Ladies:
Somebody stop this planet, I want to get off.
**Sighs and reminds herself that there is no gravity...Earth sucks...**
Let us start with one basic understanding: There are too many laws on the books that are just plain stupid and mean. Many of them were passed because some other stupid and mean people were not living up to a "Societal Norm". Norms can and do change, over time, as well they should. Hopefully, we are growing up a little bit, and we soon will not have to have stupid and mean laws to protect ourselves from ourselves.
A good deal of the time, I would count myself in the "traditional values" camp. There are some things that ought not be done. Just because we can do them does not mean we should. I am not going to go there now; it wasn't a crime when I left to be conservative.
(This is where I blow you all away...)
Having said that, however,I actually agree with the bulk of Heather's statement. I feel that the Feds have no business telling me what I can and cannot do in the privacy of my own home, behind my closed bedroom doors,
with a consenting adult.
I also see where there must be some propriety, though. Having sex with children is just plain wrong. So is having sex with animals. (See? I TOLD you I was a conservative!) The neoconservatives (goddess, I HATE that title) have a valid point in that we need to stop and ask "where does this end?" They fear change. Sometimes, that fear is a good thing. It hopefully keeps us from making too many mistakes.
But like it or not, change is where we are headed. In many cases we really do need to head there. As the 82.5% time girl I am, I worry about things that, in a country such as America, I shouldn't have to worry about. I applaud the work that Phyliis-Marie is doing on her home front, even though she won't be around here much anymore. I am doing some work to help other trannies...it has started to cost me more than money; ultimately it may well cost me my marriage, my job...or both (I won't get into that here, however).
So, while I may not disagree with Heather (or the ruling, by the way) on this point, I did want to shed a little light on the "conservative agenda"...for what it is worth.
By the way, Heather--religious conservatives haven't taken over the Republicans...
yet. They hold a slight majority there. I'd be more concerned about the rise of the "Conservative Democrats", as that is where many, many people are staring to migrate in SW Indiana...!
Luv 'n hugs,
Jayne Sakura
"Almost-Angel, T-Girl Genius, and Ultra-Flirt"
July 10, 2003 1:29 AM BST
I fully agree on the concept of "consenting adults". Sex with those unable to grant consent (children and animals) is - to me - morally repugnant. In the interest of protecting children, I have no problem with laws prohibiting sex of any kind with a child - that is a totally legitimate state interest, and fortunately I don't see that changing any time soon. Activities which directly hurt others have always been and will always be a legitimate state interest.
A little balance can be a good thing, but the so-called "neo-conservatives" do not appear to desire balance themselves; they want to set the clock back to the 1950's or earlier.
At least on a local level, I have to disagree about religious conservatives taking over the Republican Party. In Utah, the Republican Party is practically owned by the Mormon Church and a few conservative allies. I suspect a similar situation can be found in the southeastern states. The battle is not over yet in the northeastern states and some other areas.
I used to be a Republican. The conservative ideal meant, to me, a respect for individualism, and therefore a respect for individual rights. Unfortunately, they never lived up to this and they finally drove me away.
Heather H.
July 11, 2003 2:57 AM BST
OK, I'll writein our candidate in the next primary. Just give me a name in time. It'll have to be in the Democratic primary. I could never abide by any group that moves in lock-step. Also the opposition is now being called "neocons."