HI All~~~I am going to start each day telling you as much about myself and also be able to keep my/ and what is mine safe, because of this heated issue.

I think you will find it important if you are going to use this site to make up your mind.

I am a straight male married to a women~ ex-alter boy~who graduated from a Maine Town High School~went into the Army in 1967 to 72 Nam era Vet.

I now live with my lovely wife in the Bangor, Me area.

I ride a Harley and have traveled to almost every state in the ole USA on it.

I have also drove 18 wheelers for a local trucking co.

I have worked for 20 years in the Human Service field in various direct care staff positons. Most of the time with handicaped adults or abused teenagers before retiring.

Today I will be spending most of the day on whatever comment section I think is important on all the ref. issues. Just as I have for 2 weeks day + night. sometimes from 6am until 4am the next day.

I seem to be far from the only one when it comes to the Gay Marriage issue doing this. There is lot of passion on this issue. Rightly so!!!

How can I do that, I am retired and sober and like to find out what I`m voting on. So does my wife but she works to hard in the Healthcare Field taken care of us All and does have much time to find out what she thinks on the issues. So she trust her husband. Lucky Me

My wife and I are also voting NO on #1 and dang Proudly I mite add.

2 weeks ago I was going to be voting Yes on # 1

Well I was glad that I had the time to fiqure out what was important for us . And what was not in this very important election of what is or is not Equality for ALL.

I knew that Gay People had been in my life for along time, and did`t even thing about it. Except I usually thought I could tell who was a Gay Male or NOT.

Women Gays on the other hand, I never could tell who was and who wasn`t. Unless they passionately kissed in front of me. (never saw that except in adult Vidios.

I have worked with alot of Gay People but never was really what one might call a friend of.

I think I can honestly say, that all the gay people that I have worked with or noticed. Seemed to be just a broad spectrum of people just like straight people

Happy or not happy, sad or not sad, at work or not at work. shopping or not shoppiing etc.

I have seen gay men with there children that honestly seemed to care for their kids better than most. (remember I worked with abused kids)

In the line of work I did, people watching and there behaviors is something I have done a very lot of.

I have been trained for this also.

So for whatever reason before this Vote, I don`t think I even cared much. Until a Religious group tried to tell me I did.

I personally do not to be told what to do. Other then Live and Let Life.

I also knew at the beginning of this I didn`t really care one way or the other. Except I didn`t want the Gays to be able to use the word Marriage.

To get to understand and change my vote, I had to re-think what I thought I already knew.

To get to the bottom line. I had to figure out for myself. What was bigotry and what wasn`t

What was Seperation of State and Riligion

What did the Constitution really mean on the issues

And what was my Rights, no matter my Religion, or if other people didn`t believe in God, what were there rights.

What was evil and what was good. What was right and what was wrong.

Who was lying or who was not

Anyways just trying to help myself by stating my opinion and listening to others opinion.

I think I learned what Equality and the Life Liberty and Pursuit of Happyines means to each and everyone of us.

Because as I discovered someone, someday, somehow. Could come and Vote to take my rights away.

Like how would YOU / I feel if someone told YOU / ME that because a minority of people got the State to have a State Wide Vote.

And depending on that Vote the State was going to Tell me if I could do the passion of my Life. Ride my bike Or couldn I not ride my bike.

It is a very Important Vote for ME. As I hope it is for YOU.

So I hope you~~~~Enjoy the Ride~~~~But Watch the Road While You Decide~~~~I really is that Simple (yeah right from wrong ya right.)

How many times have I been Wrong before I ever even Knew what was Right .

Know if you got that figured out all you got to do is state your Vote of Yes or No.

Because most People on here want to know more then that.

Without Bigotry and Hate and Frustration so please Just be Human and be Polite.

For if your not you might be writting your opinion for NOTHING> Just my Opinion.

Everyone on here will be so much Happier. For isn`t That what we really ALL Want. Right or Wrong~~Good vs Evil

and To understand the real differance between the 2.

Watch out for them 2 issue Righ / Wrong and maybe you can figure it all out. Good Night my Friends one and all.

Voting No on # 1 and there is no way I can see anyone changing my mind in everything I have been thru to fiqure ALL that out so I can Go to the Mirrow anytime Night or Day and Say Electra you ole Dude. You are just plain to honest sometimes. NOT!!!!

But feel free to try to change this ole Tall Pine Tree Rocky Coast ever Lovin Maine and the good ole US of A`s true Red White and Blue Mind..

Good Luck for You are Going to need it.

The Black Bear State of Maine is as much Mine as Yours.

For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole would,

and lose his own soul???

ElectraGlide Standing Tall and Proud

for myself and my lovely Wife.

Voting NO on #1 now and forever.

Dang it~~~All most forgot to Add My Beautiful Maine Coon Cat.

For She Stands beside Me thru ALL of this.

Coon Kitty Standing Tall and Proud

Voting No on #1

Meow (:~)

It`s 1:00 a,m. and wouldn`t ya know ole Electra Still has a happy attitued.

Just so ya Know!!! (:~)

ElectraGlide - you seem to think very highly of yourself.

Larry Doughty may be correct that there has been no increase in Brewer's mill rate but there certainly has been an increase in property taxes. It may be that the State sets the assessment rules but the City sets the mill rate and if they want to truly be able to boast that there was no tax increase then the mill rate should have dropped in proportion to the rise in tax caused by the rise in assessed value.

ElectraGlide - like to watch Adult Videos (not "vidios) do you? Typical of those who support the perversion that is homosexuality. How about child porn, do you enjoy that too? Is that what you'll be fighting to legalize next? Give me a break. YES on 1!!!

Those of us who attended the April 22 hearing at the Augusta Civic Center witnessed a memorable and historic event. The stories of same sex families that unfolded over the course of the day were often beautiful, often heart-breaking and always courageous.

.

Naive Joe from Stuben, what did you think you would hear? Did you really expect to hear any stories other than beautiful and heart-breaking? ........

10.20.09 @ 5"56 am neocon: So you think if a person watches Adult Videos that they watch child pron? Guess your mind doesn't go far at all. One track mind. You speak of perversion when you think of homosexuals, I think of perserson when I hear men and women cheating on their wives/husbands. I think of perversion when I hear men beating on their women for controll. I think of perversion when I hear stories about adults (mostly straight men) having sex with children. Gvie me a break, a one track mind is never good to have.

Vote YES on 1: promote bigotry and intolerance by stripping rights of your fellow citizens.

Vote YES on 1: ignore the fact that the definition of "marriage" has already changed.

Vote YES on 1: insure children in Maine have inadequate support and care.

Vote YES on 1: continue the spread of lies and misinformation.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Vote NO on 1: to insure equality and inclusiveness for ALL Maine children.

Vote NO on 1: to promote the security and integrity of ALL Maine families.

Vote NO on 1: because the term “marriage” already includes married same-sex couples.

Vote NO on 1: prove once again that the old adage “As goes Maine, so goes the nation” is true for all the right reasons.

Certainly, the assessment's have gone up on some of our homes. But, think about this for a moment. If we were not under the State of Maine's assessment procedures, we would not necessarily be seeing such increase's in assessments. The City of Brewer, like everybody else, has to maintain a certain ratio, in order to obtain State funds, like education. Now, on the other hand, if everybody was purchasing homes, like the Brewer Housing Authority did, paying $280,000 for a piece of property, that the City Assessor had value at $88,000, then we would all be in deep trouble.Larry T. Doughty, South Brewer. larrytdoughty@yahoo.com. www.ourstory.com/larrytdoughty/

I think by and large most people are good. I had an opportunity earlier this year to talk to folks gathering signatures for this referendum, and I left with an understanding that these aren't evil people who are opposing my rights.

In many cases, these are people who have grown afraid of a world that doesn't look much like the one they grew up in, and so when social changes are put before them they react in a way that tries to keep things as they've always been.

In some cases they feel that homosexuality is wrong, but I'm not going to change their mind on that by getting angry about it. Instead I try to be approachable, so folks can understand that there are far more things we agree on and have in common, and we don't need to let our differences divide us.

I'm voting NO on 1, in the hopes that we can move past these unnecessary barriers and confront the real problems of the world together.

Reproving Sinful Conduct

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"All Scripture is . . . profitable for . . . reproof" (2 Tim. 3:16).

Paul instructed Timothy to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2). He knew a time was coming when many people would reject sound doctrine, and "wanting to have their ears tickled, [would] accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and . . . turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths" (vv. 3-4).

That's certainly true of our day. Many who profess to love Christ seem intolerant of His Word. Often they fall into spiritual complacency and surround themselves with teachers who tell them exactly what they want to hear. If they can't find a comfortable message, they drift from church to church or simply abandon it altogether.

Such people have exchanged conviction for comfort, and need to examine themselves to see if they are genuine believers (2 Cor. 13:5). Their attitude toward the Word is in stark contrast to those who truly love Christ and come to the Word with an earnest desire to learn its truths and live accordingly.

But even true believers can fall into the trap of negligence and compromise. Perhaps you've noticed how sinning Christians often try to avoid exposure to God's Word. Sometimes they'll temporarily stop attending church or Bible studies. They also try to avoid other believers--especially those who will hold them accountable to what they know to be true.

But like any loving parent, God won't allow His children to remain in sin for long without disciplining them (Heb. 12:5-11). Sooner or later they must repent and be reconciled to Him.

An important element in reconciling sinning Christians to God is the faithful prayers of other believers. God may choose to use you in that way, so always be ready to pray, and eager to restore others in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1).

Sneak attacks on religious freedom . . .

While the health care debate and a couple of other issues are getting all the attention, homosexual and “transgender” activists are quietly trying to sneak two of their biggest priorities through Congress. At the top of their list for now is the so-called Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would forbid any kind of employment discrimination based on an employee’s actual or perceived sexual behavior or “gender identity,” ambiguously defined by ENDA as “sexual orientation.”1

What they don’t want you to know is that ENDA will undermine religious freedom. While churches and church schools may end up with some exemptions, Christian bookstores, Christian day cares and many business owners will be forced to violate their deeply held beliefs. ENDA will not only affect hiring decisions. Because it protects “gender identity,” it will also cause difficulty when an employee decides to change the outward presentation of his or her identity as male or female—including cross-dressing and sex-change operations.

Make a

difference in 2009

Help support the

work of Focus Action.

ENDA appears to be on a fast track through Congress that will be difficult to slow down. Elections have consequences, and the reality is that the huge Democrat majorities—combined with a few liberal Republicans—make it likely that ENDA will pass. Still, Focus Action is sounding the alarm and working with Capitol Hill leaders on every available option to stall or defeat this dangerous scheme.

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change

The Courage to change the things I can

And the Wisdom to know the Difference

Straight and Proud Voting No on # 1 Standing Up for All our Rights for Now and in the Future.

Good Morning 4himtoday~~~~Could ya do me a favor??

Could ya bring the Sun out today, Pretty Please !!!

That sure would be nice for ALL of US

Pretty Please

Did you hear 4himtoday

My God told me last night

That on election it was going to be a Nice and Sunny

Heat Wave Day

God Bless ua All

That would include 4himtoday

My God doesn`t exclude any Human

My God just doesn`t want us to Sin

My God will make that decision

All I can do is Vote for what I think is A Humane Right to All

For Gays the last time I looked were not just a Plant.

Standing Straight and Tall for All our Rights for Life Liberty and Justice for ALL

Thank you, Representative Langley. "Yes on 3"...

eRectralGlide,

Stop hoarding all the lubricant. You're not an alter boy any more.

oh ForHim lend me tissue...those poor little discriminating bigoted organizations will not be able to discriminate.

We have employment equality here in Mass and the churches have learned to GET OVER IT. How can you type that sord of crap?: "oh the poor religious bigots won't be able to discriminate". Duh, that is the whole point, people are discriminating....and you are advocating for it.

It seems all you can do is quote from your little book of fiction. How about respond to me just once?: why is it good for religious organizations to discriminate? How is that not contrary to what they say they are about?

I know the answer....they say one thing and exist for something quite different. But you wouldn't know that...you are one of the sheep, not an insider. You are being led.

I wonder if you'll respond to this. Probably not, logic and reason seem to elude you.

CaptainAndy, you really are not funny at all. Even if you were, these are serious matters of civil rights. I know, its not my forum, who am I to say what you should post on here.

so keep posting the childish jokes. all it shows is that there are people out there willing to tell jokes about a serious struggle for civil rights instead of be objective which would require them to confront their bigotry.

But, its not even funny.

“On 10/29/09 at 5:56 AM, neocon wrote: ElectraGlide - like to watch Adult Videos (not "vidios) do you? Typical of those who support the perversion that is homosexuality. How about child porn, do you enjoy that too? Is that what you'll be fighting to legalize next? Give me a break. YES on 1!!! “

Neocon…since you’re making an issue with porn vids, do you think for nanosecond that the adult film industry targets gays more than straights? I think with a small amount of research, you’ll find that the majority of pornography is still aimed at straight men. In fact, the whole sex industry itself is still mostly about heterosexuals. So don’t throw the word “perversion” at gays like we have a corner on it.

“Give me a break” indeed. You’re not helping your side with these asinine postings. Which is fine with me.

Please vote “NO” on 1.

ForHimToday - Regarding your 9:40 am post, are you actually implying that it is okay for a business owner to fire an employee because he/she is gay??

3:49 PM, Shannon9A, forHIM believes "sexual orientation" should be removed from the Maine Human Rights Act, and that there should be a legislated ban on same sex marriage, and that human rights teams be removed from schools.....and...he support legislation that makes it illegal for unmarried couples or singles to adopt.

What do you think?

Vote NO on ONE

Addisonattimes,

We need childless jokes much more than we need another MA-hole helping to recreate Maine in the image of our failed Southern neighbor .

4:45 PM, mattcarbone, you know what?... We are talking about Maine taxpayers here. You want to deny other taxpayers a privilege you enjoy.

Vote NO on ONE

Neocon is clouding the issue just like the Yes on 1 people are. This is a question of equality not education yet the Yes on one faction use it as their talking point. Can't win on the issue at hand so they need to use deception, fear and lies. All of thisfrom people who call themselves "christians".

I almost forgot. ForHimToday, how does Question One affect you. I have asked this question 8 times and still have yet to receive an answer.

WilliamDS, I think I've been quite clear about what I think when it comes to gay adoption. I am strongly pro-life and I find it hard to reconcile a pro-life view with an anti-adoption view, gay or single. The more people willing to adopt, the better. And I think God will judge people who marry people of the same-sex much gentler (although I'm not really into that fire and brimstone stuff) than people who stand in their way and prevent adoptions that give these children a chance.

"Love one another, as I have loved you."

Please Vote No on One.

Proudly voted NO on 1 to give protections to many Maine families, many with children. I would not , and could not, do otherwise; I would not vote to deprive, or deny, many families in Maine the benefits and protections that other married couples enjoy.

ElectraGlide - Why to you quote the verse, "For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul"? Then you support gay marriage? That's strange considering that the verse you quote is exactly what the homosexuals are doing. They are doing all they can to gain all they can in this world while losing their souls in the end. You might want to pick a different verse.

knead24u - 8:06 AM - People that watch adult videos have a perverse mind. There's no way to say how far their perverse mind will take them. Your idea of perversion is spouse abuse, plain and simple.

tedlick - You repeatedly call the yes voters bigots. You slyly ignore the fact that there are just as many, if not more, bigots on your side of the issue. Maybe that word should be dropped. Also, you repeatedly ask who gay marriage hurts. Here's a short list:

- Christian parents that wonder for years what they did wrong.

- Children of parents that split up because one of them decided to choose another path in life and broke up the child's world, then brought in a stranger.

- Friends and neighbors that just can't believe someone so close to them could would choose a lifestyle so controversial.

- An identical twin that hasn't had a gay thought in his or her life, but knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that they both came from the same sperm and egg, and wonders when he or she will 'come out'.

- But, most of all, God is crushed because a person would choose a life that is an abomination in His eyes.

And for all of you No voters that pick and choose Bible verses, you've not impressing anyone that actually knows the Bible.

Will proudly vote "YES" on Question 1 to protect Maine families with children. I couldn't in good conscience vote to diminish morality and family values in Maine. Protections are needed to protect our children from the indoctrination of homsexuality as a normal lifestyle. Mainers are smarter than that. Morality will rule next Tuesday and Maine will announce to the nation that we have our heads screwed on straight. Pun intended. Vote "YES" on Question 1 on Tuesday. Stand up for family values. Stand up for Morality. Stand up for our children. Stand up for what is right.

TheTruth, unfortunately many people (including myself) have asked forHIMtoday questions and he answers few to none. His stated public reason is he doesn't answer questions where he feels people are trying to engage him in endless questions or are trying to bait him. I am sure that he will correct my post if I stated something incorrectly. Incidentally he has no issue correcting people, it's just answering questions that he has difficulty with.

EJParsons, being gay and living a life that is consistent and truthful with who you are is not an abomination in God's eyes.

medstudent - If you will, could you back that up from the Bible?

mainsurvivor...you want to protect kids from being indoctrinated into thinking a gay lifestyle is normal? Well, it IS normal if you're gay. I don't know what you think you're protecting kids from...knowledge that gay people exist? There's no indoctrination, only learning about one's self. Gay or straight, the kid will grow to choose his or her own path and will be better off not having been sheltered from reality by people like you.

Hiding something because you fear it does not make it go away. Homosexuality is not the evil here. Prejudice is.

Please vote "NO" on 1 and show the other side just how smart Mainers really are.

medstudent wrote: :

.

.

"EJParsons, being gay and living a life that is consistent and truthful with who you are is not an abomination in God's eyes."

.

.

I would go a step further; I'd add that behaving on here day in, day out the way he does, mal-quoting and mis-quoting scripture, using it to perpetuate lies about gay people, and hiding his own repressed, self-admitted homosexuality with his inane zealotry, IS an abomination to God.

.

.

EJParsons wrote: "medstudent - If you will, could you back that up from the Bible?"

.

~Galations 3:28~

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ ... "

JD: Because he would rather do the baiting.

Shannon9A: I also think it is a great thing when a couple (same sex, or not same sex) adopts a child, or children, who need a loving and nurturing home.

Voted NO on 1.

EJParsons, is the Law of The Land.....The Bible??

AionCA - I have asked you to point out where I have mal-quoted or misquoted Scripture, but you have not. And your verse from Galatians is out of context.

Answer the Question EJParsons. Is The Law of The Land.....The Bible?

If the answer is no.....Would you like it to be?

I'm still waiting..

Are you afraid to answer the question Parsons?????

Plenty of time for us to see your answer.....

My law is the Bible, the new covenant brought with the crucifixion of Christ on the cross. That new covenant is also the basis of many of the laws set in place by our Founding Fathers. It's just too bad that so many in America want to rid our legal system of anything related to true morals and Christianity. Without Christ, there is nothing.

You won't answer my question because you are nothing more than a FRAUD. I think we know the answers to those Questions.

YES & YES

VOTE NO on One!

Answer DIRECTLY please. YES or NO. I don't need commentary. I just want direct Answers.

Is The Law of The Land.....The Bible?

If the answer is no.....Would you like it to be?

Hey, BA, calm down. Your bigotry is showing.

Is English your second language? I answered your question.

Can you not answer my questions, EJParsons?

Is The Law of The Land.....The Bible?

If the answer is no.....Would you like it to be?

Yes or No....please answer directly. No commentary needed.

I am asking questions relevant to the Rule of Law. That does not qualify someone as a "bigot". LOL

Now if you'd be so kind. Please answer them. Yes...or No. Thank you.

Hopeless. Simply hopeless. I'll check back later. Meanwhile, BA, learn to read.

The guy can't even answer questions directly. Fraud.

Vote NO on One

Why would anyone want to deny people their legal American rights? Our constitutional rights are what we fight and die for. Thank You Jesus for giving us America, the land of the free to be.

Voted NO on One

Wow and the Blue Ribbon for aggressively standing up to smoke and mirrows goes to

BlueAmbience

Oh Yah, if they won`t answer the pass word ((( ? ))))>> b--g !!!!!

Thanks Electra.

THAT is how you uncover a FRAUD.

Vote No on One!!!!!!!

EJ, if your law is the Bible, you need to leave the United States of America. Bye ...bye

One day all of you 'no' voters will be saying to Jesus, "No, I didn't mean to reject You!" And He'll say, "No, I never knew you." Then you'll scream as you are escorted to your new eternal home, "No! I'm sorry! I believe in You now! NOOOOOO!"

As for answering the question, I already did. So, learn to read or get over it.

Now if AionCA and medstudeht will answer the questions posed to them......

Familiar with Sodom and Gomorrah? It's coming and I'd be very afraid non-believers. I'd love to be there when you discover how wrong you were for standing up for perversion. "For the truth shall set you free", or in your case, "unquenchable fire." Is that a chance you're willing to take? Good luck with that. I hear that there are improved fire retardant clothing lines available in San Fran. Get 'em now!

William - You'd like to get rid of Christians, wouldn't you? I feel sorry for anyone that would rather live in a Pagan society than a Christian society. We've been on the road to Paganism since the mid '50s, and look what it's gotten us. Lower scores, higer taxes, welfare through the roof, godless leaders, inflation, debt, an increase in crime, teenage pregnancy, drug use, sexual perversion, terrorism, and utter stupidity. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. The more we push God out of America, the worse America gets. The gay marriage issue is just one more example of the decay of our moral fabric. This once great nation is about to return to slavery. And when it reaches that point, it won't be hard for Satan to take over comletely.

Not really, EJ but I don't want their laws deciding anyone's wellbeing. If you read your Bible, you'll understand why.

Fortunately, there's still time to repent, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and turn away from your sinful lifestyles and get your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life. No one deserves to spend eternity separated from God. No one.

I read my Bible. And although it's nearly impossible, I try my best to live by the New Covenant. I can't really find anything under the New Covenant that is out of line.

knead24u - what would you think if all adulterers got together and tried to become a minority group looking for special rights because they feel they are shunned by society and discriminated against? Now that would be ridiculous wouldn't it? A group that is being shunned simply because of choices they make regarding sexual BEHAVIOR. ARE YOU STARTING TO UNDERSTAND? KEEP TRYING, YOU MIGHT GET IT. COME ON, YOU CAN DO IT. Why do you think adultery is perversion? Where does that belief come from? AFTER ALL, ADULTERERS HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT THEY WERE DIFFERENT IN THAT THEY WANT TO HAVE SEX WITH OTHER WOMEN BESIDES THEIR WIFE - THEY WERE BORN THAT WAY. By the way, most men who are pedophiles are not straight men - nice try though! IDIOTS, ALL OF YOU!

As the vote gets closer, the rhetoric gets more and more vile. "Christians" casting the first stone, people of god screaming eternal damnation to a group of people. I try to stay above the fray and keep to the facts. there is no sky to fall on maine should this law be upheld, there will be no reckoning, no fire from above. If god hates gays and hates these sinners, he will punish them in his good time. Trying to convince gay men and women that they are sinners is a losing battle, trying to convince others that they are is not the job of a good christian, jew or muslim. Live and let live has always been the way in maine, I revisited that when I watched the testimonials given in support of this law when real maine people got the chance to stand up and be heard. I think they will speak with thier vote this time. Even if they are drowned out by the pleading of those opposed to them, to their rights to marry, we will remain your neighbor, friend, teacher, therapist, pharmacist and contractor. REmember this as you move forward with your vote. Vote with a picture of someone who is gay in your heart and I think the vote will be no on one. peace

karenlite, lmao at your 8:57 post. No one is being denied any legal American rights. You have all the rights as anybody else in this country. Teaching and instructing children a perverse lifestyle is not a right. It never will be. So handle it. It will all be over next Tuesday. Until then, take a pill and enjoy the ride.

From the American Psychiatric Association...

Support of Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Civil Marriage

POSITION STATEMENT

Approved by the Board of Trustees, July 2005

Approved by the Assembly, May 2005

"Policy documents are approved by the APA Assembly and Board of Trustees… These are …position statements that define APA official policy on specific subjects…" -- APA Operations Manual.

As physicians who frequently evaluate the impact of social and family relationships on child development, and the ability of adults and children to cope with stress and mental illness, psychiatrists note the invariably positive influence of a stable, adult partnership on the health of all family members. Sustained and committed marital and family relationships are cornerstones of our social support network as we face life’s challenges, including illness and loss. There is ample evidence that long-term spousal and family support enhances physical and mental health at all stages of development.

This position statement is about the legal recognition of same-sex civil marriage, not religious marriage, and it does not pertain to any organized religion’s view of same-sex marriage.

Heterosexual relationships have a legal framework for their existence through civil marriage, which provides a stabilizing force. In the United States, with the exception of Massachusetts, same-sex couples are currently denied the important legal benefits, rights and responsibilities of civil marriage. Same-sex couples therefore experience several kinds of state-sanctioned discrimination that can adversely affect the stability of their relationships and their mental health.

The children of unmarried gay and lesbian parents do not have the same protection that civil marriage affords the children of heterosexual couples. Adoptive and divorced lesbian and gay parents face additional obstacles. An adoptive parent who is lesbian or gay is often prejudicially presumed as unfit in many U.S. jurisdictions. Furthermore, when unmarried couples do adopt, usually one parent is granted legal rights, while the other parent may have no legal standing. These obstacles occur even though no research has shown that the children raised by lesbians and gay men are less well adjusted than those reared within heterosexual relationships.

As the population ages, the denial of legal recognition of civil marriage has consequences for increasing numbers of older adults in same-sex relationships who face age-related health and financial concerns. Excluding these adults from civil marriage protections of survivorship and inheritance rights, financial benefits, and legal recognition as a couple in health care settings increases the psychological burden associated with aging.

The American Psychiatric Association has historically supported equity, parity, and non-discrimination in matters that have an impact on mental health. APA has also supported same-sex civil unions and the right of same-sex couples to adopt and co-parent children. This is because APA has a longstanding interest in civil rights and legal issues that affect mental health as well as a code of ethics that supports and respects human dignity. Educating the public about lesbian and gay relationships and supporting efforts to establish legal recognition of same-sex civil marriage is consistent with the Association’s advocacy for minority groups.

Civil marriage is associated with a unique set of benefits that provide legal and economic protections to adults in committed relationships and to their children. Equal access to the institution of civil marriage is consistent with the APA’s opposition to discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Therefore be it resolved that:

"In the interest of maintaining and promoting mental health, the American Psychiatric Association supports the legal recognition of same-sex civil marriage with all rights, benefits, and responsibilities conferred by civil marriage, and opposes restrictions to those same rights, benefits, and responsibilities.”

Well EJ, let me put it this way. If you're right and God does actually send people to hell for being true to how he made them, than that doesn't sounds like a very just God, and frankly one that I'm not that interested in worshiping. If that means I'm headed to hell too, so be it, I'll have lots of company there.

I'm amused at the panic that the "NO" crowd is displaying in their posts. You can just sense that they know their cause is lost. Next Tuesday can't come soon enough for me and the rest of the State of Maine. It will be a good day when we can shut the closet door and throw away the key.

hey parsons~~I`ll cut ya slack~~~if you can`t answer the tough ? how about this

what kind of ice creme do you like.

now how can u be afraid of that

I can`t wait for the smoking mirrows on this

he all you late nite Black Bears are u ready for a good laugh

Re 9:43 Sounds quite angry.

Also, study after study, news story after news story, (in Maine and elsewhere) shows (and most people know this) that the vast majority of pedophiles are heterosexual men. A statement to the contrary betrays an ignorance and lack of knowledge.

karenlite: You certainly are not the one who needs to take a pill. (what a condescending statement from that poster.)

The 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees what is being discussed here. If anyone wants to dismiss that , they can only do it in their minds.....as, the 14th Amendment isn't going anywhere!!

Voted NO on 1.

Hey MS2

Yep, us people on the NO side have been answsering ? all day long evidenced by what is sitting on top of your comments

Yep, people are sure going to go along w / dat

how about starting like your friend w / simple ?

If you can`t answer that how are we going to get to know each other in an unbigoted way.

The sense of panic sure does not seem to be coming from the NO side; no way. Quite the opposite.

ElectraGlide - I respect you because you ride, but I'm skeptical of your ability to read. And that would be French Vanilla.

I see all of the negative energy being spent on these message boards, condemning a people who are only asking to be treated fairly and justly under our laws. We are not asking for your acceptance, we are not asking for your approval. We are asking for equal protection under the law.

As history has shown, we are right in our struggle, and we will be victorious. I make no predictions regarding the November vote; it is my sincere hope that love and understanding will overcome hostility and fear. But the outcome of this vote in no way changes the outcome of this struggle. Marriage WILL be legal for all consenting adult couples, and our country WILL be better for it.

I speak out because these honest, hard working families deserve the protection of our laws, for precisely the reasons that are so obvious on these forums— there are people out there who hold irrational hatred toward those they know not, and our state needs to come to the aid of minorities who are being made to feel like second class citizens by outsiders who will never take the effort to truly know them.

I speak out, and I say NO. I say ENOUGH. It is time to allow these families the security they deserve.

Please join me in voting NO on 1, not because we will eventually "win" our rights, but because you should find it in your heart to not stand in the way of our happiness.

cher - What's going on up there? Can't anyone read? Maybe you have a different definition of panic.

ya chersully~~~~some NUTs see whatever they want

That is why u keep feeding them NUTs

The Battle of the Bulge is almost over and taking Berlin back of there people is near

That will be a very sunny day

I would urge everybody to vote YES on 1.

For our Maine families.

As Maine goes, so goes the nation.

Let’s show them that we reject Satan’s influence in our society.

ConvivailVisits - Well said. Passionate. But not at all convincing. Until the conclusive, scientific evidence of a gay gene comes out, I have to believe what my Bible says, and that the lifestyle is chosen and that it is a sin. As much as I might like to feel compassion, I cannot. I have to stand for my beliefs, for Jesus Christ, and for what's right in God's eyes. If that make me a bigot, then I'll gladly wear the label. But, it is my firm belief that I will be rewarded for my firm stance for my Lord and Savior. No hate or bitterness from me; I wish for everyone to believe in Christ and I would love to see everyone in Heaven one day. But, there is ony one way that will happen, and that is if sinners believe in Jesus Christ and repent of their sins.

Thank you EJP~~~~now what if all the Gay people had a referendum that said

Vote Yes to take your ice creme away (you know the Gays Believe System. They are =human right

Vote NO and you get to keep your ice creme.

Vote Please

My Vote is NO on ice creme ? #1

If I didn't have my ice cream, I might be able to lose more weight. Now if they tried to take away my Bible or my guns, there'd be a fight.

EJP~~~It is all the same thang

We need to stop the way ref. are being used these days

This was not the intent or the way ref

it is being abused (:~)

Mr Parsons: Oh yes, I read very well. I don't really care to get into much. I have only been making brief comments on the subject in the past wk or so. The vote comes on Tuesday. There is very little sense of panic in most quarters. Think what you like. The vote will be over on Tues and then the ads will come off the TV. I really have no interest in getting into it further. The people will vote. I have no interest in the back and forth on this; maybe some others on here will. I have had a son (until tonight) visiting from out of state. My family is important to me beyond measure, as your's is to you; beyond that, I do not care to comment on it.

Mr Parsons: You must be kidding about the reading comments to posters, as you must be aware that you do not possess higher abilities in that area than most of us who post.

Goodnight to everyone on here.

ElectraGlide: Watch for the snakes in the long grass! (and that does not pertain to anyone in particular; just in general.)

WilliamDS,

Since the APA seems to have wrapped up the homosexual stuff they were working on, maybe they can solve the mystery that is the electraglide. That will be a much tougher nut to crack.

And chersully, our newest Constitutional Scholar, such a nice suprise to see you weigh in on the 14th Amendment. It's doubtful that you even knew the Amendments went so high. You must have read a post from someone else (eRectalGlide?) a while back and filed it away for future re-use.

I would also urge anyone who is voting no, that they stop and consider the rights of young Maine families.

We would like to be able to raise our children without the influence of the watered down morals of a certain minority.

Thank you.

YES_ON_1 - Hate to tell you this, but morals have been watered down for a long time. But, it's nice to know that some people are worried enough about the children to want to raise them with real morals, not the watered down relative morals that so many others tout. Stand firm for the children and for traditional families.

neocon...the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is not agreed upon by all Bible Theologians. Some believe that the story surrounds the way the citizens acted towards strangers. Not all agree.

Adulterers have broken a legal, binding contract. Very different from the question at hand. But nice try.

MaineSurvivor2...I see the Yes on 1 are back to their old tricks of pushing fear. Nothing in the law we are voting on has anything to do with teaching marriage of any kind in any school or classroom anywhere in the state of Maine.

MaineSurvivor2....the only panic I have been reading is coming from the Yes on 1. They have reverted to fear with the new ads. Fear = Panic and Panic = Fear

Hey, everyone, while you're arguing morals and immorals, the government is pushing for government takeover of health care and a cap and tax bill that, if passed, will bring an end to America. Once America goes down and the worl order steps in, Christians will be an endangered species. But, with the workd involved, it's possible that homosexuals will be on the endangered species list also. I guess then, other than the fact that both Christianity and homosexuality are chosen lifestyles, we'll have one more thing in common. But, we Christians will be willing to help you hide, because we actually do love everyone.

EJ Parsons

Thank you.

I would hope that the good families of Maine reject this nonsense of gay marriage.

I have no doubt that they will, but in the meantime, I can't believe how much money is being wasted on an issue that is so morally wrong.

If only the money was put to good use, instead of promoting same sex marriage.

It's such a shame. This day and age is an awful one to raise children in.

EJParsons...I have read the questions asked of you and your answer. The posters have asked for Yes and No answers. But you have evaded the questions with shifting foot work. The questions asked have been "softball" questions too.

JD - The destruction of S & G was because of sexual perversion, plain and simple. As for adulterers, you're half right. But, what about fornicators? What it all boils down to is that God forbids any sex outside of the one man and one woman institution of marriage. Sexual immorality is sexual immorality is sexual immorality.

Does anybody know how many gay people there are in Maine?

Does the census provide for a gay count?

I know the general population is around 3%.

does Maine have a higher pop of gays?

I just don't understand why the majority of us have to forfeit our human rights for a few people who don't seem to have any morals.

Why should we have to change our stance just because they want to get married?

I still don't get it.

JD - The question was asked for bait purposes only. I don't bite at baited questions. I answered it sufficiently enough for any intelligent person to figure out where I stand. You know as well as anyone that a baited question cannot be answered either way because the master baiter has a retort for either answer.

YES_ON_1 isn't it a shame all the money the Catholic Church raised which could have been put to better use....let's think of three things which the money raised could have been used for instead of fighting same sex marriage.

1. Settling the many cases of child abuse and molestation of children by the

YES_ON_1 isn't it a shame all the money the Catholic Church raised which could have been put to better use....let's think of three things which the money raised could have been used for instead of fighting same sex marriage.

1. Settling the many cases of child abuse and molestation of children by the leaders of the churches, the Priests.

2. Funding homeless shelters.

3. Feeding the hungry.

4. Providing medicine for the poor.

5. Helping providing hear to the elderly.

Oh, I forgot I was only going to list 3. Guess it was easier to come up with examples then I thought.

YES_ON_1 - Based on the commenters, there are about a dozen or so, but you would think that half the state is gay. And the national average is closer 2%, according to most estimates.

NYY 3 / PIL 1 - in the 8th.

On 10/29/09 at 10:43 PM, YES_ON_1 wrote:

"I just don't understand why the majority of us have to forfeit our human rights for a few people who don't seem to have any morals."

----------------

Exactly what "human rights" are the Yes on 1 "forfeiting"?

hey JD~~~the ? has been answered

EJP

Yes_on_1

Captain Andy

All the same poster

No I can`t proof it

But EJP>>basically said he would like to keep his ice creme, he voted NO on ? #1 at 10:24 PM on the record

the night is over and everyone reading this knows it.

HERE IS your NUT Sticker guys, please enyoy, it was very seasoned for old Bigots

That can`t see the woods for the trees.

Not very good company if you want to shoot a MOOSE.

Which has just been done

Standing in the middle of the road ((((dang)))) that was fun!!!!!!

Later Gator

Sorry Maine

That was suppose to say a Big Trophy Bigoted MOOSE

((((( Electra Standing Tall and a Straight Shooter Voting NO on # 1 ))))))))))))

ElectraGlide - Someone spiked your Red Bull.

The ice creme ? it will challenge you all about what Equality stands for.

And how very precious it really is to ALL of US.

NO EJP~~~I have never been more sober.

Didn`t even need the RED BULL tonite.

The drug of choice of choice if it was Legal would be

(((((((((( POT))))))))))

I am looking forward SOON for that debate.

Signing OFF Sentry Duty is over for ME tonite.

Salate to ALL my FRIENDS.

NO on # 1 now and always in the future. There is ((((NO)))))) substitute for (((((((((Equality))))))))))

EJparsons

I think you are right about not so many people in maine are gay.

I still don't think the minority should receive special rights on moral issues.

There are far too many good upstanding families in Maine to let this nonsense pass.

Please support our families.

Vote Yes on 1!

But what about my right to believe in Jesus Christ without any flak from non-believers? What about being accepted and tolerated by everyone, included Muslims that would rather cut off my head than let me live as a Christian? What about my right to raise my children with rules and real morals? What about my right to walk down the streets of America and not have to witness immorality blatantly displayed just because someone feels like bringing their private lives out in the open?

We all have to live together. And it would be stupid and utterly impossible for us to grant total and meaningful equality for all. Why? Because there is no such thing, and no such way to get to that point as long as there is good and evil fighting to be top dog. We all have to live with inequalities in our lives. We all have to give and take. We all have to put up with things about others that we don't believe in. It's an imperfect world and we cannot demand things just because we want them. We have to negotiate, debate, and compromise. Unfortunately, compromise is not in the bigot's dictionary. And the bigots are on both sides of this issue.

EJParsons you have already been proved an irrelevant fraud on the issues. To suggest someone can't read because you want to ballerina dance around simple questions is just ridiculous. You can evade all you want but readers of this forum see your game. When the tough questions are asked....all you can do is piddle paddle and pretend like you've given substance when in fact, all you've given is a load of crud.

If you can't answer questions that a preschooler could answer then get out of the debate.

Until then....you are debunked. Your tall tell stories have no meaning.....and are as useless the garbage in my garbage can.

VOTE NO on One.....because YES on 1 can't answer simple questions with YES or NO answers.

Maine voters don't need to be disturbed by people like EJParsons who run around blowing a bunch of smoke. Voters need people who are solid on the issues. They are looking for guidance from those who are grounded in principle. They want simple answers.

EJParsons was asked some really good direct questions this evening.....and after giving an irrelevant commentary he folded like a cheap suit.

Do us a favor and move out of the way. Maine can't afford your baseless distractions.

VOTE NO on One!

YES_ON_1 and EJ, if you believe that gay people do not have any morals, than obviously you have very limited exposure to gay people. I suggest you actually get to know gay people before making such a demeaning, insulting, and inaccurate generalization about an entire minority.

Well EJParsons~~~Ya really didn`t think I would go to bed without pointing out the Big Serpant w / Many Heads did ya.

((((((EJParsons~~also known as Yes_ on_1 and also Captain Andy)))))))

Same BIGOTED poster. HOw can you trust a Bigot.

Bigots just mite COME after something very precious to YOU s=

SomeDAy~~~~~SomeWay~~~~~~SomeHow

IF you let your Guard Down.

The BlueAmbience and Electra are not the same poster

I just like his style so I started doing this

((((((((((((ElectraGlide Tall and Proud to Vote NO on # 1)))))))))))))

Pass the lube 11:54

Roads and essential services like fire/police/ems. and schools. everything else is just crap that our taxes pay for to ensure someone's hack job

Equal rights are not "special rights"

If YES on ONE passes, it will be a violation of the separation of church and state.

It will force churches, like the one I go to, to have to take the issue to court, on the grounds that no religion has the right to dictate to any other what two people it chooses to wed.

I assure you, this issue is not one we take lightly.

Other churches have failed miserably to minister to same-sex couples and their families.

They have driven them OUT of their churches.

They have lost the right to dictate ANYTHING regarding these parishioners.

It will be a HUGE waste of resources, time, and effort, defending our constitutional rights.

But in the end, we will prevail, because it is our right to wed these people.

Please vote NO on ONE for religious freedom, Vote NO on ONE against zealotry.

Vote NO on ONE because if the religious zealots win on THIS one, they WILL be coming after YOUR religions / churches NEXT.

EJParsons wrote:

"AionCA - I have asked you to point out where I have mal-quoted or misquoted Scripture, but you have not. And your verse from Galatians is out of context."

Liar, liar, your pants won't be all that's on fire !

Medstudent

I did not say that gay people don't have morals.

I said that gay people don't have good morals.

I find it hard to believe that anyone in their right mind could disagree with that.

It's well known that gays lives are dictated by a lower standard of moral code, or "watered down" if you will.

I think that is indisputable.

I dispute that.

You make these types of generalizations based on outright lies about a whole group of people.

My wife and I know quite a few gay people, and have found them to be honest and caring people, worthy of trust and respect.

I think you are immoral for lying about these people, shame on you.

The assertion that gay people live their lives dictated on a lower standard of moral code, that it is a "watered-down" standard, flys in the face of ALL reason and ALL religious teaching.

How can two people IN LOVE and dedicated to one-another be in ANY way a lower moral standard ?

The answer, of course, is it can not be. If you call love a lower moral standard it is YOU that is hopelessly corrupted, hopelessly lost.

For anyone to dismiss love in such a manner is a fundamental abrogation of ALL moral teachings.

It is very telling that the YES on ONE mob rarely respects LOVE, THE fundamental moral ideal.

It is very telling also that they consistently seek to damage and disrespect the love people have for one-another.

Vote NO on ONE because the most basic flaw in EVERYTHING the YES on ONE mob argues ALWAYS does harm to LOVE.

Q: How can two people in love and dedicated to one another be in any way a lower moral standard?

A: A murderer and a rapist I'm sure also loves his wife. Good Morals? I don't think so. Same for abhorrent sexual behaviour. Good morals? I don't think so.

I disagree with you 100%.

There has to be a moral high ground. Otherwise there would be chaos. Which is exactly what we are headed for.

A delusional view of moral standards has infiltrated our society at low levels.

It's up to us to stop it in it's tracks.

Please vote YES on 1!

These "types" of "generalizations" based on outright lies, is a catchy phrase.

But the reality of the situation would point to the truth of the matter, homosexual lifestyle = immoral behaviour.

Whether or not the person is trustworthy and caring is irrelevant. They are still committing a sin.

A sin that I don't want to teach to our youth.

I urge you all to prevent this by voting YES ON 1!

JD2008 - adulterers have broken a legal contract? that must mean there is a legal consequence. What would that be? Are they forced to divorce? Pay a fine? Get a clue when you can't provide a rational argument. As to your Sodom and Gomorrah argument, "the way they acted toward strangers" means to have relations with them - this is clear. Once again, NICE TRY! I would love to argue with you in court - TKO!!!! Back to the closet with you!!

JD2008, re 10:46 PM.......Isn't it a shame that the NO on 1 radical crowd has taken this well funded opportunity to use the gay marriage issue to further their socialist agenda of dividing and neutralizing the Catholic Church ?.........Get a clue JD

.

VOTE YES ON 1........STOP JD,THE RADICALS AND THEIR SOCIALIST AGENDA

On 10/29/09 at 11:14 PM, EJParsons wrote:

"But what about my right to believe in Jesus Christ without any flak from non-believers?"

This law does nothing to change that. Non-Believers will still give you "flak" just like the did before this law was enacted.

------------------------------

" What about being accepted and tolerated by everyone, included Muslims that would rather cut off my head than let me live as a Christian?"

This law does nothing to change that. Radical Muslims will still be there.

-----------------------------

"What about my right to raise my children with rules and real morals?

This law does nothing to change that. You are expected to raise your children with rules and morals. You are expected to teach you children rules and morals. The school system is expected to teach reading, writing and math just like they have and will continue to do.

---------------------------

"What about my right to walk down the streets of America and not have to witness immorality blatantly displayed just because someone feels like bringing their private lives out in the open?"

I just came back from three days in Massachusetts and I did not see one public display of affection from anyone, heterosexual or homosexual. But that is beside the point. This law would not prevent public displays of affection to begin with so what your point.

On 10/30/09 at 6:37 AM, neocon wrote:

"JD2008 - adulterers have broken a legal contract? that must mean there is a legal consequence. What would that be?"

Neocon it is a contract they have broken. It is between two married people; The cpnsequences are potential divorce, splitting of assets, etc...Just because some people choose not to divorce does not mean a contract was not broken.

----------------------

"Are they forced to divorce?"

No

----------------------

"Pay a fine?"

It is not a crime and paying a fine would imply a law was broken. However, some people have filed civil suits in courts and have been awarded civil judgement.

----------------------

"Get a clue when you can't provide a rational argument."

Is this the best you have neocon?

MaineSurvivor2, re your 9:50pm post, Yes, gays are being denied their legal American rights because they do not have the same legal marriage rights as heterosexuals, even though they are legal law abiding, tax paying, living and loving Americans. Let's see WHO needs a pill, people who want equal marriage rights for gays or the 'yes' people who are running amok screaming "the sky is falling!! We're doomed!! Teachers will be teaching TOLERANCE for others and those innocent children will be listening!!! Side note - MS2 - Just what the H. do you THINK schools would be teaching?

Already voted NO on ques 1, for marriage equality.

On 10/30/09 at 6:58 AM, Ladyslipper wrote:

"JD2008, re 10:46 PM.......Isn't it a shame that the NO on 1 radical crowd has taken this well funded opportunity to use the gay marriage issue to further their socialist agenda of dividing and neutralizing the Catholic Church ?.........Get a clue JD"

The Catholic Church did it to themselves. They hid the Priest molestation issue for years and decades. They have closed Parishes and church schools amid the scandal. In Boston many parish members stopped giving until the former Cardinal was removed and recalled to Rome.

This law does not force any church which does not wish to perform same sex marriages to do so. It does not force any church affiliated organization to provide halls for receptions, etc.

Get a clue Ladyslipper, the United States of America is one of the few countries in the world that has Freedom of Religion which means Freedom to Worship the God of you choice or not to worship at all if you so desire. It means the State cannot establish a "State religion" and a religion, any religion cannot force the state to support them implicitly or explicitly.

sorry Larry, no way I will vote for you

YOU get a clue, JD2008.....Are you so dense that you cannot see the beyond the gay marriage issue and the Catholic Church?...There is a very well (George Soros) funded attempt to divide and neutralize the Catholic Church.....WHY do you suppose that is ,JD?.....Because the Catholic Church is the # 1 obstacle to Socialism......The bottom line, oh shallow one, is that this gay marriage issue is simply being used as yet another vehicle to further the leftists radical socialist agenda in America.....

.

VOTE YES ON 1.....STOP naive people like JD and Left wing radicals from futhering their agenda.

BlueAmbience - You truly are a master baiter. I answered it, but just not in a way where you could use your prepared follow-up for either answer you might hear.

medstudent - 11:50 PM - I didn't say they didn't have morals. They live by the code of moral relativity, not moral absolutes. There is a difference.

AionCA - The verse you pulled out of context in Galatians is near the end of the chapter that deals with the elimination of the Old Testament laws and the fact that Christ brought a new covenant with Him. Read the entire chapter and you'll find that your selected verse does not work for your cause.

AionCA - True morals, or absolutes, are applicable to everyone. Unfortunately, moral relativity has taken over so each is able to make up his or her own morals. Moral relativity is a lower moral standard because they very often violate absolute morals. I believe in absolute morals. It's apparent that most here believe in moral relativity.

JD - 7:14 AM - I wasn't talking about the law. I was talking about my rights.

By the way, the petty name calling shows a real lack of intelligence on the part of some. A 3 digit IQ might help people be a little more tolerant of other people's beliefs and opinions. Very bigotted, wouldn't you say?

Have fun today. Got some work to do.

neocon said: "ElectraGlide - like to watch Adult Videos (not "vidios) do you? Typical of those who support the perversion that is homosexuality. How about child porn, do you enjoy that too? Is that what you'll be fighting to legalize next? Give me a break. YES on 1!!! "

******************************

oh, don't be so secretive, neocon. I know it was you trying to bring me into a menage-a-troi the other night in the aisle at Dave's Video in Bangor.

On 10/30/09 at 9:23 AM, Ladyslipper wrote:

"YOU get a clue, JD2008.....Are you so dense that you cannot see the beyond the gay marriage issue and the Catholic Church?...There is a very well (George Soros) funded attempt to divide and neutralize the Catholic Church.....WHY do you suppose that is ,JD?.....Because the Catholic Church is the # 1 obstacle to Socialism......The bottom line, oh shallow one, is that this gay marriage issue is simply being used as yet another vehicle to further the leftists radical socialist agenda in America....."

Ladyslipper...If you have proof that George Soros is funding an attempt to "divide and neutralize the Catholic Church" please provide that source of information. It just might make a difference in who some may vote.

I am trying to figure out how a church is the "#1 obstacle to Socialism". If it is they haven't been doing a very good job at it. Cuba, Venezuela just to name two countries that have heavy Roman Catholic population and one is a Communist/Socialist nation and the other a Socialist/Marxist nation. So how does that whole Catholic Church is the "#1 obstacle to Socialism" anyway?

EJParsons said: "- An identical twin that hasn't had a gay thought in his or her life, but knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that they both came from the same sperm and egg, and wonders when he or she will 'come out'. "

*********************************************************

Hey EJParsons, my husband's niece (whose father is a twin) has identical twins of her own now. One is right-handed just like her mom and dad, and the other is LEFT-handed. Hmmm, I can't figure that out because they came from the same egg and sperm, you know.....Maybe the right-handed girl will always wonder when she's going to come out as a southpaw.....

EJParsons...if you were just talking about your "rights" how are they being taken away from you then? There are only three ways your rights can be taken away from you;

1. By law,

2. At the point of a gun. or

3. You give them up.

So if you were not talking about the "law%

EJParsons...if you were just talking about your "rights" how are they being taken away from you then? There are only three ways your rights can be taken away from you;

1. By law,

2. At the point of a gun. or

3. You give them up.

So if you were not talking about the "law" taking them away and no one is pointing a gun at you, then you must be giving them up then. Which one is it then EJP?

On 10/29/09 at 11:14 PM, EJParsons wrote: "But what about my right to believe in Jesus Christ without any flak from non-believers?"

---------

You're free to believe in Jesus Christ. No one is stopping you or trying to stop you. The "flak" you're getting is from people who are tired of people like you trying to impose their own brand of morals on everyone else. What kind of "flak" do you perceive yourself to be receiving from non-believers?

Ladyslipper, geting that horrible cult, the roman cult, to die has nothing to do with this vote. I don't know about what you claim Soros is doing, but I will tell you I work every single day to kill the roman cult.

A foreign country that sends its citizens to our country with unprecedented immunity to get our citizens to do its dirty work in trying to redefine humanity to fit its narrow view and protect the owners of the cult who live in closeted bi sexual rennaissance splendor should not be allowed to continue to do that.

Imagine if Iran had an embassy in every single town in every state of this country and had its employees working here to spread its version of hate and divisiveness...would you expect people who want this country to succeed to sit by and let them do that?

The holy see is a foreign country and its employees are here to further that country's goals. They do not have the interest of America nor its citizens in mind when setting their agenda. They are hear for our minds and our money. It is so sad that someone would be as naive as you seem to be to say allowing people to marry has anything to do with ending that cult.

We are going to kill the roman cult regardless of bigots taking away our rights. And I'll be on the first plane to Rome to attend the auction.

EJ, you do not have a right to "not have to witness immorality blatantly displayed....". I don't either! I have to see people walk out of the houses of hate every Sunday and lead their immoral lives right out infront of me. I watch them abuse their kids in so many ways and it is immoral! I do not have the right to stop them from going to the houses of hate right out in the open.

Also you talk about moral absolutes and relativism. You are extremely confused...you are talking about your definition of morality, claiming it to be absolute indicating it is the law of the land.

You choose to follow a corrupt theocratic moral code that denigrates women, harms children and marginalizes all that do not agree with your fairy tale. That is your choice and your right. It is extremely simplistic to think that has anything whatsoever to do with our laws.

It is so simple I can't imagine how you people cannot see this. Your self chosen morals are yours, not mine. I happen to find them quite immoral, anti human and disgusting. I have no intention of throwing away this life out of fear of the unknown. That is stupid. You cannot force me to do that.

Why can't you grasp a simple concept: you don't like this, don't do it. That doesn't give you the right to tell others not to. My neighbor is pentacostal and can't drink and must only wear skirts. She doesn't try to make everyone behave that way. Why is she light years ahead of you on the evolutionary spectrum regarding congition? This is really simple stuff.

JD re 10:06 am...You may want to view the following..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVN2MMuiedI&feature=sdig 1et=1242466852.02

EJParsons, you can dance all you want around questions and accuse others of having a rebuttal. The fact of the matter is, you can't give firm and solid answers to questions that are asked of you. When you ask a lawmaker if they support the war, I'm sure you are looking for a YES or NO answer and not a dance around your question with fancy rhetoric that does not address the immediate question.

You want to talk so much about intelligence and yet you can't even answer (((((Simple))))) questions.

Again, I will say, Voters here in Maine are looking for substance and grounded principle. You offer neither.

As far a namecalling, you are the last person in these forums to be accusing anyone of namecalling. You are as hypocritical as your Campaign.

What ever happened to clear YES or NO positions? I asked you questions and you run away. There is nothing to fear in direct honest answers.

I'm still waiting. :-)

VOTE NO on One!!!

EJParsons, is the Law of The Land.....The Bible??

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On 10/29/09 at 8:32 PM, EJParsons wrote: (((((Silence)))))

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Answer the Question EJParsons. Is The Law of The Land.....The Bible?

If the answer is no.....Would you like it to be?

I'm still waiting..

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Are you afraid to answer the question Parsons?????

Plenty of time for us to see your answer.....

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On 10/29/09 at 8:47 PM, EJParsons wrote:

My law is the Bible, the new covenant brought with the crucifixion of Christ on the cross. That new covenant is also the basis of many of the laws set in place by our Founding Fathers. It's just too bad that so many in America want to rid our legal system of anything related to true morals and Christianity. Without Christ, there is nothing.

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You won't answer my question because you are nothing more than a FRAUD. I think we know the answers to those Questions.

YES & YES

VOTE NO on One!

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Answer DIRECTLY please. YES or NO. I don't need commentary. I just want direct Answers.

Is The Law of The Land.....The Bible?

If the answer is no.....Would you like it to be?

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On 10/29/09 at 8:50 PM, EJParsons wrote: Is English your second language? I answered your question. [BA: I don't see yes or no. I see namecalling :-)]

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I am asking questions relevant to the Rule of Law. That does not qualify someone as a "bigot". LOL

Now if you'd be so kind. Please answer them. Yes...or No. Thank you.

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On 10/29/09 at 8:53 PM, EJParsons wrote: Hopeless. Simply hopeless. I'll check back later. Meanwhile, BA, learn to read. [BA: Is that another dance around the answers? And an attack? I think so]

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EJParsons you have already been proved an irrelevant fraud on the issues. To suggest someone can't read because you want to ballerina dance around simple questions is just ridiculous. You can evade all you want but readers of this forum see your game. When the tough questions are asked....all you can do is piddle paddle and pretend like you've given substance when in fact, all you've given is a load of crud.

If you can't answer questions that a preschooler could answer then get out of the debate.

Until then....you are debunked. Your tall tell stories have no meaning.....and are as useless the garbage in my garbage can.

VOTE NO on One.....because YES on 1 can't answer simple questions with YES or NO answers.

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Maine voters don't need to be disturbed by people like EJParsons who run around blowing a bunch of smoke. Voters need people who are solid on the issues. They are looking for guidance from those who are grounded in principle. They want simple answers.

EJParsons was asked some really good direct questions this evening.....and after giving an irrelevant commentary he folded like a cheap suit.

Do us a favor and move out of the way. Maine can't afford your baseless distractions.

VOTE NO on One!

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On 10/30/09 at 9:25 AM, EJParsons wrote: BlueAmbience - You truly are a master baiter. I answered it, but just not in a way where you could use your prepared follow-up for either answer you might hear. [BA: Sounds like someone has something to hide. People pay close attention to this!!!]

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EJParsons, you can dance all you want around questions and accuse others of having a rebuttal. The fact of the matter is, you can't give firm and solid answers to questions that are asked of you. When you ask a lawmaker if they support the war, I'm sure you are looking for a YES or NO answer and not a dance around your question with fancy rhetoric that does not address the immediate question.

You want to talk so much about intelligence and yet you can't even answer (((((Simple))))) questions.

Again, I will say, Voters here in Maine are looking for substance and grounded principle. You offer neither.

As far a namecalling, you are the last person in these forums to be accusing anyone of namecalling. You are as hypocritical as your Campaign.

What ever happened to clear YES or NO positions? I asked you questions and you run away. There is nothing to fear in direct honest answers.

I'm still waiting. :-)

VOTE NO on One!!!

Sounds like many are getting a jump on Halloween and have donned their panic suits. Just a couple more days.

Does not sound like panic at all.

JD: And now you are 'a left wing radical' !!!!'......you have got to be kidding. Preposterous. And people are talking about 3 digit IQ's.....yeah, guess so......but not the ones that comment was directed at!!

Oh my, we cant publish something for Larry doughty! That would just be so contrary to everything the BDN stands for. How did this happen?

We must put a stop to all election letters immediately! ..........Cmon!

Left foot on green.

EJParsons said: "AionCA - The verse you pulled out of context in Galatians is near the end of the chapter that deals with the elimination of the Old Testament laws and the fact that Christ brought a new covenant with Him."

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EJParsons, so if Paul was "eliminating" the "old testament laws" in favor of a "new covenant", that must mean that the Galatians, and by extention you, are no longer bound by, or a party to the Mosaic covenant. What makes you think you were bound by, or a party to the Mosaic covenant in the first place?

frankforter - Once again I will tell you that if you don't believe in Jesus Christ or the New Testament, then we have nothing to discuss. Do you believe in the New Testament? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah? And it's your choice if you want to aswer that question. I won't be like some on your side and badger you over and over just for my own jollies.

well, you are just full of yourself now, aren't you EJParsons...? It's a SIMPLE question, really---just a question about how you and your co-religionists read the scriptures that you CLAIM to study. Jesus has NOTHING to do with this question,nor does the "new testament" so whether or not I "believe" anything you say about the man is irrelevant.

Do you think you were bound by or a party to the Mosaic covenant? If so, why---?---or what in the "old testament" did you read that makes you think so?

I think (IMMHO) that if you were secure in your faith, you would be happy to answer..... if you DO answer, please answer in a simple yes or no fashion. It's really easy---if you asked me the same question, I would happily respond and not try to weasel out if I didn't have an answer, and I wouldn't be so silly as to accuse the questioner of trying to bait me or trap me. I would truthfully and quickly answer, "Yes, I am a part of the Mosaic covenant and am thus bound by it."

So, how about it, EJParsons---will you answer the question above?

frankforter - Be careful. If BA sees how you danced around my questions, he might call you names. And, no, I won't answer any question until you tell me whether or not you believe in the New Testament and Jesus Christ as Messiah. If you don't believe in either or both, then we have no basis for a civil discussion.

EJParsons : you don't get to dictate anything to the public based on your religion, Christianity is not the only religion Americans are free to be members of, so your assertions that your views hold ANY kind of authority in this discussion are outright fraud.

Vote No on Question 1 because we have a separation of church and state in America, and because religious fanatics don't, and must NEVER be permitted to run the country.

EJParsons wrote:

"But what about my right to believe in Jesus Christ without any flak from non-believers? "

Hahahahaha... What an idiot. You are free to believe anything you want in America.

What YOU really want is the right to silence anyone who disagrees with you.

What you want is the right to impose YOUR WILL on everybody else.

Because you are a crackpot fanatic, and everyone can see this.

That's why people are Voting NO on Question 1 ~ Because in America no religion has the right to dictate to you what you are to believe.

If you don't like it, LEAVE.

AionCA - I have never tried to dictate anything to anyone. I express my opinions and beliefs only. As for my views holding any kind of authority, if mine can't be considered or discussed, what makes you think yours can? Quite intolerant and bigotted of you, wouldn't you say?

EJParsons,

You could have been truthful and said "I don't know" to both questions, and you could have said you will ask your pastor, but you did neither. You did the childish thing and said "oh, I'm not talking to you because you don't agree with everything I say, and you're just trying to trap me." I think the real reason you aren't answering is because you are AFRAID to admit you don't know the answer or that your answer is wrong.

If a non-Christian is honestly asking you something about your belief system and how you get these beliefs, why can't you take a moment and answer? When I worked in the state prison system in NJ, I encountered many inmates of the Muslim faith, and I asked them why they did certin things, what they believed and how they got to that belief. NONE of them ever acted so childishly to say "oh, if you don't believe in the Q'uran and that Allah is the only God and Muhammed is his messenger, then we can't have a civil discussion."

For you to demand an answer from me first before you answer my question to you is just absolutely absurd. Especially when you know that I am a Jew and you know what Jews think about your misinterpretation of the Jewish scriptures. What are you afraid of, EJParsons?

frankforter - I have no ties to the Mosaic laws at all. I am coveren under the New Covenant brought by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I don't believe I've ever said that I was bound by the Mosaic covenant.

Now, do you believe in the new Testament or in Jesus Christ as the Messiah?

EJParsons,

I am sure you are aware that the Mosaic covenant is codified by the Ten Commandments...and these Ten commandments are composed on TWO tablets, the first tablet being our duties to GOD and the second tablet our duties to others. The tablets are a synopsis of the 613 laws, statutes and ordinances that are found all throughout the first 5 books of the bible. When "Jesus" spoke of the "two greatest commandments" he was speaking about the two tablets in that manner. Jesus never said anything about anyone not following the laws they are bound by. So, if you are a follower of Jesus and Jesus said to follow the Ten Commandments, and the Ten commandments are a synopsis of the Mosaic law/covenant, then you must think you are or were a party to the Mosaic covenant.

All prior covenants in the scriptures were explained---all the terms were listed...the covenant of Adam, the covenant of Noah, the covenant of Abraham and the covenant of Moses. Each covenant was built upon the previous covenant, and the terms of each previous covenant were repeated in successive ones. Each succesive covenant had more terms added. Your alleged "new" covenant is not codified in your Greek scriptures (nor the later Roman, Latin or English translations) and THAT is why you don't know what covenant you really are a part of. I don't think you "study the 'old testament' for historical purposes" as much as or as well as you say you do, for if you DID, then you would know what covenant you are a part of---you would understand what Jesus was telling you---he told you what covenant you are under, and if you truly understood the 'old testament', you would understand what covenant James was speaking about in Acts. If you REALLY want to study the 'old testament' instead of just flipping bact to selected verses from the 'new testament' in order to "find Jesus", then I will gladly help you. Just remember one ting Jesus said: "I have come for the lost sheep of the House of Israel".....(and think about who that actually is)

EJ you lie! you have been on here for weeks dictating to us about how your beliefs need to be the law of the land.

If you stand by your assertion to Aion that you are only expressing your opinions and not dictating, then you MUST vote no on 1...that is dictating your (disgusting) beliefs to the rest of us.

so how about it...voting no, or admitting to being dishonest here?

frankforter - Point taken. Thanks for the lesson. But, I have never said that I study the Old Testament; I said the Old Testament is there for historical purposes. As for being under the law, I believe in the book of Galatians, we were freed from the law though Paul's writings. I don't have my Bible with me, but I believe it's the 3rd Chapter of Galatians. In the book of John, chapter 3, verses 16-17 proclaims that Jesus came to save the entire world, not just the House of Israel. Now, you have still not answered my question. Just saying that your are Jewish is not enough. There are many Jews that believe in Jesus.....thus the group called 'Jews for Jesus."

Addisonattimes - If you're going to call me a liar, then you'd better bring on the evidence. I've never dictated any such thing. I'll check back later for those quotes.

EJParsons,

Thank you for responding. I wonder why you look to the writings of Paul, a man who never even met Jesus, instead of the statements of Jesus? It doesn't really matter where or what chapter Paul gave his discourse on the law in his letter to the Galatians. What matters is the essence of his words. You said Paul "freed you from the law". If that were true, then it would show you were "under the law" in the first place. If it is NOT true and Paul didn't free you from the law, then you are still under the law. So, am I to understand that your basis for thinking you were "under the law" is Paul's letter to the Galatians?

The writings of John contradict Jesus's own words. Do you reject Jesus' words that he came only for the lost sheep of the House of Israel? Who is your God---Jesus or Paul, or John? If I were a Christian and a follower of Jesus and believed he was GOD, then I would be putting more stock in what he said instead of what writers who didn't even know him said.

As to your questions, I think it is obvious that I do not believe Jesus was GOD (YHVH) as GOD specifically says that "it doesn't work like that!". It should also be obvious that I do not believe the "new testament" holds any intrinsic value for me. As for the "Jews for Jesus", I think if you do a little more than a cursory study, you will find that there are very few Jews who belong to that group. The founder himself is not Jewish as his mother was a gentile, and he wasn't even raised as a Jew. So, please excuse me for chuckling at the reference to a group of people who don't even know what they are.

Do you know yet who the "lost sheep of the House of Israel" are?