Marry, Marry, Quite Contrary

Of no consequence? The legalization of same-sex marriages across the 50 states, if permitted to stand, will have many intended and unintended consequences. Many of these potential consequences are already in the works. First, civil marriage will become completely separated from child-rearing (a consequence generally intended by advocates). Second, the courts will have no legal or principled basis for upholding prohibitions against polygamous, incestuous, and group marriages. In addition, there will be pressure to permit marriages within all age groups, including adults and children. Third, because "marriage" will become a way of accessing financial benefits, said financial benefits will eventually become too burdensome to continue and everybody will lose them (a move which will have the virtue of being both financially responsible and fair). Fourth, as a corollary, marriage as a civil institution will all but disappear and become strictly a religious institution (not an altogether bad outcome, in theory). Fifth, and this is what makes consequence #4 problematical, the gay lobby will seek to define opposition to same-sex marriage and negative comments about homosexual behavior as a hate crime. This concept will be applied with particular vigor against religious institutions, which will be challenged legally to provide for same sex marriages no matter what their interpretation of the Christian bible, Torah, or the Koran. Sixth, schools will be required to take a "balanced" view toward marriage, with equal provisions for marriage in all of its perturbations in textbooks, libraries, and student clubs. Seventh, adoption agencies will be prohibited from showing favoritism to heterosexual married couples or indeed to couples at all. Seventh, the tactic of calling whoever doesn't agree with you a "bigot" and a "[whatever]phobic," having proven itself, will be become a prized weapon in the war against faith-based communities. Email your comments.

Kosher on the Road

Question from our Schueller House Website: "How do I find kosher restaurants in each state. We are taking a car trip." (Elaine R.). The easiest way anymore (though it takes some work) is to get on the internet and search. There are various sites that list kosher restaurants (and synagogues, etc.) by state. They aren't all comprehensive or up-to-date, but you can do better on the internet than looking in a book. Seder Olam is an Israeli site that covers the world, including the U.S. Shamash is another well-known site. Happy trails. Email me from home or on the road.

Put Some Clothes on Already.

Too much naked truth: The Orthodox Jewish community taught me the importance of clothing. Dressing modestly and well shows respect for those you interact with. This is a notion that deserves wider distribution. Even in Colorado Springs, which has a reputation for buttoned-down conservatism, people seem to dress mainly to show off their tattoos. And given where they're putting their tattoos these days, things are getting pretty ugly out there. Email me your comment or add one below.