Marriage, Society, and Hope for Individual Responsibility

Okay, it really is time to open my mouth and say some things. The chips are falling where they may with the gay marriage debate. Massachusetts, then California, then Connecticut, and Iowa is waiting in the wings with a decision likely in late Winter. So why say anything? I guess because it is time to really let people just how pissed off I am at the propaganda tactics. For the record, I am in favor of marriage generally, regardless of orientation. Hey, the "state" felt it necessary to create a legal entity known as a "marriage," and so it cannot continue to behave so one-sidedly when it comes to those who wish to be married to the partner of their choosing.

The California decision is a hot one because they have a ballot initiative, with semantics wars going back and forth, to ban marriage. Each side is now engaged in an advertising battle to end all advertising battles. Here is some print media garbage from the "Yes on Prop 8" (against gay marriage) people:

"California's state Education Code (Sections 51890 and 51933) requires that teachers instruct children as young as kindergarteners about marriage. If the California gay marriage ruling is not overturned, teachers will be required to teach young children there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage. Proposition 8 protects children from being taught in California public schools that same-sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage."

WHAT??? Yes, that's exactly what was said. Here is the substance of the ad: The ad features a young girl arriving home from school to show her mother a picture book that was read to her class by their teacher that day. The book, "King and King," is about a prince marrying another prince, "and I can marry a princess" the girl says, to her mother's disbelief.

WHAT, part 2????? So, now, reading something about homosexuality makes you gay (or at least to the Yes on 8 people, makes you consider going gay). Truly, I am perturbed for many reasons, but the most important is this: Since when are parents prohibited from having discussions with children about what they learn in school and whether they agree with what is taught? Seriously, there are lots of things I was taught in school that my parents did not agree with. But isn't that what education is all about - the advancement of knowledge by the free exchange of ideas? Do I think that a 7-year old should be taught anything about marriage (regardless of orientation)? Hell no. Children should never learn about the horrible institution of marriage (and all the ills it seems to bring into people's lives) until they have mastered algebra.

Am I anti-marriage? No, I love it. But when it comes to our children learning about math and music before learning about social institutions, I choose the basic learning first. However, if it is going to be taught, teach it fairly and openly. If there is a parent that disagrees, then by all means, do you job as a parent and teach your children your values. I guess I am just fired up mostly because I cannot believe that we live in a society that treats classes of people differently and turns to the government when being a parent is too hard. Next thing you know we will be asking the government to make interracial marriage illegal and asking the going to install parental control chips in our television sets.

I speak in the tongues of men and of angels

It's been some time since I wrote here. Partly, it is because I have had a lot of work, a lot of baby raising, and a lot of personal time to enjoy. I was pondering a lot of things and I am reminded of a few phrases that have had some relevance to me lately:

1) If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
2) It is better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you are a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
3) Gossip is like a boomerang. It will hit its intended target, but don't forget that it comes back to the thrower.
4) Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter.

I have to let you know one important thing. The quote from paragraph #4 is often attributed to Dr. Seuss. I have to clear something up. It's not from the good doctor. Sure, it fits his later writing style (Oh, The Places You'll Go), but he didn't write it.

So what is this rambling all for? I guess I am an unapproachable person, because many people (from the courthouse, from non-work world, and even from church) have been very free with their words and judgments about me. I find that interesting, but more so, I find it sad. I am certainly not perfect, but well, suppose you could address the concerns directly to me. Anyways, I am just irritable enough to let bad attitudes get to me. So, take this real Dr. Seuss quote to heart this week: "So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads."