One Small Step for Man; One Giant Leap for Two Men in Love

The California same-sex marriage ban has been struck down! The California Supreme Court found that it was unconstitutional under the California constitution.

"There can be no doubt that extending the designation of marriage to same-sex couples, rather than denying it to all couples, is the equal protection remedy that is most consistent with our state's general legislative policy and preference," said the 120-page ruling.

Of course there will be an attempt to push this up to the U.S. Supreme Court and hopefully they won't grant cert, but I have a feeling they will find a way.

For those law geeks out there like me, you can read the full opinion in all of its constitutional glory here. The decision is quick to point out that it was not decided on the same grounds as other states' decisions which have discussed whether their state constitutions allow for gay marriage, but rather whether the California constitution prohibits the state from labeling heterosexual legal unions as "marriages" and homosexual legal unions as "domestic partnerships." Though this tempers the joy for me a bit, it is a victory nonetheless which shows that treating homosexual relationships with less significance than heterosexual relationships is not fair or legal. The decision seems mostly, if not wholly, based on California law, which renders federal review limited at best.

It's sad that we have to go one state at a time, but I won't let this temper my excitement about this victory. Make no mistake, we are on our way to equality and we won't stop.

This War is Never Going to End

My thoughts on this today are brought about by the teaser for this article, which states that top Dems now support a war funding bill.

House Democrats defiantly pushed ahead Wednesday with a $50 billion war spending bill that calls for troops to leave Iraq, despite concerns raised by some members of the party and a veto threat issued by the White House.

Of course he'll veto. It's not his idea. His lackeys agree.

"In addition to infringing upon the president's constitutional authority as commander in chief, the bill would mandate a precipitous withdrawal of troops that could increase the probability that American troops would have to one day return to Iraq to confront an even more dangerous enemy," an administration statement said.

Um...how about his constant infringement upon the constitutional authority of the Congress to declare war and set budgets and funding for wars? The power of the purse my friend, live with it.

My point is this--I'm all for funding for the people there, but for god's sake, obviously this thing isn't going to end by negotiation. Some Dems and Republicans need to team up, grow a pair (ovaries or balls will do) and stop funding this war--that's the ONLY WAY things are going to get done. Flat out.

Let the insanity begin

And let it begin with them.