by Mick Marten

Created on: April 23, 2009

I came across this one-sided title while cruising Helium, and read the current top-rated article, which is a purported lesson on how to properly disarm a "conservative" (whatever that may be) in a battle of wits over the topic of gay marriage. The particular author whose article I read took a point-by-point technique in instructing one how to refute the most common conservative arguments. Well, after reading the article, I believe that using the information provided there will only help you if the person you are arguing with finishes each sentence with "because God says so!" In the event that you encounter someone with actual relevant arguments regarding gay marriage, I'm afraid that the tools presented to you by the current number one article will be of limited use.

That being said, let me begin by expressing my frustration that, once again, this forum which is meant to encourage discussion and disseminate information is sullied by titles that, in a matter of a few words, completely stifle both. Titles like "Conservatives misguided on gay issues" are not meant to foster discussion; they are merely are rallying cry to the like-minded, which is exactly why I so often write under them as a dissenter. I hate pep rallys. What I enjoy is actual discussion and debate, which is what does the work to move our culture and our society forward, not personal attacks by like-feathered birds flocking together. Diversity and tolerance have to apply in all directions, or they are not diversity at all, but merely an attempted societal coup, to replace one oppression with another.

I do agree, however, with that aforementioned article that biblical arguments are not going to settle this debate. I have a great deal of respect for the faith of others, but faith is a personal matter, and cannot be used in discussing societal affairs since much of society practices different and conflicting religions or no religion at all. This is why, after all, our Constitution forbids the government from interjecting on matters of religion, or incorporating them into governing. So they must be omitted from the debate as well. It is fine to let your religion guide your decisions and your life; you just cannot try to direct others with it against their will.

On that note, though, one huge and glaring error in the article which is extremely pervasive in society today is that all social conservatives are religious and heterosexual, neither of which is true. I know this may be difficult to swallow for

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