Recently I wrote about a reader’s issue with me about same sex marriage and that reader’s assertion that it has somehow eroded morals in this nation. There were those who supported that position and made their objections to my column clear.

I disagreed as I believe this is a fundamental right to legally bond with the person of your choosing. I simply don’t understand how anyone could be opposed to the establishment of legal loving relationships. What’s wrong with love between two consenting adults? What’s wrong with marriage between two consenting adults?

There are, however, folks in this nation who still see evil and threat in non-straight people and relationships, largely based on religious beliefs. Considering that the Constitution established a separation of church and state and there is no established state religion – to call this country a “Christian” nation is simply legally incorrect.

It’s interesting to me to see the following in a State House News Service story: “Republicans in Massachusetts, including Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, have joined their counterparts from around the nation in calling on the U.S. Senate to approve a bill preserving marriage rights for everyone. The governor’s communications team on Wednesday morning [Sept. 14] circulated a list of ‘Republicans, Libertarians and politically independent conservatives,’ who are calling for the adoption of the Respect for Marriage Act. ‘Together, we call on the U.S. Senate to pass the Respect for Marriage Act and reaffirm that marriage for gay and lesbian couples is settled law,’ according to an open letter that is also running as a paid advertisement. ‘Passing the Respect for Marriage Act will remove any uncertainty for the more than one million Americans who are building families, taking on the commitment and responsibilities associated with marriage, and caring for the one they love. Simply put, the Respect for Marriage Act treats all American families as each of us would want to be treated.’”

Michael P. Norton’s story continued, “Other Bay State-connected Republicans who signed the letter include former Gov. Jane Swift and (briefly) her 2002 running mate Patrick Guerriero, former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, and former Mass. Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei. Gay marriage supporters are galvanizing to protect marriage rights in the face of a rightward shift on the U.S. Supreme Court and efforts by conservatives to try to revisit marriage equality.”

I’m wondering how the slate of statewide Republican candidates on this year’s ballot feel about this issue? Considering many of those candidates follow the Trump set of positions, it would be interesting to see if they would want to engage on the topic.

Since the Trump-leaning Republicans need to attract “Republicans, Libertarians and politically independent conservatives” having an anti-same sex marriage position could lose them potential votes.
Considering the more pressing issues of inflation, controlling taxes, fixing the MBTA, advancing east-west rail, public education and regional equity – all topics that affect many more people in the commonwealth, I don’t see how candidates want to spend part of their good will on this proposition.

Hey, don’t we all want to live our lives without people telling us how we must conduct the most private and personal aspects of our lives? I would think this is something about which everyone could agree. I’m undoubtedly incorrect, though.

Big postcards season

It’s that time of year when our mailboxes will be stuffed with big postcards from candidates, parties and special interest groups urging us to vote in a particular way.

I’m going to collect all that I receive and see which have the most outrageous claims or statements; which candidates or special interest groups send the most; and who has sent out the largest postcard.

It’s clear to me that in the world of political postcards, size apparently matters. I think the reasoning is a standard sized postcard could get lost in the shuffle. Having one that is the size of a place mat is apparently helpful in calling attention to that candidate.

I urge you to collect the postcards sent to you so we can compare notes after the election in November.