Commentary: Marriage Equality Comes to Yolo County

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On February 14, 2008, I was at the County Clerk’s Office once again covering County Clerk Freddie Oakley’s protest against laws prohibiting the marriage of same-sex partners during her lunch hour. The day when Freddie Oakley would actually be able to marry such partners seemed hopelessly far off in the distance.

All of that has changed with a recent court ruling that has left open a window of time perhaps between now and Election Day when California same-sex partners can wed. Who knows what the Election Day will bring, perhaps the run on same-sex marriages during that time will convince people that the sky will not fall and that same-sex partners can hardly do more damage to the institution of marriage than has already been inflicted by high divorce rates and infidelity. Maybe. Election Day must have seemed very far away yesterday for partners who have been waiting a lifetime to be legally and officially married. What it means to be legally and officially married will probably have to wait a few months or even years for the courts and the legislature to figure it out. But again, that likely was far from people’s minds yesterday.

I have to say one of the worst images of the day was that of the protester who barged into someone’s wedding.

The one plastered on television was Yuriy Popko:

“I came from the Soviet Union, and this is judicial tyranny – they’re starting to regulate religion.”

I am a very strong supporter of free speech, but whether you agree with gay marriage or not, shouldn’t people have the right not to have you barge into their wedding, a day they will remember for the rest of their lives? Protest outside if you must. I find that a very disgraceful act that does not reflect well on that individual’s faith.

Meanwhile controversy spread quickly across cyberspace in Davis as the revelations of an email from the owner of Ken’s Bike and Ski Shop circulated and were posted on the Davis Wiki.

People were calling on the boycott of the bicycle shop. It was a letter to County Clerk Freddie Oakley.

The letter urges the County Clerk to

“uphold California law and maintain public order by NOT issuing any same-sex ‘marriage’ licenses unless and until the laws regarding marriage in California are altered. The separation of powers provision of the California Constitution clearly states that laws may only be changed by the legislature (with the governor) or the initiative process. The courts may rule on the constitutionality of existing laws, but may not circumvent the Constitution by writing new laws.”

What the courts did of course was declare a law prohibiting same-sex marriage unconstitutional. Without such a law, local jurisdictions then have the right to determine their own policy.

He goes on to state:

“The applicable statutes (California Family Code, Sections 505, 300, 308.5, 301, etc) clearly state that marriage is between a man and a woman. County Clerks may not change the wording on these applications, and if in defiance of the law they do so, the California Department of Public Health must reject any such altered applications, as was properly done in 2004 by the Office of Vital Records.”

He is correct that County Clerks may not change the wording–but the court has the authority to declare such laws unconstitutional by ruling that they violate the equal protection under the law. The courts have perfect authority to make such a ruling which in effect strikes this language from the law.

Then the key part of the letter:

“Any attempt to circumvent these laws, absent a change in the laws governing these forms and the process for their use, is dangerous and unconstitutional.”

The courts of course have authority over what is and is not unconstitutional. In other words, the action is not unconstitutional unless the courts say so. By ruling the portions of the statute unconstitutional, they have negated those laws.

The owner of Ken’s Bike and Ski Shop of course has every right to express his opinion on such a matter. On the other hand, the wisdom of such an act in a town such as Davis is questionable. He should have expected that his letter would get out into the community and would likely cause harm to his business.

Meanwhile I can respect the views of those who believe that same-sex marriages go against their religious teaching. I do not wish to impose my morality on others anymore than they would impose theirs on me. What I do not understand is how a religion based on the teachings of love and forgiveness becomes so hateful and intolerant when the issue of gay marriage comes up (as opposed to all of the, in my book, far greater evils of the world that often do not even register a complaint).

The fight in California this fall, I am afraid will be polarizing and ugly. I think that is unfortunate. It is unfortunate that an act that is supposed to bind love and understanding will instead foster hatred and polarization.

Will the ban on same-sex marriages pass in November? It is an interesting question. California for example has tried to pass a parental notification law for several years and has not been able to. It will be interesting to see if the resolve against Gay Marriage runs deeper than that against certain aspects of abortion law.

In the meantime, it is my sincere hope that those who were finally able to marry are able to find peace and fulfillment within their new relationship.

—Doug Paul Davis reporting

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About The Author

David Greenwald is the founder, editor, and executive director of the Davis Vanguard. He founded the Vanguard in 2006. David Greenwald moved to Davis in 1996 to attend Graduate School at UC Davis in Political Science. He lives in South Davis with his wife Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald and three children.

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108 thoughts on “Commentary: Marriage Equality Comes to Yolo County”

  1. wdf

    Perhaps this ammendment will now be harder to pass because it will be taking away rights that have already been granted.

    Obviously the owner of Ken’s Bikes can say what he wants, but it would seem you could guarantee to lose some business in Davis by taking public positions like that. Maybe there aren’t many other ski outfitters around, but there are definitely plenty of other bike shops in town.

  2. wdf

    Perhaps this ammendment will now be harder to pass because it will be taking away rights that have already been granted.

    Obviously the owner of Ken’s Bikes can say what he wants, but it would seem you could guarantee to lose some business in Davis by taking public positions like that. Maybe there aren’t many other ski outfitters around, but there are definitely plenty of other bike shops in town.

  3. wdf

    Perhaps this ammendment will now be harder to pass because it will be taking away rights that have already been granted.

    Obviously the owner of Ken’s Bikes can say what he wants, but it would seem you could guarantee to lose some business in Davis by taking public positions like that. Maybe there aren’t many other ski outfitters around, but there are definitely plenty of other bike shops in town.

  4. wdf

    Perhaps this ammendment will now be harder to pass because it will be taking away rights that have already been granted.

    Obviously the owner of Ken’s Bikes can say what he wants, but it would seem you could guarantee to lose some business in Davis by taking public positions like that. Maybe there aren’t many other ski outfitters around, but there are definitely plenty of other bike shops in town.

  5. Anonymous

    Yawn. I’m tired of hearing about this and even more tired of seeing Bailes and Pontac grinning at me; on the internet, in the newspaper, on the TV. Just do it! Actually, despite the fact that the terrible twosome are obviously reveling in the media attention (again), the media is probably driving this frenzy since it’s so much easeir to yammer about than: a trillion dollars gone missing in Iraq and 4000 American dead on one retarded chimp’s wet dream of Arab democracies created at gunpoint in our name.

  6. Anonymous

    Yawn. I’m tired of hearing about this and even more tired of seeing Bailes and Pontac grinning at me; on the internet, in the newspaper, on the TV. Just do it! Actually, despite the fact that the terrible twosome are obviously reveling in the media attention (again), the media is probably driving this frenzy since it’s so much easeir to yammer about than: a trillion dollars gone missing in Iraq and 4000 American dead on one retarded chimp’s wet dream of Arab democracies created at gunpoint in our name.

  7. Anonymous

    Yawn. I’m tired of hearing about this and even more tired of seeing Bailes and Pontac grinning at me; on the internet, in the newspaper, on the TV. Just do it! Actually, despite the fact that the terrible twosome are obviously reveling in the media attention (again), the media is probably driving this frenzy since it’s so much easeir to yammer about than: a trillion dollars gone missing in Iraq and 4000 American dead on one retarded chimp’s wet dream of Arab democracies created at gunpoint in our name.

  8. Anonymous

    Yawn. I’m tired of hearing about this and even more tired of seeing Bailes and Pontac grinning at me; on the internet, in the newspaper, on the TV. Just do it! Actually, despite the fact that the terrible twosome are obviously reveling in the media attention (again), the media is probably driving this frenzy since it’s so much easeir to yammer about than: a trillion dollars gone missing in Iraq and 4000 American dead on one retarded chimp’s wet dream of Arab democracies created at gunpoint in our name.

  9. Color me a silly romantic

    I remember the morning after my (straight) wedding being so excited to wake up next to my partner for life – my HUSBAND! I was so happy to be married to him. Funny, here we are many years later and I woke this morning thinking of so many gay couples waking up with that same feeling of joy to be MARRIED to the one he or she loves.

    I still absolutely adore my husband and am thrilled to be married to him still. I am glad that others who have waited so long are now able to feel this type of joy, too. Best wishes to all the newlyweds!

  10. Color me a silly romantic

    I remember the morning after my (straight) wedding being so excited to wake up next to my partner for life – my HUSBAND! I was so happy to be married to him. Funny, here we are many years later and I woke this morning thinking of so many gay couples waking up with that same feeling of joy to be MARRIED to the one he or she loves.

    I still absolutely adore my husband and am thrilled to be married to him still. I am glad that others who have waited so long are now able to feel this type of joy, too. Best wishes to all the newlyweds!

  11. Color me a silly romantic

    I remember the morning after my (straight) wedding being so excited to wake up next to my partner for life – my HUSBAND! I was so happy to be married to him. Funny, here we are many years later and I woke this morning thinking of so many gay couples waking up with that same feeling of joy to be MARRIED to the one he or she loves.

    I still absolutely adore my husband and am thrilled to be married to him still. I am glad that others who have waited so long are now able to feel this type of joy, too. Best wishes to all the newlyweds!

  12. Color me a silly romantic

    I remember the morning after my (straight) wedding being so excited to wake up next to my partner for life – my HUSBAND! I was so happy to be married to him. Funny, here we are many years later and I woke this morning thinking of so many gay couples waking up with that same feeling of joy to be MARRIED to the one he or she loves.

    I still absolutely adore my husband and am thrilled to be married to him still. I am glad that others who have waited so long are now able to feel this type of joy, too. Best wishes to all the newlyweds!

  13. Anonymous

    Why do zealots always insist on injecting their religion into state matters? No one is creating legislation requiring churches to perform marriages for gay couples. This is a simple matter of equal rights for all citizens.

    For those who would argue that this will lead to legalizing polygamy or pedophilia (heard it on the radio today) I will remind you that those are not rights and are illegal for all. No discrimination there.

  14. Anonymous

    Why do zealots always insist on injecting their religion into state matters? No one is creating legislation requiring churches to perform marriages for gay couples. This is a simple matter of equal rights for all citizens.

    For those who would argue that this will lead to legalizing polygamy or pedophilia (heard it on the radio today) I will remind you that those are not rights and are illegal for all. No discrimination there.

  15. Anonymous

    Why do zealots always insist on injecting their religion into state matters? No one is creating legislation requiring churches to perform marriages for gay couples. This is a simple matter of equal rights for all citizens.

    For those who would argue that this will lead to legalizing polygamy or pedophilia (heard it on the radio today) I will remind you that those are not rights and are illegal for all. No discrimination there.

  16. Anonymous

    Why do zealots always insist on injecting their religion into state matters? No one is creating legislation requiring churches to perform marriages for gay couples. This is a simple matter of equal rights for all citizens.

    For those who would argue that this will lead to legalizing polygamy or pedophilia (heard it on the radio today) I will remind you that those are not rights and are illegal for all. No discrimination there.

  17. Gary Reed

    This post is being considered for The Sacramento Bee’s roundup of regional blogs, which appears in Forum, the Sunday commentary section.

    The Blog Watch column is limited to about 800 words. Blog posts included in the column are often trimmed to fit. The blog’s main address will appear in The Bee, and the online copy of the article will contain links to the actual blog post.

    If you have questions (or you DON’T want your blog post considered for inclusion in the newspaper column), contact me at greed@sacbee.com

    Gary Reed
    Forum Editor

  18. Gary Reed

    This post is being considered for The Sacramento Bee’s roundup of regional blogs, which appears in Forum, the Sunday commentary section.

    The Blog Watch column is limited to about 800 words. Blog posts included in the column are often trimmed to fit. The blog’s main address will appear in The Bee, and the online copy of the article will contain links to the actual blog post.

    If you have questions (or you DON’T want your blog post considered for inclusion in the newspaper column), contact me at greed@sacbee.com

    Gary Reed
    Forum Editor

  19. Gary Reed

    This post is being considered for The Sacramento Bee’s roundup of regional blogs, which appears in Forum, the Sunday commentary section.

    The Blog Watch column is limited to about 800 words. Blog posts included in the column are often trimmed to fit. The blog’s main address will appear in The Bee, and the online copy of the article will contain links to the actual blog post.

    If you have questions (or you DON’T want your blog post considered for inclusion in the newspaper column), contact me at greed@sacbee.com

    Gary Reed
    Forum Editor

  20. Gary Reed

    This post is being considered for The Sacramento Bee’s roundup of regional blogs, which appears in Forum, the Sunday commentary section.

    The Blog Watch column is limited to about 800 words. Blog posts included in the column are often trimmed to fit. The blog’s main address will appear in The Bee, and the online copy of the article will contain links to the actual blog post.

    If you have questions (or you DON’T want your blog post considered for inclusion in the newspaper column), contact me at greed@sacbee.com

    Gary Reed
    Forum Editor

  21. 無名 - wu ming

    it’s amazing how easily people are willing to attack the whole idea of judicial review, as if marbury v. madison was some commie plot instead of a well-established 200 year old precedent..

    apparently our civics education wasn’t so hot back in the 50s either, if all these middle aged folks can’t manage to understand the constitutional role of a judiciary to judge the constitutionality of laws, and conflicts between laws.

    additionally, i am weary with these busybodies who feel like they have the right to tell everyone else what to do with their lives. noone’s forcing people to go get married, or forcing churches to marry people they don’t want to, just as loving v. virginia didn’t force southern baptists to marry interracial couples, just as no church is forced to marry interfaith couples or couples not members of their congregation.

    what they’re objecting to is their loss of dominion over society, their imagined moral authority to tell us all what we should do.

    thankfully, the authority to judge in california is reserved for the court system, not private religious groups. and even then, it’s limited to matters of law, not morality.

    remove the beam from your own eye, haters.

  22. 無名 - wu ming

    it’s amazing how easily people are willing to attack the whole idea of judicial review, as if marbury v. madison was some commie plot instead of a well-established 200 year old precedent..

    apparently our civics education wasn’t so hot back in the 50s either, if all these middle aged folks can’t manage to understand the constitutional role of a judiciary to judge the constitutionality of laws, and conflicts between laws.

    additionally, i am weary with these busybodies who feel like they have the right to tell everyone else what to do with their lives. noone’s forcing people to go get married, or forcing churches to marry people they don’t want to, just as loving v. virginia didn’t force southern baptists to marry interracial couples, just as no church is forced to marry interfaith couples or couples not members of their congregation.

    what they’re objecting to is their loss of dominion over society, their imagined moral authority to tell us all what we should do.

    thankfully, the authority to judge in california is reserved for the court system, not private religious groups. and even then, it’s limited to matters of law, not morality.

    remove the beam from your own eye, haters.

  23. 無名 - wu ming

    it’s amazing how easily people are willing to attack the whole idea of judicial review, as if marbury v. madison was some commie plot instead of a well-established 200 year old precedent..

    apparently our civics education wasn’t so hot back in the 50s either, if all these middle aged folks can’t manage to understand the constitutional role of a judiciary to judge the constitutionality of laws, and conflicts between laws.

    additionally, i am weary with these busybodies who feel like they have the right to tell everyone else what to do with their lives. noone’s forcing people to go get married, or forcing churches to marry people they don’t want to, just as loving v. virginia didn’t force southern baptists to marry interracial couples, just as no church is forced to marry interfaith couples or couples not members of their congregation.

    what they’re objecting to is their loss of dominion over society, their imagined moral authority to tell us all what we should do.

    thankfully, the authority to judge in california is reserved for the court system, not private religious groups. and even then, it’s limited to matters of law, not morality.

    remove the beam from your own eye, haters.

  24. 無名 - wu ming

    it’s amazing how easily people are willing to attack the whole idea of judicial review, as if marbury v. madison was some commie plot instead of a well-established 200 year old precedent..

    apparently our civics education wasn’t so hot back in the 50s either, if all these middle aged folks can’t manage to understand the constitutional role of a judiciary to judge the constitutionality of laws, and conflicts between laws.

    additionally, i am weary with these busybodies who feel like they have the right to tell everyone else what to do with their lives. noone’s forcing people to go get married, or forcing churches to marry people they don’t want to, just as loving v. virginia didn’t force southern baptists to marry interracial couples, just as no church is forced to marry interfaith couples or couples not members of their congregation.

    what they’re objecting to is their loss of dominion over society, their imagined moral authority to tell us all what we should do.

    thankfully, the authority to judge in california is reserved for the court system, not private religious groups. and even then, it’s limited to matters of law, not morality.

    remove the beam from your own eye, haters.

  25. Rich Rifkin

    “Obviously the owner of Ken’s Bikes can say what he wants, but it would seem you could guarantee to lose some business in Davis by taking public positions like that.”

    While I don’t share Mr. Bradford’s position on gay marriage, I think the idea of boycotting or eschewing his business because of his views on this topic is shortsighted. After all, do you know the political opinions of the owners of other local businesses and take them into account when you shop? If you go to B&L or Wheelworks, are you sure the owners don’t hold political views that are anathema to yours?

    Obviously, every customer has the right to discriminate where he shops on whatever basis he chooses to. I would just suggest that if you are going to discriminate against Ken’s Bike & Ski on this basis, you find out the opinions of his competitors on this topic before you give them your business.

  26. Rich Rifkin

    “Obviously the owner of Ken’s Bikes can say what he wants, but it would seem you could guarantee to lose some business in Davis by taking public positions like that.”

    While I don’t share Mr. Bradford’s position on gay marriage, I think the idea of boycotting or eschewing his business because of his views on this topic is shortsighted. After all, do you know the political opinions of the owners of other local businesses and take them into account when you shop? If you go to B&L or Wheelworks, are you sure the owners don’t hold political views that are anathema to yours?

    Obviously, every customer has the right to discriminate where he shops on whatever basis he chooses to. I would just suggest that if you are going to discriminate against Ken’s Bike & Ski on this basis, you find out the opinions of his competitors on this topic before you give them your business.

  27. Rich Rifkin

    “Obviously the owner of Ken’s Bikes can say what he wants, but it would seem you could guarantee to lose some business in Davis by taking public positions like that.”

    While I don’t share Mr. Bradford’s position on gay marriage, I think the idea of boycotting or eschewing his business because of his views on this topic is shortsighted. After all, do you know the political opinions of the owners of other local businesses and take them into account when you shop? If you go to B&L or Wheelworks, are you sure the owners don’t hold political views that are anathema to yours?

    Obviously, every customer has the right to discriminate where he shops on whatever basis he chooses to. I would just suggest that if you are going to discriminate against Ken’s Bike & Ski on this basis, you find out the opinions of his competitors on this topic before you give them your business.

  28. Rich Rifkin

    “Obviously the owner of Ken’s Bikes can say what he wants, but it would seem you could guarantee to lose some business in Davis by taking public positions like that.”

    While I don’t share Mr. Bradford’s position on gay marriage, I think the idea of boycotting or eschewing his business because of his views on this topic is shortsighted. After all, do you know the political opinions of the owners of other local businesses and take them into account when you shop? If you go to B&L or Wheelworks, are you sure the owners don’t hold political views that are anathema to yours?

    Obviously, every customer has the right to discriminate where he shops on whatever basis he chooses to. I would just suggest that if you are going to discriminate against Ken’s Bike & Ski on this basis, you find out the opinions of his competitors on this topic before you give them your business.

  29. 無名 - wu ming

    i go to the bike barn on campus, they’re cheaper and the students working there are very friendly and good at what they do. not sure what their position on either marriage equality or judicial review, but that’s not why i go to bike shops, to be honest.

    every time i go into ken’s, i see the mural and get sad that leatherby’s/marvelli’s is gone.

  30. 無名 - wu ming

    i go to the bike barn on campus, they’re cheaper and the students working there are very friendly and good at what they do. not sure what their position on either marriage equality or judicial review, but that’s not why i go to bike shops, to be honest.

    every time i go into ken’s, i see the mural and get sad that leatherby’s/marvelli’s is gone.

  31. 無名 - wu ming

    i go to the bike barn on campus, they’re cheaper and the students working there are very friendly and good at what they do. not sure what their position on either marriage equality or judicial review, but that’s not why i go to bike shops, to be honest.

    every time i go into ken’s, i see the mural and get sad that leatherby’s/marvelli’s is gone.

  32. 無名 - wu ming

    i go to the bike barn on campus, they’re cheaper and the students working there are very friendly and good at what they do. not sure what their position on either marriage equality or judicial review, but that’s not why i go to bike shops, to be honest.

    every time i go into ken’s, i see the mural and get sad that leatherby’s/marvelli’s is gone.

  33. Richard

    While I don’t share Mr. Bradford’s position on gay marriage, I think the idea of boycotting or eschewing his business because of his views on this topic is shortsighted.

    I agree with this. People should be able to operate their own businesses without sacrificing their right to political expression.

    I guess that I would draw the line at the place where speech becomes active finance of a view I find objectionable. If I learned that Ken’s Bicycle Shop was donating substantial sums earned from the business to the the anti-same sex marriage effort, then I would probably shop elsewhere.

    Consumers have every right to decide where to purchase things based upon how the business makes use of the profit from their transactions.

    One sees this with churches, too. I know of someone who made sure to donate to specific projects of the Catholic Church to avoid having his contributions used to finance political efforts in opposition to same sex marriage.

    A good idea, to be sure, as it is with the United Way in this area as well.

    –Richard Estes

  34. Richard

    While I don’t share Mr. Bradford’s position on gay marriage, I think the idea of boycotting or eschewing his business because of his views on this topic is shortsighted.

    I agree with this. People should be able to operate their own businesses without sacrificing their right to political expression.

    I guess that I would draw the line at the place where speech becomes active finance of a view I find objectionable. If I learned that Ken’s Bicycle Shop was donating substantial sums earned from the business to the the anti-same sex marriage effort, then I would probably shop elsewhere.

    Consumers have every right to decide where to purchase things based upon how the business makes use of the profit from their transactions.

    One sees this with churches, too. I know of someone who made sure to donate to specific projects of the Catholic Church to avoid having his contributions used to finance political efforts in opposition to same sex marriage.

    A good idea, to be sure, as it is with the United Way in this area as well.

    –Richard Estes

  35. Richard

    While I don’t share Mr. Bradford’s position on gay marriage, I think the idea of boycotting or eschewing his business because of his views on this topic is shortsighted.

    I agree with this. People should be able to operate their own businesses without sacrificing their right to political expression.

    I guess that I would draw the line at the place where speech becomes active finance of a view I find objectionable. If I learned that Ken’s Bicycle Shop was donating substantial sums earned from the business to the the anti-same sex marriage effort, then I would probably shop elsewhere.

    Consumers have every right to decide where to purchase things based upon how the business makes use of the profit from their transactions.

    One sees this with churches, too. I know of someone who made sure to donate to specific projects of the Catholic Church to avoid having his contributions used to finance political efforts in opposition to same sex marriage.

    A good idea, to be sure, as it is with the United Way in this area as well.

    –Richard Estes

  36. Richard

    While I don’t share Mr. Bradford’s position on gay marriage, I think the idea of boycotting or eschewing his business because of his views on this topic is shortsighted.

    I agree with this. People should be able to operate their own businesses without sacrificing their right to political expression.

    I guess that I would draw the line at the place where speech becomes active finance of a view I find objectionable. If I learned that Ken’s Bicycle Shop was donating substantial sums earned from the business to the the anti-same sex marriage effort, then I would probably shop elsewhere.

    Consumers have every right to decide where to purchase things based upon how the business makes use of the profit from their transactions.

    One sees this with churches, too. I know of someone who made sure to donate to specific projects of the Catholic Church to avoid having his contributions used to finance political efforts in opposition to same sex marriage.

    A good idea, to be sure, as it is with the United Way in this area as well.

    –Richard Estes

  37. Anonymous

    Sometimes it is more beneficial to exchange ideas with those you disagree with rather than cutting them off entirely. Therefore, the strategy is to visit the shop but spend less and talk more.

  38. Anonymous

    Sometimes it is more beneficial to exchange ideas with those you disagree with rather than cutting them off entirely. Therefore, the strategy is to visit the shop but spend less and talk more.

  39. Anonymous

    Sometimes it is more beneficial to exchange ideas with those you disagree with rather than cutting them off entirely. Therefore, the strategy is to visit the shop but spend less and talk more.

  40. Anonymous

    Sometimes it is more beneficial to exchange ideas with those you disagree with rather than cutting them off entirely. Therefore, the strategy is to visit the shop but spend less and talk more.

  41. wdf

    After all, do you know the political opinions of the owners of other local businesses and take them into account when you shop? If you go to B&L or Wheelworks, are you sure the owners don’t hold political views that are anathema to yours?

    Good point. Realistically I am too busy, lazy, and not that kind of a political activist to go around and apply a political/values litmus test to owners and employees of businesses where I shop.

    When I wrote the earlier entry, I was thinking that it’s hard to mention Ken’s Bike and Ski without thinking about who owns the business (Ken), and hence remembering some of his views. I don’t know who owns B & L Bikes, and I could easily forget if you told me.

  42. wdf

    After all, do you know the political opinions of the owners of other local businesses and take them into account when you shop? If you go to B&L or Wheelworks, are you sure the owners don’t hold political views that are anathema to yours?

    Good point. Realistically I am too busy, lazy, and not that kind of a political activist to go around and apply a political/values litmus test to owners and employees of businesses where I shop.

    When I wrote the earlier entry, I was thinking that it’s hard to mention Ken’s Bike and Ski without thinking about who owns the business (Ken), and hence remembering some of his views. I don’t know who owns B & L Bikes, and I could easily forget if you told me.

  43. wdf

    After all, do you know the political opinions of the owners of other local businesses and take them into account when you shop? If you go to B&L or Wheelworks, are you sure the owners don’t hold political views that are anathema to yours?

    Good point. Realistically I am too busy, lazy, and not that kind of a political activist to go around and apply a political/values litmus test to owners and employees of businesses where I shop.

    When I wrote the earlier entry, I was thinking that it’s hard to mention Ken’s Bike and Ski without thinking about who owns the business (Ken), and hence remembering some of his views. I don’t know who owns B & L Bikes, and I could easily forget if you told me.

  44. wdf

    After all, do you know the political opinions of the owners of other local businesses and take them into account when you shop? If you go to B&L or Wheelworks, are you sure the owners don’t hold political views that are anathema to yours?

    Good point. Realistically I am too busy, lazy, and not that kind of a political activist to go around and apply a political/values litmus test to owners and employees of businesses where I shop.

    When I wrote the earlier entry, I was thinking that it’s hard to mention Ken’s Bike and Ski without thinking about who owns the business (Ken), and hence remembering some of his views. I don’t know who owns B & L Bikes, and I could easily forget if you told me.

  45. Laura Cole-Rowe

    I had the pleasure(?) of handling the media yesterday at Shelley and Ellen’s wedding. There were more than 20 separate media sources covering this event in Yolo County. The media were mostly respectful of the small space that held their ceremony and interviewed them (as well as others waiting for their license/ceremony) before and after the ceremony. All commented to me on the significance of the event being now legal in the courts and that’s why they were there. They were more focused on the event than the protester outside who came inside and interrupted the reception rudely spewing his hatred. Freddie Oakley was magnificent in handling the rude interruption by taking the intruder outside. Yesterday truly was a significant event in CA history.

  46. Laura Cole-Rowe

    I had the pleasure(?) of handling the media yesterday at Shelley and Ellen’s wedding. There were more than 20 separate media sources covering this event in Yolo County. The media were mostly respectful of the small space that held their ceremony and interviewed them (as well as others waiting for their license/ceremony) before and after the ceremony. All commented to me on the significance of the event being now legal in the courts and that’s why they were there. They were more focused on the event than the protester outside who came inside and interrupted the reception rudely spewing his hatred. Freddie Oakley was magnificent in handling the rude interruption by taking the intruder outside. Yesterday truly was a significant event in CA history.

  47. Laura Cole-Rowe

    I had the pleasure(?) of handling the media yesterday at Shelley and Ellen’s wedding. There were more than 20 separate media sources covering this event in Yolo County. The media were mostly respectful of the small space that held their ceremony and interviewed them (as well as others waiting for their license/ceremony) before and after the ceremony. All commented to me on the significance of the event being now legal in the courts and that’s why they were there. They were more focused on the event than the protester outside who came inside and interrupted the reception rudely spewing his hatred. Freddie Oakley was magnificent in handling the rude interruption by taking the intruder outside. Yesterday truly was a significant event in CA history.

  48. Laura Cole-Rowe

    I had the pleasure(?) of handling the media yesterday at Shelley and Ellen’s wedding. There were more than 20 separate media sources covering this event in Yolo County. The media were mostly respectful of the small space that held their ceremony and interviewed them (as well as others waiting for their license/ceremony) before and after the ceremony. All commented to me on the significance of the event being now legal in the courts and that’s why they were there. They were more focused on the event than the protester outside who came inside and interrupted the reception rudely spewing his hatred. Freddie Oakley was magnificent in handling the rude interruption by taking the intruder outside. Yesterday truly was a significant event in CA history.

  49. Rob Roy

    I am somewhat torn on the subject of boycotting Ken’s. Having worked for Ben & Jerry’s for nine years I have seen us get into trouble for the political positions of our company and our founders. While it harms us on a business level with certain people it benefits us with others. We do tend to get forgiven because our quality is so high. I hope people don’t avoid my place of employment because of my political views (although I guess it is different because I am not the owner). I feel sorry for Ken because I believe he has the right to voice his opinion but he should expect backlash from those that disagree with him in town. When it comes to my bike needs I go to the Bike Church because I have faith the ministers of the DIY lifestyle do not discriminate against sexual orientation. I guess the Bike Church is the answer to Ken’s Bike and Ski on the topic of marriage equality, just as Star Spangled Ice Cream is the Chickenhawk’s answer to Ben & Jerry’s. Kidding aside, today is a great day for Californians who believe in love and pledge allegiance to the constitution.

  50. Rob Roy

    I am somewhat torn on the subject of boycotting Ken’s. Having worked for Ben & Jerry’s for nine years I have seen us get into trouble for the political positions of our company and our founders. While it harms us on a business level with certain people it benefits us with others. We do tend to get forgiven because our quality is so high. I hope people don’t avoid my place of employment because of my political views (although I guess it is different because I am not the owner). I feel sorry for Ken because I believe he has the right to voice his opinion but he should expect backlash from those that disagree with him in town. When it comes to my bike needs I go to the Bike Church because I have faith the ministers of the DIY lifestyle do not discriminate against sexual orientation. I guess the Bike Church is the answer to Ken’s Bike and Ski on the topic of marriage equality, just as Star Spangled Ice Cream is the Chickenhawk’s answer to Ben & Jerry’s. Kidding aside, today is a great day for Californians who believe in love and pledge allegiance to the constitution.

  51. Rob Roy

    I am somewhat torn on the subject of boycotting Ken’s. Having worked for Ben & Jerry’s for nine years I have seen us get into trouble for the political positions of our company and our founders. While it harms us on a business level with certain people it benefits us with others. We do tend to get forgiven because our quality is so high. I hope people don’t avoid my place of employment because of my political views (although I guess it is different because I am not the owner). I feel sorry for Ken because I believe he has the right to voice his opinion but he should expect backlash from those that disagree with him in town. When it comes to my bike needs I go to the Bike Church because I have faith the ministers of the DIY lifestyle do not discriminate against sexual orientation. I guess the Bike Church is the answer to Ken’s Bike and Ski on the topic of marriage equality, just as Star Spangled Ice Cream is the Chickenhawk’s answer to Ben & Jerry’s. Kidding aside, today is a great day for Californians who believe in love and pledge allegiance to the constitution.

  52. Rob Roy

    I am somewhat torn on the subject of boycotting Ken’s. Having worked for Ben & Jerry’s for nine years I have seen us get into trouble for the political positions of our company and our founders. While it harms us on a business level with certain people it benefits us with others. We do tend to get forgiven because our quality is so high. I hope people don’t avoid my place of employment because of my political views (although I guess it is different because I am not the owner). I feel sorry for Ken because I believe he has the right to voice his opinion but he should expect backlash from those that disagree with him in town. When it comes to my bike needs I go to the Bike Church because I have faith the ministers of the DIY lifestyle do not discriminate against sexual orientation. I guess the Bike Church is the answer to Ken’s Bike and Ski on the topic of marriage equality, just as Star Spangled Ice Cream is the Chickenhawk’s answer to Ben & Jerry’s. Kidding aside, today is a great day for Californians who believe in love and pledge allegiance to the constitution.

  53. christian

    ‘Same-sex marriage’ is an oxymoron. But don’t count on the media to figure that out, since they’re all in bed with the homophiles. Thank God for protesters, they are the little flicker of light that’s left of the Church in California, which has allowed this perverted ‘same-sex marriage’ farce to happen due to its silence and therefore, complicity with Evil. These people are modern-day prophets, with God’s message: “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” ~ Psalm 5:5. Of course, the American Church does not want to hear this truth. They want to falsely believe that God loves everyone, no matter how perverted you are. Truth is hate to those that hate the truth. Sodomites are the ones who really hate God, but use His name wickedly to try and force society’s acceptance of their perversity. And the media has repeated this lie (God loves homosexuals) so many times they’ve actually made Americans believe it. Woe to all those who take part in this unGodly alliance. They will receive the greater damnation for causing others to sin. May the Lord forgive us Christians for all our silence and have mercy on this land. At least there is hope in Sacramento with the growing Slavic Christian population. Perhaps they were sent here by God for a testimony!

  54. christian

    ‘Same-sex marriage’ is an oxymoron. But don’t count on the media to figure that out, since they’re all in bed with the homophiles. Thank God for protesters, they are the little flicker of light that’s left of the Church in California, which has allowed this perverted ‘same-sex marriage’ farce to happen due to its silence and therefore, complicity with Evil. These people are modern-day prophets, with God’s message: “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” ~ Psalm 5:5. Of course, the American Church does not want to hear this truth. They want to falsely believe that God loves everyone, no matter how perverted you are. Truth is hate to those that hate the truth. Sodomites are the ones who really hate God, but use His name wickedly to try and force society’s acceptance of their perversity. And the media has repeated this lie (God loves homosexuals) so many times they’ve actually made Americans believe it. Woe to all those who take part in this unGodly alliance. They will receive the greater damnation for causing others to sin. May the Lord forgive us Christians for all our silence and have mercy on this land. At least there is hope in Sacramento with the growing Slavic Christian population. Perhaps they were sent here by God for a testimony!

  55. christian

    ‘Same-sex marriage’ is an oxymoron. But don’t count on the media to figure that out, since they’re all in bed with the homophiles. Thank God for protesters, they are the little flicker of light that’s left of the Church in California, which has allowed this perverted ‘same-sex marriage’ farce to happen due to its silence and therefore, complicity with Evil. These people are modern-day prophets, with God’s message: “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” ~ Psalm 5:5. Of course, the American Church does not want to hear this truth. They want to falsely believe that God loves everyone, no matter how perverted you are. Truth is hate to those that hate the truth. Sodomites are the ones who really hate God, but use His name wickedly to try and force society’s acceptance of their perversity. And the media has repeated this lie (God loves homosexuals) so many times they’ve actually made Americans believe it. Woe to all those who take part in this unGodly alliance. They will receive the greater damnation for causing others to sin. May the Lord forgive us Christians for all our silence and have mercy on this land. At least there is hope in Sacramento with the growing Slavic Christian population. Perhaps they were sent here by God for a testimony!

  56. christian

    ‘Same-sex marriage’ is an oxymoron. But don’t count on the media to figure that out, since they’re all in bed with the homophiles. Thank God for protesters, they are the little flicker of light that’s left of the Church in California, which has allowed this perverted ‘same-sex marriage’ farce to happen due to its silence and therefore, complicity with Evil. These people are modern-day prophets, with God’s message: “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” ~ Psalm 5:5. Of course, the American Church does not want to hear this truth. They want to falsely believe that God loves everyone, no matter how perverted you are. Truth is hate to those that hate the truth. Sodomites are the ones who really hate God, but use His name wickedly to try and force society’s acceptance of their perversity. And the media has repeated this lie (God loves homosexuals) so many times they’ve actually made Americans believe it. Woe to all those who take part in this unGodly alliance. They will receive the greater damnation for causing others to sin. May the Lord forgive us Christians for all our silence and have mercy on this land. At least there is hope in Sacramento with the growing Slavic Christian population. Perhaps they were sent here by God for a testimony!

  57. wdf

    “christian said…

    These people are modern-day prophets, with God’s message: “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” ~ Psalm 5:5.” etc…

    Why do you think that your religious view is the correct one that we should all be following?

  58. wdf

    “christian said…

    These people are modern-day prophets, with God’s message: “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” ~ Psalm 5:5.” etc…

    Why do you think that your religious view is the correct one that we should all be following?

  59. wdf

    “christian said…

    These people are modern-day prophets, with God’s message: “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” ~ Psalm 5:5.” etc…

    Why do you think that your religious view is the correct one that we should all be following?

  60. wdf

    “christian said…

    These people are modern-day prophets, with God’s message: “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.” ~ Psalm 5:5.” etc…

    Why do you think that your religious view is the correct one that we should all be following?

  61. Richard

    The real question we should be asking is why are public forums made available to people like “christian” (just look at the Sacramento Bee comment sections to its same sex marriage articles, comment sections where the Bee does filter comments before they are posted) when they make bigoted attacks upon gays and lesbians, when they would not be made available in similar fashion if they were saying the same things about blacks, Asians, Latinos or whites, for that matter?

    Yesterday, the Bee allowed a comment to stand on its website that called same sex marriage “an abomination against God”. Does anyone believe that the Bee would have allowed this comment to remain on its website if the comment had been directed against an interracial marriage? I don’t.

    There is a double standard here that people don’t want to confront. You can publicly say things about gays and lesbians that would never be permitted if directed towards women and various racial groups, and even get interviewed by newspapers and television stations about them.

    Think about it. Does the Bee frequently provide a forum to white supremacists. No. But I guess that there’s just too much money to be made catering to the religious right in this region.

    –Richard Estes

  62. Richard

    The real question we should be asking is why are public forums made available to people like “christian” (just look at the Sacramento Bee comment sections to its same sex marriage articles, comment sections where the Bee does filter comments before they are posted) when they make bigoted attacks upon gays and lesbians, when they would not be made available in similar fashion if they were saying the same things about blacks, Asians, Latinos or whites, for that matter?

    Yesterday, the Bee allowed a comment to stand on its website that called same sex marriage “an abomination against God”. Does anyone believe that the Bee would have allowed this comment to remain on its website if the comment had been directed against an interracial marriage? I don’t.

    There is a double standard here that people don’t want to confront. You can publicly say things about gays and lesbians that would never be permitted if directed towards women and various racial groups, and even get interviewed by newspapers and television stations about them.

    Think about it. Does the Bee frequently provide a forum to white supremacists. No. But I guess that there’s just too much money to be made catering to the religious right in this region.

    –Richard Estes

  63. Richard

    The real question we should be asking is why are public forums made available to people like “christian” (just look at the Sacramento Bee comment sections to its same sex marriage articles, comment sections where the Bee does filter comments before they are posted) when they make bigoted attacks upon gays and lesbians, when they would not be made available in similar fashion if they were saying the same things about blacks, Asians, Latinos or whites, for that matter?

    Yesterday, the Bee allowed a comment to stand on its website that called same sex marriage “an abomination against God”. Does anyone believe that the Bee would have allowed this comment to remain on its website if the comment had been directed against an interracial marriage? I don’t.

    There is a double standard here that people don’t want to confront. You can publicly say things about gays and lesbians that would never be permitted if directed towards women and various racial groups, and even get interviewed by newspapers and television stations about them.

    Think about it. Does the Bee frequently provide a forum to white supremacists. No. But I guess that there’s just too much money to be made catering to the religious right in this region.

    –Richard Estes

  64. Richard

    The real question we should be asking is why are public forums made available to people like “christian” (just look at the Sacramento Bee comment sections to its same sex marriage articles, comment sections where the Bee does filter comments before they are posted) when they make bigoted attacks upon gays and lesbians, when they would not be made available in similar fashion if they were saying the same things about blacks, Asians, Latinos or whites, for that matter?

    Yesterday, the Bee allowed a comment to stand on its website that called same sex marriage “an abomination against God”. Does anyone believe that the Bee would have allowed this comment to remain on its website if the comment had been directed against an interracial marriage? I don’t.

    There is a double standard here that people don’t want to confront. You can publicly say things about gays and lesbians that would never be permitted if directed towards women and various racial groups, and even get interviewed by newspapers and television stations about them.

    Think about it. Does the Bee frequently provide a forum to white supremacists. No. But I guess that there’s just too much money to be made catering to the religious right in this region.

    –Richard Estes

  65. christian in philosophy - with no church membership

    I laugh at these so-called “Christian” protestors. They pick and choose what they want to believe and support out of the Bible. They choose to ignore poligamy, marriage & sex between men and young girls, brutal torture of criminals, etc. But they freak out about things like gay marriage. They ignore the drive to forward community change to a more humane and just society in Jesus going against the rules of the day & age in his ministry.

    What is basic is that God created everything and has a plan. God doesn’t make mistakes. God wants us to love each other and be true to ourselves, make the best use of our gifts and our resources to live spiritually healthy lives and help others do the same.

    These angry, mean and hateful “Christians” need to step back and consider how their actions look to the rest of us.

    Just an aside: Sex – this is what it comes down to – the accusations of perversion, correct? My feelings about this is that there must be a reason that God made all forms of sexual activity so much fun. I think that we as a community are doing pretty well on setting up boundaries so that there are no victims, no one not enjoying themselves.

  66. christian in philosophy - with

    I laugh at these so-called “Christian” protestors. They pick and choose what they want to believe and support out of the Bible. They choose to ignore poligamy, marriage & sex between men and young girls, brutal torture of criminals, etc. But they freak out about things like gay marriage. They ignore the drive to forward community change to a more humane and just society in Jesus going against the rules of the day & age in his ministry.

    What is basic is that God created everything and has a plan. God doesn’t make mistakes. God wants us to love each other and be true to ourselves, make the best use of our gifts and our resources to live spiritually healthy lives and help others do the same.

    These angry, mean and hateful “Christians” need to step back and consider how their actions look to the rest of us.

    Just an aside: Sex – this is what it comes down to – the accusations of perversion, correct? My feelings about this is that there must be a reason that God made all forms of sexual activity so much fun. I think that we as a community are doing pretty well on setting up boundaries so that there are no victims, no one not enjoying themselves.

  67. christian in philosophy - with

    I laugh at these so-called “Christian” protestors. They pick and choose what they want to believe and support out of the Bible. They choose to ignore poligamy, marriage & sex between men and young girls, brutal torture of criminals, etc. But they freak out about things like gay marriage. They ignore the drive to forward community change to a more humane and just society in Jesus going against the rules of the day & age in his ministry.

    What is basic is that God created everything and has a plan. God doesn’t make mistakes. God wants us to love each other and be true to ourselves, make the best use of our gifts and our resources to live spiritually healthy lives and help others do the same.

    These angry, mean and hateful “Christians” need to step back and consider how their actions look to the rest of us.

    Just an aside: Sex – this is what it comes down to – the accusations of perversion, correct? My feelings about this is that there must be a reason that God made all forms of sexual activity so much fun. I think that we as a community are doing pretty well on setting up boundaries so that there are no victims, no one not enjoying themselves.

  68. christian in philosophy - with

    I laugh at these so-called “Christian” protestors. They pick and choose what they want to believe and support out of the Bible. They choose to ignore poligamy, marriage & sex between men and young girls, brutal torture of criminals, etc. But they freak out about things like gay marriage. They ignore the drive to forward community change to a more humane and just society in Jesus going against the rules of the day & age in his ministry.

    What is basic is that God created everything and has a plan. God doesn’t make mistakes. God wants us to love each other and be true to ourselves, make the best use of our gifts and our resources to live spiritually healthy lives and help others do the same.

    These angry, mean and hateful “Christians” need to step back and consider how their actions look to the rest of us.

    Just an aside: Sex – this is what it comes down to – the accusations of perversion, correct? My feelings about this is that there must be a reason that God made all forms of sexual activity so much fun. I think that we as a community are doing pretty well on setting up boundaries so that there are no victims, no one not enjoying themselves.

  69. Be Careful What You Wish For

    “Just an aside: Sex – this is what it comes down to – the accusations of perversion, correct? My feelings about this is that there must be a reason that God made all forms of sexual activity so much fun. I think that we as a community are doing pretty well on setting up boundaries so that there are no victims, no one not enjoying themselves.”

    You’ve got to be kidding? Indiscriminate sex (whether it be homosexual or hetorosexual) leads to venereal disease, including AIDS. Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence. So where do they find that sense of security? They turn to gangs.

    “additionally, i am weary with these busybodies who feel like they have the right to tell everyone else what to do with their lives.”

    You’ve got to be kidding? Environmentalists are always telling people how to live, as are Democrats. We should not drive SUVs, we should conserve water, we should not have urban sprawl but build infill, homes should have solar panels, McMansions are unacceptable, etc ad nauseum! Al Gore, who paints himself as the inventor of the internet and the concept of abhorrance of global warming goes around telling us to reduce our carbon footprint, while he stomps around with giant feet as he uses up gobs of energy jet setting around to his several McMansion McMansions! Egads!

    The CA judges overrode the will of the voters, who had already spoken on the subject of gay marriage. It sets a dangerous precedent – which may come back to bite all of us as judges feel more empowered to legislate from the bench. Gays are virtually trapped here in CA. Go to another state that prohibits gay marriage, and it won’t be recognized. How would you get a divorce? Seems as if the feds might have to weigh in on this one.

  70. Be Careful What You Wish For

    “Just an aside: Sex – this is what it comes down to – the accusations of perversion, correct? My feelings about this is that there must be a reason that God made all forms of sexual activity so much fun. I think that we as a community are doing pretty well on setting up boundaries so that there are no victims, no one not enjoying themselves.”

    You’ve got to be kidding? Indiscriminate sex (whether it be homosexual or hetorosexual) leads to venereal disease, including AIDS. Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence. So where do they find that sense of security? They turn to gangs.

    “additionally, i am weary with these busybodies who feel like they have the right to tell everyone else what to do with their lives.”

    You’ve got to be kidding? Environmentalists are always telling people how to live, as are Democrats. We should not drive SUVs, we should conserve water, we should not have urban sprawl but build infill, homes should have solar panels, McMansions are unacceptable, etc ad nauseum! Al Gore, who paints himself as the inventor of the internet and the concept of abhorrance of global warming goes around telling us to reduce our carbon footprint, while he stomps around with giant feet as he uses up gobs of energy jet setting around to his several McMansion McMansions! Egads!

    The CA judges overrode the will of the voters, who had already spoken on the subject of gay marriage. It sets a dangerous precedent – which may come back to bite all of us as judges feel more empowered to legislate from the bench. Gays are virtually trapped here in CA. Go to another state that prohibits gay marriage, and it won’t be recognized. How would you get a divorce? Seems as if the feds might have to weigh in on this one.

  71. Be Careful What You Wish For

    “Just an aside: Sex – this is what it comes down to – the accusations of perversion, correct? My feelings about this is that there must be a reason that God made all forms of sexual activity so much fun. I think that we as a community are doing pretty well on setting up boundaries so that there are no victims, no one not enjoying themselves.”

    You’ve got to be kidding? Indiscriminate sex (whether it be homosexual or hetorosexual) leads to venereal disease, including AIDS. Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence. So where do they find that sense of security? They turn to gangs.

    “additionally, i am weary with these busybodies who feel like they have the right to tell everyone else what to do with their lives.”

    You’ve got to be kidding? Environmentalists are always telling people how to live, as are Democrats. We should not drive SUVs, we should conserve water, we should not have urban sprawl but build infill, homes should have solar panels, McMansions are unacceptable, etc ad nauseum! Al Gore, who paints himself as the inventor of the internet and the concept of abhorrance of global warming goes around telling us to reduce our carbon footprint, while he stomps around with giant feet as he uses up gobs of energy jet setting around to his several McMansion McMansions! Egads!

    The CA judges overrode the will of the voters, who had already spoken on the subject of gay marriage. It sets a dangerous precedent – which may come back to bite all of us as judges feel more empowered to legislate from the bench. Gays are virtually trapped here in CA. Go to another state that prohibits gay marriage, and it won’t be recognized. How would you get a divorce? Seems as if the feds might have to weigh in on this one.

  72. Be Careful What You Wish For

    “Just an aside: Sex – this is what it comes down to – the accusations of perversion, correct? My feelings about this is that there must be a reason that God made all forms of sexual activity so much fun. I think that we as a community are doing pretty well on setting up boundaries so that there are no victims, no one not enjoying themselves.”

    You’ve got to be kidding? Indiscriminate sex (whether it be homosexual or hetorosexual) leads to venereal disease, including AIDS. Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence. So where do they find that sense of security? They turn to gangs.

    “additionally, i am weary with these busybodies who feel like they have the right to tell everyone else what to do with their lives.”

    You’ve got to be kidding? Environmentalists are always telling people how to live, as are Democrats. We should not drive SUVs, we should conserve water, we should not have urban sprawl but build infill, homes should have solar panels, McMansions are unacceptable, etc ad nauseum! Al Gore, who paints himself as the inventor of the internet and the concept of abhorrance of global warming goes around telling us to reduce our carbon footprint, while he stomps around with giant feet as he uses up gobs of energy jet setting around to his several McMansion McMansions! Egads!

    The CA judges overrode the will of the voters, who had already spoken on the subject of gay marriage. It sets a dangerous precedent – which may come back to bite all of us as judges feel more empowered to legislate from the bench. Gays are virtually trapped here in CA. Go to another state that prohibits gay marriage, and it won’t be recognized. How would you get a divorce? Seems as if the feds might have to weigh in on this one.

  73. wdf

    It’s interesting that the amount of discussion on this topic diminished significantly once the marriages started happening. Before Monday it seemed to be more of a raging topic.

    Maybe people start to realize that someone else’s same-sex marriage doesn’t really affect their lives? That the sky didn’t fall, after all?

    Perhaps this is an opportunity for California to gain some modest economic benefits from gay couples around the country travelling here to get married, at least until November?

  74. wdf

    It’s interesting that the amount of discussion on this topic diminished significantly once the marriages started happening. Before Monday it seemed to be more of a raging topic.

    Maybe people start to realize that someone else’s same-sex marriage doesn’t really affect their lives? That the sky didn’t fall, after all?

    Perhaps this is an opportunity for California to gain some modest economic benefits from gay couples around the country travelling here to get married, at least until November?

  75. wdf

    It’s interesting that the amount of discussion on this topic diminished significantly once the marriages started happening. Before Monday it seemed to be more of a raging topic.

    Maybe people start to realize that someone else’s same-sex marriage doesn’t really affect their lives? That the sky didn’t fall, after all?

    Perhaps this is an opportunity for California to gain some modest economic benefits from gay couples around the country travelling here to get married, at least until November?

  76. wdf

    It’s interesting that the amount of discussion on this topic diminished significantly once the marriages started happening. Before Monday it seemed to be more of a raging topic.

    Maybe people start to realize that someone else’s same-sex marriage doesn’t really affect their lives? That the sky didn’t fall, after all?

    Perhaps this is an opportunity for California to gain some modest economic benefits from gay couples around the country travelling here to get married, at least until November?

  77. Anonymous

    You’ve got to be kidding said:
    “Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence.”

    I’d say that this is a good argument for same-sex marriage. Thank you!

  78. Anonymous

    You’ve got to be kidding said:
    “Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence.”

    I’d say that this is a good argument for same-sex marriage. Thank you!

  79. Anonymous

    You’ve got to be kidding said:
    “Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence.”

    I’d say that this is a good argument for same-sex marriage. Thank you!

  80. Anonymous

    You’ve got to be kidding said:
    “Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence.”

    I’d say that this is a good argument for same-sex marriage. Thank you!

  81. Perplexed

    You’ve got to be kidding said:
    “Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence.”

    “I’d say that this is a good argument for same-sex marriage. Thank you!”

    I used to think so too, until I sat back over the years and watched the institution of marriage become eroded until it is virtually meaningless today. Our country is headed away from marriage between a man and a woman. Instead youngsters are just living together, gays “marry”, and polygamists get their children back that they have raised to rape. We are headed more towards a hedonistic Hollywood lifestyle, that IMHO seems more like Europe, with its legalized drugs (Sweden), and where adultery is not particularly looked down upon (France has no problem with mistresses).

    If I were to make a guess, many of you who think one way, as you experience life and can take a backward look at things, may find yourselves changing some of your views. I certainly have. I have been through pretty grim experiences, and have watched my own children struggle with the ambivalent ethics and morality that exists today. I realize that the pendulum swings back and forth from generation to generation, but this is the worst I’ve seen things in my almost 60 years on earth.

    Example: Our forefathers would roll over in their graves if they thought “speech” had been interpreted to include “striptease dancing” and “dead cow heads”. But then they would be shocked to think either of these things passed for art!

  82. Perplexed

    You’ve got to be kidding said:
    “Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence.”

    “I’d say that this is a good argument for same-sex marriage. Thank you!”

    I used to think so too, until I sat back over the years and watched the institution of marriage become eroded until it is virtually meaningless today. Our country is headed away from marriage between a man and a woman. Instead youngsters are just living together, gays “marry”, and polygamists get their children back that they have raised to rape. We are headed more towards a hedonistic Hollywood lifestyle, that IMHO seems more like Europe, with its legalized drugs (Sweden), and where adultery is not particularly looked down upon (France has no problem with mistresses).

    If I were to make a guess, many of you who think one way, as you experience life and can take a backward look at things, may find yourselves changing some of your views. I certainly have. I have been through pretty grim experiences, and have watched my own children struggle with the ambivalent ethics and morality that exists today. I realize that the pendulum swings back and forth from generation to generation, but this is the worst I’ve seen things in my almost 60 years on earth.

    Example: Our forefathers would roll over in their graves if they thought “speech” had been interpreted to include “striptease dancing” and “dead cow heads”. But then they would be shocked to think either of these things passed for art!

  83. Perplexed

    You’ve got to be kidding said:
    “Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence.”

    “I’d say that this is a good argument for same-sex marriage. Thank you!”

    I used to think so too, until I sat back over the years and watched the institution of marriage become eroded until it is virtually meaningless today. Our country is headed away from marriage between a man and a woman. Instead youngsters are just living together, gays “marry”, and polygamists get their children back that they have raised to rape. We are headed more towards a hedonistic Hollywood lifestyle, that IMHO seems more like Europe, with its legalized drugs (Sweden), and where adultery is not particularly looked down upon (France has no problem with mistresses).

    If I were to make a guess, many of you who think one way, as you experience life and can take a backward look at things, may find yourselves changing some of your views. I certainly have. I have been through pretty grim experiences, and have watched my own children struggle with the ambivalent ethics and morality that exists today. I realize that the pendulum swings back and forth from generation to generation, but this is the worst I’ve seen things in my almost 60 years on earth.

    Example: Our forefathers would roll over in their graves if they thought “speech” had been interpreted to include “striptease dancing” and “dead cow heads”. But then they would be shocked to think either of these things passed for art!

  84. Perplexed

    You’ve got to be kidding said:
    “Moving away from marriage as an institution has given rise to children who feel unsettled about the future, w no sense of permanence.”

    “I’d say that this is a good argument for same-sex marriage. Thank you!”

    I used to think so too, until I sat back over the years and watched the institution of marriage become eroded until it is virtually meaningless today. Our country is headed away from marriage between a man and a woman. Instead youngsters are just living together, gays “marry”, and polygamists get their children back that they have raised to rape. We are headed more towards a hedonistic Hollywood lifestyle, that IMHO seems more like Europe, with its legalized drugs (Sweden), and where adultery is not particularly looked down upon (France has no problem with mistresses).

    If I were to make a guess, many of you who think one way, as you experience life and can take a backward look at things, may find yourselves changing some of your views. I certainly have. I have been through pretty grim experiences, and have watched my own children struggle with the ambivalent ethics and morality that exists today. I realize that the pendulum swings back and forth from generation to generation, but this is the worst I’ve seen things in my almost 60 years on earth.

    Example: Our forefathers would roll over in their graves if they thought “speech” had been interpreted to include “striptease dancing” and “dead cow heads”. But then they would be shocked to think either of these things passed for art!

  85. Alternate View

    “It’s interesting that the amount of discussion on this topic diminished significantly once the marriages started happening. Before Monday it seemed to be more of a raging topic.”

    That’s because my computer was down for several days, and I had to wipe out my hard drive and reinstall everything due to a virus. I wasn’t there to give the alternate view –

  86. Alternate View

    “It’s interesting that the amount of discussion on this topic diminished significantly once the marriages started happening. Before Monday it seemed to be more of a raging topic.”

    That’s because my computer was down for several days, and I had to wipe out my hard drive and reinstall everything due to a virus. I wasn’t there to give the alternate view –

  87. Alternate View

    “It’s interesting that the amount of discussion on this topic diminished significantly once the marriages started happening. Before Monday it seemed to be more of a raging topic.”

    That’s because my computer was down for several days, and I had to wipe out my hard drive and reinstall everything due to a virus. I wasn’t there to give the alternate view –

  88. Alternate View

    “It’s interesting that the amount of discussion on this topic diminished significantly once the marriages started happening. Before Monday it seemed to be more of a raging topic.”

    That’s because my computer was down for several days, and I had to wipe out my hard drive and reinstall everything due to a virus. I wasn’t there to give the alternate view –

  89. wdf

    I used to think so too, until I sat back over the years and watched the institution of marriage become eroded until it is virtually meaningless today.

    And my grandmother from the Florida panhandle went to her grave with the belief that inter-racial marriage was just wrong, and used that as a jumping off point to talk about the deterioration of society.

    I see same-sex couples in Davis do a perfectly fine job of raising kids. One reason I prefer to see same-sex marriages happen in part because if such couples choose to raise kids, I think marriage is a stronger binding commitment to parenting those kids.

  90. wdf

    I used to think so too, until I sat back over the years and watched the institution of marriage become eroded until it is virtually meaningless today.

    And my grandmother from the Florida panhandle went to her grave with the belief that inter-racial marriage was just wrong, and used that as a jumping off point to talk about the deterioration of society.

    I see same-sex couples in Davis do a perfectly fine job of raising kids. One reason I prefer to see same-sex marriages happen in part because if such couples choose to raise kids, I think marriage is a stronger binding commitment to parenting those kids.

  91. wdf

    I used to think so too, until I sat back over the years and watched the institution of marriage become eroded until it is virtually meaningless today.

    And my grandmother from the Florida panhandle went to her grave with the belief that inter-racial marriage was just wrong, and used that as a jumping off point to talk about the deterioration of society.

    I see same-sex couples in Davis do a perfectly fine job of raising kids. One reason I prefer to see same-sex marriages happen in part because if such couples choose to raise kids, I think marriage is a stronger binding commitment to parenting those kids.

  92. wdf

    I used to think so too, until I sat back over the years and watched the institution of marriage become eroded until it is virtually meaningless today.

    And my grandmother from the Florida panhandle went to her grave with the belief that inter-racial marriage was just wrong, and used that as a jumping off point to talk about the deterioration of society.

    I see same-sex couples in Davis do a perfectly fine job of raising kids. One reason I prefer to see same-sex marriages happen in part because if such couples choose to raise kids, I think marriage is a stronger binding commitment to parenting those kids.

  93. Different View

    “I see same-sex couples in Davis do a perfectly fine job of raising kids. One reason I prefer to see same-sex marriages happen in part because if such couples choose to raise kids, I think marriage is a stronger binding commitment to parenting those kids.”

    As you point out, “I see…”. Most of the country does not see it your way. There is clearly a difference of opinion. However, only time will tell as to how this all turns out, and whether “gay marriage” is an accepted thing. The sexual revolution of the hippy generation turned out to be not such a good thing – the spread of AIDS comes to mind.

  94. Different View

    “I see same-sex couples in Davis do a perfectly fine job of raising kids. One reason I prefer to see same-sex marriages happen in part because if such couples choose to raise kids, I think marriage is a stronger binding commitment to parenting those kids.”

    As you point out, “I see…”. Most of the country does not see it your way. There is clearly a difference of opinion. However, only time will tell as to how this all turns out, and whether “gay marriage” is an accepted thing. The sexual revolution of the hippy generation turned out to be not such a good thing – the spread of AIDS comes to mind.

  95. Different View

    “I see same-sex couples in Davis do a perfectly fine job of raising kids. One reason I prefer to see same-sex marriages happen in part because if such couples choose to raise kids, I think marriage is a stronger binding commitment to parenting those kids.”

    As you point out, “I see…”. Most of the country does not see it your way. There is clearly a difference of opinion. However, only time will tell as to how this all turns out, and whether “gay marriage” is an accepted thing. The sexual revolution of the hippy generation turned out to be not such a good thing – the spread of AIDS comes to mind.

  96. Different View

    “I see same-sex couples in Davis do a perfectly fine job of raising kids. One reason I prefer to see same-sex marriages happen in part because if such couples choose to raise kids, I think marriage is a stronger binding commitment to parenting those kids.”

    As you point out, “I see…”. Most of the country does not see it your way. There is clearly a difference of opinion. However, only time will tell as to how this all turns out, and whether “gay marriage” is an accepted thing. The sexual revolution of the hippy generation turned out to be not such a good thing – the spread of AIDS comes to mind.

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