Just returned from getting a haircut. I always have great conversations with the young stylist. We inevitably get around to talking about Bush and what a disaster is he. She grew up in a very religious, Christian household. A few weekends ago, she was at her parents' house for a family barbeque, and they were visited by a man who was gathering signatures of those who opposed gay marriage. Her father started to sign, and she tried to get him to reconsider, to no avail. Although she loves and respects him, she was very disappointed in him. She is very happy with the personal relationship she has with God. But she does not agree that God doesn't want gays to marry. She told her father that if it is so wrong, then they will be judged by God at the end. If Bush and his ilk are wrong, so, too, will they be judged. The government needs to keep out of it. Period. She honestly doesn't understand why these bigots, who are operating out of fear and ignorance and trying to score political points, are denying the same rights to others that they themselves enjoy. Besides, she's certain that gay marriage is here to stay, and people need to move forward. All is not lost, however, because she predicted that if her sister's gay brother-in-law ever decides to marry, her parents will attend the wedding. And that would be good, because she feels, as many of us do, that familiarity, in this case, does not breed contempt, but acceptance and a more tolerant, Christ-like attitude.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
