Reply #5: Plaid... [View All]

If you look over the history of constitutional amendments, you will note that most of them, apart from those that have been repealed (like Prohibition) are about either protecting the rights of all Americans, or *extending* rights and privileges to previously disenfranchised groups. If they can get a constitutional amendment against gay marriage to pass, that will be the first time that the constitution has been amended in order to *restrict* the civil rights of a particular group.

Throughout the countless hours I've spent debating, and all the words I've written, never did I see it that way. My God, woman, what a point indeed!

I can't say you've influenced me one way or the other on the Canada question, because for me it's been brewing for a very long time anyway (and I know there's nothing that would make my partner happier than for me to say, "You're right -- my country actively engages in legalized discrimination against me, and that will never change, so screw it, let's go!").

I still don't know what the final outcome will be; she and I both have obligations we can't shirk at the moment. One thing's certain, at least: When we can raise the money, we're going to Canada and get married, so we can bring the battle back home, a la Rev. Troy Perry.

In any case, thank you, PA, for posting this. It's a fantastic point, which drives home the stark reality of just how anti-American this latest anti-gay push really is. I can't believe how clear it is to me all of a sudden. (In fact, I feel kind of idiotic for not drawing the same conclusion on my own.)

But then, you've had a great effect on me for a long time, probably without your realizing it. Your site was in the first batch I linked at GoQueer.com. :)

My thanks to Liza as well.

Wow, what a concept.