Republican Governor M. Jodi Rell has just signed into law a bill recognizing same-sex civil unions in Connecticut. This makes Connecticut the second state to recognize civil unions, and the first to do so without pressure from the courts.…
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26 - Steve S
We would appreciate any help anybody is willing to give. :-)
In terms of ideology and determination, they might be like Earth First and ELF, etc. but the difference is that those on the left usually target products, fur, new home construction, SUV's, etc. whereas those on the Right are assaulting liberties, equality, American families and individuals.
27 - Natalie Davis
Y'know what, Mr. Nalle? @$&%! you. My point is there is no compromising equality. You label a demand for equality and a principle-based refusal to settle for less a childish demand? Hopeless. Useless.
28 - Dave Nalle
Change doesn't come instantly unless it comes out of the barrel of a gun. Are you ready to take up arms against the rest of society to get what you want? If not, then you're left with political solutions. Politics is the art of compromise, and as compromises go equality in everything but name is pretty damned good. Perhaps you should think of the glass as 98% full instead of 2% empty?
Dave
29 - Natalie Davis
Or perhaps I should continue to work for what is right and live by my principles rather than going along to get along with people who are sorely misguided. If equality is the only right thing -- and that is my belief -- nothing less will do. In fact, being told to settle for less is INSULTING.
30 - Dave Nalle
I didn't say you had to settle for less and I didn't mean to insult you. But why can't you take joy in what is essentially a pretty important victory, while continuing to work towards winning the whole war?
Dave
31 - Natalie Davis
Sorry, I don't and can't see Jim Crow as a victory. For people like me, it is a regressive move; Jim Crow, separate and unequal, causes profound pain. And there is no happiness, no elation, no joy until there is equality.
You obviously have little experience in second-class citizenship or you might have the ability to understand even a portion of the suffering the lack of equality causes.
32 - Dave Nalle
If I were black I'm pretty sure I'd be deeply offended by your comparison with the Jim Crow laws. You are restricted from one, purely symbolic equality - assuming you live in Connecticut - and you compare that with segregated dining, water fountains, hotels, restrooms and schools? Are you really that arrogant?
What's to stop you - in Connecticut - from registering as a civil union (virtually identical to getting a marriage license and done at the same office) and then going to your local Reformed Lutheran Church and getting the minister to marry you? In what material way is that different from a hetero couple doing exactly the same things?
And before you go ballistic on me again, remember that I'm fine with full-on gay marriage - I just don't understand why you can't be happy with what is essentially the same thing, considering what an enormous step forward it is.
Dave
33 - Natalie Davis
I guess you can't understand then. And yes, I guess in your eyes I *am* that arrogant. Many of my relatives who endured Jim Crow from the persecuted side (and I myself grew up with "colored" water fountains) agree with me. It's all the same -- hatred, exclusion, second-class citizenship, whether based on melanin or sexual orientation. I will not find joy in my continuing second-class status, whatever shiny label you hets choose for it, however often you insist that we should be happy with what we have and the "advances" you so generously have allowed us miserable queers.
"Purely symbolic equality"? As if. I am talking about real stuff that causes suffering EACH AND EVERY DAY. I live it. Many in my community around your country and the world live with this agony every day. It's a terrible thing. You don't see it. A shame, that, but whatever.
Bottom line: "Essentially the same" is not equal. And recall that this only deals with the statewide portion of this -- even in Massachusetts, married same-sex couples are still unmarried in the eyes of the federal government.
What stops me from registering as a civil union? Integrity.
34 - MCH
Hey Natalie,
And what's really scarey is the fact that this self-righteous, pompous bozo (Dave Nalle) used to be a teacher...What a role model for our youth, ehe...?
35 - Dave Nalle
MCH, I know reading is unfamiliar to you, but why don't you read my comment then read Natalies. In what way is hers an appropriate or rational response to what I said?
And as for your insults. Since they establish the level of discourse which you're capable of, they kind of speak for themselves. Call me all the names you like since that's the best you can do. I'll take you seriously when you're capable of making an effective argument of your own or a meaningful refutation of anything I've written.
Dave
36 - Steve S
Out here in California, Schwarznegger is doing miserably in the polls in terms of overall performance, but the one thing he did do is sign (Democratic created) legislation that puts our 'domestic partner registry' (different than civil unions), on a status that is practically equal to marriage. And there was no national hoopla or outcry. People aren't even aware of it.
As it stands now, my partner and I have been together for so long, that the federal government does not recognize our relationship, but we have to go to court if we want to separate. Everything's just getting all confusing and messed up, but I guess having to work this out in the court system, at the tune of trillions of dollars and thousands of lawsuits nationwide, to 'iron out' these details, is what everyone wants, rather than do something absurd like just let everybody do the same thing and get married.