wanting their society to recognize their commitment, and wanting their commitment memorialized by their civilization's government for whatever good or evil that may bring at the time or in the future.
*scratches his head*
I make a few points:
1. Since when have we (especially as pro-gun people) gave a damn about what society thinks? In this state, I can carry openly, but there are bliss ninnies who'd call the cops, do whatever, because "openly carrying firearms is unacceptible to the public order". This same society also likes things like "Jackass", MTV, and other stupid things that just thrive on total idiocy and mediocrity. In all of those things, pro-gun people get shunned.
2. Wanting their society to recognize their marriage, to me, is akin to begging. You pay a tax on marriage, or civil union, or whatever. It's no different than estate death taxes.
3. Whatever good or evil? Hey, just because two people are together in common union, doesn't mean they'll be angels, either.
My entire point is that state licensing of marriage, civil unions, or whatever you want it, needs to end.
Am I jealous of married people? No. As you said it yourself, there doesn't seem to be any advantage to it other than a spouse being able to sue you for every penny, take your house, your car, your life savings, and whatnot. The tax system still treats married couples poorly in terms of income taxation (ditch the IRS and the income tax, replace it with the NRST, no problem).
Am I jealous of the institution of marriage licensing? No. I view marriage and civil union licensing with utter contempt. People do it because life would be more difficult in terms of taking financial matters over if your partner gets hurt, and other stuff (at least until they realize that they can get name changes, financial controls, powers of attorney, inheritance, and the like, can all be done seperately, even though it's much more expensive at first).. Same reason that I, as a CHL holder, would get a CHL just to cover my butt when I carry a concealed handgun, even though I believe such state licenses are unconstitutional.
I started this thread in an attempt to bring some common ground, and to reverse the trend of the combination of issues discussed here causes outright flaming, and closing of the thread.
I never, ever would have thought that me, a "pagan" gay man, could find myself in such common agreement with the Preacherman on this very issue, even though we are fundamentally opposite on the issue of same sex relationships. Major kudos to all of you, even those who are not in agreement with me. You've all kept it very civil....
