"It's hard to dance with the devil on your back"

The silly season of politics-cum-kinky is truly upon us where I live, and while I'm pretty-much apolitical, sometimes the salivating solons beg to be called to account. This week (month?) they are drooling all over the "banning same-sex marriage" issue in the name of strengthening families. The goal, of course is to collect campaign contributions and get re-elected or nominated. Oh, and these are the same suits that were (are) out to make burning specific national flags a legitimate crime, like making meth or maybe worse.

(historical note- way back in 1969 there was a day when I raised my right hand and swore to defend this country against all enemies. But the enemies of freedom are not all external, and tough-love compels the patriot to stand equally in the face of both.)

So to those strange bedfellows who can't seem to quit each other, legislators, lobbyists and anyone else of influence in domestic matters in this good ole USA, listen up-
If you want to strengthen families, spend your time (and taxpayer money) re-directing the economy so that families will be able to choose whether one or both marriage-partners stay home with their children. Make mom-care (or dad-care) an option, not just for the wealthy.

If you want to strengthen families, spend your time (and taxpayer money) re-directing the economy so that single parents are not forever stressed over the cost of everything, especially work-hours care for their children.

If you want to strengthen families, spend your time (and taxpayer money) re-directing the economy so that the cost of health care doesn't force families to forgo medicine so they can have food.

I could go on, but there is a rhythm to this, it's drumming,"Re-directing the economy." It should be the work of legislators and yes, lobbyists, who after all are really good at having their way with.... ummm, the disposition of issues and allocation of liquid resources.
Re-directing the economy would be heart and gut-wrenching, not to mention wallet-wrenching work.
Hard decisions.
Sacrifice.
Putting orhers first.
Really working at it.
This is beginning to sound like what they promised faithfully when they were courting the voters, not to mention during the consumation, excuse me, swearing-in day speeches.

Adam & Steve aren't the enemy, Mr. Legislator. The enemy can be found manipulating the emotions of well-meaning Americans for selfish personal and political gain. You have real work to do aplenty to strengthen our country's families. Maybe,
when our economy is family-friendly;
when oil is just another product we use instead of a fiduciary fetish;
when our children can count on a safe environment at home and school;
when eradicating pandemic diseases is more important than smothering political opposition;
when the Iraqi people are truly in control of their own destiny;
maybe then bring up the debate on gay marriage. Maybe by then it will be a non-issue for the majority.

Same goes for flag-burning. It's a form of political commentary I do not participate in, but I once swore to defend freedom, with my life, if necessary. And freedom is more at risk from enemies in suits than those in combat gear.