GAY MARRIAGE
Keep government out
of lifestyle decisions
The gay marriage debate provides an issue wherein the libertarian idea of limited government absolutely provides the best solution: Keep the government out of the marriage equation.
The government exists primarily to protect people, their property and the environment. Which of these three is potentially detrimentally impacted whether or not gay marriage is recognized? None.
Yes, the government — especially the federal government — has expanded to provide many entitlements and to do some things that are handled more efficiently on a mass basis (for example, roads). Again, however, none of these things should be impacted by whether gay marriage is recognized. The entitlement programs need reforming. In the process, the entire concept of dependents and relationships that deserve some support can be re-examined.
Governments already have too much power. Return the power over this issue to religious institutions and to the people in general.
ALLEN BUCKLEY, SMYRNA
Redefining marriage
would only degrade it
My argument against redefining the word “marriage” is that the meaning of the word, and institution, will be ultimately degraded in the same manner we’ve seen the word “father” diminished.
As a married father of three, although I may share the title of “father” with someone who had no more than a few minutes with a child’s mother, my definition of a father is quite different. A father is someone who loves, cares for, provides for, sacrifices for, listens to, counsels, disciplines, mourns with and celebrates with his children. It is a lifelong role. To share the title with someone who performed a single biological act — but has had zero participation in his child’s life — demeans the importance of the role.
Traditional marriage has been on the ropes for decades. A final redefinition will further diminish the meaning of the institution. Biblical standards aside, as a society, we will either protect and promote those institutions we value because we believe they build a strong family, community, nation and world — or we will degrade them and be left to cope with the consequences.
DOUG LOCKER, DECATUR
HIGHWAY FUNDING
Boost transit, make all
interstates toll roads
It looks like the tolls on Ga. 400 will be removed, if Governor Deal’s promise is fulfilled. Many people welcome this move. Unfortunately, it will remove a source of revenue.
Perhaps, instead of removing the tolls on Ga. 400, we should be putting more tolls on all the other interstates coming into the city. We could make it free to leave, but charge those who want to come in. That move would provide a great source of revenue for real mass transit expansion, and encourage people to actually use MARTA instead of clogging up the roads.
TOM MCMANUS, ROSWELL
