Could you let me know your intention in posting what you did? Did you agree with the comment you quoted?

Prop 8 was mentioned the other day in comments. I have a funny but sad story to tell. My parents are voting yes on the prop and in the (heated?) discussion afterward they blamed the downfall of the Roman Empire on homosexuality. I'm still shaking my head over that one. And, as much as I love them, I still laughed divisively when they said that.

I agree that the tactics aren't functioning as well as before. That doesn't mean that they are ineffective across the board.

So, what I'm wondering, does it also mean that the people for whom it does work get more rabid about it all? Do they get more entrenched in their belief system because they are 'under' attack? That they need to defend themselves more and more? If so, does that equate to a more hostile and obstructionist segment of our populace and, by extension, government?

I'm all for deconstructing what is happening to know the 'how,' but I'm also/more? interested in knowing what the effects/repercussions will be. And, how will 'we' counteract (or even determine) the negative effects?

Here's a possible solution:

1) Cut our military budget to 10% of what it is today.

2) With the money 'saved,' create a global organization that builds civilian, nuclear power plants for other countries. Use the organization to control the knowledge of refinement.

3) Actually live up to our treaties so that other countries can trust us.

Of course, I'm making this plan on the spur of the moment and it is hardly Bipartisan, but, hell, I still think it has more merit then declaring war on a country incapable of attacking us.

As for Israel being a threat because it has nuclear weapons. Yep. We are a threat to ourselves as well for the same reason. Perhaps getting rid of them all would be of a benefit as well?

I'm in the opinion that evidence is evidence. While anecdotal evidence might not reflect the broader truth, they are still a possible influence on one's perceptions. In addition, sometimes the juxtaposition between the two (anecdotal and polls) can illustrate possible 'reasons' for the polls.

Of course, I just have anecdotal evidence about that last opinion. As well as this one -> And, sometimes the polls can give some of us stuck in the middle of ignorant, narrow-minded, overly-religious community a belief that there is still hope for the world.

Heard on the radio this morning that the Detroit Times? endorsed McCain. I'm hazarding a guess that you don't live in Detroit, Mona. And, if you do, well, I don't have anything to say.... I'll just shake my head in befuddlement for a bit.

I'll have to introduce you to my ex-wife. Plenty of dysfunction in her family.

....but then, maybe, that's a good thing. I don't need to be chilled in addition to the AC. I'll have to wait for the transcript.

I know it's been mentioned before, but a little sociopathic, perhaps?

And, do we really want to put ourselves on the other end of someone unapologetically and implacably demonstrating their will? Do we really want the precedent? Because, guess what, we will be on the short end sooner or later. History has shown as as much. Even if we are 'greater' then Rome, which is arguable in of itself I believe.

Of course, maybe CK doesn't really think much about the future, possible failure, and and probable consequences.

... I mean that I don't have sound capabilities. At work and all. When my colleagues go on their smoke breaks, I go online. Seems fair.

Hmm. Aren't laws, at their root, policies?

I could be wrong, but I don't believe Prop 8 compels a religious organization to marry same-sex partners. How is religious freedom threatened?

As for religious rights being denied, just look to the oldest Catholic adoption agency in MA that was forced to close due to the fact they could not comply with state mandates on homosexual adoption without going against religious principles.

Particulars please. Because, if I have to guess, I would assume that they stopped receiving state funds and were not forced to close.

Or how about the NM photographer (female) who was sued for refusing to take photos at a gay wedding...

Well, she took the contract, yes? She was sued for breaching her contract? Not sure where religion comes into play there.

Or the Norwegian preacher who was sentenced to jail time for preaching that homosexuality was a sin!

That's funny. I thought I lived in America.

Damn, you made me laugh.