Open letter to Rick Santorum

Mr. Santorum,

You were asked a very simple question in Concord, NH on January 5th. You were asked why your definition of equality did not include allowing gays and lesbians to get married. You didn't respond with an answer, but with more questions. And when some members of the audience shouted out questions or comments, you said you were going to discuss this civilly. At another point in this short, 2 minute discussion, you said that to have a discussion based on rational reasoned thought, then we employ reason. But you didn't employ reason, Mr. Santorum. All you did was try to change her question into something she didn't ask. You tried hard to get her to answer your question, rather than answering hers. All you needed to do was say that you believe marriage comes from God and belongs to man and woman, something you did say before you left the venue.

I don't like you, Mr. Santorum, and I'm going to state my reasons outright. You believe that religion should be the underlying reason in everything the United States does, in every law that is made. You believe that YOUR religion should be THE religion the U.S. uses as the basis for laws. You don't really care if there are others who don't believe in the same religion or even, for that matter, God at all. As long as YOUR values are followed, who cares if everyone agrees? You also believe that it's okay for you to accept money from special interest groups, from earmarks, because you're trying to guide this great country the right way and they believe the same way you do. You don't truly care for Americans, you care for Americans who believe as you do.

For the record, traditional, Biblical marriage is one man and several women. Women are never to speak up or teach, only men. Women were property. The United States outlawed polygamy years ago, not because it couldn't bring happiness to some but because it usually relies on the principal of one main wife and several 'lesser' wives, not equality among all. And marriage as a means to have children and raise a family? Then you need to deny marriage to those who are infertile, those who are beyond child-bearing age, and those who plan to never have children. After all, their happiness doesn't matter, it's whether or not they have children that counts, right?.

1-1-2012

January 1st. A new year, a new day to start living fresh again. Each day should be taken that way, as a new day to start fresh, but we don't. Most of us can't help but carry baggage from the past, even if the past is just a day ago. It takes strength to let go, to live each day as it comes, fresh of mistakes and fresh of baggage.

This will be short and sweet today. I hope that all of us can learn from the past, move forward into the present, and think about the future, living each moment fresh. The past exists as a lesson only. Repeat it at your own risk. I prefer to be more like the Starship Enterprise, to boldly go where I've never been before, to seek out and explore new ventures. (Paraphrased but dammit Jim, I'm a person, not a spaceship!)

Happy 2012!