Just faxed to the White House

[libertango]

24 February 2004

To the White House staff:

I am dismayed by President Bush's call for a Constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages, if not surprised.

But something that doesn't get talked much about the issue is this: Most people's objection to same-sex marriages boils down to a religious one. The objectors believe it is "sinful". Supporters of same-sex marriage believe there is no "sin" involved.

Using the power of government to enforce one group's vision of sin upon another is exactly what the First Amendment's clauses regarding Congress making, "no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," are about.

This is why the President has to insist on a Constitutional amendment.

But if the amendment passes, it is the death-knell of religious freedom in this country. What will be next? An amendment banning all religions save the President's own?

That is the real issue here.

I used to consider myself a Republican. The party’s belief that Americans have the right to run their own lives without government interference was paramount to me.

After today, Mr. Bush has made me a Democrat. To protect religious freedom in this country, and to protect the Constitution itself from him.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely yours,


Hal O’Brien

Comments

[m-cobweb.livejournal.com]

Is it too cynical of me to say that this might get their attention because you say you're no longer a Republican?

[hal-obrien.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping that hook gets them where it counts, yes.

And it's accurate enough -- this Administration has convinced me that the country and the Constitution can't be trusted to the Republican Party any longer -- even if I've dramatized the timeline somewhat.