HEADLINES: SCOTUS Ruling On Same-Sex Marriage Mandates Nationwide Concealed Carry Reciprocity.
I am confused by homosexuality. Apparently, everyone else has an educated, well-informed, clear understanding, but I do not. Oh, I comprehend the definition. But other aspects seem a little murky.
Religions understand it clearly and vociferously. The problem is that some religions understand it is a sin, a choice, a perversion and others completely accept it as a normal part of sexuality. This “clear understanding” doesn’t even follow specific religious lines but falls more along denominational divisions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_homosexuality
Medical and psychological sciences understand it clearly – periodically. Prior to and throughout most of the 20th century, it was viewed as a mental illness. In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. However, the change appears to have been related to political climate rather than any scientific breakthroughs. http://www.equip.org/article/is-homosexuality-an-illness/
On the other hand, I can’t seem to find out whether it was a different political climate rather than science that got it classified as a disorder to begin with. To be sure, there is a high rate of depression, bi-polarity, and other psychological disorders among the LGBT community, but I am unclear whether that is cause or effect. That is, does a high rate of depression, et al, among the LGBT population result from lack of acceptance and persecution for their sexuality, or does a mental illness cause them to choose a lifestyle they perceive is more welcoming to that “illness”. (See, I told you I was confused.)
I wish I had a better grasp as apparently everyone else does, but I don’t. If that makes me insensitive, sorry about that (insert sarcasm font) but I don’t think it makes me homophobic or a “hater”.
It is ironic that the very act of calling someone a “hater” is a hateful act.
If you feel qualified to judge me, at least judge by my actions, not your opinion of what is in my heart.
To the best of my knowledge, I have treated LBGTs as kind and respectfully as anyone else. I fully acknowledge that there are NLGBTs (Non-LGBT) who think I did not treat them kindly or respectfully and surely there are LGBTs who feel the same.
But if I fired you for poor performance or called you a moron because you didn’t signal to let me know you were turning, rest assured it was because of poor performance and bad driving…not because of effeminate hand gestures. I am not necessarily a prince among men, but to the best of my ability, I am an equal opportunity asshole regardless of race, creed, and national origin, and yes— sexual orientation.
That said; consider this your “Miranda Warning”. Some parts of what follows will probably offend someone regardless.
For the sake of argument, let’s say that LGBTism is a disease—like cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, etc. Or—that it is genetic statistical anomaly like dwarfism. We don’t prohibit marriage for any of those. Why start here? No matter how you feel about homosexuality—genetic or lifestyle, natural part of sexuality or mental illness – how does marriage make things worse?
Next, for the sake of a different argument, let’s say that homosexuality is a sin. Take a look at the Cliff’s Notes Guide to Sin, The Ten Commandments:
1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
Hard to imagine how God could leave such a major item off the big book of sins, but we don’t prohibit marriage for anything other sin; why homosinning? Regardless of how anyone feels about homosexuality, it seems to me that signing up for commitment and monogamy is beneficial to society.
So, I don’t care about the SCOTUS ruling on gay marriage as it relates to gay people. Marry away—but, word of advice. Be careful what you wish for.
There is one thing I do care about.
I do care that SCOTUS has fundamentally revised the way We-the-People do business.
The key to the United States’ longevity among democracies (albeit republics) is balance. Separation of power among the executive, legislative and judicial branches helps maintain equilibrium.
SCOTUS has now declared itself the winner in the “Separation of Powers” sweepstakes. They used a circuitous route and declared a new right not listed in the Constitution. Last I checked, We-the-People get to do that; not we the five.
I get it. The end justifies this “little tweak” in our fundamental system of government, right? Justice triumphed over bureaucracy, love is in the air and unequivocal supporters of same-sex marriage are ecstatic. THIS TIME.
(Cue the Theme from Jaws as all the kids romp in the water.)
Frolicking in political waters is fun when you are winning; less so when the same tactics are used to oppose your beliefs.
Tah Dah! Cease frolic!
BearingArms.com headlines: SCOTUS Ruling On Same-Sex Marriage Mandates Nationwide Concealed Carry Reciprocity.
http://bearingarms.com/scotus-ruling-sex-marriage-mandates-nationwide-concealed-carry-reciprocity/
I did not see that coming.
On the other hand, polygamist rights; not so hard to envision. I don’t actually think you have to prove you are LGBT (or in love for that matter) to qualify for same-sex marriage. How long before enterprising people decide insurance, tax benefits, Social Security, etc. are worth the plunge?
(So, have I offended everyone equally now?)
These may not fly, but without a doubt, they and many like them are things that people do not see coming. The tip of the iceberg is showing – and – nobody is going to like all of the ice.
(If you are an LGBT gun owner with a concealed carry permit – as you were – in fact, turn up the music.)