RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott
Gary:

I don't appreciate words being put in my mouth. I don't
appreciate be asked absurd questions that have no bearing
whatsoever on the issues we're discussing. And, I get annoyed
when you assume I believe one way when the post to which you're
responding clearly suggests just the opposite.

If my purpose in being here was only to tweak and debate I would
respond to your rather silly assumptions and questions (and
infuriate John in the process). As I am here to discuss,  I
refuse to respond to bait and other nonsense.  If you want to
*talk* seriously, have at it. You'll find me an active and
responsible participant. If you simply want to attack and twist
my comments, ridicule and posture, kindly put me in your kill
file.

To reiterate: not once have I written that I favor gay marriage,
yet you insist that I do.  Not once have I written that I condone
homosexual activities, yet you assert that I do. I am quite
willing to make personal judgments of other people.  When I do, I
attempt to be even-handed about it to wit: I think that
extramarital heterosexual and homosexual intercourse are
equivalent violations of the laws of God. Do you? I suspect not.
If I'm right, this probably explains most of the difficulty
you're having with my posts.


Ron



>-Original Message-
>From: Gerald Smith [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 5:06 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>No, but I know the guy. Don't agree with him on everything.
>
>But all I can say is I cannot judge you, Ron. Only your
>words. And if
>you feel offended by my judging of your words, then
>either I am truly
>misunderstanding them (as are others, I might add), you
>are failing at
>putting your true feelings/intentions down in words, or
>you are saying
>what you mean and are offended because my words cut to the core?
>
>I am not sorry for my words against gay marriage or gay
>activities of
>any kind. I pray for those who have this illness (I see
>it on the same
>level as drug addiction or alcoholism, but as a graver
>sin). But I don't
>cut them slack simply because they have several
>television programs on
>now that showcase them. Nor do I cut them slack because
>they have a
>victim mentality. They are in need of repentance, much
>more than they
>need a kind word from me. I don't want to make them
>feel good in their
>current circumstances, just so they can burn in hell
>later for not
>repenting.  Recognition of an addiction is the first
>step toward
>resolution. And with addicts of any kind, it is a
>difficult row to hoe;
>but one they must hoe regardless of any circumstances.
>
>But to ignore their actions and lifestyles is to
>encourage them to
>greater demands, until they no longer are on the
>fringes, but in the
>center of the attention.  The BoM shows that slippery
>slope, and I don't
>think I need to be involved in it. As with Jacob, if I
>want to have my
>garments clean from others' sins, I must speak out
>boldly against
>serious sins, whether it is popular or not, whether it
>is enjoyable to
>do or not.
>
>I don't know how you feel on things, Ron; because you
>say one thing, but
>then your words seem to contradict. Or at least your
>words portray a
>willingness to ignore others' sins because you fear to appear
>judgmental.  If I'm misreading this, please let me
>know, because I do
>want to understand your position. But if your words say
>something I
>disagree with, I'll be clear to question those words in
>order to get you
>to clarify (which I must admit, seems to be a hard
>thing for you to do,
>as you usually waive off opportunities to specify what
>you really mean).
>If I agree, I'll say I agree. If I totally disagree, I
>will attempt to
>be kind, but I may show harshness to words that
>contradict themselves,
>as I feel you have done in the discussion with gay marriage.
>
>Gary Smith
>
>Ron Scott wrote:
>>
>> Are you related to Red Davis?
>>
>> >-Original Message-
>> >From: Gerald Smith [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> >Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 4:31 PM
>> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> >Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>> >
>> >
>> >So are you or are you not saying that bestiality is
>> >okay? If the state
>> >gets out of the marriage business and some strange
>> >religion chooses to
>> >marry off its virgins to animals, is that then
>> >something that should be
>> >lawful, simply because the government isn't into
>> >marriage issues?
>> >
>> >I see an extremely slippery

RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread Gerald Smith
No, but I know the guy. Don't agree with him on everything.

But all I can say is I cannot judge you, Ron. Only your words. And if 
you feel offended by my judging of your words, then either I am truly 
misunderstanding them (as are others, I might add), you are failing at 
putting your true feelings/intentions down in words, or you are saying 
what you mean and are offended because my words cut to the core?

I am not sorry for my words against gay marriage or gay activities of 
any kind. I pray for those who have this illness (I see it on the same 
level as drug addiction or alcoholism, but as a graver sin). But I don't 
cut them slack simply because they have several television programs on 
now that showcase them. Nor do I cut them slack because they have a 
victim mentality. They are in need of repentance, much more than they 
need a kind word from me. I don't want to make them feel good in their 
current circumstances, just so they can burn in hell later for not 
repenting.  Recognition of an addiction is the first step toward 
resolution. And with addicts of any kind, it is a difficult row to hoe; 
but one they must hoe regardless of any circumstances.

But to ignore their actions and lifestyles is to encourage them to 
greater demands, until they no longer are on the fringes, but in the 
center of the attention.  The BoM shows that slippery slope, and I don't 
think I need to be involved in it. As with Jacob, if I want to have my 
garments clean from others' sins, I must speak out boldly against 
serious sins, whether it is popular or not, whether it is enjoyable to 
do or not.

I don't know how you feel on things, Ron; because you say one thing, but 
then your words seem to contradict. Or at least your words portray a 
willingness to ignore others' sins because you fear to appear 
judgmental.  If I'm misreading this, please let me know, because I do 
want to understand your position. But if your words say something I 
disagree with, I'll be clear to question those words in order to get you 
to clarify (which I must admit, seems to be a hard thing for you to do, 
as you usually waive off opportunities to specify what you really mean). 
If I agree, I'll say I agree. If I totally disagree, I will attempt to 
be kind, but I may show harshness to words that contradict themselves, 
as I feel you have done in the discussion with gay marriage.

Gary Smith

Ron Scott wrote:
> 
> Are you related to Red Davis?
> 
> >-Original Message-
> >From: Gerald Smith [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 4:31 PM
> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
> >
> >
> >So are you or are you not saying that bestiality is
> >okay? If the state
> >gets out of the marriage business and some strange
> >religion chooses to
> >marry off its virgins to animals, is that then
> >something that should be
> >lawful, simply because the government isn't into
> >marriage issues?
> >
> >I see an extremely slippery slope for society to slide
> >down if it
> >doesn't have some controls.
> >
> >While I don't necessarily want the federal government
> >to make laws on
> >marriage, I do want the states to be able to control
> >their own destiny.
> >If Massachusetts wants gay marriage, that is up to Mass. But it
> >shouldn't force itself upon any other state that refuses it.
> >
> >Gary Smith
> >
> >Ron Scott wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> >-Original Message-
> >> >From: John W. Redelfs [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >> >Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 2:29 PM
> >> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >> >Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >RB Scott wrote:
> >> >>I do not support extramarital sex of
> >> >>any kind.
> >> >
> >> >What about sex within marriage if marriage is redefined
> >> >to permit a man to
> >> >marry his German Shepherd or his boy friend?  --JWR
> >>
> >>
> >> Don't ask absurd questions unless you want absurd
> >answers.  I've
> >> clearly stated that I am opposed to the state
> >defining marriage,
> >> which I regard as a religious covenant.  It seems to
> >me that we
> >> have long acknowledged that what is permissible under
> >the laws of
> >> the land may not be permissible in God's eyes.
> >>
> >> RBS
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >Ger

RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott
Are you related to Red Davis?

>-Original Message-
>From: Gerald Smith [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 4:31 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>So are you or are you not saying that bestiality is
>okay? If the state
>gets out of the marriage business and some strange
>religion chooses to
>marry off its virgins to animals, is that then
>something that should be
>lawful, simply because the government isn't into
>marriage issues?
>
>I see an extremely slippery slope for society to slide
>down if it
>doesn't have some controls.
>
>While I don't necessarily want the federal government
>to make laws on
>marriage, I do want the states to be able to control
>their own destiny.
>If Massachusetts wants gay marriage, that is up to Mass. But it
>shouldn't force itself upon any other state that refuses it.
>
>Gary Smith
>
>Ron Scott wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> >-Original Message-----
>> >From: John W. Redelfs [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> >Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 2:29 PM
>> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> >Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>> >
>> >
>> >RB Scott wrote:
>> >>I do not support extramarital sex of
>> >>any kind.
>> >
>> >What about sex within marriage if marriage is redefined
>> >to permit a man to
>> >marry his German Shepherd or his boy friend?  --JWR
>>
>>
>> Don't ask absurd questions unless you want absurd
>answers.  I've
>> clearly stated that I am opposed to the state
>defining marriage,
>> which I regard as a religious covenant.  It seems to
>me that we
>> have long acknowledged that what is permissible under
>the laws of
>> the land may not be permissible in God's eyes.
>>
>> RBS
>>
>>
>
>
>
>Gerald (Gary) Smith
>geraldsmith@ juno.com
>http://www.geocities.com/rameumptom
>
>
>//
>///  ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at  ///
>///  http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html  ///
>
>/
--

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott
Gary:

It's not easy to annoy me, but you're getting close.

I wish you'd take greater care in reading my posts, and assessing
the reality of the current situation before shooting off
half-baked accusations.

Think what you may. Have a pleasant night.

Ron



>-Original Message-
>From: Gerald Smith [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 4:36 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>So, in effect, you are not opposing anything. You are
>simply giving up
>on the fight against moral crimes against society.
>
>On the same note then, why do we not have the state get
>out of managing
>crimes altogether. Let it all be resolved in the
>civilian courts.
>Someone murdered? Why have prisons, when we can just
>have the family sue
>the person!  Or, perhaps the family will thank the
>murderer for doing in
>a crummy member of the family!
>
>President Hinckley wrote a book a few years ago
>entitled, "Standing for
>Something."  If taking a stance means we raise the
>white flag, then we
>may as well just condemn all the world to despair and sin.
>
>Gary Smith
>
>
>Ron Scott wrote:
>>
>>
>> >
>> >Tell us more about your "methods for opposing" same-sex
>> >marriage.  --JWR<
>>
>> I have done this before. I support the proposition
>that the state
>> should get out of sanctioning marriages altogether and should,
>> therefore ( as I noted in an earlier post today) draft
>> legislation that carefully and consistently defines
>partnerships
>> it will designate as bonafide domestic partnerships.
>Churches may
>> choose (or not) to bless such partnerships as "marriages."  I
>> also think considerable effort must be spent
>determining how such
>> changes affect free speech in public settings and how
>they will
>> be represented/taught  in primary and secondary
>public schools.
>>
>> RBS
>>
>> >
>> >//
>> >///  ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at  ///
>> >///  http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html  ///
>> >
>> >/
>> --
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>Gerald (Gary) Smith
>geraldsmith@ juno.com
>http://www.geocities.com/rameumptom
>
>
>//
>///  ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at  ///
>///  http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html  ///
>
>/
--

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread Gerald Smith
So, in effect, you are not opposing anything. You are simply giving up 
on the fight against moral crimes against society. 

On the same note then, why do we not have the state get out of managing 
crimes altogether. Let it all be resolved in the civilian courts. 
Someone murdered? Why have prisons, when we can just have the family sue 
the person!  Or, perhaps the family will thank the murderer for doing in 
a crummy member of the family!

President Hinckley wrote a book a few years ago entitled, "Standing for 
Something."  If taking a stance means we raise the white flag, then we 
may as well just condemn all the world to despair and sin.

Gary Smith


Ron Scott wrote:
> 
> 
> >
> >Tell us more about your "methods for opposing" same-sex
> >marriage.  --JWR<
> 
> I have done this before. I support the proposition that the state
> should get out of sanctioning marriages altogether and should,
> therefore ( as I noted in an earlier post today) draft
> legislation that carefully and consistently defines partnerships
> it will designate as bonafide domestic partnerships. Churches may
> choose (or not) to bless such partnerships as "marriages."  I
> also think considerable effort must be spent determining how such
> changes affect free speech in public settings and how they will
> be represented/taught  in primary and secondary public schools.
> 
> RBS
> 
> >
> >//
> >///  ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at  ///
> >///  http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html  ///
> >
> >/
> --
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 



Gerald (Gary) Smith
geraldsmith@ juno.com
http://www.geocities.com/rameumptom

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread Gerald Smith
So are you or are you not saying that bestiality is okay? If the state 
gets out of the marriage business and some strange religion chooses to 
marry off its virgins to animals, is that then something that should be 
lawful, simply because the government isn't into marriage issues?

I see an extremely slippery slope for society to slide down if it 
doesn't have some controls.

While I don't necessarily want the federal government to make laws on 
marriage, I do want the states to be able to control their own destiny. 
If Massachusetts wants gay marriage, that is up to Mass. But it 
shouldn't force itself upon any other state that refuses it.

Gary Smith

Ron Scott wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> >-Original Message-
> >From: John W. Redelfs [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 2:29 PM
> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
> >
> >
> >RB Scott wrote:
> >>I do not support extramarital sex of
> >>any kind.
> >
> >What about sex within marriage if marriage is redefined
> >to permit a man to
> >marry his German Shepherd or his boy friend?  --JWR
> 
> 
> Don't ask absurd questions unless you want absurd answers.  I've
> clearly stated that I am opposed to the state defining marriage,
> which I regard as a religious covenant.  It seems to me that we
> have long acknowledged that what is permissible under the laws of
> the land may not be permissible in God's eyes.
> 
> RBS
> 
> 



Gerald (Gary) Smith
geraldsmith@ juno.com
http://www.geocities.com/rameumptom

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott


>-Original Message-
>From: Steven Montgomery [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 3:59 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>At 10:08 AM 3/23/2004, Ron Scott wrote:
>
>
>>I will continue to think...and will appreciate receiving
>>relevant, thoughtful comments from any of you.
>>
>>
>>RBS
>
>I don't think that you will have any problem with a 
>dearth of commentary 
>and opinion here on ZION. ;-)


Dang, I forgot to underscore **relevant.**

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott


>-Original Message-
>From: Steven Montgomery [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 3:58 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>SNIP<
--RON--
>>2) As I read the constitution, the tax codes (for example) must
>>ensure equal treatment under law for all people; special
>>treatments/exemptions should be applied in uniform and
>consistent
>>ways. No doubt certain kinds of well-defined domestic
>>partnerships are of benefit to the state and therefore
>should be
>>entitled to special taxation benefits/entitlements. Definitions
>>of same ought to crafted very carefully and applied uniformly.
--Steven--
>Actually, I'm in favor of completely abolishing the
>income tax, and all its
>loopholes and exceptions, and replacing it with some
>type of national sales
>tax. This, in my opinion, is the only fair way to treat
>everyone as equals
>under the law.

As I didn't ask a question, I can accuse you providing a
non-responsive answer .

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread Steven Montgomery
At 10:08 AM 3/23/2004, Ron Scott wrote:


I will continue to think...and will appreciate receiving
relevant, thoughtful comments from any of you.
RBS
I don't think that you will have any problem with a dearth of commentary 
and opinion here on ZION. ;-)



--
Steven Montgomery
"The most important consequence of marriage is, that
the husband and the wife become in law only one
person Upon this principle of union, almost all the
other legal consequences of marriage depend. This
principle, sublime and refined, deserves to be viewed
and examined on every side." —James Wilson
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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread Steven Montgomery
At 10:08 AM 3/23/2004, Ron Scott wrote:


>-Original Message-
>From: Steven Montgomery [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 10:48 AM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>But I thought you did support same sex civil unions. Am I
wrong?<
"Support" is probably not the right word, particularly given the
explosive baggage that has been attached to practically
everything in this debate.  I do not support extramarital sex of
any kind.
Here some issues that I'm mulling over at the moment:

1) The state should not attempt to define/sanction ordinances of
the church. The state should make laws that are consistent with
the U.S. Constitution. The church should "bless" what it chooses
to bless.
I agree with you here.


2) As I read the constitution, the tax codes (for example) must
ensure equal treatment under law for all people; special
treatments/exemptions should be applied in uniform and consistent
ways. No doubt certain kinds of well-defined domestic
partnerships are of benefit to the state and therefore should be
entitled to special taxation benefits/entitlements. Definitions
of same ought to crafted very carefully and applied uniformly.
Actually, I'm in favor of completely abolishing the income tax, and all its 
loopholes and exceptions, and replacing it with some type of national sales 
tax. This, in my opinion, is the only fair way to treat everyone as equals 
under the law.

--
Steven Montgomery
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Moral Anarchy is the seedbed of Tyranny--R. W. (Bob) Lee

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott


>-Original Message-
>From: John W. Redelfs [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 3:35 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>RB Scott wrote:
>> >Tell us more about your "methods for opposing" same-sex
>> >marriage.  --JWR<
>>
>>I have done this before. I support the proposition
>that the state
>>should get out of sanctioning marriages altogether and should,
>>therefore ( as I noted in an earlier post today) draft
>>legislation that carefully and consistently defines
>partnerships
>>it will designate as bonafide domestic partnerships.
>Churches may
>>choose (or not) to bless such partnerships as "marriages."  I
>>also think considerable effort must be spent
>determining how such
>>changes affect free speech in public settings and how they will
>>be represented/taught  in primary and secondary public
schools.<

>So do you really think this will "oppose" same-sex
>marriage?  I don't see
>how it will stop them from becoming common place.  --JWR<

1. Do you see the constitutional amendment, as now drafted, as an
effective deterrant to "same sex marriage?"

2.  If so, my concept is better because it reserves "marriage"
blessings for the church.

3.  If you're concerned about same sex cohabitation, neither plan
forbids it. As a matter of fact, it is perfectly legal, as is
heterosexual cohabitation, even though both are equivalent sins
in the eyes of God.

I do not see how the "amendment" as drafted will effectively
prevent same-sex partnerships.  Do you?  And, if the proposed
amendment loses, as I expect it will, we will likely have same
sex **marriage** everywhere. There will be little room for
negotiation, compromise, or local options. Nor will we be able to
define how it will be presented in the schools (especially). The
opportunity for a "shades of gray" solution will exist for a
while yet (perhaps), thereafter the outcome will either be black
or white.

RBS

P.S.  I've expressed my opinion to several state and Federal
elected officials, Republicans and Democrats.

//
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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread John W. Redelfs
RB Scott wrote:
>Tell us more about your "methods for opposing" same-sex
>marriage.  --JWR<
I have done this before. I support the proposition that the state
should get out of sanctioning marriages altogether and should,
therefore ( as I noted in an earlier post today) draft
legislation that carefully and consistently defines partnerships
it will designate as bonafide domestic partnerships. Churches may
choose (or not) to bless such partnerships as "marriages."  I
also think considerable effort must be spent determining how such
changes affect free speech in public settings and how they will
be represented/taught  in primary and secondary public schools.
So do you really think this will "oppose" same-sex marriage?  I don't see 
how it will stop them from becoming common place.  --JWR

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott


>-Original Message-
>From: John W. Redelfs [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 2:27 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>RB Scott wrote:
>>It would *seem* to you, perhaps. It doesn't *seem* so
>to me. I DO
>>NOT support same sex marriage, but my methods for
>opposing it do
>>not include (at this point) supporting a
>constitutional amendment
>>defining **marriage.**
>
>Tell us more about your "methods for opposing" same-sex
>marriage.  --JWR<

I have done this before. I support the proposition that the state
should get out of sanctioning marriages altogether and should,
therefore ( as I noted in an earlier post today) draft
legislation that carefully and consistently defines partnerships
it will designate as bonafide domestic partnerships. Churches may
choose (or not) to bless such partnerships as "marriages."  I
also think considerable effort must be spent determining how such
changes affect free speech in public settings and how they will
be represented/taught  in primary and secondary public schools.

RBS

>
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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread John W. Redelfs
RB Scott wrote:
It would *seem* to you, perhaps. It doesn't *seem* so to me. I DO
NOT support same sex marriage, but my methods for opposing it do
not include (at this point) supporting a constitutional amendment
defining **marriage.**
Tell us more about your "methods for opposing" same-sex marriage.  --JWR

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott


>-Original Message-
>From: John W. Redelfs [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 2:29 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>RB Scott wrote:
>>I do not support extramarital sex of
>>any kind.
>
>What about sex within marriage if marriage is redefined
>to permit a man to
>marry his German Shepherd or his boy friend?  --JWR


Don't ask absurd questions unless you want absurd answers.  I've
clearly stated that I am opposed to the state defining marriage,
which I regard as a religious covenant.  It seems to me that we
have long acknowledged that what is permissible under the laws of
the land may not be permissible in God's eyes.

RBS

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread John W. Redelfs
RB Scott wrote:
I do not support extramarital sex of
any kind.
What about sex within marriage if marriage is redefined to permit a man to 
marry his German Shepherd or his boy friend?  --JWR

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott


>-Original Message-
>From: Steven Montgomery [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 10:48 AM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

>But I thought you did support same sex civil unions. Am I
wrong?<

"Support" is probably not the right word, particularly given the
explosive baggage that has been attached to practically
everything in this debate.  I do not support extramarital sex of
any kind.

Here some issues that I'm mulling over at the moment:

1) The state should not attempt to define/sanction ordinances of
the church. The state should make laws that are consistent with
the U.S. Constitution. The church should "bless" what it chooses
to bless.

2) As I read the constitution, the tax codes (for example) must
ensure equal treatment under law for all people; special
treatments/exemptions should be applied in uniform and consistent
ways. No doubt certain kinds of well-defined domestic
partnerships are of benefit to the state and therefore should be
entitled to special taxation benefits/entitlements. Definitions
of same ought to crafted very carefully and applied uniformly.

3) Under  "common law" some of these protections -- property
rights especially -- are already available to "domestic partners"
of all kinds in Utah and other states.  These laws have been in
force for years and therefore should provide considerable legal
guidance as to how state/Federal partnership statutes should be
adjusted/drafted.

I will continue to think...and will appreciate receiving
relevant, thoughtful comments from any of you.


RBS

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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread Steven Montgomery
At 08:46 AM 3/23/2004, you wrote:


>-Original Message-
>From: Jim Cobabe [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 10:30 AM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>
>I believe President Hinkley's remarks on this issue
>succinctly and
>precisely outline the present direction of church
>policy on the marriage
>controversy.  The church is actively pursuing every
>means to defend
>traditional marriage, including representation in the
>courts and support
>for individual and group efforts to oppose the
>legalization of same-sex
>marriage.  It would seem that we are not justified in
>failing to pursue
>these efforts, regardless of our regard for the chance
>of success or
>failure.  President Hinckley explains our rationale for
>such efforts --
It would *seem* to you, perhaps. It doesn't *seem* so to me. I DO
NOT support same sex marriage, but my methods for opposing it do
not include (at this point) supporting a constitutional amendment
defining **marriage.** Likewise, I supported the *general aims*
of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment but I DID NOT support
passage of the amendment itself because I believed that the
constitutional protections  and entitlements for all (including
women) were already guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Regards
the marriage isisue: I think the constitution as written is
satisfactory and provides opportunities to craft laws that honor
religious beliefs and honor the protections/entitlements afforded
all by our constitution.
Ron
But I thought you did support same sex civil unions. Am I wrong?



--
Steven Montgomery
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
We will not despair, for the cause of human freedom is the cause of God.
--Joshua R. Giddings
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RE: [ZION] Worth reiterating...

2004-03-23 Thread RB Scott


>-Original Message-
>From: Jim Cobabe [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 10:30 AM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: [ZION] Worth reiterating...
>
>
>
>I believe President Hinkley's remarks on this issue
>succinctly and
>precisely outline the present direction of church
>policy on the marriage
>controversy.  The church is actively pursuing every
>means to defend
>traditional marriage, including representation in the
>courts and support
>for individual and group efforts to oppose the
>legalization of same-sex
>marriage.  It would seem that we are not justified in
>failing to pursue
>these efforts, regardless of our regard for the chance
>of success or
>failure.  President Hinckley explains our rationale for
>such efforts --

It would *seem* to you, perhaps. It doesn't *seem* so to me. I DO
NOT support same sex marriage, but my methods for opposing it do
not include (at this point) supporting a constitutional amendment
defining **marriage.** Likewise, I supported the *general aims*
of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment but I DID NOT support
passage of the amendment itself because I believed that the
constitutional protections  and entitlements for all (including
women) were already guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Regards
the marriage isisue: I think the constitution as written is
satisfactory and provides opportunities to craft laws that honor
religious beliefs and honor the protections/entitlements afforded
all by our constitution.

Ron

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