Bush 'Troubled' by Gay Marriage Issue (RE: San Fran weddings)

Yahoo News ^

[KantianBurke]

WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites) said Wednesday he was "troubled" by gay weddings in San Francisco and by legal decisions in Massachusetts that could clear the way for same-sex marriage. But he declined to say whether he is any closer to backing a constitutional ban on such vows.

"I have watched carefully what's happening in San Francisco, where licenses were being issued, even though the law states otherwise," Bush said. "I have consistently stated that I'll support law to protect marriage between a man and a woman. Obviously these events are influencing my decision."

"I am watching very carefully, but I am troubled by what I've seen," Bush said.

He didn't answer directly when asked whether he is any closer to endorsing a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages, as conservative groups say the White House has assured them Bush will do.

"I strongly believe marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman," Bush said during an Oval Office session with Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. "I am troubled by activist judges who are defining marriage."

"People need to be involved in this decision," Bush said. "Marriage ought to be defined by the people not by the courts. And I'm watching it carefully."

Gay and lesbian couples from Europe and more than 20 states have lined up outside the ornate San Francisco City Hall since city officials decided to begin marrying same-sex couples six days ago. City officials said 172 couples were married Tuesday, a pace that would bring the total number who have taken vows promising to be "spouses for life" to over 3,000 by Friday.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled that it is unconstitutional to bar gay couples from marriage. Under the decision, the nation's first legally sanctioned gay marriages are scheduled to begin in mid-May.

Lawmakers are proposing a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman, and the Legislature resumes its deliberations of amendments on March 11.

[xzins]

no problem, bro.

Let's pray he acts.

[Don Joe]

"Troubled" in the title is a fair word. I just heard the President's voice. His tone struck me as seriously concerned, reflective, ready to act. Almost ominous.

I thought I heard him say something at the end about "watch what I do," or words to that effect. That was good. What wasn't so good was that business about "marriage should be defined by the people" (I forget the exact wording, but that's the gist of it).

No, it shouldn't "be defined by the people," because if that's the case, once "the people" are convinced to accept a travesty, bye-bye Western Culture.

We don't let "the people" decide if it's OK to rape their children, or if it's OK to steal, or if it's OK to do any variety of antisocial behaviors. We live in a Constitutional Republic, not a Mobocracy. Or at least that's how it's supposed to be. "The People" don't have the right to decide that it's "OK" to own other people, or beat their tenants for being late with their rent, even if "the people" want to say that's OK. Even if most of the people want that. Even if all of the people want that.

Otherwise, the Constitution is a meaningless rag.

[concerned about politics]

That's NOT what the fella is saying at all. Why is that every time someone tells the TRUTH about President Bush

They turn out to be a propaganda troll. Go figure.

[xzins]

He meant the legislature. He was contrasting legislative debate and consensus resulting in law with judicial activism....one judge pushing his own agenda.

[Don Joe]

Americans want a constitutional ammendment and he knows it. No need to rush to judgment on this one.

There's no way to rush a Constitutional Amendment. It'll drag out for years, and there's no guarantee that the left won't be able to torpedo it.

IMO an EO wouldn't be out of order in this situation. There's a genuine crisis, one that is not being handled by legislation, and cannot be handled via amending the Constitution in a timely manner, so that pretty much narrows it down to either an EO, or a concession.

[tuesday afternoon]

I know this should be funny... :?

[tuesday afternoon]

I know this should be funny... :?

[Don Joe]

"The mission of Log Cabin is greater than one President or one issue."

Right. Their mission is to undermine the Republican Party, and shake its foundations until they're rendered meaningless.

Only then will their job be done.

[Eastbound]

"Judges make law, executives interpret law. Its the new American paradigm."

And Congress? Mmmmmm..lemme guess. Shows up only on paydays, takes money under false pretenses, votes themselves another raise, then goes back to ogling chicks at Starbucks.

[sonserae]

If issuing these "licenses" is against the law, can't someone make a citizen's arrest of the Mayor? Why hasn't anyone tried to do that yet?

[Don Joe]

I think you're jumping to judgment on this. Do you really think President Bush is only concerned about getting reelected? I don't believe that and I hope you don't either.

A more relevant question might be whether or not Rove's only concern is getting Bush reelected.

Do you have an opinion on that?

[scripter]

Let's pray he acts.

I gave the issue some extended time today and encourage others to join the battle in prayer.

[KantianBurke]

because that's exactly what the left would like to see. Big mean police guys with guns and handcuffs taking in a "peaceful protestor who is only letting people in love marry." Ready made propoganda for the Rats.

[Don Joe]

This is a state issue. What do you want him to do? Bomb San Francisco.

Of course not. That would be so 1860s.

We're much more civilized than Lincoln was. Now, we deal with acts of civil war by wringing our hands and saying how disappointed we are.

Gee, if only there was some alternative to those two extremes, like issuing an EO, for example

[concerned about politics]

I know this should be funny... :?

This is a day the Lord hath made. Be glad and rejoice in it.

Did you know the Bible says "fear not" 365 times? That's one "fear not" for each day of our calender year.

[tuesday afternoon]

But all action on this issue need to take place starting with enforcement of the California state laws.

What's up with the Governator?

[Houmatt]

Ready to act? Then what the hell is he waiting for? I would have instructed Governor Schwarzenegger to arrest the mayor already.

[tuesday afternoon]

Do you know there are 365 negative mitzvot in Torah?

[concerned about politics]

What's up with the Governator?

I heard only a section of a news report this am (darn) and Arnold said something about homosexual marriage is illegal in California (gee, glad he let us know that - NOT!)

[Eastbound]

"Did you know the Bible says "fear not" 365 times? That's one "fear not" for each day of our calender year."

Keen observation! Thanks.