OMG, he is finally doing it to himself. He is who i thought he was, and is now starting to prove it. Phew, for a while there I thought he might have had an outside chance. Glad to see he has taken the last few days as an opportunity to self-destruct.

This man has got to have more skeletons in his closet than any candidate alive. Come'on smoking gun, what the heck are you waiting for!

WOW!

As a Progressive Democrat and Edwards supporter I will not be voting for Mr. Huckabee, but for months I've been telling people not to discount his campaign, and sure enough it has caught fire with the 'fire and brimstone' base of the Republican party.

BUT………………

Has he lost his mind?

Mr. Huckabee, please SIT DOWN!

You are embarrassing yourself.

If we want religion, we will go to church.

What a "Nice Guy" remarks!!!
Can he talk about real issues?

This is why he has the best shot among the republicans. He is honest, realistic with the moralfabric of society, and does not politic (take both oposing sides) his way on issues

this kind of thinking has no business in public - let alone the white house. Shame on you Mike - shame shame shame.

For this one statement he made, I agree with him, and even more important, GOD agrees with Huckabee. After all God said it first, and the God of Abraham CAN NOT lie.

David Smith is wrong to think that mainstream American believes that homosexuality is normal. It is not normal, it is offensive; but not as offensive as David Smith suggesting that he knows what mainstream america may think or believe! I am Mainstream America.

I may or may not vote for Huckabee, I don't know yet; but I do know that Huckabee's beliefs are similiar to mine.

Okay, here we go again with the liberal media's absolutely distorting something Huckabee said.

Read the quote - read the actual quote - and tell me if he said homosexual relationships is the same thing as a man and an animal. That is taking it from Point A to Point C without going through Point B!

The fact is that, in some states, probably Arkansas if you want to know the truth, bestiality was not illegal up until recent years. That's why he feels the need to include that as an additional way that the definition of traditional marriage could be changed.

"I am mainstream America?" Pretty broad statement don't you think?

Haha, trust me, you're not Mainstream America if you're even thinking about voting for Huckabee.

Hey Estill, how dare you call your Mainstream America! And yet you call gay relationships "offensive"? Mainstream America is not comprised of bigots.

Estill, you actually believe evolution is a farce or that homosexuality is the work of the devil?

Huckabee supporters honestly scare me.

Mr. Huckabee, please SIT DOWN!!!

You are embarrassing yourself.

If we want religion, we will go to church.

Whether or not you or mainstream America believes homosexuality to be a moral issue it certainly is not a federal issue. Mike Huckabee is a joke that somehow got the Religious Right on his side. He will not be the president and will likely run as the ivce president to War mongor Mccain. If anything, the gay marriage issue should be a state issue.

Hey Estill,
Apparently you're not mainstream America. Why does Huckabee believe women should be submissive to their husbands? Did you know it's 2008? Women's rights were established long ago. Nor does he believe in evolution. I wonder what will happen to the NIH? Guess Americans won't be able to research all the diseases God has bestowed on us. Regarding homosexuality, whether it's normal or not, many homosexuals have loving relationships that are healthier than straight marriages.

As a gay man, I find it "offensive" that some people think that it is their business to dictate to others what is normal, moral, and offensive. If someone doesn't like or agree with something, that is their problem to deal with internally. It is such a sad day when America, wich claims to be the "leader of the free world" is still far behind other countries when it comes to respect for others and this issue is one of them. I am a moral individual. I go to church. I have had a long term, committed, loving relationship for 9 years now. David Smith is right! And the likes of the fundamentalist/extreme Huckabee will never get into the Whitehouse - This is America, not 1930s Germany.

RE:Estill Richardson

Homosexuality may be offensive to you, but that doesn't mean that it's not normal. Religious zealots with no idea of how the real world operates in the 21st century are offensive to me, and sadly in the USA today, this is normal.

Estill-

If you share the beliefs of Huckabee, than you share the beliefs of someone who has flip-flopped on countless issues, and is impossible to trust.

I know for a fact that America, since atleast half of this country has to have some sort of intelligence, does not link homosexuality and bestiality. Homosexuality occurs between people that are often born loving the same gender. How can you call this wrong, when lots of people have no choice in the matter, and must suffer from the ridicule from Americans such as you?

Bestiality, inversely, is an extremely perverse, only sexual, relationship between two different species. How can you even compare the two, that's what I'm wondering?

But please, vote for Mike Huckabee. It is obvious that if he does win the nomination, than all of his lies, his 1,033 pardons, his inappropriate words regarding a variety of issues from suicide to concentration camps to women graciously submitting to their husbands, will be exposed. There is no possible chance that he would win when matched up against the likes of Obama or Clinton.

Simon

What is normal? Is Britney Spears normal? Is George Bush normal? Is Roger Clemens normal? Is Estill Richardson normal?

Estill…get to know ten gay men and women…and then come back here and let us know what you think. Ignorance is bliss, and in your ignorance is dangerous.

I am an independent moderate who lives in a small community where just about every day another house is up for sale either because the family cannot make the mortgage payments any more or the senior couple living there cannot afford the ever-increasing taxes. Where the jobs that are available for parents to raise their families are in the retail sector and are for minimum wage. Where those of us who do have health care still have to wait to find out if it is okay to get the test or the treatment. Where our men and women in the military are coming back suffering from PTSD or have lost their legs or a part of their skull and brain. So lowest on my list is to care whether the law-abiding adults in the house next to mine who are in a loving relationship are of the same sex and if they want to get married…let's let them…I bet it would help with the property and school taxes. Talk to me about real across the board lobbying reform in Washington DC so my vote and voice can actually count and improving diplomatic relations so there is no more US cowboy diplomacy and stopping the flow of US company jobs to other countries so college-educated people arent folding sweaters for a living at the local Old Navy…and don't even pretend to be someone who can be the president for all the citizens of the US if you want to deny freedom to some of our citizens.

Anyone who says she "is mainstream America" automatically reveals her small mindedness. Which is exactly where bigotry stems from.

Juan, you can let the liberal media and our liberal public education system fool you into believing that most Americans are accepting of homosexuality. We are forced to tolerate that and many other immoralities. Mainstream America is far more moral than you give us credit for.

Last time I checked you could get married just by going to down to the courthouse, no religion needed. That is our separation of church and state working for us. Religion started marriage but the government is the one who makes it legal. And it seems to me that a lot of people are saying what there religion tells them to say, that same sex marriage is wrong. Well if it is wrong why can the government say a women and myself living in the same household for seven years that we are now considered married. You will not find that in any religion. The government didn’t make that rule using religion, so why use religion when it comes to same sex marriage? Religion doesn’t tell who and whom not to fall in love with and neither does the government. If I want to spend the rest of my life with some one and we both have the mental capability to make sound decions then who has the right to tell me we can’t? No one. That’s a right that comes with freedom. Like it or not that is the way it should be.

That's just sick. What is wrong with this man?

How can you be the President of the United States and not even respect every citizen?

Hey Juan, if mainstream Americans were not so-called "bigots", they wouldn't have overwhelmingly passed the marriage amendment acts

Estill, you may be a part of mainstream America, but you are in no way mainstream America. Huckabee once again has shown his bigotry. It's one thing to have the religious belief that gay marriage is wrong and it's another to insult the very humanity of those who believe otherwise by equating them with animals!

Mainstream doesn't believe in gay marriage!!! Go Huckabee!!!

Preach on, Brother Mike!! Preach your way right out of the race. Do it now. For the sake of humanity.

Hey, you need to get some education, to say that homosexuality is not normal is a clear sign of backward mentality.

Is someone asking Governor Huckabee to change his religion to match thier lifestyle? Yes or No!
Go Huckabee!

Sorry Juan, but Mainstream America is not for redefining Marriage. Most of these issues would not be a problem is the gay community would accept civil unions, but they refuse too.

If you think that Mainstream America is ready to redefine marriage, then your living with your head in the sand.

You know, more and more it seems that the only ones that are not allowed the constitutional right of free speech are Christians who live their lifes according to what the Bible says. The very moment that we say we do not agree with gay lifestyle then we are automatically called bigots. Well, I for one, am proud to say that I am a bigot then. The whole problem with your argument though is that just because I do not agree with your lifestyle and I believe that it is morally wrong, I am not going to treat you badly. I do not believe that I have to partake in your lifestyle choices. Just because I do not like your lifestyle does not mean that I do not like you. You may very well be a nice person but I do not have to condone what I perceive to be immoral decisions. Bigotry usually accompanies hatred. Just because one does not agree with you doesn't mean we hate you.

Another thing, Juan, you'd be surprised at what truly is Mainstream. Anymore, people are afraid to voice their true opinions about the situation for the mere fact that Christians are made to look like fanatics. I believe that Mainstream America for the most part agree with my thoughts.

I am a normal, average american citizen living in Arizona. I have never thought of homosexuals as deviant and think America should get on the boat with progress. I am mainstream america..and there is nothing offensive about people who want to love each other. That business about opening the door to bestiality is nonsense..and underminds the intelligence of "mainstream" america.

I find this kind of mentality just the kind we do NOT need running this country. Acceptance, love and respect are more needed now than at any time I can remember in my life in this country. I wonder how Huck would feel about people saying that speaking in tongues is disgusting, fraudulent and close to lying? Though I don't feel that way, there are many that do. I don't like the idea that this country is a theocracy, exactly what Huck is pushing for with statements like this. Huck, Jesus would embrace a loving marriage of any two people — love is all that matters.

Huckabee reminds me of Tom Cruise…strange rants, no one has control of the wheel…he also mentioned putting squirrels in popcorn poppers in college. The guy is a little off.

They are not Mike Huckabee's word, they are God's Words

Sounds like another bigot to me.
This guy would get destroyed in a general election with the Democrats. I really doubt he could even get the majority of the Republican vote. The Democrats are cheering this guy on because they realize how easy it would be to beat him.
Yeah, the die hard evangelicals which may represent 30% of the vote would support him, but no one else would.

Despite the media's image of Huckabee as a tolerant Christian, an evangelical different from the likes of Pat "pray for Supreme Court Justices to die" Robertson, it's becoming more and more apparent that Mike Huckabee is a snake in the grass who's every bit the bigot.

Whatever these Presidental candidates say, I just wish they won't apologize later.

They should stand up for what they believe. Mike should say what he really believes, Mitt, everybody. Even the Democrats.

During these primaries, these Republicans are very strongly anti-immigration, anti-abortion, pro-war. During the real Primaries, will they be as strong about their views when in Vermont, CA, NY, WA?

I hope they will not be cowards and compromise, and I say the same for the Democrats, when they go to the South. Anti-guns? Pro-immigration? JUST SAY IT!

I don't think Huckabee's comments were in any way offensive. Someone is trying attack him for a simple statement. If anyone was offended by the former governor, to bad. Everyone has the right to express their opinions, that is the greatness of America. Democracy is not about trying to be political correct its about speaking for what one believes in.

I agree with Huckabee on this issue. I think most people do not agree with the Human Rights campaign. Why is being gay a human right anyhow? That doesn't even make sense.

I still think Ron Paul is better than Huckabee so I'm voting for Mel Gibsons Braveheart, but the pastor is right about gay marraige.

Huckabee's call to amend the U.S. Constitution to follow the laws in the New Testiment, he is in fact indorsing turning America into a Theocray.

It baffles me that the people who support homosexuality are allowed to claim themselves as main stream. Homosexuality is not the norm for relationship and thus can not be considered mainstream. Comments like David Smith's serve only to polarize any conversations concerning homosexuality and show that often those supporting homosexuality only try to shout down others that disagree with them.

Huckabee talks as if the definition of marriage has always been the same, which is just not true. Anyone remember back when interracial marriae was illegal? Or how about divorce, didn't it change the definition of marriage? And let's not even talk about back when marital rape was legal. But then again, I'm sure Huckabee leans conservative on all these issues…

Hey Estill Richardson - you are proud to be MAINSTREAM??…..wow how sad…..forget all individual identity or preferrence…..No room outside the box for you?? You must be real fun at a party!!

Estill, mentalities like yours and Huckabee's are dangerous and detrimental to our society. The gay community is here regardless if you like it or not. Contributors to their communities, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, tax payers, trendsetters and in many cases role models. Go back under the rock you crawled out from because we "refuse" to go back into our closets.

Recent studies have clearly shown that homosexuality is not chosen, and mainstream America understands that and also understands that homosexuality is not "offensive". Juan is absolutely spot on with his comment; we are not bigots.

Well, I would bet Huckabee's latest comments were not intended to attract media attention this time around.

It will be entertaining to see how the media treats Huckabee's latest statements.
Late shows should have a hay day with this material. It was just a matter of time that Huckabee would burn out.

So, basically, we have Huckabee stating that he doesn't want "Yankee agitators" coming down south and telling South Carolinians that they can't fly their treason flag over their capitol building.

Three posts later, we then read about how he'd use his power as US President to impose his brand of morality on more liberal states.

Isn't this guy incredible?

Hmm, I thought we separated church and state? The last thing this country needs is another president to carry on religious wars.

Put me aboard Hill Force One any day. Experience over pandering anyday.

It's my understanding that the Bejing conference that Hillary went to DID try to define about 100 different "sexual preferences," some among more than two partners. For all I know, they may have had one involving four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

I think it's reasonable for us to mandate the preservation of the traditional family unit, if only because it's the most basic building block of society. As Huck says, we're not against anything. We're FOR traditional marriage.

fascist

Regardless of what our background, ethnic, socio-economic level might be, it's difficult for me to understand why anyone would oppose two loving human beings wanting to make a commitment to be faithful to each other. To say because God tells me to oppose them just seems so disappointingly naive. Perhaps we (this includes Mike) should focus more on fixing the real moral crises of our times such as poverty, teen pregnancy, and abuse. Oh, let's not forget divorce (straight marriages). That should be enough for awhile.

I think David Smith is stretching. Mike Huckabee is not comparing homosexuality to bestiality. If you go read the entire interview you'll get a much different picture. He is essentially just saying the definition of marriage is a man and a woman. He then basically says if you start changing the definition where does it stop? Obviously he's not actually saying homosexuality equals bestiality, he's just using escalating deviations from the definition of marriage to prove the point. It's obvious CNN is currently picking and choosing to put up things about Huckabee they think will have a negative impact. I just turned on CNN on TV too, and guess what they were speaking negatively about Huckabee. There seems to be some bias going on here.

Estill, I find your limited mindset offensive.

Huckabee, I think you are a decent guy, but I think you should learn to love all mankind. Homosexuals are God's children too. God is Love, not Hatred.

I am a part of mainstream America. I have gay friends and co-workers and a gay person in my family.

You know like those radicals, Dick Cheney, Newt Gingrich and Barry Goldwater.

Huckabee and his ilk are nothing more than hateful, ignorant, buffoons.

Some Christian!!

Never underestimate the morons of America. They voted for George Bush, they'll probably vote for someone like Mike Huckabee.

Morons like their president as ill informed and bigoted as they are.

It makes me incredibly sad to hear comments like the one from Huckabee and the reaction by Estill above. It really erodes my confidence in the goodness of humanity in this country when I hear what is essentially hate mongering. When we start making anti gay comments and laws we are eroding the foundation of what this country was founded on. Freedom. Should we maybe put all the gay people in jail or make it illegal for a particular relegious group to marry or practice their faith? Ever heard of the constitution? Freedom of religion, seperation of church and state?
I am a strong Christian and as such I practice openness and love towards my neighbors be they gay, straight, christian, muslim, jew, black, brown, white or anything else. Estill I hope, and pray that you are not mainstream America.

I am not a fan of the hucklbee and would never vote for him, but I am 100% in agreement with his comment. Call me bigot if you wish, it may be appropiate, but who cares? I shall not change.

Is there any hate group he won't pander to?

Hey, moderator. It sure appears to me that you are screening out any comments from "mainstream americans".

As president, Huckabee would scare me. He is very judgemental. I agree that the president should respect every citizen. We need a president to unite us, not devide us. What is so wrong with two people, who love each other and are the same sex? Who is he to judge whether this is wrong or not? My god loves everyone!

You obviously don't know the definition of a bigot. Christians believe homosexuality is wrong, not the people engaging in it. And if someone is hateful or hurtful to the gay and lesbian community for their sexual activities, that would institute bigotry. God is love, and the problem with so many "Religious" people, is that they hate the person. Hate is just an equal sin as homosexuality. That is my belief. I love everyone, or try to at least, Jesus was about love and giving. If Christians wavered in their beliefs you would call us weak and fake, or easily broken. Say things like "hypocrite!" What i don't understand is how religions like Buddhism, Muslim, Wiccan and such gather more respect. Many Americans even fear insulting Muslim. What is any different with our faith? Because you personally think it is stupid? I think many religions are stupid, but I would never disrespect them. You're the bigots here

If an atheist can marry in a court, why can't other two people marry whether they're gay or straight? I'm not religious, I have no plans to marry through a church or religions eyes…so what's the big deal that I'm gay and want to marry my boyfriend of 5 years? I'm not asking for religions to accept me, I'm asking for my country to accept me.

And yes, majority of America has become more acceptable, and the younger generations are the most accepting, knowing it isn't a choice and they are just the same as every other person. When I hear stories of gay couples winning "Best Couple" or "Prom kings" etc in Highschool dances and Yearbooks, you know the younger generation is going to change the face of America in the next 10-20 years.

And sorry, I don't see how comparing two PEOPLE wanting to marry is the same as one person wanting to marry an animal.

What ignorance.

THE HUCKSTER IS AN IDIOT.

What is "offensive" is the blatant incoherence of you people and the liberal media to take a quote and turn it into something that paints Huckabee as intolerant when that's not what he said.

Read the quote, people. Don't just fall into the liberal media's trap.

If you disagree with his political view on traditional marriage, that's one thing, but no need to attack the man's faith or his character.

Huckabee is a very disturbed man, whose only knowledge is about the bible and Jesus. There's no way he would ever get voted in as President of the US. His views on the gay community make George Bush look like Barney Frank.

The biggest threat to marriage is divorce, but no Christians are rallying behind a ban on that are they!? They don't care about 'the sanctity' of marriage or the fundamentalist rightists would have erased the right to divorce long ago. Nope, the pious and self righteous aren't about to give that little perk up. Government has no place denying adults the right to legally marry. Proof that real conservatism is truly dead.

Nowaday in America every nonsense is mainstream. America is totally corrupted and sick.

The "act" is wrong. Not the individual. That of homosexuality. That's just my belief. God doesn't tell anyone to oppose homosexuals (individuals) but rather the act. And some believe individuals can't "choose" their preference. I disagree. Even a drug-abuser, for example, which we know by science and by, yes, you guessed it, STUDIES, indicate that one is predispositioned to be a substance abuser. That individual still makes a choice. But that doesn't mean they're to be shunned or hated. Only to be identified with. And helped in anyway society can help them.

The Constitution of the US is supposed to protect Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens…not just for fanatical right-wingers who seem to be the first ones to complain and spew hypocrisy.

Has anybody actually read the four biblical passages that supposedly condem homosexuality? Two of them are pretty vague (Genesis 12 and Romans 3 I think), one only condems homosexuals in newer versions of the bible( 1 Corinthians 5 give or take a chapter), and the last passage does say Two men "lying together" are condemed (leviticus 17 or 19) but that same book condems people who eat pork and shrimp and people who wear clothes made of different fabrics.

Mike Huckabee sho has a purdy mouth.

Marrige is a religious sacrament in my faith. I was married by my a church. The state conferred the legal privleges as a result of my marrige in a church. The state should not marry anyone. That is church business. But the state should grant legal rights to any two people who jointly agree to share those rights and privelges. Like so many issues so called gay marrige is not a either a for or against issue. It has many facets and positions in the middle.

I think it should be left up to the states to decide these highly controversial subjects (gay rights and abortion). Let the federal govn't let the states vote on these issues. Say every state did vote on a yes or no gay marriage amendment. My guess would be possibly only four or five states actually passing a yes vote. 4 OUT OF 50 to me, does not sound like mainstream.

Sometimes, you are not going to please every crowd. It is a difficult job to be President of the US. To be all things to all people. It is a challenge that few face. However, it is important to be honest with your faith in front of the public. The Gospel offend people. The Truth offends people…and it is perfectly ok to do so.

Huckabee, you give religion a bad name. The church I go to teaches tolerance and respect. What does yours teach judgment and persecution?

Good luck in November, Mike.

It'll be you and a few thousand rednecks.

We don't have to argue about whether Huckabee thinks gay relationships and bestiality are cousins. We CAN agree that people like him with big smiles and folksy talk are dangerous if they try to make us comfortable with our prejudices. Mike Huckabee's comment and demeanor do just such.

I agree with Gov. Huckabee.
The danger is not defining what marriage is, but defining what it is not.
Someone needs to speak up.
Go Mike!

Q: What do Christian Evangelicals and the Taliban have in common?

A: Everything.

Mr. Huckabee's statement did not equate homosexuality with bestiality (hence the author's wording of "appeared"), it simply was exploring what could become of the institution of marriage if not defined as something. The definition has historically been between a man and a woman and, since this has been challenged, marriage must be defined more clearly. We must draw the line of defining marriage somehow. Homosexuals may want it drawn at 2 men or women. Polygamists may want it drawn at 12 people. Pedophile's may want marriage allowed down to age 12. And so on.

Simply, the traditional definition of marriage has been challenged and so now it must more thoroughly defined. This is not from hatred of homosexuals, polygamists or pedophiles or denying that these relationships are not real or important to those involved in them, it is rather seeking to define the institution of marriage. Christians, if following the lead of Christ, do not hate others, but do despise sin, whether it be sexual or other.

I laude Mr. Huckabee for taking a firm stand on his beliefs and seeking to define marriage as between a man and a woman, which has repeatedly been demonstrated to be in agreement with mainstream America at this time.

It is very sensitive subject to discuss (if not one of the most sensitive of our times) and yet we have to learn to respect and appreciate each other views without calling names and getting angry. This issues is dividing America in very dramatic way - I wish we never had to discuss it, but it is here and we should learn to discuss it in most humane and compassionate manner.

I am not Huck's supporter at all (far from it actually), but I too believe that Mainstream America supports sanctity of marriage as union between one man and one woman.

To better understand us Christian is to look at what the heart of our beliefs is and what does it says about the topic- The Bible:

Leviticus 20:13 - "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

Leviticus 18:22 - "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."

Also, we are taught not to judge and NOT to hate but to understand.

Did I get this right ? that being gay along with bestiality are in the same realm? Well, its not in my opinion. Being gay is a person's choice, bestiality is coming from a deranged mind - its so sick and whoever engages in this needs to see a phyco for sure. I believe Huckabee is going over the edge slightly, and he needs to re-check his thoughts about this subject.

Rene:
You are correct, it would not be normal for my body, but good luck with yours!

Homosexuals are about 1 or 2 percent of the population. Mainstream? Hardly.

The real President of this country is the media because people are too lazy and dumb to weed through the lies and find the truth. We instantly believe everything the media puts in front of us. Don't believe everything you read or see…. find the real truth and facts for yourself. The media leads us through stages of emotions making us feel scared, unprotected, mad, out of control, etc… The media is the snake in the grass and the media is what starts most lies when they run out of bad things to talk about they make up some crap.

Denny, God can not lie, but Republicans sure can. (by the way God didn't write the bible, Humans did)

Huckabuck won't let homosexuals into his marriage club because they might destroy it with the inroads the gays make to pedophilia and beastiality…is he serious? This has to be a joke.
The only threat to the institution of marriage, dearest Michael Huckabee, is the ever increasing divorce rate; and that is the fault of heterosexuals.
You are a fool and America will not tolerate your arcane and oppressive crusade.
Ben

In times like these, and in a country like ours, one would expect our citizens to be well educated. Apparently, not only are some ignorant, but also cruel and vindictive. People are allowed to make many life style choices for themselves, such as whether to smoke or drink, get married or stay single, to have children or not, to go to college. But, you can't choose who you love. And as long as you really love them and want to commit yourself to one person why should anyone deny you that? It should be between you and that one other person, it has nothing to do with the rest of the country. How is it going to hurt them? Yes, some christians may think homosexuality is wrong, but are they the ones supposedly going to hell for someone else being a homosexual? I think not.

You all need to take a moment and educate yourselves on facts. The facts are that everytime the topic of legalizing homosexual marriage is presented to the people of the United States on a national, state, or local ballot it is rejected by a very wide, wide, margin. So, in looking at the facts - it seems pretty clear to me that mainstream thinking in the USA seems to be more in line with Gov. Huckabee than with the vocal minority who support homosexual lifestyle and marriage.

Furthermore, what I find appalling is that the views of the vocal minority in this country that support homosexual lifestyle and marriage are being forced upon my family and I almost every time I turn on my TV. The mainstream of America do not want to see this on the TV or in the media every time we turn around! But we - the majority and mainstream America - are constantly instructed by the vocal minority to be silent because we might offend someone with our "radical beliefs".

You recurrently cite the non-existent "separation of church and state" language in the constitution as a means to tell Christians to shut up and keep their noses out of government. Yet you apparently haven't taken the time to read the document and what it actually says because it in no way, shape, or form calls for a "separation of church and state" - it does call for the "freedom" of religion such that the government can not mandate any one religion that the people must accept and practice. Keep in mind, the men who drafted that document and founded our country did so because they were fleeing England and the King - who did mandate that the doctrine of the church of England was the only religion and that everyone had to accept and practice it. Also, why would they call for separation of church and state - in the manner that many in this country interpret it, intending to keep any religious thinking and values out of government altogether - while at the same time build the foundation of this nation and it's charter documents (the constitution and declaration of independence, the federalist papers, etc) specifically on the principles of the Bible and their very own Faith in God? If you actually take the time to read the writings of those who fled England to come to the new world, those who fought for our independence from England, those who founded our great nation, those who drafted our charter documents, you will find that they were indeed a people who not only acknowledged and believed in God, but also lived there lives very much by His principles. Like it or not, this nation was indeed founded on Godly principles - the God of the Holy Bible! So please, stop trying to shut the voice of the majority (mainstream) of this nation out because you don't like what they are saying - you won't stop talking either - nor should you have to, that's what is so great about the USA!

You cite "scientific studies that have shown that homosexuality is not chosen but that it is hereditary, but what legitimacy is there in a scientific study performed by human beings - who by nature are not objective - using formulas and theories written by these same non-objective human beings. Data is great, but it can made to tell virtually any story you want it to tell, its all in how the data is presented.

I accept that not everyone is a Christian, nor do they necessarily believe in God. Once again, that's what is great about the USA - each person is entitled to believe whatever they choose. The constitution says we are a free people, that we have the freedom of speech, yet ever time someone who professes to be a Christian enters the public scene - specifically in any type of government capacity, they forced to be silent and/or are mocked, called a freak, idiot, fool, bigot, or fanatic simply because they believe differently than the vocal minority. One example is of the judge from Alabama who was forced to remove the Ten Commandments from his office and courthouse because someone was offended and called him for being in violation of the separation of church and state - which doesn't exist.

As a Christian, I am certainly against changing the institution of marriage to include two men or two women. Having said that, if you choose to live your life that way - that's up to you. If you choose to live with another individual of the same gender and call yourself a couple, that's up to you. Ultimately, when I hear the arguments in favor of homosexual marriage, the primary issues tend to center on being treated with equality to heterosexual couples - equality in benefits, hospital visitations, inheritance of assets, tax advantages, etc. Personally, I think health benefits from through an employer or not and many of these other items should be allowed regardless of the relationship being hetero-or homosexual, married or not. If a person wants to pay a higher premium out of their own paycheck to provide health insurance to a friend, neighbor, relative, boyfriend, or girlfriend - why shouldn't they be able to?? If you designate someone as the heir of your assets, they should get it, if you specify on a power of attorney document that a specific person is making your decisions - and do so with sound mind - that should not be in question - period!

Everything that comes from huckabee's mouth is calculated, and aimed at his demographic. Pray his goofy platform doesn't get on the ticket, or it's the dems for 8 long years.

Regardless of what a person thinks of same-sex marriage, it is clearly evident that Huckabee uses religion to make decisions when it comes to government. It is important to have a separation of church and state. Without it, you have a theocracy. Iran is a theocracy. That is not how I want my country run.

Dont agree with Huckabee on everything but I agree with him here.

Denny,
Not YOUR god, HUCKABEE's god, nor anyone ELSE's god belongs in things that effect ME.

today's young people are growing more and more accepting of differences, and they are the future. this country will keep working toward total equality and if huckabee is elected, he will only stall that process. it's only a matter of time before everyone is truly equal.

That makes me sick. What's worse is that it is the mainstream opinion in America, though I strongly disagree with it. And "Ragdoll," Christians often do have "fanatic" ideas actually. It's a real problem… this is what happens when religion controls a country. It won't be long before all chaos breaks out–America is becoming no better than Nazi-era Germany.

One of these days, but most likely not in our lifetimes, people will look back and wonder what the heck we were thinking by treating good people like they're inferior only because they don't conform to "normal" society standards.

The Old Testament, aka "the word of God," lists numerous patriarchs, prophets and personalities who have multiple wives. Polygamy was the norm. And yet, the Huckster and his ilk prattle on about the evils of "redefining marriage." Hate to break it to you, Mike, it's been redefined countless times as society progresses beyond Iron Age standards of so-called morality. Welcome to the United States of America, where laws are written by human beings, not jumbo superdaddies up in the sky.

Estill, If Mainstream America believes "I am better than you", what was the point in fighting Dictatorships exactly???

And by the way…

"Furthermore, what I find appalling is that the views of the vocal minority in this country that support homosexual lifestyle and marriage are being forced upon my family and I almost every time I turn on my TV. The mainstream of America do not want to see this on the TV or in the media every time we turn around! "

Let me tell you something, Jim: I don't want your heterosexual "normal" relationships shoved down my throat ever time I turn on the TV! And please… if it's such a minority that supports gay rights than clearly that isn't an issue for you.

If you're so upset, move to Texas. It's full of religious lunatics like you down here, you'd fit in perfectly. Actually, on a second thought, please don't. To rephrase that: there are plenty enough of you crazy religious bigots down here… we don't need any more.

"I believe that Mainstream America for the most part agree with my thoughts."

Don't we all.

Wow not a good week for the Huckster, I think his days of running are limited what with this comment, which was twisted, but people don't care they will hear it and it will turn a lot of people against him! and then his take the pole and tell them what to do with it comment..It shows that he is to emotional, bye Hucky!

I personally don't believe anyone has to accept behavior that they consider deviant as being normal just because it is accepted by someone else. What may hold water in San Francisco does not necessarily hold water in most other parts of the country, thank God!

Jim (above), you're a moron.

Mainstream America, I'm happy to say, is more and more accepting of homosexuality, and more and more people are realizing that it is a perfectly normal lifestyle…..for homosexuals, that is. Just as it is totally normal for you to be heterosexual, it is totally normal for some people to have the same kinds of feelings for people of the same sex as you apparently do for the opposite sex.

I continue to be baffled why people like you are so threatened by homosexuality. No one can make you or your children gay- homosexuals are born that way, and it does NO ONE any good to force them to live in shame and secrecy. I hope for your children's sake that none of them are gay, because if they are, they'll have to deal with their father's ignorance and bigotry.

As for your overly long American history lesson, you need to go back to school, Jim. 200 years of legal precedent has recognized the separation of church and state- it is anything but "nonexistent". No one says that your beliefs can't animate your politics. But just as Huckabee is free to bring his beliefs to his campaign, the rest of us are equally free to bring OUR belief that he is an ignorant, backwards bigot.

Huckabee is correct… Two men sodomizing each other is not normal and should have no place in our society.

Biggot!

True colors people! His comments were directed at the Mormon religion, which did away with polygomy over 100 years ago! He is just trying to smear his biggest rival and do what all preachers do best as spread fear and deception!

What a joke! This man should not be president, run a daycare, or come within 500 yard of me!

I guess people will say almost anything to get votes nowadays

Jim,

What is your beef? White , Christian males are the only people who have held any real elective power in this country. You are hardly some oppressed minority.

Look, our Founding Fathers United States wanted our government to be based on the bible they would have specifically said so. If they wanted our government policy to be based on the 10 Commandments they would have specifically said so. If they wanted the documents that they drafted to be specifically Christian……they would have specifically SAID so. They had that opportunity.

They specifically chose not to. Wonder why.

Our government officials like that judge you notated in Alabama are not to endorse any religion while carrying out thier duties. I wonder if that judge were a Muslim and insisted that a giant Koran be displayed in his courtroom, or a Buddhist judge displaying a massive Buddha in his would you be so supportive?

I am guessing not so much.

Look the facts are that there have been homosexuals in every corner of this globe since the dawn of recorded time. Do you honestly believe they all simply chose that? Did you "choose" to be straight? I know I did not.

Would anyone choose to be treated like dirt and ostricized?!? I think not.

With regards to our founding fathers, you do realize that they would all be unelectable today.

They were way, WAY too liberal.

Oh, I missed something, Jim- where in the world do you get the idea that the founders based our constitution on "the principles of the Bible and their own Faith in God"? THEY MOST CERTAINLY DID NOT.

History has shown us time and time again that Christianity is quite compatible with monarchy, and just about any form of government. Our form of representative government, "of the people, by the people" - how exactly do you get that from Christianity? (Hint- you can't).

And the ten commandments? Why weren't they enshrined in the Constitution if that's what the founders wanted? They could easily have put them in if that's what they wanted. Where is the part in the constitution about keeping the Sabbath day? Where is the part in the Constitution about not taking the lord's name in vain? Where is the part in the Constitution about not making unto me any graven image? Where is the part in the Constitution about honoring thy father and mother? (Hint- NOWHERE!)

I have a little quiz for you- HOW MANY TIMES IS THE WORD GOD MENTIONED IN THE CONSTITUTION? (hint- not once). HOW MANY TIMES IS THE WORD "CHRIST" MENTIONED IN THE CONSTITUTION? (hint- not once).

The founders were learned men, who wrote very clearly and said what they meant. If they had intended this country to be founded on Biblical principles, why in the world wouldn't they say so? They did NOT say so.

Huckabee is a fool and a bigot, but he certainly did not equate gay marriage with beastiality. He did however say that gay marriage was a step toward the direction of sex with an animal.

On an editorial note; marriage, as regulated by the United States of American, is a SECULAR institution. That means that Christianity has nothing to do with legal marriage. Should premarital sex be outlawed by government? That's what the Bible would claim. Your churches don't have to allow gay marriage, but the SECULAR government of the United States does. It should be called marriage. Not gay marriage, just marriage.

The more Mike Huckabee talks the more votes he loses…..how long will this campaign go on?

You CNN moderators hate to see an anti-gay comment don't you ? You nutless wonders.

Huckabee would be the best president this nations ever seen.

I believe Mainstream America would be defined as a majority. and Americans have shown that they are opposed to gay marriage two-to-one. You call us haters, but yet you insist we crawl under a rock and state that you hate us shoving our lifestyle in your face. It sounds like you have plenty of hate for the both of us and most of the lifestyle shoving is being done by your side. No one has said you can't have your relationship. You claim tolerance, but are intolerant yourselves. Who is the real bigot here?

I know that Christianity may not be the “world’s” religion, but Christianity is what this country was founded on. This is America if you can’t live with it; there are a lot of other nice countries you can choose from. It is bible that marriage should be between one man and one woman. God made those rules, and I for one don’t want to go before “Him” on judgment day and have to explain to “Him” why I took a part in changing it. And again if you don’t believe in God or if God is not a part of your religion, well it is ours, ours being America. What is left of it anyway, and that is what Mike Huckabee is fighting for. The America that used to be free and now gay rights have more rights then Christian rights. We can’t pray in our schools, but you can be gay in our schools. We can’t have the Ten Commandments hanging in our court rooms or our schools, but you can teach our children about gay marriage without our knowing it. I just don’t understand how gay marriage has become so much more important to us then teaching our children things like what is on the Ten Commandments. Sounds to me like the Christian’s are being shoved in the closet since the gays have come out of there closet. I don’t believe the gay people are going anywhere, but just like you don’t want to go back in your closet I refuse to be shoved in one.

I know that Christianity may not be the “world’s” religion, but Christianity is what this country was founded on. This is America if you can’t live with it; there are a lot of other nice countries you can choose from. It is bible that marriage should be between one man and one woman. God made those rules, and I for one don’t want to go before “Him” on judgment day and have to explain to “Him” why I took a part in changing it. And again if you don’t believe in God or if God is not a part of your religion, well it is ours, ours being America. What is left of it anyway, and that is what Mike Huckabee is fighting for. The America that used to be free and now gay rights have more rights then Christian rights. We can’t pray in our schools, but you can be gay in our schools. We can’t have the Ten Commandments hanging in our court rooms or our schools, but you can teach our children about gay couples without our knowing it. I just don’t understand how gay marriage has become so much more important to us then teaching our children things like what is on the Ten Commandments. Sounds to me like the Christian’s are being shoved in the closet since the gays have come out of there closet. I don’t believe the gay people are going anywhere, but just like you don’t want to go back in your closet I refuse to be shoved in one.

Huckabee's anti-gay statements are appalling. These have no place in government. We don't live in Iran. Maybe Huckabee should move to Iran. Their president says they don't have gays.

Romney has the qualities we need in our president after so much sleeze (Clinton) and poor decision making (Bush)!

I clearly agree with Romney on the issue of pardons. Let the Judges Judge and the Governors Govern! Who was running Arkansas while Huckabee was pouring over 1000+ legal cases? Or was he not researching those life and death cases? Maybe he had a score to settle for someone supporting those criminals…this is bad judgement. Legal work is much better suited for attorneys and judges…it is the law by the way, not theology. If you want to be cleared of past crimes, TAKE YOUR CASE TO A JUDGE!

Governors should be Governing! Romney did just that!

Come on now!!! Was anyone REALLY suprised that he said this! This man also said in 1992 (?) that people with AIDS (that means children TOO) should be isolated from the rest of society. BTW he recently said he stands by those statements. If the Rep what Huck as their man more power to them. It will just make Obamas victory easier. Personaly, I think he needs a good-old-fashioned roundhouse kick to the head from his buddy Chuck Norris!!

Obama 08

"…for, between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference- so wide, that to receive the one as good, pure, and holy, is of necessity to reject the other as bad, corrupt, and wicked."
"He who is the religious advocate of marriage robs whole millions of its sacred influence, and leave them to the ravages of wholesale pollution."
" They attend with Pharisaical strictness to the outward forms of religion, and at the same time neglect the weightier matters of the law, judgement, mercy, and faith. They are represented as professing to love God whom they have not seen, whilst they hate their brother whom they have seen. They love the heathen on the other side of the globe…while they despise and totally neglect the heathen at their own doors."

From "The Narrative" by Fredrick Douglas. While this was about slavery, it rings true today about religion vs homosexuality. The hypocrisy of the religious only make them look more ignorant.

What a pig.

God does not hate people.

I read the quote a couple of times through so that it would sink in. All three times, Huckabee came across as a fanatical homophobic. No one willing chooses to be gay. I don't know ANYONE who would choose to be discriminated against daily because of who they love. The best any of us can do is to welcome people of all sexual orientations, races, abilities, and sexes into our religions, communities, and daily life.

But now we have a presidential candidate who claims that homosexuality is "unnatural" . But he is also a follower of God, who he believes created the universe and everything in it. And because God created one and all, why would he choose to allow two people of the same sex to love each other if it is so "immoral", "unnatural", and "wrong"?

Homosexuality has been in existence as long as sex. Huckabee
will pass away some day. Thank God.

Huck is absolutely right! If you allow the definition of marriage to change, then what right do you have to then LIMIT the change to include 2 men and 2 women but no further. Either the definition can be changed or it cannot. If it CAN change, then why could it NOT be a man and a Cadillac, or a woman and a Siamese cat? The definition is either constant or it is not. That's Huck's point and he's right on! The fact that most American's haven't figured that out yet, or are foolish enough to somehow be offended by the truth doesn't take away the veracity of the comment!

I find it both insulting and appalling that certain individuals, such as one David Smith of the Human Rights campaign, would take it upon himself or herself to try single-handedly defining for the rest of us what does or does not fall "out of the mainstream of American thought."

I am unsure of what dictionary he used when looking up "mainstream," but there is a very obvious reason why "gay rights" bills are consistently defeated across the country: the Majority of Americans are against such laws.

Clearly, Mainstream America disagrees with you, Mr. Smith.

And frankly, I'm fed up with this "political correctness" garbage that liberals use as a crutch. The mere idea of "political correctness" is a cancer within our political framework, which guarantees freedom of speech. Yes, I have an opinion: I am against laws that would legalize gay marriage. That view just so happens to align with the majority, a.k.a. Mainstream America. I am sorry you disagree with it, but you must face a harsh reality: you are part of a small but annoyingly vocal minority. However, the majority will simply not be marginalized.

For those liberal readers who would attempt to label me, considering many liberals attempt to marginalize the majority opinion, note that I do consider myself a Christian, though given the rarity with which I attend church, I certainly would not be evangelical or fundamentalist. I am also young (early thirties); I work in a very progressive industry with progressive-minded individuals; and I was educated at a university known for its liberal policies. I offer this only to illustrate that our difference in perspective is neither a matter of generation nor of "the times."

I find it both insulting and appalling that certain individuals, such as one David Smith of the Human Rights campaign, would take it upon himself or herself to try single-handedly defining for the rest of us what does or does not fall "out of the mainstream of American thought."

I am unsure of what dictionary he used when looking up "mainstream," but there is a very obvious reason why "gay rights" bills are consistently defeated across the country: the Majority of Americans are against such laws.

Clearly, Mainstream America disagrees with you, Mr. Smith.

And frankly, I'm fed up with this "political correctness" garbage that liberals use as a crutch. The mere idea of "political correctness" is a cancer within our political framework, which guarantees freedom of speech. Yes, I have an opinion: I am against laws that would legalize gay marriage. That view just so happens to align with the majority, a.k.a. Mainstream America. I am sorry you disagree with it, but you must face a harsh reality: you are part of a small but annoyingly vocal minority. However, the majority will simply not be marginalized.

For those liberal readers who would attempt to label me, considering many liberals attempt to marginalize the majority opinion, note that I do consider myself a Christian, though given the rarity with which I attend church, I certainly would not be evangelical or fundamentalist. I am also young (early thirties); I work in a very progressive industry with progressive-minded individuals; and I was educated at a university known for its liberal policies. I offer this only to illustrate that our difference in perspective is neither a matter of generation nor of "the times."

I beg you PLEASE nominate Huckabee… I would like to burst in laughter as the Dems wipe the floor with him… Seriously its like this guy has never left Arkansas. He can't deal with diversity of any kind in this country… what will he do when he actually as to leave the country and visit different nations…?

haha denny

Hey TLC, ever hear of "separation of church and….(fill in the blank if you have)". Redneck.

i am 17. this presidential election will be the first that i particapate in.
as my generation inherits the burden and privilage of America,
it is my sincere and fervent hope that God's love will be able to heal the gaping divides in this Great nation.
God bless.

"I know that Christianity may not be the “world’s” religion, but Christianity is what this country was founded on."

Wrong. This country was founded on religious freedom. Learn your country's history. It was NOT founded on anti-science brainwashed medieval superstition. It's not my fault you have no real life.

"This is America if you can’t live with it; there are a lot of other nice countries you can choose from."

The first time someone likes you tries to impose your religious beliefs on me, including within MY Constitution, you will die. It's called treason, and I'll have no mercy on you. The tree of liberty needs to be replenished with the blood of patriots and crazed theocratic fascists every once in a while.

The Constitution is clear: practice whatever religion you prefer; it will NOT be recognized politically. It sure as hell will never appear in the Constitution.

Get it? Your right to believe in adult Santa Claus fairy tale crap ends at MY Constitution.

I am for Obama , but if Clinton was to make it to the General Election , i would vote for Huckabee to keep Clinton out of the White House.

Huckabee is the only Republican i would even think about voting for.

I completely agree with Gov. Huckabee. The vocal minority believe they can change what God has ordained. Yes we're all equal but not the same. We all came into this world the same way, conceived by a man and a woman. Not one person, especially you homosexuals came into this world by conceived by two other men. Accept it, you're not normal. You're perverted and the word "queer" is a good fit. Gov. Huckabee's views are not just necessarily religious beliefs, but he expresses what is the natural order. Two men kissing or having some sort of perverted relationship is about as unnatural as a person jumping off a building and flapping his arms because he believes he's a bird! The result is catastrophe. And just because you don't beleive in God doesn't mean He does not exist, He does and he still loves all of us, but that doesn't mean he condones acts that are against His created natural order.

Hey Jim,
your words:
"I accept that not everyone is a Christian, nor do they necessarily believe in God. Once again, that's what is great about the USA - each person is entitled to believe whatever they choose."
How bout letting consenting adults marry each other if they want?

BTW i turned away from Christianity because of hateful idiots like the Huckster

Sean Hannity is out to destroy Huckabee in anyway he can. His show is so dirty. He elevates Thompson knowing that he can take votes from Huckabee. He shows only the first segment of the Romney video where he argues with the reporter. This show is not fair and balanced,

"This is America if you can’t live with it; there are a lot of other nice countries you can choose from. It is bible that marriage should be between one man and one woman. God made those rules, and I for one don’t want to go before “Him” on judgment day and have to explain to “Him” why I took a part in changing it. "
—————————————————————————————-
One of the Ten Commandments says that no one should work on Sundays and the Bible says the penalty is death. Until some Christian advocates death for people working on Sundays, then they are just HYPOCRITES about homosexuality and only pick out the parts of the Bible that they agree with. So what is it….death for Sunday workers or HYPOCRISY?

Thanks to people like Huckabee we are going back to the middle ages.

Jim:

While you got flamed by others for your comments, I think they were reacting emotionally and did not really understand what you were saying. I agree completely with your comments and perspective, and the reaction that you're getting with the "flame" comments are simply those of the vocal minority, as you've described. I didn't find your comments hateful or resentful or homophobic in the least; I read them as a person who, while accepting of other lifestyles, doesn't want it rammed down our throats for the sake of political correctness. Understand this, people…what is abnormal is ALWAYS relative to what the majority of people in a particular group think. Jim is correct about the reaction of the public to the concept of gay marriage; the vast majority of people simply don't support it. I know that's hard for some of you to accept, but it shouldn't be hard to understand.

As for your health insurance comment (why can't someone pay for health insurance of another, even if they're not a family member) I think that's an incredibly creative, interesting and provocative question that got lost among all the flames generated from others. You raise a really interesting point and my guess is that a great deal of people that are currently uninsured COULD in fact be insured if the conditions around granting of that insurance were loosened.

Anyway, Jim, great and thoughtful post. You said what you thought, respected others' rights to their opinions, and got flamed by people who are probably nowhere NEAR as open-minded as you…don't sweat it.

Jim:

While you got flamed by others for your comments, I think they were reacting emotionally and did not really understand what you were saying. I agree completely with your comments and perspective, and the reaction that you're getting with the "flame" comments are simply those of the vocal minority, as you've described. I didn't find your comments hateful or resentful or homophobic in the least; I read them as a person who, while accepting of other lifestyles, doesn't want it rammed down our throats for the sake of political correctness. Understand this, people…what is abnormal is ALWAYS relative to what the majority of people in a particular group think. Jim is correct about the reaction of the public to the concept of gay marriage; the vast majority of people simply don't support it. I know that's hard for some of you to accept, but it shouldn't be hard to understand.

As for your health insurance comment (why can't someone pay for health insurance of another, even if they're not a family member) I think that's an incredibly creative, interesting and provocative question that got lost among all the flames generated from others. You raise a really interesting point and my guess is that a great deal of people that are currently uninsured COULD in fact be insured if the conditions around granting of that insurance were loosened.

Anyway, Jim, great and thoughtful post. You said what you thought, respected others' rights to their opinions, and got flamed by people who are probably nowhere NEAR as open-minded as you…don't sweat it.

Thanks to people like Huckabee we are going back to the middle ages.

I've heard the world "majority" a lot in these posts. Do you people actually believe that just because the majority of Americans oppose gay marriage that automatically seals the deal? The thing I find so blatantly ignorant about Christians is your mentality to pick and choose what parts of the Bible to condemn and condone. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the Bible speak against divorce just as it does homosexuality? Why don’t you speak out as loudly against divorce as you do homosexuality? Why don’t we amend the Constitution to allow divorce only on the grounds of adultery? If we are going to use religion as a basis to deny homosexuals equals rights then let’s also deny equal rights to everyone who sins against God’s word. Homosexuals are tax paying productive American citizens and they deserve the same rights as you, me, and everyone else.

By the way, I am NOT a supporter of Huckabee. I won't vote for him if he's the candidate…I simply have great concerns about anyone who truly believes the Earth was created 5,000 years ago (I exaggerate), and I find Baptists to be among THE most judgmental people out there. An infinitely long, infinitely painful punishment for a "crime" committed in a finite lifetime? Makes no sense to me, and God is way smarter and compassionate than me.

And I don't believe Jim was saying that God and Jesus had to be sprinkled throughout our framing documents…I think he was saying the Founding Fathers believed in God and didn't intend for the state to be divorced completely from those beliefs, but further wanted to ensure that people were free to have different views of God. Maybe that's not what you were trying to say, Jim, but it's what I read.

Anyway, again, good post Jim, and GREAT thought on the benefits thing! I wish someone would pick up on that and run with it. I don't know how the economics would work out but I have to believe it wouldn't be too bad…

This is the very reason we don't need this 'man of God' running this country. He is just like most Baptist preachers. He is ignorant and wants to push his beliefs onto everyone. I believe judgement is to be left in Gods hands. Not this judgemental 'man'!!! What a joke he is!! Along with his organized religion!! Why don't you go back to the pulpit and preach YOUR hate from there???

HILLARY 2008

The comments of some people on here are absolutely apalling. the fact that a candidate would spew such nonsense is completely out of line. This nation was not EVER meant to be governed with Christianity in mind. Many of the founding fathers were actually deists, or influenced by the idea of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton,and Thomas Paine. Deism is definitely NOT Christianity. I think the problem many people have with making gay marriage legal is that marriage is a term with heavy religious significance and which was adopted by governments to describe a very old ritual. at this point, whether or not its called marriage is beside the point. if people are too small minded to redefine marriage as anything other than the incredibly narrow minded view of " a man and a woman", the government should at least establish the idea of civil unions in which gay couples can receive the same rights as married couples without "tarnishing" the rosy rosy view of marriage that so many Christians harbor.

its sad that it has to be so difficult. I notice many of those who are against gay marriage have very little to say about the incredibly high divorce rate among heterosexual couples - how does the abilit