2004 Blog: 29 February

This week's theme was family.

"Each year you and your family are to eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose."

~Deuteronomy 15:20

Queer Marriage still "legal" in SF

Opponents of gay marriage went to court this week to stop an extraordinary act of ongoing civil disobedience in which San Francisco has issued over 3,000 marriage licenses to gay couples. After the president's day holiday, the court postponed even hearing the case and the legal limbo continues. Other cities like Chicago and Atlanta have intimated that they may follow SF's lead. Conservatives have pointed to California's DOMA ("Defense" of Marriage Act) that passed as proof that SF is out of order. SF went on the offensive and filed a lawsuit against the state, saying that the law is unconstitutional. The attorney general said that the Governor is acting like 'Conan The Barbarian to play to his conservative base' of supporters.

Personally I think that marriage is a sacred act and the state has no business trying to sanction or recognize them at all. I think that "reality TV" and the Fox network in particular has done way more to undermine straight people's marriages than same-sex couples ever could.

Aunt Joan Returns

My Aunt Joan came out for another visit. She was here about four years ago and I have really been looking forward to seeing her again. I had to go to school so I passed up the chance to go to the Asian Art Museum with her, but my dad and his wife had a wander with her and I met them for dinner.

Mardi Gras

Tuesday marked the "Fat Tuesday" before the begining of Lent. I don't celebrate Ash Wednesday, but apparently a lot of people in New Orleans do...

Election '04

Kerry wins a few more
John Kerry won some more contests and the media has decided that it's still a two-man race because Edwards is still a close second. They had a debate in LA this week and they were so nice and polite with each other that many pundits are talking up the idea that Kerry will get the nomination and choose Edwards as his VP. Next week is "Super Tuesday" when lots of states, including California will weigh in and the thing will be all sewn up.

The Age of Imperialism

Death Toll Higher Than Ever
This is starting to feel like such a broken record as more Americans died because Bush lied. I heard it mentioned that the death toll is now over 500 Americans. For every one soldier killed at least three are injured. Bush's Republican party continues to gut the veteran's administration's funding. I guess it's their way of showing their true support of our troops.

Priorities
Republicans are far more interested in fixing schools, roads and infrastructure in Iraq instead of fixing schools, roads, and infrastructure in America. They talk a good game, but when it comes down to spending any real money to address the needs of American veterans, elderly, working people or job-seekers, the Republicans gut adequate funding of vital services to help out corporations and the hyper-rich.