So, one argument I’ve been hearing a lot this week from those who oppose same sex marriage has been that traditional marriage has “worked” for thousands of years. I have to wonder what “working” means in this case. If by “working” we mean just “continuing the human species”, then yes, we have done that. I suppose that continuing to exist can be a success in itself. But has traditional marriage truly been an effective way of living life? Women, in particular, have held a shitty and repressed role in marriage for all those glorious thousands of years. Has traditional marriage worked for them? Many married human beings have spent their lives being miserable and unfulfilled in those marriages. It almost makes me wonder if gays and lesbians really want to be a part of the marriage train.
But the basic truth about marriage is that it’s an economic contract. That is what it has been about for straight people for centuries, with romantic love only being a recent addition to the mix. That’s why most of the arguments in favor of same sex marriage have been about money, and rightly so. And about the simple desire of people wanting to be treated like everyone else, which is completely understandable.
I see no good reason not to expand the definition of marriage to same sex partners. I also can’t help but question the “sacred institution” of marriage itself. Hopefully we can continue to re-invent our institutions and traditions in ways that make our lives happier and more fulfilling.
eurobrat 
03/28/2013 at 9:25 am
I think you left out the ownership aspect, ie, WOMAN YOU MY PROPERTY. Which means another man can’t come steal you. Which yes you’re exactly right in that it’s basically about economics.
That said, considering it’s a financial contract between two individuals and the state, a business partnership if you will, I’d be surprised if the tide doesn’t turn entirely in favor of same-sex marriage because it makes too much sense not to. I’d like to be cynical about this, but the truth is that the culture of America has changed and the old boy establishiment and their little grip on what is right and what is wrong is quickly eroding.
I was proud to vote for Obama in two elections and I’ll be equally proud to see the legalization of same-sex marriage. Once it’s on the books it’ll become the new norm and we’ll move onto some other cultural battle, maybe, hold on, maybe some kind of honesty in political dicussion movement takes place? AH HA HA HA NO WAY!
Seriously, that’ll never happen.
03/28/2013 at 7:23 pm
I read an interesting article about how much money gay marriage will save the gov’t–through less spending on benefits and more tax revenue. As well as, initially, some extra spending on marriage licenses 🙂 And yes, I too cynically believe that gay marriage will ultimately gain approval for those reasons. Let’s face it, our society isn’t really about morality, it’s about $$$. If it was about morality, we wouldn’t have so many peeps with no health insurance.
And yeah, the “woman you my property” aspect is a major part of traditional marriage. Yet another good reason for me not to be an enthusiastic fan of it.
03/29/2013 at 10:29 am
Hey good point about morality and $ and health insurance.
Ok, when’s yer next post about the impending war to end all wars with North Korea? Of which, why wage war at all? Why not just bomb the shit out of the opposing leader and his generals and be done with it? Nope, gotta kill the ground troops and civilians to turn the tide of opposition public opinion.
Rules.
Like marriage rules. Or former slavery rules. Howzabout being kind to the people of the world instead of forcing them to do horrible things to each other because a few assholes can’t help themselves?
Feh. History of the planet, that.
In any event, adios straight-marriage, hello freedom! Of a sort.
03/29/2013 at 5:09 pm
As I’ve said before, I’m trying to remain in complete oblivious denial about North Korea and just not think about it. I know technically they’re not supposed to be able to hit us here, BUT. My childhood fear of nuclear bombs is coming back big time.
Adios straight marriage….maybe. The Supreme Court hasn’t made a ruling yet, and a lot of people out there are still opposed to gay marriage. Oh, I do agree that it’s inevitable that we’re moving in that direction, but these things always happen with a lot of kicking and screaming and dragging of feet along the way.
04/03/2013 at 11:59 am
I really like the tolerance aspect of this whole issue, and I have a little guilty pleasure listening to all the crap from people who obviously just don’t like it.
Just relax! It’s ok!
04/03/2013 at 4:32 pm
Oh, I know. So many people out there who are all about “libertarian” and “liberty”…until it comes to the stuff they don’t like. Yesterday, my local rightie radio host went straight from “How dare those atheists be offended at the cross in the local park” to “I am so offended that Google didn’t do a Google Doodle for Easter!” Within the space of one hour of radio, and without a trace of irony.