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More on: Bush's gay marriage amendment

C'mon, folks. Don't be fooled! President Bush's recent endorsement of an amendment banning gay marriage is nothing more than a political ploy. Over the past few months, the president has been carefully tip-toeing around the issue, stating that he believes marriage should be between a man and a woman, but stopping short of endorsing such an alteration to our Constitution. His newly found resolve on the matter is nothing more than an attempt to distract pubic attention from growing doubts over the Iraq war, his weakness in certain economic areas, and his overall poor polling numbers against his likely Democratic rivals. This move is also sure to appeal to his right-wing base, whom he nearly alienated as a result of his recent immigration policies. Bush will undoubtedly defend his position by preaching about the sanctity of marriage, and how this institution must be defended at all costs. But he knows as well as any intelligent person that issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples poses absolutely no true threat to the institution. While the president may be trying to claim some kind of moral high ground here, it becomes apparent that his only true conviction is to commit to something he believes will get him re-elected. There are serious matters to be debated--ones affecting the daily lives of every American. But rather than face a public discussion on these issues, Mr. Bush wants to drive a cultural wedge into the national debate, and make this election about a social issue that is only of any true consequence to a small contingent of our population. It's been pointed out many times, but an anti-gay marriage amendment to the Constitution would be the first amendment ever to specifically deny civil rights to a minority group. President Bush, as well as countless other right-wing figures, have proven time and again that there is no length to which they will not go for their own political gain. As we once witnessed with the impeachment of president Bill Clinton, an amendment banning same-sex marriage would amount to little more than the rape of the United States Constitution. Respond to this posting

Posted by Daniel Thies at February 25, 2004 05:42 PM