Hi! I'm Donna. So happy to be here!

[belladonnacordial]

Hello all,

I'm an American. I'm anti-invasion and occupation. I think Bush is one of the greatest tragedies ever to befall my country and the rest of the world which is really saying something. I just about have a fit laughing when people question if Obama and Clinton have the moral fiber or what it takes to be President in 08. We suddenly have such high standards? Or only if the candidates aren't white men?

Though I have been in the same non-church sanctified, non-govenment approved heterosexual relationship for going on ten years, I am actively pro-gay marriage. Civil unions have too much of the jumping a broom, separate but equal mentality about them to satisfy my sense of justice.

The way I see it, gay rights is a human rights issue as well as a matter of religious freedom, since much of the opposition is based on religious argument. Regardless what the many religious fanatics among the Christian conservatives may believe, America is not yet a theocracy nor was it ever meant to be one.

I wish you all peace and freedom,
Donna

[andrewlittle]

I just about have a fit laughing when people question if Obama and Clinton have the moral fiber or what it takes to be President in 08. We suddenly have such high standards? Or only if the candidates aren't white men?
You hit the nail on the head. Dominant culture (white, male, middle income & up, heterosexual ...) doesn't like when the people they patronize really want to play.

Though I have been in the same non-church sanctified, non-govenment approved heterosexual relationship for going on ten years, I am actively pro-gay marriage.
It seems, if the religious "right" has its way, you'll be next anyway. Just look at Michigan for an example.

Civil unions have too much of the jumping a broom, separate but equal mentality about them to satisfy my sense of justice.
The way I see it, gay rights is a human rights issue as well as a matter of religious freedom, since much of the opposition is based on religious argument. Regardless what the many religious fanatics among the Christian conservatives may believe, America is not yet a theocracy nor was it ever meant to be one.
You'll be preaching to the choir here.

Welcome to you - look forward to conversing.
Andy

[scorpiogirl]

Hello and Welcome!

I agree totally...different standards for the majority (white men), vs. minority (Hillary and Barack, gays, etc). The minority is expected to be a good little child, stay in line and not bother anyone, and when it does the majority reacts with, "what you're not happy with being objectified??":rolleyes:

[BruceChris]

Belladonnacordial, what a name. I'll drink to that, well, maybe not......

Old George, he does seem to embarrass almost everybody but himself. And I agree with the racism and sexism comments. (I'm Hilary, all the way, Barack is still young yet)

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[Zerbie]

Hi Donna, welcome.

Great intro!

It makes sense that marriage equality is a civil rights issue and one that has spin-off effects on the rest of us besides same-sex couples. What Andy points out is indeed correct. Not just in Michigan. Here in AZ we just battled back a proposed marriage amendment (prop 107) - and were the first state ever to do so (if I may pat myself and fellow volunteers on the back;) ). If passed, Prop 107 would have banned any kind of relationship recognition for unmarried couples, regardless of sexual orientation.

Recently, a state legislator started to introduce a bill thru the legislature that would propose a simple ban on state recognition of gay couples. He pulled it when he realized his proposed ban did NOT get the support of the local policy group that wrote and pushed Prop 107 in November. Guess why they wouldn't support it? Answer: because it was not comprehensive enough. That is to say, they most certainly INTEND for these amendments to have repercussions on unmarried straight couples.

Sorry for the long sidetrack. :p

Welcome to the forum.

[Daniel]

Though I have been in the same non-church sanctified, non-govenment approved heterosexual relationship for going on ten years, I am actively pro-gay marriage. Civil unions have too much of the jumping a broom, separate but equal mentality about them to satisfy my sense of justice.


Ah....welcome Beautiful Lady!

You've outlined an issue dear to my heart as one who married his husband in Toronto and would like nothing more than to be accorded those rights in his home state of NY.

I am so glad to welcome you hear!