I want to start this off by making myself perfectly clear. I am in no way, shape or form against gay marriage and the goal the LGBT community is trying to accomplish. I believe that anyone should be able to marry whomever they want to. There is no qualm with me when it comes to the legality of polygamy (as long as there is nothing going on that endangers children or the unwilling). The fine line between church and state is really the irritation in this debate. Is a union between two consenting adults religious or not?
Recently, it seems there is a new story on the news daily regarding someone coming out for/against the legality of gay marriage. In all truth: WHO GIVES A DAMN? Does it change anything if Angelina Jolie is for or against this issue? Not really. Does it create a little more buzz in the media. Yep. Other than that, not much else matters what she thinks. The exact same thing applies with any other individual (powerful or not).
Even more recently, is the obnoxious issue that has encompassed Chick-fil-A. Newsflash: The president, Dan Cathy, probably should have just kept his politics to himself. Since he ran his mouth, the spotlight came right down on him and revealed a lot more than probably would have been, if he had remained private. For example; the company has donated millions of dollars towards efforts to keep gay marriage illegal. I’m fairly certain he’s feeling a little silly right now.
But here’s where I get beyond irritated. What about the other companies? Are people really naive enough to believe that this is the only company that works diligently to support their political views? According to this there are a bunch of companies they’re encouraging the LGBT community to boycott.
Like:
Auto Zone (does not offer domestic partner benefits)
Cinemark Movie Theaters (gave $9,999.00 to “Yes on 8”)
Dish Network (discriminates against their employees based on their sexual orientation and refuses to carry LGBT cable networks.)
Check out the link and see what other companies are being outed. So, if you’re going to be all pissed about one company, may as well be consistent and go all out. Why single out one company? Why aren’t any of the other corporations being highlighted by mayors, community leaders, etc.? Don’t pick and choose who you’re going to support or persecute. That is when you become a hypocrite or one who lives by a massive double standard.
But I’m not finished. Would you be just as shocked and frustrated if you found out about a company discriminating against women? Or how about companies who only hire attractive people for their stores (Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, etc.). There’s not a whole lot of proof with those listed theories, but one must only go into some of those kinds of places and see what kind of discrimination is going on (Abercrombie & Fitch just got their butts handed to them in a lawsuit. Look it up.). On an application, it doesn’t ask: On a scale of 1-10, how hot do you think you are? You can opt out of race related questions. There are a lot of laws in place to prevent employers from outright discriminating, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. In fact, billions of dollars each year are paid to former employees who claim discrimination. Sixty-four billion to be exact. Take a look at this! And that’s just in the LGBT community!
Another infuriating aspect of this conversation is the lack of tolerance. One community is demanding equality and a voice, the opposing is asking the exact same thing. Neither is willing to allow the other a voice. Honestly, the ones getting the most attention are the ones who come out and say: I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.
Are they not allowed their opinion? While you may not think the same thing, does that make them wrong? So, Sarah Palin goes to Chick-fil-A, poses for a picture, and posts it one the internet.
Outrage ensues and sparks a whole new debate. How insensitive of this pinhead who doesn’t matter anymore! Who does she think she is, sticking her nose up at the folks who have perpetuated such advocacy? How dare she voice her opinion, by supporting someone who may share her views? It’s outrageous she goes and uses her celebrity to back a philosophy she believes in! She should be ashamed of herself. (I hope at this point, you’ve noticed my tone of sarcasm.)
What I’ve learned lately, is you’re only allowed to have an opinion as long as it’s on the right (popular) side of the issue. If you don’t agree with the loudest group, than you’re sure to become a pariah. No one ever heard of Dan Cathy before this whole thing got coverage. Before these past few weeks, he was just a man running a multi-million dollar company, financially supporting things he believes in, and living his life to the standards he feels most comfortable to live. Does that make him a bad person?
I’ve shied away from blogging about politics, because I tend to live by a set of standards unpopular to the masses. I’ve toiled over this subject particularly because of how it actually affects me. The truth of the matter is: IT DOESN’T! Just the same as how my marriage has absolutely no merit on another’s. Until the married couple down the street starts forcing me to live their way, we are all just moving through life the best way we can. I have family members I care deeply for that a part of the LGBT community. One is flamboyant, while the other is more passive in their lifestyle. The ONLY thing I want for them is their happiness. If they feel that they want to be married one day to a member of the same sex, I support their desire and endeavor for such joy. Who in the hell am I to stand in their way. I want them to be happy. Period.
The only way for this matter to really be settled is by leaving marriage alone all together. Do I enjoy the fiduciary benefits of my marital status with the IRS? Um, duh. Who doesn’t want to pay the government less taxes? But, if giving up those few hundred dollars a year will help ease the social tension, I’m on board. In the meantime, we have to just agree to disagree and stop turning this debate into a sword against each other.
The tone of our society these days is just plain sad. While, I can understand the plight some individuals feel being a homosexual, it really isn’t necessary to further the animosity we’re feeling towards each other as a Nation. There’s no reason to HATE anyone because they don’t see things exactly the same way as you do.
The very core of what made our nation great from the start was the need for individual freedom. You do you. I’ll do me. As long as we’re not killing each other, vandalizing, stealing, or hurting each other, things should move along just fine. Government has become far too much of an influence on our daily lives. It’s reached a point of invasion. Politics have become more of a religion than a support to the success of the individuals.
So. I’m not going to boycott anyone. For any reason. The plain truth is, it’s far too likely I’ll find everyone I patronize will have an opinion I don’t agree with. I still need toilet paper, haircuts, food, and gas. How in the heck is boycotting going to help fund our economy? We are in dire straights and the last thing we need to be doing is stopping the slow moving progress we’re trying to make as a country.
But, you’ve got your freedom to believe, pray, love, think, however you want. Why not try letting others who have the exact same freedoms, do the same.
