Saturday, July 13, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Found in the "You're Kidding, Right?" file....
It's bad enough that they deny us our rights. Now, they seek to make it illegal to even attempt to have rights. WTF America?!
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/?p=70698
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/?p=70698
Indiana lawmakers have revamped a 1997 law that makes furnishing false information on a marriage license a class D felony. Beginning July 1, 2014, a same-sex couple applying for a marriage license in the state of Indiana will be guilty of a Level 6 felony, punishable by 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. The new law also makes it a Class B Misdemeanor for a clergyman, judge, mayor, city clerk or town clerk-treasurer to perform a same-sex marriage, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Any clerk who issues a license to a same-sex couple would also be guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor.
Because Indiana marriage license forms have a space for “male applicant” and “female applicant”, any same-sex couple filling out the form would automatically violate the law. The harsh penalties Indiana lawmakers have approved make it difficult for protest movements like the Campaign for Southern Equality’s “We Do” Campaign, which encourages same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses as a protest in states that prohibit same-sex marriages.
While many other states are reevaluating their laws concerning marriage equality in the light of the Supreme Court decision that struck down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act, Indiana lawmakers are considering doubling down on their anti-equality posture. Although same-sex marriages are currently banned by state law, the Republican controlled General Assembly is considering submitting an amendment to the state constitution for a vote of the people next year. The decision will be made in the January-March 2014 legislative session. It is unclear whether such an amendment would survive a popular vote, as recent polling finds a majority of Indiana residents are now against a constitutional amendment forbidding marriage equality.
What is beautiful
I wonder. Do those who crusade upon the rights of others - not for, but upon - really see this as so very horrible? Do they not see two people in love, two people who are old enough to make that decision and human enough to feel the passion, the grace that allows such beings as we to care for another and take delight in the very presence of those we love? I'm sad that such small minded people, stuck on a philosophy and understanding of what is truly Great that was defined 2000 and more years ago in a foreign land where the concept of a bic lighter would be considered miraculous, cannot see that love endures, changes, hopes and holds. Love is beautiful.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
My New Neighbor
I have new neighbors abutting my back yard. This is a new thing for me; the people who lived there
before were there for my entire life (I bought the house I was born in). It's odd to see new folks, with new habits and new ways of doing thing, expectations, quirks, irks, etc. They are a very young couple and quite polite. Nice people, all around.
The gentleman is out mowing his lawn right now. I was out earlier working in the back yard - a large project that has taken me my entire vacation to do and is still not complete. I needed a break, and it was after I took my break that he came out to mow. Perhaps he knows that neither of us would get much done if we were both out at the same time.
Part of the work I was doing this weekend does impact his life a bit. I was replacing some fence panels. The new ones aren't as nice as the old ones were (when new), but prices as they are it was the best I could do. I wanted to talk with him and make sure he knew I wasn't putting up the fence just because "new neighbor" thing, like it was personal, but because they were old and rotted, falling apart. But, I doubt he really cares.
In my noted "doubt", I began to think on borders. See, the fence is by code 12-inches inside the border line. I put up a wire fence to keep Gracie in, but the fence panels were put up by my parents - the previous owners - for privacy. I don't think they are very effective. But, the wire fence is needed to keep Gracie in my yard. She is my responsibility, her mess is mine to worry about.
Now, there are things that flow over borders. I try to encourage moles to stay in their yard. I realize that Gracie poop stinks, so I try to keep that cleaned up. I try to be sure not to be too obnoxious and disturb the neighbors. But, when it all comes down, we only share a sight line and a bit of cooperation; what is in my border is my responsibility and business, not theirs. Outside of generally caring for the place and being decent and polite, neighborly, what I do is none of their concern.
I say that all to wonder how it is that some believe that what goes on in my house, on my property, is open for discussion? I refer to those who believe that because their religion, their private beliefs, does not tolerate homosexuality (there is argument on that: Christ healed the Roman Centurion's male lover), that it is something that extends beyond their private borders and should impact my life.
Christianity seems to repeatedly get caught in this obvious issue. Despite the humble beginnings, where being Christian was to be hunted and hated, to a time where so called Christians felt it acceptable to declare others unworthy of life: Inquisition, Crusades, Colonialism, Witch Trials, Slavery/Racism.
Jesus Christ came with one message: Love your neighbor, and Love God. Period. I don't need my neighbor's judgement. I don't need his condemnation. I don't need him to tell me who to love or who to hate. If people like Fischer and the rest of those fascists and crusaders want my respect and admiration, if they want me to look at them and see someone worth emulating, then be my neighbor. Lift a hand in greeting, help with a project, share a glass of ice tea. Get to know me and see me for the person that I am. Maybe there are things my mind with change on by such positive influence. But, frankly, mr fischer - most of what you say just pisses people off and makes you a really shitty neighbor. Maybe you should think on what Jesus would say to that.
The gentleman is out mowing his lawn right now. I was out earlier working in the back yard - a large project that has taken me my entire vacation to do and is still not complete. I needed a break, and it was after I took my break that he came out to mow. Perhaps he knows that neither of us would get much done if we were both out at the same time.
Part of the work I was doing this weekend does impact his life a bit. I was replacing some fence panels. The new ones aren't as nice as the old ones were (when new), but prices as they are it was the best I could do. I wanted to talk with him and make sure he knew I wasn't putting up the fence just because "new neighbor" thing, like it was personal, but because they were old and rotted, falling apart. But, I doubt he really cares.In my noted "doubt", I began to think on borders. See, the fence is by code 12-inches inside the border line. I put up a wire fence to keep Gracie in, but the fence panels were put up by my parents - the previous owners - for privacy. I don't think they are very effective. But, the wire fence is needed to keep Gracie in my yard. She is my responsibility, her mess is mine to worry about.
Now, there are things that flow over borders. I try to encourage moles to stay in their yard. I realize that Gracie poop stinks, so I try to keep that cleaned up. I try to be sure not to be too obnoxious and disturb the neighbors. But, when it all comes down, we only share a sight line and a bit of cooperation; what is in my border is my responsibility and business, not theirs. Outside of generally caring for the place and being decent and polite, neighborly, what I do is none of their concern.
I say that all to wonder how it is that some believe that what goes on in my house, on my property, is open for discussion? I refer to those who believe that because their religion, their private beliefs, does not tolerate homosexuality (there is argument on that: Christ healed the Roman Centurion's male lover), that it is something that extends beyond their private borders and should impact my life.Christianity seems to repeatedly get caught in this obvious issue. Despite the humble beginnings, where being Christian was to be hunted and hated, to a time where so called Christians felt it acceptable to declare others unworthy of life: Inquisition, Crusades, Colonialism, Witch Trials, Slavery/Racism.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
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