You Are Gay......

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During the Saints/Lions game last night, I stumbled upon the Republican debate that was going on.  Needing a show to flip to during commercials, I decided what the hell.  Keep in mind I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat, I instead am registered as an Independent.  I registered this way because I feel both Republicans and Democrats are all full of shit and I don’t want to be lumped in either group.  Anyway, as I’m watching the “best” that the Republicans have to offer I began to get aggravated.  The topic of gay marriage came up and I can’t believe that supposed “educated” individuals can have such ignorant views.  I also have a hard time trying to figure out why gay marriage is even a topic for a presidential debate.  Do we not have more serious, pressing issues in this country to deal with?  Is whether gay people can or should get married up there with fixing the economy or possible situations in Iran and North Korea?

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For the sake of argument, let’s say it is an important issue.  The views given by these candidates were so outrageous I can’t fathom how any of them can coherently run the country.  Just to be clear, I’m not ripping just republicans because the Democrats have a lot of asinine views on other issues.  (I’ll save that for another blog)  In doing some research this morning I stumbled across the website www.balancedpolitics.org (there I go with the free plugs again) in checking out the site it listed the 6 arguments that those against gay marriage generally fall back on.  I’d like to give you my response to the 6 now.  Remember, I’m pro gay marriage.  The fact that this is even an issue baffles my mind.  Here are the arguments and my response:

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1.        Most religions consider homosexuality a sin- This is the argument I hear most often.  It also is the one to me that makes the least amount of sense.  Our country was founded by people who came here to escape religious persecution; in fact the first right guaranteed in the Bill of Rights is freedom of religion.  My question is who the hell do you think you are to force your religious views on me?  You're that caught up in your religion that you think homosexuality is bad?  More power to you.  I personally disagree.  The first amendment guarantees my right to disagree with you.  Don’t you dare tell me I have to believe “insert nutty religious view here” and don’t you dare make laws that support “insert nutty religious view here” when not everyone in our country agrees.  Last time I checked we had separation of church and state in America…get off your religious, holier than thou high horse and focus on the issues that are really plaguing this country.

2.       It would weaken the definition and respect for the institution of marriage- This is a laughable argument.  As the Dude (Big Lebowski) would say, “Yeah, well, that’s just like your opinion man.”  Same sex marriage wouldn’t weaken my definition or respect of the institution of marriage.  Stop thinking for me.  Besides as a country we have the highest divorce rate (according to www.nationmaster.com ) that doesn’t weaken the definition or respect for marriage?  What about some of your political brethren who consistently commit adultery? (not to mention the other non-political people)  In my opinion there are many more straight people that are destroying the definition and respect for marriage so again, get off your high horse.

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3.       It would further weaken the traditional family values essential to our society – Just as laughable as the previous.  First of all what constitutes “traditional” family values today?  Do cheaters and divorcees help to strengthen your “traditional family values”?  Yeah, I thought so.  There are so many single parent families today, so why can’t a gay COUPLE instill family values?  Besides, maybe your family values are different than mine and others?  Who are you to tell me?  As far as I’m concerned, a child benefits greatly from coming from a 2 parent home.  You mean to tell me that 2 men or 2 women who want to adapt a child couldn’t do just as good a job as a single parent?  (props to single parents but again, that’s a topic for another blog) That gay couple will give just as much love if not more than straight couples.  Still not convinced a gay couple can do a good job parenting?  Check out this video, and then tell me the same thing. 

4.       It could provide a slippery slope in the legality of marriage (e.g. having multiple wives or marrying an animal could be next) - Just stop.  This argument implies that homosexuals are animals.  Are you kidding me?  Nobody is saying let’s legalize marrying the family pet or supporting polygamy.  This argument just emphasizes your ignorance.

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5.       It confuses children about gender roles and expectations of society, and only a man & woman can pro-create – With proper sex education (which many Republicans don’t support) a child would know “where babies come from”.  Again, that’s another blog post though.  As far as gender roles, what are gender roles?  This isn’t 1950.  Women work.  That means household chores are now shared.  Like or not, that’s the way it is.  I cook, clean, and do laundry.  My fiancé does too.  Whoever is off or has time does it.  So what exactly are the gender roles and expectations?  The woman should “serve” the man?  It’s 2012.  Your archaic thinking needs updating.  Same sex marriage has nothing to do with this and if this is the argument you give to justify why gays shouldn’t marry, you may as well say that you don’t support women’s rights as well.  You’re basically saying that men and women have different roles in relationships and that a woman’s is in the kitchen. 

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6.       The gay lifestyle is not something to be encouraged, as a lot of research shows it leads to a much lower life expectancy, psychological disorders, and other problems – What exactly is the gay lifestyle and who are you to say what should or shouldn’t be encouraged.  At this point you are grasping for anything.  I’m assuming you mean the sensationalized image you see on TV and in movies?  What about straight couples who “party” all the time?  A lot of research shows that drinking and smoking will lead to a much lower life expectancy, yet they are both legal.  Psychological disorders?  Please.  I know plenty of people who grew up in the “traditional” 2-parent home that have psychological disorders.  What about kids that grow up with alcoholics or drug addicts as parents?  They don’t have psychological issues?  I’m sure there are plenty of people that came from single parent homes with psychological disorders.  Do I need to go on?  Also, I’d love to see where this so called “research” comes from.

Well there you have it.  I’m not sure why this struck such a nerve with me but it did.  In my opinion there are many other more pressing issues our government officials should be focusing on.  If gays want to get married I don’t see one logical reason why they shouldn’t.  I’d love to hear your thoughts no matter what your opinion is on this.  Until next time this is Jimbo saying focus on the real issues, vote Jimbo in 2012….