I recently wrote a letter to one of the Chattanooga City Council-woman asking her to rethink her vote for Same-sex and Common-law dwellings (I do not call it a marriage, I call it a dwelling) to have the same rights as married couples as far as insurance is concerned; but to no avail. These are the reasons why I think that this piece of legislation will hurt the city and state and set our society as we know it into a moral freefall.  

I am well aware that the argument is about who have rights and who do not. But be aware of the fact that the word rights means to be right and never to be wrong. And the intent of the forefathers of this great nation recognized the fact that in order for us to have a just and civil society, the citizen must be given the right to chose and to do right; that is what “having your rights” mean. 

They are not given the right to do wrong; which is an oxymoron. In other words, allowing someone freedom to do wrong is a total contradiction of having rights simply because rights will always result in positive consequences while wrong will always result in negative consequences. If people were given rights to do acceptable wrongs, we would not need laws. 

Right and wrong cannot be identified without understanding the existence of good and evil. The reason why something is right is because its source and outcomes are good. And the reason why something is wrong is because its source and outcomes are evil. I cannot see any positives that would strengthen the edifice of a moral society by passing such a law. The negatives far out way the positives: the destruction of the nuclear family, fatherless and motherless children, confused identity among children, an upheaval of unthinkable sexually transmitted diseases, moral decay, social debauchery; which will lead to a destructive society.

The next argument that is used to propel such acceptance is, “This is a democracy so give them their rights." Democracy by which Western Civilization was built upon was largely due to the Judeo-Christian values. That is why the forefathers made it unequivocally clear that these rights are unalienable rights (not given by man but by God). Democracy does not accrue in a vacuum, it must have the correct atmosphere to strive and the Judeo-Christian values provide the atmosphere and ideology for such a free society to occur. Just take a quick glance at the world map and look at the nations that are democratic as opposed to those which are not. The overwhelming evidence for a strong democracy is stacked on the side of the nations which have historically embraced Judeo-Christian values. 

When a few elected officials decides to pass immoral laws without the consent of the majority of its constituency, this is nothing short of a “Moral Oligarchy.” Because of the brevity of such a law, it would be good to let the people decide and not just an elected few. Also, I have been observing this national and global trend to make homosexuality more accepted in the societies of the world. And the nations that are pushing this are mainly Caucasian dominated in race: Holland, France, New Zealand, England, Australia, Canada and now the United States. Because these nations control most of the world's flourishing economies, they are forcing the other nations of the world to comply by using the power of the purse. I called this “Moral Colonialism.” And yes, colonialism still exists and it seems to be a Caucasian plague. 

With that said, if we as a nation understand what is at stake not only spiritually and socially (which I think is the first place to start) but geopolitically; we would be united in our efforts to prevent this despicable carnage that will bring shame and disgrace to America’s Exceptionalism. The people from all nations of the world try their very best to migrate and to be a part of this great nation. They not only want to share in the American experience, but because it the strongest and most powerful force for good as a nation on earth; a just and moral society. To travel the way of Europe should not be the model to embrace. Europe has expunged God from its societies and it is fighting for its survival. This should not be America’s fate. 

Most nations of the world do not want this because it is intrinsically wrong. Do not go the way of
The Nations in Green Europe and all these failing societies of the world. Western civilization is on the attack from terrorist who hold to a maniacal Middle Eastern religious anti-Judeo-Christian ideology and also from moral attack from those who hold to a European liberalism which is also anti-Judeo-Christian in ideology. Chattanooga can be the bastion of hope that can save our Western societies and at the same time prevent this great nation from losing its moral influence. Let us not be responsible for transporting such ill on our societies and later have to apologize to our children and the world at large for such a social blight. 

It would do us good to read The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon. It is true that the Barbarians of the day were attacking the Empire from without, but it was the moral decay from within that brought down the walls of Rome for their enemies to enter. 

It is no strange thing while we are decaying morally, our economy is crashing and radical Islam and Communist China are crouching at our doors. I think there is a Biblical reference to this. God warns the nation of Israel through Moses, (paraphrase) if they obey His word and His commands He will bless them and their children. They will enjoy economic success, they will chase their enemies in seven directions and they would have peace throughout their lands. But if they fail to honor God, they will suffer economic failure and hardship, their enemies will chase them in seven directions and they would not live in peace in their own lands (Duet. 28: 1-68).
Chattanoogans, life and death is set before us (Duet. 30: 15-20) so let us reserve the right to chose right before we do not have a freedom to chose at all. The soul of our city, nation and western civilization rest on us and like Nehemiah who encouraged the Jews to build the wall when the enemy was trying to prevent them told them “…Don’t be afraid of the enemy. Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” (Neh. 4: 14). 

I gave you the big picture and showed you the national and global impact. We cannot automatically change the world but we can start by preserving our city and let it have a rippling effect on the state, nation and worldwide. The stakes are high and it is that important for us to fight for our society. The soul of any society is the nuclear family. Let’s fight for it. We do not have to fight with guns and bombs, but thank God we live in a republic and we have a voice and a vote let us exercise them. 

This last note; which serve as a caution and a duty. There was an event which took place between the first two siblings in recorded human history; Cain and Abel. I am not going into all the detail of the story but, I always look at this verse with much profundity. After Cain developed jealousy towards his brother Abel, God cautioned Cain by revealing to him that, “Sin is crouching at your door and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Gen. 4: 7). The sad thing was, Cain did not listen and the outcome was the murder of his brother (v.8). The point is, God is warning us as Chattanoogans that, “Sin is crouching at our doors and its desire is for us, but we must master it or it would master us.” If we don’t the result will be societal suicide.

Rev. Calvert Dixon 

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Rev. Calvert Dixon,  

I read your very lengthy opine comparing homosexuality to the fall of the roman empire, the destruction of the nuclear family, fatherless and motherless children (that's already a problem for heteros, don't get married so you get a government check), confused identity among children (what?), an upheaval of unthinkable sexually transmitted diseases (what?), moral decay, social debauchery; which will lead to a destructive society.   

I must say that while I don't agree w/ giving benefits to unmarried partners (as that opens the door for fraud for everyone), I believe that gays should be allowed to marry, as is their right, then the benefits should apply.  And, if you're given "rights" to do so, is just means you are legally allowed to.  Having "rights" has nothing to do with right or wrong as you droned on and on and on and on about. 

Step away from the homophobic koolaid, Reverend, and remember: Judge not lest ye be judged. 

Netta Hall 

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Netta Hall, 

Your defense of gay marriage fails to recognize the reasons why gays should not "marry."  

First of all, marriage is an institution that finds its origin in the union of two persons of the opposite sex, as per the Bible account of Adam and Eve.  

The sexual union between people of the same sex has been rejected  and frowned upon, even punished, from earliest times. 

Marriage has always been understood as the foundation for the family.  Only marriage between a man and a woman can produce offspring.  Even a gay union can only care for the offspring of a man/woman relationship, showing its dependence upon a traditional view of marriage. 

When the joining of two things is referred to as the "marriage" of two things, or the "joining" of two things, this is understood to be only in a colloquial sense as a play on words.  The mixing of oil and water is not possible because they are not compatible in the fundamental molecular sense. 

Sexual conduct between two persons of the same sex is condemned not only by the Bible but also almost universally among mankind.  Throughout history, homosexuality has been a closeted relationship between two persons because it has been universally considered to be abnormal.  The attempts in modern times to make something normal which can never be normal because of its very nature are causing unnecessary social conflicts.   

It is confusing to children to have "two mommies" or "two daddies" precisely because it is violates the meaning of parenthood.  Even in divorce and remarriage, the child understands that the role of step-parents is not the ordinary relationship, though it may produce satisfying results through the good-faith effort of all involved. 

Gay "marriage" tends to teach children that such a relationship is normal or maybe even equal or superior to normal marriage,  Whatever gay "marriage" is, it is anything but normal.  It cannot produce a progeny -- a natural family line.  

Gay "marriage" undermines the perpetuation of a society in the same sense that abortion does; its fails to produce offspring which are fundamental to a society's survival.   Practiced universally, it leads to the extinction of the race, and for this reason, it cannot be good. 

Gay "marriage" is rarely monogamous; studies show that  extra-marital sexual relationships are accepted by gay couples as normal and not a matter of "cheating."  In genuine marriage, extra-marital affairs are considered as scandalous by society in general.  Whole publishing industries thrive on these scandals.  If such relationships were considered normal, there would be no money to be made. 

Since gay marriage is rarely monogamous, the disease rates are extremely high and akin to the rates of STD's among promiscuous sexual conduct among heterosexuals.  Both kinds of relationships are counterproductive for society. 

One cannot change the divine plan for the family without causing personal hurt and societal upheaval.  To consider whether such behavior should be a "right" or not, one should compare it with other behaviors that are destructive to society in general.  The fact that two people consent to such behavior does not make it a wise course of action. 

Only recently has homosexual behavior been considered to be psychologically healthy behavior.  This is not because good research has proven it to be so but because the gay lobby has succeeded in gaining a modicum of acceptability.  No sound and acceptable DNA evidence has shown the existence of a "gay gene."  All people are born physically either male or female and in possession of the physical accoutrements to produce the survival of the human race.  Those who possess feelings that are opposed to that purpose are in need of counseling and understanding, not accommodation. 

James West
Ringgold 

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James West, you threw out so many ad hominem, illogical, and unconstitutional arguments that it is mind blowing. 

First, marriage predates Judaism and Christianity and the ceremony used today was a pagan ritual. Next irrelevant reason was that being a homosexual was unacceptable and punishable in the past. At one time in this country it was unacceptable to be left hand dominate and children were forced to use their right hand or they were punished for being "bad". As science became more advanced, doctors realized that left handedness was natural. So claiming there isn't a "gay gene" is another straw man argument. Just because something hasn't been biologically proven (yet), doesn't equate to not being biologically induced. If you don't believe me, ask any older left handed people (or my niece) that were forced to use their right hand. 

Second, what happens in a homosexual couples relationship is the same as any heterosexuals relationships -- it's none of your business. There are a lot of "open" marriages in the straight community, why aren't you foaming at the mouth about what happens in their relationships? 

Here we go with the "foundation of the family" bit. Show me one marriage license that procreation or fertility is a requirement for marriage. If that's the case there are a lot of infertile and senior couples, or couple who choose not to have children, that should have their marriages voided. Talking about having two mommies or two daddies, I bet a whole bunch of those kids in foster care or waiting to be adopted could care less about that and more about if they are loved unconditionally by anyone.  

Third, banning marriage equality violates the 9th (the one that states just because a civil right isn't written into the Constitution doesn't construe said civil right doesn't exist) and the 14th Amendments. According to the 14th Amendment no laws can be enacted that deny equal treatment under the law. So, as long as it is legal for two unrelated people of sound mind and legal age of consent to have civil marriage, it can't be legally denied.  

Marriage equality will come to Tennessee whether you like it or not. The groundwork is being laid by the couples who have sued the state to have their marriages from other states to be legally recognized. And with the precedent set in Proposition 8 being unconstitutional, the odds favor the plaintiffs. 

Aulcie Smith 

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The creation of this world and all that’s in it was done by God, and this fact has yet to have been found untrue. When a person denies truth, they are denying the total concept of God’s perfect work and design for His people. No longer are we following God’s order, but our own order, and we will all have to give an account to our fallen decisions one day (Philippians Chapter 2, verse 9-11). 

Genesis Chapter 2, verse 7-24:
7 Then the Lord God formed a man[c] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. 

8 Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin[d] and onyx are also there.) 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.[e] 14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. 

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” 

18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 

19 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. 

But for Adam[f] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs[g] and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib[h] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 

23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 

24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 

God’s design was for the male and female to produce offspring and obey His divine command to “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth,” (Gen. 1:28). He created us for a reason, and the "suitable helper" is just that, a suitable helper to carry out the commission that God stated. Homosexuality cannot fulfill that command and is a violation of the created order of God. 

Melanie Peterson 

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Kudos to Aulcie Smith for all the very good points made. 

To Ms. Peterson, Mr. West (another one?) and the Rev. when you go back to the beginning and start espousing your views as to the plan of God you fall into a trap. Yes, a man and a woman, told to go have sex, procreate and they did. Of the first two kids one killed the other and God intervened and did not invoke capital punishment, but I digress, another topic for another day. 

Then their children had sex with each other, yes, the children of Adam and Even, Adam and Steve, had sex.  So by your thinking incest is part of God's plan, right? Had to be, right there in the King James, you must endorse that as well as part of His plan, from the beginning forever and ever. 

Oh, and how about Moses, David and for goodness sake Solomon with their multiple partners, that latter in the thousands?  There goes that "one man one woman" theory.  Suppose they were all covered by the benefit plan of the times? 

Michael Lawrence