Questions about bigotry.

[ChriswUfGator]

OK, I'll concede that marriage has not always been a religious institution.  

But I still believe that the state should withdraw from favoring any individual or group of individuals in any way.  And that household or relationship legal contracts should be just that, contracts.

But how do you enforce any contract without a system being set up to that end by the State?

[NotNow]

Like any other civil contract.  Like buying property.  Or any other business agreement.  It is a civil contract.  If there is no contract, we have laws for that currently, or at least established decisions.  Why should the state favor married people?  Gay or straight?  By what authority do they do so?

[ChriswUfGator]

Like any other civil contract.  Like buying property.  Or any other business agreement.  It is a civil contract.  If there is no contract, we have laws for that currently, or at least established decisions.  Why should the state favor married people?  Gay or straight?  By what authority do they do so?

What I'm asking, as you propose the State step out of marriages entirely in favor of their being a private contract, is how you can enforce any contract without the State setting up a system/courts in which you may do so? A State's court system is why private contracts are enforceable in the first place. Without any means to enforce an agreement, all you really have is a piece of paper. Just saying, the State can't possibly step out of it entirely.

[NotNow]

People would be given the opportunity to contract whatever domestic situation they please.  Contractual disputes would be handled in civil court, as now.  But instead of the vague rules we have now, each household contract would be a written agreement between all parties involved.  Also the State would not favor any particular group with tax benefits or special exemptions.

[ChriswUfGator]

People would be given the opportunity to contract whatever domestic situation they please.  Contractual disputes would be handled in civil court, as now.  But instead of the vague rules we have now, each household contract would be a written agreement between all parties involved.  Also the State would not favor any particular group with tax benefits or special exemptions.

So are you married? You're willing to give up your joint filing status? That's serious $$$...

[NotNow]

Yes, and yes.  We should ALL be treated equally by the State.  

Often, short term pain is required for long term gain.  It is the same in our personal lives and in government.  Just as most universal rules like avoid debt and conflict, be fair, live modestly and be humble are wise goals not only for people but for their institutions as well.

[Ocklawaha]

I'm not a bigot, hell I HATE everybody... but I do it equally.


OCKLAWAHA

[JC]

Yes, and yes.  We should ALL be treated equally by the State.  

Often, short term pain is required for long term gain.  It is the same in our personal lives and in government.  Just as most universal rules like avoid debt and conflict, be fair, live modestly and be humble are wise goals not only for people but for their institutions as well.

Statements like this blow my mind.

[NotNow]

How so?

[JC]

How so?

I am not going to go into it, you are being extremely idealistic and naive. 

[NotNow]

That's me!

[JC]

That's me!

If your idealistic and naive, CLAP YOUR HANDS!

[Sportmotor]

That's me!

If your idealistic and naive, CLAP YOUR HANDS!

If by idealistic and naive you mean....?

[NotNow]

Trustworthy
I tell the truth. I keep my promises. Honesty is part of my code of conduct. People can depend on me.

Loyal
I am true to my family, leaders, friends, community and nation.

Helpful
I am concerned about other people. I do things willingly for others without pay or reward.

Friendly
I am a friend to all. I am a brother or sister to others in my group. I seek to understand others. I respect those with ideas and customs other than my own.

Courteous
I am polite to everyone, regardless of age or position. I know good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

Kind
I understand there is strength in being gentle. I treat others as they want to be treated. I do not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

Obedient
I follow the rules of my family, group and organization. I obey the laws of my community and country. If I think these rules and laws are unfair, I try to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

Cheerful
I look for the bright side of things. I cheerfully do tasks that come my way. I try to make others happy.

Thrifty
I work to pay my way and to help others. I save for unforeseen needs. I protect and conserve natural resources. I carefully use time and property.

Brave
I can face danger even if I am afraid. I have the courage to stand for what I think is right even if others laugh at or threaten me.

Clean
I keep my body and mind fit and clean. I go around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. I help keep my home and community clean.

Reverent
I am reverent toward God. I am faithful in my religious duties. I respect the beliefs of others.

[JagFan07]

Trustworthy
I tell the truth. I keep my promises. Honesty is part of my code of conduct. People can depend on me.

Loyal
I am true to my family, leaders, friends, community and nation.

Helpful
I am concerned about other people. I do things willingly for others without pay or reward.

Friendly
I am a friend to all. I am a brother or sister to others in my group. I seek to understand others. I respect those with ideas and customs other than my own.

Courteous
I am polite to everyone, regardless of age or position. I know good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

Kind
I understand there is strength in being gentle. I treat others as they want to be treated. I do not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

Obedient
I follow the rules of my family, group and organization. I obey the laws of my community and country. If I think these rules and laws are unfair, I try to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

Cheerful
I look for the bright side of things. I cheerfully do tasks that come my way. I try to make others happy.

Thrifty
I work to pay my way and to help others. I save for unforeseen needs. I protect and conserve natural resources. I carefully use time and property.

Brave
I can face danger even if I am afraid. I have the courage to stand for what I think is right even if others laugh at or threaten me.

Clean
I keep my body and mind fit and clean. I go around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. I help keep my home and community clean.

Reverent
I am reverent toward God. I am faithful in my religious duties. I respect the beliefs of others.

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Had 2 boys in scouts.