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History in the making

Same-sex marriages are set for today

By Ross Farrow
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:51 AM PDT
Comments (177 comment(s))

History will be made at 8 a.m. today in Stockton and Sacramento.

Marriage licenses for same-sex couples will be issued in San Joaquin, Sacramento and California's 56 other counties in response to the California Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage by a 4-3 vote on May 15.

Sacramento County's Recorder-County Clerk's Office promises to be crowded because it has at least 70 appointments for gay and straight weddings today, Assistant Clerk-Recorder Wanda Dark said last week. And it was busy on Monday, with callers unable to get through.

Three calls to Dark on Monday resulted in the recording: "We are experiencing a large volume of calls. Please try again later."

Meanwhile, in Stockton, San Joaquin County officials don't know what to expect because they don't make appointments, Teresa Williamson, operations manager for the county Recorder-County Clerk's Office, said Monday afternoon.

Gay marriage became legal statewide at 5:01 p.m. Monday. County offices had the option of remaining open after 5 or to wait until this morning to issue marriage licenses. San Francisco and Yolo were among the counties that remained open after 5 p.m. on Monday.

Starting today, marriage licenses no longer list the bride and groom. The forms now list couples as "Party A" and "Party B," just in case they are the same gender.

There will be distinct differences in format among San Joaquin and Sacramento counties. In downtown Sacramento and Fair Oaks, the County Clerk-Recorder's Office will perform actual ceremonies in a small chapel.

But in Stockton, wedding ceremonies have never been performed at the Recorder-County Clerk's Office, Williamson said. Straight and same-sex couples alike will merely fill out paperwork and receive a license, she said.

Ken Owen of Lodi, a conservative Christian who is founder and director of Christian Community Concerns, said he has urged county Supervisor Ken Vogel and Recorder-County Clerk Gary Freeman to postpone any gay marriages in San Joaquin County until after the November election, when voters will decide whether to overturn the Supreme Court's ruling and limit marriage to one man and one woman.

More Information

Obtaining a marriage license

Licenses for same-sex couples will be available at 8 a.m. today in Stockton and Sacramento.

San Joaquin County
When: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Recorder-County Clerk's Office on the second floor of the Pacific State Bank building, 6 S. El Dorado St., Stockton.
Information: 468-3939, www.sjgov.org/Recorder.

Sacramento County
When: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; this week only, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. In Fair Oaks, hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 600 Eighth St. at F Street, Sacramento; 5229-B Hazel Ave. at Madison Avenue, Fair Oaks.
Information and appointments: (916) 874-6334, www.ccr.saccounty.net/MARFAQ.asp.

Source: San Joaquin and Sacramento counties

Local views on gay marriage

Ken Owen
Director/founder
Christian Community Concerns
Lodi


Ken Owen
"We have reason to believe this decision will be overturned by the people. It's unfortunate that the state Supreme Court made the ruling that they did. They overstepped their bounds.

"I think (the marriage initiative is) a do or die for the homosexuals and the Christian community and the citizens at large. For homosexuals, they want the word 'marriage.' This is going to set them back. It's do or die for the institution of marriage. Marriage will not exist as we know it if this constitutional amendment is not passed."

Bob Mattheis
Retired Lutheran pastor
Lodi


Bob Mattheis
"It is about time with our culture and our current understanding of homosexuality. I have come to believe that it's not something one chooses; it's something that one discovers about themselves.

"The gay and lesbian people I know are honest people, people of integrity who deserve to be able to live with a partner with the same legal and financial responsibilities and privileges that go with marriage.

"What was the culture of the Old Testament, and what force does the Old Testament have in our life today? All Christians choose to ignore certain passages of scripture which are violent and mean-spirited — stoning, adultery, killing all inhabitants of a city or village that was conquered, those kinds of things."

— News-Sentinel staff

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Jess wrote on Jun 28, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Brian, you have me intereted too. How does this Giant Gay Lobby you speak of work? "

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Billy Rubin wrote on Jun 28, 2008 9:00 AM:

" Why not tell us, Brian, how the Giant Gay Lobby works?

I've listened (as have you, apparently) to Michael Wiener-Savage make the same ridiculous claim and he has been unable to substantiate it.

Can you?

How does recruitment work? How exactly do they accomplish that?

How does the "Gay Lobby" work?

Let's see some details.

And by the way, what ever happened to that "Falcon" character? "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:22 AM:

" They are one of the most powerful lobbies in the country. Hello! "

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Brian wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:21 AM:

" shrubeater wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:07 AM:

" It's easier to feel empowered by hating a powerless group than to fight the powers that be.

How ignorant you are to say that the gay community does not have any power.
I would argue that they have a lot of power indeed and the majority of them don't play the powerless victim as you and Lodian make them out to be.

Perhaps
a formal apology to the gay community for your blanket statement would be suitable. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:15 AM:

" Lodian wrote on Jun 23, 2008 8:43 PM:

" Brian wrote "Do you realize the gay community wants more strength and more numbers will help this?"

Brian: You don't know much about the gay community. "

Lodian, perhaps I don't know as much as you. However, your denial that there is strength in numbers goes against everything that that most perople have been taught.

Lodian, give me some evidence that the gay community does not want to grow and I'll sell you some beachfront property in Blythe, CA. "

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Lodian wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:13 PM:

" These gay bashers just spew a lot of hatred and have no legit reasons for their nasty degrading comments. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:07 AM:

" It's easier to feel empowered by hating a powerless group than to fight the powers that be. A nice distraction to the chaos that has transpired in the last 25 years of our nation. Unbridled greed from the ultra rich (Wall Street and their ilk) will be the downfall of America, not gays. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:03 AM:

" but then again, shrub and his Patriot act has made a mockery of 200 years of free will and civil rights. I just found out that the Patriot Act allows the FBI to come to a therapist's office and DEMAND to see a client's records. They must be surrendered and the therapist cannot tell the client about any of this. How fascist can this be? What purpose does it serve, other than political. Most Muslim terrorists don't visit shrinks on a regular basis. I just wish people would wake up, but I guess reality is just too scary for some. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:01 AM:

" Lodian, that's a good point of it being civil rights, of which it is. I find Brian's posts incrediably disturbing. I even said a prayer for him to bring some love and kindness to his heart. I can understand if you don't believe in something for moral reasons, but it seems extreme here. I know many kind gay and lesbian couples who would benefit from marriage. They are more more stable and sane than a lot of straights that I know. I have huge concerns that some people feel that they can so easily disregard the Constitution so readily. "

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Lodian wrote on Jun 23, 2008 8:50 PM:

" shrubeater wrote "...As I said before, if someone can make a VALID reason why gay marriage will affect my marriage, I am more than willing to give it a long listen."

shrubeater: No one here that is against gay marriage has offered any valid reason why gay marriage is detrimental to anyone. That is because there is NO reason why gays should not be married. The only reasons they (the ones that deny gays their rights) give are religious reasons. We should remember that this is about civil rights, not religion. Thank GOD! "

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Lodian wrote on Jun 23, 2008 8:43 PM:

" Brian wrote "Do you realize the gay community wants more strength and more numbers will help this?"

Brian: You don't know much about the gay community. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 23, 2008 6:04 PM:

" Brian, I believe people are gay or they are not, it is not a choice, at least to all clinical literature that I have read. I bring up hetero marrigage, because I frequently hear that gay marriage somehow denigrates straight marriage. I think we have a serious marriage issue (divorce) that needs looked at. As I said before, if someone can make a VALID reason why gay marriage will affect my marriage, I am more than willing to give it a long listen. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 22, 2008 6:53 PM:

" Shrub wrote: Hetersexual marriages fail at I believe 52%. Lots of crap going on here and I don't think gays have much to do with it.

Shrub,That said, then why did you feel the need to bring up hetero divorce rate? Is it somehow going to go down because there are a lot of heteros that are closet gays that want to be in a same sex marriage? Do you realize the gay community wants more strength and more numbers will help this? This is one of the reasons why the vast majority of society is opposed to same sex marriage. "

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voter wrote on Jun 22, 2008 6:13 PM:

" shrubeater, that article was indeed a breath of fresh air. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 6:07 PM:

" I think I feel some hope after reading this. Some youngsters who are actually thinking and doing, wow, what a concept: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080622/pl_nm/usa_politics_evangelicals_dc "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:40 PM:

" Voter wrote, 'G--many (and I'm not referring to you) give lip service to this hate the sin, love the sinner plan, but their actions do not bear this out. Even in some churches, where you think this would be hammered home, leaders use the term "liberal" as if it was a dirty word.'

And this, of course goes both ways. The word 'conservative' is rarely spoken with respect from those on the left. While I cannot expect anyone to follow my advice, but I have suggested that in response to those who personally attack others in a feeble attempt to further their causes they should simply be ignored, although I realize just how difficult it is to do. "

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voter wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:18 PM:

" And that is the gist of my point in a nut shell. "Us" vs. "Them". Because they have different views, they are, in fact, evil. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:09 PM:

" Voter wrote, 'G--many (and I'm not referring to you) give lip service to this hate the sin, love the sinner plan, but their actions do not bear this out. Even in some churches, where you think this would be hammered home, leaders use the term "liberal" as if it was a dirty word.'

And this, of course goes both ways. The word 'conservative' is rarely spoken with respect from those on the left. While I cannot expect anyone to follow my advice, but I have suggested that in response to those who personally attack others in a feeble attempt to further their causes they should simply be ignored, although I realize just how difficult it is to do. "

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voter wrote on Jun 22, 2008 2:59 PM:

" G--many (and I'm not referring to you) give lip service to this hate the sin, love the sinner plan, but their actions do not bear this out. Even in some churches, where you think this would be hammered home, leaders use the term "liberal" as if it was a dirty word. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 2:54 PM:

" Voter - as this pertains to Christianity, those who truly desire to be 'Christ-like' do not condemn the person, just the activity that runs counter to their beliefs. Since my beliefs do dictate that I behave in this fashion, I rarely attack a human being. I do offer my opinion and as my faith also requires attempt to persuade them to change. At the point well before disparaging language or threats become used, I realize that I've done all that I can; further discussion is fruitless. Yet I know many gay people who I truly love; I find them captivating, loving, intelligent, ambitious, giving, funny, and everything else that I find wonderful in people. The fact that their sexual orientation is in opposition to what I believe to be 'right,' I will nevertheless continue to love and respect them.

Further, if they believe in Christianity and yet continue with their lifestyle I do NOT believe that they will be condemned to Hell. If they are, then I will be warming up right beside them in the nether regions because of my own spiritual failings. "

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voter wrote on Jun 22, 2008 2:44 PM:

" G--what you are referring to as good vs. evil in regards to acceptable social behavior, I would call the basic morality of the culture. This "us" and "them" way of thinking that spills over into politics is something else entirely. Law abiding citizens, and God forbid, anyone of another culture, are often painted as evil, simply for having a different viewpoint. It's not just that their particular take on a topic is "evil" (which would be bad enough), it's that they, as human beings, are described in derogatory terms. "Either you're with us, or you're with the enemy." That really bothers me. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 2:31 PM:

" Voter - human beings require a 'good' and 'evil' dichotomy. This is why we have laws - to differentiate between right and wrong (good/evil) and impose penalties upon those who would do evil to others. Or are you referring to something altogether different? "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 2:28 PM:

" Voter, yes that's true. I remember an aid to the Rev. Falwell being concerned that one day Falwell said thank God for gays. If they didn't exist I would have had to invent them. I still stick my my opinion that gays cause little mayhem. As far as teaching "gayness" in school. I think we are to a point we are stuggling to teach kids anything. The latest survey is that many young kids think they are going to grow up and be rich and famous. Oh my are they in store for some reality testing. "

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voter wrote on Jun 22, 2008 2:13 PM:

" shrubeater, fundamentalist religion needs an "us" and a "them", "good" and "evil" dichotomy. This tendency was used as a basis to polarize politics. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:58 PM:

" It just dawned on me what the US needs. We need an outside force to HATE. When the USSR was there, we ALL focused on them. For a couple of years we then focused on OBL. Now, we have found a group internally to hate. Not good! It's like when a family fights over an inheritence. All the time, energy, and love built by parents can be destroyed overnight by hateful fighting brats who felt they didn't get what "they deserved". I can see the parallel here. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:30 PM:

" Brain, put children in private schools. I think the No Child Left Behind act has just about destroyed our public schools. Drones that are produced by us will help compete with Chinese drones though. We just need to stop spoiling them because you can't produce a drone that wants to consume the good stuff. That's just for the top 1% of the US now. Stockton has one school with a 50% drop out rate. Hetersexual marriages fail at I believe 52%. Lots of crap going on here and I don't think gays have much to do with it. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:13 PM:

" Shrub Wrote: The hysterical part of the whole gay marriage debate is that this group is a tiny, tiny part of society.

Shrub, And this tiny, tiny part of society has such a huge impact on how the whole education system will have to be changed
when it comes to how marriage is viewed.

There are many distinct differences between a man and a woman.

To quote Winston Wallace:

"With the legalization of homosexual marriage, public schools in the nation will be required to teach that this perversion is the moral equivalent of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Textbooks, even in conservative states, will have to depict man/man and woman/woman relationships, and stories written for children as young as elementary school, or even kindergarten, will have to give equal space to homosexuals."


To be a proponent of same sex marriage
you should take responsibility for the actions of children that may have trouble understanding the distincet differences between a man and a women as a result of same sex marriage education in public schools. "

Report Abuse

girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:55 AM:

" Shrubeater, 'I just noticed the time and thought it was church time, yes tongue was in cheek.'

And I suspected as much. My 'explaining' to you what I 'may' do with regard to my religious activities wasn't out of any defense to your comment. I was simply affording you reasonable explanations as to why those who may further their beliefs on these blogs on a Sunday morning could very well be attending 'church' in ways unknown to those desiring to belittle them. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Girard, I respect your ability to worhsip and believe as you feel drawn to do. I thank our forefathers for all they gave to make this happen. They sit things in motion because they were wise men who wanted American to last and wisely instituted the Constitution. I feel those in power now cannot see past their noses and could careless about the next generation. My greatest fear is that American will collape before I die and that's what I mean by distractions. The neocons are a smart group and it's working. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:42 AM:

" shrubeater wrote, 'I am just sick of this distraction. I truly believe America is at a crossroads and we are sinking, but it's not because of gay marriage and abortion.'

While you may consider the matter to be a 'distraction,' there are many others who obviously believe it to be much more than that. You should understand that many Americans actually live their lives according to their faith (as best as they can); not merely as an extension of it. This causes issues such as homosexuality, same-sex marriage, divorce, abortion and many others to be of extreme relevance to them. And there is really nothing wrong with that.

Yet just as those who do not live according to any spiritual faith should never be 'forced' to believe otherwise, the same consideration should be afforded to them who do.

With the amendment to the California Constitution looming over us, this 'distraction' will certainly become front-page news up to and long after the election in November. It simply is not going to go away.

I will refrain from commenting further on your reference to 'abortion' as I do not desire to 'go there' today. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:39 AM:

" That's my annoyance with zealots of any sort, they just cannot accept there are others of any other religious faith. Someday those that are in the dominant position may not be, so it is important that we all safeguard the Constitution. It is your right to disagree with people and even hate them if you so chose. Just remember our rights have faded since 9/11 and that will imperil all of us in the long run. But I bet many will know who won American Idol and Survivor. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:36 AM:

" I just noticed the time and thought it was church time, yes tongue was in cheek. I don't care nor is it any of my business what you do on a religious basis, nor do you need to explain it to me. That's the beauty of America. We don't have people with guns coming to our doors and checking on us to make sure we are going to the church, work, or whatever, or that we are speaking ill of the government. Most of the world is just not so lucky. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Girard, thanks for the correction, as stated I'm not of the Christian faith, so it was good to review them. I am just sick of this distraction. I truly believe America is at a crossroads and we are sinking, but it's not because of gay marriage and abortion. The rich have gotten so MUCH richer and the poor so much poorer. I've lost complete trust in our government. Today's paper even lists how the poor are really affected by inflation this time, which they weren't as in the past. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:31 AM:

" shrubeater wrote, 'What are you doing blogging when you should be in church?'

Wow! I missed this little gem. There you are attempting to quote the Bible to further your insistence that people should not judge others and then turn right around and judge me for not being in church. I hope that your tongue was planted firmly within your cheek when you posted that, although it is impossible to tell.

How do you know I didn't attend an earlier service? How do you know that I don't attend 'church' through my television? How do you know that I don't worship God in my own home by reading His Word and praying to him in private? "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:28 AM:

" For the record I voted twice for Bill Clinton but he and the repulican congress did unforgiveable damage when they gave China most favored nation trading status. That allowed the flood gates of cheap labor to kill us here. We can't work for $9 an hour and survive much less $1 an hour as they do in China. I could care less about the lie and impeachment, you will someday see that sin is mild in comparison to what they all agreed to with this trade pact. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:26 AM:

" shrubeater, as you can probably tell, my intention was not to belittle you because of your error; I merely brought it to your attention.

Of course you meant the passage in Matthew that states 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.' There are many others, but I really don't think we want to get off on this tangent. There are many learned theologians who disagree that these Biblical passages deny us the responsibility to 'judge' others. In short, they are presented for us to first look to ourselves before casting aspersions on anyone else. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:24 AM:

" just remember the shrub didn't raise taxes, he sold our soul to China. Most people have no idea why the fixed mortgage rate is so low. It's because China continues to buy our treasury notes and allows us to keep our credit rolling. We no longer have any sort of leverage with them, because they own about 55% or outstanding treasury notes. shrub has done more damage to us than many understand. But as a nation, we've sure been concerned about gay marriage and abortion for the last 7 years. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:19 AM:

" gay marriage and abortion, I believe it's because of unbridled greed from the capitalists who fund Washington politics and dictate our laws. Own own area of Stockton, foreclosure captial of the world, was caused greatly by greed. Wall Street was greedy for unrealistic returns and didn't bother to look at what was underneath those subprime loans, to the bankers who sold them in a packaged deal. No just keep worrying about abortion and gay marriage as China will someday pull the rug out from under us. Then you'll find out how valuable religious freedom is when it's gone. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:15 AM:

" Those in 'power' keeps the masses stirred up with abortion and gay marriage and it keeps you off the Iraq war that was based on lies and cost us too many American lives, not to mention 2 trillion dollars. It keeps you away from demanding Wall Street commodity traders be forced to follow rules and not run oil prices into the stratosphere. Can you buy anything that is not made in China, what do we produce as Americans anymore? But those like Brian can keep on with their relgious dialogue while America's ship is sinking, but not because of "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:12 AM:

" were as much of the English system of government also. What I'm saying is that our Constitution protects our freedom of religion, one religion cannot be allowed to dictate to all others who live here. The hysterical part of the whole gay marriage debate is that this group is a tiny, tiny part of society. There are just so many other things right now that are just much more important. Gas will hit $5 soon and the biggest employer is the US is Walmart that pays $9 an hour. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:09 AM:

" ok, wrong on that quote, but it caused me to review them again, which is a good thing to do on ocassion as the rules are good for anyone of any religion. I know judging is somewhere in the Bible as it pertains to just this sort of thing, but I am not a Bible scholar, so someone can help me out. What are you doing blogging when you should be in church? Brian are you in favor of a Sharia Law state for Muslims. We have been based on part on CHristian principals, but those laws were.. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:30 AM:

" G74 Wrote: I must have missed that part. Where in the Ten Commandments does God insist that we must 'not judge?' "

Good point Girard74. I may not be quite as polished on my writing skills as you.
I do try. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:28 AM:

" Shrubbeater Wrote: We are a nation of Christians, not a Christian nation. "

You got that right. And this is why we should maintain the Christian foundation of this nation. To not maintain it and let it crumble because
a very small percentage of the population wants their way is selfish and obsurd and I won't have any part of this narcisism. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:24 AM:

" shrubeater wrote, 'I think everyone has disregarded the 10 Commandments section. There was a reason God put "DO NOT JUDGE" in there.'

I must have missed that part. Where in the Ten Commandments does God insist that we must 'not judge?' "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:20 AM:

" My final comment on this section: I think everyone has disregarded the 10 Commandments section. There was a reason God put "DO NOT JUDGE" in there. I have seen more hate spewed from so called Christians because of a few lines in the Bible. If it truly is against the Hebrew God's will, then those who have violated will be punished by him. I just keep in mind that God made all of us and for a reason. If you have children do you love anyone of them less because they are different or maybe not up to your standards "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Brian, our great Constitution of the United States of America, or at least what's left of it after the Patriot Act, allows you this very right of freedom of speech. It also allows me the freedom of religion. I think many of us so called left lean liberals are just finally tired of the Christians believing they are the only religion that can and will be. I am not pro or anti gay marraige, but I believe that it cannot be denied b/c of your Christian religous beliefs. We are a nation of Christians, not a Christian nation. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:46 AM:

" It will be a cold day in hell when I am denied quoting scriptures in the bible
that may be offensive to gays. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:44 AM:

" Winston, It's ironic how those that scream the loudest about their free speech rights being voilated are the very ones who would be proponets of Jack Straw's law.

Oh, what a tangled web the left weaves. "

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Winston Wallace wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:20 AM:

" " U.K. Justice Minister Jack Straw has outlined plans for a new law criminalizing incitement of hatred against lesbian, gay or bisexual people. Those convicted of breaking the law could face a maximum sentence of seven years. " And so it goes. Soon the day will come here unless "tolerant" America wakes up where the Bible will be banned. Reading scripture like Lev 20:13 will be considered hate speech
Priests and pastors will be arrested and imprisoned. Christians, Jews, and Muslims will have to go underground to practice their religion. Edmund Bruke said "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Many good people see no threat at all and therein lies most of the problem. Don't you think in hindsight the American Indian regrets letting that first covered wagon cross the Great Plains? "

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Brian wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:36 PM:

" Bob Matheis, Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

If you have the courage you should contact Dennis Prager and arrange to have a debate with him on this issue or contact him on the phone when he is on the radio. Pragerradio.com

You might be quite surprised to find many of Prager's views are probably the same as yours, except for this issue. I know Ken Owen shares many of Prager's views. I've known Ken since I was in grade school and when I attended Century Assembly Church. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:30 PM:

" You can get almost any policy approved by vast numbers of Americans by appealing to their goodness -- which is what the cause of same-sex marriage does. When the average American hears the word "intolerance," he jumps through hoops to avoid being associated with such an awful thing. Moreover, it takes a great deal of thought to understand why tolerance has nothing to do with whether we should change the definition of marriage and family. One can tolerate gay couples, move next door to them, invite them over for a barbecue, love them as fellow family members or just as fellow human beings, and still fight for the preservation of marriage as every civilization has known it.

The third group of supporters of same-sex marriage is the religious Left. Their social values are generally identical to those of the secular Left, but they think of those values as religious. These Jews and Christians say they support same-sex marriage not despite their religious identity, but because of it. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:28 PM:

" He also states:

Proponents of same-sex marriage fall into three categories.

One is the secular Left -- people who seek to end the dominance of Judeo-Christian values in American life. These individuals tend to be the leaders and among the most active supporters of same-sex marriage.

They are animated by their fear and loathing of Bible-based Christians (and Jews) whom they regard as religious fanatics. Destroying the Judeo-Christian definition of marriage is one part of the secular Left's assault. Every vestige of Judeo-Christian America is targeted: public celebrations of Christmas, the mention of God in public schools, "In God We Trust" on our money, the use of the Bible at inaugurations, and much more.

But the end of Judeo-Christian marriage would be by far the Left's biggest success in remaking America in its image.

A second group consists of many well-meaning Americans who are not leftists and who do not yearn for the end of Judeo-Christian values. They simply believe that same-sex marriage is either the right thing to do or, even if wrong, not a big deal. Cont. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:24 PM:

" According to Dennis Prager:

There is nothing in mainstream Christianity or Judaism that supports same-sex marriage. There is nothing biblically supportive -- and there is much biblically opposed -- and there was not one major religious leader or thinker in Jewish or Christian history prior to the present generation who argued for same-sex marriage.

Religious supporters of same-sex marriage have either substituted their own feelings for God, for the Bible, and for religious law or they have simply attached a cross or a yarmulke to their leftist politics. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:12 PM:

" jess, so you disagree with George Washington that religon and morality are indespensible supports in society.

Oh, Bob Matheis, this is for you too. "

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jess wrote on Jun 21, 2008 6:57 PM:

" Bob Matheis Wrote: It is about time with our culture and our current understanding of homosexuality. I have come to believe that it's not something one chooses; it's something that one discovers about themselves."

Bob, I have to agree. Thank you for speaking out. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:16 AM:

" Bob Matheis Wrote:
"It is about time with our culture and our current understanding of homosexuality. I have come to believe that it's not something one chooses; it's something that one discovers about themselves.

Winston Wallace Wrote: These supports are now crumbling and what was once unthinkable will be the norm.Words will mean the opposite of what they once meant and the people will drown in a cesspool of moral relativism.The sewer line cracked and broke slowly as it ran into the river of morality and standards. Some could see and taste the stench but many never knew the difference between the two and find it puzzling that some still fight to save that river. " "

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sam wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:33 AM:

" shrubeater... great name. I have to confess that I was a 2 time voter for the baby shrub. The first time I just voted republican as that is my party. The second time I fell for the republicans' "Fear" tactics. Stupid me.

This time I am wide awake and paying attention. "

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Brian wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Winston Wallace wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:16 AM:

Winston, Well Put. "

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Winston Wallace wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:16 AM:

" With the legalization of homosexual marriage, public schools in the nation will be required to teach that this perversion is the moral equivalent of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Textbooks, even in conservative states, will have to depict man/man and woman/woman relationships, and stories written for children as young as elementary school, or even kindergarten, will have to give equal space to homosexuals. In his September 19, 1796 Farewell Address to the nation, George Washington stated: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great Pillars." These supports are now crumbling and what was once unthinkable will be the norm.Words will mean the opposite of what they once meant and the people will drown in a cesspool of moral relativism.The sewer line cracked and broke slowly as it ran into the river of morality and standards. Some could see and taste the stench but many never knew the difference between the two and find it puzzling that some still fight to save that river. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:40 AM:

" Just another day in the Bible Belt: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/20/teacher.cross/index.html?iref=mpstoryview "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:02 PM:

" shrubeater wrote, 'As my husband said, he watched the old man Bush say wait for Ohio and sure enough the electronic voting machines brought it in for shrub.'

And this means what, exactly? Are you suggesting that the machines were tampered with to bring in the vote for Bush?

For almost as long as I can remember Ohio has always been considered a pivotal state in national elections. To the dismissal of nearly all other states, Florida, Michigan and Ohio (and a few others) have always been the states to 'watch' on election night.

After the 2000 election, Bush without question had the electoral votes necessary to be the 43rd President of the United States. No one denies that Gore received the popular vote, but as we all know it is the 'electoral' vote that matters. If this is a problem (which I believe it is) then the Constitution should be amended. Regardless, Florida was key then and after multiple recounts of that state's votes, Bush won albeit by the narrowest of margins. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:50 PM:

" A funny thing I remember my father asking me what I thought about Al Gore and Baby Bush. I remember telling him that one didn't have a pulse and the other didn't have a brain. I look back and I would most certainly have gone for the one without a pulse. I truly believe that Gore was ripped off. As my husband said, he watched the old man Bush say wait for Ohio and sure enough the electronic voting machines brought it in for shrub. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:45 PM:

" Sam, it's shrub eater as in george bush (shrub). I better be careful or Homeland Security might come knocking at my door. Shrub completely fooled the evangelical Christians into thinking that he could overturn abortion and ban gay marriage. I am from the Bible belt and people in my own family bought him hook, line, and sinker. I saw from the beginning what he was. I didn't like his father much either, but at least he was a man of some intellect and character. I can't believe American voted in a recovering alcoholic "C" student as president. We deserved better! "

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sam wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:33 PM:

" OK shrubeater, I gotta ask... the blog name.. I love it. Do you eat shrubs??? come one.. the name... where did it come from.

Me... sam... I am sam that sam I am. I picked the name just because I LOVE green eggs and ham. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:07 PM:

" OTH, thank you for the kind words too, but what did I say that made you think that I am a man? I am not, I am a straight, white, middle-aged woman. "

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Winston Wallace wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:57 PM:

" Homosexuality is, of course, not a new behavior. It has existed in practically all cultures and among all people, but usually in fewer numbers and in secrecy, not with an "in your face" attitude as it does in the United States now. Unfortunately this is the reality of the times we live in, especially in liberal states like Ca and Massachusetts. Gays, in an attempt to polish their image, constitute a very active and powerful lobby group. They have strong political and social ties and access to the elites of the society, especially in the US, including many members of Congress. The homosexuals have gained public acceptance for their behavior in a very short period of time. The homosexual's agenda is a very simple one to make their behavior acceptable as NORMAL, and in the process recruit more to their ranks. They have a sophisticated and multifaceted campaign to achieve their goals. They have arrived. Gay marriage is now a fact. Fundamental Christianity and Islam are in the forefront of speaking out against gay marriage but the former is branded as intolerant homophobes while the latter are all unjustly portrayed as terrorist or sympathetic to radical jihad. "

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OTH wrote on Jun 19, 2008 8:47 PM:

" shrubbeater

You sound like a very wise and knowledgeable man, who grew up in a very loving and caring household May you continue in your knowledge and wisdom all the rest of your life. "

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marie wrote on Jun 19, 2008 6:22 AM:

" I think its ironic, so many heterosexuals are opting out of marriage, preferring to live together. The argument being that its economically better. They have no problem raising children out of wedlock and do not even care about "morality" Now the gay community wants to be wed. They want the institution of marriage. The only good thing that may come from all of this, is perhaps the Gays can fight the unfair tax penalties that are placed on married couples. Since they are good lobbyist perhaps we can all benefit from some change. Or they may eventual question why they wanted this in the first place. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 19, 2008 12:52 AM:

" As I see it, a relatively small part of the gay community may very well have caused irreparable harm to the majority in their quest to have their lifestyle accepted. Like it or not, admit it or not, those who many label as 'homophobe' may very well have become that way not by those who quietly live their lives in harmony amongst straight people, but by the militant and extravagant behavior advanced by that small percentage of gays.

Most people simply do not understand why there is a need to hold parades and other public exhibitions to celebrate any sexual preference, gay, straight or otherwise. Even here on this blog while there are many hateful opponents to same-sex marriage there are equally as many exhibiting the same hateful rhetoric to attack their heterosexual counterparts.

Although I will be pilloried for this dialogue, I suggest that the best way to convince the voters of California that same-sex marriage is not harmful (thereby possibly soothing their fear) is to tone down the rhetoric. The louder and more militant the gay community becomes, the smaller their chances of prevailing in November. Unfortunately, it may be too late to do any good. "

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sam wrote on Jun 18, 2008 11:16 PM:

" shrubeater, your Mom sounds pretty cool. She sounds like a woman I would be proud to know.

Just love.. that's it. When things hurt so bad that you cannot bear it, turn to the nearest person and just love.

Life is way too short to hate. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:53 PM:

" As I see it, a relatively small part of the gay community may very well have caused irreparable harm to the majority in their quest to have their lifestyle accepted. Like it or not, admit it or not, those who many label as 'homophobe' may very well have become that way not by those who quietly live their lives in harmony amongst straight people, but by the militant and extravagant behavior advanced by that small percentage of gays.

Most people simply do not understand why there is a need to hold parades and other public exhibitions to celebrate any sexual preference, gay, straight or otherwise. Even here on this blog while there are many hateful opponents to same-sex marriage there are equally as many exhibiting the same hateful rhetoric to attack their heterosexual counterparts.

Although I will be pilloried for this dialogue, I suggest that the best way to convince the voters of California that same-sex marriage is not harmful (thereby possibly soothing their fear) is to tone down the rhetoric. The louder and more militant the gay community becomes, the smaller their chances of prevailing in November. Unfortunately, it may be too late to do any good. "

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girard74 wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:20 PM:

" tichmarie wrote 'You both need to take a civics lesson. The Court was not being "activist." That is just something people say when a court does something they don't like.'

Yes, every county is now enforcing the law permitting same-sex marriage in California. It has already been opined that 'if' the proposed amendment to the California Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman passes in November, the same-sex marriages performed between now and then will remain valid.

My question to those who are praising this court for reversing this law, will you be as equally magnanimous toward the majority of voters in California if they reverse this ruling by Constitutional amendment? "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:44 PM:

" She did what she thought was her "Christian Duty". She never stood up in church and yelled AMEN and Halleujah so that everyone could hear, no she had nothing to prove to anyone here on earth, only to God. I hope that Mr. Owens has the pleasure of meeting my mother some day as I believe she is sitting at the side of God as she was as saintly as a human could be. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:41 PM:

" every month telling my mom he was hungry, she fed him. She had no harsh words for him either. When a friend the family came to our home asking mom to take in his small son for a while, she did, because the new mom was in the insane house for a while. She had no harsh words for them either, she just took care of that child until his mother was well again. My mother never said hateful things to anyone. She said things under her breath occassionaly, as she was not a saint. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:37 PM:

" Sam thank you for the kind comments, but I must tell you that I am a Buddhist, not a Christian. I am white and was raised by Christians. Let me inform those hatemongers what a REAL Christian is/was, my late mother. There was a young girl in the neighborhood who got pregnant at 16. Well, she went to have 3 kids, without a dad by the time she was 22. My mother never had a harsh word for her. When their food stamps ran out and the oldest was at our door on the 25th of "

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sam wrote on Jun 18, 2008 5:05 PM:

" I say love the one you're with and thank God every day
for your life. Live hard and live well... and love lots. You want to condemn??? Look at yourself, but be gentle. You are only a human.

If religion is not your thing, then be thankful for the fact that you have witnessed another sunrise.

Life is too good to waste a breath on hate. "

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Metric Time System wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:04 AM:

" Mattheis: since when must the Bible be altered to fit into current culture. Is a fallen, finite, human reasoning superior to God's word? Is that what you would call "rightfully dividing the word of truth"?

Culture is what should conform to God's will in our lives.By pursuing sinful lifestyles, we are telling God His word is in error. God is irrelevant, doesn't understand current culture, made a mistake.God is wrong.

Homosexuality isn't a new subject, it's ancient, has always been an issue, and God has never condoned sin.

As a Pastor, you have the highest responsilbility.How can you stand in judgement of God? "

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nylodian wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:14 AM:

" I guess I should jump off the nearest bridge since I cannot procreate. I mean, if I don't have one part of my "main drive" I must not have the other! LOL! "

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Leonard wrote on Jun 18, 2008 6:32 AM:

" That's "waist" down.

Hey, I was writing at 5:00 in the morning... "

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Leonard wrote on Jun 18, 2008 3:17 AM:

" Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:08 PM:

the biggest law being violated in a gay relationship would be Darwins. An organisms main drive is to stay alive, and procreate.

I read an article recently about an Marine who had been wounded in Iraq and was marrying the woman who had been his caregiver. This poor guy had basically lost everything from the waste down to an IED. The article said that the couple hoped to eventually adopt.

I suppose you could argue that they are "violating Darwin's law" by wanting to celebrate their love but... "

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lodi boy wrote on Jun 18, 2008 1:10 AM:

" AAAHHHHH!!!!!.............there....now I feel better. "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:08 PM:

" Sam, you must admit, that the biggest law being violated in a gay relationship would be Darwins. An organisms main drive is to stay alive, and procreate. "

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sam wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:53 PM:

" shrubeater Jun 17, 2008 8:32 PM..

Awesome blog. "

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sam wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:51 PM:

" shrubeater said "Jesus was just so much more "

Spoken like a REAL Christian. Thank you. "

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sam wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Seems to me , everyone against gay marriage is basing it on their personal religious beliefs. In the bible it says "Thou shalt not kill." Why are these same people not fighting against the death penalty??

I would love to hear, without using one's religious beliefs, why gay marriage is wrong. One cannot condemn someone based on his own religious beliefs, unless these beliefs are universally accepted.

The only one you can condemn with your own personal religious beliefs is yourself. Not all believe the same as you. "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:44 PM:

" Shrubbeater, I agree. This law will not really affect me, or you, or anybody, except for the positive effect it will have on all of our gay friends in a committed relationship. People like Mr. Owen spend way too much of their lives worrying about what really amount to trivial matters in the big picture. God is big enough to handle this one in His own way, in His own time. He doesn't need Mr. Owens help. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:32 PM:

" If anyone could make a VALID argument on why gay marriage would affect my marriage, I am more than happy to listen. I can tell you what will affect MY marriage: adulterly by me or spouse; diabolical financial mayhem by me or spouse; and that's the 2 that would have the greatest impact. Jane and Jill married and living next door has ZERO impact on MY marriage until proven otherwise. If they run off with my spouse and spend all of our money, well then they will affect my marriage. "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:20 PM:

" By the way Rev. Mattheis, 2 out of 3 coherent paragraphs ain't bad! "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:15 PM:

" Congrats to all the newlyweds today. Welcome to the world of the marriage penalty tax! "

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voter wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:13 PM:

" Cog, I'm pretty certain that Georgia's anti-sodomy laws were struck down in 1998. All of those other anti-sodomy laws would be invalid as a result of the supreme court case in 2003. "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:13 PM:

" Never mind, the page I got that info from was created in 1994. I was wondering how they would ever enforce it anyway. But I understand that is the best method of intercourse to assure your child will grow up to be a Lawyer. "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:07 PM:

" Sodomy IS against the law in many states. In Georgia, it carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Some states it is permissible only between married couples. In Arkansas, 1 year in jail, $1000 fine, same sex only. Alabama 1year, $1000, married couples exempt. Sodomy is also against the law in Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts(really!), Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, Utah, and Tennessee. Look it up! "

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voter wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:06 PM:

" Has anyone ever seen Mr. Owen's voter guide? He seems completely preoccupied with sex, human reproduction, and "the war on Christmas". No mention or concern at all regarding poverty, homelessness, torture, genocide, or war. Somehow, I think Jesus would have different priorities. "

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shrubeater wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:57 PM:

" I know that Mr. Owens is frequently heard voicing his opinion against something, but what does he and his church do to minister to the community? I'm not being fasicious, but would like to know. Do you help young single moms who kept their babies with daycare, diapers, a supporting hand? Do you stop and ask the homeless bum on Sac St if you can help? I believe our modern "Christians" having gotten away from the service to humanity. When I think Christian I think: against gay marriage and want to ban abortion. Jesus was just so much more "

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jeff wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:57 PM:

" cogito, those ideas are also attributed to Aristotle in 'Ethics'.

I read an exerpt with my class and had them discuss it. "

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jeff wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:54 PM:

" voter, i stand corrected. my apologies, you are correct.

'By 2002, 36 states had repealed all sodomy laws or had them overturned by court rulings. The remaining anti-homosexual sodomy laws have been invalidated by the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision Lawrence v. Texas' "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:51 PM:

" How about this quote voter: "Any man who is under 30 and is not a liberal, has no heart; any man who is over 30 and is not a conservative, has no brains" Winston Churchill. What makes this one of my favorite quotes, is that conservatism is associated with a thinking, while liberalism is associated only with emotions. LOL! "

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jeff wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:46 PM:

" voter, actually i do believe sodomy is against the law in some states. problem is there is no single defintion of sodomy. in one or more southern state, sodomy includes consensual heterosexual oral sex and is illegal. "

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Cogito wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:39 PM:

" Shrubbeater, you couldn't believe someone said something stupid on The View? I've never seen 5 minutes go by on that show without someone saying something stupid. "

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voter wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:34 PM:

" Hey dogs4you, FYI, sodomy is not against the law ANYWHERE in the USA. "

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