UpNorth said:
Maybe you aren't racist, but you are a bigot.
Bigot? In my views of politics and law? Sure, I guess you could call it that.
Remember, I have stated more than once, I have no legal issues or problems with homosexuals getting the same rights as heterosexuals. I specifically opened this thread saying so. In fact, I would vote against it, but I would not want it to be overturned in the courts if my state voted for gay marriage. You can quote me on it. I wouldn't agree with it, but legally, I'd stand by it. Marriage is not a right, it is both a legally recognized institution and a "religious" ceremony of commitment. Why does it then have to be gay marriage? Why, again, do they have to hijack the a core value of my family and religious belief system? Why can they not get their "rights" by other means, by a different name?
Why do gay couples, fighting for what they call progressive, anti-conservative values; and when they get what they want, immediately go and set up a conservative style wedding, sign a traditional license, adopt children to have a traditional family, and call it the traditional name of marriage? Is that not a paradox to you?
Why do I hear time and time again, gay couples telling me that they are living the lifestyle they are fighting for the rights to get? One of my co-workers told me she has been living this way for 10 years, and would gladly live this way for another 20 before she gets the right to live the way she wants. She said this to me while holding her second adopted child in her arms. Do you not see the backwards way of thinking here? THEY ALREADY HAVE THE RIGHTS!! So ask yourself... what is it that they are fighting for really? Is it really just for the "right" to get a piece of paper, to be called "married"? Or is there another agenda being pushed here?
Make no mistake, I have a distinct view on what is right and wrong in the world, I happen to think the gay lifestyle is wrong, but I also think it is wrong to slander someone, to get drunk, to lie, to cheat, and to steal -- those are my views. I think it is wrong to think of a homosexual as less of a person. But does that mean I am bigoted to think that marriage is for one set of circumstances? How is that wrong?
If I am wrong for having my own views on this, then you are wrong for thinking I'm wrong. How is it that you think I am wrong, yet you yourself are not bigoted in thinking I am wrong? You cannot at once say, "All things are OK," and at the same time say, "so you are wrong for thinking all things are not OK." Circular reasoning is not an answer to social issues and debates, neither is the flinging wide the doors to all things.
Finally, I respect all of your views on this, really, honestly. And I can say that because I understand the desire, the temptation to see this as a freedom, fairness, be-nice-to-everyone type issue. I simply disagree.