latest Thomas Sowell column - gay marriage

[Rokkitsci]

Thomas Sowell is my favorite columnist. His latest column has just been published taking to task the idea that homosexuals have a "right" to "marriage." He has encapsulated my views on the subject so succinctly that I have to share the link.

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/ts20041231.shtml

Thomas Sowell is the most intellectually honest and logical thinking columnist operating today. He has a way of cutting to the crux of any argument in such a way that his point is obviously logical.

I don't understand why he is not hailed more often by the media as a source of interviews. I can only think of one instance of his being a guest on a news show. And that was so long ago that I don't even recall the toplc or forum.

 

[padams]

Thanks for sharing the article.

 

[jimmiej]

I too like Thomas Sowell. I enjoy hearing him sub for Rush. This is a great article. I especially like this part:

If you have a right to someone else's approval, then they do not have a right to their own opinions and values. You cannot say that what "consenting adults" do in private is nobody else's business and then turn around and say that others are bound to put their seal of approval on it.

 

[Rokkitsci]

I especially like this part:

If you have a right to someone else's approval, then they do not have a right to their own opinions and values. You cannot say that what "consenting adults" do in private is nobody else's business and then turn around and say that others are bound to put their seal of approval on it.

My favorite insight was about marriage not being a right - it is a restriction on rights already extant. Marriage encumbers a couple with many obligations that they do not have if they just co-habitate.

That's what I like about Sowell - he finds the core of an issue and presents it in irrefutable terms. Plus, he does not dilute his points with lots of unnecessary satire or irrelevant anecdotes as does Ann Coulter. He just presents his logic in a dispassionate manner.

 

[PoohnPglet]

Say what you want to say, make up all the excuses that you can think of, quote as much of your bible that you think applies, tell yourself whatever you want. It will never cover up that this is discrimination. Plain and simple.

 

[Rokkitsci]

Say what you want to say, make up all the excuses that you can think of, quote as much of your bible that you think applies, tell yourself whatever you want. It will never cover up that this is discrimination. Plain and simple.

What bible quotes?? What excuses?? What discrimination??

Did you read the article ??

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I read the article, and I'll give you my analysis. It sounds as if it is "fear based" to me. It sounds as if the author feels that change will somehow threaten his way of life. Frankly, he reminds me of my grandfather. It's almost a new year folks!! The times....they are a changin!!

Any questions??

 

[RickinNYC]

Oh for GOD's sake.... aren't there more pressing, more important, more life critical, more IMPORTANT things to worry about than who wants to marry who? ISN'T THERE?

 

[Disney Doll]

He's certainly bringing a different perspective to the issue, and one I never thought of.

 

[DawnCt1]

Say what you want to say, make up all the excuses that you can think of, quote as much of your bible that you think applies, tell yourself whatever you want. It will never cover up that this is discrimination. Plain and simple.

There is no discrimination. Anyone can get married provided they are married to one person at a time of the opposite sex.

 

[palmtreegirl]

Oh for GOD's sake.... aren't there more pressing, more important, more life critical, more IMPORTANT things to worry about than who wants to marry who? ISN'T THERE?

You'd think but for some reason people feel this need to impose their version of "moral values" on everyone else. Disgusts me actually.

 

[DawnCt1]

You'd think but for some reason people feel this need to impose their version of "moral values" on everyone else. Disgusts me actually.

And a small minority for homosexual marriage isn't forcing the concept on at least 90% of the population? They can live together, cohabitate or whatever, but marriage shouldn't be an option.

 

[Rokkitsci]

Originally Posted by Palmtreegirl:
You'd think but for some reason people feel this need to impose their version of "moral values" on everyone else. Disgusts me actually.

I agree - I am totally disgusted by people - especially a radical minority - trying to impose their moral values on everyone else.

Originally Posted by RickinNYC:
Oh for GOD's sake.... aren't there more pressing, more important, more life critical, more IMPORTANT things to worry about than who wants to marry who? ISN'T THERE?

Yep - there sure are MUCH more pressing things to worry about. So why are the homosexual activists making such a BIG deal out of this. Most of us would rather not have to bother with such a silly notion. Tell them to stop it. I would be glad to ignore this.

 

[Chuck S]

Amazing how little of the "article" actually has anything to do with marriage. It just seems to be a general homophobic attack on all kinds of things, including educating young people about the dangers of unprotected relations and government funding of AIDS research.

 

[RickinNYC]

Yep - there sure are MUCH more pressing things to worry about. So why are the homosexual activists making such a BIG deal out of this. Most of us would rather not have to bother with such a silly notion. Tell them to stop it. I would be glad to ignore this.

Look into yourself and try to deem why you're filled with such bias.

 

[RickinNYC]

ANYWAY, have a Happy New Year to all from Rick (me!) and Joe (my partner and soon to be husband).

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I'm partial to the writings of the Very Rev. Ronald Crocker, Rector of St. George’s (Episcopol Church) in Arlington, Virginia, who married my husband and me 20 years ago. Had he not relocated, we'd probably still be going to church.

Although not specifically related to gay marriages, this does discuss homosexual relationships and the church; in part:

I am not proud of what the Church has taught, nor how the Church has acted toward gay and lesbian people. The Church has mistranslated, misquoted, and misattributed scripture in ways that unjustly punished gay and lesbian people.

http://www.integrityva.org/gc_va_20030817.htm

 

[Rokkitsci]

Amazing how little of the "article" actually has anything to do with marriage. It just seems to be a general homophobic attack on all kinds of things, including educating young people about the dangers of unprotected relations and government funding of AIDS research.

Homophobic? where??

Based on this, I could pronounce that your comments are heterophobic.

I believe the point of education related comments was that it was inappropriate to be giving out pro-homosexual literature and addresses of homosexual hangouts to young public school students.

And the point was made that the government is spending hundreds of times more money on "AIDS research" than they are on other - more prevalent - diseases.

Are those not valid points? or - are they just inconvenient to your biases?

 

[palmtreegirl]

And a small minority for homosexual marriage isn't forcing the concept on at least 90% of the population? They can live together, cohabitate or whatever, but marriage shouldn't be an option.

That's your opinion. I think there are a lot more people for it then you think and yes I know about the 11 states that passed amendments to ban gay marriage. No one's going to force anything on you, you aren't gay, you won't be forced to marry a person of the same sex. (that was a joke, pun etc....)

ANYWAY, have a Happy New Year to all from Rick (me!) and Joe (my partner and soon to be husband).

Congratulations to you both!! Happy New year!!!

 

[chobie]

I agree - I am totally disgusted by people - especially a radical minority - trying to impose their moral values on everyone else.

When gays finally have the right to marry, no heterosexuals will be forced to marry a person of the same sex, nor will their right to marry a member of the opposite sex be taken away. How is that forcing their morals on you?
YOU won't be forced to marry someone of the opposite and sex and YOU will still have the same rights you have now. How hard is that to understand?