Snippet Turns Into Rant (I Apologize Now)

I'm sure you regular readers are aware of my...let's call it distaste for the current administration. One of the (many) issues I disagree with them on is the Defense of Marriage Act that has been making the rounds in state and federal courts. A blog I check regularly had this to say on the topic (link to blog above):

To almost no one's surprise the Washington State Supreme Court upheld the state's 1998 Defense of Marriage Act yesterday affirming that same-sex marriages are not legal here. I think the ruling was probably correct from a legal standpoint that it is the job of the legislature to define marriage, not the courts. I am not arguing today "fer" or "agin" such unions but do make one request.

Please don't be dishonest and continue to call this bill, "The Defense of Marriage Act." There is nothing in the bill that defends anyone's marriage. Whether the Court upheld or overturned the ruling it would not impact a single Washington State heterosexual marriage in any way. Why not at least be honest and call the legislation the, "'I Pick And Choose Some (But Not All) Biblical Verses To Interpret And Make Law And This Is One Of Them' Act?"

We are good friends with a couple here on the island named Jessica and Kirsten. If they could legally wed the only effect on my marriage would be that we'd have to reserve a Saturday for them and buy a gift. It might be worth it to see the bride kiss the bride.

My favorite line is in bold. I was raised in a somewhat religious household. Went to church with my grandmother most Sundays, did youth leadership in High School (which is where my idea to send all Jr. High students to boarding school developed), all in all I have a pretty strong faith. I don't go spreading this around to everyone I know. I don't try to make others bend to my beliefs. I try my best to respect others' opinions and points of view if they can back them up logically.

What I cannot abide is people who don't do these things (oh Plan B how quickly you judge). I have family members who are incredibly conservative (to the point of wearing anti-abortion t-shirts to a holiday function). For many years I've referred to them as my cult family which the rest of the family got on me for until they came around to my way of thinking and realized I'd been correct all those years. They call themselves Christians but happen to be the most judgmental, unaccepting people I have ever come across. I've long believed these types of religious people are bad apples ruining the bunch of Christians who are unassuming, everyday people just trying to lead good lives. 'Good' being completely subjective of course.

Sorry for my Dennis Leary rant which was not my intention starting this post. I just get worked up sometimes. A tidbit for those of you thinking I'm not enough of a liberal tree-hugger - I'm going to see An Inconvenient Truth tonight with some friends. Review to follow tomorrow or maybe even tonight.