Well said! And I really don't understand those who want to leave the concept of "marraige" in the hands of politicians, period. It's flat-out, none of their business -- and they are attempting define something that many if not most of them aren't even good at (Teddy Kennedy? Hillary Clinton?). Politicians don't belong in our adult bedrooms, telling us what is or isn't OK, nor should they have the right to tell us who we should choose as a lifetime partner -- or even that we have to accept "gay marriage" if politicans choose to OK it. Defining "marraige" is the job of priests, ministers and rabbis -- not politicians. Here is where there truly should be "a seperation of Church and State" -- and in fact, there really isn't. The only thing that we, as citizens, owe the State and they owe us, is recognition of a "legal partnership" and equal obligation of the partners to care for any offspring. That's it. Otherwise, they should mind their own business! I am a Christian. I am not gay. It is simply a matter of principle -- the principle of freedom!
Sounds like we're on the same page but we both forgot something; to the list of priests, ministers, and rabbis being the ones who should have the ultimate say over the definition of marriage, we forgot the most important people: our MOMS & DADS! They are the ones who ultimately should have the final say, after inculcating us with their values & not, thank heavens, those of our politicians) whether or not their kids are "married", regardless of whatever type of legal contract they've got sitting in their top desk drawer!
"I really don't understand those who want to leave the concept of "marraige" in the hands of politicians, period. "
Uh, then you dont understand marriage, period.
Short answer: It's a *legal* definition of a sacred institution protecting real *families*.
Think of it as the legal underpinnings of western civilization and you wouldnt be too far off.
(Too late to explain.)