Propositions

[greatbear]

Okay, I finally worked my way through most of my fuming over the inevitable re: Prop 8. I was relieved to learn that the 18,000 or so existing marriages will remain intact. My married friendsfolk over in Cali will be at the forefront of a renewed push for true equality for all. And I think it just might be a winnable cause in a couple years. I am holing onto hope, for I, too, want to be able to tie the knot eventually.

People who know my well enough know I believe the single most destructive force in the path for marriage equality is organized religion. It is also the prime mover in preventing the advancement of the human race. More often than not it's a sinister, anti-intellectual mindset bent on keeping people stupid and under control. History is proof enough. Since religious groups think nothing of shaping public policy along it's own set of rules, even across state line, I think it's time that any such group doing so shall be put under intense public scrutiny. Much the same as public corporations must file various documents to this effect, the same should hold true for each and every religious group, sect, organization (face it, they are corporations) will have to essentially open it's doors to every aspect of their operations. This act alone will force many of the more secretive and bizarre groups and cults to shrink back into the shadows and get out of the public policy business. Those that continue will risk having their tax exemption withdrawn. Holding their feet to the fire in this way will make many of them think twice and instead go back to the private organizations they were originally supposed to be. Maybe if enough of the details of their inner workings become public, they will be found out to be the scams they actually are.

Nothing is feared more by a bigoted sort than having their inner workings dragged out into the light for all to see.

Anyway, that's my take on things. The tide is turning, and nothing truly worth having was not had without some sort of fight. The fight is in a lot of us, let's keep using it.

Comments

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

I couldn't agree more Phil. In my humble opinion, religion and laws were created, in order to allow the wealthy to control, abuse and otherwise exploit the masses.

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

Even though I still consider myself an Episcopalian, and it's one of the few religions that do not stoop to name calling and discrimination but in general, I tend to agree with your statements and what the other poster says may well be true but I doubt it was the original intent to begin with but it's what happens when things get mucked up over time.

[garebear.livejournal.com]

Bravo. But I wouldn't stop there... Organized religion is the single most destructive force to mankind, not just same sex marriage.

Science anyone?

[nyrimmer.livejournal.com]

You're all gonna burn in hell for such thoughts and the rich will torture you for eternity! Back to reality,The rich keep us down by dividing us and that allows them to keep their grip on the power and money.This view I'm about to express will no doubt be unpopular with the gay marriage folks but,in my opinion the real cause should be equality for ALL human beings with the same rights for all. If that was the cause we would be united and a true threat to the high & mighty who keep us down.Gay marriage is just another special interest that acts as a distraction from the real issues that are being ignored by the government. This is what they want.It is obscene dole out separate rights to specific groups of human beings while relegating others to second class status. We need true equality to be free. Nothing short of that is acceptable.

[msclwolf.livejournal.com]

.......hear hear re religion. I sometimes think about the likelyhood of interest in religion burning itself out as shared forms of communication can bring diversity to ever more doorsteps AND hopefully instill in the youth a questioning stance so when faced with religion they would already be aware that there are many many many and guess what kiddies, they can't all be 'right'!! So they might just be that weeny bit more apathetic to religious fervour, replying in their heads, ".....and? What about....?" So over time (and it may be a long one) religion will wane (crosses fingers)