Quote:I know where you are coming from and I respect your opinion,  even if we disagree to some extent.

 

For me,  the Social issues are a key part of the decision process in terms of which candidates I'll support.   They rank in the top 5 of the issues I consider important.  I look at these type of issues as a central part of a society.   Without protecting life and the definition of what marriage is,   a breakdown of society is inevitable from my point of view.     I talked as much about the Marriage issue as the COC would allow in the David Tyree thread. .    It's not worth getting into again.   As for Life vs. Abortions,   the only time I think an abortion should be allowed is when the mother's life is in danger.   This would include many,  if not most,  or even the vast majority of rape cases.   

 

I also know where you are coming from and certainly do respect your opinion as well.

 

I don't necessarily disagree with your reasons for Social issues being an important factor in making your decision.  I think the concept that we are talking about here has to do with morality and tradition.  I personally hold traditional family values in my life, yet I also understand that times change.

 

As an example, I think that we need to take a step back when it comes to the issue of marriage.  While my faith defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, the law should not have that restriction for all people.  How do we do something like this that is equal to all citizens?  It's a rough and rocky road when it comes to this.

 

I personally have a few close friends and family members who happen to be gay.  In just one example, I have a cousin who has been with his partner for almost the same amount of time that I have been married to my wife (20+ years).  They don't enjoy the same benefits that we do when it comes to filing income taxes or getting health care.  That is certainly changing, but the matter becomes something along the lines of, do we call their union a marriage?  Can they legally file their income taxes as "married filing jointly"?  Can they sign up for health insurance using the "employee + spouse" terms?

 

I don't know of an easy answer to something like this.

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