Marriages and Unions, Part 2

I was greatly disappointed in the passing of propositions that banned gay marriage, like that of Proposition 8 in California. Gay marriage isn't going to ruin the sanctity of marriage... straight people did that a long time ago. The fact that the gay couple next door is married shouldn't affect your marriage, but then wait, don't we like to blame everything but ourselves for failed marriages?
Gay marriage isn't going to ruin children's lives. When you see a straight couple raising a wonderful family, how do you know they are married, divorced, etc.? If the children are happy and healthy does it matter? Sure it helps that men and women raise children, but are not friends, family, society as a whole raising each and every child? If we cared so much about children being raised by both men and women, why are there so many single parents out there? Because straight people can be lousy parents just as much as gay people can.
Just some thoughts from a cat whose vote doesn't count, but whose voice might.

Paul Newman

I know it has been a while since he has died, but I've been in mourning and could not write until now. As far as cats go, I'm probably his biggest cat fan out there. My full name even includes the name Newman after him. Though I did not know him personally, he seemed to be an overall great guy (great actor, great looks, great humanitarian) who appreciated both what he was given naturally and what he worked hard for. Although cats do not inspire to be like Paul Newman, if every person in this world inspired to be like him, maybe us cats would like humans more.

Marriage and Unions

Based on what I understand of this country, there is supposed to be a separation of church and state. So here is my proposal to end the discussion on who should be allowed to be married: churches shall have jurisdiction over who they "marry", and the country will "unite" people. I think that a church should be allowed to decide, based on their doctrine, who they will marry. A "marriage", however, should be a spiritual connection, and not have any governmental rewards/penalties associated with it. The government need not recognize a "marriage". A "union" should be a uniting of two people (any two people, straight, gay, whomever) for the purpose of sharing financial responsibilities and to receive governmental, retirement, etc. rewards/penalties. So, two people could be just "married", just "united", or both. No religious group has to recognize a "union". So, in reality, is that a huge change? No, it just gives some people a little more reassurance that their loved ones will be taken care of. That's just my proposal.