In light of recent events in the USA, I’ve been forced to change my opinion of the proposed Defense of Marriage Act. That’s a bill, under consideration by the Congress, that would protect the institution of matrimony in these ethically-challenged times.
In the past, I strongly opposed the Defense of Marriage Act. Now, I hope Congress will convene one of its special midnight sessions and rush it through. Immediately would be none too soon.
Marriage is no longer the powerful, sacred bond it once was. Marriage today requires defense.
Not against gays, mind you. Same-sex partners who love each other don’t threaten or cheapen my marriage.
I fear Congress itself. The shameful way it has behaved in the Terry Schiavo case frightens me.
The Congress has thrust itself between a husband and wife, because some politicians disagreed with the decision one of the spouses made. When it intervened in this private decision, the government showed that it doesn’t consider marriage to be sacred at all.
My wife and I have been together for 22 years. I trust her with my life, and no one else: not my parents, not my brothers, certainly not my elected representatives.
My wife often tells me truths about myself that even I didn’t know. In a life-and-death situation, she’s the only person who would know what I would choose for myself. She’s also strong enough to do the right thing.
The government, apparently, doesn’t trust her like I do. The governor of Florida, the Congress, and the President all act as if they think they would know my will better than my wife would. They’re wrong-headed and ethically-challenged.
George W. Bush said, “In a case such as this, the legislative branch, the executive branch, ought to err on the side of life, which we have," and for once, I agree with him. Yes, the politicians have erred, and they should be ashamed of their arrogance.
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© 2005 Numoon Creations