Here goes Z Draci again. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY? I'm a born American citizen. I believe in American values, I cherish the American dream, even with the current moron-in-chief. I believe that America can be make better through political activism and responsible social policy. Maybe it would be easier to move away, Z Draci, not that everyone can afford that...(ever read about the cost of living in Europe?), but that's not the point. I shouldn't HAVE to move to another country just to gain equal rights as a citizen. I'm a member of ONE of the great Western democracies. How about YOU move to someplace where everyone agrees with you? Although, iven the tone of some of your posts, I'm thinking that place would be a deserted Arctic island.... Seriously, the only thing dumber than that idea is: "if they don't want to be treated like crap, all them blacks should move back to Africa." [redneck emphasis added].
I've already said that the reasons I want to get married are manifold, but as others have noted, prove that ALL straight people are getting married *only* for love. Of course they aren't. And, as I have said OVER AND OVER, it is not the FINANCIAL, but the LEGAL benefits that are most important. Power of attorney, visitation rights, all of these things are guaranteed by marriage. Whether the final arrangement is marriage or civil unions, that should be guaranteed for homosexual couples, as well. Now, tell me a rational reason why my partner and I shouldn't have the same *legal* rights as straight people. And, by the by, the question on the table isn't whether or not marriage should include tax benefits or not. Clearly, you're opposed to all marriage, which is fine. Good for you, albeit perhaps lonely. The question we're fighting about is simply this, when all is said and done: linguistic perturbations aside, should homosexual couples be treated the same as heterosexual couples? Although I've discussed motives for marriage in this and previous posts, it is in fact immaterial. It is simply a question of whether equal access is good or bad. Don't try to frame the argument around a cynical twisting of marriage.
And as for you, cvg, of all the arguments and quotes to throw around, you pick the Mormons? LOL. Let's not even go into the historical Mormon definition of marriage (still practiced by many conservative sects, I've noticed). In case you haven't been reading, some of the fiercest opponents of gay marriage are against it precisely because it could lead to legal polygamy. (I've already said that I'm not ready to debate legal polygamy on its merits. My point is just that the Mormon construct of marriage is even less mainstream than gay marriage.)
Thanks for the invite to Canada, BerserkerCatSplat! I may take you up on it if the Z Draci's and justins of America rule the roost. And, just think, if I did, I could buy one of the exciting cars in Canada not available in the USA...the Pontiac Wave!!!! Yay! Or not.