by Jessica Hughey

Created on: November 18, 2009

There are people in this world who imagine themselves to be the social conscience of an entire generation. They seem to believe that they know what is, or is not, good for entire groups of people. Take gay marriage, for instance. They say it's "not normal", or it's "against God". They may even trot out the oh-so-tired, "God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve", with that look in their eye, as if to say, "Aren't I smart to come up with that one? Never heard that one before, eh?".

Well, I say, if that's what you believe, that's fine with me. Given your beliefs, I would say that you probably should not consider marriage to a member of the same sex as yourself. However, I find it very difficult to understand how two other men or two other women, expressing a lifetime commitment to one another, could possibly affect you. Oh, wait. I know. It would mess up your entire view of gays, wouldn't it? They couldn't possibly be the type to actually commit to one another. This would upset your entire belief system. Gays are promiscuous, only in it for the (unnatural) sex. It has nothing to do with love or respect or commitment. OK, let's, just for a moment, assume that you are correct. Then why in the world would they want to get married in the first place? Just to tick you off?

If you're still reading this, then I know that, by now, you're probably assuming I'm gay. Nice try. I am heterosexual. However, my brother is gay. He is 55 years old and currently battling cancer. It is a particularly aggressive form of cancer which will cost no less than $38,000 for the initial treatment he so desperately needs. Oh, I know what you're thinking, now. Punishment. This is God's way of punishing him for his evil ways. Consider this. My brother is in a long-term (over 20 yrs.), committed relationship. His partner is employed and has excellent medical insurance, but my brother cannot use that because the company does not extend coverage to same sex partners. Consequently, instead of allowing his partner's insurance to cover his medical bills, my brother will have to apply for public dollars to pay for his treatment. All $38,000 of it. Guess whose pocket that's coming out of? Yours and mine. Still think he is the one being punished?

Even though, as a couple, their income far exceeds the qualification ceiling for aid, his partner's income will not be considered in the calculation, my brother will be approved and you will have to pay for his treatment, with your tax dollars. Thank you for that. I love my brother and want him to be around for a long, long time...just so he can continue to tick you off.

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