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Tag(s): GLBT-Gay Issues; Gay Bashing; Gay Equality; Gay Lesbian Rights; Marriage; Murder
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November 1, 2008 at 22:04:23

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Promoted to Headline (H2) on 11/1/08:
In 20 Words or Less Tell Me Why...

by James Nimmo Page 1 of 1 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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A recent Amnesty International story is reporting that a 13-year old girl was stoned to death for "adultery"

Don't anyone, anywhere, get in my face and tell me about the blessedness of the religious Middle Eastern dessert cults, be it torture-cross bearing X-tians, Muslim bath-robe turbanites, or Israeli interlopers with mutilated penises who can't get along with their Arab Abrahamic half-brothers, or any other member of a cult that engages in the kind of anti-social behavior committed in the name of a "higher" exo-planet source of transformative energy.

People who commit atrocities such as the stoning described in this NY Times article (http://tinyurl.com/5guecg) are lunatics on the same order as Jim Jones of Guyana fame who passed out poisoned Kool-Aid in the name of self-worship or the indescribably foul actions of the Fred Phelps Gang, aka Westboro Baptist Church, as they execrate any American who has a kind thing to say about gay/lesbian equality.

And how could we forget the Heaven's Gate mass suicide with 38 followers believing a spaceship was hovering behind the Hale-Bopp comet to whisk them all away to eternal bliss.

In all these examples it's the love of ego that translates into murder for the rest of us. Private religious belief is being used to separate individuals from their civil rights even as those fanatics refuse to bear any responsibility.

To believe in extra-terrestrial forces is to addict yourself to the same mind drug that the loonies use to numb their own minds as they perform their atrocities in the name of THEIR "higher calling". Don't forget, all the religious addicts on the left or right side of the non-believing fence claim it's the SAME god, metamorphosed according to the language and cultural history of the region and using one name or another accordingly.

This confusion of mind is being used to deny gay/lesbian taxpayers living in the USA our civil rights to which we are entitled by citizenship. This denial of civil rights is being voted in four states this week--same gender marriage in California, Arizona, Florida, and adoption by gay/lesbian couples in Arkansas.

Someone tell me in 20 words or less why my citizenship should be denied, diluted, and disparaged just because I'm a gay man.

Tell me in 20 words or less why a religious belief should be used to separate me from my partner of 32 years should he need to be hospitalized.

In 20 words or less tell me why I can't transfer my Social Security pension to my partner should I die first.

Why, in 20 words or less, am I forced to follow the religious tenets of people who believe wine can be turned into blood, an Arab rode a horse into "heaven", and a migrating tribe of nomads walked a path through the Red Sea while I and my partner are denied civil liberties such as those enjoyed by these cult believers who have no questions asked as to what they do with their genitals.

www.okstonewall.org

James Nimmo is treasurer of Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats (www.okstonewall.org) and is active in progressive issues.

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18 comments

JC Garrett is a freelance writer and Constitutional scholar from the piney-woods of East Texas. He apologizes to the entire world that the great Lone Star State could have produced the neo-Neanderthal currently occupying the Oval Office.

"I'm not ashamed to be an American. I'm ashamed George W. Bush is an American."

Mr. Garrett owns and operates an independent recording studio, plays several instruments, writes, sings, and produces music.

His stories have ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
JC GarrettJC Garrett is a freelance writer and Constitutional scholar from the piney-woods of East Texas. He apologizes to the entire world that the great Lone Star State could have produced the neo-Neanderthal currently occupying the Oval Office.

"I'm not ashamed to be an American. I'm ashamed George W. Bush is an American."

Mr. Garrett owns and operates an independent recording studio, plays several instruments, writes, sings, and produces music.

His stories have ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Okay

I'll tell you in twenty words or less:

You shouldn't be. It's wrong. Your life, your choice. None of my business.

Now that I've said that in 13 words, I hope you'll allow me a few more to say that this is one of those things that people have to decide for themselves. And government should have nothing to do with it one way or the other.

I wouldn't support a Constitutional amendment either for or against it. Nobody should be able to tell someone how to make their own personal decisions. (Plus, that's not something you alter the Constitution for.)

As with every other such matter, especially when it comes to spiritual or moral questions, I don't believe it is up to me to decide what's right and wrong for everyone else.

Author and political pundit Andrew Sullivan is a gay Republican, and in my opinion, he probably has more integrity and honesty and moral substance that anyone in his line of work.

For all their bluster and talk about believing in the Bible, Republicans always seem to be champing at the bit to cast the first stone. As a matter of fact, off the top of my head, I can't think of a single one of Jesus' parables or teachings that they actually believe in and put into practice.

by JC Garrett (40 articles, 65 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 604 comments) on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 11:02:55 PM

We will either survive until the sun envelopes the Earth in millions of years or we will prematurely expire having carelessly and needlessly forfeited the future of the unborn for the mere accumulation of things man-made. An unemotional, instinctive creature would never have done this.
NfamousWe will either survive until the sun envelopes the Earth in millions of years or we will prematurely expire having carelessly and needlessly forfeited the future of the unborn for the mere accumulation of things man-made. An unemotional, instinctive creature would never have done this.

Because it may save your life

Americans can pretty much follow any tenets they choose but don't expect to have a lot of friends if it doesn't conform with the majority of society because you expose the doubt people already have about their own silly beliefs forced on them as children by their equally delusional parents. I am one such person. Religious people and believers alike hate being around me because I just make too much sense when it comes to their mythological beliefs. The fact remains that no one knows what happens when we die. It doesn't matter what you hope. We still don't know and that is the reality so all the faith in the world isn't going to change that. There is still some religious tolerance there but not for long. When totalitarianism comes to the United States you will either have to leave the country or fake being a believer. If you don't you will probably be jailed, tortured, maimed and killed.

by Nfamous (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 79 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 8:15:47 AM

I was born, and now I am just doing a lot of stuff 'till I die.
Kathy StuartI was born, and now I am just doing a lot of stuff 'till I die.

When it comes?

When totalitarianism comes?! Brother, where have you been?

by Kathy Stuart (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 31 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 9:13:08 AM

I've never claimed to have all of the answers, but refuse to sacrifice my right to ask all of the questions and expect answers in return. Faith and Confidence are at a low and continue to decline. Thinking ex-pat.
AngeloI've never claimed to have all of the answers, but refuse to sacrifice my right to ask all of the questions and expect answers in return. Faith and Confidence are at a low and continue to decline. Thinking ex-pat.

9 words

Because religion decreases the oxygen flow to the brain.

by Angelo (5 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 203 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 8:58:00 AM

A one-time Bush voter turned educated Progressive activist.
Kip AndersonA one-time Bush voter turned educated Progressive activist.

No quick fix

The problem as I see it is that The Constitution makes no mention of marriage or civil unions etc. What it does state in the 14th Amendment is this:

No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Unfortunately that puts the burden on having to strike down marriage laws as unconstitutional if that argument can actually be made, and that would be a massive undertaking for the court system to handle.

Regardless, while my wife and I were officially 'married', we do not consider ourselves as married in the technical sense of it. We hold no respect for a god or religious dogma, and to reclassify it legally as a civil union would not offend us in any way because that is essentially what it is. But does that mean 'in defense of marriage', as they like to label it, we should also be denied the same benefits of married people?

The bottom line is that it is a sad state of hypocrisy that must ultimately be changed, and it appears that while we are not there yet, that change is slowly coming.

by Kip Anderson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 9 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 8:59:40 AM

I'm a 61year old white guy, Veteran of 66-68, operate my own business with my wife and love to travel. Built a big sailboat in the 70's and went sailing for a few years, which ruined me for real work. Now, I fly hot air balloons for a living. Have been initiated as an Andean Paq'o. Yes, I am a liberal.
RogerI'm a 61year old white guy, Veteran of 66-68, operate my own business with my wife and love to travel. Built a big sailboat in the 70's and went sailing for a few years, which ruined me for real work. Now, I fly hot air balloons for a living. Have been initiated as an Andean Paq'o. Yes, I am a liberal.

How to explain a wrong?

Dunno, beats the ass off of me......

All I know is the Gay people who's company I enjoy seem to be in general more intelligent, better educated (that is, less ignorant) and have more money for fun than my hetro friends. Yeh...I am married and it is often a real pain in the butt.

by Roger (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 404 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 10:06:01 AM

I am a concerned citizen(and musician) of Canada,watching the madness unfold to my south. I am hoping to connect some of the dots between the Bush/Cheney regime, the neo-conservatives, the C.I.A, the military, and of course oil and the banking institutions. It is becomming quite obvious to most people who still retain their critical thinking skills the corruptness that pervades the current administration.
nakedtruthI am a concerned citizen(and musician) of Canada,watching the madness unfold to my south. I am hoping to connect some of the dots between the Bush/Cheney regime, the neo-conservatives, the C.I.A, the military, and of course oil and the banking institutions. It is becomming quite obvious to most people who still retain their critical thinking skills the corruptness that pervades the current administration.

Like Christianity

the Muslim faith is irrational in the hands of lunatics. And it is the Fascist right wing Christian gang of thugs that will soon be forcing you into their newly constructed gulags.

Better to confront the religious fanatics in your own back yard.

by nakedtruth (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 39 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 10:29:15 AM

Geery lived off the grid for 15 years in an earth-sheltered, solar heated home, while his kids learned in school that solar energy isn't feasible. NAPTA hosts a page on Geery's foibles in education, and explains how he got his butt fired from a tenured teaching position. Here's a short clip of his most recent solar contraption; for more on that project, and Geery's contention that the Wright Brothers took a wrong turn, please visit his airship page (hyperblimp.com). Apparently, Geery is the only...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Daniel GeeryGeery lived off the grid for 15 years in an earth-sheltered, solar heated home, while his kids learned in school that solar energy isn't feasible. NAPTA hosts a page on Geery's foibles in education, and explains how he got his butt fired from a tenured teaching position. Here's a short clip of his most recent solar contraption; for more on that project, and Geery's contention that the Wright Brothers took a wrong turn, please visit his airship page (hyperblimp.com). Apparently, Geery is the only...

to see more of bio, click on member name

That's an easy one! (4)

Genitals were not made for fun; they are for procreation. (10)

How better to destroy the earth? (5)

by Daniel Geery (26 articles, 81 quicklinks, 125 diaries, 775 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 11:01:30 AM

randall is a married carpenter in wisconsin very very much an outdoorsman, who's family goes back, over 120 years in the same town in n. wisconsin. who is concerned about global warming after the realization of the major changes in his own town's weather,and knowing nobody can stop it now. whether you believe in GOD or we are just animals something is happening? JUSTIFICATION IS COMMING!!!!!
skiidogsrandall is a married carpenter in wisconsin very very much an outdoorsman, who's family goes back, over 120 years in the same town in n. wisconsin. who is concerned about global warming after the realization of the major changes in his own town's weather,and knowing nobody can stop it now. whether you believe in GOD or we are just animals something is happening? JUSTIFICATION IS COMMING!!!!!

there is a god

its just all you have been told bullshit about him--false facts by churches and the pastors who do not know the truth--after jesus said their was only 1 law and that it is love ,it blanket covered all of the gays --it means you can do no wrong if you do it with love and for love-god did not instigate all the crazy laws that we impose on ourselves--most laws in the bible were wrote by ruleing preists not god --so who do you want to believe--the bible clearly states preists have no authority over you and they sin the same as we--all the catholic priests actions have proven this--god comes to us all personaly when we are ready for him----do not throw away the belief in god because of stupid laws imposed by false teaching--trust in yourselves and 1 god --their are only 10 commandments--and jesus saying to love all--its so simple-their is three forms of creation --heaven,above the firmament[outerspace] and our earth---if you really read the bible it says jesus created us not god-so another misplaced fact---jesus created all physical life---we were created in righteousness[meaning we would have no dought of god and we could always do the right thing in all decisions in our physical life] but some fallen angels who did not like jesus creating phisical life, and did not like being told to obey us from god, screwed it up --so we [adam and eve] failed in keeping gods law even though tricked by a fallen angel--which was known by god that this would happen---so what is sin??? failure to obey gods laws [which are only facts to live a life without sin ,a healthy life] gods laws are equasions of life nothing more-just like e=mc2--there is only 1 path to real life as he would want us to follow but sin gets in the way--we are now living out the examples of sin--all sin are lessons on how not to live--a record is being kep for us so we never question gods authority ever again-we will not be able to say ever that we can live without god directly in our lives, that if we did it this way or that way we would succeed without god in our lives-for god is life- the lessons of sin are almost all known to man--the bible says that the destruction of our earth by our own hands is the last lesson we must learn and he would stop this from happening before its to late--so we now know this is happening right now at an alarming rate--so soon the end of this world is to come--be happy---read the bible and do not listen to others including me about its contents--use your heart for it is the truth and the only path to real life--look past mortal laws and seek understanding from him not some pastor that says he knows---the bible is the most complicated book you will read and it must be read over and over before a person even begins to understand it--FACTS THERE---hell is the grave nothing more--the hell you all think you are going to is a myth from pastors who want to scare you ,that hell is for fallen angels who are immortal and will be held, imprisoned----jesus created us not god-----all aspects of life are talked about-----all questions answered---anti-christ is anything you hold or worship in place of jesus---that can be almost anything---your love can go on forever and your sin you create can go on and on and on also--so read before you comment on religion or those who say they do under the guise of it--anti-crists are as many as there is truths--so why listen to them-how would you know without reading and finding out for yourselves--trusting in another about god is like trusting george bush about what he says--get real or get away

by skiidogs (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 187 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 11:40:09 AM

Just a "Joe Blow"
Markageloo BrezaJust a "Joe Blow"

Why

Why should I be a christian when

they went out & beat Mathew Shepard

to death & left im hanging on a fence !!

Make sure yopur own religion is guilt free

by Markageloo Breza (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 10 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 11:42:52 AM

Author Filter Mechanics theory
David C BeachAuthor Filter Mechanics theory

We choose

I believe that we choose who we will be on earth in heaven, therefore you choose the challenges you face yourself. Oops that’s 21. Anyway, I wrote a book on this and the first chapter is on opednews HERE. I think that marriage is for the benefit of the children and therefore gay marriage does not fit the bill. I am for civil unions to solve the problems faced by gay couples. If it’s any consolation James you’re a braver soul than me. People do not attack me unless you read my here above.

by David C Beach (0 articles, 1 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 169 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 1:32:39 PM

electronic technician, truth seeker
Bob Gormleyelectronic technician, truth seeker

Faith

Will Jesus find faith when he returns for a second time?

Very few .

by Bob Gormley (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 955 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2:01:31 PM

Renee Beauregard is the mother of an adult with special needs and the owner of a marketing and communications firm in Colorado which serves several charities. She is a consumer and disability advocate and has founded several nonprofit organizations.
Renee BeauregardRenee Beauregard is the mother of an adult with special needs and the owner of a marketing and communications firm in Colorado which serves several charities. She is a consumer and disability advocate and has founded several nonprofit organizations.

Never give up because you are not alone

Again, I don't have 20 words or less to make the argument for those who are using religion to tell you what to do.

Marriage under the law is nothing more than a contract between two people who share financial responsibilities and property. Period.

If people want to have a marriage "under God" they can get that from their church. In fact, there is also an argument here (that I wish could hold up in court)... Catholics believe if you are married in their church, and you get a legal divorce, you also have to get an anulment from the church or you are still married. So they have already set a precedent for this. They ALREADY believe that a legal marriage from the state is not really a marriage under God and they are not one in the same.

So the answer to the religious people trying to make gay and lesbian people suffer is this: The Catholics are right. Go talk to them. (Now, that will make them all squirm).

My husband and I got married by some guy from the church of what's happening now in a chapel that isn't a church. We did that for my aging mother and because it felt nice and it was pretty. We aren't any more or less legally tied because of it and "God" did not sanctify our marriage. My first marriage was in a Catholic church...SO...the truth is according to any CHURCH, I am not even married to my husband in God's eyes. But the state thinks I am legally tied to my second husband because our marriage contract says so.

In the end I want to tell you this: there are MANY people out here who are not with "them". The legal arguments have to get much stronger on this and each time this battle is fought, the case against the religious part of this becomes clearer.

by Renee Beauregard (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 6 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 6:33:21 PM

I am a believer in checking facts. I don't care about your feelings only the facts.
Michael GainesI am a believer in checking facts. I don't care about your feelings only the facts.

To quote a great man

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

by Michael Gaines (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 15 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 8:11:15 PM

Spirituality is the Way!

My mission is to spread spirituality throughout the world and help individuals reach their spiritual potential. A great age of spirtuality is upon us, now is the time to tap into the coming spiritual power that surrounds us.
Visit my website at www.sistersharon.net for practical spiritual information you can use in your life. I am the author of "America in Prophecy 2009-2018" and a prolific spiritual writer. You can read more of my writings on my webs...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Sharon RoachSpirituality is the Way!

My mission is to spread spirituality throughout the world and help individuals reach their spiritual potential. A great age of spirtuality is upon us, now is the time to tap into the coming spiritual power that surrounds us.
Visit my website at www.sistersharon.net for practical spiritual information you can use in your life. I am the author of "America in Prophecy 2009-2018" and a prolific spiritual writer. You can read more of my writings on my webs...

to see more of bio, click on member name

I was grieved to read the story about the 13 year old girl

The story said thousands watched this little girl get stoned to death. I have a 12 year old girl and this story just touched me cause I think what if that were my daughter. Somebody tell me what kind of justice was served in this horrendous act? When does taking a human life like this ever solved anything? God Bless this poor childs soul! May the wrath of God show no pity to those who murdered her and to those who looked on without doing anything to help her.

by Sharon Roach (13 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 169 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 9:13:44 PM

Stanimal is ???

I hear cries for freedom elsewhere, while the US becomes less so. I hear support for free markets, then demanding a bailout due to incompetence.
I roll my eyes at those that accuse others being oppressed while the US has and still continues to the same and much worse. Laughing at pinheads who purchase and profit from those they curse.

Every time I return to visit I see a country I no longer recognize. A shredded Constitution, a spineless Congress ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
StanimalStanimal is ???

I hear cries for freedom elsewhere, while the US becomes less so. I hear support for free markets, then demanding a bailout due to incompetence.
I roll my eyes at those that accuse others being oppressed while the US has and still continues to the same and much worse. Laughing at pinheads who purchase and profit from those they curse.

Every time I return to visit I see a country I no longer recognize. A shredded Constitution, a spineless Congress ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Religion is for those who need a crutch

Why do you need a church or a piece of paper to be married? Only for it to be binding and legal for who? The state and church, which are crime syndicate rackets to extort money from the individual.

I know many same sex partners who are better parents than heterosexual couples that have several marriages and socially challenged kids from each.

It's just another form of discrimination that nullifies the ability to live "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" as guaranteed by the shredded Constitution that no longer is applicable to law abiding, tax paying American citizens.

by Stanimal (0 articles, 4 quicklinks, 26 diaries, 702 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 9:22:57 PM

Retired. Male. Western Minnesota. Social Science/Spanish undergrad majors. Master's in Counseling. Socialist.
Bryan EmmelRetired. Male. Western Minnesota. Social Science/Spanish undergrad majors. Master's in Counseling. Socialist.

In 20 words or less

I agree with Jesse Ventura when he says that religion is the product of a weak mind.

by Bryan Emmel (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 248 comments) on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 10:22:07 PM

Former Lawyer, current Business Consultant,history buff, Christian, father of 2 sons and a supporter of democratic government.
ArchieFormer Lawyer, current Business Consultant,history buff, Christian, father of 2 sons and a supporter of democratic government.

20 words or less

The late prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Elliott Trudeau once said "the State does not belong in the bedrooms of the Nation " and went on to cancel all laws penalizing mutually agreeable sexual conduct between two adults. This was in the late 60s and early 70s.

by Archie (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1338 comments) on Monday, November 3, 2008 at 12:36:27 AM