i've decided to set my quit date.
.
i might get bitchy.. bfd.
Hey Buddy, You've got so many people in your corner. If you want to -- you can always try it again.
Sorry about your cat. I can understand how that might be a real stress-out. An infected pussy is always hard to handle.
You asked:
WTF is with all the gay topic threads?
Dunno -- but someone said JWD has become a "homosexual pep rally"!
Wow! I feel my cheerleader demon taking over: Give me a G! -- Give me an A! -- Give me a Y!
What does that spell? "You busy tomorrow night?"
Ben
mouthy, is today your 81st birthday?
i saw on a post you wrote -- and it said birthday!
(don't know how these things work?).
Mouthy, is today your 81st birthday? I saw on a post you wrote -- and it said Birthday! 81. (Don't know how these things work?)
If so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you have lots of great friends and family to celebrate it with!
Love,
Ben
i've just read lola28's thread "for those against gay marriage".
i thought i should present a clear message on what i think the gay marriage issue is all about.
the trouble with most discussions on this issue is that it gets clouded by a plethora of side-issues, non-issues, cave-men chest-thumping and medieval puritanism.
Ah, now, c'mon, Bizzy ... "people of size" need good lovin' too.
and ... are you saying that a straight man with a fat wife -- would probably "turn" gay? Nah, that ain't gonna happen, right? Ben (in love)Forget gay marriage! I'm still trying to come to terms with GAY CHUBBY DATING. WTF?
If that picture doesn't turn you heterosexual in about a nano-second - I give up. Carry on.
recent scholarly bible research has uncovered a lost chapter in genesis.
be forewarned there's a few old english naughty words.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z73oskpludq.
ben (studying).
Recent scholarly bible research has uncovered a lost chapter in Genesis. Be forewarned there's a few Old English naughty words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z73OSKpluDQ
Ben (studying)
just got this email!.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/15cnd-marriage.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss.
ben (celebratin' with friends).
Hurray! For the California Supreme Court!
Even with conservative judges, they knew the RIGHT THING TO DO! And that was to respect justice -- and honor equality and dignity for all Californians. They were able to rise above the bigotry, fear and hatred fomented daily against gay and lesbian people throughout this country and state. They used their wisdom to grant them the same rights as other Californians. It is truly a wonderful thing.
This post has been quite an education for me. I learned a great deal about some of the posters here. Of course, I knew that prejudice and bigotry still thrive in this state and country. But to see it unfold and parade about -- is still a hurtful, ugly thing to see. But such is the mentality of some people.
It's become apparent that it would be meaningless for me to return to this thread. What is there left to be said? Some posters have rejoiced in this momentous civil rights victory. And I rejoice with them. Others have chosen a different course. They reveal themselves for what they are.
Love to all my brothers and sisters working for equality,
Benjamin
Gopher!
Excellent comments!
Ben
just got this email!.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/15cnd-marriage.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss.
ben (celebratin' with friends).
The state supreme court based it's decision on "civil rights" and the equal treatment to all people -- not in defining marriage. Regarding domestic partnerships vs. marriage -- it's the old smoke-and-mirrors of "separate but equal."
Re: the legislature. Two gay marriage bills passed the state assembly and senate during different sessions -- both of them were vetoed by the Republican governor.
the Constitution does NOT speak of marriage in any stretch of the imagination. When the Court steps outside its boundaries, it serves only to constrain its stature.
This is a subject that should be reserved for the legislature.
All I have to say is this country waves the flag and defines itself as the land of liberty and justice for all. It's time for it to align its actions with it noble wordsl Time to join the rest of the civilized world that recognizes human equality and the importance of basic civil rights. Some other countries that have legalized gay marriage: the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, and Spain.
Wishing you the best,
Ben (out)
Thought this poem by Portuguese poet Anthero de Quental (1842-1891) might -- somehow -- fit in here? But then what do I know?
DIVINE COMEDY
Lifting their arms to the heavens on high
And addressing the invisible gods,
The men cry out, “Immovable gods,
Who gains from invincible fate? Why
Did you create us? Time unfurls
Relentlessly, and all it breeds
Is pain, illusion, strife, foul deeds,
In a cruel and delirious whirl. . .
Wouldn’t it have been better for us
To remain in the peace of pre-matter,
In the eternal sleep of nothingness?
Why were we made, if pain is our greatest
End?” But the gods, with a voice yet sadder,
Say, “Why, O men, did you create us?”
###
just got this email!.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/15cnd-marriage.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss.
ben (celebratin' with friends).
Junction-Guy -- I'm gonna give you a big cyber-hug anyway.
From what I've read -- and I don't really know you that well -- but I believe you have a sincere, good heart. And believe me, I know how feeling conflicted, having indecision, unresolved inner turmoil can feel -- it is one tough road to navigate. I'm glad we're both still in one piece.
Sure, some people seem to know innately what their orientation is -- straight or gay -- and live accordingly. For me, being a Jehovah's Witness led to soul wrenching internalized self-loathing and sadness -- I kind of felt like I was being hated because of whom I loved. How I prayed to God to make me different ... I prayed and prayed and prayed. My being disfellowshipped and leaving the truth has brought a great deal of hurt and pain to my parents. I still cry about it sometimes. But sometimes, I've learned, you have to pay a heavy price to claim your own life. To be authentic, real and true.
I always thought that if I could make it through high school -- things would get better. And in some important areas they have -- and I am so thankful. But I'm learning life doesn't necessarily stop being difficult. So please know that it was never my intention to deliberately hurt you. I'm saddened that you've had such a difficult time and some bad experiences with people.
What I wish for you is what I hope you wish for me -- that we can just live and let live.
I do so wish you the very best,
Benjamin
just got this email!.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/15cnd-marriage.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss.
ben (celebratin' with friends).
Hey there Junction-Guy,
You wrote:
How do I know this?--from my own personal experience.
What you know is really all about you. And you've made choices on how to live your life. Great!
But your experience is not my experience. Nor is it the experience of the people I know intimately.
Sounds like your mind is made up, Junction-Guy. Wonderful! I respect that you need to live your life as you see fit. But why is it so hard to comprehend that personal freedoms and civil rights for others are not for you to dictate, mandate or police.
I'd give you a big hug, Junction-Guy -- in friendship -- but it sounds like you wouldn't want a person like me touching you. Love, anyway,
Benjamin
