Do you know what Rex I have better things to do with my time than indulge in a slanging match when neither of us will ever agree.
My final word on this topic, I have made it clear that I have no problem with two people quietly going about their business, but you seem unable to accept that.
Then why are you having trouble saying it Ralphie? When you say "I have no problem with two people quietly going about their business", it could mean just about anything. The authenticity doesn't come through. It's gives the appearance you can't bring yourself to say it, like the words get stuck in your throat.
If you said something overt and clear it would be unambiguous - something like "I accept, and am happy when two people love each other. And it doesn't matter to me whether those people are two heterosexuals or two gay men, or two lesbian women. I see that intolerance of lesbians and gay people loving each other in the same way that heterosexuals do is a remnant of our ignorant, harmful, knuckle-dragging past"
Of course, you choose your own words and thoughts, and you choose when you show heart.
I have stated clearly I have a problem with the overt BS that's going on here and such things as Mardi Gras and labeling people as having phobia's for disagreeing with you. As a father I absolutely have the right to judge what I will teach my kids and I am no more going to teach my son it's Ok to parade half naked down the street simulating sex acts (ala Mardi Gras) than I am likely to teach my daughter its Ok to participate in wet T-Shirt competitions.
This is a great example of you finding the words to express your thoughts emotively, unambiguously and clearly. What's the difference in that you're not being able to be equally clear, emotive and unambiguous in support of gays? Maybe because you aren't?
We ALL make judgements everyday and to deny that is to be utterly deluded.
Totally agree we ALL make judgements everyday - depending on your definition of "judgements".
The type of judgement (aka discernment, evaluation, etc) which causes us to not walk in front of a bus is essential.
The type of judgement (aka blame, shame, etc) which intolerant, moralistic people use to cause gays and lesbians to fear for their safety is not.
I'll close with a quick story. I have a friend who is a psychologist with all the stereotypical left views on these matters. In the context of a discussion about the schools program in the media lately he recounted a story of an unnamed year 12 patient of 17 years old who had attempted suicide. He was an awkward kid, a little overweight and just a little socially inept. He had attempted numerous heterosexual relationships but had been rebuffed each time. After being assured it was Ok and normal to be gay he entered a gay relationship with all that entails. This messed him up to the point of suicide and my lefty friend wondered aloud whether he would be in this situation if the world wasn't making such a loud big deal out of it as it is now. He says similar stories are not at all uncommon.
I don't know what the right balance is but telling kids this stuff can have some pretty damaging side effects.
I'm done with this now and you have judged me anyway so I'll move on to footy.
Finally, you've jumped out of theories - your right to teach your kids, moral standards, blah, blah, blah. And you've given a human example. I do applaud that. And when we drop theories and prejudgements to look closely at the substance of what has happened in cases like this rather than just wondering, then we'll make some real progress.
To privilege concern for the impact on real people - that is compassion. I look forward to you overtly showing compassion to other real people - lesbian and gays - who's treatment by our society has led to innumerable murders and suicides.
Compassion is when you privilege the real human over the theory. That is the problem I see with your moralism - it privileges the theory over the real human.