Go right on ahead :-)
And because I'm feeling generous ;-), here's the long version:
To all American citizens,
We have just entered a new era. We have elected a new president who has inspired the country and given hope to those who have felt disillusioned and downcast on our great nation. And this is a great nation and a grand example of the success of our experiment in the trust in people over politicians in Washington, in the rule of law over rule of kings, and in every individuals inalienable rights given to us by our Creator. We have been welcomed back in with open arms by the world, and may we use our new found respect and friendship to spread the hope of the American Dream. Hope that hard work pays off and is respected by all. Hope that government powers will be restrained by law and allow freedom to flourish. Hope that those who have given so much of their own free will to the cause of an inspirational presidential candidate, will do the same for a neighbor in need and without government coercion. We have our founders to thank, from their love of freedom, to their Protestant work ethic, to their desire for everyone to be able to read the Bible so that they may be saved. The principles of freedom, hard work, and education still drive the engine of America today.
But we also needed change. Our image has been projected to the world and to our own country in the worst light for eight years. Good and well-meaning Americans were told to hang their heads in shame from charges of racism, unwarranted aggression, and greed. This image was projected throughout the world through the best entertainment industry on Earth, through satellites placed in orbit through American ingenuity, and through our universities that draw students desiring the best education from around the world. But this message is about to change. We have proved we are no longer a racist people. Violence and greed will have no place in our new message to the world. We can hold our heads high with a new image of inspiration shown through and supported by our representatives to the world in every news studio and movie lot from Manhattan to Hollywood. The American culture is not something to be ashamed of, and let us proudly hold our strong traditions of honesty, family, and community through our schools and churches, our farms and offices, and in our own homes. Our country does not need another critic, but we welcome a new fan, and we hear the new message that echoes throughout the world and returns to our ears: "Yes We Can".
Yes we can bring freedom to our markets from expensive government takeovers and stifling regulations. Yes we can bring freedom to churches who have been stomped out of schools and the public square and recognize them as full members of our communities. Yes we can free every citizen from the burden of a crushing tax code. Yes we can support the rights of fathers as well as we have supported the rights of mothers. Yes we can put guns in the hands of law abiding citizens and strike fear in criminals who would take advantage of them. Yes we can expand the protections a few groups with well-funded lobbyists have to all citizens. Yes we can encourage energy innovation and production for all sources instead of a handful with good government connections. Yes we can restore the respect of a diversity of ideas, worldviews, and affiliations to our schools and popular media.
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
“But, I think if two gays want a committed relationship with the same benefits (drawbacks?) under the law as two heteros, I don’t really have a problem with that. If they insist on calling it marriage, I think it’s a little wacky but not enough to put up a fight about it.”
“If it is codified into law, then it is protected by law—and spirals into other laws. Anti-discrimination laws, hate crime laws, etc. make them a protected class. You then have free speech abridged and quoting the Bible in public gets you thrown in jail (this has happened in Sweden, Canada, and laws proposed in Brazil and Australia. Also the protected anti-discrimination status makes it harder for health insurance companies to charge more for their risky lifestyle choices. It makes way for schools to promote homosexual activity to children.
But most of all, it further delegitimizes the family unit and structure, and weakens support for the little societal aid that families are given today.”
Had to put this back into the discussion. Great post!