Congressman Tim Huelskamp needs to back off! The United States Supreme Court finally put an end to DOMA and defeated California's proposition 8 with two historic rulings on Wednesday, both of which apparently aren't sitting too well with the Republican from Kansas.
Huelskamp is going to continue to try and block same-sex marriages by amending the U.S. Constitution and introducing the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would define marriage as only between a man and a woman, but would require support from two-thirds of the House and Senate, and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Here's the most laughable part: Congressman Huelskamp's home state of Kansas isn't even backing him. Democrats are obviously attacking him and Republicans who might typically be more inclined to agree are keeping their distance because they say there are more important issues to tackle. Kansas Republican State Rep. J.R. Claeys said, "this is not a legislative priority of mine."
Here's my critical thinking question to Congressman Huelskamp and others who are against the Supreme Court rulings and gay marriage: Who are you to judge? You might not agree with gay marriage and that's your right, but for the rest of us who believe in equality for all, leave us alone. We don't need the moral police patrolling our lives or the government to intervene to tell us what's right or wrong. What Americans do without infringing on the rights of others should be up to them. Whether they are straight, gay, transgender, or any other orientation, they should be respected and left alone.
The problem is our political and spiritual leaders are either living in the past or are terrified to evolve. The religious zealots are happily and viciously trying to destroy any chance America has to grow up. This is why we have right-wing funded robots in Washington who refuse to answer questions in a straightforward manner, and need to focus their energy on solving real problems. The fact is America must evolve or die.
If someone comes to the conclusion that he or she is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, that person should have the freedom to live that lifestyle and Congressman Huelskamp or any other government official or religious leader has no right to say otherwise.
It's time for Americans to grow up and start treating people the way they wish to be treated. Once again I'll pose this critical thinking question: would Jesus, or any other serious leader, condone the behavior of bullies and bigots? How many people have to kill themselves before we finally realize we are all equal regardless of color, creed, or sexual orientation? Does it really matter what someone's sexual orientation is? We're all human beings and deserve to be treated as such.
We're still at the mercy of the hypocrites behind the pulpit and in Washington and it's time to move beyond this. Congressman Huelskamp needs to put the focus of his campaign on helping the people of his state of Kansas by introducing legislation that will improve the lives of the people there, not being concerned with two men or two women who are happily in love and want to be together.
Guilt, shame, and fear have always been the weapons of choice for the self-righteous, and they wield them on the masses to coerce conformity to their moral standards. It's hard to blame people who lived during the Dark Ages for not applying their brain power or using their critical thinking skills, but in the 21st century it's just embarrassing.
Speaker of the House John Boehner said, "A robust national debate over marriage will continue in the public square." The speaker is absolutely correct, the national debate will continue, but unfortunately for Mr. Boehner who is also against gay marriage, and Representative Huelskamp, the Supreme Court has spoken, and the latest polls on gay marriage show the nation is still split, but with a small majority backing the movement.
These numbers in favor of same-sex marriage will continue to grow, and it's only a matter of time before same-sex marriage is as commonplace as traditional marriage, and people everywhere no longer have to hide, be ashamed or afraid of who they really are or what they truly stand for.
It's time for Congressman Tim Huelskamp to drop the issue or resign his congressional seat to someone who's willing to focus on the real issues that need to be addressed. Topeka Councilman Chad Manspeaker (D) said, "Times are changing. Huelskamp is becoming a national joke. Kansas needs less national jokes and more leadership." I couldn't have said it better myself.