Defining marriage - Why?

In 2009, "Write-On" wrote a Hub quoting a written discussion between identical twins; one gay, one straight. It didn't come to a conclusion; just illustrated the straight one's belief that gayness is a choice. Pages of animated comments ensued defending both opinions - and they were just that: Opinions. My comment became so long, I chose to present it as a separate Hub entitled "Defining Marriage: Why?"

To "Write On" I comment: Great Hub. Fascinating, but not convincing. This topic will always be riddled with "I think", "religions teach", "people voted" - Face it, few have facts on their side. Several commenters mentioned their own studies and academic credentials - with opposing viewpoints.

Our beliefs are based on human interpretation of laws and 'rights' written down by a group of Founding Fathers who set themselves up as arbiters of a working government. Yes, they did a good job, and yes, they did give a nice basis from which to proceed, but even they were divided on several finer points. We can only speculate what they would think now. You can guess, but do you know?

Why should any church be involved in this at all? Let their followers say what they believe - even though many are living with guilt because they do not practice what their church preaches about contraception, chastity, adultery, sloth, thievery, etc. But that's OK; they have confession or prayer for forgiveness. Clean slate tomorrow.**note below

I know some say that defining marriage as a union between a man and a women is important for keeping the family unit as a basis for our society as a whole. Others say marriage is a union whereby one partner can beat up on the other, cheat on them, walk out leaving children behind, enslave their spouse and be free from having the injured party testify against them.

To those who live by the old standard, I say, "Bravo! It is wonderful that you two have had a long and blessed life together. Rejoice in it. It was mutual love that raised such perfect children. It was strong conviction that enabled you to stand by a drugged, abusive husband who beat the kids and kicked the dog. Is that "marriage"?

**note: Since publishing that paragraph, I realized that many who commit these "sins" are sick and the patience clergy and other healers are giving them in an effort to heal are vitally important. It's the ones that know better, have the ability to control their behavior, yet still stray because forgiveness is so easy that I feel have abused the privilege, to the detriment of the whole country.

The fact that our country is one of the few so torn by semantics is ridiculous. "Marriage" - it's just a word. You define it your way, I'll define it mine. Don't make a national cause out of it as long as the "consenting adults" are treated the same as those in a heterosexual marriage in terms of legality, taxation, privileges, employment, insurance, etc.

Politicians today are using, yes, USING this topic so they can be passionate orators and energize their targeted Base. Don't be a pawn to their grandstanding. They are playing on guilt; playing on any doubts you may have about sexuality. Their strategists are pushing this issue. Disgusting amounts of money are pouring in from Super PACs; money that could be better spent on creating jobs repairing our infrastructure; research for various diseases; relief for natural disasters.

Since the dark ages, some people used fear to repress others of divergent views. In their zeal to convince they misquote history or submit interpretations of a higher power (lay or cleric). We have judges to interpret the Constitution, yet they frequently differ; hence a "dissenting opinion".

I guess the whole topic can be summed up in two words: Who Says?

Try this: make your own list of pros and cons about gay marriage. Be sure to include those gay families who have raised well-adjusted children. You must know a few. If not, get out there and meet some. Be sure to list a few of your heterosexual friends who aren't quite pure as snow. Be honest with yourself. You don't have to love gays, but you do have to admit they are not to be feared.