Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Original post by Xelindrya
BUSH: Good morning.
Eight years ago, Congress passed, and President Clinton signed, the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage for purposes of federal law as the legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.
The act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 342-67 and the Senate by a vote of 85-14.
Those congressional votes, and the passage of similar defense of marriage laws in 38 states, express an overwhelming consensus in our country for protecting the institution of marriage.
In recent months, however, some activist judges and local officials have made an aggressive attempt to redefine marriage. In Massachusetts, four judges on the highest court have indicated they will order the issuance of marriage licenses to applicants of the same gender in May of this year.
In San Francisco, city officials have issued thousands of marriage licenses to people of the same gender, contrary to the California Family Code. That code, which clearly defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman, was approved overwhelmingly by the voters of California.
A county in New Mexico has also issued marriage licenses to applicants of the same gender.
And unless action is taken, we can expect more arbitrary court decisions, more litigation, more defiance of the law by local officials, all of which adds to uncertainty.
After more than two centuries of American jurisprudence and millennia of human experience, a few judges and local authorities are presuming to change the most fundamental institution of civilization.
Their actions have created confusion on an issue that requires clarity. On a matter of such importance, the voice of the people must be heard. Activist courts have left the people with one recourse.
If we're to prevent the meaning of marriage from being changed forever, our nation must enact a constitutional amendment to protect marriage in America. Decisive and democratic action is needed because attempts to redefine marriage in a single state or city could have serious consequences throughout the country.
The Constitution says that 'full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts and records and judicial proceedings of every other state.'
Those who want to change the meaning of marriage will claim that this provision requires all states and cities to recognize same-sex marriages performed anywhere in America.
Congress attempted to address this problem in the Defense of Marriage Act by declaring that no state must accept another state's definition of marriage. My administration will vigorously defend this act of Congress.
Yet there is no assurance that the Defense of Marriage Act will not itself be struck down by activist courts. In that event, every state would be forced to recognize any relationship that judges in Boston or officials in San Francisco choose to call a marriage.
Furthermore, even if the Defense of Marriage Act is upheld, the law does not protect marriage within any state or city.
For all these reasons, the defense of marriage requires a constitutional amendment.
An amendment to the Constitution is never to be undertaken lightly. The amendment process has addressed many serious matters of national concern, and the preservation of marriage rises to this level of national importance.
The union of a man and woman is the most enduring human institution, honored and encouraged in all cultures and by every religious faith. Ages of experience have taught humanity that the commitment of a husband and wife to love and to serve one another promotes the welfare of children and the stability of society.
Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society.
Government, by recognizing and protecting marriage, serves the interests of all.
Today, I call upon the Congress to promptly pass and to send to the states for ratification an amendment to our Constitution defining and protecting marriage as a union of a man and woman as husband and wife.
The amendment should fully protect marriage, while leaving the state legislatures free to make their own choices in defining legal arrangements other than marriage.
America's a free society which limits the role of government in the lives of our citizens. This commitment of freedom, however, does not require the redefinition of one of our most basic social institutions.
Our government should respect every person and protect the institution of marriage. There is no contradiction between these responsibilities.
We should also conduct this difficult debate in a matter worthy of our country, without bitterness or anger.
In all that lies ahead, let us match strong convictions with kindness and good will and decency.
Thank you very much.
michele31
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
I honestly do not believe that the men who run for President are very different. Corporations control our country, the President is just like one big pretend CEO. John Kerry or George Bush..hum...both are rich...both are politicians with corporate connections...neither will much to help the average American.
Becky
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
I have read the history books. According to those books, we IGNORED what was going on in Europe until Japan brought the war to our doorstep. We didn't take a look at Hitler and decide to go in and remove him just because we didn't like how he was running his country.
We shouldn't be in Iraq. It took them a long time to degenerate into what they are now. How conceited of us to think we can go in and say 'we offer you democracy' and think the power struggle will cease and the Iraqs will live in harmony. I am so tired of hearing about the American lives that are lost there on a daily basis and then hear Iraqis cry about how we haven't restored their water supply and electricity fast enough and that we should leave.
The history books also reveal that the League of Nations was worthless because no one would abide by the decisions that were made. We weakend the UN by initiating a war that they opposed.
I love how people say that Clinton did nothing about the terrorists attacks that occured while he was in office. Does anyone really think that Congress would have approved a war based on anything that happened during the Clinton presidency??? No way. Start a war where? Bush REACTED to 9/11. Going into Afghanistan to look for Bin Laden was totally justifiable. Going into Iraq a year and a half later? We can't just invade countries forevermore crying 'remember 9/11.'
Shamee
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Hmmmn...Japan/Europe. Two different places that we were fighting in. If our beef was only with Japan, then why were U.S. soilders dying on the beaches of Normandy?
Why wouldn't congress pass a war bill during Clinton's presidency? Bush got one through (so did Blair) with MUCH opposition from all parties of parliment, congress, etc.
Conceited? For offering support to other nations? I don't think so. How about you pose that question to the 5,000 people that Saddam gassed to death, to test out his so called phantom 'WMD' that 'don't exist'? You don't think he could have possibly tried one out in Times Square or in Las Vegas or in Anywhere USA? I say why chance it? Do you ladies own homes/rent? Do you have an alarm on your house or your car? Do you take precautionary measures to protect yourself and your property? What's the difference? If we live in such a perfect society, why have all those things? Leave your car unlocked, leave your doors wide open? You're safe, right?
Becky
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by Shamee
Why wouldn't congress pass a war bill during Clinton's presidency? Bush got one through (so did Blair) with MUCH opposition from all parties of parliment, congress, etc.
That is my point, exactly. Even after 9/11 Bush had to work very hard to get Congressinal approval for war. The terrorist attacks against us during Clinton's presidency did not have the devestating effect that the 9/11 attacks had. So many people are asking NOW why Clinton didn't push for war, but no one was making that noise at the time. Hindsight is 20-20.
We can't protect ourselves by invading all countries where terrorists can be found. There are terrorist cells in our own country and we can't get rid of them. If we are talking about protecting ourselves, we had better forget about Irag and focus on what is going on within our own borders. Those 9/11 hijackers didn't fly those planes from Irag or Afghanistan. They lived here and took off from our own airports in our own planes. My car doors are locked, but I don't see how that matters if there are terrorists next door planning another attack and my government can't find them because it is busy trying to rid the rest of the world of evil dictators.
Xelindrya
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
As far as the foreign aid goes.. I feel this.
It's Catch 22. Damned if you do, Damned if you don't.
US is a superpower. Frankly I also wish we could just say 'Sorry buddy, handle it on your own' but we can't. America is NOT a country of sole heritiage (ie. only the American Indians can say that) instead we ARE the hyphenated country of the world. We can't turn a blind eye. If we don't help, we are being prejudiced. If we do help, we are choosing sides. We really can never win. Somewhere in the world and more than likely in our own country people with be on the opposite side of everything we do overseas.
We lend billions of dollars overseas and never see it come back. If we called back in our debt we would not HAVE a national debt. We can't, we'd bankrupt the world.
I get a bit annoyed by the conscience we MUST have for the rest of the world and be hated doing it. It's like we are the babysitter no one wants, but runs to when their knee is scrapped.
Just a side note, I know Bush used 9/11 in his speeches to get to Iraq but I still believe it was meant to say we don't WANT another 9/11 ANYWHERE on this earth. Saddamn was a terrorist, plain and simple. We had been recently hurt by terror and the US came out to clean house. We can't whine about Bin Laden while allowing Saddam to stay in power. JMHO
verdila
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
I think I read this in The Davinci code recently--
The definition of History is the winner's interpretation of true events that have occurred. There are always 2 sides to a story or more, nothing is black and white.
But I think the point Shamee was trying to make is that the US did get involved in many world wars to protect what we think was liberty and justice for all. Iraq is nothing new. Personally, I think most wars that the US get involved in - our heart is there I hope and that we are trying to protect democracy - at least that's the way our history books tell it. So once we have committed to a war in Iraq, regardless if you didnt believe we should be there, you should support the troops.
Applying this principle, I think that there are always going to be controversies especially when it comes to politics and defining law. Should we have gone to Iraq? Should gays be allowed to marry? I think everyone has a right to their opinion but you are never going to have a consensus so it's just a matter of who is the prevailing winner in office that defines the law and thus history.....
Xelindrya
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by Becky We can't protect ourselves by invading all countries where terrorists can be found. There are terrorist cells in our own country and we can't get rid of them. If we are talking about protecting ourselves, we had better forget about Irag and focus on what is going on within our own borders. Those 9/11 hijackers didn't fly those planes from Irag or Afghanistan. They lived here and took off from our own airports in our own planes. My car doors are locked, but I don't see how that matters if there are terrorists next door planning another attack and my government can't find them because it is busy trying to rid the rest of the world of evil dictators.
Actually I agree with you 100% here. We DON'T take care enough of our own. Theres so much more that can be improved.. *BUT* the average american doesn't want to sacrifice their freedoms to get that security.
Look how people whined and complained when nail clippers were taken at airports. Could you imagine the RAGE if the government said 'we want to watch more of what's going on IN our country'? hah!! NO WAY. My life, my privacy, my freedom. And if you ASSUME I am a terrorist then you're being bias and abusing my civil rights.
We are in a way spoiled. We want to feel secure at home but don't to let anyone see what happens inside. So when the bad guy makes bombs in his basement he is free to do so.
Again.. JMO
Becky
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by Xelindrya
Actually I agree with you 100% here.
LOL!!! I like that you seem suprised. I think we have agreed on other things before, just not usually when it comes to politics.
I can't stand when people complain in the airports. Taking your shoes off is a small price to pay if it increases security at our ariports.
HappyEverAfter
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Clinton had to run the country w. a republican congress. It made it much more difficult to get things through government-I dont think he would have gotten approval to go to war.
As for our role as the world police, if we need to go into these countries, its our obligation- why have we done NOTHING in Korea, where an unstable leader is stockpiling nuclear weapons? Talk about locking my car, why are we not taking steps to protect ourselves against that? Bush has his own agendas and runs the country based on them. His daddy didnt take care of buisness in Iraq-so he had to. All the money we dumped into this as a country under George Sr and we had to do it all over again under Bush Jr.
When do we get to focus on our own bad economy etc and get this country together? I am tired of my tax dollars going to fight wars for other peoples countries- esp when they dont want us there and tell us to get out!
Xelindrya
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by Becky
Posted by Xelindrya
Actually I agree with you 100% here.
LOL!!! I like that you seem suprised. I think we have agreed on other things before, just not usually when it comes to politics.
I can't stand when people complain in the airports. Taking your shoes off is a small price to pay if it increases security at our ariports.
You know what I meant! Im not SURPRISED but i agreed with that 'portion' of the post.. how about that?
Sage10.03
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by HappyEverAfter
I am tired of my tax dollars going to fight wars for other peoples countries- esp when they dont want us there and tell us to get out!
Just for a bit of perspective on this comment:
One of my very best friends recently returned from fighting in Iraq (He had been there for the war and was there when they toppled the statue of Sadaam) and he had a different view of the Iraqi people. He said the media rarely shows how amazingly appreciative MOST OF the Iraqi people are to them and how they are regarded as hero's in many of the towns they traveled through. Don't get me wrong, he did not say that they never faced opposition from any of the Iraqis, but he did say that the majority were grateful to them.
My post is not to infer that I supported or did not support the war, only to put this perspective out there....
BMD'sPeanut
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by Sage10.03
Posted by HappyEverAfter
I am tired of my tax dollars going to fight wars for other peoples countries- esp when they dont want us there and tell us to get out!
Just for a bit of perspective on this comment:
One of my very best friends recently returned from fighting in Iraq (He had been there for the war and was there when they toppled the statue of Sadaam) and he had a different view of the Iraqi people. He said the media rarely shows how amazingly appreciative MOST OF the Iraqi people are to them and how they are regarded as hero's in many of the towns they traveled through. Don't get me wrong, he did not say that they never faced opposition from any of the Iraqis, but he did say that the majority were grateful to them.
My post is not to infer that I supported or did not support the war, only to put this perspective out there....
I've heard something similar. I work with a gentleman whos family is in Iraq and since the start of the war and throughout, he has maintained that they are thrilled with the prospect of 'being freed' I'm sure this isn't the case of every citizen, but it's a bit reassuring when you hear something positive like that.
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by Becky
The history books also reveal that the League of Nations was worthless because no one would abide by the decisions that were made. We weakend the UN by initiating a war that they opposed.
:applause: aren't we supposed to learn from our mistakes? this was a huge mistake!!! and the first country to take advantage of League was Japan when it violated the Kellogg-Braind Pact when it staged an explosion and decided that they should go into Manchuria (China) and steal all their resourses...
verdila...studying Chinese history they say there is much embellishment in the history of the end of a dynasty and the beginning of a new one...b/c the new one writes the end of the old one to make themselves look better...
fortunately governments don't write history now...and whoever is in power...will always have opposition writing against them - at least in this country...
verdila
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
When I was in London a few yrs ago, we went to the National Gallery and several other museums, I was shocked to see how they slanted the American Revolution portraying it in a more positive light for the Brits! I cant remember the exact painting we were looking at or the quote but it was a battle scene from that period and all of a sudden we were laughing so hard because it barely talked about the victories of the American Revolution...it was more like how they won many battles and glossed over other battles like Gettysburg....it was just very funny to see it presented in the eyes of the British....
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
just FYI...here are Bush's words from 2000 in a Larry King interview
Today‘s stance marks a change for Mr. Bush, who said as a candidate in 2000 that gay marriage was not the federal government‘s business
BUSH: This state can do what they want to do. Don‘t try to trap me into the states issue, like you‘re trying to get me into.
ETA: this was from Countdown with Keith Olbermann
michele31
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Read :What your teachers never told you in school' instead of a history book. I don't remember reading that the white man unleashed small poxs to kill off the Indians in school and yet it happened. People hide behind ignorance all the time. We must learn what is really going on with our gov't. Can I say Halliburton anyone?
shelzyp
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by verdila
When I was in London a few yrs ago, we went to the National Gallery and several other museums, I was shocked to see how they slanted the American Revolution portraying it in a more positive light for the Brits! I cant remember the exact painting we were looking at or the quote but it was a battle scene from that period and all of a sudden we were laughing so hard because it barely talked about the victories of the American Revolution...it was more like how they won many battles and glossed over other battles like Gettysburg....it was just very funny to see it presented in the eyes of the British....
I think that everyone has their own version of history, think about when you have an argument with someone and there are more then two sides, but verdila, I think that Gettsburg was over looked, because it had nothing to do with the American Revolution.
Shamee
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Interesting enough Michele, I DID read/learn that in school.
Thanks for pointing that one out..
heidla
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
First, what exactly does AIDS have to do with gays right to get married? AIDS is a horrible diease that effects eveyone. I have lost two people to AIDS. One was a gay man and the other a hetorosexual women. I think that to point out that AIDS is more prevelent in one community is irrelevent. I am more likely to get breast cancer then FH but what does that matter? Should we not be allowed to get married? Should I not be allowed Health Insurance?
Also, just want to point out that FH's company has a domestic partnership insurance plan that we do not qualify for as a straight couple. The explanation being that we have the right to get married, homosexuals don't.
Second, the government has been pulling the wool over the people's eyes forever it seems. We enter into other countries problems and often do such a half hearted job that it comes back to haunt us in the end. The Taliban is fighting us with many weapons that we armed them with when they were fighting the Soviets. My point is that none of these issues are new. Presidents have been getting laid in the White House for years. They have turned a blind eye to issues abroad because they are just that abroad. They have been backtalking liars who have nothing but THEIR special interests in mind.
Thrid, I support our troops. I am glad that Saddam is out of power. I hope with all my heart that they catch Bin Laden. But, I refuse to allow my government to try to keep in in fear. I remember 9/11! We all remember 9/11!!! But I refuse to allow Bush to try to keep me so focused on living in fear that it allows him to destroy the rights that I believe are the backbone of this country.
Jordan
Posted:
Member since
Re: Im probably going to regret doing this: But here are Bush's words exactly as said.
Posted by heidla
First, what exactly does AIDS have to do with gays right to get married? AIDS is a horrible diease that effects eveyone. I have lost two people to AIDS. One was a gay man and the other a hetorosexual women. I think that to point out that AIDS is more prevelent in one community is irrelevent. I am more likely to get breast cancer then FH but what does that matter? Should we not be allowed to get married? Should I not be allowed Health Insurance?
Also, just want to point out that FH's company has a domestic partnership insurance plan that we do not qualify for as a straight couple. The explanation being that we have the right to get married, homosexuals don't.
Second, the government has been pulling the wool over the people's eyes forever it seems. We enter into other countries problems and often do such a half hearted job that it comes back to haunt us in the end. The Taliban is fighting us with many weapons that we armed them with when they were fighting the Soviets. My point is that none of these issues are new. Presidents have been getting laid in the White House for years. They have turned a blind eye to issues abroad because they are just that abroad. They have been backtalking liars who have nothing but THEIR special interests in mind.
Thrid, I support our troops. I am glad that Saddam is out of power. I hope with all my heart that they catch Bin Laden. But, I refuse to allow my government to try to keep in in fear. I remember 9/11! We all remember 9/11!!! But I refuse to allow Bush to try to keep me so focused on living in fear that it allows him to destroy the rights that I believe are the backbone of this country.
