ABC News Poll released yesterday: among adults 18-29, 81% are in favor of legalizing gay marriage. That's an all-time high but right in line with the steady growth in support of this issue over the last 20 years. This is a futile battle against demographics and time.

 

I fall on the older end of that spectrum (28) and I can count on one hand the number of people my age I know that are opposed to gay marriage.

 

Oh the times they are a-changing...

 

I'd say most " supporters" don't care one way or the other . Majority of people I know don't consider this a pressing issue with our job and economic situation. But it doesn't' bother them if gay marriage is passed. Doesn't affect them. Anyone who votes on an issue which affects so few people as a deciding factor worries me. But I would vote for someone who supports gay marriage in a heart beat if I agreed with them on major issues.

Edited March 21, 201313 yr by LIPTON BASH

No. He's upset he can't communicate his objections. My question is, why not send them via email. Why is it important that he have the phone conversation. It's not an argument. It's a question. It seems to me that there is an avenue available to express his sentiments, and I just wonder why not use it? He has a right to contact them. From his post, he seems upset they won't hear his objections.

Valid point RM most corporations aren't giving people a direct phone line to corporate. Write a letter or email, or form a protest. Just a common practice.

I'd say most " supporters" don't care one way or the other . Majority of people I know don't consider this a pressing issue with our job and economic situation. But it doesn't' bother them if gay marriage passed. Doesn't affect them. Anyone who votes on an issue which affects so few people as a deciding factor worries me. But I would vote for someone who supports gay marriage in a heart beat if I agreed with them on major issues.

 

While I could easily support a candidate who supports gay marriage. I hate when people call those who don't support ill informed. I know plenty of intelligent people who don't support it. Those who name call those who are against gay marriage are no better than those they oppose who do the same.

 

Go get em Khalid, help save us all. You be the spokesperson for the ill-informed. What an honorable cause.

 

As a sobering thought, a couple of years ago I lost my parter of 20 years to cancer, and if not for the loving kindness of understanding people (family, friends, lawyers, medical staff, funeral director, cemetery, church minister, the dry cleaners, and my barber) the red tape that I had to walk through during such a horrible time was not nearly as impenetrable as it could have been. I was one of the lucky ones. I've heard stories of some not so lucky. There are good understanding people in this world. Reality proves that the law needs to catch up. Sadly, a lot of average everyday people need to too.

 

Thankfully there's been signs that they are.

 

We've come a long way. I still remember that scared little teenaged boy who wondered how in the heck he was going to live in such a cruel world.

 

It's called knowing, loving, and believing in yourself, and being selective about who you call your friends.

 

I'm sure glad that this little boy, who sometimes wondered if taking his own life was the solution, eventually found out... "that It gets better".

 

For you Khalid, I sure hope that you never have a child that turns out to be gay. How sad it would be for them to not have an understanding parent.

 

There again, I was lucky that my Super-Catholic parents just let love rule.

 

Thank you for this opportunity to by chance help enlighten.

 

While I could easily support a candidate who supports gay marriage. I hate when people call those who don't support ill informed. I know plenty of intelligent people who don't support it. Those who name call those who are against gay marriage are no better than those they oppose who do the same.

 

I beg to differ: Homosexuality is not a choice. Having the right to love who you love is a freedom we all should have. All people deserve "by law" the same freedoms. When it comes to this topic anyone that believes otherwise are indeed "Ill-informed" for this is not "just mine" or "an opinion". Sure, you can say "pro" or "anti- gay marriage" is "an opinion", but the topic springs from the general publics' perception of the "choice" question, or how homosexuality is viewed by "religion" or "society". If homosexuality is not understood by "religion" or "society" it's because they are indeed "ill-informed" because any homosexual knows that they did not choose the same-sex attraction that they have.

 

It's amazing how someone who's been anti-gay their whole life is confronted with a family member or offspring that comes out of the closet, and for the first time in their lives they stop the loud chatter of "ill-informed" thoughts and just listen and reason for awhile, they come to understand. Before this breakthrough of understanding, that person is truly "Ill-informed" for they might've once had a "different opinion", but that different opinion evolved from being "ill-informed". Just ask Rob Portman.

While I could easily support a candidate who supports gay marriage. I hate when people call those who don't support ill informed. I know plenty of intelligent people who don't support it. Those who name call those who are against gay marriage are no better than those they oppose who do the same.

 

... and furthermore:

 

You've run smack dab right into an expert on this topic because I've spent a lifetime listening to ill-informed people on the matter. People think that their "anit-gay" stance is "an opinion" when it's strictly their inability to comprehend something that affects millions upon millions of people worldwide. If I were to view a blue skied sunshiny day as grey and cloudy does that mean it's my opinion or am I just dead wrong?

... and furthermore:

 

You've run smack dab right into an expert on this topic because I've spent a lifetime listening to ill-informed people on the matter. People think that their "anit-gay" stance is "an opinion" when it's strictly their inability to comprehend something that affects millions upon millions of people worldwide. If I were to view a blue skied sunshiny day as grey and cloudy does that mean it's my opinion or am I just dead wrong?

 

You would indeed be wrong, but having an opinion that the said sunny day is grey and cloudy would not make you ill-informed. There are plenty of people who see the sunshine fine, but prefer it to be grey and cloudy.

I beg to differ: Homosexuality is not a choice. Having the right to love who you love is a freedom we all should have. All people deserve "by law" the same freedoms. When it comes to this topic anyone that believes otherwise are indeed "Ill-informed" for this is not "just mine" or "an opinion". Sure, you can say "pro" or "anti- gay marriage" is "an opinion", but the topic springs from the general publics' perception of the "choice" question, or how homosexuality is viewed by "religion" or "society". If homosexuality is not understood by "religion" or "society" it's because they are indeed "ill-informed" because any homosexual knows that they did not choose the same-sex attraction that they have.

 

It's amazing how someone who's been anti-gay their whole life is confronted with a family member or offspring that comes out of the closet, and for the first time in their lives they stop the loud chatter of "ill-informed" thoughts and just listen and reason for awhile, they come to understand. Before this breakthrough of understanding, that person is truly "Ill-informed" for they might've once had a "different opinion", but that different opinion evolved from being "ill-informed". Just ask Rob Portman.

Where did I say it was a choice? My point is you don't further your cause by name calling those who disagree. You become what you hate. I'm against all marriage but to each their own since its legal for some might as well let everyone marry who they want.

Where did I say it was a choice? My point is you don't further your cause by name calling those who disagree. You become what you hate. I'm against all marriage but to each their own since its legal for some might as well let everyone marry who they want.

 

I wasn't saying that YOU personally said that it was a CHOICE. I was using the FACT that it is NOT a CHOICE to better explain why people who are "anti-gay marriage" are "ill-informed" when they don't see that everyone deserves the same rights to enter a "legal bond" with whomever they love.

 

If these people truly understood homosexuality as just part of nature, then they would likely not have any big issue with gay marriage. Their issue with gay-marriage tends to stem from them believing in an "ill-informed manor" that homosexuality is a choice, or is wrong.

 

Some may think that this is their opinion. Opinions are different feelings about a particular topic (Some think that I look good in blue, others think my best color is green). This however is just a GIVEN FACT that they are "ill-informed" and WRONG about. I'm not name-calling to say they are ill-informed. Ill-informed is just that... Ill-informed. The Red ball is: Red... and it is not Blue...

 

It's not everyday that you run into people who are totally acceptant of homosexuals, but are anti-gay marriage (there may be some), or un-acceptant of homosexuals, but are pro-gay marriage (there's probably none)... but it is often that you run into people who are un-acceptant of gays and anti-gay marriage. They sorta go hand in hand.

 

Personally, I don't think that even if marriage for gays was legal that I would get married for I don't personally feel that I need to, to prove my love to someone. However I still contend that everyone, gay or straight, deserves the same rights and freedoms by law to do so.

 

There's no doubt that gay couples deal with a lot of red tape in the example of the death of a partner, or visitation rights, or even employment benefits, that straight legally married couples do not have to deal with. That right there is just unfair, and no one can convince me otherwise. That's not an opinion either...that's just WRONG.

 

I may seem obstinate about the point that I am driving, but in no way, after so many years of listening to this backward ill-informed world try to control that which they haven't the first clue about, am I going to back down from what I know without a doubt is true from firsthand personal experience. I spent way too many years in fear of how the general public would treat me if they truly knew who I was, and not because I was ashamed of who I was, but because I knew for so long just how downright ignorant they were, and what kind of trouble or awkwardness in life that they could present to me.

 

Coming out has been a lifetime journey (officially nearly 30 years now), and everyday, unnecessarily so, it still can be a challenge that most straight people don't even get. For the most part, simply because of my selectivity of who I choose as friends, it's really no big deal, but don't think for one minute that if I have the chance to tell it like it is that I'm going to back down from doing so. This thread struck a nerve with me and I fear not one iota to give those who need a dose of reality to think about a few things that perhaps they've never been challenged to think about.

 

You don't have to like me or agree with what I'm saying... I'm not your conscience. ... But without a doubt I'm full of pee and vinegar today that is prompting me to Just GET REAL and to try to provoke others to just GET REAL too for perhaps the first time in their lives. People can wallow in their ignorance for the rest of their lives, but if by chance they stumble upon these words they can't say they haven't been given the chance to JUST WAKE UP!!!

 

I could probably say so much more, but I'm guessing that for right now, that's quite enough.

B-ball-fan, glad it worked out for you. I appreciate your candor.

I wasn't saying that YOU personally said that it was a CHOICE. I was using the FACT that it is NOT a CHOICE to better explain why people who are "anti-gay marriage" are "ill-informed" when they don't see that everyone deserves the same rights to enter a "legal bond" with whomever they love.

 

If these people truly understood homosexuality as just part of nature, then they would likely not have any big issue with gay marriage. Their issue with gay-marriage tends to stem from them believing in an "ill-informed manor" that homosexuality is a choice, or is wrong.

 

Some may think that this is their opinion. Opinions are different feelings about a particular topic (Some think that I look good in blue, others think my best color is green). This however is just a GIVEN FACT that they are "ill-informed" and WRONG about. I'm not name-calling to say they are ill-informed. Ill-informed is just that... Ill-informed. The Red ball is: Red... and it is not Blue...

 

It's not everyday that you run into people who are totally acceptant of homosexuals, but are anti-gay marriage (there may be some), or un-acceptant of homosexuals, but are pro-gay marriage (there's probably none)... but it is often that you run into people who are un-acceptant of gays and anti-gay marriage. They sorta go hand in hand.

 

Personally, I don't think that even if marriage for gays was legal that I would get married for I don't personally feel that I need to, to prove my love to someone. However I still contend that everyone, gay or straight, deserves the same rights and freedoms by law to do so.

 

There's no doubt that gay couples deal with a lot of red tape in the example of the death of a partner, or visitation rights, or even employment benefits, that straight legally married couples do not have to deal with. That right there is just unfair, and no one can convince me otherwise. That's not an opinion either...that's just WRONG.

 

I may seem obstinate about the point that I am driving, but in no way, after so many years of listening to this backward ill-informed world try to control that which they haven't the first clue about, am I going to back down from what I know without a doubt is true from firsthand personal experience. I spent way too many years in fear of how the general public would treat me if they truly knew who I was, and not because I was ashamed of who I was, but because I knew for so long just how downright ignorant they were, and what kind of trouble or awkwardness in life that they could present to me.

 

Coming out has been a lifetime journey (officially nearly 30 years now), and everyday, unnecessarily so, it still can be a challenge that most straight people don't even get. For the most part, simply because of my selectivity of who I choose as friends, it's really no big deal, but don't think for one minute that if I have the chance to tell it like it is that I'm going to back down from doing so. This thread struck a nerve with me and I fear not one iota to give those who need a dose of reality to think about a few things that perhaps they've never been challenged to think about.

 

You don't have to like me or agree with what I'm saying... I'm not your conscience. ... But without a doubt I'm full of pee and vinegar today that is prompting me to Just GET REAL and to try to provoke others to just GET REAL too for perhaps the first time in their lives. People can wallow in their ignorance for the rest of their lives, but if by chance they stumble upon these words they can't say they haven't been given the chance to JUST WAKE UP!!!

 

I could probably say so much more, but I'm guessing that for right now, that's quite enough.

 

If you want to change people calling them dumb and homophobes just puts them on the defensive. Some people have religious convictions which I respect as I respect your orientation. But I stand by the fact name calling makes the debate petty.

I wasn't saying that YOU personally said that it was a CHOICE. I was using the FACT that it is NOT a CHOICE to better explain why people who are "anti-gay marriage" are "ill-informed" when they don't see that everyone deserves the same rights to enter a "legal bond" with whomever they love.

 

If these people truly understood homosexuality as just part of nature, then they would likely not have any big issue with gay marriage. Their issue with gay-marriage tends to stem from them believing in an "ill-informed manor" that homosexuality is a choice, or is wrong.

 

Some may think that this is their opinion. Opinions are different feelings about a particular topic (Some think that I look good in blue, others think my best color is green). This however is just a GIVEN FACT that they are "ill-informed" and WRONG about. I'm not name-calling to say they are ill-informed. Ill-informed is just that... Ill-informed. The Red ball is: Red... and it is not Blue...

 

It's not everyday that you run into people who are totally acceptant of homosexuals, but are anti-gay marriage (there may be some), or un-acceptant of homosexuals, but are pro-gay marriage (there's probably none)... but it is often that you run into people who are un-acceptant of gays and anti-gay marriage. They sorta go hand in hand.

 

Personally, I don't think that even if marriage for gays was legal that I would get married for I don't personally feel that I need to, to prove my love to someone. However I still contend that everyone, gay or straight, deserves the same rights and freedoms by law to do so.

 

There's no doubt that gay couples deal with a lot of red tape in the example of the death of a partner, or visitation rights, or even employment benefits, that straight legally married couples do not have to deal with. That right there is just unfair, and no one can convince me otherwise. That's not an opinion either...that's just WRONG.

 

I may seem obstinate about the point that I am driving, but in no way, after so many years of listening to this backward ill-informed world try to control that which they haven't the first clue about, am I going to back down from what I know without a doubt is true from firsthand personal experience. I spent way too many years in fear of how the general public would treat me if they truly knew who I was, and not because I was ashamed of who I was, but because I knew for so long just how downright ignorant they were, and what kind of trouble or awkwardness in life that they could present to me.

 

Coming out has been a lifetime journey (officially nearly 30 years now), and everyday, unnecessarily so, it still can be a challenge that most straight people don't even get. For the most part, simply because of my selectivity of who I choose as friends, it's really no big deal, but don't think for one minute that if I have the chance to tell it like it is that I'm going to back down from doing so. This thread struck a nerve with me and I fear not one iota to give those who need a dose of reality to think about a few things that perhaps they've never been challenged to think about.

 

You don't have to like me or agree with what I'm saying... I'm not your conscience. ... But without a doubt I'm full of pee and vinegar today that is prompting me to Just GET REAL and to try to provoke others to just GET REAL too for perhaps the first time in their lives. People can wallow in their ignorance for the rest of their lives, but if by chance they stumble upon these words they can't say they haven't been given the chance to JUST WAKE UP!!!

 

I could probably say so much more, but I'm guessing that for right now, that's quite enough.

 

Thank you for sharing your experience. :thumb:

 

I do disagree, though, that all homosexuals are born with that desire. I believe some are, but not all.

Thank you for sharing your experience. :thumb:

 

I do disagree, though, that all homosexuals are born with that desire. I believe some are, but not all.

 

But you DO admit that's pure conjecture, correct?

But you DO admit that's pure conjecture, correct?

 

Yes.

 

Saying it is "not a choice" is pure conjecture as well, correct?

 

Yes.

 

Saying it is "not a choice" is pure conjecture as well, correct?

 

I know a LOT of gay people. Not one of them made any more conscious of a choice than I did as a straight person. And considering what they have gone through, no one would make that choice capriciously.

I know a LOT of gay people. Not one of them made any more conscious of a choice than I did as a straight person. And considering what they have gone through, no one would make that choice capriciously.

 

And I know some folks who would say just the opposite.