Conservative Argument for the Right to Marry

I like this lawmaker's logic.

Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, who signed on as the first Republican co-sponsor for the Respect for Marriage Act, the law that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act: "As Republicans we believe in equality of opportunity rather than outcome. Most importantly, we believe that the individual and the family are the central engines in our society. The right for individuals to lead their lives without government intrusion is a bedrock conservative principle and it is much more than just about sexual orientation. It is about the fundamental rights we all share as Americans. It is about equality for all with no exceptions."

A Poem for the New Year

First Foot

One .... two .... three .... four ....

Midnight knocking at our door.

A tall dark stranger waits outside

Turning away, his face to hide.

A lump of coal in one black hand -

What does it mean? Why does he stand

Holding his other hand out to us all

As we welcome him into the midnight hall?

Goodbye to the old year, good luck in the new,

'Come in, dear friend, peace be with you.'  

- Ian Serraillier