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Obama says gay couples deserve same rights as all
NEW YORK – President Barack Obama praised New York state lawmakers who were debating landmark legislation Thursday to legalize gay marriage, saying that's what democracy's all about. But the president stopped short of embracing same-sex marriage himself.
"I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as every other couple in this country," the president said at a fundraiser in Manhattan, his first geared specifically to the gay community. Coincidentally, the long-planned event occurred just as lawmakers in Albany were debating legislation that would make New York the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
That served to spotlight the president's own views on same-sex marriage, a sore point with gay supporters who've otherwise warmed to him. The president has said his views are "evolving," but for now he supports civil unions, not same-sex marriage.
"Traditionally marriage has been decided by the states and right now I understand there's a little debate going on here in New York," the president said to laughter. He said New York's lawmakers are "doing exactly what democracies are supposed to do."
Debate on the measure continued into the night at the statehouse, and the outcome was uncertain.
As Obama spoke a handful of people shouted out "marriage!" And Obama said, "I heard you guys."
"I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as every other couple in this country," the president said at a fundraiser in Manhattan, his first geared specifically to the gay community. Coincidentally, the long-planned event occurred just as lawmakers in Albany were debating legislation that would make New York the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
That served to spotlight the president's own views on same-sex marriage, a sore point with gay supporters who've otherwise warmed to him. The president has said his views are "evolving," but for now he supports civil unions, not same-sex marriage.
"Traditionally marriage has been decided by the states and right now I understand there's a little debate going on here in New York," the president said to laughter. He said New York's lawmakers are "doing exactly what democracies are supposed to do."
Debate on the measure continued into the night at the statehouse, and the outcome was uncertain.
As Obama spoke a handful of people shouted out "marriage!" And Obama said, "I heard you guys."
Well put. And (are you sitting down, here is a shocker...) I agree..lol. I really do. I think that if approached in exactly that manner, things would calm down. Churches should be allowed to set their rules..100%. No one should be forced to perform a ceramony they do not believe in. Churches should remain seperate and allowed to servce their members as they see fit. If some don't like it, they are always welcome to find another Church.
love it... hahahahhaha
Mary on Magi's computer
Gay disease ?
Supposedly ....the first case of AIDS in the US were from a pilot that gave it to many women in many states. So let's just castrate all pilots.
Gay disease ?
Supposedly ....the first case of AIDS in the US were from a pilot that gave it to many women in many states. So let's just castrate all pilots.
Oh, and again------------- not saying I feel this way but was trying to convey what people that are good, kind people in my world are concerned about with gay marriage. We can call people haters or what have you but that closes a conversation down. I listen to people and try to see where they are coming from and why they feel the way they do. Even when I don't agree. So this is what I know for those opposed to gay marriage that I know personally.
Just trying to add to the conversation beyond goats and cattle . . .
Just trying to add to the conversation beyond goats and cattle . . .
Oh well . . . why not JUMP into the fire.
I will tell you that I don't oppose gay marriage. Nope, I don't. It is a big whatever for me------- live and let live.
There are people------------- many many people that based on religious beliefs, etc. have an idea of 'drawing the line' as to what becomes our societal norm. Marriage in some religious is very clear that it is a man and woman. We could argue that but what is the point. We are not going to re do established religions and churches have a right to interpret things their way and teach it as such to the people that attend. So, I'm not arguing that they are right or wrong. So for these people---------------- they see a shift in acceptance as raising the bar and changing our society. Now most on this thread say "good" but if you have an opposite view point, this would not be good in your book.
I see it as something I feel similar to regarding television. Limits are pushed and pushed and pushed until we have what we have now. TV full of sex, violence, occasional partial nudity, swear words and not just after 11 pm. The standards keep changing getting more and more risque and I don't like this. Do I want my children to be exposed? But the bar has been raised or I think of it more of being lowered to this new level and I am opposed to that. I'd like to see it stopped and hope it doesn't go even further which it surely will if a boundary isn't drawn.
Now I don't care if gay people want to legally join together as a couple. But do I think that my church needs to marry them? No. Why? Because under the teachings of my church, marriage is between a man and woman. But if my husband's company wants to offer them benefits as a couple, fine. And if they choose to marry with a judge or in a ceremony of religious origin that is more open, fine. And if states are willing to give up income as two adults filing taxes as individuals will now be able to file with the benefit of the marital tax break, fine.
But I acknowledge that for some based on their beliefs, allowing gay marriage changes our society. I'm okay with that personally but am not going to say they are wrong for how they feel either.
Okay---------- out of the fire now and please no hate mail.
I will tell you that I don't oppose gay marriage. Nope, I don't. It is a big whatever for me------- live and let live.
There are people------------- many many people that based on religious beliefs, etc. have an idea of 'drawing the line' as to what becomes our societal norm. Marriage in some religious is very clear that it is a man and woman. We could argue that but what is the point. We are not going to re do established religions and churches have a right to interpret things their way and teach it as such to the people that attend. So, I'm not arguing that they are right or wrong. So for these people---------------- they see a shift in acceptance as raising the bar and changing our society. Now most on this thread say "good" but if you have an opposite view point, this would not be good in your book.
I see it as something I feel similar to regarding television. Limits are pushed and pushed and pushed until we have what we have now. TV full of sex, violence, occasional partial nudity, swear words and not just after 11 pm. The standards keep changing getting more and more risque and I don't like this. Do I want my children to be exposed? But the bar has been raised or I think of it more of being lowered to this new level and I am opposed to that. I'd like to see it stopped and hope it doesn't go even further which it surely will if a boundary isn't drawn.
Now I don't care if gay people want to legally join together as a couple. But do I think that my church needs to marry them? No. Why? Because under the teachings of my church, marriage is between a man and woman. But if my husband's company wants to offer them benefits as a couple, fine. And if they choose to marry with a judge or in a ceremony of religious origin that is more open, fine. And if states are willing to give up income as two adults filing taxes as individuals will now be able to file with the benefit of the marital tax break, fine.
But I acknowledge that for some based on their beliefs, allowing gay marriage changes our society. I'm okay with that personally but am not going to say they are wrong for how they feel either.
Okay---------- out of the fire now and please no hate mail.
The Tampa Bay area case appears to be the second HIV infection from a blood transfusion since improvements in testing went into effect in April 1999. Given that 12-million of pints of blood are donated in the United States every year, officials consider the nation's blood supply largely HIV-free since 1985, when the first screening test was developed for donated blood.
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/07/19/State/Tainted_donor_blood_i.shtml
Anyone that received Blood or Blood Products prior to this should be concerned and get tested (and anyone that has ever shot drugs even once). Both HIV and HCV are transferred from blood to blood not Body Fluids. I would advise everyone to get tested. HIV is not a “Gay Disease” and HCV is not a “Junky Disease.” You would be surprised at how many people, have no idea how they got it.
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/07/19/State/Tainted_donor_blood_i.shtml
Anyone that received Blood or Blood Products prior to this should be concerned and get tested (and anyone that has ever shot drugs even once). Both HIV and HCV are transferred from blood to blood not Body Fluids. I would advise everyone to get tested. HIV is not a “Gay Disease” and HCV is not a “Junky Disease.” You would be surprised at how many people, have no idea how they got it.
@ adgal...I agree COMPLETELY
It's not a gay disease. And I would bet the amount of gay men not practicing safe sex is about the same as any other couple. However, with man on man sex, there is a higher probability of tearing and I would think that accounts for the increased numbers. To me all it does is make a case for sex education, but still can't sort out how it changes the issue of gay marriage.
Still doesn't make it a "GAY DISEASE" in my opinion...It just sounds to me that there are a lot more Gays that don't practice safe sex...
Well, I looked it up on a gov. website and it seems that gay men still account for about 1/2. I didn't realize it was that high. However, heterosexual's account for about 31% with women accounting for about 27% (I am referring to new infections). I'm still not certain how this imapacts the issue of gay marriage, or how allowing it would change the stats, however I am willing to admit when I am mistaken. Here is the source of my info.
http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/
http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/
HIV a "Gay disease"? Really?? That's news to me!!!
Yep, that is precisely how I see it. I think you are exactly right and have to say, well said.
Does anyone see the similarities between the gays rights now and the civil rights fights of years ago? We all know all about that, and we all know that anyone other than whites were basically considered property or a sub species at best. Brave black men and woman began to stand up for their rights, and for a long time they were considered what we call today as "radicals". The only reason they were considered radical was because they had a cause and weren't afraid to talk about it anymore.
With any gays or any of you on this board, nothing you do sexually is going to affect me. There's plenty of sick stuff out there, and although I don't necessarily agree with same sex relations (totally not for me) they have no bearing on my life. I don't see them as sick (mentally), but they just aren't my cup of tea. Then again, I am also not big on having sex with cadavres but thats out there.... beastiality is out there...... those two things are an illness.
With any gays or any of you on this board, nothing you do sexually is going to affect me. There's plenty of sick stuff out there, and although I don't necessarily agree with same sex relations (totally not for me) they have no bearing on my life. I don't see them as sick (mentally), but they just aren't my cup of tea. Then again, I am also not big on having sex with cadavres but thats out there.... beastiality is out there...... those two things are an illness.
Ok, well I will look it up, but I am not afraid to acknowledge that sometimes I am wrong. Latest stats I read was that it was on the rise for young women, but perhaps I misunderstood something. So could be the case. However, if that is correct, I don't see how preventing gay marriage will make any difference. Safe sex practices are what make the difference. And wouldn't monogamy actually be better then?
...Wrong ......and I quote ."we cannot deny that HIV is a 'Gay disease' we have to own that and face it" Matt Foreman former director of the National Gay and Lesbian task force ...we are talking about America here . Plenty more where that came from take a look ...
Now I know you guys are just being silly. Horses and goats in comparison to adult human beings? Puuleeezze. Not the same thing, not even close. I know you aren't being serious though.
Margy, I know there was a time when HIV was really prevelant amongst the gay community. Fortunately, due to education on how to prevent and practicing safe sex, that is no longer the case. In fact, last I read, the highest increase in HIV cases was amongst young women. It never was a "gay" disease, however the most rapid spread was amongst gay men, and of course iv drug users. IV drug users are still high, but for gay men it's about the same now as any other member of the population. You are right though in that that was once the case.
Margy, I know there was a time when HIV was really prevelant amongst the gay community. Fortunately, due to education on how to prevent and practicing safe sex, that is no longer the case. In fact, last I read, the highest increase in HIV cases was amongst young women. It never was a "gay" disease, however the most rapid spread was amongst gay men, and of course iv drug users. IV drug users are still high, but for gay men it's about the same now as any other member of the population. You are right though in that that was once the case.
It seems that the HIV and Aids problems have also been forgotten I think they do exist or has it been eradicated ...that has always been a concern of mine ..Most seem to have accepted it, I still would like marriage be kept for a man and a woman I think its an agenda that homosexuals have to pursue and I wonder why ...like trying to force us to accept them, well I don't accept the insistance that marriage is made legal ..between same sexes ....I am concerned so little is spoken about HIV ...
I say let them go for it. They will soon quit since oral sex seems to be the first to go after marriage.
Caregiver-I hate cutting the grass so I am thinking about practicing polygamy and marring a few goats
Caregiver-I hate cutting the grass so I am thinking about practicing polygamy and marring a few goats
As for myself, I always wanted to marry a horse. A really nice white young one that can run like the wind. We would spend the rest of out lives collecting two social security checks and camping in the wilds of Arizona. My next choice would be a gerbil.
In understand legalizing interspecies marriages if next on Obama's agenda.
He is such a great visionary and moral man!
In understand legalizing interspecies marriages if next on Obama's agenda.
He is such a great visionary and moral man!
I'm going to go ahead and toss the baby out with the bath water here, and why not? One thing that I really don't care for, and I don't know the correct terminology is, when people become incited or militant about their cause.
You name the cause. I am sure that everyone on here has seen or heard of a protest becoming violent. Basically, it ends up meaning on group/person is trying to force his/her opinion on another.
I've got enough trouble trying to keep my own hind end in line. Really, I do not care what anyone else does as long as it doesn't infringe upon my personal rights. Mind you, there is any number of questionable behavior that I am not going to like, but if my neighbor want's to light his a$$ on fire, let me grab a lawn chair and a beer! If he runs onto my property, he will wish the fire was hotter.
My personal opinion is this. There are far more important issues for me to be concerned with. What works for you may or may not work for me.... and that is ok. Because you are doing it does not mean that I have to follow, or vice-versa.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and when it gets brought out in public forum, it will be contested. We're human... we all have rectums and we all have opinions.
You name the cause. I am sure that everyone on here has seen or heard of a protest becoming violent. Basically, it ends up meaning on group/person is trying to force his/her opinion on another.
I've got enough trouble trying to keep my own hind end in line. Really, I do not care what anyone else does as long as it doesn't infringe upon my personal rights. Mind you, there is any number of questionable behavior that I am not going to like, but if my neighbor want's to light his a$$ on fire, let me grab a lawn chair and a beer! If he runs onto my property, he will wish the fire was hotter.
My personal opinion is this. There are far more important issues for me to be concerned with. What works for you may or may not work for me.... and that is ok. Because you are doing it does not mean that I have to follow, or vice-versa.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and when it gets brought out in public forum, it will be contested. We're human... we all have rectums and we all have opinions.
Here's the thing. For the most part, I don't think that those opposed are bigots. I truly don't. There is a big difference between thinking something is not right, and hating someone. I think there are bigots in this world..in fact I know there are, but I don't think that word applies to all that oppose. I guess it depends on their reasons. I totally respect that for many, their religious beliefs are what make them feel it's not right. I'm all good with that, and we are all entitled to our beliefs.
I guess the way I read it is this. If you are opposed for religious reasons, then that is how you should conduct your own life. We should all live according to our beliefs. But, I don't think that our own religious beliefs should be imposed on others who don't feel the same way. For me, that is it in a nutshell. That is the part I have a challenge with. Yes, we are Christians, but we also live in a country that guarantees freedom...I know that's one of the things I wish to see preserved. So, if we make laws and stop people from living their lives based on our own religious beliefs, then are we truly free? See what I mean?
I guess the way I read it is this. If you are opposed for religious reasons, then that is how you should conduct your own life. We should all live according to our beliefs. But, I don't think that our own religious beliefs should be imposed on others who don't feel the same way. For me, that is it in a nutshell. That is the part I have a challenge with. Yes, we are Christians, but we also live in a country that guarantees freedom...I know that's one of the things I wish to see preserved. So, if we make laws and stop people from living their lives based on our own religious beliefs, then are we truly free? See what I mean?
I agree w/ el_em and margy. No sense in restating what has already been said.
I don't think by not agreeing w/ gay marriage, that someone is taking the Bible "literally." I certainly don't think anyone is evil. Most of us are just trying to do what we think God would want us to. We just vote. It's a Democracy after all. Most of us are just trying to stand up for what we believe in. None of us are perfect. The average person is not making animal sacrifices or talking of cutting their child in half, etc. The examples could be endless. Most of us are just trying to do the best we can from the Bible. For me personally, God knows me. He knows what is in my heart. He knows I mean no harm and am only trying to do what I feel is right by my beliefs. If I have misunderstood....well God knows that too. If I have done anything wrong or "judged" anyone then I will be judged one day based on that, but again, God knows my heart and my intentions. That's all I need to know and the only person I need approval from. BTW, judging and having an opinion are 2 different things. We all need reasoning skills to determine what we believe to be right and wrong.
So if anyone thinks I am a bigot or whatever, then so be it. I know different. I will simply continue to exercise my right to vote on issues such as gay marriage or abortion or whatever else is important to me.
I don't think by not agreeing w/ gay marriage, that someone is taking the Bible "literally." I certainly don't think anyone is evil. Most of us are just trying to do what we think God would want us to. We just vote. It's a Democracy after all. Most of us are just trying to stand up for what we believe in. None of us are perfect. The average person is not making animal sacrifices or talking of cutting their child in half, etc. The examples could be endless. Most of us are just trying to do the best we can from the Bible. For me personally, God knows me. He knows what is in my heart. He knows I mean no harm and am only trying to do what I feel is right by my beliefs. If I have misunderstood....well God knows that too. If I have done anything wrong or "judged" anyone then I will be judged one day based on that, but again, God knows my heart and my intentions. That's all I need to know and the only person I need approval from. BTW, judging and having an opinion are 2 different things. We all need reasoning skills to determine what we believe to be right and wrong.
So if anyone thinks I am a bigot or whatever, then so be it. I know different. I will simply continue to exercise my right to vote on issues such as gay marriage or abortion or whatever else is important to me.
Well, I guess that is where I get into trouble. Because there are lots of things in the Bible that I don't think anyone follows literally, so why this particular issue? How come no one kills their neighbor in they work on a Sunday? Or at least make it illegal to do so. Why this issue?
Basically adgal it is because in the BiBle Sodam and Gemorrah was destroyed due to illitcit behavior including homosexuality.Beastiality and all other kinds of deviat behavior as well. It also eludes to in the last days this is one thing that will be prevelant. A sign if you will that we are living in the end of times.It will be unsafe for straight men to leave their homes after dark due to predators lying in wait to take advantage of them. Anyway, you get my point. So Christian people are against it because God is against it and if they condone or do not stand up against it they arent standing with God but against him and as a result will be held accountable. If you are not with me you are against me and if you are lukewarm with me I will spew you out of my mouth. Now I cannot argue about what the bible says but, I have also had the experience of having a nephew who is gay and yes Im sure he was born that way, and a grandchild that was born with both sex parts inside and out. I cannot believe these children are evil or part of the evil in end times and as a result have decided that I cannot judge this and it is between them and God. So it is a religious entity for most people, whether they admit to it or not Im afraid. Other than that scenaria I have no clue. LMNO, you are an athiest so why do you object? I find this fascinating that you do and wonder why. I thought it was mostly religious so now Im curious.
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