ICYMI: Dennis Prager vs Perez Hilton on gay marriage

The quest for same-sex marriage is not so that gays and lesbians have the same rights, privileges, protections and responsibilities as heterosexuals.

Their quest is for acceptance. They want their lifestyle to be confirmed as "normal." My heart breaks for their confusion and inability to understand traditional relationships. They can establish laws that meet their needs for equality. Traditional marriage does not need to be redefined.

Wait?! Civil unions are okay because they are a separate but equal alternative? I thought the Littlerock 9 knocked that argument off it's block? We can't feel good about ourselves as a society when we flaunt that gays can have "unions" which are equal yet NOT considered "marriage"

Hatred shall rise up again,

CrysNN

Perez Hilton is not a real man and certainly not a woman! How did this sqealing, ignorant person got on that jury, how can he make an honest judgement on who should be the next Miss America? It is a shame, that the producers did not find a person more fitting for such in important position.
It is also a shame, that Mr. King provided a platform for this person so he can squeal his demands all across the world. Marriage is a first step toward a life with procreation and no homosexual couples can accomplish such deed.
If same sex couples want to have a binding relation, then they should have all rights under a civil union contract. They should have the right to adopt children. However, as a married person of 35 years, I certainly do not want only men or only women couples calling their relationship a marriage. What is the next step, Perez?

I really wish sexual preference of consenting adults had stayed in the bedroom or romper room where it belonged-If the Gay Community thinks that "being Married" will make them equal and do away with discrimination, I believe that they should talk it over with the Black Community. I honestly believe that their quest to be considered as married is going to result in a backlash that is also going to affect political leaders and entertainers. Governor Patterson and Mayor Bloomberg will be put to the test in coming elections. It isn't a question of being Controversial, it is a question of being socially acceptable. The Gay Community thinks we are all homophobic but I am into Personal choice and responsibility for that choice and the Gay Community has a tremendous responsibility to see that the spread of sexually transmitted diseases does not occur as a result of their sexual orientation!

What a spectacle! How quickly we judge others, and how quickly we attack this beautiful young girl who had the courage to answer a most inappropriate and politically charged question with honesty and candour. Is this how we reward free speech in the USA? As for Perez Hilton – what a pathetic, ignominious, foul-mouthed ignoramus. Who on earth chose him as judge on this pageant? What qualifies him to judge anyone or anything? He is obviously an aggressive, belligerent bigot. His comments to Carrie in his video blog were not only shameful, but they exposed his true character – low intelligence, poor command of the English language, and venomous in his expression of hatred for what he 'imagined' Carrie's perspective is on the whole gay issue. I would immediately resign from any organization who had this man as their spokesperson – what a train-wreck! In contrast we see Carrie speaking most eloquently, calmly and sensibly about her convictions. She gave an honest answer to a most inappropriate question – I think she warrants our applause for standing up for her beliefs under such pressure. What an example of strong leadership, and what a role model for our youth in speaking up and speaking out, regardless of the consequences. She deserves our attention, but I don't think should dignify the comments from Perez Hilton with a response. This is the ype of intelligent beautiy that can accomplish great things in this world through gentleness, honesty, and immense courage. I hope Carrie uses this current situation as a platform to enter the political arena – we need people like her. As for Perez – yes, I too feel sorry for him...but perhaps he may crawl back underneath the rock from whence he came. He has nothing of interest, or good rapport to contribute to humanity. His belligerent, bellicose and aggressive personality and his desire to coerce others into his way of thinking do not constitute any worthwhile contribution to the betterment of our society – he only serves to debase our society.
Larry, I sincerely hope you're going to have Carrie Prejean on your show to give her the opportunity to clarify the misconceptions that abound about her thoughts on gay marriage. I watched you interview Perez Hilton, a most objectionable man, and flet how appalling this is to give air time to such a blatant bigot. His language, his attitude, his personality portrayed a pathetic person living in a 'victim' mentality like a spoilt child who cannot get what he wants, and wants to change the rules so that he can get what he wants. Not a single empathetic or compromising word passed his lips – he was all about me, me,me.
Unfortunately, Carrie has been almost unwittingly drawn into the gay marriage debate simply because she answered a question honestly. She deserves the opportunity to expand on her opinion.

Dennis Prager stated the case for retaining the definition of marriage very clearly. Thank you, Dennis. This issue has nothing to do with civil rights. Perez and gay activists want to redefine the word "marriage" to fit their own political agenda...doublespeak a la 1984. Too bad Perez thinks four letter words are a good substitute for logic and reason.

This is a free country, isn't it? If any two people wish to join in marriage why shouldn't they be able too? Because of the opinion of another person? That just doesn't seem like freedom. A persons sexual preference hurts no one, so why even bother with all this? Because certain religions say homosexuality is wrong? The separation of church and state is one of our founding principals. Live and let live!

Response to Pietro-Had a blood transfusion lately? How about multiple partners with diverse orientations? Russian roulette is a fun game with a very quick ending when the gun goes off!

First of all, unless people listen to the problems that men and women are having such as having their newborn babies taken directly out of hospital rooms; then, please I will not go further on any other topic. Nobody has the right to adopt anybody else's kin unless there is no kin. Kin have trouble adopting kin because they have to fight strangers. This is a very serious problem in this country right now.

God Bless Miss California for being true to her feelings and not bowing to political correctness. The crown she may have lost for her being honest-according to Mr. Hilton- does not compare to the crown she has in Jesus Christ for sticking up for spiritual principles. What a lady–if only more people could be like her. As for Perez, I will pray for you to change and let God lead your life. Thanks again Miss California for your wonderful example of what is correct in God's eyes–that's what counts!

homosexuals want equal rights , they have equal rights as part of the human race, but to bring in what they would rather do sexually is a whole different thing. i don't care if they desire to lay with fish, it does not give them the right to change the true nature of all living creatures! the animals have a mate, a male and female. never have i seen a male and male animal of any kind getting it on! (please excuse the way i said that) gays want to change the right ways , to fit their wrong way , to feel normal! it will never happen, why ? because it's wrong! this 'perez guy" gives us a good example of a gay guy gone wild , Because someone doesn't believe in his way of living! is this the true meaning of openly gay? will the gay miltary officer , abuse his authority , if he or she is allowed to serve openly gay in the arm forces ? will they only promote those who share their views? LARRY ! THE GAY FOLKS SHOULD STAY IN THE CLOSET!

Perez Hilton is such a drama queen. You asked the girl a question and she answered it honestly!!! Give over yourself!!

Three things:
1) Mr Hilton CLAIMS that Miss Calif put herself in the "political arena" by answering this question the WAY she answered it, and that Miss USA shouldn't be a political person and THAT is supposedly why he is against her. My response is: the question itself was political charged, ergo, making the answer a GOTCHA no matter what the answer, if that is the rationale. So, either Mr Hilton is lying, as is 100% against free speech or, he set that question up to be unanswerable. Fair, I think not.
2) I find it sad that just because Mr Hilton chooses to NOT want to fit the definition of marriage, that he needs the definition changed to feel equal. Does he not see that it is HIS choice to remain not equal? So, for example, if a nun wanted to be in a marriage, then she would have a choice.... leave the sacred order or choose to reject the marriage option. It is the individual's choice, so why does society have to alter its everything just to fit THAT choice.
3) Although I applaud Miss Calif's conviction (may God bless her greatly) in speaking her opinion, her execution was clumsy.

I totally agree with Mr. Prager. Give them their rights/acceptance but don't instill this into our kids at a young age. I mean lets face it their going to find some way or travel to a state that will marry gays. BUT what gives Mr. Hilton the right to BLAST her like he did on his site? I mean come on now....I don't know why people can't see the obvious. A man was made for a woman and a woman was made for a man period! Did he listen in health class? GO Miss California!!!

As a gay person, I must say "Who Is Perez Hilton and why do we care"? I'm so tired of the no-talented, over flamboyant, overtly annoying gay guy that all the straight girls go ga ga over. Been there done that. How many gay guys act this way .....um ....lots. I think its important to remember the word "act". Oh I'm sorry, he's a fashion/entertainment blogger. Most of these no talents cant even dress themselves let alone criticize some one else. Perhaps there is room for him on the other loserville show TMZ. The issue of gay marriage should've never come up in the Miss America pageant in the first place. I think pageants are stupid anyway.

No one should ever be demeaned or disrespected for giving an honest answer to any question, whether you agree or not with that answer. Mr. Hilton should take a look at his self and understand if he want others to tolerate or accept his beliefs, he must also tolerate and accept the beliefs of others.

I am a hetero man married to my wife for 16 years. To me what other people do in thier bedrooms is none of my business. If gay people want to get married so be it. How does it hurt me or my beliefs? How does this hurt society?

I feel we are a society that is constantly evolving. Yet, God is the ultimate judge. . .Laws were made to be obeyed in order to keep chaos and calamity from happening in a society as well as other reasons. . As experienced from actually living in this society, studying law, active in domestic issues, i seem to have developed an opinion that this society (no matter who or what you are) all want and seem to need recognition, unification and celebration. Yet, we have high divorce rates, we create chaos in our lives and we make mistakes in our choices. In trying to explain my opinion further (in a brief manner) I feel what should be considered is a concept like acquiring our driving license permit, (since we can recognize and celebrate that in 3 parts, 1 permit w/supervision, 2 actually gaining a real license and 3 coming of legal age background)... As well , any laws in this society, that are amended or changed should consider all the new consequences.

Clare,
I read your lines and don´t have the faintest idea what are you talking about! I hope your work as a lawyer will be more understandable.

What a sad day in America when a person gets cut down for saying that they believe marriage is between a man & a woman. Anybody that reads the Bible & believes in God SHOULD KNOW that marriage is between a man & a woman. It makes me sick to my stomach when I think about gay marriage. I don't want mt children growing up thinking that gay marriage is O.K. when it's not. God bless Miss California & a big AMEN to her answer. She should have gotten the crown for standing up for her beliefs.

Final comment-I can now see the problem-If Perez Hilton was straight, he could date Paris Hilton and that would be very confusing but would make for a great act especially if performed at a Hilton!

people ask, how does gays getting married affect my life? well it doesn't affect me, but to come into the school where my child attends, and teach them ,or play mind games with them about being able to have two moms or two dads is not only not right, but down right crazy! don't play mind games with my children , saying thing like,if two ppl. love each other, it should not matter whom they marry. comparing blacks and whites not being allowed to marry, is a bad example, because they were talking about race , not the same genders! EVERYONE READING THIS BLOG, HAS A MOTHER AND A FATHER, THEY DON'T HAVE 2MOMS, OR 2 DADS! THAT BEING SAID SHOULD BE THE END OF THIS FOOLISHNESS, BUT I'M SURE, WE'LL KEEP THIS SILLINESS GOING! MEN MARRY WOMEN, THE END!

Please respect the rights of biological parents to procreate. Please respect the rights of biological parents to raise their babies and children. If they can't then biological grandma and grandpa or a close biological aunt. Please denounce adoption where a family was needlessly separated and their baby or child given to strangers. It's bad enough to have your child taken by strangers much less to a "gay adoption" or "gay marriage" especially if this is not your belief!

What Perez is upset about is that she did not share his views. He is very immature. She is entitled to her opinion. Perez said that she did not prepare for her answer, but it was Perez that was not prepared for her response. His lifestyle, or at least the one he advocates should not have qualified him to be a Judge on the panel. that is like asking a Klan member to give his opinion on the Miss Black America beauty contest. It just isn't balanced. As for Perez, I think his ideals on gay marriage should be kept off the stage. He has in a way, shown the kind of bias, outrage, and prejudice that his community has been fighting against. More Power to Miss California! I would imagine she knows who really is the "B" word now!

Gay marriage will give gays the same legal rights with their partners as any marriage does. They are now denied those rights. Civil unions are very restrictive in what the other partner can do. It does not afford anywhere near the same rights that a spouse has. These rights extend to insurance benefits, rights to decide on medical issues, rights to pensions etc.

Not all marriages produce children. Older marriages (40 years +) usually don't. We have witnessed the following situations that children are raised in:

– Single parent. Usually no father around at all.
– Disfunctional families (just speak to any therapist)
– Marriages with one or both spouses in affairs (bad environment for children).
– Marriages where daughters are abused by the "new" father.

As these are all heterosexual situations, no one blinks an eye, or may protest that things should be better. Why do we care so much about homosexual relationships, especially committed ones? I wish the same attention would be placed on heterosexual marriages where the husband regularly beats his wife.

For those who "feel sick" at the thought of gay marriage, think again before depriving others of their rights. I think it's sicker to believe that the invisible-man-in-the-sky is telling us who to condemn and who is okay. Make your case based on reason, not on superstitious beliefs that are extended and imposed on others.

The University of Oslo hosted the first exhibition that focused on homosexuality in the animal kingdom (2006). The extensive study and display notes that homosexual behavior is practised in 1,500 animal species. The dwarf chimpanzee – the entire species is bisexual.

I am not gay. My personal opinions on what is okay or not okay should not interfere with another person's legal rights – whether they be straight or gay.

As far as Miss California is concerned, she had no issue parading around nearly naked, exploiting herself for personal gain and participating in a "competition" that sets the hard fought efforts of my fellow sisters back by decades. She now speaks for the "moral, Christian" position against gay marriage. How hypocritical. I admit it's her "right" to do so. Please respect the rights of others as well.

As far as this argument that gays want to be accepted but can't: Women were not accepted as men's equal in the early 20th century. Women wanted similar rights to men – certainly the right to vote. Other rights were hard fought later.

The men laughed. Women vote? How aburd. Women owning businesses and property? Even more absurd. Equal pay? Unheard of. Don't they realize they are not men? They want the same rights as men – insane!!! We are repeating this entire sad episode with gays now and their desire for full rights.

Part of the struggle for women's rights was to elevate women from being portrayed as a sexual objects (you know, the ones that walk up and down runways in bikinis to further their careers). Too bad Miss California doesn't understand how abasing her participation in Miss USA was. She is not in any position to comment about gay marriage.

Now that we had our civil rights lesson. Stay to the point. Miss California was stating her opinion. She does have one you know. Not Anyone Here was a product of a gay relationship for that matter. The question called for controversy in the first place. She has an opinion, one that I agree with. So, hey there is another opinion. Perhaps standing on that stage is not as easy as it looks. Especially if you are confronted with questions that are under high debate anyway. Are you Muslim? Are you Christian? Oh, Miss California what do you think about Republicans, Democrats, Atheists? Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Asians? Hey, how about interacial relationships? There are a vast array of questions that could be asked. But the person asking it, even the question itself was ill-suited. She answered well. She said what she felt. That's American! It is also pleasing to note that the social order of the chimpanzee has come up with a solution, maybe we should get their input.

Fatboy Chesapeake Va If your child is learning about sexual orientation and marriage from school than I am sorry to say you are not doing your job as a parent. Unless your child is enrolled in a religious school, no religion or sexual orientation is taught. Sex education is taught and that only deals with hetero relations, STD's and pregnancy. And children under 18 must get permission to participate in such classes. So I ask you what are teaching your children? It is not the responsibility of teachers to instill morals or values in your child. It is your responsibility so dont blame the schools.

America is supposed to stand for equality for all. That includes people who dose not share our beliefs or moral standards. They are still human beings who deserve the same rights that we enjoy. And even though I dont agree with the gay lifestyle I would never want to deprive anyone of any rights that are granted to me. I believe that in the Bible somewhere it says Judge not least ye be Judge. And I will ask again how does two people getting married gay or straight affect me ? It doesnt I have my own life to attend to. And how does gay marriage hurt society? It doesnt gay marriage is legal in many european countries such as Germany and France to name a few. I dont see their society going to hell.

Sorry for the misspelling of the word does

If gays, in a committed relationship between two people, do not have the rights afforded by marriage, then we do not all have our rights. That is the point.

DEMOND! I CAN SEE THAT ACCORDING TO YOUR RESPONSE TO MY BLOG, I TOUCHED A NERVE! I STATED. EVERYONE ONE OF US HAVE, A MOTHER AND A FATHER, INCLUDING YOU, I NEVER MENTIONED RELIGION. I TEACH MY KIDS RIGHT AND WRONG, AND 2 MEN LAYING WITH EACH OTHER , IS THEIR CHOICE, BUT! IT'S WRONG. MAYBE YOUR PARENTS DIDN'T TEACH YOU , WHAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG IS. IF SO I'M SORRY IF THEY DIDN'T. MAYBE THEY DID TEACH YOU. IF THEY DID, AND YOU CHOSE TO DO YOUR OWN THING! MAYBE THEY TOLD YOU FLAT OUT , THEY DISAPROVE ! LET ME GIVE THIS TO YOU STRAIGHT, THERE'S A RIGHT WAY AND A WRONG WAY! YOU CHOOSE! THERE ARE LAW KEEPERS AND LAW BREAKERS, BUT YOU CHOOSE! IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG, YOU ARE IN BAD SHAPE!

OH, DEMOND! ONE MORE THING . IF YOU READ THE BIBLE, THE BIBLE DOESN'T TEACH , JUDGE NOT AND LIVE FREE AS YOU WANT TO! THE JUDGEMENT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, IS THROWING STONES , THAT'S WHAT JUDGING SOMEONE IS. I'M NOT JUDGING, I'M CORRECTING, INSTRUCTING, REPROVING, AND EXHORTING YOU. NOW , THAT BEING SAID . THERE IS A WAY THAT SEEMS RIGHT UNTO A MAN, BUT THE END IS DEATH. THIS IS THE TRUE MEANING OF LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. IF I SEE MY NEIGHBOUR HEADED FOR DESTRUCTION, THE RIGHT THING FOR ME TO DO IS WARN HIM OF THE DANGER. WHAT DANGER? THE DANGER OF FALLING INTO THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD! YOU MAY NOT SEE THE DANGER, BUT IF I DO, WOULDN'T YOU WANT ME TO TELL YOU?

FATBOY YOU DID NOT TOUCH A NERVE BUT OBVIOUSLY I DID. MY PARENTS NOT ONLY TAUGHT ME RIGHT FROM WRONG BUT THEY ALSO TAUGHT ME TOLERANCE. JUST BECAUSE I DO NOT AGREE WITH SOMEONE DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE WRONG. DO I AGREE WITH THE GAY LIFESTYLE? NO. BUT SHOULD THEY HAVE LESS RIGHTS THAN I DO? NO. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT HARM IS IT TO YOU IF GAYS ARE ALLOWED TO MARRY? ITS NOT HURTING YOU THAT THERE ARE GAYS IN RELATIONSHIPS NOW IS IT? SO WHAT WOULD IT HURT TO LET THEM MARRY AND ENJOY THE RIGHTS THAT I AND YOU HAVE? I AM A AFRICAN-AMERICAN WHO WAS BORN AND RAISED IN LOS ANGELES CA. I KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST. I AM ALSO AN ARMY VET, AND I SERVED TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF EVRY SINGLE AMERICAN. JUST AS EVERY OTHER SERVICE MEMBER. AND TO DENY ANY AMERICAN RIGHTS IS AN INSULT TO EVERY PERSON WHO EVER SERVED THIS COUNTRY IN MY OPINION

FATBOY DISCRIMINATING IS NOT CORRECTING, INSTRUCTING, REPROVING (WHATEVER THAT MEANS) OR ANY OTHER EXCUSE ONE CAN COME UP WITH. WHEN YOU DENY ONE GROUP OF PEOPLE A RIGHT THAT IS ENJOYED BY OTHERS IT IS SIMPLY DISCRIMINATION.

YOU CANNOT FORCE ANYONE INTO YOUR BELIEFS OR YOUR STANDARD OF MORALS. SO IF YOU WARN YOUR NEIGHBOR OF DANGER AND HE DOES NOT HEED YOUR WARNING, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? LOCK HIM IN HIS HOUSE AND DENY HIM HIS FREEDOM? OR LET HIM DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS CHOICE?

Miss California gave an answer. She said (paraphrasing) "In my family, we believe that marriage is between a man and a woman" – a very subjective answer. As a potential Miss USA (that's why she was there), is the crown-holder (who is a "representative" not an "individual in private life") going to state her position throughout her year-of-reign based on what her family believes? Do heads of companies run businesses that way? Do teachers teach curriculums or do they teach what their family believes etc. Miss USA is a job.

She was just not assute. She did not display the capacity to answer that question objectively. She could have said that she personally did not approve of gay marriage, however she respects that all Americans should have access to the same benefits that are given to heterosexuals (or some version of this) and their legal rights should not be denied.

It is disturbing when personal religious beliefs are used to deny rights to others. Apparently, we do not all have our rights, such as women didn't decades ago. Miss California is entitled to her beliefs, BUT – the Miss USA contest was a "job interview" and she should have been more inclusive and objective, due to the "her choice" to participate in such a public, high profile event. The position was for a "spokesperson" who will represent the country at home and internationally. One forfeits personal opinion by participating in these types of events (sorry but that's reality).

If a potential medical student was asked: "Would s/he treat a black patient or white patient first" – The answer should be: "whomever is in most need of treatment will be treated first (due to severity) or (in non-emergency) whomever had the appointment first". The wrong answer would be: "I was taught to give white people preference in my family, so I would treat whites first". That is basically what Miss California did.

If everybody who approves of gay marriage is so tolerant than why do so many people have to get attention for people whose civil and constitutional rights are being violated and abused in Juvenile Court (yes, adults- straight men and women!!!!) Straight men and women who want to yes, get married, yes, have a baby and OH guess what nine months later end up in Juvenile Court because there is prejuduce – OH "you look like you are low intelligence", OH, you faked your test", SOOOOO your baby will go into foster care because you look unfit!!!!! How is that for tolerance and prejudice?????????????? Did they have any rights?

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

April 24, 2009 1:34 AM

I’ve been sitting in front of the TV for several hours, but I haven’t heard a word, as the anger about Apple and the baby shaker game keeps building inside as a toxin. When the user shook the baby enough times the eyes would turn into red X’s, which symbolized the infant’s death, and the baby then stopped crying. The person who created this game is not an artist, only a coward and mentally unstable person who will hide behind freedom of speech. I think I can speak for most Americans when I say that we all believe in that freedom, but not in yelling “Fire” in a crowded theatre.

But who is raising these “artistic” people that poison our children with all the ugliness that life has to offer? I guess it started with all the vicious and bloody video games that parents purchased for their kids, but now it must stop. The children need to learn about the beauty, while aware of the ugliness. This is not a right or left issue, not a conservative or liberal issue, it is a human rights issue, and babies have rights, as they cannot speak for themselves or protect their fragility.

Now some will say that art is in the eye of the beholder, but Art doesn’t begin at point A, proceed into infinity, and never end, as the artistic line has definitely been crossed by a psychopath in training, but I am primarily upset with corporate America. I know the really religious will find this game upsetting, but I have faith in the alternative kids and teens, the ones with pierced body parts and green and purple hair who love to be different, as I was one of them many years ago, without the color and piercing, just the long hair, that they will join a campaign to teach Apple and corporate America that their balance sheets, loop holes, profit statements, tax havens and irresponsible insensitivity is destroying this great nation that was built on the blood of many dead heroes. They seem to have no conscience, only eyes envisioning dollar signs, as capitalism is quickly being polluted by 21st century fiscal vandals.

I am not a prude and don’t care what consenting adults do behind closed doors, as long as it doesn’t turn into hypocrisy, and I consider myself a free-thinker, which the world seems to lack these days, creative in many ways, as I’ve copyrighted many songs, and was in a band for awhile as a teenager, a rhythm guitarist, but it was short-lived. My dad was a talented graphic artist, plus my sister is also a gifted, and I believe we have more important issues to solve than worrying if same sex couples should get married. I appreciate what I perceive as art, like the genius Leonardo da Vinci, Kandinsky, Salvador Dali, Michelangelo, and Dylan Thomas, who rushes into my soul like a soothing wind of change, and I love alternative music, and I’m almost 60 years old. At one point an acoustic guitar gathering dust saved my life, as I began to write about the pains and unspoken turmoil that had turned me into a shell of a man, and I began to remember how much I loved to sing. It felt like I had awoken from a 20-year nightmare, and my creative personality had returned.

But does the “Pod & PHONE Generation” have the courage to join the B.A.B. campaign, which stands for “Babies Are Beautiful”? I want to see you on You Tube smashing your I-Phones, or at least not downloading any more songs, but the true heroes will step on their Pods or Phones with a force heard around the world. All children should be taught in school, very early on, that babies are not toys, they are little and fragile humans without defenses. Our children are being kidnapped and murdered, abused and tortured every day, but we spend more time watching boring reality shows, gambling, or watching sports, than in saving the unprotected children of the world.

I don’t consider this situation with the in the past John Lennon comment about how the Beatles were “more popular than Jesus”. I believe it was blown way out of proportion but I respect an individual’s right to throw out and burn or destroy all the Beatle albums and records they want, as freedom is what this country is about, but I still love John Lennon, and I vividly remember that fateful night when I called a friend and we got drunk together upon hearing about his demise. I am not religious, and I don’t believe in gods and goddesses, but I despise people who hide behind that institution for personal gain, as like most televangelists, but I believe in freedom of religion, as long as it is kept out of our schools and government; especially our government, as religion plus government equals war.

But now I must talk about my background, so you know where I’m coming from. These facts may seem extraneous, and maybe you’ll be thinking I’m going off on another tangent or dimension, as this story is supposed to be about Apple and babies, but I promise it will all make sense later on.

I “grew up” or shriveled during the 1960’s when the Vietnam War hovered like a jackal, and I was terrified by any thoughts of war because I was a gentle and very sensitive person, as if every pin stuck into my thin skin felt like a hundred, and every anxious moment was a persecution, as even the deaf could see the daily body count on their televisions. I smoked too much grass, gambled in excess on the ponies and card games, but never borrowed money, swallowed too many “downers”, drank too much of everything, and even tried inhaling Carbona cleaning fluid in another stupid attempt to bury my fear and insecurity, but I didn’t know any better, as my emotions were stagnant. Later on I tried cocaine, but I eventually outgrew those self-destruction urges, as did many others from that thermal era of change.
I eventually protested that war on those now contaminated cobblestones of Wall Street, that refuge for degenerate gamblers and fraud, and was always self supporting since the age of 22, when I moved into my first apartment, and now can boast of an 850 credit score, something I am proud of, as that is how I was raised, to work and pay the bills first. But preceding that first apartment, when I was 20 years old, I sunk into a state of depression, a “state of non-reality”, and it changed my life forever, as I had no treatment. I’m sure those illicit drugs didn’t help, but I felt like a lost spirit searching for some meaning and personal stature in an endless intellectual fog.
I needed to talk to a brilliant mind like Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, an influential thinker and the founder of analytical psychology. Jung's approach to psychology has been influential in the field of depth psychology and in countercultural movements across the globe, considered as the first modern psychologist to state that the human psyche is "by nature religious" and to explore it in depth. He emphasized understanding the psyche through exploring the worlds of dreams, art, mythology, religion and philosophy. Although he was a theoretical psychologist and practicing clinician, much of his life's work was spent exploring other areas, including Eastern and Western philosophy, alchemy, astrology, sociology, as well as literature and the arts. His most notable ideas include the concept of psychological archetypes, the collective unconscious and synchronicity. Synchronicity is the experience of two or more events which are causally unrelated occurring together in a supposedly meaningful manner. In order to count as synchronicity, the events should be unlikely to occur together by chance.

Jung emphasized the importance of balance and harmony. He cautioned that modern people rely too heavily on science and logic and would benefit from integrating spirituality and appreciation of unconscious realms. He considered the process of individuation necessary for a person to become whole. This is a psychological process of integrating the conscious with the unconscious while still maintaining conscious autonomy. Individuation was the central concept of Analytical Psychology. Many years later I would read his autobiography, “Memories, Dreams, Reflections”, only grasping about 60% of his thoughts, as they soared way above the intellectual powers of most humans.

After about 14 months, as there was no exact date to remember, I gathered enough self-esteem and moved into the apartment on the next floor from my mom and sister, who had a beautiful young child to nurture. The four of us in three rooms just didn’t work, so I found a job and tested the waters of life in an undiagnosed state of emotional turmoil, as old habits persisted.

Shortly afterwards I met the first girl I fell in love with, and we talked on the phone for hours, which was an experience that gave me goose bumps, but it only lasted 3 months, and I literally cried for a whole year. But there was a special child, Cari, who was only 4 years old, and her love kept me going for that eternity of 365 days. Every morning before work I opened the door to her apartment, and she would run down the hall way with the brown paper bag and sandwich that my mother had prepared, and she jumped into my arms, inflicting a magical spell that suppressed the loveless pain, if only for a moment. Then she would place one hand on the inside door knob, and the other on the outside, and I would swing her back and forth like an angelic pendulum, and her smile and laughter I could see and hear throughout the day. Upon returning from work we repeated the medicinal hugging that kept my overly sensitive spirit alive. Years later during another tough time I would walk to my sister’s home, just wanting to hold my niece Christi, to revive any feelings that had died and escaped. I loved that little girl as if she were a chocolate tree. Now there is Michael and Tonianne, and adding them to the loving circle makes life worth living. They are all the children I never had. At this moment I hope it all makes sense, that you understand why I get so upset when thinking about that shaking baby abomination. Holding a smiling baby in your arms and having him or her look you right in the eye and laugh is one of life’s great pleasures, and I hope the “Babies are Beautiful” words will seep into the minds of the world. Their innocence must be protected. That 4-year old girl I spoke of earlier is now pregnant with her third child, and I can’t wait for you know what.

It is now 4:28 AM

My autobiography can be accessed on Amazon.com or Xlibris.com. Just search for "Fixation Pains", by John Michael Molinari III. It is a very intense story filled with vivid similes and metaphors, and if you are a free thinker who enjoys intellectual banter you might love this piece of literature.

FATBOY 1+1=2 THAT IS A FACT. IT IS ALSO A FACT THAT EVERYONE HAS A MOTHER AND A FATHER. BUT IT IS ALSO A FACT THAT WHEN YOU DENY ONE GROUP OF PEOPLE A RIGHT THAT IS ENJOYED BY OTHERS, THAT IS INDEED DISCRIMINATION. THERE IS NO WAY AROUND IT. IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT REASON YOU DENY THOSE RIGHTS, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT ETHNICITY YOU HAPPEN TO BE, HOW SMART OR DUMB, ONES RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OR MORAL BELIEFS IT IS AND WILL ALWAYS REMAIN DISCRIMINATION. AND IN MY OPINION IT IS PLAIN WRONG. WE MAY NOT AGREE ON THIS ISSUE BUT I WOULD NEVER ONE SECOND SAY THAT BECAUSE WE DISAGREE YOUR RIGHT TO EXPRESS YOUR BELIEFS SHOULD BE TAKEN AWAY.

LIKE I SAID BEFORE, I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE GAY LIFESTYLE. I ALSO THINK SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS SHOULD BE BETWEEN MAN AND WOMAN BUT THOSE ARE MY BELIEFS. JUST BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE OTHERWISE DOES NOT GIVE ANYONE THE RIGHT TO DENY THOSE PEOPLE ANY RIGHTS THAT I ENJOY.

I'm a huge supporter of same-sex marriage and we live in a country in which we are free to believe in anything we want. Even though I don't agree with miss california's stance on same sex marriage, she was asked her opinion and therefore gave her answer and she shouldn’t be condemned for what she believes in.

Unfortunatly, alot of people don't have rights. If you enjoy rights then good for you. Since I was 17 years old; I have seen poor people discriminated against. How, by being victims of having their babies and children taken away and yes, they are lucky if they get them back. Maybe, not everybody has been exposed to this; but I have. Straight poor men and women who have been victiminzed by having a family didn't have the same rights that middle class families and the rich families have.

If a local "roving reporter" on the streets of a city came up to a person and said "what is your opinion about...?" The person would give their answer and walk away. Personal opinion stated., fair enough. This was not Miss California's situation.

Miss California was participating in a major event where someone would be selected as a representative of that organization and the country by extension. That individual would be compensated quite well for this one-year term job. She should not be condemned however this was not the right forum for airing religious views, certainly at the legal expense of non-heterosexuals. Any individual selected would not be chosen for expressing their religious beliefs – but rather for giving a more diplomatic answer.

The purpose of winning Miss USA is to go on to Miss Universe. Imagine competing in front of diverse judges from all over the world, who may not appreciate a narrow (or religious) understanding of one view point. That is why she lost. No condemnation here, just the reality of participating in this big money making business.

We politicize everything to the exclusion of tolerance. Perez injected political controversy, purposefully trying to embarrass the contestant. Perhaps Carrie lost because the other finalist was simply better for other reasons. We know Perez gave Carrie a "Zero," hardly an objective score, most certainly a punishment. Ironic isn't it: the individual screaming loudest for fairness, equal treatment and tolerance demonstrates he is thoroughlyu unfair, unequal in his treatment of those who disagree, the completely intolerant, insisting others violate their own conscience to accommodate his narrow, and minority point of view.

To Margaret and Rose, neither of you know what is going on in this country, and probably don't care. Parents get their children taken away by the State and never get to see the inside of a courtroom (Juvenile Court is not Superior Court ). Should gay couples get to adopt children? Who should give birth so someone can adopt their child? I don't think gay people are even gay, they just think it's cool to say they are.
Catherine

Parents get their children taken away by the State especially poor parents. Should gay couples get to adopt children? Who should give birth so a gay couple can adopt their child?

If this is about religion than it was an extremely poor question to begin with. It is natural to assume that a man and woman will get married and have children. It is more unnatural to assume that two people of the same sex will get married and give birth?

The question was not about religion – it was about legal rights. The answer given by Miss California was in terms of religious belief. That is the issue. The question was one of giving non-heterosexuals couples the same property rights, benefits etc that heterosexual couples have. What is "natural" depends on one's orientation.

Rose, Rose, way to go baby, you just get your little bad self down to Vermont and get yo self married. I know I will have your full support for the new proposed Mr?Mrs?Mr?Ms Gay America pageant. But we will answer heterosexual question like hmmm. Should straight people have a right to say anything? or hmmmm.... Should straight people be allowed to express their opinions? And hmm. oh my goodness Should a Straight person live in this great ole US of A? Shimmy Shimmy coco puffs!

You just keep on waving that flag baby girl. Miss California lost, we win! Now can you save some of that vibrant energy for something more constructive like the opening act for Gloria Allred, Ann Coulter or someone else that's just mad at the world. We got your picture, time to put nimble little fingers to rest. Breathe.....Relax.....Relate......Release!

To Prissy: I'm not gay (really). I am a woman of color, an immigrant child (in the early 1960's) and have seen the worst forms of prejudice against my family and others. I have seen my father (who was a lawyer in my country of origin and became a lawyer again in after qualifying) subject to the worst treatment he didn't deserve to due his new-to-America, non-white status at the time of civil rights movement. Nobody wins without full legal rights. I also despise the abuse of religion to deny rights as well. Nobody wins with prejudice.

I also spend a lot of time working with abused women (especially of minority origin). Specifically arranging for their legal representation as they are disenfrancised due to poverty and language issues. THIS blog was about legal rights – specifically for gays and Miss California's answer. Rather than addressing that question, it deteriorated into flipant remarks. How stupid.

– One does not have to be gay to know when gay rights are denied
– One does not have to be poor to know when the poor's rights are denied (should be an interesting, separate blog)
– One does not have to be female to know when women's rights are denied
– One does not have to be non-white to know when non-whites' rights are denied. etc etc.

The ability to walk in someone else's shoes is necessary for a fair and just society. To assume one must be a member of any particular disenfrancised group to empathize with them, as who else would support any cause but their own – is childish. It was Jesus himself who spoke up against the most disenfranchised. Wouldn't that be a more positive route and mindset?

When a gay man or woman has more of a right to practice his or her beliefs; more so than a straight man or woman who is simply being who he or she is by birth than our society has a problem. Health care is problem for everyone especially in today's economy. Pension benefits can be assigned to anyone you want if you are not married.

How do gays have "more of a right" than straights? How is sexual orientation "a belief"? How do we "believe" to be heterosexual? Being gay or straight is not a belief. It is an orientation. Denying full rights is a belief. Gays have less rights than hetero's in many regards (not all). There is more to this than simply assigning pensions. Access to health care (for example) is mainly based on access to wealth – who is able to pay. This is a socio-economic issue that crosses gender, orientation and race lines. It is a problem.

The issue of AIDS is not limited to gays. It's rate of growth is highest in poor, young heterosexual blacks.

What you need to know is that biological parents have lost their children, biological grandparents have lost their grandchildren, biological aunts and uncles have lost nieces and nephews to strangers. This is what alot of people are fighting for right now; the right to be a biological family. This is not a cause for many of us this is real. We have experienced this personally!!!!

The State does not take children away without cause. Your earlier statement inferring that somehow these children are taken and given to gays who want to adopt is illogical. The State must prove child endangerment, neglect or abuse etc before a child can be removed. Unfortunately, the fight for custody can be costly and not everyone is able to afford lengthy court battles. This is not fair.

"No one" should be denied any rights to being a family, that's what this whole issue is about. Many children have flourished in loving biological families, many have flourished in loving adoptive ones. Many are abused in both.

Lesbians give birth to children via in-vitro, single straight women do so as well. Gays adopt orphans from overseas if they can, so do hetero's. Many straights and gays do not have kids at all. Adoption can be a very complicated process with substantial waiting time. The placement of children into foster homes (temporarily) is another issue – usually a very negative experience for kids.

There is no such thing as a cause that is not personal is some way. Supporting biological families' legitimate rights to their children requires advocacy. The same for fathers who lose custody in divorce to ex-wives – simply for being male.