and fewer people consider a relevant institution. thoughts? also, according to rick santorum, it's the gay community's fault. then again, the list of things santorum hasn't blamed on the gay community is shorter than the list he's blamed on them.

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Rick Santorum is a fucking idiot. I really cannot say it any politer than that. The fact that this man can figure out how to talk and breathe at the same time is just beyond me. Need proof? Here's some quotes

"We don't need food stamps because obesity rates are so high" - That could be because it costs 4$ to buy a pack of hotdogs, 2 boxes of mac and cheese, and a can of fake peas, where as it costs an easy 8$ to make a nutritious salad, you fuckbag. Moving on1

"Everything undocumented workers do is illegal". Yep. They eat and breathe illegally. They love their kids illegally. This man doesn't think about anything before he says it.

"People die because of bad decisions, like having a body made of meat" .. um, what? Maybe you should re-evaluate the health insurance debacle going on, genius.

"Gay sex is not equal to straight sex". The man actually said that we cannot have same-sex marriage, because then "their sexual activity would be seen as 'equal' to heterosexual relationships and would be taught in schools" ..

Just shoot me now.

Sorry about my rant, this is why I don't discuss politics. :X less

"You cannot possess me, for I belong to me ...
You cannot own me for I am a free person ...
I will be the shield at your back, as you are mine ...
This is the marriage of equals."
- excerpts from an Irish Wedding Vow

Simple reinterpretation of the roles and institution of marriage are up to the couple/partnership themselves. People outside are going to think what they want to think no matter how political or ethical you make it out to be - they don't care about your stand on it.

There's nothing wrong with the institution itself; it's how it's interpreted by those looking at it that makes it 'good' or 'evil'. Some people see it as enslavement to one person who you'll eventually hate. Others see it as an opportunity of expanding one's horizons by sharing experiences and an intimate bond. Some see it as giving up one's independence by accepting an outdated gender role. Others see it as making it their own code of love and support just between themselves.

The fact that most people tend to pick the wrong partner is what turns a lot off to it. And the so-called expense. And simple rebellion against authority by saying "you can't make me sign something for something I'm already doing - so nyah". However, I also believe the ceremony's use of readings and Biblical passages are detrimental to any sort of equality that modern marriage needs to be. That is why there is also a surge in non-denominational officiants and notaries setting up non-religious ceremonies, and the use of on-line ordained friends who know the couple's views very well.

Marriage is an individual choice, but demonizing it is not productive and tends to alienate your friends and family who've chosen it for themselves - who likely interpret it much differently than the 'traditional' way you might be seeing it.

(And, yes, all this is coming from a divorced woman.) less