Taboo subjects of discussion

[Crow Man]

Regardless of what States may do, the federal government currently defines marriage as a legal union exclusively between one man and one woman. The Defense of Marriage Act was passed by Congress by a vote of 85-14 in the Senate, and a vote of 342-67 in the House of Representatives, and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996. ... Lost count, but I think voters in 31 States have now rejected same-sex marriage.

So, same-sex partners are left out in the cold regarding social security and private pension spousal benefits. ... Would take an Act of God (or the Supreme Court) to change all them laws!

[Arch]

I wonder how the subject of same sex marrige became such a hot button issue. It can not be as much of a threat to regular marriage as DIVORCE is. Before you start with the Bible says just remember that it also says No killing, no adultry, no swearing and no stealing amoungst other things and they are conveniently forgotten in favor of the indignation over this consentual union.

[daisy]

Amen, Brother Arch !!

[pogo]

I opined some while back that "Such topics as the above will quickly bring to the fore strongly held opinions which some holders perceive as factual. Once fully convinced these opinions can or even must be viewed as facts, [these zealots] then turn upon those not of like mind as wrong, evil, or otherwise a danger to society and themselves. No amount of dialogue can separate these people's strength of conviction from their degree of opinion, thus the fur will ever be flying." The landscape is littered with those who would do your thinking for you; as Arch has indicated, they are often exceedingly selective in which thoughts are permitted/required/taboo. When reminded their "inerrant" source of support includes such quixotic abominations as lobsters, football and siting where a menstruating woman previously has sat, (there's an astonishingly lengthy list of additional examples) the semantic squirming begins, and all manner of faulty logic and eisegetical theology are brought to the fore. Thus the tragicomic dance is self-sustaining and ultimately fruitless. The founding fathers were correct in viewing mob rule ... er, majority rule somewhat askance.

[daisy]

The recent death (read murder) of the six year old girl brings so many things to mind. The accusation that her mother sold her into prostitution ... wow! Is that even possible for a woman who gave birth to this beautiful child to do? What a/b the person who would consider making such a purchase ? Is there any form of punishment that could fit such an alleged crime ?
The notion that the biological father had that her mother 'should have a chance to raise her;' my god, didn't this man know this woman at all? I guess not, b/c the news reports said the child was the result of a 'one night stand.' Has either person heard of birth control ? Let alone the question of safe sex ! Blah ... blah ... when will this change ... ever?

[pogo]

Roasting over a slow fire? Boiling in oil? Drawn & quartered? These methods have proved effective in the past; the recidivism was remarkably low.

[mona]

I get boiling mad when I read these terrible abuses of our children, this one watching that scum taking that baby into that hotel room was the worst.
Not until the justice system starts taking this serious and heaven forbid that our representatives pass some laws where real punishment is given we will continue to see these things happen.
Years ago the women were operated on so they couldn't continue having children they didn't want and couldn't care for, that isn't politically correct now. As for the rapist and pediphiles they need to be castrated because they don't stay in prison for long, they always seem to get out for "good behavior". In stead of prison maybe an Island where they can all be put together with no way off .
This really gets me fired up as you can see. Thepoor sweet little children how some of them suffer.

[daisy]

I agree with you, Mona. When you talk a/b adults who abuse children, well, I just do not think there is a 'cure' or a method of therapy that works to change that behavior/attraction toward children. I do believe that these people need to be removed from society for the rest of their lives. Harsh, but necessary, if you want to protect innocent children.

[pogo]

This will raise not a few hackles, but I have felt from quiet some years now one of the most abused words in the English language is "abuse." It has become a convenient umbrella of vast scope which can be used/twisted to mean anything one might wish. From heinous, intentional manipulation to a passing, misinterpreted gesture. Our society is becoming one in which the guilt is assured long before any proof of innocence can see the light of day - whereupon it's too late.

[daisy]

pogo, I try hard to use a descriptive word/adjective before the word abuse for that very reason. I do like your play on words via: the most abused word ... abuse !