Less Than, or Equal To?

≤

In mathematical terms, the above symbol means less than or equal to. Generally it is substituted in place of an equals sign within an equation when the result has a variable that cannot exceed a given value. Math is definitely one of those topics where the concept may be difficult to grasp for some. Every single equation leads to a logical answer given from an equation, or a problem. Math is not necessarily a feasible entity though. Although it works within our lives, math is never something we can physically see. Life, however, poses its own problems into our lives. These equations are worked out in our own time, much differently than a math problem. We take two values or even just one value, and we set it equal to an answer. At least, most things are equal. Humanity is not necessarily something that will let equality reign free. It has been an issue in the past, it will be an issue in the future, and it is an issue now. One equation that humans can not seem to agree on.

Why can't a man plus a man equal a marriage?

I know the topic seems like it was just dropped and may be irrelevant, but I have a lot to say now that the Supreme Court has heard the case of Hollingsworth v. Perry. I had no idea what this case even was. After reading the full oral transcript of the hearing, I feel like I have grasped the ideas each side expresses pretty well. A lot of these reasons are logical in the sense that each side must present the constitutionally of the issue, rather than the morality or ethics of the issue. The audience however, the casual observer can think whatever they want. After seeing the outburst of opinions and emotions of the issue, I am only left with one legitimate question. I don't want to stir the pot or make a great big scene out of it, but I genuinely want to know:

Why can't two people of the same sex be married?

Please, enlighten me. Because the Bible says so? Okay, let's talk about the Bible for a bit. With that being said, I am no Bible basher, but I do have my own feelings over this literature, and it's certainly questionable. A little history lesson for you: there was once a time where prejudice of one group of people ran absolutely rampant amongst American culture. That was the era after the Civil War where African Americans were seen as the lowest of the low. You were absolute scum if you were black. The funny thing? The Bible was used by the pro segregation community to say that black people were made inferior by God and even justified that slavery was legal under God. Harsh interpretation? Well, look at what is happening right now. The same exact thing with the gay community. We feel differently about black people now because our feelings changed. Where is there no room for the thought process to change on the gay community? You might argue that black people can't help the way they are, but it is a choice to be gay.

Well, consider the following.

Hundreds of millions of American soldiers are sacrificing themselves to provide freedom for our beautiful country. Often, when they arrive home, many are homeless, jobless, and generally shoved aside from regular communities. Yet, we see this as such a disgrace. These soldiers fighting for God and their country should be treated like heroes! They have put everything on the line for us! Well, if we use the same logic that we feel about the gay community (since it is a soldier's choice to go to war), they deserve to be homeless and jobless and sleeping in the streets even if they have served our country the greatest sacrifice they can. They don't deserve anything, because they weren't born into the military. The general argument is of course it's a different scenario where these people deserve recognition and respect because they've done something for this country and should be treated differently than gays who have not.

No. No they shouldn't.

What is so hard about giving someone respect? Where did that go? Isn't there scripture in the Bible that tells you to love thy neighbor? Of course, but there's an exception for gays. Come on, really? Times are radically changing in our lifestyle. Things that were once held standard are starting to be questioned and even accepted by our community. Why can't this be another one of those issues? People have been showing this form of equality by spreading around the equals sign, =, that expresses their desire to be treated as another human being.

But they shouldn't be treated the same.

In fact, the gay community is a thriving culture of loving and caring people that I know love life more than the next person. Although shunned and bashed and torn apart in our society, they love the way they are. Because they know that such arrogance will only be defeated by keeping their head high and treating others with the respect they deserve. Equality shouldn't be the expected result. These people should live without the fear of being lynched for their feelings, or bullied because of who they love. The fact of the matter is that gays are humans. They should not be less than nor equal to our society, but instead greater than or equal simply because they are one of us. Human. Isn't that just simple math?

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