Apr
8
Sort of the Right Way…
Filed Under Civil Liberties | Leave a Comment
This week, the state legislature in Vermont overrode a veto to legalize gay marriage through law, as opposed to through a court decision. As a libertarian, I support legalizing gay marriage, and touched on it here. Gay Patriot hailed the veto override as being the “right way” to legalize gay marriage, writing:
While some silly gay marriage advocates see a popular groundswell for gay marriage in court decisions, the vote today of Vermont’s legislature to override Governor Douglas’s veto of legislation providing for state recognition of same-sex unions is the first indication we have that popular opinion could be turning in favor of gay marriage.
Instead of turning to courts, we should be going through legislatures. I believe that is the better way to build a consensus for same-sex marriage as this process may well have shown.
While I believe that legislation is a better means of achieving this end, I still don’t think its the best. The point that needs to be made is that government should get out of the marriage business altogether. Like it or not, when you believe that government should prohibit or allow certain types of marriage, you are basically saying that you are only married because the government approved. That is b.s., and I hope everyone realizes it. Nowhere in a charter of government should the use of force be used to regulate voluntary, private associations. If government is no longer sanctioning marriages, then there is not duty to impose certain beliefs on others with whom we disagree.
Apr
8
Conservative Protest Dilemma
Filed Under Uncategorized | 3 Comments
Hello readers. I apologize for not being able to get a lot of content up in the past week. I’ve had a lot going on, but don’t worry blogosphere, I’m not going anywhere!
As the April 15th tax day draws near, the Tea Party Movement is picking up steam to hold mass protests to the massive government spending and involvement that has manifested itself over the last six months. While I want to attend the one in Tampa:
City: Tampa
When: April 15, 5:00pm
Where:Lykes Gaslight Park, 401 N Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
… I am facing the conservative protest dilemma of having to find a way to work around my employer’s schedule. Oh, to be a liberal college student without a care in the world, knowing that I am free to attend any protest I want and know my needs will be picked up by taxpayers! But alas, my individual responsibility requires I work for a living, so I am still unsure if I will be able to make it (I usually work until 10pm on Wednesdays).
I would encourage any freedom-minded citizen to attend their local event if at all able. We will be dealing with the bailouts, spending, and stimuli that the Bush/Obama regimes have crammed down our throats for decades, if not centuries, to come. If you are able, The First Conservative offered a few tips:
1. Make sure you attend. Journalists are big on making events seem larger or smaller depending upon the nature of the event. Bob Beckel, a long-time liberal stalwart and news commentator said yesterday that he didn’t believe there would be much of a turn out. Lefties don’t believe conservatives have the time to show up. (As most conservatives are employed, this is frequently true.)
2. Bring a sign. Thoughtful quips and bumper sticker-type quotes are useful, but also provide the kind of short message journalists are capable of understanding.
3. Beware of ‘plants’ in the crowd that will attempt to keep the event off-message or cause some type of trouble. Be advised that the Huffington Post – among other organizations – is recruiting volunteers to infiltrate the event.
4. Seek out the television cameras! The lefties have no problem with this. Tea Party participants shouldn’t be bashful either. Engage with interviewers as they will be seeking out the least informed put on camera. If you are prepared, get in front of the camera! Besides, going to them makes the journalists’ job easier and we all know that journalists enjoy easy work.
5. Remember that Obama isn’t giving the middle class a tax cut. 2010 will see a huge middle class tax increase. INFLATION IS A TAX INCREASE! Barack Obama and Democrats have chosen the strategy of massive spending increases that they cannot possibly pay for either through taxation or by borrowing. In 2010, when they resort to printing the money they will need for the Stimulus package and Budget bills, your dollar will be worth less on a day by day basis. LBJ invented inflation as a way to pay for the Vietnam War without a direct tax increase. Obama is following this well-worn and disastrous path. Democrats should be called on it. Inflation will hurt the poor and middle classes the most.
I’m still trying to figure out what kind of catchy sign I can make. Any suggestions? If you do, leave a comment!
