Saturday, June 03, 2006

Bush Urges Calm on FMA, then Throws Verbal Napalm

Dear President Bush,

The statesmanship can last only a few sound bites, before the partisan shill raises its ugly head. Take this morning’s radio address on the sanctity of marriage vs. the sanctity of the Constitution. In promoting the Federal Marriage Amendment you said emotions often run hot in this debate and urged calm. You appeared statesmanlike by saying:

"As this debate goes forward, we must remember that every American deserves to be treated with tolerance, respect and dignity," Bush said. "All of us have a duty to conduct this discussion with civility and decency toward one another, and all people deserve to have their voices heard."

But then you kept going and that Republican bobble head came out. The inflammatory word would soon be unleashed to drive the hoards to the polls.

"Unfortunately, activist judges and some local officials have made an aggressive attempt to redefine marriage in recent years,"

Is this civil and decent towards members of the judiciary? Is their voice not important to hear as interpreters of the Constitution? You closed with another challengeable assertion, “there is broad consensus in America to protect the institution of marriage”. I have seen surveys showing broad consensus for legal recognition of same sex relationships.

Why do I worry that the federal marriage amendment would prohibit civil unions? I am concerned because the Republican Party crafted such an amendment in Texas and 12-13% of registered voters passed it. Would our founding fathers be worried about the tyranny of the minority? Probably not, as only white landowners could vote in their day. They just had a different version! As the white landowner of today, what are you perpetuating?

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