Nice post Shane.

Since we are sharing our Op Ed pieces, here is one I wrote it before the election and sent it to every major paper. No body had the guts to print it.

To the Editor: The Constitutional Amendment on Marriage.

Don’t be fooled by the Constitutional Amendment on Marriage, it’s not about marriage, it’s about your freedom. As an American, a minister, and a human being, I am really trying to understand what would cause any representative here in the land of the free, to even consider imposing their values on anyone other than themselves. My Congressman Darrell Issa, along with over 200 of his colleagues, voted in the House today to amend the constitution regarding marriage. Even worse, it appears that the majority of Americans support this, as they demonstrated recently in Louisiana.

I hear many say that, “marriage is a union between a man and a woman”. Who said so? One may decide that is true for themselves, but we don’t get to decide that for anyone else. Just because someone decides something is true doesn’t make it “the truth”; it makes it their truth. And more importantly do we really believe that our definition of marriage, or of life, or of God, is the “right” one, while all others with a different view are wrong? To think that we know better for another is the height of arrogance and it is to rob a person of their freedom and responsibility to act as they see fit. Everyone has the right to decide whatever he or she wants to about life; that’s what freedom is all about.

When I chose to get married I did so with a woman, yet just because I am part of the majority of people who marries the opposite sex, does not mean that my way is the right way for everyone else. This is nothing less than an attack on freedom. Freedom is what our forefather’s fought and died for. It’s what we as Americans have fought for in every war. It’s purportedly what we are up to right now in Iraq. Yet here we are in America about to voluntarily give some more of our freedom away while we call it something else.

These are deeply personal decisions, and I am quite clear that as a human being I have the necessary tools within to decide and define for myself the life I choose to lead. That is true for all of us. I don’t mind you sharing your opinion, but why would you want to impose your will? May I remind all of those who wish to impose their will on others that this is America, the land of the free. Remember that saying “Don’t Tread On Me”?

Since the adoption of the Bill of Rights in 1791, the Constitution has been amended only 17 times. With the exception of prohibition, it has always been amended to expand rights not decrease them. For example: by abolishing slavery and by extending the right to vote to women, African Americans, and young people. A constitutional amendment isn’t necessary to protect individual’s religious freedom. No church, minister, or any house of worship can be forced to marry or give its blessing to any couple -- the First Amendment already guarantees that.

Whether I agree or disagree with a person’s lifestyle and choices, as long as they are not physically harming another, I support their freedom to choose whatever makes sense to them. I choose to honor other’s beliefs and values. It’s not necessary for me to agree or even understand another’s beliefs in order to extend my respect, tolerance, and love.

Anytime you try to take away freedom from that which is inherently free, conflict is sure to follow. Isn’t there enough conflict in the world right now? Do we really need to create more prejudice and bigotry? I don’t think so. Imagine if the shoe were on the other foot. You can bet I would be writing the same letter.

God gave each of us the free will to choose the life of our own creation, and we as Americans are fortunate enough to live in the land of the free, which by its nature should protect those rights. We as American’s should reject this attempt to further divide our nation, as well as take a stand against anything that would jeopardize our freedom. A vote against this constitutional amendment is a vote for freedom, liberty, and justice for all.

With blessings, love, and respect to all,

Rev. Dr. J.R. Westen D.D.

while we're posting our letters to the editor, here's mine from a few months back.

it's time for me to write a new letter since my views have changed a little. i personally feel it's foolish to focus so much energy on changing marriage laws which only benefit some Gay people instead of starting with laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. i mean, honestly what good would it do me to be able to marry a guy if folks could still be fired from their job or or lose their apartment simply for being Queer?!?!?

anyway, back to the letter published in the Boulder Daily Camera back in march. i call it my DOGMA (Defense Of Gay Marriage Affirmation ;D

GAY MARRIAGE:
Law should support committed couples

Dear Editors:

It never ceases to amaze me that some people who claim to be upholding the sanctity of marriage instead resort to blaming the inclusion of GLBT people as in some inexplicable way responsible for the breakup of more than half of all heterosexual marriages. Perhaps it’s because gay-baiting of this type is much easier than trying to ascertain the complex cultural factors which underlie high divorce rates.

Michael Hamerly ("Bush takes brave, necessary stand," March 25) alleges that opposing gay marriage is a way to uphold “children, family life and ancient wisdom.” Yet, it's obvious that legal recognition for same-sex partnerships is not at odds with these important values. One need only look to the incredible support for children and family life evinced by the many gay and lesbian couples who are already raising kids. Moreover, the ancient wisdom of numerous traditional Native American cultures illustrates the benefits of societal sanctioning of committed relationships between two persons of the same sex.

Current research on child development indicates that the most nurturing home environments involve devoted parental guidance, regardless of the parents’ sexual orientations. Surely, it is healthier to raise children in loving, supportive homes with committed lesbian or gay parents than in abusive or neglectful households with a married mom and dad.

President Bush’s endorsement of the Federal Marriage Amendment is neither courageous nor admirable. It is nothing more than self-serving political strategy designed to secure the votes of anti-gay conservatives. The Amendment would enshrine discrimination and inequality in the U.S. Constitution and deny fundamental human rights and responsibilities to a minority of people merely because they are not heterosexual. Conversely, support for the institution of marriage could very well be strengthened by extending its benefits to committed gay and lesbian couples who have demonstrated the extraordinary ability to maintain long-term relationships despite significant opposition and current legal obstacles.



"Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?"
Ernest Gaines