Federalism in America is nonexistent.

[The Federalist]

To put it simply, federalism is a philosophy which supports the separation of duties between the federal, state and local governments. There was once a time when federalism reigned in America, but that went bust with Roosevelt’s New Deal. There was once a time when federalism and conservatism went hand in hand, but that went bust with the emergence of the Religious Right and Ronald Reagan.

I could offer a plethora of examples regarding the violation of federalist principals. One that immediately comes to mind is the attempt to ban gay marriage by amending the Constitution. This was one of the worst pieces of legislation I have ever heard of. The neoconservatives, lead by George W. Bush, overstepped their authority in trying to define marriage at the federal level. Such matters should be left to the individual states. A fair constitutional amendment would prevent one state from forcing its marriage laws on another (a gay marriage performed in Massachusetts could not be recognized in Arizona, etc).

Neoconservatism cannot co-exist with federalism. Neoconservatives support big government, plain and simple. Federalists support a limited federal government, allowing the states to rule over themselves. If the Republicans would embrace federalism again, issues like gay marriage and abortion would be left to the states. But no! Protect the unborn, protect the sanctity of marriage…and overstep federal authority.

Fred Thompson is the only true federalist Republican left. John McCain has some federalist qualities, but does not explicitly mention federalism – or conservatism, for that matter.  Until the Republican Party dumps the big government neoconservatives and embraces federalist principals, they will remain an embarrassment to the nation.

[Gunit Hussein Sangh]

While they're at it ... please ask them to dump the drunks, those who cheat on their spouse, the child molestors, the queers, and the crooks.

[Peter1469]

Absolutely correct Fed.  Don’t worry about Gaunt, he is a big supporter of a strong controlling central government. 

[they call me MR. GRUMPY god damn it!]

fed, doma was passed in 1996, well before bush and the neo-cons seized power.  further, you apparently oppose an amendment to the constitution defining marriage as a union of one man and one woman while at the same time supporting a constitutional amendment allowing states to ignore gay marriages if they so choose?  it would seem that this issue is already addressed within the constitution.  it is a clear disregard for state legislatures by a liberally agendized judiciary that has served as the impetus for calls re a constitutional amendment defining marriage.  as for abortion it was not neo-cons that turned this into a federal issue, applying the constitution as if it were spandex to create a constitutional right to abortion.  the embarrassment/failure of the rep party is that they have eschewed conservative principle and governed as dems since at least 2000.

[spunkloaf]

Example: California cut the red tape for gay marriage, and gays are already flocking to the state.  It is not the first state, but seemingly the most popular.

Positive or negative?

Same with abortions: don't make it a federal issue.

Income Tax: Don't get me started.

Drugs: Fuck that.


States have no more power.  Put on your tinfoil hats and start seeing cameras on the corners of all your streets.  Big Brother is taking over.

[Mr. Dirlewanger]

As for your first point, most gays (yes, I'd say a majority) have no interest in marriage and many of those who do get married do so to make a statement. Again, this is about social acceptance, not the freedom to marry.

[Mr. Dirlewanger]

Sorry, I got off on a tangent.  Pride Of Milford's Special Ale will do that to you.

[conley]

if they could get benefits -- especially health insurance -- from their partner then they probably have a lot of incentive for marriage.

[conley]

i would like to do a civil union asap with my girlfriend so i dont have to pay for my own health insurance

can i do that? we will be getting married but dont have the money for it right now

[they call me MR. GRUMPY god damn it!]

if they could get benefits -- especially health insurance -- from their partner then they probably have a lot of incentive for marriage.

mr d is right the impetus for gay marriage is not the desire for benefits rather the desire for legitimizing something that at its core is and always will be illegitimate regardless of the law.

[conley]

if they could get benefits -- especially health insurance -- from their partner then they probably have a lot of incentive for marriage.

mr d is right the impetus for gay marriage is not the desire for benefits rather the desire for legitimizing something that at its core is and always will be illegitimate regardless of the law.

i wasn't talking about that they call me mr. rocket scientist goshdarn it. and stop smiting me!!! 

[they call me MR. GRUMPY god damn it!]

if they could get benefits -- especially health insurance -- from their partner then they probably have a lot of incentive for marriage.

mr d is right the impetus for gay marriage is not the desire for benefits rather the desire for legitimizing something that at its core is and always will be illegitimate regardless of the law.

i wasn't talking about that they call me mr. rocket scientist goshdarn it. and stop smiting me!!! 

when have you ever known what you were talking about and i am not smiting you   really i'm not

[Mr. Dirlewanger]

It's Vermouth! She's smiting people left and right!

[spunkloaf]

if they could get benefits -- especially health insurance -- from their partner then they probably have a lot of incentive for marriage.

mr d is right the impetus for gay marriage is not the desire for benefits rather the desire for legitimizing something that at its core is and always will be illegitimate regardless of the law.

Illegitimate how?

Ok, let's say that gays and lesbians, just for the sake of getting the benefits, marry each other in a man/woman ceremony.  How would that be any different?

Dammit.  Why does it matter?

[conley]

It's Vermouth! She's smiting people left and right!

SOMEONE STOP VERMOUTH SHE IS OUT OF CONTROL !!1!