Yet another issue that the anal-puckered Righters are screaming about: Massachusetts will allow Same-sex Marriages. The World is coming to an end again. Armageddon has arrived. G** forbid that two people who care deeply enough about each other, enough to pledge their lives and worlds together...G** forbid they should be of the same gender. Dang it, a Constitutional Amendment prohibiting this sort of behavior doesn't go far enough. These homos and lesbos should be jailed, no better still, sent to camps - special camps if you get my meaning. They have absolutely no place in a civilized society.

Yes, I'm being an asshole. Massachusetts should be roundly applauded for the courage to stand up for what's right. Consider - what is the issue? What is marriage? Why do people get married? I'm hoping that most people get married, first, because they want to, not because they feel they have to. A marriage therefore is about a relationship between two people who enjoy each other's company so much that they offer to share their lives, assets, good and bad times together. People don't have to get married to do this. There are certain legal benefits to doing so but arguably a marriage is optional. People can spend their lives together without getting married.

Another reason people get married is kids. That is, some get married because they had kids out of wedlock and getting married legitimizes the children. Getting married just to have kids doesn't make sense. Kids can occur from a marriage but should not be the reason for the marriage.

Nowhere in the above two reasons for marriage do I mention gender of the couple. It's irrelevant. Plain and simple.

Back to kids, which has the greater potential stigma for a kid? Having two parents of the same sex, or having two parents - different sex - but unmarried? I'd say the latter holds a lot more ammunition for childhood torment. Why not pass a law that says if you have children out of wedlock you must get married? We don't because it doesn't make sense. People have kids out of wedlock all the time, not necessarily for the best of reasons but it happens. I don't hear much screaming on this topic.

Some "regular" couples can't have kids so the argument that marriage is in support of procreation doesn't hold. Some "regular" couples have kids but really shouldn't - they're just not ready for the responsibility. Conversely, many same-sex couples are not only wanting of kids but offer as good an environment for raising kids as "regular" couples. It's highly ironic that the puckered Right screams to make abortion and birth control illegal, screams that there are too many orphan babies, and then makes it impossible to place these kids in loving households. It's a matter of responsibility. Many same-sex couples are willing and capable to accept the responsibilties of marriage and parenthood. Thank you Massachusetts for the brave step forward.

Kerry - More of Same

As Bush seeks to form a committee to investigate the intelligence failures regarding Iraq - and guess what the outcome of that will be - and as Halliburton starts ads proclaiming their innocence of any corrupt political connections, Kerry continues to steamroll towards becoming the Democratic nominee.

Oh joy! Not only someone who doesn't look Presidential but will likely continue the same-old, same-old political game stinking up our Government. Which is why I was rooting for Dean. He looked like he was going to shake things up and perhaps not fall into the game. Face it, right now, our Government stinks of corruption and influence. I don't see Kerry changing any of that. Dean might have. The problem is that Dean is viewed as too extreme to beat Bush. Kerry as more moderate can beat Bush and that's the Democratic focus - who can beat Bush. Sadly, the focus should be on who's right for America, who will shake things up enough to remove some of the stench.

Maybe in four more years.

On Becoming President

Son: "Daddy, when I grow up I want to be President."

Visions of Bush. Claims military experience but really didn't do much other than go AWOL and party. Claims a Harvard education but got in because of Daddy, had fair grades, and partied. Claims business experience but got positions because of Daddy and showed no business acumen whatsoever. Governor of Texas with Daddy's help but showed no talent for State Management whatsoever. Got appointed President through family help but has yet to show any talent for Federal Management whatsoever.
All of Bush's success culminating in the Presidency are a direct result of family business and political ties, and not one bit due to competency.

Daddy: "Sorry son. you won't ever be President."

Son: "But I'm smart. I get good grades."

Daddy: (sighs) "But you're not connected. Forget the Presidency - you're too smart. Have a good life instead."

Plain And Simple

If it weren't for Science you wouldn't be reading this.

Plain And Simple - Part 2

If we had only Religion and no Science: The population would be low due to widespread disease and high infant mortality. Most people wouldn't know how or even need to read. Most people would work and donate their "wealth" to their Religion (tithings, indulgences, etc.), so most people would be poor. No movies, TV, books, airplanes, cars, cell phones, electricity, decent medicine. Countries would be more segregated, far less tolerant, and pity the disbeliever or the one who questions. Perhaps Science is inevitable as humanity reaches the limits of their endurance for dogmatic stupidity.

Kids Are Scientists Too - Yes, They Are!

Amazing critters - kids. They're born explorers, natural scientists - testing, observing, full of curiosity, asking questions, finding solutions. Why should these behaviors be discouraged?