Marriage and Culture (Bridal Days) - WEDDINGS - CALLENBY's Blog - Tehachapi News

Dec 6, 2007 at 03:12 AM : I hate to feed the...

I hate to feed the trolls, but... The opinions and attitudes stated here are antiquated and outmoded. As this will no doubt be deleted I won't waste my time typing up the scathing response deserved and certainly expected. "Some faggot or dyke somewhere" is not the only one boiling at your remarks. Considering the huge pedophilia issues with the modern Catholic church I find it funny that someone would post something like this.. The only saving grace is that people with views like this are rapidly going the way of the dodo and will soon, thank goodness, be extinct. Evolution is a powerful thing and only those that are able to adapt to changes survive. In that sense, it is certainly self correcting without any "divine intervention." I love irony. :)

Fortunately, I have the freedom to post this to my own blog and leave it open to comments both for and against your opinions. And I think I'll do that if this gets deleted, just because censorship in this case is certainly banal.

Dec 6, 2007 at 04:12 AM : So....you are one of...

So....you are one of those religious people that has learned how to hate through God. Yeah, I'm a dyke. My ex husband used to call me that anytime I would voice my own opinion and then he'd beat the shit out of me over it. "God fearing" Christians need to take a better look at their God. I don't think God ever intended anyone to "fear" him. Are you Jim?

Dec 6, 2007 at 05:12 AM : some faggot or dyke...

some faggot or dyke somewhere Nice, real Nice. We need more good Catholics like you. So Christian-like. You know, your post started out ok, and I was reading it objectively, but then you turned ugly and hateful and it turned my stomach. You would taken more seriously if you could just stop the juvenile BS. God is watching you.

Homosexuality is neither natural nor normal; So please educate us and what exactly is normal? What is the norm today? And by the way, there is homosexuality in nature, so how do you explain that? Are these animals going to hell?

Dec 6, 2007 at 07:12 AM : I can't say...

I can't say anything... I know this isn't normal for me, but this blog post has broken my heart. I just want to cry at the hatred Callenby has for people who are natually different than her/him. It's so very sad.

Dec 6, 2007 at 07:12 AM : How sad that someone...

How sad that someone can have such hatred for others. I would be looking into another Church to attend because apparently the one you are attending has taught you the wrong message.

Dec 6, 2007 at 07:12 AM : This person Callenby...

This person Callenby does not speak for any Christian I know, sounds like he is just another extremist, confused and sad,

Dec 6, 2007 at 08:12 AM : Christ loved. If you...

Christ loved. If you want to share theology, that's fine. But you disgrace our God when you start hating people "in His name."

Christ died to save ALL those who believe in Him. He forgives EVERYONE who truly repents. Including homosexuals. Maybe you should include the Gospel when you share the Law.

Dec 6, 2007 at 08:12 AM : Callenby - While I may...

Callenby - While I may agree with some of your ideas on marriage, your attitude and way of expressing them is not glorifying to God. Also, I am confused about the link you posted. Why is there a man on the You-Tube video talking about his husband? Is this supposed to be sarcasm?

This probably isn't a very popular opinion, but I do believe homosexuality is a sin. But, I also believe God has called us to LOVE people, even if we don't love the things people do. There is nothing loving about the way you've addressed this issue. IYou'd be wise to use caution in judging the sin of others.... as God has promised to judge you in the same way you judge your fellow man. Pointing out sin, and helping people turn from it is one thing, but that is not how your post reads.

Read Romans 2.

Dec 6, 2007 at 08:12 AM : Challenby I was raised...

Challenby I was raised to dislike gays.I was never strait out told that i should hate gays but it was implied through actions and comments. I was kick out of high school for beating up a kid that i thought was gay,Today that would be a hate crime!. As i type this i feel ashamed of myself and i feel sick to my stomach for what i did. I owe that man an apology.Thank God i don't think that way any more. It takes a lot of energy to hate. I have Friends that are gay,Well one gay and one lesbian. Both are great people that would do ever thing in their power to help another human being no matter what. They are both in long term relationships and they are out of the closet. I would not only support them if they where allowed to marry but i would also like to be there to witness it. It says love thy neighbor as thy self.Membership in traditional Churches has declined. Could part of the reason be there stance on gays and gay marriage. The intolerance they show over other human beings.

Dec 6, 2007 at 08:12 AM : This is why I've...

This is why I've come to the conclusion that the government needs to get the hell out of sanctioning marriage. I don't believe any church should be forced to marry lesbians or gay men, but those couples should enjoy all of the civil rights & privileges that straight couples do.

So, the government should recognize civil unions between all adult couples. This is good for society by supporting strong family structures. If a couple wants to get married & finds a church willing to do so, they can do that too. Let the religious have the term "marriage". I was against it at first, but I've come to realize that we who support the rights of gays are never going to be able to change the minds of the religious. So they can have marriages, since the government will be out of the marriage license business. The government will recognize civil unions & grant the legal rights needed for gay couples to be able to take advantage of all of the perks we straight couples have. Insurance coverage, medical recognition, property rights, adoption availability, the works.

So you can keep marriage for yourself Callenby, as you wish. If the government grants me a civil union with my hubby, I'll be the first one to give our marriage certificate to you to dispose of as you will. I'll still celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary next year, thank you very much!

Dec 6, 2007 at 08:12 AM : Hitman, Homosexuality...

Hitman, Homosexuality is not a choice, I mean, who wants to be born gay when there are so many hateful people in the world? Therefore, I think homosexuals have a right to love one another, and they deserve the same legal benefits as do any of us. When you stated that you drew away from having the same attitude as Callenby. I was thinking "Right on Hitman!!! This is saying a lot about you, it says you are OPEN MINDED and heartfelt. Truth is, I don't care what you believe in as long as it isn't hateful. I probably took this Blog personally. It really hurt me to read it. My nephew is gay and I worry about his future. He's such a good boy and admired by everyone that knows him. However, I know he must be exposed to this horrible kind of hatred when he is out in public. It's just heartbreaking to me Hitman. I don't know how I can help him, and I love him so much. I hope you understand.

Sunshine even though you and I don't agree... your post is what I would hope Christianity is all about and I respect your beliefs. Being popular is over-rated, standing by your convictions is what makes you great.

Dec 6, 2007 at 09:12 AM : I guess the 50 hour...

I guess the 50 hour marriage of Brittany was more meaningful and sacred than the 40 years my friend and his husband have been together?

The hypocrisy never ceases to amaze me. Save marriage? Save marriage from what? Which marriage? Donald Trump's 4th? Elizabeth Taylor's 8? Most of my gay friends have been together forever while most of my straight friends have been divorced two or three times.

I wish I could say I despise Callenby, but I don't. I feel very very sorry for him/her and the others who are so misguided.

Love is not a sin.

Dec 6, 2007 at 09:12 AM : oochild... I...

oochild... I am with you 100%

Dec 6, 2007 at 09:12 AM : We've got to be...

We've got to be careful, Sparks. People will start to think we're the same person!

;-)

Dec 6, 2007 at 10:12 AM : oochild, I...

oochild, I don't think so, your vocabulary is sooooooooo much better than mind. Although, I certainly wouldn't mind if they did.

Oh and while I have your attention... email me. I want to give you my cell number.

Dec 6, 2007 at 10:12 AM : Than we are on the...

Than we are on the same page Hitman. I respect your right to your own opinion and I don't like people telling me how to live either. So we disagree on the gay issue... OH, well, that's life. (smile) It's really hatred and bigotry I have a problem with, not differences of opinions. So we are good.

Dec 6, 2007 at 10:12 AM : I have to agree with...

I have to agree with hitman on this one. Hate the sin not the sinner. I don't have a problem with gays, but I don't support their lifestyle. You can call me hateful if you want but I have people I love and I don't support their lifestyles. When my younger brother was an addict it didn't stop me from loving him, but I didn't support his lifestyle. I know some gay people and I don't hate them I treat them like any other person, but they know I don't agree with their lifestyle.

I have to ask this because it confuses me. Why do people always associate gays with pedophiles? There is a HUGE difference between a gay person and a pedophile. To think one is the other is just absurd.

Dec 6, 2007 at 10:12 AM : Ignorance,...

Ignorance, countygirl. Just plain ignorance!!

Dec 6, 2007 at 10:12 AM : Sparks you say you...

Sparks you say you have a nephew from here right. Everytime you talk about him I wonder if it is my brothers friend. He'd be about 25 or 26. Was he prom king his senior year?

Dec 6, 2007 at 10:12 AM : It seems Callenby...

It seems Callenby wanted to talk about weddings (that "we have attended, helped to organize, or participated in")- so why the massive intro about not accepting gay marriage? What's the point of all this? If someone actually said this to me, face to face, I'd be stuttering, I'd be so upset. There's just nothing to say about this kind of meanness.

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM : NO, He's 23 and...

NO, He's 23 and was never a prom king, a prom queen maybe, not a king. lol He doesn't live here anymore, he wasn't treated well by the churches here in Tehachapi, but then I guess I can see why by the blog posts. He's Catholic. So he moved to Bakersfield a couple years ago. He's a religious boy and needs to worship God where he feels comfortable. I think I mentioned this to you before. Anyway, he works for a Church in Bakersfield, he does their book keeping and other odd jobs. The church has a huge following and they embrace gays and lesbians. He took the girls up there while they were here. He's extremely happy there... ugh. SEE, I miss him. I could go on and on.

So your brother's friend was prom king?... right on...good for him. Gay boys do seem to have a lot of charm (smile)

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM : Yea. :) He...

Yea. :) He didn't come out until after high school. It was quite the shock. No one saw it coming. My brother was actually bf with his younger brother his senior year. I'm glad your nephew is happy. I can understand how he felt uncomfortable. At least he's just in Bakes. and not in a different state!! :) This issue is really hard for me and one I struggle with and probably always will.

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM : Countygirl. &...

Countygirl. True, I see him a lot. He comes down whenever I beg him to. lol I'm hoping one of these days your brothers friend and my nephew and his bf will be happy no matter where they are. I have faith that someday they will. Countygirl...it's ok that you feel the way you do. The fact that you are struggling with this issue just proves that you are open-minded and that you care. I don't think my nephew or anyone in my family would feel uncomfortable around you. In fact they would probably just talk your head off. lol

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM : Seems Callenby has...

Seems Callenby has "hit and run", I noticed there aren't any more comments from him/her.

The phrase "love the sinner, hate the sin" cracks me up. So you hate that OJ killed Nicole, but you love him? Love Scott Peterson? How about Hilter? Osama? Ted Bundy?

Just what part of homosexuality is a sin? Please I want to know. You don't know my brother, you don't know Sparks' nephew, but you consider them sinners because of who they love. I don't get it.

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM : Callenby is probably...

Callenby is probably not even from Tehachapi, or he's Jim who is still blogging his anti-gay / hate crap on this other blog in the name of Christianity. I bet real Christians are NOT happy with that wacko. ugh

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM : I always thought that...

I always thought that is wasn't homosexuality that was a sin, just the things that accompany it. Like sodomy (to use the archaic term) and that sort of thing. Although can lesbians really commit sodomy? I mean, I suppose they can... ok, I think I won't too much into that :)

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM : Since when do we worry...

Since when do we worry about "sin" as a governmental issue anyway? Eating shellfish & pork is a sin, but we haven't outlawed Red Lobster & Chili's restaurants. Wearing clothing made from two different fibers is a sin, but we haven't outlawed Nordstrom's department stores. Cutting men's beards & sideburns is a sin, but we haven't outlawed the Norelco company. (Loved their Xmas commercials when I was kid, though.)

So why is this one issue in the Bible considered legally in our society? I'll suggest it's the "ick" factor. We got over the "ick" factor with all of those other biblical sins, it's time to get over this one, too.

So, does anyone else who still thinks homosexuality is "icky" want to prevent gay unions, as Callenby does?

Dec 6, 2007 at 12:12 PM : madkow......

madkow... lololol Most lesbians don't even like penetration in the "normal" sense.. I would think it safe to say that MOST lesbians do not sodomize each other. They don't have anything written in the Bible about lesbians that I read. But, since you brought this up.... Is it a sin according to the Bible for a man to sodomize his wife? Can Christians watch (the ever so popular amongst men) lesbian porn? What do Christians approve of when it comes to sex.? Please let the list be long... I don't want to get bored over here. lol

Would one of you people who believe being gay is a "LIFESTYLE" like to tell me what it is that you don't like about gays. Is it that they love each other, or is it the kind of sex that have?

Dec 6, 2007 at 12:12 PM : Hmmmm, sodomy includes...

Hmmmm, sodomy includes oral sex, so there you go...

Lesbianism is referred to once, by Paul, in the NT. No mention of lesbianism in the OT, IIRC. Jesus is never quoted as saying anything at all about homosexuality. The best Christians can do on that point is to refer to Jesus & his stance (calm down, Senator Craig) on marriage. Some Christians have a problem with recreational sex, so I guess those folks would denigrate anything but straight penile/vaginal sex in order to procreate. I guess, for those folks, the fun's over once we gals hit menopause.

Dec 6, 2007 at 12:12 PM : Hitman, um no, the...

Hitman, um no, the Catholic Church is not the only religion with pedophiles. I made that statement as part of a rebuttal to the silly "faggot and dyke" statement. Please don't latch on to one sentence out of context and then try to spin it as some attack on Catholics. Its not.

In any event, this blog was obviously a troll to get people riled up, which I knew when I wrote that first statement, but people shouldn't be allowed to post stuff like this uncontested. It just breeds hatred and enmity.

Dec 6, 2007 at 12:12 PM : Sodomy includes oral...

Sodomy includes oral sex??? Really? Wow, sex kind of sucks for Christians. Now if heterosexual Christians do sodomize each other, do they still get to stay married, or are they treated as gays and have their marriage certificate taken away?

Dec 6, 2007 at 12:12 PM : I don't think...

I don't think Callenby is jim, this blog was too verbiose, lol. They must be friends though...and I just noticed those two particular words have been edited out.

Dec 6, 2007 at 02:12 PM : hitman, I think you...

hitman, I think you need some anger management. Why are you so defensive? What are you feeling guilty about? I didn't respond to you or even mention your name you little twit.

Yes, I can say hypocrite. Go look in the mirror. You are the proverbial pot calling the kettle black. I can get pissy with men like you with LDS (and I don't mean Morman) who hides behind a computer screen and acts tough. I DO NOT GIVE A RAT'S ASS WHETHER OR NOT YOU BELIEVE THE WAY I DO, why do you care what I believe? Can you say OPINION?

Grow up!

Dec 6, 2007 at 03:12 PM : hitman...now you are...

hitman...now you are making me laugh!! Discussion? What discussion? You're actually pretty good at reading things that aren't even written. Wow! You should be on a stage! There's one leaving at 5:00 p.m - why don't you be on it?

Dec 6, 2007 at 10:12 PM : wow there are a couple...

wow there are a couple of bloggers that need to go get on medication.I wont name names but I'm sure you can guess:)

Dec 6, 2007 at 10:12 PM : yo hate the sin not...

yo hate the sin not the sinner, what a bunch of crap. why is butt sex a bad sin when it feels so good? correct me if i am wrong but arent we all sinners? Why do holy rollers act as if being gay is the most badest sin that a man can do? gay is not a life stye unless your in prison and you choose to be prison gay. being homo phobic is a choice. you choose to hate or you choose to except and love people for who they are but to say hate the sin love the sinner is some thing that some one who has hate in thier heart says to make themselfs sound like their full of love.

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 PM : Kudos Trouble, thats...

Kudos Trouble, thats my philosophy. A sin to me is something that hurts other people.

Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 PM : I can't help...

I can't help myself ... must respond.

1) Homosexuality is not a lifestyle. If you personalize this, you may see some truth. Do you prefer a certain kind of woman - blond, tall, long legged, big breasted, pretty face - one or more of these physical traits? Or maybe short and dark with exotic eyes? These preferences are not a "lifestyle." These are traits you, as an individual, are attracted to.

2) If you never listen and consider an opinion different than your own, you grow up to be very limited in your knowledge. You cannot argue, discuss or debate any subject without solid information on the opposing point. So, I would think it beneficial to always listen to the opposing point of view.

3) Phrases like "hate the sin not the sinner" are silly (and irritate me) because there wouldn't be sin without a sinner. One does not exist without the other. It's like saying "hate the rain not the weather." I wish people would not debase their point of view with such nonsense. To be blunt - it is dumb.

4) Are you without sin, according to your chosen religion? Of course not .... you would not require your religion if you were sinless.

I'm with you Scottso - responding to this homophobic dribble is a lesson in futility. I'm going to bed.

Dec 7, 2007 at 04:12 AM : Callenby needs to do...

Callenby needs to do some scientific research before spouting all this misguided rhetoric. He/she needs to read the current position white papers from the American Psychology Association and the American Psychiatric Association wherein they state that homosexuality is NOT a choice that people make but rather inherited in the genes when a baby is born. No one CHOOSES to be homosexual. It's a tough life being ostracized and discriminated against and suffering all the real life gay bashing as well as having to live two separate lives most of the time. Consider the following:

Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who disperses advice to people who call in to her radio show. She stirred up controversy when she aired her remarks that as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned in any circumstances.

     The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident which
made it's rounds on the internet....

Dear Dr. Laura,

     Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can.

     When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I just simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination.
End of debate.

    I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow them.

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord Leviticus 1:19.   The problem is my neighbors.   They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7.
In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanness Leviticus 15:19-24.   The problem is, how do I tell?  I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

d) Leviticus 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations.   A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that though eating shellfish is an abomination Leviticus 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

g) Leviticus 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses.   Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Leviticus 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Leviticus 11:68 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Leviticus 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Leviticus 24:10-16 Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? Leviticus 20:14

     I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan,

                             Jim Richards

Dec 7, 2007 at 04:12 AM : LOL, Jim Thank you.

LOL, Jim Thank you.

Dec 7, 2007 at 08:12 AM : hitman, you are...

hitman, you are perfectly welcome to your opinions. But when you make a statement that implys those without religion have no morals, you're going to get piled on.

Morals do not require a religion or faith. Some of the most moral people I know happen to be either atheist or agnostic. Morals are relative, not absolute. I'll leave it at that, unless you'd like to explore the issue further.

Dec 7, 2007 at 08:12 AM : He can't...

He can't oohchild, that's the problem. He's not too bright and wound way too tight. Express an opinion or challenge - he cries "attack", but then he responds in kind.

I wonder why he edited his second thread...

No matter, I'm done with him. It's not fair to engage in a battle of wits with someone so obviously unarmed.

hey bigdog, I took my meds, honest!!!!!

Dec 7, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Hitman i should not...

Hitman i should not lower myself to your level but i will. Hitman do you have bad dreams.Do people chase you in your dreams because you come across as an Paranoid Schizoid. You accuse ''Everyone'' on this site of attacking and shoving their beliefs down your throat When all a long all they are doing is posting their comments, nothing more. Hitman do i fall in the group of people that has no religion, faith and morality. Yes it is true that i do not got religion.You can keep it i don't want it.I have a lot of faith in a power greater then me and when it comes to morality i think I'll let god judge me on that, that's his job.And if i say that people of faith are hateful then it is because they are acting hateful. Why do people of faith get to judge everyone Else?Let man without sin cast the first stone. Hitman drop the rock.IMHO people that get offended while blogging should not be blogging.

Joty you are not the one that needs meds

Dec 7, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Hit man you must have...

Hit man you must have low self esteem because you sure do like to talk down to people.Tell me when you talk bad about someone does that make you feel better about your self. I would think that you being a man of Religion, faith and with far more morality then us pagans you wouldn't need to be so hateful, unless your being hateful in the name of god because then its OK.

Dec 7, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Hitman you must have...

Hitman you must have low self esteem because you make every blog about you. you always have a problem with whats being said and you turn every blog into being all about little old you.haha ''littleman''

Dec 7, 2007 at 10:12 AM : Ok Hitman....in...

Ok Hitman....in reference to the "little group" or us who have "banded together", we are not the "majority on here". If you look back on this thread, it is 10 to 6 in favor of people who believe in some sort of a higher power. So in my calculations that is a majority on your side "faith". As far as people attacking, yes they did. When Callenby posted his blog and was saying his beliefs it was all good----whether or not some of us believed in them. But then he became hateful and ignorant by "attacking" people with words such as "faggot and dykes". So yes, people didn't want to here rest of what he had to say because of the hatred. He sabotaged himself. As far as you go, you have thrown many stones yourself and stop whining. You jumped in here swinging, so when people swing back you start crying wolf. Yes everyone has their opinion, so stop crying. BTW, if you have noticed, many of us on here disagree with one another constantly, but for some reason we are able to find common ground and not whine about it. Hmm, I wonder why that is? Oh, I know it's because we have no religion.

Dec 7, 2007 at 02:12 PM : Love one another as I...

Love one another as I have loved you

Dec 7, 2007 at 07:12 PM : Is this a...

Is this a joke? You've got to be kidding! I think Callenby needs a thorough psychiatric evaluation!
I'd be willing to bet the farm that the Catholic Church would give you the boot for claiming to represent them
in your delusional state.
I'm positive GOD himself would not appreciate you thinking you could take his place. Especially when you
have no idea what the bible says. The bible is not up to your own twisted interpretation.
I'd like to mention that I looked at your profile, and there is NO information. You like to spout off your hateful
and judge mental opinions, but won't identify yourself. That's right, it's ONLY YOUR opinion, and I don't
even know who you are.
Look at yourself and then tell us who you are and what you hope to accomplish with your hurtful words.

Dec 7, 2007 at 07:12 PM : I don't think his...

I don't think his name is "Hitman" by accident. He wants to come off like a bad ass...mission accomplished.

Dec 7, 2007 at 11:12 PM : Are you sure that...

Are you sure that Callenby is not jim????LOL

Callenby-you say homosexuality is not natural or normal--then how do you explain the many documented cases that appear in wildlife and animals?

Also you say that this is the churches statement on homosexuality---BUT IT"S NOT GODS STATEMENT!!!!

Dec 8, 2007 at 06:12 AM : Yeah awsome8 I ask the...

Yeah awsome8 I ask the same question about nature but surprisingly no answer. Hmm

Oct 2, 2008 at 04:10 PM : I think your...

I think your definition of marriage is fine for you, but please don't try to force it on me. If your church believes that way, fine, but don't force your church's teachings on me either. I believe in love (you know, like Jesus wanted us to), and I believe that love should be celebrated by anyone who finds it. I believe that all people should have access to the same rights to show and celebrate their love as their neighbors do. If there is any judging to be done, I'll leave that to God (like Jesus told us to do; Matthew 7:1).

I further believe that Proposition 8, which would narrowly define marriage as between a man and a woman in California, is unconstitutional and un-American. Leaving religion out of the picture -- because religion doesn't/shouldn't dictate equality and justice -- please remember that the United States of America was founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and justice for all, and equal opportunity for all (should I go on or do you finally remember the part about how we are a free country?). Prop 8 is a proposition that would limit some American's rights to all of the above -- Proposition 8 is trying to be a legal way to discriminate. If you believe that people have the right to live their own lives the way they see fit, you will vote No on 8 and let them live their lives. (If you vote yes on 8, you are saying it is all right to discriminate against some Americans, and that is what feels so un-American to me.)

Four brave judges followed the law and did not bow down to the people who want to discriminate against gay people -- it would be good if we all send a message that limiting rights is not the way our country operates, that equality under the law should be upheld. Don't make it legal to discriminate -- vote no on 8 -- and go ahead and live your life the way you want to without trying to make others believe the same things you do.

Oct 2, 2008 at 04:10 PM : People sure do enjoy...

People sure do enjoy bashing Brittany on this topic. Strictly speaking, it is highly likely that her 50-hour marriage was invalid anyway - conceived and consumated as it probably was, in a drunken rush without its sacramental nature properly understood by at least one partner. One could probably apply that to most marriages in this modern age.

But never mind. Divorce does cheapen marrige, of course. Until very recently it has been generally discouraged, including with legal sanctions, precisely to prevent that cheapening.

Anyway, you would not apply a similar rationalization if a loved one sick with the measles, then developed pnemonia. You would just properly see the pnemonia as more bad news, and you would want it cured.