How does everyone feel on the ruling for same sex marriages in Massachusetts?

[CagedTroll]

Originally Posted by angusmcgee

I disagree with this statement. When studies are run, and things can be proven, then we will know what's right and true.

So...??? You're saying that we can't do the studies yet????? Because I've been trying to dodge the all the studies that show that homosexuality is a bio-chemical/genetically-predetermined deal. I really, especially don't want to bring up the studies that say political conservativism is a disease. I'm not all that familiar with the studies, in either case, but I know they're flawed. Because they're human.

Originally Posted by angusmcgee

Studies have been run that prove that a child needs a mommy and a daddy. Is every family with a mommy and a daddy perfect? Of course not. However, I believe that the family where the father is the head of the household, goes off to work, the kids come home to mom after school is the best environment for the child.

...but you then go onto studies that show that a mom/dad environment is best to raise a child... Lending validity to psychological research (which I don't think they deserve, since there are three shrinks in the family). Do you want your cake, or do you want to eat it?

Scientific research, a single study, doesn't prove anything. It creates a theory that has to be replicated by an independant researcher, then tested against other theories. If, according to a theory, experiments in a completely unrelated study should produce certain results, but then they don't, then people start examining the original theory for flaws. Which is one of the reasons (and there's at least three others) I don't put have much faith in psychology; their experiments are extremely difficult to replicate---too many variables.

Until recently, modern psychology considered homosexuality a treatable disorder, because the society that birthed psychology started it off with this idea. The social structure is different. Not better or worse, just different.

[Taxman]

Originally Posted by bradedit

Isn't NAMBLA pedophilia?

Unfortunately, disgustingly yes...

[CagedTroll]

Originally Posted by mayor

How do you feel about NAMBLA, the National Man-Boy Love Association?

I will be quite interested to hear your take on this alternative lifestyle choice...

FOUL!!! RICK SANTORUM-type of argument, hackles raised, please don't go there. It equates anything outside of conventional with everything else outside of the conventional.

We were talking about "consenting adults". If you're going to bring up NAMBLA, we're going to have to start talking about Jerry Seinfeld, Rob Lowe, and R. Kelly, and every other heterosexual child molester on the planet. (Left out the obvious "alleged" one, I've heard enough of him for one day.)

I'm hoping no one at DoD is involved with NAMBLA, or prostituting farm animals, so, with that hope, I don't think anyone's going to have an informed opinion about the group. I personally don't want to do the research at their website, anymore than I want to have "sexual relations" with my dog, or nine-year-old (but female) cousin.

[bradedit]

What does homosexuality have do to with pedophilia? Consenting adults versus children (confused)

[bradedit]

Oh and thinking of a man-woman having children. Wonder if Michael Jacksons kids will be normal? (His children were conceived "naturally")

[luvmetender]

What does NAMBLA have to do with gay marriage? I am also very confused with this change of topic.

[mayor]

Originally Posted by luvmetender

What does NAMBLA have to do with gay marriage? I am also very confused with this change of topic.

What one generation tolerates, the next generation embraces.

The next group to step up to the plate will be those who say children can be consentual in sexual relationships with adults. Yes, it is disgusting.

But then again, there are many who believe homosexual relationships are disgusting. It isn't stopping people from participating in them or endorsing them.

The slope is slippery and the day may be in our lifetime where there will be a growing number participating in and endorsing the tenants of Nambla. And unfortunately, that next generation may well embrace it.

'nuff said. We can revisit this under a different topic at a later date. It will surface again.

Mayor

[bradedit]

I just think that is like comparing Republicans to skinheads.(Not my opinions, but just as absurd as Mayors)

[chippers21]

I agree with the Mayor on this one. When we tolerate something, the next step IS to embrace it. And both political parties are very aware that when they get a foot in the door on an issue it could lead to more moves....the partial birth abortion bill is a good example. While most people agree that this form of abortion is really horrendous, the majority of Democrats are really upset at the passing of this bill, because they view it as a foot in the door for anti-abortion forces.
This applies to what we accept in society too. By tiny steps toward a change of attitude, we eventually arrive at a whole new outlook on a subject. I hope I do not live to see the day that we accept Man-boy relationships as a normal thing, but it is very possible. Especially in this "there is no right and wrong, only opinions" society we now live in.

[freesurfer]

It's been proven that a child needs both a mother (female) and a father (male). There are things that one can provide that the other just can't

So how do divorced men and women do it??

[chippers21]

Originally Posted by freesurfer

So how do divorced men and women do it??

Hopefully, the non-custodial partner stays in the life of the child as much as possible and provides the necessary imput for his or her sex. I know this is not always the case, and in some cases is not even desireable. But I think we are trying to describe the "best case scenerio."

[twonky]

Originally Posted by chippers21

Hopefully, the non-custodial partner stays in the life of the child as much as possible and provides the necessary imput for his or her sex. I know this is not always the case, and in some cases is not even desireable. But I think we are trying to describe the "best case scenerio."

Hopefully everyone agrees that the best scenario for any kid is to have an equal influence from a mother and father. There is always going to be exceptions to the rule, but again, as chippers21 stated, we're looking at the 'best case scenario.'

Can we all agree on that?

[mayor]

Originally Posted by freesurfer

So how do divorced men and women do it??

In the case of my parents, terribly. Many overcome the obstacles and do the best they can. But it is never the best solution for the kids. It is merely making the best of a bad situation.

Mayor

[sblme28]

Originally Posted by mayor

How do you feel about NAMBLA, the National Man-Boy Love Association?

I will be quite interested to hear your take on this alternative lifestyle choice...

Mayor

Wrong, in my opinion. It's pedophilia. The topic at hand is between 2 consenting adults. Sex with a child is wrong.

Your point about tolerating/embracing is valid. However...who's embracing it? Besides the people involved, i think you'd be hard pressed to find toleraters/supporters of this group. I think the vast majority of American society thinks that sex with children is wrong.

[sblme28]

My parents divorced when I was 12 after 13 years of marriage.

They remain best friends to this day. We still all go out to dinner together some nights and share holidays together. There is no particular custody rules we follow...what we wanted to do/stay was up to us. Of course I'm an adult now so it's different, but it's still that way for my little brother (14).

Like I said before, fine, let's say that's the best case scenario. HOwever, that's not saying others are BAD or WRONG. They can be good for the children. They can be fine. I still maintain my belief that if a child is given the love and support they need, then that's what's best.