745noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33739204.post-89790678908610669362008-10-31T08:53:00.000-07:002008-10-31T08:53:00.000-07:00I agree that normally this blog would not be the b...I agree that normally this blog would not be the best place for a political discussion. However, I had a desire to make a stand, and this is the only blog I have that is not buisness related. I don't apologize for putting this post up here, since I have seen many similar posts (not on the same topic, but political discussions) on many book blogs over the past few months. I'm fine if people skip over this post, since I have a tendency to do that myself with said other blogs.Alyssa Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17493806120430252745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33739204.post-5869647958055584402008-10-31T03:21:00.000-07:002008-10-31T03:21:00.000-07:00Perhaps a book blog is not a good place for politi...Perhaps a book blog is not a good place for political discussion. I am personally of the opinion that divorce has done more to undermine marriage than same-sex marriage ever could, and that when divorce lawyers see there is money to be made, same-sex marriage will be legal. It's not really about beliefs; it's about economics.Ms. Yinglinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17805324364289597178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33739204.post-58071929484887429362008-10-21T13:49:00.000-07:002008-10-21T13:49:00.000-07:00It's good to hear your viewpoint Laini. I suppose...It's good to hear your viewpoint Laini. I supposed we'll just have to agree to respectfully disagree. :-)Alyssa Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17493806120430252745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33739204.post-26597936651782111062008-10-21T13:14:00.000-07:002008-10-21T13:14:00.000-07:00Hi Alyssa! Thanks for answering. Not that this is ...Hi Alyssa! Thanks for answering. Not that this is meant to sway you, but I want to say this about marriage. As an atheist, marriage is not to me personally something that is consecrated by God, but it IS very powerful and meaningful -- the highest expression of love and devotion that two people can make to each other. And I don't understand why religious people want to deny that beautiful, celebration of love to same-sex couples. You can say it is not discrimination but it is. It is denying other people what you feel righteously that you yourself are entitled to. It is the very definition of discrimination. I wouldn't expect you to change your personal opinion about gay marriage, but I don't understand why your religious beliefs should govern the lives of people who are not of your religion. I think America aims for a wider scope of freedom that what would be dictated by any one religious viewpoint. Would it not be sufficient to say that gay people can not get married <I>in your church</I>? <BR/><BR/>With all good will,<BR/>LainiLaini Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33739204.post-48048413696304547492008-10-20T20:08:00.000-07:002008-10-20T20:08:00.000-07:00Hi Laini, Thanks for your comment. Please underst...Hi Laini, <BR/><BR/>Thanks for your comment. Please understand that I do not discriminate against same sex couples. I feel everyone has the right to choose what they want to do. But for religious reasons, I believe that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman, and nothing else. If the law stands as it is now (meaning Prop 8 does not pass) it will have consequences. We have seen some of these happen in MA already. For example, religious leaders who speak out against gay marriage have been sued for discrimination and hate crimes. I believe that is an infraction of free speech. It is up to each person to choose their own way of life, which goes for both gay and traditional couples. Just because one holds a traditional view does not mean they should be kept from expressing their own opinions, just as those who do not hold a traditional view. Yes, it goes both ways but I have seen it happen in my own community that people use laws such as this one to impose their views on others in the name of free speech, and I’ve been on both sides of those conflicts. Prop 8 does not condemn gay couples. It merely states that for a couple to be legally married in CA, they must be a man and a woman. <BR/><BR/>I'm not sure if that came out as eloquently as I wanted it to, but I can tell you this. I believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and that the family is central to God's plan for His children. Thus I have pledged to do my part to protect marriage in my state. <BR/><BR/>You can think anything you want, and I completely respect that, but that is my own personal opinion. I could not answer to my conscience if I didn't at least make a stand for what I believe.Alyssa Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17493806120430252745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33739204.post-1632476155392634312008-10-20T11:12:00.000-07:002008-10-20T11:12:00.000-07:00Hi. Wow. I wonder if you explain a little how equa...Hi. Wow. I wonder if you explain a little how equal right to marriage could "have serious consequences on the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of association." I don't mean this in an overly confrontational way, but I would very much like to know your thoughts on this particular, as it seems to me that it is actually the practice of discrimination that effects rights to freedom of speech and association. What are the scenarios you are envisioning in which you are <I>protecting</I> freedom by condoning discrimination based on religious belief?Laini Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com