DOMA v ROMA

DOMA is the commonly used acronym to represent the Defense of Marriage Act signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton.  It is the law that defines "marriage" as between a man and a woman, or two members of opposite genders.  It also provides that an individual state does not have to recognize a same-sex "marriage" honored by another state.  Basically, it makes discrimination legal.


Those are the facts.  Now we'll enter into opinion.  This law has MUCH to do with the separation of church and state.  I know of several religions that define marriage as between a man and a woman.  John Locke, author of the principle of social contract, believed that the government had no business dealing with matters of individual conscience.  Now.  Isn't a relationship, which could possibly lead to marriage, a matter of individual conscience?  How many of you have a son- or daughter-in-law that you really don't like?  See where I'm going with this?  By defining "marriage" as between a man and a woman, we are bordering the adoption of arranged marriages in our culture.  If your brother happens to fall in love (read: matter of individual conscience) with another man, who does that harm?  Nobody.  With whom a person sleeps or spends the rest of their life should not depend upon another person's (or organization's) interpretation of marriage.  Just because the federal government may decide that same-sex marriages should indeed be recognized for legal purposes does not mean that you have to immediately marry a person of the same sex.  


Enter ROMA.  The Respect of Marriage Act.  No, it doesn't require States to issue marriage certificates/licenses to same-sex couples.  However, it requires any state to recognize ("for the purposes of any Federal law") a same-sex marriage performed in a state that does recognize them.  It doesn't make you gay.  It doesn't mean that you have to accept or agree with homosexuality.  It doesn't require churches to perform religious ceremonies.  It does mean that gays can live happily in our country, the Land of the Free, as first-class citizens.  It means that gays can pay child support.  Alimony.  They can visit their loved ones in the hospital (or prison).  They can file their taxes jointly.  They may adopt a child into a loving home.  They can join the elite leagues of heterosexuals who can file for divorce.  I know of many "straight" relationships that have exercised their right to do any or all of the listed things here, and they don't even think twice about it.  Perhaps it's time to think twice.  


The American Psychological Association gives another argument in support of same-sex marriage: "financial, psychological and physical well-being are enhanced by marriage, and that children of same-sex couples benefit from being raised by two parents within a legally recognized union supported by society’s institutions."  See?  It doesn't harm.  In fact, being able to marry improves health!   


Do you agree?  Disagree?  What are your thoughts on the subject?  

Majority Doesn't Always Rule

Samuel Adams, a revolutionary superstar and the second president of this Great Nation, was very adept with words.  "It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds."

The Revolutionaries in the late 1700s wanted one thing: Freedom from England.  I'm sure that Samuel Adams was originally in a very, very small minority when the idea first started to spread.  Just look at what happened then.  Our forefathers were irate at the way England was trying to take advantage of the colonies, so they (read: the minority) mobilized an entire people to fight for what they believed in: freedom.

Martin Luther King, Jr, and the other civil rights leaders of the 1960s were not known as a majority.  But they definitely set such "brush fires" in the minds of enough to gain equal rights.  The African Americans were irate.  They were tireless.  And they were keen on being recognized as Americans, with the same rights the Whites had.  So what happened?  Boycotts.  Outcries.  Deaths.  And now, color is not an issue (for the most part) in the United States.

LGBT populations all over the United States are now shouting to be recognized as equal citizens, to have equal rights, and to end discrimination against them.  Hispanics are experiencing discrimination simply for their skin color.  Sound familiar?  Sure, it may seem like a minority to some.  But just wait.  Brush fires are being set.  A new civil rights revolution is in the works.  And before you know it, the outcry will become the common cry.

...and liberty and justice for all...

Can-Do Attitude!

This morning's headline at the top of the Huffington Post Politics page online:

'RADICAL VISION' 

Obama Ramps Up Criticism of GOP Medicare, Spending Plan

"So?" You might ask.  Let's explore the example modern politics are setting for Americans today.  All too often we see "smear campaigns" where candidates, instead of focusing on their own strengths (perhaps to mask the lack thereof), spend millions of dollars highlighting the mistakes and weaknesses of their opponents.  What happened to self-confidence?  If you run for office, shouldn't you run because you KNOW you're the best candidate for the job?  By pointing out others' mistakes, low-points, and flaws, you only end up looking worse yourself.  

Back to Obama's criticism of GOP proposals.  Okay.  So I'm fairly positive that it's not the best plan for America right now.  But if our Chief Executive is spending his interview time criticizing it and calling attention to how bad it is, wouldn't it be a better way to pass time by only talking of solutions?  

As a child, I often was instructed, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."  Good advice, if you ask me.  How can we successfully teach this concept to future generations, along with patriotic responsibility, if all they hear from our "leaders" is negative and usually bashing others?  

Norman Vincent Peale, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking, once said, "Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."  Words to live by.  Even for politicians.  

To my representatives, officials, and Congressmen and Women: You are in your position because a majority vote believed in you!  Those who elected you into your office were positive you were the best for the job!  Now walk in confidence!  Don't shy away from your principles or focus on what you are against!  What are you for?  Don't focus on the weaknesses or the can'ts, focus on strengths and cans!  We can make this nation the greatest in the world again!  Our strength is our unity!  Stand up for what you believe is right!  Show us the same confidence you had when you campaigned for office!  Be the best!  You can do it!

From greatscat!: Rachel Maddow: Michigan Revokes Town's Local Repre...

"Rachel Maddow reports on the use by Michigan's Republican Governor Rick Snyder of a new ' financial marshall law ' to disband a struggling..."

This DOES NOT make me a happy person. Rachel Maddow, my hat goes off to you. You are my new hero.

Does Patriotism still exist?

"...and I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free..."

Have you ever heard that song?  Have you ever sung it?  Furthermore, are you proud to be an American?  Do you know you're free?  

Do you love your country?  Are you devoted to it?  What happened to people who proudly stand up and say "I'm from the United States of America, the greatest country on Earth!"  I recently spent a year abroad, and until I was away from the United States for a while, I admit that I didn't really want too many people to know that I'm an American.  Why?  I don't really have an answer.  I guess it's because I hadn't really seen too much of my country that made me proud, that caused an uprising from within me that wanted to wear red, white, and blue everywhere I went.  But you know, there are a lot of things we have in America that don't exist elsewhere.  I know I criticize our government a lot.  And I know there are a lot of things that could use some improvement.  But I honestly think that if more people were proud of their country, they would do everything in their power to truly make it the "greatest country on Earth."  

Let's use an analogy.  Think of a small child, maybe six years old, who has just gone to the dentist and received a sticker for his good behavior.  He will wear that sticker with pride all day and make sure that everybody sees it!  He will proudly say, "I was a good boy at the dentist!"  And he will do everything within his power to preserve that sticker, to make sure it is still shiny and clean.  

You see, if you aren't proud of something, then you won't mind letting it go to waste.  Which is what seems to be happening to our country.  Our early principles, like "liberty and justice for all," have been forgotten, and personal agendas and financial gain have taken precedence.  Such a shame.  We mustn't allow money-hungry "politicians" decide what happens to our people; we should live up to our democratic ideals and let our voice be heard!  Being American isn't a bad thing; it is what you make it!  Let's make this country an amazing place again!  

No Taxation without Representation

***DISCLAIMER***  Due to technological difficulties, I have not been able to post since last week.  Your understanding is appreciated.

Here we are again, gearing up for yet another presidential election.  Didn't we just do this?  I mean, we are still in the second quarter of 2010!  Before you know it, your fellow countrymen will start wearing red, white, and blue whenever possible.  They will strike up conversations in line at Publix about Donald Trump and Sarah Palin.   Scenery changes to star-spangled elephants and donkeys.  All over the country.

The views expressed in this sign are not necessarily those of the blogger.

And people gear up to vote.  This is their big chance to "change the wrong back to right," or "decide on the fate of my country."  November 2012 is the one opportunity you will have to voice your opinions, so you better make it count!  Right?  WRONG.


Yes, the electoral process is a huge part of the democracy that created our nation.  No, Election Day is not your only chance to have a say in the next four years of policy-making and budget grappling!  I know I have touched on this subject before, but I must make it clear to you.  It is our civic duty, as U.S. citizens, to let our elected officials know what we think!

What happens if we don't?  People report to the polls on a beautiful Tuesday morning, receive their ballot, and fill it out according to their favorite candidates.  They leave, and proudly wear an "I Voted" sticker for the rest of the day.  In January, a new (or incumbent) President takes office, and begins to do his (or her) job, the best they know how.  Around March, the complaints begin.  "It's been two months, and President So-and-So has yet to legalize marijuana, I can't believe I voted for him!!" or any number of oddities I've heard right after a politician takes office.  And then the revolutionaries form new political movements determined to overthrow a particular party/politician.  And people swear to never vote for that political party again.  Congress changes majority party, and can't do something so seemingly simple as compromise.  This election-only type registered voter contributes to complete chaos in our political system and doesn't even know it!

So how do we avoid this turmoil?  Pay attention to the issues at hand.  Check your Congressman's website every once in a while.  Get involved in a community organization working for the better good of the people.  Sign a petition.  Call your Senator's office.  Strike up conversations at community events to help others become aware of an issue at hand (even if they don't take the same stance as you).

Let's pledge to be part of a more aware, more active United States!  Let's hold our Congressmen accountable for their votes!

Closed Borders, Closed Minds

Wasn't our country, in her early days, nothing but immigrants?  Settlers from Spain, Sweden, France, Germany, England.  Catholics, Puritans, Quakers.  Rich, poor, successful, not-so-successful...People looking for a second chance.  An opportunity to make a difference.  To "be somebody."  To be free from persecution by their former governments.  To create an ideal settlement, a colony, a new life.

You know, I read about our Nation's history and then I read about "Immigration Reform" and I get a little confused.  When did "Americans" decide to close our borders?  At what point did we forget that these United States happened only because other people left their own countries, seeking a better opportunity?  Seeking freedom?  Seeking domestic tranquility?

Immigration Reform is a term tossed around all over the news and internet these days.  People are arguing whether foreign nationals should be permitted to enter the US temporarily to do a job no American is willing to do.  (Have you ever been eager to pick tomatoes or okra?  It's not easy, nor fun.)

Now, people are afraid to try to enter the US.  Our border with Mexico is heavily guarded, and people trying to cross into our country do so in fear.  Why?  Why are we so against letting people from other countries come here for a better life?  If it weren't for settlers coming here in the first place, don't they realize that we wouldn't be where we are today?

Now, if you don't have a lot of money in the bank or a really good job in your home country, it is extremely difficult to get a visa to visit the Land of the Free.  Wasn't Georgia founded merely as a home for debt prisoners?  Didn't unsuccessful fisherman from France settle New Hampshire because they needed a better fishing spot?

Now, if, due to your religion, you dress a certain way, you pray in a different language, or read Scriptures that are not the Bible, you are persecuted.  Trying to get on an airplane in a turban?  Forget it.  Wearing a headscarf to class?  You better not be a terrorist.  That's the attitude in most places around the country.  What is that??  That's not Freedom.  Weren't Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, and New Jersey all settled by persons/groups seeking freedom from religious persecution?

Our differences are what define the United States of America.  We came together in the late 1700s to unite ourselves for a common cause - freedom.  What has happened to our country since then?  Why do we not allow others to seek the same liberty for which we have always seemed to struggle?