Here's the thing I do not understand about the whole marriage amendment issue that passed by an overwhelming majority in Tennessee this past Tuesday. Why are people so opposed to same sex marriages?
I have heard all the religious arguments, but those are not valid in my opinion. You have your beliefs, I have mine; and mine are not necessarily the exact same I the couple sitting next to me on Sunday morning. There is a family of a woman in Kentucky probably wishing that she did not attend a church service involving snakes. But the great thing about this country is that she has the freedom to do so. It's called freedom of religion. Maybe some of you should read the Constitution some time. If your church chooses not to recognize same sex marriages, then fine. But why should the government be involved? Is the next step to outlaw bigamy in Utah?
I have heard one non-religious argument against same sex marriages. That argument was that children needed a mother and a father. How ridiculous is that? Are you trying to tell me that children will grow up and have a better life simply because there is a man and a woman in the house? I have seen same sex couples with well-adjusted and successful children (who were also heterosexual - not that it matters). I have seen traditional couples who have children who are unfit parents. The thing that a child needs is caring parents, regardless of their sex.
If two individuals love and respect each other, then they should be allowed to profess their love for each other. I could care less if it were a man and a woman, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman.
People wonder why those outside the deep south think we are so backwards and close-minded. Well, Tennesseans, you need to look no further than last Tuesday to see why.
Wesley Poole
Chattanooga
wesleypoole@yahoo.com
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Mr. Poole,
Understand this. God said it’s wrong for anyone other than one man and one woman to marry. I didn’t say it, Bob Corker didn’t say it, Zach Wamp didn’t say it, and George W didn’t say it. God said it, and obviously they believe it and so do I.
Have you ever heard the story of Sodom and Gomorrah? Do you know what God did to them for their perverted behavior? If our government allows and condones this perverted behavior (yes, perverted behavior) then he will do the same thing to the USA that he did to Sodom and Gomorrah. He WILL destroy us.
Here’s something to consider….What if it were legal for a man to marry another man? What’s next? Some idiot will show up at the courthouse with his German Shepherd and say that he loves it and wants to marry it. Then what do ya know, the ACLU will step in with a lawsuit and say that the idiot should be allowed to marry his German Shepherd. Then where does it go from there? Another idiot loves his microwave oven…..here we go again.
Your statement that children need a loving, caring environment is accurate. I know how devastating it can be for children to be exposed to a man and woman who are not fit to be parents. I was one of those parents. My ex-wife and I fought like cats and dogs and my children definitely suffered for it. And, yes, that’s before I became a Christian. I was young and stupid.
I’m probably one of the few Christians who wouldn’t try to force my beliefs on you as far as telling you that you can’t be gay. You can be gay all you want to. That doesn’t mean that I believe that it’s right, find it acceptable or as being natural.
Call it backward, call it being close minded. It’s not…it’s called sin. Yes, I’m a sinner too. Daily, hourly, minute by minute I’m a sinner.
Bottom line…..you can profess your love and respect for whomever or whatever you desire. BUT, the state of Tennessee will not recognize that love and respect for anything other than just that. God says it’s wrong.
Ken Snyder
Chattanooga
krs88@comcast.net
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A German Shepherd? That's the best you can come up with? You want our state constitution to be oppressive and offensive because someone might want to marry their dog?
I welcome someone marryng their dog before molesting church-going children or frauding the American public while having methamphetamine (the real enemy for families) binges.
This amendment just shows that the government has no business in marriage. Let the church govern marriage, but let the government give the tax priviledges and prestige to all who apply for unions.
German Shepherds?! I guess you also agree with the Bible being used to keep African-Americans out of "white schools." After all, negroes have no business corrupting our white women. Our state just stood up like George Wallace and will be remembered as such in 40 years; well, you will Mr. Snyder as will Mr. Fowler.
Mobocracy has no place in our government, and it takes courage to stand up for such a small minority, but a coward to cast the first stone.
Adam William Hipp
Signal Mountain
Adam_Hipp@msn.com
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Just when we're discussing same-sex marriage, Adam Hipp pulls out the race card. You're probably a white boy too.
Starting controversy doesn't win people to your side of the argument you know. Most people probably weren't even thinking of race but you've gotta go be bringing it up.
I guess I know what you're thinking about.
Latisha Sanders
s.latisha@gmail.com
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The idea that if two people love and respect each other then it is ok for them to get married is a dangerous one and breaks down upon rational thought. What if one of those two people is a minor such as a 12 year old? I think most people would think it not ok. Likewise I love my dog and she likewise loves and respects me. However I do not want to nor should I be allowed to marry her. Desire or love is not always a valid reason for a marriage.
Yes it is true that the institution of marriage is a religious one in western society and that then begs the question “Why is there a political push to legalize gay marriage?” Likely it is because of the desire of the gay and lesbian community for a legitimacy which the church has been very reluctant to give. I and many others in the state of Tennessee are ok with the idea that gay marriages need not be legitimized by our government. I wonder why the exercising of our constitutional rights as citizens to vote our beliefs in a democracy is considered ‘backward.’
If gay marriages are legitimized by the government and the privileges and rights of marriage are given to gay couples then it seems these same rights should be given to non-married heterosexual couples? If someone loves and respects their girlfriend shouldn’t she also be carried on their medical insurance policy or perhaps she should have the right to make important medical decisions on behalf of her boyfriend? Likely most people, including myself, would find these to be absurd propositions. Many of us recognize that love and desire are different than the extension of legal rights and responsibilities through a marriage of a man and woman.
Tracy J. Daugherty
Sale Creek
tdaug@bellsouth.net
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People are opposed to same sex marriages for the same reason they would be opposed to making armed robbery a legally protected activity. A sin is wrong and should not be condoned by the government.
My question - why do gays want this so badly? I really want to understand this. Anyone who has ever read the Bible knows the marriage is not going to be recognized as valid by God.
Is it really just for the tax benefits? Is that what all the uproar is about?
Lisa Bluford
pulpit@amginternational.org
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I would have to strongly agree with Mr. Poole and Hipp. Anyone should be able to marry anyone they want. Otherwise it is discrimination like black and white and is wrong.
Hatred is what causes Christians to have this stance, yet they get up and preach love. I mean thank god for people like Ted Haggard and I am an atheist. If the Christians have such a grand stance on marriage, why do Christians have the worst divorce rates?
My father started in about how great this was and when I stuck that on him, he shut up quick. He has been married three times. He couldn't believe his heterosexual son said that to him.
They need to keep their noses out of government. They sit around and practice the opposite of what they preach. It's Christians that ruin Christianity.
Marcus Shadrick
Chattanooga
mshad71@hotmail.com