Same Sex Marriage

Same Sex Marriage:

On March 27th, 2013 the Supreme Court heard oral arguments  surrounding the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that prevents legally married gay couples from receiving a range of benefits afforded opposite sex married couples.  The justices are expected to reach a ruling by July 2013.

There are currently twelve countries that allow same sex couples to marry nationwide.  They are Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, and Uruguay.  There are also several sub-national jurisdictions including Brazil, Mexico, and the United States.   Studies in several countries show support for legal recognition of same sex marriage increases with higher levels of education and support is strong among younger people.   Polls show rising support for legally recognizing same sex marriage across all races, religions, ethnicities, ages, political affiliations, socioeconomic status, etc.

The scientific literature indicates that the parents' financial, psychological, and physical well-being is enhanced by marriage and that children benefit from being raised by two parents within a legally recognized union (either opposite sex or same sex).  The children of gay and lesbian parents are as psychologically healthy and well adjusted as children of heterosexual couples.  On the other hand a 2010 Columbia's University study found an increase in psychiatric disorders, including a doubling of anxiety disorders among the gay and lesbian population in states that ban same sex marriage.

The worlds largest religions vary in their views on same sex marriage.  Various faith communities around the world support allowing same sex couples to marry and/or conduct same sex marriage ceremonies.  These include Quakers, American Episcopalians, the Metropolitan Community Church, United Church of Christ, United Churches of Canada, Buddhism in Australia, Reform and Conservative Jews, Wiccans, Druids, Unitarian Universalists, and Native American religions with a two spirit tradition.

Opponents argue that altering the traditional definition of marriage as between a man and woman will further weaken the threatened institution of marriage and that legalizing gay marriage may lead to polygamous and inter species marriages.

To be sure the recognition of same sex marriage is a civil rights, equality, human rights, political, social , moral, and religious issue.

Well, I thought about that......... and I believe that in the land of the free and the home of the brave there is room for  same sex marriage.   The arguments  I have heard against same sex marriage, I do not consider as compelling.    Arguments as to the definition of  marriage are semantic.   Fears to what it may lead to are exaggerated.   I find the arguments for same sex marriage make sense.

The first historical mention of same sex marriage was during the early Roman Empire.   Gays and lesbians have been around for centuries.  They will continue to form couples and families whether we sanction it or not.  To deny these citizens the same recogniton and benefits as opposite  sex married couple is to discriminate.  Because we do not understand  or accept gays and lesbians  is not  a valid reason to deny them the rights other groups enjoy. 

One newscaster opined that the reason the gay and lesbian community has not gained the status it seeks is because it is under-represented in government.   Perhasps if more gays and lesbians were elected to Congress and state legislatures, we might see a change.

North Korean Nuclear Threat

In a provocative move that is driving up international tensions North Korea moved two mid range missiles by train to its eastern coast and placed them on launch platforms.  They have also threatened attacks on the U.S. and declared a state of war exists with South Korea since receiving U.N. sanctions after carrying out a third nuclear weapons test.  The North Korean rockets are believed to have a range of 2500 miles.  That puts them in range of U.S. troops in Japan and South Korea but not the U.S. mainland.

Despite all the rhetoric military analysts suggest a full scale conflict is unlikely.  For several decades China has been North Korea's closest ally, largest trading partner, and primary source of aid.   Observers suggest, however, that there is a subtle shift in Chinese foreign policy.   North Korean expert Daniel Pinkston says Beijing is fed up with the distractions created by Pyongyang.   So much for North Korea's main ally.  North Korea is basically on its own. 

In the meantime the U.S. is preparing to send advanced defenses to its Pacific territory.  U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has pledged a measured response.   An anti-missile system is being deployed in Guam.  The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System which was scheduled to be installed in 2015 will now be sent within weeks.  This land based system includes interceptor missiles, a truck based launcher, and radar tracking equipment capable of shooting down short, medium, and intermediate range ballistic missiles.

Well, I thought about that and here's what I think:  The U.S. is following the right path.  What we need is a measured response.   Cool heads must prevail.  The North Korean regime is a very secretive  one.  We do not know what their intentions are.   To misinterpret, miss step or act too soon could lead to disaster.