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Mike Huckabee is a strong leader, he won't be bullied by views contrary to the truth. May He satnd strong and may God bless him for it.

I believe that his comments were distasteful and hurtful to many gay americans. We in this day and age have over come discrimination against many different races and religions. I feel that not allowing someone to marry based on personal beliefs in discrimination and can not be tolerated. If you agree or disagree who are you to say someone can not marry the one they love. If it is merely based on religion then why is polgamy not allowed. In the bible it takes about Abraham and his two wives. If it talks about two spouses and is no longer accetable then why is same sex marriage so outrageous. Everyone knows someone who is gay. How would you feel if your son daughter mother sister wasn't allowed to marry someone they loved just because it isn't the norm. If we just allowed what majority ruled than America would be a lot different and wouldn't be a free country. I stronger believe that they are human and should have the same right to marriage as anyone else. They work and support this country just like anyone else. They are doctors, lawyers, politicians, and many other workers in our community. I just don't see what their marriage and love affairs have to do with everyone else. My marriage doesn't effect my neighbors or anyone else for that matter. Why would theirs?

I didn't realize that you agreed with Mike also... but I still feel my point about changing the definition of marriage is logical... I agree with the point that you made that marriage is not just for the purpose of procreation. But in your statement that children are slightly more likely to become gay themselves if they are brought up by same sex parents just supports my point even more... my point again being that CHANGING the traditional definition of marriage to mean 'any' combination will say to all future generations that it is ok and natural for these alternative choices... and it's NOT natural in the sense that it is not the way NATURE (God) intended... so the human race would reproduce and not eventually die out. If future generations start believing that these other choices are just as natural (as the traditional one man and one woman choice that has sustained our species) and more and more people start choosing these alternative lifestyles it would decrease the human population to the point where the human species is threatened. And if you add some lethal untreatable virus to the scenario then 'poof' we could be gone just like that... it might sound far fetched and this theory could take many many years to come to fruition BUT it could happen!!! What I'm trying to say is that to give the stamp of approval to alternative unions as being equal with the traditional institution of marriage...to promote alternative choices... is a threat to our survival! Establishing the instituion of same sex UNIONS for the purpose of equal treatment under the law would not be as destructive as trying to insist that it is the same as the institution of marriage. Heterosexuals have a right to claim the institution of marriage as their own!! Possesion is 9/10 of the law as they say. With all that being said I, as a Christian am not condoning homosexuality but our free will that God gave us lets us make these choices if we want and I agree that it should not be illegal if it is a personal choice that does not threaten the well being of others.

I have read the bible several times. I know it well. Well enough to know it is a load of hooey. I would say the person who believes in the big invisible fairy tail is way farther out in left field than I am. You are entitled to believe in whatever floats your boat and I will defend your right to do so. I however, having thoroughly researched the subject, choose not to.

ryk read the Bible, let the Lord lead you to Him, because you my friend are way out in left field without a mitt.

Regarding your argument about Huckabees statement being correct I agree I said so in my earlier post. However I question your logic that it would be bad for society. Homosexuals are not as a rule sterile. They can and do procreate, and raise children. If as we probably both agree marriage is the best enviroment to raise children then we should let gay couples marry. You might say that they can not reproduce with one another, but so what. If a single mother or divorced, or widowed mother, wishes to remarry a man to help raise her children we let her (although your bible would not). So what difference would it make if she married a woman to the same end. You may say that children do poorly in homes with two parents of the same gender. This has not been proven in fact the only thing that has been even close to proven is that they are very slightly more likely to be gay themselves (and much less likely to be anti-gay). However even if a two mother home were less ideal than a mother father home I submit that it would be better than a single mother family. So allowing gay marriage is best for the children.
Furthermore biological procreation is not the only reason for marriage. Many infertile couples marry for love, company or stability. My mother in law who is 60 just married a man aged 70. They are not likely to be having children soon, does that invalidate their marriage. I thought not.

As to your last statement… it sounds like it comes from a person who is very uncomfortable with the idea of being at the mercy of someone else which is very understandable but refusing to believe it won't change the probable reality that we ARE at His mercy. And there is nothing in the Bible to substantiate your view of God in that way. I personally have never viewed God that way. Often I will look at nature and all the good things of this world and I know that they are from God and show His love for us and when I see the bad things of this world I know that they are not from God. He created this world ( and all the beautiful things in it ) and then created us and gave us our free will. The bad things of this world are the result of our free will. The natural disasters are the result of the cause and affect in nature but also the result of our affects on the environment . Our free will gives us the choice to help those in need (resulting from those disasters or other tragedies) or to not help and it is from those choices that we will be judged.

Ryk, I'm not saying that our illogical existence is proof of God's existence ( although it's good enouph for me) , I'm saying how can people fairly demand proof when our very own existence defies logic. You put your faith in science and you want scientific proof of God even though the existence of the universe has no scientific merit. It seems kind of hypocritical to me.

And I agree with Mike Huckabee that if the definition of marriage is changed it will just open the door to endless scenarios… common sense says that at some point boundries have to be established or the end results could be harmful or disasterous. Changing the institution of marriage to include combinations other than a man and a woman discourages procreation; Children would grow up believing that these alternative choices are ok and ultimately it could actually threaten the survival of human existence. I would say that that is harmful. I believe that everyone should be treated equally by the government so civil unions with the same benefits of married couples would seem to be a fair solution but leave the traditional institution of marriage which promotes biological procreation alone.

When I see a painting I say there must be a painter because I know what a painting is I have seen people paint pictures, I have painted pictures, I understand pictures. Paintings can be understood through direct experience. When I see a carbon atom however I do not see a creator I see a fundamental building block of nature. It does not follow to me that someone must have made it. It is absolutely fine that in your eyes anything that exists must have been created, many people feel that way. However your belief that it is so does not make it so. I can show you a painter, can you show me a god.

Your "argument" if it can be called that makes no sense. If nothing comes from nothing then where did your god come from. If your argument is that god is "transendant" as you say and did come form nothing or always existed, then the same exact statement can be made about the universe and avoid the middleman in the process. If God does exist he either always existed or he came from nothing. If that is the case it is just as resonable to say the universe always existed. Or the universe came from nothing. It is also much more sensible. There are no arguments in favor of the existence of a creator that could not also be used for the existence of a universe without a creator.
So I ask you, if God is the first cause. What caused God?

So, you ask yourself – is there a creator, God? Science has shown that the Universe had a "beginning", a starting point. They tend to call it "a big bang", but there is something else Science has shown us, and that is that "out of nothing, nothing comes" (in fact if there was ever a time when "Nothing" existed, then "nothing" would exist today. ) and that things at rest tend to stay at rest. So, what made "nothing", on a particular tuesday afternoon, explode into everything?

For every effect, there has to be a cause. At the risk of infinite regression, there has to be a "FIRST CAUSE" . For there to be a material, imminent universe to exist, there had to be a transendant, immaterial first cause.

I worship the Transcendent Uncaused Immaterial First cause of the Material Universe.

We celebrate His birthday every Dec. 25th

The fool has said in his heart, "there is no God".

When you see a painting, how do you know there was a painter?

well, the painting itself is proof there had to be a painter. You couldnt ask for better proof that there was a painter than the painting itself. You dont need to be a rocket scientist to understand, you just need eyes that see and a brain that works. It goes like this " painting...duh...painter" I call it the "duh" principle.

When you see a building, how do you know there was a builder? Again, you couldnt ask for better proof that there was a builder than the building itself.

The same hold true for watch- watch maker, automobile-automobile maker, t.v.-t.v. maker, micro wave oven – micro wave oven manufacturer. Anything with design and purpose has a designer and creator.

When you look at Creation – how do you know there was a Creator ? ... Duh

To All of You(who refuse the Truth)..................your lack of moral integrity is not Huckabee's fault nor problem. Each of you whether you believe in Jesus or not WILL stand before Him either for rewards or judgment. I am an American (Texan, that is), yet spent the first ten years living in Iran, and they don't even condone homosexuality. Man and woman, should be self-explanatory! Most Americans amaze me with their complete ignorance of a great many issues, as well as their deluded mindset as to being something they are not. Study to show thyself approved.......thus saith The LORD. Today is the day of Salvation..........

To All of You..............your lack of moral integrity is not Huckabee's fault nor problem. Each of you whether you believe in Jesus or not WILL stand before Him either for rewards or judgment. I am an American (Texan, that is), yet spent the first ten years living in Iran, and they don't even condone homosexuality. Man and woman, should be self-explanatory! Most Americans amaze me with their complete ignorance of a great many issues. Study to show thyself approved.....thus saith The LORD.

A scant ant rant simply proves the Biblical truth that man is born a depraved sinner whos only hope is in the perfect, vicarious, atoning death of Jesus Christ. JOHN 3:36

Boy we have come a long way baby. In 1961 every state in the Union had a law against homosexuals. It is refreshing that someone has stood up for what he believes and is not swayed by others. Homosexuality is perverse and as our country becomes more perverse we are not any better. What comes next...bestiality, pedophilia? Our country is not in good shape and it will not get any better the more we turn from God.

ay thank you for clarifying your point. I agree that the vastness of the universe seems to defy logic. I have been boggled by that many times. However it is still not proof of God. The Idea that god has existed without beginning or end is no more logical than the idea that the universe has existed without beginning or end. Occams razor states that the simplest answer is usually correct. An eternal universe is simpler than an eternal God who created an eternal universe therefore it is more likely to be correct. I admit that this is a philosophical case not a scientific one. There is not yet enough scientific knowledge to explain the origin of the universe or to prove God.
I also admit that the Idea of an eternal universe doesn't satisfy me any better than the Idea of an eternal God. Beginnings and endings, birth and death, are fundamental to how I see the world and I hope in my lifetime a beginning to the universe can be proven.
You are correct that it all comes down to what we want to believe. That being true, belief being a choice, it is unreasonable to make laws based on belief. Many people don't believe in God, Many more believe in a wide array of different gods. Even among those who believe in the same Gods there is no agreement on what that God wants. Religion therefore is a poor basis for laws. Laws should be based on simple fairness and ethics. I understand that fairness and ethics are also arbitrary concepts, however they are ones that can be agreed on without forcing people to change their belief in God.
Fair laws would allow people absolute freedom to do as they please as long as they don't harm or deny freedom to their fellow citizens. For example Gay Marriage harms no one, except perhaps those involved, therefore it should be legal. Theft, Murder, Kidnapping etc. do harm others or deprive them of freedom therefore they should be illegal.
As to your final question what do I want to believe? I want to believe that there is order in nature, that everything has a cause, and everything causes an effect. I want to believe that everything that seems wrong or unfair in the world are caused by physical, psychological and sociological forces. What I don't want to believe is that everything is just a big ant farm for a cosmic maniac performing experiments for his own amusement.

ALL I HAVE TO SAY ON THE MATTER IS .......PEOPLE ARE FREE TO DO OR CHOOSE WHOMEVER THEY WANT TO CHOOSE BUT IF YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST AND READ THE BIBLE IT TELLS YOU .....A HOMOSEXUAL WILL NOT ENTER THE GATES OF HEAVEN.NO MATTER HOW ANY ONE WANTS TO TRY AND TWIST IT TO FIT THEIR LIFE .........THE WORD IS THE WORD!!!!IF YOU WANT TO SPEND ETERNITY BURNING IN HELL TO PLEASE YOURSELF IN THE SHORT TIME WE ARE HERE ON EARTH....THEN I GUESS THAT IS YOU!!!I MYSELF WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND HOW A MAN CAN BE ATTRACTED TO A MAN OR A WOMAN TO A WOMAN KNOWING WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS.

Ryk, when I say that existence isn't logical I'm not talking about the 'process' of existence I'm talking about the 'birth' of existence. Even if the evolution theory was correct the question still remains.... where did that first cell, that everything evolved from, come from? Our reason and logic tells us there has to be a beginning and end to everything... infinity is not logical. When you look at outer space and you start to think about where it eventually ends and when it does end what is after that... nothing? Ok then what does that nothing look like and when does that nothing end and then what is after that? ... it's mind boggling and completely defies any logical or rational explanation. And I know that that also brings up the question ... well, who made God? And who made the one who made God and so on and so on...
But your response, again, completely ignores this point, you talk about evolution and how life ON EARTH began but if your faith is in science you must have thought about how ALL of existence came to be. Science is based on logic.... science (sometimes) explains why things work the way they do, the process of things, but there is NO logical scientific explanation for how the ORIGINAL process came to be. I defy anyone to come up with anything that can even begin to answer this question. To explain the logic of existence. Really, the only closest thing we have to a logical explanation is a supreme being – GOD. You say that you want proof and that is generally a very reasonable request but have you ever tried to look at things from our Creator's point of view?
According to the Bible we were created to love and worship Him. With all of His capabilities, He certainly would be able to make 'or program' us to love and worship Him but where is the value in that? If you could MAKE someone love you it just wouldn't be the same. Of course I do know a few people who would be perfectly content if people loved and worshiped them whether it was sincere or not, just as long as they did. But our Creator wants us to genuinely seek Him and love Him. So He gave us just enouph proof while still leaving room for us to use our free will to seek Him and put our faith in Him. And there are also plenty of 'outs' if we choose, in our hearts, not to believe in Him. Some of the stories in the Bible do seem outrageous and hard to believe but then all you have to do is look at everything around you and again, our existence and that is also outrageous and hard to believe but .... we are here and that can't be denied. The answer to His existence is right in front of us and we can take the 'easy' way and choose not to believe or we can be honest with ourselves (and Him) and choose to believe. For each one of us it really comes down to.... what do you WANT to believe?.....

Does anyone other than me see the dichotomy of a person characterizing Huckabee as a "bigoted idiot" and then asking "why can't we stop the hate?"

I can't believe that Huckabee mentioned homosexuality and necrophilia in the same sentence... as "aberrations". You know what's really funny? How Huckabee is trying to "appear diverse". He went to Ebenezer Church in ATL, GA this previous Monday, yet he has the nerve to go and preach such nonsense? Last time I checked, the White House didn't have a cross on it's roof, so I don't think Huckabee will find himself at home.

Kay the only evidence you offer that existence is no logical is that you say so. It is perfectly logical to me. I am well aware of the flaws in Darwins theory of evolution, it is weak in areas. The process of life evolving in an organized manner is however well documented by biology. Saying that something fails to make sense to you is "Scientific proof" that it must have been made by God is no more sensible than the ancient greeks believing the sun was the god Apollo driving his chariot across the sky. They failed to understand that the sun was a giant ball of nuclear fusion that we orbit around therefore they said that it must be a god. None of us understand exactly how life developed on earth and many people say "God did it." That is not science it is superstition. Scientific theory is by definition a supposition that can be measured tested and proven or more frequently disproven. God does not meet this criteria. I have heard many excellent and persuasive arguments supporting the existence of God many of which have made me question my disbelief. All of these arguments have been based in the realm of philosophy not science. I have studied the "science of intelligent design and it is anything other than scientific. After you wade through the facts presented the case studies the arguments saying they could not be accidents all you have left is the statement "Since we don't understand it God must have done it." Nothing measurable or testable or proveable. Therefore not science. Intelligent design involves a great deal of scientific knowledge but it is not a scientific theory.
I am not concerned that I don't and probably never will understand how this world came to be. It is enough to know that it can be examined with science and science has shown that it is possible for life to have been created through natural process. Belief that this is so does require faith, but it is faith in something I can see and evaluate and judge worthy or unworthy. A belief in something I can measure against my own logic and reason. I find this faith more real, satisfying and productive than "God did it."
I am relieved and happy that your logic and reason tells you that my invisible friend does not exist. My logic and reason tells me that your invisible friend doesn't exist either. It is not I who lacks humility. I claim no certainty about my understanding of the world. Those who lack humility are the people who say "God did it." and deny that any other option has merit.

Another 'intellectual' poster up above further proving my point.... you can have all the education in the world and still lack logic and common sense... I've witnessed it time and time again. Arrogance plus ignorance AND lacking logic and common sense – what a combination...

Ryk,
You are proving my point right off the bat by implying that the "civilized" world is on the right track and the "primitive & ingnorant" people of the third world have it wrong. With there being no proof either way as you said... it seems that you're the one who is insulting now.
You do have a "real understanding" of science and therefore our existence? You completely ignored the main SCIENTIFIC point of my post. You say there is no proof but how can you argue that WE are not the proof? Like I said, existence of any kind is not logical! You just can't argue with that. You can't deny that everything around you including your mortal human body that science will never fully be able to explain or understand says that there is a Supreme Being. So people like you say.. "well I want MORE / BETTER proof than that"... you are saying that you want your creator to reveal Himself on YOUR terms. You (atheists) clearly lack humility, you are just not willing to accept your proper place in the BIG picture. So, I'm sorry but that, to me, is where the arrogance comes in. There seems to be a very fine line between civilized educated people and their arrogance. Common sense and logic are not exclusive to educated people.. God gave this to all of us, even the people of the third world. And it's my common sense and logic that tells me that your invisible friend doesn't exist.

One thing that I find interesting is that almost every discussion involving gay marriage or gay anything eventually turns to religion. They often start out about public health, marriage laws, tradition, whatever but in the end the main argument is "God doesn't like it."
I enjoy discussing religion so that is fine but from a legal standpoint it demonstrates that there are no valid secular arguments against gay marriage.
From a personal standpoint I also find it funny that I always end up defending gay marriage. I am not gay in fact I am a little bit homophobic. While I have known a few gay people socially my current circle of friends is resoundingly heterosexual. I have no vested interest at all in supporting gay marriage. I do care about logic and fairness however so I always end up on the pro gay side of the argument.
I would love to hear a non religious non moralistic argument against gay marriage that holds up under scrutiny but so far I have yet to find it.

Cynthia, Doh! I THINK it was you who mentioned that point about criminals in jail getting married in another article. And like a dope, I completely forgot about it! But it IS an outstanding point. Don't quit repeating it. Remind us every chance you get so the rest of us will eventually remember it and bring it up too.

Andrew

whatthe
I have read the flying spaghetti monster and I really enjoy it. Another good one is the church of the invisible pink unicorn (How do you know it is pink, because it said so.

Thanks, Ryk. I see your point. I am an athiest and really do not like the term "marraige" to begin with BECAUSE of it's religious connotation. I think really what we want is equal right, not for the church to recognize us as "married." Thanks, Ruk for your thoughts!

The Irony here is that the decline of the US will not come about due to gay marriage or what the religious fanatics call sexual sins, but in great part due to ignorance (rejection of science and technology based on religious grounds, coupled with our sorry educational system), blind, irrational adherance to exclusionist and elitist Evangelical religious systems (us vs. sinners, us vs. the Muslims, us vs. immoral Europe, etc. etc.), and a lack of true compassion and concern for our fellow countrymen, be they of a different religion, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation (FORGET Christian compassion, whos greatest fruits were the Crusades, Inquisition, and subjugation of indiginous people). Jesus must be turning in his grave over what's been done in his good name.

Andrew
I got your message this time and I don't disagree. The logistics of such changes would be massive. The point However is that marriage is a religious rite. By sanctioning it, the government either sanctions it according to religious belief (one man one woman) which would violate the constitution. Or makes it a secular contract. As a secular contract there is no rational basis for one man one woman or any other restriction based on religion. That is the message I was trying to convey. Although I would like to see marriage become a private/church function I understand it is not likely to happen

Ryk – I agree with you. Google the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It is the invisible friend approach used to debunk Creationism being taught as SCIENCE in Kansas. Brilliant!

I think many have no clue just how powerful the gay's in America are. Car companies, travel companies etc....are catering to use because typically, we have more money that heterosexual couples. Most of us do not have children and a large portion of us are college educated and make a decent living. We have "disposable incomes" and I think that large corporations are just seeing this. I am curious how many of the "christians" on this blog have very little education and perhaps...I'm going to say it...live in a trailer in the south. Many liberals who CAN think outside the box are are college educated as opposed to the christian bible belt who are not so spohisticated and for lack of a better word....."trailer trash." I think they need to seperate formally educated commentators and the uneducated in this blog. I guess if we did that, we wouldn't have much of a debate.

Kay is funny. In her rant about God and why people should believe she demonstrated exactly why religion is failing in the civilized world and expanding in the third world.
She starts off by insulting people who want proof before they believe in something and then rants about the horrible things that will happen to all those stupid bad people who don't believe. That kind of logic works on the primitive and the ignorant. People who have no real understanding of science are content with believing "God said" or "God did" because it is easy. No thinking required just believe. Civilized people however eventually get around to asking, "exactly who is this God, why cant we see him or prove he exists." and without a good answer they just stop listening. In the west two different things have happened. One group of people have chosen to just stop believing. If there is no evidence of God there is no good reason to do what the priests say. Another group continues to practice religion but treats it like a philosophy, changing it around, taking it out of context, making it say whatever makes them happy. Since God doesn't object or correct them it must be OK.
Kay mocks people for demanding proof. But without a standard of proof we would have to believe anything. If I say "My invisible friend created the world and says you have to send me money and do what I say." Do you want proof? Do you question?
Of course you do. So why shouldn't we question God and Demand proof. God may exist. I can not prove that he does not any more than you can prove he does. However you can't prove my invisible friend doesn't exist either.

Hmmmm, I see no one cared to address the issue of convicted murderers marrying, courtesy of the American taxpayers. Oppressive "moralists" always seem to find their own petards a bit uncomfortable when hoisted on them.

I have every sympathy for the gay community with this issue. The names my husband and I have been called for marrying with no intention of having children wouldn't pass CNN's censors.

Ryk, I've tried to post a pretty straightforward response, but apparently some combination in the comment, punctuation or something, is preventing it from being posted.

While it would make sense to choose an "all or none" path, the shock to the legal and social design we've had for so long would be too great. Think of all the changes required to eliminate the inclusion of marriage in certain procedures (taxes for example) and you'll see the problem. It would require several smaller steps to get to not recognizing Legal marriage at all or even to set up a system that includes multiple spouses beyond the current two.

Let's see if this one works. :/

Andrew

Quantumfoam, the problem with such an idea is that ANYONE can make an argument as to why just about ANYTHING can be a threat to Public Safety. We already experience the "everything that is good is bad for you" philosophy. It's been happening for decades, if not longer. Various individuals can come up with excuse after excuse to determine that something is bad for the rest of the world.

As to the "common good", the problem with that argument would be the same as "community standards". Originally set forth as a "feel good" policy, it has now become the cry of everyone who thinks that something, no matter how innocent, must be "pornography" or "obscene" or "harmful to children". Rest assured, if someone can think up an argument, rational or irrational, logical or illogical, they will make it and encourage others to make it as well. We've seen it used in a variety of ways against a variety of media, from books to movies to editorials.

Andrew

Christopher of WI... you are the fool for your narrow minded views about God's existence. Your are obviously one of those sophisticated, all knowing, proof demanding intellectuals ( with your coveted high IQ no doubt ) that will fight to the bitter end in spite of everything that is in PLAIN SIGHT. Your ego, pride, errogance, lack of humility and the inconveinience to your lifestyle won't allow you to believe that there is someone that you will have to answer to. NEWSFLASH... you WILL have to answer to your Creator!! He has made it CLEAR that He exists and you, using your free will that He gave you, have chosen to ignore this. You think you are in control? You think that you will have the last word on what happens to you?...well, my mortal brother. ... you are OWNED whether you like it or not... You need scientific proof in order to believe.... no you DEMAND scientific proof... who do you think you are??? I'll tell you ... you are a created being along with everyone else on this Earth and your existence along with existence in general of anyone or anything is NOT LOGICAL! If you have any intelligence whatsoever you have to know that that is true... our existence is NOT logical. You can't get more scientific than that!! Yet we ARE here!! And you self proclaimed intellectuals STILL demand scientific proof?? Get over yourselves, humble yourselves and acknowledge the obvious... that your minuscule little brains are not going to get the answers that you are demanding....and this life you have is NOT on your terms... deal with it or pay the consequences!

In any discussions about personal behavior, there should be some ground rules of inquiry. !. Is the behavior a threat to public safety? 2. Is the behavior a threat to public health. 3. Is the behavior a threat to the common good. If any of these questions are answered in the affirmative then the behavior must be outlawed. if all answers to the questions are in the negative then bug off. I rest my case.

There seems to be an inherent problem with marriage. When you allow two consenting adults of the opposite sex to get married, you’re opening the door to where two men are going to want to exchange vows. And if the men are doing it, you know the women are next. Now we are heading down the road where soon a man is going to want to marry a dog and a few doors down from there a woman wants to marry a horse and a little farther down the road dogs and horses are going to want to get married. And, as technology progresses, logically, some man or woman is going to want to marry a robot and then the robots are going to want to marry dogs and God knows what will be at the fork in the road. Let’s stop this insanity and just abolish the sanctioned union between two loving consenting beings of all races, colors, shapes, genus, species and phylum.

The logical solution to the marriage question is to not have government recognize marriage at all. It is a religious institution and needs no legal recognition. Laws can be made dealing with child custody and support that do not involve marriage, in fact such laws already exist. Contracts can be made dealing with division of assets, medical power of attorney ect. Gay couples already use such contracts. Tax and other benefits for marriage can be eliminated.
Marriage would then be a matter of religious practice. Churches could decide who they wished to marry and set any rules they wanted. People who value religion would feel just as bound by their faith as they would by the law. Non religious people could perform whatever ceremony they wanted and call themselves married. There would be no redefining marriage because there would be no definition. Individuals and churches could cheerfully claim that only members of their faith are really married because it wouldn't matter what they thought to anyone else.
If marriage is once more a religious rite then the government will no longer have any control over it or reason to control it.

If you let same sex mariges happen then the rest of the things mentioned will come forth also. Same sex couples can't reproduce without the opposite sex. Wake up America and read the fine print.

The word "Religion" is not found in the Bible so please stop using a term that does not apply.

There is no school to make homosexuals straight. This is something God has to work out with them in their heart. Jesus told the adultress woman the same thing we should be telling everyone in America (not just gays) go and sin no more.

Wake Up People!

Tolerance or acceptance: Doesn't matter. It doesn't violate ANYONE'S Rights for two (or more) individuals to be Legally Married.

You are entitled to your opinions and/or beliefs. Whoopie. Good for you. BUT, when you try to dictate that others MUST follow YOUR beliefs because you BELIEVE your's is superior to everyone else's, that's where the problem lies.

One individual's Rights end where another individual's Rights begin. You are free to worship in your home with your family. You are free to worship in an organized manner in a church or temple or other structure that you come together with whatever like-minded individuals you choose to converse with. You are free to believe whatever you choose to believe. HOWEVER, you may NOT violate the Rights of others by attempting to "educate" THEIR children in beliefs that they feel is inappropriate for their OWN children. You no more have the Right to "educate" a child in YOUR beliefs WITHOUT the child's Parent's permission that someone has the Right to expose your child rated R movies.

Your personal view of what is moral or immoral doesn't matter. ANYONE can spout religious dogma from whatever religious text they want to pull from. They can interpret it however they choose. Doesn't matter. Not every citizens has the exact same beliefs. Indeed, it is rather silly to scream the religion "Christian" as there are a multitude of beliefs that fall under the "Christian" religion. And a multitude of beliefs under each of those as well. To claim everyone who is a "Christian" MUST believe exactly the same thing regarding each issue out there is as ignorant as assuming that every single American MUST either be Democrat or Republican since they are usually the only ones recognized by the media. Only on very rare occassions are "Independant Parties" or even total Independants recognized or even allow to actually Publically participate in debates or other functions.

Again, the Law SHOULD be neutral, as granted by the US Constitution under the First Amendment (as I mentioned in yesterday's post and in a post that preceeded that one but, despite being filled with nothing but FACTS, appears to have vanished). The US Constitution recognizes ONLY the Human species as being capable of consent. Therefore, the reference to animal love or marrying animals is misinformation and deceit. And the question of Rights for children vs adults is a whole other issue, let alone regarding marriage (though you will note that various states do recognize marriage to "children").

The argument about "normality" is the same as "moral". Just another word to dictate to others one's personal religious beliefs. (Again, note the difference between "expressing one's OPINION" and "Dictating that others conform to one's belief".)

Also note the misleading information spread about disease, lesser life span, and even suicides, among others. Disease is, in fact, spread due to a lack of proper education. It should be noted that proper education was denied by the "morally superior" who felt such education was "inappropriate" to be taught. Indeed, the "morally superior" actaully spread MISINFORMATION about what caused various diseases, hence disease spread. Another example was the Black Plague where the "morally superior" thought it was punishment from God and blamed cats, believed to be tools of the devil. In killing off the cats, the Black Plague spread even further because the cats would have controlled the situation by eliminating the rats and their fleas which actually spread the disease.

Suicide of course is caused by the verbal, mental, physical, and/or sexual abuse by the "morally superior" against those they believe to be "morally inferior". The "morally superior" knowing and intentionally created a hostile environment, beating down (sometimes mentally and verbally, sometimes physically and sexually) those they deem "immoral". As with abuse in general, the victims sometimes commit suicide, sometimes become victims for life, sometimes rise above it and live with it, sometimes become abusers themselves. Just because the "morrally superior" are too cowardly to admit their own part in what happens to victims, doesn't mean they DIDN'T have a part in it. We have seen a great many students, as well as adults, driven to suicide by abusers as well as showing where authority figures ignored the abuse taking place because of their own "moral supeeriority". It is not a new thing by any means.

And no one lives forever. But tying a lower life span to a sexual orientation is as ignorant as trying to tie it to having select relgiious beliefs. But certainly, we can see in the previous two instances just a fraction of the reasons why some individuals live less than their full life span. And it isn't BECAUSE they are homosexual. It's because of the immorality of the "morally superior" who abuse those who are homosexual. There is a difference.

Andrew

P.S. The contents of this post are FAR less offensive than some of the post previously made by others condemning individuals in the name of their own personal God. Indeed, the post I first made back on the 18th was not in violation of any comment policy. The use of "you" or "your" is a generic term referring to all those that the comment is referencing, not one specific individual, unless specifically named. So unless the site is more interested in sensationalism rather than FACTS, there is no reason to turn this post down. It has, after all, been posted elsewhere, as has the one on the 19th. Unfortunately, I expected more ethics from this site so I didn't copy the first one which was on the 18th, which vanished. But rest assured, it is no less FACTUAL than the one on the 19th or this one.

God started the Institution of Marriage,so why would gays want that so bad seeing as how he "doesnt exist"??...hmmm...makes ya think doesnt it?...its all in the Bible kids.....dust it off and read it

Chris...God loves everyone equally,even homosexuals,that doesnt mean he condones their behavior ,in fact he calls it an "abomination"(look that word up),theres also the fact that even believers fall into Sin(which separates us from God),but we arent under the law(of moses) anymore,we are under grace through our faith in Jesus Christ,but theres a difference between sinning and "practicing sin" ie: continuining in and justifying what you do because you cant control yourself with no concience about it whatsoever,so you either hate God or try to deny his existance because you dont want to be accountable to anyone for your own selfish desires,you need to get real with yourself and then find out who God really is..cause you will face him someday......i suggest you have Jesus standing by your side when you do

Christopher,

I see that you are spouting off about how great science is. Science will save the planet – Right? Let's all put our faith in science. This is the same science that tells us that something is good for us one year and then the next year tell us that the same thing will kill us. Talk about being fickle.

I see that you want proof that God exists. There is no proof so why don't you just wait and see?

While you are waiting, I'll ask a better question that you can work on to keep you busy. Do you have proof positive that God does not exist?

Hey Chris,let me ask you a question first......have you ever even read the "new" testament? do you know who Jesus really is?maybe you wouldnt be asking me such stupid questions if you had,Galatians 5:16-25 is pretty clear,so if you have a problem with what i said,take it up with God,he's the one you will answer to,whether you believe in him or not

Frank,

Just to be clear, when you say that 90% of Americans view the gay lifestyle as "disgusting" and an "abomination" you are not stating fact, you are projecting your own biases onto people who do not share your opinions. Here are some ~actual~ facts:

80%+ of Americans support the passage of ENDA;

70%+ of Americans support the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and allowing our gay and lesbian soldiers to serve their country openly and honestly; and

65%+ of Americans believe gay and lesbian couples should have their relationships respected and acknowledged, they just disagree on what those relationships should be called.

So you see, Frank, most of America has accepted and embraced their gay and lesbian family members, friends, and neighbors. Please don't insult these good people by projecting your fear and intolerance onto them.

Christopher, I take that back, Johnson brought us an escalation of the Viet Nam war that cost this country over 58,000 lives, two of which were old friends of mine, he also sucked the Social Security system dry to finance Viet Nam.

I do not support Mike Huckabee for president, but completely agree with him
on this subject. Homosexuality or "gay" is NOT a normal, natural, organic identity.
It is certainly not a God-given identity. Why would God and/or nature go to all the trouble of creating/developing creatures obviously designed for sexual procreation but have an alleged 10% do the opposite.
No one is stopping self identified "gays" from pursuing thier sexual satisfaction,
but they in turn have no business what-so-ever demanding acceptance, approval and promotion of thier sexual PROCLIVITY.
To take Mike Huckabee's paradigm another step; should we abolish the age of consent?
The burden of proof that "gay" is an actual biological identity is on "gays" and thier supporters.

Christopher, this isn't a spelling contest, I barely graduated high school, but, anytime you want to compare balance sheets let me know.

Balance away Frank I read 5 newspapers daily and have followed very closely politics since Reagan. I have a firm grasp of the hypocrites on the right. I am a college graduate and hold a degree in architecture. BTW I minored in religion and enjoyed addition course studies in political science. Give it your best shot.
Sorry to hear your heterosexual parents did such a bad job of raising you. Education is the basis for everything. Sorry you missed out.
I have no intention of voting for Hillary unless she is the nominee. Wisconsin gets to do the cross over voting. Not to worry democrats in WI are voting Huckabee so the moron gets a center stage and the whole world will be laughing. I think your side of the aisle has done quite enough damage to our country. Why not sit this one out. We don't need another "born again" cheerleader, cokehead booze hound in the oval office.

Christopher, this isn't a spelling contest, I barely graduated high school, but, anytime you want to compare balance sheets let me know.

lesbain, transgender, tranvestite
One more thing Frank..."lesbain" is spelled lesbian and I'm sure you can use Ann Coulter's name when you say transgender (nice Adam's apple) and are you referring to Rudy when you say "tranvestite" (correct spelling – transvestite)? See that No Child Left Behind thing cheerleader Bush came up with sure did make you smarter.

I think Mike Huckabee is doing a great job. America needs a revival and a spiritual awaking. America also need a president who will stand up for Jesus Christ. Gov. Huckabee is the man. Come Feb 5th, Here in Georgia I will cast my vote for him. Go Huckabee!!!!!!!!!!!!

Drew, the gay, lesbain, transgender, tranvestite radicals are trying to teach children to learn about how to be one of these groups. They are "FORCING" a lifestyle down the throats that 90% of MAINSTREAM AMERICA FINDS DISGUSTING AND AN ABOMINATION TO ALL PEOPLE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH. ME PERSONALLY, I COULD CARE LESS WHAT KIND OF A LIFESTYLE SOMEONE LEADS UNTIL IT STARTS TO AFFECT ME, MY CHILDREN AND GRAND-CHILDREN AND SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. THEN I WILL FIGHT TO PRESERVE WHAT GOD CREATED, A LIFESTYLE THAT WAS BROUGHT FORTH BY GOD FOR ONE PURPOSE TO PRO-CREATE THE HUMAN RACE. GOD SAID "HATE WHAT IS EVIL, HOLD ON TO WHAT IS GOOD"

I can't quite understand those individuals that make comments about what is going on in another person's thinking process. From what I just read concerning Mr. Huckabee, a large group of contributers to this site have no knowledge of where we are headed as a nation, or even care for that matter. I base that upon 66 years of 'people observation.' Stupidity is based in the denial that God does exist.

Science needs facts. Where is your proof positive that god exists? Man wrote the bible so no proof there. Without science at age 66 you would have already died. Without science many heterosexual couples would not be able to conceive, the list goes on and on. Stupidity is rejecting science and embracing something on blind faith. People that fear death have blind faith in hopes that there is something after this. Good luck with that one.

But what do we know? We're so ignorant, we've never managed to achieve the same H.I.V. epidemics as those sophisticates along the coasts.

Do you ever check your facts? The majority of new HIV cases are happening in southern states among heterosexual blacks. But I'm sure you would still choose to believe it's god's punishment for homosexuality. Of course if your beloved Ronnie Reagan (the recessionist) had done something about HIV earlier we wouldn't be in this mess.

The inconvenient truth is, a large majority of Americans want to preserve the definition of marriage as an institution between a man and a woman. If these journalists were to spend even 5 minutes outside of New York and L.A., maybe they wouldn't find Huckabee's views so "controvertial". After all, how can a view be "controvertial" when it's shared by an overwhelming majority of Americans?

People used to think the world was flat, a majority I believe. Science took care of that one as well. Progressive believe in science not witch craft. Although if you wish to practice witch craft go for it, Karl Rove has been doing it for years.

If there was a passage in the holy bible that approved of homosexual behavior, would anybody guess as to what activist group in this country would be very supportive of Christianity? Guess who. You are absolutely correct. I'll try to come up with a more difficult question later.

I think you are wrong! I believe in science not a book of fairy tales written by man, than translated over and over to reflect their bigoted dark ages thinking. Try again!

If Huckatrailpark told you to jump off a bridge because he believed god said so, would you?

Welcome to 2008, come into the light! Again and again science has proven your book to be full of crap!

James – "The people on this blog who think most Americans are going to endorse sexual perversion as a good to their children are deluded."

I believe in teaching our children to accept people for who they are. By denying homosexuals the same rights as others, and by discriminating against them, we are teaching our children to not accept people, hatred, and to judge people. How is that a "Christian" moral? I was raised to love somebody for who they are; not deem them as a lesser mortal because of who THEY WERE BORN TO BE.

"And indeed homosexuals are doing themselves a great disfavor by trying to force everyone to agree with them (through speech codes, insults, and through the government)."

They aren't trying to force people to agree with them. Where are you getting this stuff from? They are trying to obtain the same legal rights that other loving, caring couples have through the government. I frankly don't think they care what an ignorant, judgmental fake Christian cares about them. And who are they insulting? I have seen very, very few homosexuals make insulting comments to people who disapprove of them. Typically, I see people who hold consider themselves "Christians" to insult gays – by calling them names, by denying them rights, by saying they "choose their lifestyle", by saying God "hates gays", by blaming 9/11 of them (the ever beloved Jerry Falwell). I saw one "Christian" cry when Brokeback Mountain came to our hometown – because she thought it was demoralizing to society and would harm our children. Give me a break. You're the ones who are harming the youth of this country.

If there was a passage in the holy bible that approved of homosexual behavior, would anybody guess as to what activist group in this country would be very supportive of Christianity? Guess who. You are absolutely correct. I'll try to come up with a more difficult question later.

God never created a religion;man invented that idea! God has always wanted a relationship with mankind. A lot of people do not believe in GOD! I am so glad God still believes in and loves ALL people.

If those on the Left take offense at an equation of homosexuality and bestiality, then aren't they being bigoted and small-minded toward the bestiality people?

The inconvenient truth is, a large majority of Americans want to preserve the definition of marriage as an institution between a man and a woman. If these journalists were to spend even 5 minutes outside of New York and L.A., maybe they wouldn't find Huckabee's views so "controvertial". After all, how can a view be "controvertial" when it's shared by an overwhelming majority of Americans?

But what do we know? We're so ignorant, we've never managed to achieve the same H.I.V. epidemics as those sophisticates along the coasts.

I can't quite understand those individuals that make comments about what is going on in another person's thinking process. From what I just read concerning Mr. Huckabee, a large group of contributers to this site have no knowledge of where we are headed as a nation, or even care for that matter. I base that upon 66 years of 'people observation.' Stupidity is based in the denial that God does exist.

It's really amazing how defensive and insulting the secular liberals get when somebody disagrees with them. I thought they are for "open-mindedness", "toleration", and diversity"? Apparently they have redefined those terms to mean something other than what most Americans understand them to mean. Hypocrites!
The fact is that the vast majority of cultures, religions and tribes who have ever existed have frowned on homosexual behavior. Are they all wrong? The libs can't blame Jerry Falwell for that. Wake-up, the defintion of "freedom" being advanced the liberal secularists is actually lawlessness and is leading to the breakdown of our society.

well said!

Hey Steve Lyons – do not forget about believing in the Flying Spaghetti Monster!! LOL! I love your comments! "Adult Santa Claus fairy tale crap" – describes religion to a tee!

CHRISTIANITY IS STUPID! ORGANIZED RELIGION IS WORTHLESS!
GIVE UP, YOU MINDLESS MORONS!!
MAYBE IF YOU DIDN'T LIVE YOUR LIVES OUT OF A FAIRY TALE FULL OF MIRACLES AND MONSTERS YOU'D FIGURE OUT HOW LITTLE ANY OF THIS BICKERING ACTUALLY MATTERS!
KILL YOURSELVES, FOR THE GOOD OF THE GENE POOL...

Listen to God – not to your reproductive organs, Christopher.

James

As Kathy Griffin would say Jesus can suck it! She was raised Catholic. Kathy for President! Poor James sooooo obsessed with my John Thomas! Come out Come out James.

People with immoral lifestyles are unfortunately just as passionate about twisting, denying and destroying absolute truth (to support said lifestyles), as authentic Christians (like Mike Huckabee) are about standing up for the morals and beliefs that this country was founded on.

And so say the Muslims in their theocracy. You Huckatrailpark supporters would be a hit in Iran. They have the same extreme radical hate you have in your black little hearts. Remember hate the haters not the person.

I guess all I can say to you all is this:

"They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
John 8:7

THAT INCLUDES THE ENTIRE GOP PARTY

Ryk what you say is true about abortion and immigration.. my point was simply that Mr Huckabee will have no decison making ability in policy for the next administration ... so... thats why i said this discussion is stupid.. I also must say stupid was a wrong term what i should have said was this conversation is simply irrevelent ...please forgive me

Joey

The point most human beings miss is that each person seems to try to create God in our image. Like it or not ; every man or woman was created by God in His image to live by His rules. He sent Jesus to show us it can be done!
However He allows us to choose where we want to spent eternity . We can choose
short term of maybe 100 years if were lucky or forever if we accept His way.
His , is a KINGDOM not a DEMOCRACY. Mike Huckabee merely says what he believes. The choice is still ours as it should be!

Joey commented that this is a stupid debate because Huckabee will not be the nominee. I disagree it matters precisely because this issue along with abortion and immigration are the only things republicans are talking about. Except for Ron Paul there are no real differences between the candidates. It's all about God,God,911,911,immigrants and a little bit about guns and taxes. They all say the same things about the same things. The republican nominee will be the one who can out God the rest of them. So exposing or defending Huckabee will send a message to the other candidates about how the debate will be framed and influence their positions regardless of who actually wins.
On the democrat side it's basically about what would be cooler a woman president or a black one, because the Democrats are even more lockstep on the issues than the Republicans.

This is indeed sad. Mr. Huckabee, who had appeared to be a moderate Christian conservative is as wildly anti-gay as Ted Haggard and Larry Craig. Me thinks the lady doth protest too much!

GO HUCK!!!

I wouldn't be surprised if this is calculated to get some people to support him. That's the saddest part about this.

God & Government go hand in hand. Check back with how we built this country.
Marriage is between a man and a woman. Period, no debating or denying it. If you believe in God and the Bible then you also know this to be true. It is wrong and should not be allowed.

Where exactly can I find this "definition of marriage" that Huckabee refers to?

And for those of you posting God hates gays messages.

God sent His very own – only begotten – to redeem us all – even those who judge – the general population in ignorance.

How about this:

WHO ARE YOU TO SORT OUT WHO IS

AND WHO ISN'T IN THE GOOD GRACE OF CHRIST

OR WHO SHOULD OR SHOULDN'T BE TOGETHER AS FAMILY –

JUDGE NOT – LEST YE BE JUDGED.

Attacking people in the name of Jesus is just as bad as attacking people for believing in Jesus. HYPOCRITES.

How dare you invoke the name of my Holy Father against my family and friends and their loving homes.

Persecuting others in the name of Jesus – is just as bad – as any other sin in and of itself. How dare you. To mock my Christ – who gave His life to pay for all of this.

JESUS CAST OUT DEMONS – HEALED LEPERS – AND ROAMED IN A GROUP OF RADICALS –

TO SAVE THE VERY KIND OF PEOPLE BEING USED AS POLITICAL PAWNS AND TAKING HITS FROM ALLEGED CHRISTIANS.

It was the Government of Jesus' time that hung him – and the chosen people who did it.

How dare you judge in the name of the Prince of Peace.

I've got to disagree with earlier posters. Mainstream America *is* mostly comprised of bigots.

People with immoral lifestyles are unfortunately just as passionate about twisting, denying and destroying absolute truth (to support said lifestyles), as authentic Christians (like Mike Huckabee) are about standing up for the morals and beliefs that this country was founded on.

I tried twice to give you an honest answer, Chrisopher, but the CNN censor would not allow it.

I'm off – CNN doesn't allow an honest discussion.

That's why it's in the shape it is.

Just more PC.

There are SOOOOOOOOO many other places to go now to have honest discussions.

Listen to God – not to your reproductive organs, Christopher.

James

SHOCKING! SHOCKING I SAY!

I can't believe Mr. Huckabee's blatant display of moral character!

What is happening to this country? How could *anybody* support
a man like Mr. Huckabee who considers unborn babies to be
human beings, and who (rightly) supports that marriage should
*remain* a traditional institution between one man and one woman?!

And to think he made mention of pedophelia and beastiality being
immoral as well – who does he think he is?!

I'm SHOCKED by how SHOCKINGLY SHOCKING this is!!!

Sadly, the last thing most homosexuals ever want to hear about is a loving God – who says no to the repudiation of ones manhood or womanhood, and to the abuse of ones body.

James

Do you know of a "loving god" James? Yours thus far sounds pretty judgmental and vengeful. How am I abusing my body, and what concern is it of yours? That sounds pretty gay to me James! Do you eat shrimp or pork or wear clothing made of multiple kinds of fabric? Sins James! If you haven't figured it out yet I've been pointing out the religious rights' hypocries and those who push their moral agenda on everyone else. WWJD. I don't recall Jesus every speaking a word about homosexuality. Do you James? Perhaps you need to do some more cherry picking from your big book of fairy tales. I only hate the haters not the person (funny how a double edge sword works). As you were probably home "schooled" let me know if I'm going to fast for you.

Wow you people will never get it.

doesn't any one else think that all this is stupid..... at the end of the day....Mr Huckabee will not be the nominee.. the ultra conservative right has been wounded.. they are not as influential as many think...

The nominee will most likely be either McCain or Romney but wait...... in Nevada...look who finishing in second...... Ron Paul with 13% ..hmmmm interesting......... I personally believe the inappropriate comments made are no more than political words that will not translate in a positive result todays election forum.....

joey

"because your holier than thou attitude and the constant forcing of your beliefs down everyone else's throats gets old very fast! "

--

Come now, Christopher, you needn't be so hysterical.

I'm not forcing anything down your throat (and I don't want to!!!!).

You're completely free to believe whatever you want.

James

Oh – and by the way – Christopher,

God IS referred to in the most direct of ways in the Declaration of Independence.

(I'm sure homosexuals and the ACLU will be trying to declare the Declaration of Independence unConstitutional. They'll interpret our country out of existence!)

James

"Did you find it or not smart guy?"

--

Sadly, the last thing most homosexuals ever want to hear about is a loving God – who says no to the repudiation of ones manhood or womanhood, and to the abuse of ones body.

James

Hey folks – the CNN censor is actually allowing a little over 1/2 of my posts to get through.

I never thought CNN could be so politically incorrect!

James

It's really amazing how defensive and insulting the secular liberals get when somebody disagrees with them. I thought they are for "open-mindedness", "toleration", and diversity"? Apparently they have redefined those terms to mean something other than what most Americans understand them to mean. Hypocrites!
The fact is that the vast majority of cultures, religions and tribes who have ever existed have frowned on homosexual behavior. Are they all wrong? The libs can't blame Jerry Falwell for that. Wake-up, the defintion of "freedom" being advanced the liberal secularists is actually lawlessness and is leading to the breakdown of our society.

"We are smarter than you..."

--

Whatever you want to believe, Christopher.

I'm homosexual, you're smarter than I am, and you have more disposable income (oooooooohhhhh!!). Blah-blah-blah.

Another mark of liberals (and homosexuals in particular) is the delusions they create for themselves.

James

As a gay man, I hope Huckabee gets the Republican nomination. Then, surely, any Democrat who goes up against the moron will get the Presidency.

Of course they do, Christopher. That's one of their little ninny tactics the Gaystapo uses for frightening away those who disagree with them.

Like that matters!

You can believe I'm a sodomite, Christopher, if that makes you feel oh-so-much better.

It doesn't change the truth of anything I've said, however.

Nor does you're wanting to believe that upset me. You can believe whatever you want.

James

"Ninny tactics"? Wow how incredibly masculine of you. I only believe in science and not fairy tales like cotton candy cloud heaven where they serve you bagels with cream cheese and spy on the living. Sounds more like witch craft to me.
I love how you leap right for the "sodomite" phrase...slow down James not all gay men are interested in penetration. I would suggest you actually meet an out of the closet gay man and have a conversation (you may have to travel north for this part). I promise if you're as ugly on the outside as you are on the inside he won't be interested in you. We don't bite and believe it or not almost none of have sex in public restrooms like Larry Craig or have interest in little boys. We leave that to the priests and Mark Foley.

Here's the deal; Look at the mess in the middle-east, you see the outward evidences of politics mixed with religion. Do we really want to go there? We as a people need to stick to the law of the land, the constitution, and leave our moral issues in our hearts, home, church. Who are country is and will continue to be will be determined my our moral conscience as a socienty.

On another note I personally feel Mitt Romney has the right direction when coming to personal choice. He states is personal view, but understands that it is the will of the people that determines the course of the country, not Washington. As anyone grows in knowledge and wisdom it is common for us to change our views and opinions, but for some reason when Mitt does it, it is label "flip-flopping."

Common sense just isn't common any longer, eh?

I really, really believe you, Christopher.

James

Did you find it or not smart guy?

I think the gay community should copyright the word marriage so you can't have it anymore James. Then who would be crying? We are smarter than you and have more disposable income to screw with your head. No pun intended I assure you. You sound just awful. Was your mother the same one from the movie Carrie? BTW why are there so many porn stores in the bible belt?

Christianity is actually a masculine religion – where the truth about what is right and good comes first – no matter whether feelings are hurt. The feelings aren't hurt on purpose, but feelings don't stand in the way of the truth.

Wow James you are an idiot. Jesus never cried? His followers never cried when he was crucified? And people wonder why they served up the Christians to the Lions. It's because your holier than thou attitude and the constant forcing of your beliefs down everyone else's throats gets old very fast! This kind of belief system is embraced in Iran and other Muslim countries. God, guns and gays.
What a shame that you blindly base your truthiness on a book translated over and over, written by men, men that drank wine all day and had some of those diseases you are so fond of. Blind faith without free will is a sin and so is judging other people. That's your god's job, he is going to be so mad at you!

"Please find the word God in the Constitution. It's not there, not there anywhere. We want to keep that way."

--

I really, really believe you, Christopher.

James

"You know what they say James…those that protest too much must be gay."

--

Of course they do, Christopher. That's one of their little ninny tactics the Gaystapo uses for frightening away those who disagree with them.

Like that matters!

You can believe I'm a sodomite, Christopher, if that makes you feel oh-so-much better.

It doesn't change the truth of anything I've said, however.

Nor does you're wanting to believe that upset me. You can believe whatever you want.

James

Mike Huckabee is absolutely right…..the problem with all you dumbed down liberal whiners is that you dont believe in any absolute truth,everything is relative to you,even morality,if you cant understand the logic of Mr. Huckabee's statement,maybe you should reach down,grasp your ears firmly and pull,you just might be able to remove your head from your ass..i cant believe how stupid this country has become…..stupidity?…or spiritual blindless?..or both,you better wake up America before you flush our heritage right down the toilet

Todd do you eat shrimp or pork? Do you wear clothes made of different forms of fabric? Did you have sex before marriage? Did you ever lust in your heart? Or do you just cherry pick the things that make you fearful that someone might find out that you actually have homosexual tendencies!?!

James seems to be very obsessed with homosexuals. You know what they say James...those that protest too much must be gay. Perhaps you should realize that gays have to take a stand against narrow minded folks as yourself. The church attacks us, right wing politicians attack us and many of very hateful bigots even kill us because preachers like Huckatrailerpark endorses this hate on a national stage. You keep your church out of politics and we will keep our sex lives out of your church. Many gays are for civil unions as we want nothing to do with places that worship false gods. Please find the word God in the Constitution. It's not there, not there anywhere. We want to keep that way.

Indeed, liberalism and political correctness are basically feminine (or homosexualized) – where anything that hurts another's feelings (why even the truth!) must be bad. ("You bad bad boy. You hurt my delicate feelings...!).

And liberal reactions to anything unpolitically correct are usually hysterical flaming fits or teary appeals to call what is depraved (abortion, homoanal sodomy) good.

Christianity is actually a masculine religion – where the truth about what is right and good comes first – no matter whether feelings are hurt. The feelings aren't hurt on purpose, but feelings don't stand in the way of the truth.

Political correctness drains both love and truth from society (and damages ALL our young ones).

The people on this blog who think most Americans are going to endorse sexual perversion as a good to their children are deluded.

And indeed homosexuals are doing themselves a great disfavor by trying to force everyone to agree with them (through speech codes, insults, and through the government).

They are just going to get everyone to like them even less than they do already.

James

I thought Jerry Falwell passed away... "bestiality" huh... Mr Huckabee.. both my husband and I are amazed that you feel you needed to say such things in order to obtain the support of the extreme right. I pray to my god that you are not that unfeeling and and that prejudice and scared of true equality... you disappoint me..as a human....

Joey

Mike Huckabee is absolutely right.....the problem with all you dumbed down liberal whiners is that you dont believe in any absolute truth,everything is relative to you,even morality,if you cant understand the logic of Mr. Huckabee's statement,maybe you should reach down,grasp your ears firmly and pull,you just might be able to remove your head from your ass..i cant believe how stupid this country has become.....stupidity?...or spiritual blindless?..or both,you better wake up America before you flush our heritage right down the toilet

There are a whole lotta folks on this blog who have completely confused the feeling of love with actual love (wanting what is best for the other).

Christianity is about actual love for each other – not for endorsing whatever our 'feelings' tell us we want (like that snuffing out a baby's life is good, or that a man's sodomizing another man's butt is good, or that telling a truth that hurts another's feelings is bad [PC morality]).

Indeed, most all liberals base their conflicting and harmful moral notions on their feelings (which are usually hysterical as well).

James

Amazing what happens when somebody decides they want to follow the beliefs of the Bible in public I wonder what position Billy Graham would tout. Bash, bash, bash. If America does not agree with those same beliefs, then vote for somebody else. Gov. Huckabee is stating HIS beliefs. Whether anybody agrees or not, let the votes fall where they may.

"After reading some of the blogs I realised how grateful I am there is no Christian conservative right here in the U.K"

--

But whyyyyyyy?

Many masters love their dogs, and their dogs obviously love them.

If they want to get jiggy bestiality-wise, then why shouldn't we call that 'marriage' too?

Many moms love their sons and vice versa, and sometimes they get into incest. That must be marriage too!

Many men love two women who each love the man.

Why that should be marriage too!?

Seriously folks – the United States risks becoming a country where we no longer have a word for the life-long joining of man and woman who together bring new human life into this world.

How stupid can we get?

There's no way in the entire universe that I'll ever call two men who sodomize each other 'marriage.'

Homosexuals can pick some other name of their choosing for what they do to each other.

James

Well, this is an interesting subject. Christians believe what they will. They are steadily loosing ground in this country and I really think they can't handle loss of control. It is time for them to step aside anyways and let other beliefs in. God loves us all. Read all the books of the bible not just what King James (who liked the company of men himself as well) allowed into his version of God's word...there are many books not allowed in. Tell a christian that Christ was married to Mary M...watch out. God is about love...it is ok to be gay or whatever you were born to be..Huck-a-be-gone-soon anyways.

Jack January 19, 2008 11:15 am ET

Dear Baby Jesus:

Please let the Huckster win the Rep nomination.

Amen

Yes amen to that brother. Let's make sure we get this freak show on center stage where the entire country and world can see just what the southern United States is able to produce! Here we go God, Guns and Gays. Again the Repukes have no actual answers or direction just Dark Ages thinking. Remember if you can't win on issues attack your fellow American! More scare tactics. Don't you rednecks have the ability to be embarrassed? Sorry I forgot about Britney Spears...southern white trailer park trash just like Huckatrailerpark!

"All those has some form of love. I would not deny. But IT IS NOT MARRIAGE YOU SICK PEOPLE"

Says who? Your Church? I'm sorry, but we all HAVE THE RIGHT not to abide by your religious views.

I think this shows Huckabee's true colors. We need a president who respects all races, not one that claims to be a Christian but shows hatred and judgment to such groups of people. Then again, I don't respect any better behavior from these "born agains".

Huckabee, please learn something about homosexuality. When two people love each other, it shouldn't be anyone's business but their own. They're not harming you, they're not going to "devalue" your marriage, they're not going to "harm" the children of this country. It's going to prove to everyone that this country wants to move forward, and doesn't discriminate against certain groups of people. Gay people are loving, caring couples, and they deserve the same rights as everyone else. I don't care you if your "God" tells you that it's wrong, Mr. Huckabee – it's not the same God I worship. I worship a loving, caring, forgiving God – not one of hatred and judgment. If you don't want to marry gay people in your Baptist Church, then don't. No one is making you currently marry a couple you don't want to. And, frankly, I don't see why a couple would want a blessing from a homophobic jerk, Mr. Huckabee.

Marriage may be a "religious institution", but we aren't fighting to get your approval. We don't want it. We want the legal benefits that every other loving couple can have.

And we're not "opening the door" for change. We know that a marriage between a man and a dog is absurd. (a) The dog cannot sign the contract, and (b) It should be between two consenting people who know what they are engaging in, and (c) It would be cheating the benefits that come with a marriage. We know that more than two people in a marriage license is absurd because of the cheating legal benefits that would come with it.

"After reading some of the blogs I realised how grateful I am there is no Christian conservative right here in the U.K"

-

Well, the U.K. is a country where a man (Elton John) makes pederastic videos about homolusting after stripping Cub Scouts, and then:

gets knighted!

James

I can see that the CNN censor on this blog won't allow:

– mention of what homosexuals do AND

– the statement that children deserve mothers and fathers.

No wonder CNN is sinking.

James

After reading some of the blogs I realised how grateful I am there is no Christian conservative right here in the U.K

"The Homosexual Community has gotten a lot of mileage out of a totally false concept. That being that disagreeing with a group's behavior or beliefs equates with hatred. "

-

Indeed, Earl.

The "you disagree with me so you must be consumed with hate" Gaystapo tactic is now sooooooooooooo old and idiotic and dimwitted.

Most people just roll their eyes.

James

Did Huckabee intend to equate gay marriage with bestiality or pedophilia? Judging by his positions and attitudes I would say yes. His statement however does not automatically mean that. From a legal standpoint there is very little difference. The standard limiting marriage to a man and a woman is an arbitrary one it exists because we as a people have decided it should. Bestiality and pedophilia are no different. While we can argue that homosexuality harms no one and pedophilia for instance does these are still arbitrary standards. At this time most people believe that adult sex with children is always harmful. Most of us can not imagine a time where 40% to 60% of the population would advocate it and 10% or more would practice it. Fifty years ago no one would have imagined these things about homosexuality and even Fifteen years ago it would have seemed absurd. Public perception of homosexuality changed. Whether you like it or not public perception of pedophilia and bestiality could also change. The legalization of gay marriage will set the standard that any behavior is acceptable as long as enough people like it. I don't say this as an argument against gay marriage, which I support, I am simply pointing out that Huckabee's statement is not in and of itself bigoted. In fact it is probably correct.

He simply point out that you can not re-define marriage. Guy can love guy. Girl can love girl. Hey woman can love dog. But it is not simply a marriage. All those has some form of love. I would not deny. But IT IS NOT MARRIAGE YOU SICK PEOPLE

huck has proven his intolerance to religion, now his intolerance to homosexual, how do we expect him to be tolerant to other countries? he has proven he cannot. he is not trustworthy.

I'm not shocked about mike huckabee comment that should be right thing to do in the first place but refused to comment on that topic before "IOWA" election using that as weapon to win south carolina now will back fire on him later. Anyways, never like him because he switched positions alot it's so early showing all this characters probably in his mind he thought we're stupid using preacher idealogy to win election as a front runner we shall see...

Alright listen up, you all have really made me have a laugh of a lifetime. Don't you understand that we can NOT really call ourselves the "United States" if every single citizen doesn't have equal rights? We all have the right to feel about religion, homosexuality, politics, and whatever the hell else, HOW WE WANT TO, but we do NOT have the right to tell ANYONE that they can't have the same rights as anyone else because we don't like how they are living their lives, and that includes making AND passing any laws that will keep ANYONE from doing what they want to do. I say let people marry who they want, let people have abortions, (you may not know the reason behind their decision, AND IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS), I say LET THEM DO IT, because in the end, are YOU going to be responsible for another person's choice? How about YOU make sure YOU are living your life right instead of trying to run someone's life because that is exactly what this SO-CALLED GOP idiot is trying to do. LETS HAVE AN CLINTON/OBAMA TICKET SO WE CAN SEND THE GOP CRYING TO THEIR WIVES!!!!!!!!!!!

The Homosexual Community has gotten a lot of mileage out of a totally false concept. That being that disagreeing with a group's behavior or beliefs equates with hatred. This concept has no validity. It' only purpose is to deny those of a contrary view an opportunity to voice their views. This is a very common Liberal tactic that is often used when they have no effective answer to an opposing view. This tactic is closely related to the one Al Gore and the Global Warmers use when they claim, " The debate is over." In a democracy the debate is never over. The tatic is used here to stifle disent. It is totally dishonest to equate disagreement with hate.

James:

Your freakyfecalphobia seems to have consumed your wit.

Keep your children very close to you. Keep them off of the web. Do not let them have IM, email or a mobile phone. Do not let them attend college, and if you must, make sure they stay near home. Otherwise your children will ultimately reject the kind of bile you spew. It's very hard to keep your kids in the dark ages.

I have four kids. They attend schools where many kids have gay or lesbian parents. It's all fine. It's all good. No disease. No poopie. Plenty of love.

Peace.

I think homosexual behavior is wrong, but also object to promiscuous or extramerital heterosexual behavior. Bestiality is also wrong. What connections between all of the above may or may not exist people can work out for themselves, but my reading suggests all three have behaviors have been frowned down upon from above.

Animal Lover: Bestiality and gay marriage are completely two different things as far as love goes. In one, one partner has no choice to be involved, whereas, in the latter, both persons have made a decision TOGETHER. It really saddens me that we have so many people in this country who use slippery slopes for their arguments and who are so ill-educated when America is SUPPOSED to be a front-runner.

To all of you proclaiming to know God's will, I ask "how do you know?"

Here are the facts:

There is absolutely no objective proof that there is a God.

If there is a God, there is absolutely no objective proof that he/she/it in any way resembles the Judeo-Christian vision of God.

If there is a God, and he ~does~ resemble the American "version" of such, there is absolutely no objective proof that the Bible is his inspired word.

If there is a God, he resembles the American "version" of such, and the Bible IS his inspired word, there is absolutely no objective proof that we - mere mortals that we are - have interpreted it correctly.

And if there is a God, he resembles the American "version" of such, the Bible IS his inpsired word, and if we have interpreted it correctly, there is absolutely no objective proof that he intended every law and rule to stand forever.

These are a LOT of "ifs." Now, if you can make all of these philosophical leaps, then that is fine for you. But not all of us can. And to suggest that it is ok for you to impose your beliefs on everyone, and to actually WRITE THEM INTO LAW, in the face of so much incertainty, is the height of arrogance.

I find it intellectually dishonest of these so-called Christians to always claim the word of their God as infallible when use the King James "version" of the Bible. For one, the King James version is the most poorly translated of all of the texts that we refer to as the bible. Secondly, the bible is a construct of man, not God, although we hear the later. If I am not mistaken, and according to even most versions, the new testament means a new covenant as revealed by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, one that supersedes the previous covenant. In reading even several versions of the bible, Jesus was silent on this issue, It was Paul, an anti-roman, who seems to talk about this. Love your God with all your heart and mind, and treat your fellows humans with the respect. love and dignity that everyone deserves. Jesus was directly asked this and this is how he responded.

These so-called Christians are nothing more than people who have a political agenda who want to control our country by their false perceptions. It sounds like the beginnings of the Islamist ideologues that want to run their countries by what they perceive their God has said. Can anyone else see this?

I laud Mike Huckabee for standing against being forced to call something marriage which is not and can never be.

Homosexuals can call their depraved activities and their feelings for each other anything they want – except marriage. THAT word means the life-long joining of male and female, who from that joining can create new human life.

What homosexuals do is altogether something different. (REALLY different.)

Teaching our children that the two are the same is another form of child abuse.

James

If the bigot Huckabee wants to be President, he will have to acknowledge the fact that the Consitution of the United States supersedes his twisted neochristian cherry picking of Scriptures.

Mike,

You are correct in asserting that you have the right to believe whatever you wish.

You are correct in asserting that we should respect your right to believe in the Bible, even if we disagree.

And you are correct that you have the right to share your beliefs with those in which you come in contact.

The ~problem~ comes when you try to legislate your beliefs, and force ME to live MY life according to your belief system.

My goodness.

The 'tolerance police' of course are always the very least tolerant people there are.

They insist that you believe that every horrific and depraved behavior (abortion, homoanal sodomy, etc. etc.) is good.

That's not tolerance; that's intolerance.

Real tolerance accepts that people honestly disagree about things – including about the morality of acts and behaviors.

The Gaystapo tolerance police are not for real tolerance; they are for insisting that everyone agree with them. They are always trying to get to kids, to normalize horrific and deviant behaviors to them. That's child abuse.

There's no way anyone's gonna get me to teach my children that fecal and diseased sexual acts between two males is good, what God designed our bodies for (in love), or good for the people who engage in them (when they are obviously not).

James

For those trying to throw the Bible into this with our pseudo-accurate rhetoric...you CLEARLY have never read the Bible or studied religion for that matter...read through Leveticus in its entireity (the book often quoted) and you'll see that not only is homosexuality an "abomination" but so is wearing two different types of fabric at the same time... would you like to continue to be selective about what passages you choose to live your lives by and which you ignore?

WOW...so hatred and bigotry is moral...who knew? I agree with you, Jane.

You are not "entitled" to a lot in life but you are "entitled to your own opinion".
That includes EVERYONE – NOT JUST THOSE YOU AGREE WITH.
I have read the Bible all the way through many times in many translations and I believe most people don't have a clue what God's word says on most moral issues especially homosexuality and abortion and the death penalty.
After reading Romans 1 I don't see how anyone can believe God approves the behavior or those who approve of the behavior.

My opinion, which I am entitled to, is that God's word is the standard for everything I do and extends to those I vote for.

Mike Huckabee might not be perfect, but he is lines up with God's word more than all the others put together.

He has my vote. But I at least have the sense to respect the opinion of others who don't like him and won't vote for him. Our country needs to try to be more "respectfully correct" instead of "politically correct".

Every human should be treated "respectfully" no matter how different they are.

HI again, folks:

Eleanor:

Hi.

You seem to be angry at the notion that Christians are "shoving" their religion down people's throats.

Your feelings, sentiments are shared by a lot of people. I think, though, what you seem to be saying is that Christians should not have the right to express their opinions or share their faith with people who aren't Christians.

I am a public school teacher. In the past 20 years, our society has embraced and aggressively promoted the notion of "tolerance." Aas a school teacher I have been encouraged to attend staff development activities about tolerance so that I could be better equipped to pass that value on to my students.

What I have found though about this brand of "tolerance" is this: All forms of religion, philosophy, sexual orientation and cultural values are to be tolerated and celebrated for their representation of a rich cultural diversity.

We are expected to value other people's beliefs, posture ourselves in a way that allows for understanding and acceptance of other people regardless of what they think or do...even if we don't agree with them.

Unless, of course, we bring the Bible and Jesus Christ into the conversation.

Today, if we do disagree, it is automatically labeled intolerant...or, as it has appeared many times in this discussion, bigoted.

Historically, the right to dissent and debate a controversial issue was valued as a democratic principle.

I am a Christian, as I have previously mentioned. And I believe that the Bible, in its entirety, is the revealed word of God. Of greatest importance, He reveals who He is in that book. Part of that revelation includes His position on many issues important to man. One of those issues is homosexuality. According to Him, it is sin...and it will be judged....unless people who practice that lifestyle repent and accept Christ as their savior and lord.

That is what He has to say about Himself and that particular issue. As a Christian, I absolutely believe it. And I am going to share my beliefs with other people.

Now if this is how you define the word "shove" then I am led to believe, perhaps, that you think I, and others like me, ought to be censored and kept from practicing and talking about our beliefs. The reason I say practice is because as a Christian I am commanded to share my faith...in humility, accurately, honestly and in love.

I also mentioned earlier, that thousands of Christians worldwide(fortunately not in this country, yet) are being killed for the faith I have just described. I am concerned that some day that sort of repression will occur here in the home of the brave and the land of the "free."

I find it really interesting that MIke Huckabee's comments about homosexuality have sparked such a fierce debate. I think that it is a validation of the point that I made earlier about what happens to a society that tolerates sexual immorality. I think the issue is criticxal. I think that our nation is in a moral crisis, and I think that if we as a people don't repent, then we like Rome, will fall into extinction.

That's my opinion. Grace and peace to you,

Mike

Just because a large proportion of people have been brainwashed over the years to accept homosexuality, doesn't make it acceptable. Whether it is a gene that is deformed or a choice based on a dysfunctional past or the result of wanting to be 'in,' it is not normal! But at least in the U.S. homosexuals aren't hung like in Iran. So, they can thank G-d they are living in the U.S.

Richard, FL – your 1o Commandments and working on Sunday simply shows your ignorance. The Seventh day is Saturday, not Sunday....another raging loon!

My goodness Jane, what an infantile diatribe.

Not condoning behavior that repudiates the design of our bodies, and leads to death, sickness, disease and shortened lives, is love, not hate.

Not wanting our children to be exposed to the notion that such behavior is good, healthy, natural or Godly is love (for our children), not hate.

Homosexuals can do whatever they want to each other.

They just can't make everyone say it's good, or force everyone to teach their children that.

James

People who are saying that homosexuality is equal to a normal heterosexual lifestyle are out of their mind. I ask anyone that thinks that it is in anyway comparable to a normal healthy lifestyle, look up the statistics . Compare the average age of death, the incidence of anal diseases,suicide rate,bathroom stall sex, full blown aids and new virulent bacterium and diseases directly related to the homosexual lifestyle. Don't take my word for it, go to your favorite search engine and do your research. When you discover the truth, you will be labeled homophobic and other choice names favored by the extremely radical heterophobic screwballs on the left. Good luck and don;t' forget you will also be considered a fool that is outside Americas' mainstream of thought.

One more thought. If God exists (and he does) then homo stuff is just plain wrong as all religions teach.
A lot of homos scream the Bible is interpreted wrongly. How does "a man will not lie with a man and a woman will not lie with a woman", amungst many other similar passage, get misinterpreted?
If God does not exist then science dictates that this behavior is abnormal. Two or 3 percent are homos.
Science (and perhaps God) has so far dealt with these people; diseases spreading like wildfire. So, it appears to me that science and/or God are dealing with this situation adaquately.

He's got my vote!

It's sad that so many people don't understand the authority of God's word. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 'Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be DECEIVED, neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.' This is why the first sermon Christ preached was on repentance. We claim to be a Christian nation, yet are ignorant to God's word and ways. It is out of love and concern for the lost soul's destination that we speak God's truth; not hate, as ill-informed people keep screaming. I lived a homosexual life for 15 years, then, by God's grace, I was humbled, turned away from that life, and turned to the One who died for me and could help me, Jesus Christ. God instituted marriage to be between a man and a woman {Genesis 2:24}. I pray those who claim to believe in God get familiar with who He is by reading His word.

WHAT A SURPRISE!!!!! This is the same person that thinks aids patients should be put into a camp....I am also surprised that CNN actually reported this story they have been having a love fest with huckabee(thats all we need is to send a "president huckabee" to a meeting discussing foreign relations....we would be the laughing stock for another 4 years)

Funny these evangelicals spend a lot of time hating everyone.....and trying to somehow say that this is what Jesus would do......if this is what he would approve of good riddens to him too.

Check this out!!!

Monday, November 14, 2005
Time Magazine Names Huckabee One Of Nation's Best Governors
Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who is also chairman of the National Governor's Association, was named one of America's five best governor's in the latest edition of Time magazine. Only one other Republican is on the list (Guinn, Nevada).

"... Like Clinton," Time says, "Huckabee has approached his state's troubles with energy and innovation, and he has enjoyed some successes. Most notably, he created ARKids First, which offers health insurance to poor children and has helped reduced the percentage of uninsured Arkansans under 18 to 9% in 2003-04, compared with 12% for the nation and 21% for neighboring Texas.

Since he became Governor in July 1996, welfare rolls have declined by nearly half, and last year the state's economy grew 4.4%, beating the national average of 4.2%. But Huckabee, 50, is a good Governor, not just for what he has done but also for who he has become, personally and politically. He is literally half the man he used to be, having lost 110 lbs. after learning in 2002 that he has diabetes and suffering chest pains a year later. He now exercises with martial regularity. More important, but less noted, has been Huckabee's political transformation. In his early years as Lieutenant Governor and then in the top job, he offered little more than anti-Clinton resentment and capering populism."

"Huckabee is now a mature, consensus-building conservative who earns praise from fellow Evangelicals and, occasionally, liberal Democrats."

For the rest of the Time article, click HERE.

First and foremost, I AM NOT A HUCKABEE SUPPORTER. However, I do not believe homosexual relationships are morally wrong. I don't care!!! To each his own. I do not, however, believe the definition of "marriage" should be changed to include these relationships. Civil unions are available for those who chose to publicly announce their love. The only reason to call it a "marriage" would be to include folks in the benefits given those who choose to marry. I also do not compare bestiality to the idea that some can find a loving relationship with a member of the same sex. However, if enough dog lovers got together and had a study made that proved they were genetically predisposed to love their pets, would we be forced to allow them to marry also? If so, then I will marry my Schnauser. That will allow me to claim "Married Filing Jointly". Kibbles and chew toys are a whole lot less expensive than fur coats and Mercedes.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."(Matthew 7:13-14)

i have an idea: how about all the people that like what Huck says vote for him and all of the people that don't like what Huck says vote for someone else?

That being said, I am sick of listening to people say that Huckabee is trying to take away gay rights. What is he trying to take away? He is trying to keep the law the same, that marriage is between man and woman.
The last i checked, homosexuals don't have to sit at the back of the bus, they have the same public schools, they have the use drinking fountains. This is not an issue of equal rights, because you already have equal rights.

Just because a man says that marriage is between a man and a woman has nothing to do with equal rights. If you are a homosexual man, you still have the same right I do to marry a woman. I am not denying that you truly love your partner. I'm not saying that you don't have the right to love another man. I'm just saying that you or I or anyone else in America is not allowed to marry someone of the same sex.

I am main stream AMERICA and i agree with Mr. Huckabee. It is a fact , the same BIBLE that teaches homosexualality is an abomination teaches that bestuality is also an abomination. LEVITICUS 18:22, 23. The wicked may change a lot of things, but they will never be able to change the WORD OF THE LIVING GOD WHOSE NAME IS " JESUS ". It is not allah,it is JESUS. He is alive and well and is coming back soon, not as a lamb but as a Lion. He is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. This crowd that supports these homosexuals and baby killers will HE judge. Then will we see how brazen these wicked really are. Go Huckabee. Don!t wilt under the onslaught of these people and the news media, because mainstream AMERICA is with you. I am a baptist preacher and I am praying for you, You do not have to apologize for your convictions,GOD wouldn"t. AMERICA PLEASE READ PROVERBS 29:2.

If he believes in God so much, why doesnt he focus on what was said in the Bible, ie. loving, caring, and honesty. correct me if i'm wrong, but i thought Jesus didn't mention anything about homosexuality.

He's right. If you allow gay marriage on the grounds that 1. they're consenting adults, and 2. they love each other, that logic could be used to argue for polygamy or other miscellaneous marriages.

"Beam me up Scotty, there is no intelligent life down here." It is embarrassing when people like Huckabee and Obama are running for POTUS. Wake up America, research voting records, due a little leg work and read.

Pick a fight?! Us? What is WRONG with him?

Gay rights groups have been fighting for decades against intolerance and bigotry, not out of a want for confrontation but out of necessity to protect our civil rights. From people like him.

Huckabee is hopefully about to lose his steam. Conservatives I've talked to already don't like his tax plan and I'm sure most moderates will find his positions on social issues too extreme to support.

I don't want him to be my preacher or president. Intolerance and bigotry and ramming down personal beliefs and agendas is why people are so sick and angry.

Dear Baby Jesus:

Please let the Huckster win the Rep nomination.

Amen

Well, if Huckabee equates my 15 year relationship with a man marrying an animal, maybe we shoud put his torture-and-kill-animals-for -fun son in trial for manslaughter.

It is actually outright scary how fascist like Huckabee has such a following. But I think that in thge long run it is just healthy wake up call to all Americans to see what Christianists are willing to do to this country.

He's right you know. Pretty soon dogs will be having sex with men out on the streets. Chimpmunks will be having sex with racoons, and it will all signal the apocalypse. The Lord your God will punish all the homosexual heathens and cleanse them from the earth. The USA is beginning to go down the path of Sodom and Gommorah and the Lord you God shall rain fire and brimstone down upon the earth to see that things are made right. Throw yourselves down before his divine mercy you sinners and beg for his forgiveness.
In all seriousness, Huckabee should be applauded for understanding how and when to use the Slippery Slope fallacy to rally Southern Evangelicals.

Great! Another intellectually challenged Republican president – eight years of Huckabee will surely do this country in. Good luck everyone!

Mike Huckabee is the only candidate on either side who is standing up for what HE believes in. He is not a candidate whose opinion is influenced by popular thought. His principles are set in stone. This is what differs him from the rest of the candidates and will win him the nomination, because he don't have to wake up every morning and wonder what will guide him today. He has already made a commitment to be guided by the word of God, sure and firm, for it is the ultimate source of truth. He the right to have his speech heard as well. If you don't like what he says, it has probably offended you and you should look at why and change that area of your life. This is what truth seekers really do.

Does anybody actually think that this will hurt him during the GOP Primary? The neo-cons eat this stuff up.

God bless him for not being afraid to speak the truth.

It's not about "Special Rights", it's about Equal Rights! The constitution is there to limit the government and protect liberties. Period! Separate but equal IS not equal! A "ban" on any one class of citizen is not what the Constitution is about. Scared of Gay Marriage? Then change the legal definition from Marriage to Civil Union across the board and let the religious fanatics claim "marriage" as their religious, but not legally recognized, union. Too far? Then deal with gay marriage on an equal footing as "straight" marriage. God is a God of love. Our country is so messed up because the conservative right wing has usurped the reigns of government, the very thing our forefathers fought to prevent! Freedom of religion is not only about freedom to worship what ever version of the Christian God you choose, it is about worshiping what ever Deity you choose! I am a gay christian. My god doesn't hate me. My God does not hate any of his children, no matter what their religious or political affiliation.

The fact of the matter is that Marriage, and the benefits associated with it, is a privilege – not a right. Mike Huckabee's point is that marriage needs to be defined and if it isn't, it leaves the opportunity for anyone and anything to be married. He is not equating homosexuality with bestiality.

The second point is that people attack a man like Huckabee for his religion and that it influences his policies. The fact of the matter is, we all have a religion that affects what we think should be done. Even if you are an atheist, you are religious. We all have beliefs that influence our decisions. We all have beliefs about what is right and what is wrong. If we had a president who lied to the American people on a daily basis, promoted slavery, and said women couldn't vote – you would say that is wrong. And playing devil's advocate, I could say to you "Keep your religious views out of politics." But you would say that is ludicrous. We all know that slavery is morally wrong, that women should have a right to vote and are created equal. But we disagree that homosexuality is wrong. Some say it is and some say it isn't. But we shouldn't attack someone for their convictions and how they would affect their policies, because if we were president – we would have convictions that would affect our decisions too.

Are we electing a President or a Pope? Where does this guy (and the right-wingnuts) get off imposing their religious vews on the rest of this country? This guy is a fascist, pure and simple.

I too am mainstream America. How come so many religious folks believe that if one is not filled with bigotry and hatred we are not mainstream. I have a graduate degree, professional position, children and grandchildren and I am an active Christian, attending church weekly and involved with the church. I serve a God who is inclusive.

There are so many issues – health care, the wars, environment, economic crisis. I do not want a President whose major platform is based on 'moral' issues of exclusion and hatred.

Lets just leave the whole issue of marriage up to the States. How did the use of the Constitution get so confobulated????? If anyone has not noticed "Mainstream America" is currently deciding IN EACH STATE if gay marriage should be allowed or not.

I am sick to death of constantly being reminded that I live in the same country with bigoted idiots like Huckabee. Why can we not stop the hate? When are people going to wake up and realize that that kind of hate and prejudice and bigotry is immoral? STOP HATING YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS!!!!

Time and time again people jump to their wildest conclusions when someone says something they disapprove of. Mr. Huckabee is right. Each time the door is opened to allow what were once commonsense principles to be changed, the envelope is pushed further and further. That is all he said. Get over it. And no, as a Republican, he's not getting my vote. Fred Thompson, the only conservative in the race is!

Mike Huckabee is speaking his mind. It may offend others, but he is just speaking his Christian faith. Even Jesus pointed out wrong of others, but still loved them by dieing on the cross for them. You can honestly point out the errors of others and still care about them. It's like this: a child does something wrong, gets punished for it, but his parents still love him and would do anything for him.

Dereck Brown said:
"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. "

You're right Dereck. Who is Huckabee to say that "bestiality" is wrong??? There is nothing wrong with an honest, loving, close and physical relationship between man and "beast." Sammy, my dog AND lover is wagging his tail in agreement. Those narrow minded bigots make me so mad I could spit!!!!

"I think he's equating a loving marriage between two people of the same sex with some form of bestiality," he said. " I think that's really out of the mainstream of American thought, and most people will find that offensive."

ORLY? ROFLMAO

That is just plain wrong! This is 2008 and any candidate that speaks and thinks that way is frankly dangerous! Pandering to the ignorant and small minded is not going to win the election. There is no way I am voting for a man that has to wear his religion on his sleeve either. That's a personal belief that he can have and I by no means care what he believes, but any candidate that has to use religion to get votes is just plain pathetic.

Instead of pandering to the neocons, how about actually dealing with major issues in this country. Whether gays get married or not is no one else's business. It has no impact on your marriage or anyone elses. It also does not devalue any straight marriage, if you think it does, then you probably have other issues going on. And if this country spends that much time pursuing divisive issues, it will be our downfall. This kind of rhetoric is what divides and not unites our country. We should be educating our kids, handling our security, and making sure our economy is healthy.

Hey Observer, News flash for you. America is great in some ways but is far from perfect. You act like America invented democracy guess what? You did not. The biggest problem with America is its full or religious fanatics that are way too full of themselves. And please don't take this comment as a Canadian bashing Americans.
I like America and most Americans I have met.

It's amazing how much many people don't understand about the country and society we live in. There is nothing wrong with legislating **morality**. That's what we do every day. Is it wrong to kill? Is it wrong to steal? Those are moral issues that we codify into law.

It's also a fallacy to get into doesn't hurt or affect anybody arguments. Most things that people do or don't do affect those people around them. History shows there are many negative effects to successful societies when long-held morals are cast aside.

There are many negative effects to our society and country of not restricting marriage to a man and a woman. My interpretation of what Huckabee said is that any "tolerant" person wanting to require something to be legal or illegal (like marry) is simply imposing their own morals on the rest of us. The majority disagrees with that definition of marriage and therefore, we should restrict it to a man and a woman.

We continue to hear misinformation, lies, and deceit in the name of personal religious beliefs. Quite frankly, I could easily use these acts to topple the religious bases throughout the US by acting in the same manner. By stigmatizing those who of like minds in the religious community and then saying that the rest of the religious community must be seen in the same manner.

But unlike the Tin-Pot-Dictator-Wannabes, while I will keep my own child from the obscene, bigotry teaching, hate mongering, abuser educating belief systems, as it is the Right of EVERY Parent to decide what is or is not appropriate for their OWN children, I will not begin such a campaign to "protect the children" from such as it is equally the Right of a Parent to expose their children to such things.

We clearly see the desire for a Theocratic Dictatorship to be set in the United States by a great many, however.

The argument of "majority rules" is one sign of that. Where "majority rules" is clearly based on violations of the United States Constitution (as the SOLE argument is that it would require the US government to give SOLE Legal superiority and recognition to specific religions and religious beliefs). It is also slanted in that not EVERY adult American citizen is not polled. The partial statistical base can easily be manipulated by location, method, and other factors.

Another clear piece of evidence is the argument that homosexuality is a "choice". To what relevance is it whether it is or not? The answer is simple: Those making the argument clearly believe that it is THEIR Right to dictate to others how they should be or not. Thereby once again violating the Constitutional Rights of others, as it would mean the government would give Legal superiority and recognition to a single religion and religious belief.

Another clear piece of evidence is the attempt to spread the issue wider so as to blur the FACTS to justify the dictates of others. Under Law, the ONLY species governed and protected by the US Constitution are Humans. The deciet that a Human could Legally (as opposed to relgiously) be married to any other species or inanimate object is merely for the purpose of downplaying the relevance of the existing US Constitution on the matter. Likewise, in trying to insert children into the matter, the speaker fails to point out that (a) Children's Rights in a variety of Legal issues, including Marriage, are inconsistant and, quite frankly, still in flux. Look at various Laws from state to state as well as Federal. Therefore, logically, we cannot include children in this specific argument because there is no clarity where children fit in Legally overall. So, it comes down to two (for now) adults becoming Legally Married. And, again, we come to the issue of Violation of US citizen's Rights under the US Constitution as above.

The FACT is that YOUR religion is YOUR religion. The US Constitution PROHIBITS the government from recognizing any one religion over others. Since not EVERY SINGLE US CITIZEN share the exact same religious beliefs, and since not every religion shares the same beliefs, then denying the Legal Right to marry based on a religious belief is a clear violation of the US Constitution. And, as noted many times, the marriage of two (for now) individuals, no matter WHO they are, does not violate YOUR Legal Rights whatsoever. Indeed, the marriage of two individuals has no bearing on anyone else's lives whatsoever.

This evidence, among others, shows that there are many in the United States that wish to turn this country, Legally, into a Theocratic Dictatorship. What makes it even more interesting is that they are too cowardly to admit such a desire directly, even though the individual pieces of evidence, as noted above, are willingly spoken by them time and time again.

Andrew

Huckabee's social positions are based on the "TRUTH" of the infallible and timeless Word of God. He has just as much right to speak freely as any other American. America is looking more and more like Sodom and Gomorrah. It's truly a sign of the times when Gay's are celebrated for coming out of the closet and Christian's are told to get in the closet. I know it's a worn out expression, but God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. God said be fruitful and multiply. Two men can't do this and two women can't do this. Huckabee is emphasizing that the only God ordained intimate relationship is between a man and a woman who are married; anything else is wrong! If you don't stand for what you believe, then you shouldn't stand at all. Go Mike Go!

The observer posted twice and worth reading twice. What two concenting adults choose to do in their bedrooms is their business. However, to force it on me, as A-okay is another. I think civil unions are okay. When two people love each other and are committed to one other, they should have rights to make decisions, inheirt estates, etc. I personally believe a marriage is between a man and a woman. Let God judge people," judge not lest you be judged."

Huckabee is just like the rest of the Neo Con's his mind works under a predetermined conditions that he knows what "Normal" is and that the Government should preach the word of God.

Our government is not that way, it is not how Americans want to live. We have laws in this nation that we all live by and wether the 2 guys next door are gay it is no ones business as long as they follow the laws of this nation. If God doesn't like it he will have the final judgement. So why don't these NeoCon's crawl back in the hole they came from and leave the rest of of US allow.

Anyone proposing any domino effect theory, which is what Huck is doing here, should be forced to prove it, or at least logically set forth the steps by which the dominoes will fall one by one. Australia did not become communist just because Vietnam did for a while, as the domino effect rooters told us during the Vietnam War would happen. Equally invalid is a mere assertion that allowing gay marriage would lead to Fred Freaky marrying his goldfish, or, for that matter, that stricter controls on handguns would lead to a ban on deer hunting. And on the other side of the political coin, there is no proof that invading Iraq leads automatically to attacking Iran. If the president chooses to attack Iran, it is not because it was inevitable once the first shoe dropped, but because he chose to make two immoral and senseless blunders instead of just one and the citizenry through their elected representatives let him do so. He, and those representatives should be held responsible, not some domino theory.

Finally, a good republican who is not afraid to call gays what they are...sick and perverted. He gets my vote!

The "gay" bias of this reporter is clear. His characterization that Huckabee's comments "seemed to link homosexuality with sexually deviant behavior" ignores that the controversy is essentially about WHETHER homosexuality IS deviant behavior. The implicit assumption by the reporter that it is NOT is a fundamental violation of journalistic ethics. This story is not journalism, it is devious pro-homosexual advocacy.

Whos GOD said this? I think believing hearsay that was written a few hundred years after the supposed incident is stretching reality just a bit .....The only thing that was written BY GOD , supposedly , was the 10 COMMANDMENTS ... And if im not mistaken ....they are as follows ..
I am the Lord your God
You shall have no other gods before me
You shall not make for yourself an idol
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
Honor your Father and Mother
You shall not murder
You shall not commit adultery
You shall not steal
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
You shall not covet your neighbor's house
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife

He who is without sin ... Let him throw the first stone ....

well said, winnie..

if these bigots were truely christian they would follow the message of jesus who reached out to the people who were NOT the majority !
Love thy neighbour.. there is no "but" if you haven't noticed.. it's even love thy enemy !.. again no exceptions. end of discussion.

Reading this as a European I find it quite scary how many people in America think the same as Huckabee and with how much hatred a lot of them seem to be filled... This wants to be the beacon of freedom yet it judges people on their sexuality ? I hate all this talk about America being the best country of the world, the country of the free and equal.. and then this.. arrogant and ignorant are the only words coming to my mind. In Britain people like Elton John and Graham Norton are national icons. Spain, one of the most catholic countries in Europe legalized gay marriage. It's hipocracy that fuels anti-american-sentiment. Anyone looking from the outside must think that this is a religiously-fundamentalist country.. and therefore dangerous – because it preaches one thing (bringing freedom to everyone) but then does the opposite (being intolerant and acting only out of own interest).

I have lived in America and learned to love it for its opportunities and inspiration.. but it scares me !!!

It is ironic that Huckabee is running on his religion, when just about three weeks ago he slipped an anti-Mormon comment into an interview with a New York Times magazine reporter (obviously trying to leverage religion against Mitt Romney.)

I'm not a fan of either of them, but In other words, the Gospel according to Huck is that his religion is a reason to vote for him, but anybody else's religion is a weakness to be exploited.

I don't remember which comment said it, but Evolution is a farce. God made each and every one of us Himself. He is the one who decides how we are born, and what we are born to do, and how we are born to live. Only God can decide what our beginning will be. It is our choice for what our end will be.

HOWEVER! That is not to say that some of us are not born gay. Many Americans are born missing vital genetic keys in their DNA that makes them straight. Many more have a hormone imbalance. And fewer others have no natural hormones to speak of, and therefore have to rely on pills to tell them how to grow. These people are NATURALLY born bi. This is not a choice they make, but a decision God makes for them. How the bi people grow up is left to society. Once in awhile though, someone is born fully gay. It's not evolution, or sin that does this, but instead, it's the way they are born.

And something else. What is this guy thinking when he states that basically "just because you're gay, doesn't mean you have to live the gay life"??? Am I the only one that read it that way? How can you expect a gay man or woman to simply not love anyone just because you don't agree, Huckabee? I mean, seriously?

Everyone has the God given right to love and be loved by someone. Who are you to decide who they should love? Last time I checked you weren't God. I'd know if you were, because I don't recall ever speaking to you when I'm feeling lonely, or need someone to talk to. I speak to God for that. You Mike Huckabee, you're just a sad little man with a god complex.

Everyone posting here came from one man and one woman.

So shut up. Unless you hate your own parents.

I have heard of Homorsexuals, but people don't really do that do they? Come on that's just sick.

Solomon had a thousand wives. Was he a liberal?

Sodomites and their supporters are amongst the most sanctimonious self-righteous small-minded amoral and intolerant of people, who are so pre-occupied with their addictive behaviour, that they refuse to acknowledge its destructive perverse and deadening influence in their lives and on society in general. Do yourself and us all a favour, open your eyes to the muck you are wallowing in, and seek help.

Hucklety Bucklety sat on a wall...
Hucklety Bucklety had a great fall.
God and His angels are taking great pains -
But still they can't mend our poor Hucklety's brains.

Way to go brother Huckabee! Tell the truth like it is to the whole Country. They need to hear the truth, we sure don't get it from the news media. And some of the responders on this news story prove that the truth has to be told. Some people think anything goes to day. But some day the USA will have to pay the price for this immoral behavior accepted by the liberals in our Country. God help us all when that day comes. And it might be sooner than we all think. Give your life to Jesus Christ the Son of God while you still have time left. May God continue to bless the USA despite all the nasty and immoral things that go on here. There is still hope, hope in Christ. Amen!

Why?
Why would I want to support a candidate who discriminates against its own citizens of the United States?
"A house divided against itself will fall"
Dont discriminate = Educate

Just when I thought Huckabee couldn't go and do anything dumber, he does something like this........ And totally redeems himself!!!

Has anyone seen a candidate self destruct worse than this? Maybe Howard Dean 8 years ago but I still think Huckabee will be the whipping boy in SNL skits for years to come.

If anyone wants to judge the sexual preference of others then feel free to cast the first stone. Where is this man's advisor's?

I'd rather vote for someone who is courageous and honest enough to speak his mind and stand by what he believes. Most Politicians will lie and will tell you what they think you want to hear in order to get elected but deep down inside they know that they don't agree with gay marriage. I don't believe Huckabee hates gays. He is however against gay marriage. Don't hate him for being honest. He's still free to speak his mind.

Independent and will vote for Huckabee!

Excuse me, David's ignorance had my brain working faster than my hands,
s/b
See, that's why this country is SCREWED up!

It's well documented that all straight men have secret sexual longings for their young daughters. Mike Huckabee's logic would most certainly support this tenet. Because men are slaves to their primal male urges, it follows Huckster Philosophy that if all gay men are pedophiles because it is part of their nature, then all straight men have to be lusting after all young girls, including their own daughters. It's a fact of life. There are no gray areas. There is only the Truth. Welcome to Huckabee's America!

This guy is a consummate politican. The first couple times I heard him, I was almost taken in by his veneer of soft spoken eloquence, easy charm and witty one-liners. But all that is disguising an extremely theocratic right wing agenda that his hip bass player image can't hide.

Huckabee has also said that AIDS patients should be quarantined and homosexuals present a significant health risk. When confronted with these comments a while back he refused to distance himself from them.

Anyone who says the Constitution needs to be amended to be in accordance with God's word (which has been debated by theologians for centuries) needs to be kept away from the Oval Office at all costs.

<>

Exactly! The media is so bias!!!

Huckabee is the only Republican i would vote for , i like his ideas.

As a non-American, watching your election process, hopefully, for America, (and the world) "mainstream America" has more gays and lesbians than bigots. The gays by nature of their lives appear more open minded, progressive, informed and for the most part tolerant of others (racially, spiritually, culturally). Bigots well, they want to force their minority opinions, myopic views and lack of compassion on all, to protect their narrow diminishing world. If it is not a reflection of the America during the Eisenhower administration, "it ain't Red, White and Blue".

On a side note:
Wouldn't it be wonderful to watch democracy in action if, by convention time2 or 3 or even 4 candidates still had a shot at the big race for each party, the conventions would be conventions not coronations

Amendments against same-sex marriage were on 7 or 8 ballots during the 2004 elections. They were approved 100 percent of the time by large margins. Those who think Gov. Huckabee will hurt himself by standing against gay marriage are not being honest. The candidates that don't take this stance are the ones who will sustain damage.

I am tired of these holier than thou people trying to tell others how to live. Remember these are statements from a mna who's pary has always crowed about being the party of less government and less inference in people's lives. What a bunch of hyprocrites!

i can be a very understanding citizen BUT not when i read some of the comments above. we all can vote once and that's it. we all have to make choices good or bad ones. then we are responsible for them. how glad i am that men can make bad choices, with eternal consequences, then be forgiven by GOD.

Huckabee, there are a lot of things that I disagree with you on, but I admire the fact that you aren't dancing around the issue. It is nice to know where a canidate stands on an issue.

I think it is pretty clear that everyone should marry people of opposite sex. I mean just think about it. Can a man and a man reproduce? let me guess DUH!!!! NO!!! gay marriage is not right, after all, GOD CREATED ADAM AND EVE, NOT ADAM AND STEEVE. Gay marriage is taking the disrespect towards God and Humanity itself to a whole another level. If things happen to be the way they are, thats how they are supposed to be, so if you are born man, your supposed to be man and reproduce with another woman. I'm not a scientist or anything but you can only reproduce with a person of the opposite sex. Plus this country is already too spoiled with so many rights, adding another outrageous right to the society is just going to make it worst. Also, it is disconfortable to be around homosexuals, why??? because it's not human, its like two irratinal idiots trying to figure out how life should be. So where society going to be with fewer reproduction of babies. everything has a purpose and the purpose of a male and a female is to love and reproduce, so why don't you people make use of your purpose.

in the begining GOD created man(adam) and woman(eve).

if you are a believer in CHRIST JESUS, then you also must believe that HE came as our sacrfice to save us from our sins. if you believe that then you must also believe the rest of the bible too.

Mr. Huckabee I will vote for you and pray for the souls of all Americans regardless of their disregaurd for your christian beliefs.

No special rights for the homosexuals! Marriage = 1 man and 1 woman only.

A Homosexual has the same rights as everyone esle, to marry a member of the opposite sex. But this does not limit their rights as an American. Keeping the government out of the bed room doesnt mean you have to allow Fred and Bill to register at Macys.

That being said, Huckabee if a fool. You can make your point about whats wrong and right for the country as a whole without offending a large portion of the population. The man is a tax and spend-liberal-prolife-big government-flipflop-pandering-facist. I find him slightly more dangerous to our future than Obama or Clinton. He has broke every ethics rules as governor of Arkansas, flipflop almost daily on issues, and has ben a horrible father to his own kids. I can not trust a man whose 17 year old son hung a dog from a tree and shot it with a rifle. He did this infront of a dozed 11-13year olds. Mike Huckabee had the investigator fired.

I will vote for ANY rebulican over Obama and Clinton in Nov except Huck. He is unacceptable. I will actually leave the republican party, I dislike him that much.
Duncan Hunter is my #1, Mitt Romney #2, Fred Thompson#3, Rudy#4, John McAmesty#5 ......Huck, NEVER.

It is very a 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 facing us and we should try to have a dialogue about it in most humane and compassionate manner.

I am not a Huckabee 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.

i would think that normal, moderate christians would be embarassed by this guy and his statements of hatred. someone quoted an interesting passage from the bible to justify hatred against gays:

"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." "

so anyone's who's ever cheated, stole something, gotten drunk, slandered someone, like huckabee himself has just done, or been greedy is going to hell and should have a constitutional amendment banning them from getting married?
GREAT! WHAT'S NEXT?!

and i highly doubt that this passage is correct – the word homosexual did not exist then and in fact, the bible only addresses male homosexuality, so lesbians aren't committing any sin and are still going to heaven so, according to the word of god, they can still get married. Yey!

um, correct me if i'm wrong, but no one wants to change the defintion of marriage. they just want the same rights as straight couples – i don't think gays care how it's defined as long as it's deifintion isn't used against them to deny them equal rights, which is exactly what huck plans to do.

what a backward pandering wierdo.

To MVDietrich:

First, the ~majority~ doesn't agree with Mr. Huckabee:

***80%+ of Americans support the passage of ENDA

***70%+ of Americans support the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and allowing our gay and lesbian soldiers to serve honesty and openly

***65%+ of Americans believe that gay and lesbian couples should have their relationships respected and acknowledged

Second, you are correct that if everyone on the planet were gay, procreation would become difficult. However it is also true that if every single person on the planet DID procreate to their maximum ability, we would overpopulate the planet to the point of its destruction. So, you see, both straight AND gay are necessary to the success of the planet.

This is America and there is no place for prejudice toward any law abiding citizen. There are bigger fish to fry in this election then to attack or ridicule someone on sexual orientation. Love thy neighbor- we don't choose our neighbor, but can open our hearts and minds to differences.

Ask the majority of married men that hit on me to explain how gay people keep being born every year.

Mr. Richard (Modest European Observer):

Do not be too dismayed with the contents of some of the posts on this blog. What appears to have happened is a complete misinterpretation of just what Governor Huckabee in fact said.

As is not too unseldom in this country of YouTubettes, instant messengers, cyberphonetic acronyms, persons whose entire education seems to have been derived from Wikipedia or Google, and many who have obviously flawed keyboards, Huckabee's words have been misquoted, misread, misunderstood, or just plain taken out of the context of his whole statement, and readers are extrapolating via ad hominem to equating same sex marriage to infer causal bestiality. Obviously a hot topic, and guaranteed to rile the natives.

As is not too infrequently, especially during our hallowed primary season, passions flare, tempers are lost, and some of the most non-sequitur exhibitions of logic obtain.

What would alarm me more would be absolute apathy. It is healthy for the body politic to express their views so that their beliefs can crystallize prior to casting their votes. It is also good to test one's beliefs and convictions before an entire country to see if they make sense, and to receive feedback should they be incongruent. Unfortunately, some comments are rants. There are also some exceptional analyses provided, and some most pithy comments of the highest drollery. It is indeed a spectacle to behold.

As I stated earlier: "...We have forgotten the one thing that makes us the strongest nation in the world- we are Americans, and we are unique amongst all people on the globe. When pressed, our collective strength rests in our diversity coupled with unity of purpose. We can achieve what no other country can. We are still the best. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and so on, but first Americans."

Calm yourself, my astute friend, all is well in America, and there is nothing that a good election won't calm.

Another Humble Observer

Jeffrey (to Jim, TLC, and even Susan from Atlanta)

Very well put. This is how the country will fall – with incessant and unnecessary bickering, divisive issues that distracts the country to fight the REAL problems – poverty, terrorism, ignorance, bigotry, illiteracy and lack of family values.

What we need in this country is Civility, Respect, Diversity and freedom of Choice. Why would we elect a Leader that oozes with hatred instead of uniting us all?

Blind:

Same here. You have to admit this blog has garnered a great deal of messages. I think the are behind in their posting. Hope so.

Chad,

You pose the question: "Who decides what is right and wrong?"

It's a fair question. And the answer is complicated by the fact that we (the citizens of this great nation) adhere to different religions, philosophies, and moral codes, and I think most people agree we need the freedom to do so.

So how about this.......how about we decide, as a nation, that unless your choices are seriously and severely infringing upon the rights of another, that you get to decide for YOURSELF what is right and wrong for YOUR life? And that the rest of us will respect and honor your decision, even if we don't agree with it? Does that philosophy not honor our nation's promise of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?"

Respecting the committment the two guys next door have made to each other takes nothing away from you. But making them adhere to your moral code takes EVERYTHING away from them.

I guess the CNN moderator had decided it's okay for the religious right wing to bash gay people but God forbid someone show just how hypocritical the entire argument is. The moderator probably eats bacon and doesn't want to admit it's against Biblical law.

Make everyone on the planet homosexual then ask the next generation how it went?

If a view is held by a majority how can it be considered radical?

What is going on with CNN? For the second time this week my comments have been "moderated" and deleted. No cursing, slander, anger, just educated and valid points or debate like all the others here. What gives? This is a joke!

This is in response to Brittany from TN. How dare you compare homosexuality to pedophilia? There is no link or comparison drawn remotely between the two. If one would take regard for current statistics you would notice that 3/4 male pedophiles do NOT consider themselves homosexual. More than likely, they have been married, had girlfriends, etc. Moreover, these comments are a pure example of cafeteria christians. You pick and choose what you want to use and follow. I most often hear that its the Old Testament, therefore, you are not to "follow' its guidelines as seriously. However, you seem to think its okay to criticize others. I totally agree with Frank. God Bless!

Mr. Richard (Modest European Observer):

Do not be too dismayed with the contents of some of the posts on this blog. What appears to have happened is a complete misinterpretation of just what Governor Huckabee in fact said.

As is not too unseldom in this country of YouTubettes, instant messengers, cyberphonetic acronyms, persons whose entire education seems to have been derived from Wikipedia or Google, and many who have obviously flawed keyboards, Huckabee's words have been misquoted, misread, misunderstood, or just plain taken out of the context of his whole statement, and readers are extrapolating via ad hominem to equating same sex marriage to infer causal bestiality. Obviously a hot topic, and guaranteed to rile the natives.

As is not too infrequent, especially during our hallowed primary season, passions flare, tempers are lost, and some of the most non-sequitur exhibitions of logic obtain.

What would alarm me more would be absolute apathy. It is healthy for the body politic to express their views so that their beliefs can crystallize prior to casting their votes. It is also good to test one's beliefs and convictions before an entire country to see if they make sense, and to receive feedback should they be incongruent. Unfortunately, some comments are rants. There are also some exceptional analyses provided, and some most pithy comments of the highest drollery. It is indeed a spectacle to behold.

As I stated earlier: "...We have forgotten the one thing that makes us the strongest nation in the world- we are Americans, and we are unique amongst all people on the globe. When pressed, our collective strength rests in our diversity coupled with unity of purpose. We can achieve what no other country can. We are still the best. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and so on, but first Americans."

Calm yourself, my astute friend, all is well in America, and there is nothing that a good election won't calm.

Another Humble Observer

Roy B Says that : "The fruits of a heterosexual relationship are children, taxpayers, soldiers, etc"

Homosexuals are also the fruit of a heterosexual relationship...It takes 2 straights to make a gay!!!! So by his logic we homosexuals ARE ok!! Hey thanks Roy.

.

This guy is totally killing his chances. America will not accept this type of discriminatory slandering of human rights.

What is sad is that probably the majority of the people stating that the idea of gays getting married is "immoral" according to the Bible have probably been "immoral" themselves at some point...pre-marital sex, divorce, lustful, greedy...whatever...the list could go on and on.

And for those taking the bible literally, word for word...

How about Leviticus 19:28...Gotten a tattoo lately?
"Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord."

How about Exodus 31:15...ever work on a Sunday?
"For 6 days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death."

Well if you have sinned...do you follow the bible literally as stated in Matthews 5:29-30:
"If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."

This is another list that could go on and on...the point is that the Bible is not meant as a literal interpretation. It was written thousands of years ago and I think it is fair to say that times have changed just slightly. I certainly don't want a president that will rule the country I live in according to the text from thousands of years ago. Gays being able to marry will hurt no one. I am a straight woman that has no desire to have kids. Does that mean I am not allowed to get married...since the argument tends to be that the point of marriage is to procreate?

I feel that Mr. Huckabee's comments were taken out of context. I do not feel that is what he meant. People are just trying to make up a story just to pick a fight with him. I am a christian and I believe what the bible says. You should leave your mother and father and cling to your wife! Also as Christians were are called to love and also to expalin inteligently what God's word is saying. No matter what you say or how you feel, God is still right about marriage. I want a man or woman running for political office to stand on morals and principles and tell the truth. This is still a country founded under one God (the Christian God and the bible).

A few facts, for those of you ready to dismiss and disrespect Christianity and then presume to take the liberty to define Biblical principles even though you lack knowledge and understanding:

(1) This nation was founded by individuals well-versed in Christianity, and by individuals who largely acknowledged a personal belief in God and a profound respect for Him.

(2) God’s guidance and blessings were sought.

(3) God was not shunned.

(4) Prayer was routinely exercised in public and political settings—strongly suggesting therefore that matters of faith were not to be relegated only to strictly religious settings.

(5) There was no religious test for holding or denying office.

(6) There was to be no state-sponsored or mandated religion.

(7) This nation—it’s government—was not considered an evangelical tool.

Okay?

I guess you gotta tone down the anti-Huckabee comments otherwise the CNN moderators will nix your opinions. Even without profanity, so I guess we know where they stand.

The point is this guy is trying to play God buy restricting our God given free will.

The constitution has always been to protect our rights while this candidate will use it to take away our rights.

I've said it before and I'll say it again I as a man have no right to tell a woman what she can and can't do with her body. If God does not like it then they will have to face it then end. It is not Mike Huckabee's place to choose when, where and how we use our free will.

That's the whole idea behind free will. God gave it to us to see what we would do with it. Right, wrong or indifferent you can't play God and decide for others.

For a while Ole Huck was apparently pulling a fast one by making himself appear not to be a Christian Right Wing Nut. Looks like he's starting to slip, both mentally and politically. The only thing I'm angry about is that he did it so soon. I knew it was inevitable but hoped it wouldn't come out until it was too late and he was the Repub nominee and then the Dems would have had an easy ride in November. Now he has no chance when he goes nationwide on February. Oh well, there's always Romney.

To be honest, I don't give a flying foozle what the Bible says. And our Constitution supports that right, as well as the right to not have laws based on a religion forced upon me.

If Huckabee personally believes that abortion and gay marriage are wrong... then that's fine. However, to want to make it illegal through an Amendment because of what the Bible says? That is not just wrong, but it is a distortion and betrayal of the beliefs of our Founding Fathers.

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

I find it ironic for a group of people to gang up on a minority such as LGBT folks. What makes them so threatening to you? Would you hate your mother or father if they came out to you as being LGBT? Are you afraid they will ruin your "Sanctity of Marriage"? Sorry to burst your bubble but you guys have done it for yourself. Over 50% of FIRST marriages end up divorce and it only increases for each preceeding marriage... Ohh.. And the Catholics out there.... Are you having sex outside of marriage or having sex for pleasure and not for procreation... STOP pointing your fingers unless they are clean. I would reread that bible you hold so strongly too. We are all allowed our opinions but it is amendments like the one against LGBT people that reminds me of NAZI germany.. Oh yea, you forget Hitler the guy who thought jews, blacks, lgbt are subhuman.

Richard:
Bravo! I'm in 100% agreement with you! America is sooooo far behind many European countries, it's pretty sad in my opinion. Thank you for your wonderfully written comment!

Hopefully one day the people of this country will come to their senses & stop the hate towards gay people in the name of christianity. Seperate Church and State!

I am not a Huckabee supporter. But, I have to say I totally agree with him. If we need to be "open-minded" enough to allow people of the same sex to get married, then maybe we should be "open-minded" enough to allow people to marry whoever or whatever they want and how many of that they want. I guess the bottom line is, who gets to decide what is totallay repulsive? And, who gets to decide what we should be open-minded to and what we should shun? And, who gets to decide when something is just prejudice and stereotype or when something is just flat-out sinful? Who is to say for the world what is right or what is wrong? Is God? Because, I think He did answer this question in the Bible. So, the easy thing for people who don't like that scenario is to not believe in God. So, then, what all-powerful, all-wise person is to tell us what is right and wrong? Can a person say for the world what is right and what is wrong? Should we abdicate our own free will and conscience, our own ability to discern right from wrong, to another human being-another person of flesh and blood-someone as capable of being wrong as you or me? This is foolishness. There is a God. He loves us all despite our sins and our weaknesses. But, I think He made it clear in the Bible that homosexuality is a sin. Therefore, as Huckabee pointed out, it is wrong for a man to marry a man similaryly as it is wrong for a man to marry a dog. And, one last question: why is homosexuality ok, but polygamy is so disgusting? I mean, it's not like most people are monogamous today anyway. I think they're both wrong. But, I just wonder, who decides what is right and wrong? I think it is time for our country to re-think our values. Huckabee is right on the money this time.

This guy is a NAZI. If he is elected, I'm moving to the UK because this country will have lost its mind.

Rob Hunter JR – "I don't have anything against the gays but If same sex marriages were o.k. or if the idea that two of the same gender could be together romantically was o.k. then they should be able to procreate, right? "

That seems a little silly to me Rob. I married my second wife when we were both a bit over the hill. I had had a vasectomy and she was menopausal. There is no chance for us to have children. We always thought our marriage was legal because we have a certificate of marriage from the state of New Mexico, not because she is fertile.

If you think that God hates gay sex play, then let God enforce His rules Himself. He should not need you to pick up the slack for Him.

Now everybody in America who believes in one of our many many religious faiths believes that his group is the only group that knows the truth. But, no two of them can agree on the interpretation of a single verse in the Bible.

There are more verses in the Bible that condemn the eating of pork than condemn male-to-male sex play. Before we pass an amendment to the Constitution that condemns gay marriage, I propose one that would condemn the eating of pigs. Why do you think Hurricane Katrina damaged the pork-eating South? Now I'm not making this up. I'm just telling you what the Bible says. Let me also point out that there is NO verse in the Bible condemning lesbianism, so you should have no objection to two women getting married, should you?

I figure if two law abiding adult Americans wish to engage in a lawful activity in the privacy of their home, who are we to say no? If we're going to start passing laws telling people how to behave in their own homes, then I propose an law which says that every overweight man is forbidden to watch sports on TV and must spend that time exercising at a gym instead. Tit for tat, it seems to me.

If two a

MAM said – "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."

YES MAM!

There they go again! The Christians are picking and choosing a few pages or a couple of paragraphs from the bible to substantiate their hatred and stupidity. How can they sit in church and hear what Jesus had to "say" about love and kindness, and then spit their acidic words and deeds against anyone who disagree with them. Gays are born from supposedly straight fathers and mothers. What makes a gay person gay? Seems it comes from the parents, maybe.

The Bible explicitly states that this is wrong! Clear as day, PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT RACE shouldn't be allowed to marry. ("They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness." Ezra 9:10-12) It is an abomination! People, read your Bible and absorb its infallible truths! I don't get why Americans are so resistant to letting us show them the light. Life is so much better when you don't question logic. Thinking too much gets way to confusing! Let's let Huckabee tell us how it's done. I mean, he's done such a great job running Arkansas and raising his great family and all. God wants us all the be exactly the same (nevermind the incredible diversity in nature he created). Now that I think about it, maybe God wants us all to be communist. Then we'd truly all be the same and think the same! How grand!

Of course I'm being sarcastic. Sadly, many of the comments are just as or more logically absurd as this one. The Bible/Christianity has been used for centuries to deny minorities (women, blacks, etc) majority rights. What's the difference now? Hopefully just one of you will get the point.

One last detail: homosexual behavior is normal and common in all animals in nature, including the human animal. Human are the only animals that have this morality thing that at times goes against the norms of the nature that God created.

I don't have anything against the gays but If same sex marriages were o.k. or if the idea that two of the same gender could be together romantically was o.k. then they should be able to procreate, right? But they can't. One of the most beautiful things you can do with someone that you love is to be able to create life. You can't do that in any same sex situation. Therefore they should not be able to get married either. Whatever you do behind close doors is your business but stop trying to institutionalize your out of the norm lifestyle. Huckabee didn't make the rules, GOD DID!!!!!!!! You can't hold that against Hucakbee.

As a European, I am just an modest observer, but when it comes to these kind of debates, I wonder how some of the people here still dare to say they defend the US values and religion.

I read the term abomination and references to sexual practices that are qualified with words I don't want to repeat....and then I see the values of private life and liberty fading away.

I see the expression (notice the verb) "I don't believe in gay marriage", and I see the neutrality of politics versus religion fading even further away in the US...

I hear people insulting over fellow american citizens for their nature (not even mentioning the debate over marriage, which is another issue), and I see the very first line of the human rights declaration ignored.

How come an analysis of the Bible in details accept such hate, which should be incompatible with real religious people? How come some people be extremist enough, to feel their own personal belief is to infringe liberty of other citizens?

Mr. Huckabee doesn't scare me, but some of his ideas of moral values (namely hate) seam more and more widespread among republicans (by that, in no way, I refer to the economic or political ideas of the party, which I totally respect).

The bottom line is I am scared. I would not like the US to become a christian country – which doesn't mean that the US should forget its christian origins – which would led to a religious war, instead of a – justified or not – political war against islamic countries.
It goes even further, I am afraid that the US and Europe may have less and less in common. On a continent where very religious peoples have (in their majority) no problem with abortion and gay marriage (Spain, Belgium...), people are failing more and more to understand what's happening over the atlantic.

Some people here may feel their hate is a rightful fight for moral values, and may answer to my comment that Europe is decadent; I see however no decadence in respecting the people next door, and in allowing the freedom to live happily. In any case, and in my modest opinion, I am becoming more and more proud not to be an American.... freedom is there, on the good old continent, only.

Don't get me wrong, this is very sad, and I sincerely hope the majority of Americans will prove me wrong!

Huckabee is a looser and will never be anything but a looser.

His holier than thou BS does not resonate on Main Street America and he will soon again be a preacher man spewing hate and divisive puke to those who choose to listen instead of a candidate for President

This guy makes George Bush look like the second comming!

Huckabee will soon be Huckabye-bye.

Looser Looser Looser.

Religious zealots are every bit as dangerous when they're American as when they're Iraqi or Saudi Arabian... do we want his righteous little finger on the button?

Gomer Pyle.
We're just moving past a president who doesn't read. Do we really need a president who thinks the earth is 6,000 years old?

I don't see "Huckleberry" any more equating gay marriage with bestiality than with marriage of "a man and three women". Let's be fair when we disagree.

Absolute brillance, Greg

Huckabee seems like such a warm-hearted man and his opinions are very reasonable and healthy.

Adam,

You have brilliantly presented the TRULY classic conservative viewpoint: 1) That government should stay out of regulating our personal lives and 2) That, unless we are ready to start codifying every religion into our laws – we need to dispassioantely afford everyone civil rights regardless of religious bias.

Unfortunately, far too many so-called conservatives are ready to embrace the first of the two principles in order to ensure their freedom to act out in a discriminatory fashion without repercussions. They forget that true conservatives also believe that the preservation of individual civil liberties, absent of imposing religious beliefs through the law, is also essential.

I don't share your views entirely, however – as a classic liberal I also think that there is a role for government to actively play in improving the lives of its citizens – via education, housing, healthcare, environmental protection, fair treatment in the workplace, etc.

That having been said, however, if I were in Congress...I'd enjoy having you across the aisle. Perhaps you are one of the growing crowd of Obama Republicans!

Phenom – Why would he want to go to a third world country ?? Most third world countries approve of same sex marriages, along with a host of other crazy ideas. That's why we like America!! Maybe you should go to the third world countries if you want to fit in. And take as many of your 'friends' with ya as possible!

Tracey, Bush is THAT radical. We are the laughing stock of the world, and he is our leader... god help us.

Kucinich 2008

Jason, NYC

Thank you being so thorough and making sense.

A rare breed on these boards.

This man is a nut. He's entitled to his religious beliefs, what he is NOT entitled to do, is impose them on others.

He needs to worry about his jailbird kids and not worry about what 2 cosenting adults do.

There's nothing more hypocritical than a holier than thow bigot.

Freedom of speech doesn't pick and choose. It applies EVERY WHERE all of the time. Estill has every right to state what he believes in as well as Huckabee. If you don't like it, deal with it. Its America. People do not need to be 100% political correct all of the time, freedom of speech means you are allowed to deviate from what people call "Politically Correct". So basically they have the right to say that, that is their opinion, and it is THEIR RIGHT! to state it. Now electing a person for president is quite a different matter, but freedom of speech defines our society.

If freedom of speech was not a part of our society don't you think that this "Gay" argument would not even have come up? Because during strong moments of the church they probably would have banned any pro gay speech.

So deal with it. Freedom of speech comes with the good and the bad.

Not to mention all of these reporters twist quotes to fit their opinions.

Wow...I'm a democrat and will likely never, ever vote for a Republican but I actually liked Mike Huckabee....until now...he is just a bit too radical. I know Bush is Christian (And so am I for that matter) but he's not this radical. People FLOCKED to the polls so that he would lock up gays and ban abortion, neither of which were a concern to him once he got in office. (He's too busy hunting down those "crazy terrorists" over there yonder) But Huckabee might actually get in office and spend more time worried about his religious agenda than real issues. Scary.

Marriage is not a revocable priviledge. It is a right. And every human possesses that right, no matter if you are homosexual or not.

So God loves everyone.....unless you are gay. He also doesn't like murderers and theives, but we let them get married. Why don't we amend the constitution to restrict their marriage rights as well?

Huckabee's telling the truth, which is why I support him. A lot of others are as well, given his recent rise in the polls.

TO RICH:
The 'discriminating' in marriages that would draw a parallel to beastiality and homosexual unions... well, I could just cut on you for being pretty ridiculous and ignorant, but instead I'll say this:
When is the last time you heard a sheep go to a courthouse and tell them he wants rights to marry his farmer? Oh wait – Animals are not of the mental capacity to give consent let alone express the wishes fulfill the social commitment of marriage. Neither can kids. Neither can those in impaired comprehensive states and mentally handicapped.
That's why it is not the same. Two women in love, ready to support each other financially and emotionally, and spend the next 60 years together? Love is beautiful, and we are not to judge it.

What Huckabee said doesnt even matter, if you don't agree don't vote for him and do everything in your power to get someone to win. That's all you can do.

Aren't we losing the distinction between allowing Huckabee to speak his views and allowing those views to rule the nation? Scripture does not support the idea that the civil law should be derived scripture; Christ himself says: "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and render unto God that which is God's." Here we find scriptural support, not for using the Bible as a template from which to rewrite the Constitution, but for separation of Church and State.

Whether or not Huckabee "equated" homosexuality with pedophilia, necrophilia, and bestiality, he clearly, openly, and insistently associates them together, and declares them "aberrations." It seems a quibble to debate whether or not classifying these subjects together is or is not "equating" them. If it looks like a skunk, walks like a skunk, and smells like a skunk, does it really need closer examination to find out whether or not it's really a skunk?

One more minor item: to those radical right-wing hypocrites who declare themselves to be "mainstream America," I, too, am "mainstream America," and you offend me by trying to make "mainstream America" into a badge of bigotry and shame.

I wonder sometimes how we came to this. American Christianity used to be our greatest proponents of liberalism, asserting that we should come together as a community and act in the name of Christian charity. Where are Christian charity and forbearance now that church leaders have decided forbearance is only for people who agree with them? Has American Christianity become apostate as a body, or is only the church hierocracy apostate?

If Huckabee gets his way, I don't think we'll be able to call ourselves a democracy any more.

Thank you for so many of you proving Mr. Huckabee's point. For starters if we don't use the Bible as a guideline for morality, then what do we use? Our feelings? Because that is what most of you are suggesting. What if a murderer, who no doubt was born that way, didn't get to "choose" who they loved or hated, so they killed someone. Would you be so bigoted to not accept his feelings? Secondly what I think he is saying is that if we accept one change in marriage it will not be long until some minority stands up and says I want to marry my dog or my neighbor's 8 year old.

In response to some of the posts, To JIM ROB you are way off on most of your conclusions, read the whole Bible not just a verse here and there, and secondly we are under the N.T. now, not the old. To the poster who said they didn't want heteosexuality forced down their throats, how do you and your parents get along? To the poster who referenced Nazi Germany, please read your history books this is not even close. No one is suggesting killing people for the homosexual ways, they just don't want them to have the same marriage rights as heterosexuals, which is given tax breaks, and many other privileges. To the many who said God does not hate homosexuals. You are right he does not, and neither do I, and I don't think we can say the Mike Huckabee does either. We hate the sin of homosexuality, the perversion of a blessing that is supposed to be between a man and a woman as God designed it. It is the sin we hate, not the person.

All views dealing with homosexuality ultimately come down to the question of whether two human beings that love each other should be allowed to do so without being labeled as deviant or sinful. It wasn't so long ago that interracial marriages were "sinful". Although I know that Huckabee and his followers aren't going to change their opinion, they are getting older and will someday die out, leaving the younger generation to clear the air of hatred.
Although I can't imagine Huckabee ever becoming president, I know it certainly wouldn't change the way that I feel about my relationships with men OR women.

Hey Bill P. I looked it up. The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment (the first part) prohibits the establishment of a national religion by Congress or the preference of one religion over another, or religion over non-religion. While you would be correct in saying the actual phrase “separation of church and state” is not present in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, the concept is apparent in the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause. The Supreme Court has quoted this concept in many of it’s opinions.

You may want to look those up.

SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!!!!

HE SHOULD BE THROWN OUT OF POLITICS...WHAT A JOKE

I DO ENJOY MAKING FUN OF HIM...WOW, HE SHOULD BE IN BIG LOVE...WHAT A MORON...I HONESTLY CANT BELIEVE THEIR ARE STILL PEOPLE LIKE HIM LEFT IN THE WORLD...GO TO AFGHANISTAN OR SOME 3RD WORLD COUNTRY....ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS THIS FREAK SHOULD BE ASHAMED AND SPIT ON

To the religious zealots who believe this country to be a Christian theocracy founded upon biblical law, I beg of you to read a little American history. Do you think it was an accident that "God" is not once mentioned in our great Constitution. Do you know what the religious beliefs of Madison and Jefferson were?
The Treaty of Tripoli, signed in 1797, approved by Pres. J. Adams and ratified by the sentate stated "As the Government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." Let us look to the free exercise clause and establishment clause of the first amendment, as well as the 14th amendment, and your belief of a theocracy fall apart.
Thomas Jefferson, in1802, "I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state."
Madison, in 1819, "The civil Government, though bereft of everything like an associated hierarchy, possesses the requisite stability, and performs its functions with complete success, whilst the number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the people, have been manifestly increased by the total separation of the church from the State."
Pres. T. Roosevelt, "To discriminate against a thoroughly upright citizen because he belongs to some particular church, or because, like Abraham Lincoln, he has not avowed his allegiance to any church, is an outrage against that liberty of conscience which is one of the foundations of American life."
And JFK, "It is my firm belief that there should be separation of church and state in the United States–that is, that both church and state should be free to operate, without interference from each other in their respective areas of jurisdiction. We live in a liberal, democratic society which embraces wide varieties of belief and disbelief. There is no doubt in my mind that the pluralism which has developed under our Constitution, providing as it does a framework within which diverse opinions can exist side by side and by their interaction enrich the whole, is the most ideal system yet devised by man. I cannot conceive of a set of circumstances which would lead me to a different conclusion."

From our founding fathers, henceforth, we have never been a Christian nation. God bless the separation of church and state!

Does defining marriage in the constitution or not will fix the mortgage crisis, the economic debacle, will end the war in Iraq, will provide affordable health care to the millions of americans that don't have it???? I don't think so. Then why debating this issue as important for this election when there are so many important problems to solve in this country?

If linking homosexuality with bestiality was not his intent, then why the reference?

The man is oboviously homophobic, his belief based on his adherence to certain religious doctrine.

Look closely, and you can see where the real problem is.

Since when is simply having a different opinion enough to label someone as a bigot? I agree that homosexuality is not "normal" sexual behavior, and I don't need religion to tell me that. Just look at the body parts. It is not natural or normal for men to be with men, women with women, adults with children, or people with animals. And just because you and I may disagree does not make either of us any less a citizen or any less protected by our nation's laws, nor does it make either of us a bigot or a pervert.

Isn't it interesting in a nation whose people supposedly pride themselves in being free to express themselves and free to speak what they believe, we have a whole segment of our society who does not want to hear opposing views. They label people as bigots, racists, backwards, snakes, closeminded, etc, just because they express a different view. I'm concerned that the left-wing liberals, who cry out for freedom of speech (so long as what you say is acceptable to them), will eventually push through a law that will censor what citizens can say by labeling opinions they disagree with as "hate speech." This is one of many reasons not to elect liberals to Congress or the Presicency.

Personally, I applaud Huckabee for speaking openly and honestly, and I hope that gay marriage is never accepted in this nation. Not because of some religious ideology, but because marriage is an traditional institution and I do not believe we should open the door to changing the definition of marriage to suit whatever lifestyle might be in fashion at the time. That's not to say that homosexuals should not be offered every protection under the law that any other citizen is offered, but we don't need to change the definition of marriage to accomplish that. Civil unions are just as effective.

So please, stop all the name calling and accept the fact that we live in a nation where people have different views on many topics, and just because someone expresses a different view does not make them a bigot. Also, please stop twisting people's words to make it appear that they said something which they clearly did not. Huckabee never equated homosexuality to bestiality, and shame on you for saying that he did. Just read his entire quote and you will see he clearly did not make any such assertion. Maybe this kind of misrepresentation is simply an indictment against our education system, because it appears that some folks simply cannot follow a logical thought from point A to point B without getting lost along the way.

Finally, I share Huckabee's views, and you will not find one person on this earth (regardless of race or religion) who would even think to call me a bigot – although I'm sure many of you close minded liberals certainly will, and shame on you if you do!

Dear Observer,

I appreciate your breath of integrity...and amen.

Mike

Is there a law or regulation in existence that some one hasn't tried to bend or change to their needs? Homosexuality today and bestiality tomorrow seems like a natural progression.

Not to answer FOR Ft. Myers, but it's not about a calendar, it's about a day. Noted above, more than our answer, but Jesus's answer to the exact question when posed by the Pharisees. They wanted to Kill Him for "working" on the Sabbath as well. Jesus's answer: John 7:23Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath?" You get the idea.

Death for lawbreaking was just a smokescreen to smoke out someone they didn't agree with – Son of God. Not a new argument at all.

Why don't we just keep it simple? As an American, I should have the right to marry whoever I choose to. If a straight man/woman can marry any woman/man from around the world that they want to, then a gay man/woman should be able to do the same thing. It's called being an American.

I wrote a cogent response to the ethical implications of homosexuality, and I would like to know why the moderator allows Christians to be accused of all types of horrors but didn't post my response?

I get a laugh at all the people rallying behind 'seperation of Church and state.' Have any of you read the actual text in the Constitution? It was set up as freedom from government applying laws restricting religions, not keeping religion out of government. Look it up.

AMEN Doug...wonderful comment!

It's unfortunate that a presidential candidate who tells the truth has to get so much bad publicity for standing up for what is right.

America needs to have God back in charge. Huckabee is as close as we're going to get.

I don't care for Huckabee. I find him to be a religious bigot who plays dirty politics to win instead of saying what he thinks...
BUT...I think this was taken out of context. It seems clear to me that Huckabee is refering to his concern that loosening the definition of marriage to include homosexual relationships is part of a general decline in appreciation for the sanctity of marriage.

Huckabee is right.
If you give people an inch, they want a mile.

the notion that Huck was equating homosexuality to beastiality is totally false. Huck was saying that once you change the definition of marriage to include two men or two women you're opening a can of worms and making it very easy for those nuts who are beastists to look at the new definition and say hey we're in love i deserve to be married to this bear.

by the way with over 80% of americans being christian i'm guessing that homosexuality is not widely acceptable in the states

I don't understand what he is thinking, in fact i don't understand the problem here with two people of the same sex getting married. SO WHAT!!! We teach our children that marriage is between two people who are in love...that is the point Love, not what sex the partners are. This kind of thinking reeks of hate, and misunderstanding...

I am not sure what scares me more, the idea of Huckabee as President, or some of the comments I have read in here.

Huckabee lost me when he said that all Americans with AIDS and HIV should be quarantined. That was in 1992 when we knew full well that it could not be spread through casual contact.

Huckabee is not just a bigot, he believes in ethnic and religious cleansing all in honor of his supposedly loving God.

Since we are so into challenging peopels religious beliefs...why don't we challenge what Obama believes? Why don't we ask him about his church. I'm a white guy who loves America...can I belong to his church? Answers to those questions ought to be asked and he should have to explain why he believes the way he does.

Romney is not about having 4 wives and anyone that says so is clueless. Hope it makes you feel good to say things that are not true in hoping that it will push your own agenda.

JImmy

I don't understand why people who are gay care if someone compares what they do to beastiality...both are just LOVE...right? You can't argue that either are a part of the natural life cycle, neither produces a child...so if it's okay to go against what's natural (not arguing here one way or the other) then why shouldn't it be accepted for a man and his dog (who share great affection) be accepted into society as long as what they do is in private. If one argues for one, they should in reality be arguing for both – after all aren't we all just fighting for acceptance of whatever we want to do?

Animal Lover

What happened to freedom of speech cnn? There is nothing wrong with this post. It questions beliefs so what... Just goes to show you how Mccain, Romney and Huckabee got to the top... Cnn is too busy trying to make them look good and make the other candidates look bad...
To all the people using God as their reason to agree with Huckabee: What proof do you have that God exists? Can you see him? No. Have you ever seen him? No. What proof do you have that he wasn't just a powerful man from the age he was born in? What proof do you have that the bible isn't a fictional writing by people way back when it was first written just meant to entertain? There is NO proof. How do we know there is God, when before nothing existed? How can he exist if NOTHING existed? All we have is our beliefs but saying one belief is false because you don't believe is wrong. Everyone has their own beliefs. We shouldn't try to force our beliefs on others. And honestly to me the people up here that use God as a reason to punish those different are completely insane. But I'm not here to judge. But I will gladly state my opinions.

Greg,

The study you quote was biased, and could not be reproduced. If a scientific fact is made it must be able to be reproduced. You may want to choose a different on then the (LeVay S (1991). There are better studies out there that are not as easy to defeat.

For Richard from Florida: "One of the Ten Commandments says that no one should work on Sundays. The Bible says ANYONE working on a Sunday should be put to death."

Technically, it says:

"Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it." Exodus 20:8-11

The Sabbath would then be Saturday, not Sunday. However, even if it were Sunday, the 10 Commandments were part of the old law, which were replaced by the coming of Jesus (hence the separation of the Old and New Testaments in the Bible being identified by the birth of Christ). So, for Christians, it's not an issue. It would only be an issue for Jews, since the Torah only covers the first 5 books of the Bible, and therefore the New Law brought forth by the birth of Jesus doesn't pertain to their beliefs.

Is this the same guy who doesn't think anyone should tell anyone what to do?
You know the guy. The one who is running around threatening people with flag pole insertion if the dare tell "his state" what to do?

I think we are all best served by keeping the preacher in the church and letting people who don't live to judge others run for office.

I am sick of being told what is right and what is wrong by people who think they are "god on earth"

Dear Surealist from fort Meyers,
So, am I correct in stating that the reason you don't want to stone all the people who HAVE to work on sunday is because of a calendrical technicality.... Based on a pagan calendar?

No matter how you feel about homosexuality, i.e. whether it is "normal" or not, Huckabee does have a valid point. If you can argue that no one should discriminate against two men or two woman being married, then you also can't discriminate between one man and two woman, etc. You could make the exact same argument for these types of "marriages" being normal as you could for any with only two human beings in them. If the gender of the people involved is not the critical factor, then why should the number of people involved be?

Whether it is marriage or any other types of social "norms", we all seem to confuse "freedom" with the right to do whatever we please. So where do we draw the line? And if religion isn't allowed to guide us, as stated by some of the idiots who have posted here, then who or what does? CNN? The Democratic Party?

Wasn't there a really big flood long ago to wipe out this kind of thing?

It amazes me people who follow a God who, if the stories are to be believed, drowned everyone including presumably innocent children and fetuses while saving only Noah and his family, and was not aware enough to keep track of his promise to not flood the earth again that he put up a rainbow, or the same one who killed those in Sodom and Gomorrah for relations with visiting angels, or lacked the capability to create an Adam and Eve that he didn't feel he had to setup to be kicked out of the Garden of Eden, etc. etc., can buy into some of the prejudices displayed.

It was not that long ago these very same churches supported segregation based on this same Bible.

And don't even let me get started on their position on unwed mothers. What about taking a position on the unwed fathers?

just a heads up, the government regulates civil unions. marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman. the reason the government is confused calling same sex unions with marriage is because they assumed that they had a right to say what a marriage is. this is because for the longest time, anyone that had the religious ceremony also had the legal ceremony. now you do not have to have the religious ceremony because it is socially and legally acceptable. but do not get warm fuzzies in your heart saying you are married when you only had a legal ceremony to get you into a civil union. if you did not want the religious ceremony, why claim you performed it? remember, marriage is a religious definition, not legal.

it takes courage to be able to stand up and say this in America nowadays, and this is why I respect Mike Huckabee and will vote for him.
I don't hate gays and in fact i am friends with a few gay men but i don't agree with their lifestyle.

answer for Richard, FL :

my friend, Sabbath was established in the Old Testament, and what you say about the death for those who work on Sunday (actually was Saturday) is a part of the Law (of Moses). The Law was for the jewish people, so the christians no longer have to obey the law – we are not longer under the law. More, the are verses in N ew Testament that canel the Sabbath.
homosexuality, on the other hand, is still seen as a sin in New Testament (see Romans, corinthians)

I hope you are satisfied with the answer from a christian

hiltz006:

You say you want to marry 4 women? Then vote for Romney! That is what his religion is all about...well that and becoming a god yourself.

Well, if this blog isn't a reflection of the serious divisions within this country I don't know what is. The diversity of viewpoints is, however, a healthy indication of the political involvement of many groups with as many viewpoints. This is good, from one perspective, but does not argue well for a united country.

I recall with both sadness and pride this country's response to 9/11. We were one then, outraged at the egregious attack upon us, our values, and our spirits. Almost every house and vehicle in this nation displayed the American flag, and we were one with our president.

This country was founded by and still is a nation of individuals. We seem to have lost the tolerance of our founders, and the very principles upon which this country was built.

It is troubling that people around this great country will seize upon a politician's words, distort them, and then use them as a baseball bat against those with whom they disagree.

I think that each one of us must carefully weigh just how we want this country to be, and then cast our vote for the candidate that best matches our beliefs. That is what really makes this country great- the ability to hold diverse views, worship as we please, select the person we want to be with, and elect the leaders of our choice.

Let us not become too vitriolic in our assessment of our candidates. It serves no purpose. You will get the opportunity to choose as you please.

We have forgotten the one thing that makes us the strongest nation in the world- we are Americans, and we are unique amongst all people on the globe. When pressed, our collective strength rests in our diversity coupled with unity of purpose. We can achieve what no other country can. We are still the best. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and so on, but first Americans.

I can't wait to vote. All this talk is stimulating, but when the curtain is drawn, I will get my chance to show by action, not blog, what I believe in.

I am a republican, and I support Mr. Huckabee. You may not agree with me, but that's OK. I probably don't agree with you. That's OK.

As Yakov Smirnoff the comedian has stated: "What a country!"

Why do so many republicans support a war and say "Kill, kill, kill!" to protect america, but they won't accept someone's right to love whomever they choose?

If you go up to heaven (haha) what do you think God would say to you? "I'm so glad Wes that you oppose gay marriage, that's great. Now, you did support killing thousands of people...aww..but you are sorry for that...Saddle up partner, you're comin' into heaven...woohoo."

Christianity...what a great religion. One could commit murder, go to jail, repent and find God...and they would be more accepted than a gay man/woman? I think a lot of people just fear freedom...the thought of being on their own...that's why they turn to religion...we have to have a purpose and beliefs that the majority favor

Israel A. wrote: "God destroyed Sodom because of its great sins. Homosexuality was one of the prominent ones. God hates it and He destroyed Sodom for it…"
______________

Good grief. I pity the brainwashed fools who take an ancient work of fiction literally. It's truly pathetic! Do you also believe the Earth revolves around the sun and is only a few thousand years old? LOL.. It's hilarious in its stupidity. Write more crazy things, PLEASE!

The Bible promotes rape, murder, animal sacrifice, animal mutilation, incest, nationalism, slavery, and genocide. Let's not forget revenge and torture. Maybe you moral high horses should find more credible dogma to base your useless purpose-less little pathetic lives.

Wanna go through those one at a time?

Rape: God orders troops to slay every man and child of a neighboring nation but the troops can keep the women/daughters for themselves.

Murder: God orders Satan to kill Jobe's family member just to test his faith

Animal sacrifice and mutilation: in the same book (Leviticus) that opposes homosexuality, god commands us to kill and mutilate animals for his never ending thirst for blood

Incest: how the hell else did Adam and Eve's children reproduce? Also, Noah, God's chosen drunkard exposes himself to his daughters after the flood – what a model citezen.

Nationalism: this whole Isreal is god's land – no different than any other religion having a claim that their god needs dirt, money, and a starship. Yeah yeah my book's right and the rest are all wrong – if you knuckle draggers would read more than one religious text you'd notice they all say the same thing.

Slavery: the only thing mentioned is just not to beat your slaves; Jesus didn't say it was morally wrong to own and abuse other humans

Genocide: well, in case you might have missed it, God tried to destroy the entire population, save for a drunkard and his family, just for the sake of revenge. Funny that this god didn't realize that some animals reproduce asexually and don't require pairs to continue their existence. This all begs the question though: how did Noah get two penguins on the ark when they weren't even discovered until the mid 1800s?!

John Adams:
"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." –October 11, 1798

-This comment just shows just how ignorant and unprepaired Huckabee is to win the presidency. I will absolutely not have a president who says that I am equated with beastiality because I would like equal rights.
-And on top of that who how does it affect the sanctity of any marriage by me marrying someone else? Massachusets has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country and guess what!? They allow gay marriage, go figure.
-This isnt the fact of marriage it is the fact of equality and freedom. "All men are created equal", why arent we treated that way.
-Huckabee represents ignorance in the 21st century, and I will not vote for that.
-God doesnt run are country, he may influence it but doesnt run it.

First, I'm appalled that this is what all of you have decided to get fired up about considering all of the "real" problems in our country. Second, and this from a Reverend:

"I propose a challenge that was once presented to me: If homosexuality is genetic, then the homosexual cannot be condemned anymore than I could be for being blonde. If it is a choice, then heterosexuality must also be choice. The challenge provided to me was to try, for just one day, to choose to be sexually attracted to another man–I did not need to act on it, simply try to choose to feel attracted. I was unable to do so. Over a decade later, I am still a straight man. If I cannot choose my sexuality, how can I condemn someone else who cannot choose theirs?"

Genius! Thanks, Rev. I heart gay people and straight people. Love is the answer.

If you want to live in a religious state, move to Iran, but there's no room for it here.

Many people have made outstanding points regarding how small minded Huckabee's words have been. To Estil and all the other 'maintstreamers' that condone Huckabees words... Those rallying against you are not saying Huckabee is wrong in your religious beliefs, as he seems line up rather accurately as I'd picture most mainstream Christians too.
However this isn't a Bible pageant, and whether Christians want to admit it or not there are hundreds of sects and ideologies that comprise our country. I have no problem with him being Christian, but I have a problem with hatred and ignorance as they generally go hand in hand.
To suggest bestiality and homosexuality are anything alike proves you are mal-educated. Also, to suggest that heterosexual couples are any purer in their 'sexual deviance' than homosexuals just proves that Huckabee and his believers see the world through naive rose-colored glasses.
Lastly, Christians, you are not being persecuted, stop acting like it. Your beliefs and numbers dominate this landscape. If you wish to do yourself a favor, embrace love and understanding, and try voting for the best candidate for the presidency; not the best Christian. If you don't understand the difference, you shouldn't be voting at all. Even if Huckabee makes it into the general election, its not likely he will win anyway.

Cheers & God Bless

I have an answer for Richard, FL. When Jesus died on the cross some things changed. Most importantly, we who believe are now under Grace not the law. If you don't understand Grace, I challange you to read the Bible and ask God to give you the wisdom to understand it.

I'm not an american, I live in Europe, Romania, so I watch the campaign from an outside perspective.
I don't understand one thing : why are peple so mad on what Huckebee have said ? what's so outrageous ?
I mean, some people believe that homosexuality is ok and natural
some people believe that it is not ok, and unnatural
America is a free country, so everybody can think what he wants. nobody force you to believe that homosexuality is unnatural, but why should I be forced to say that is ok, if I don't think so ?
You have the right to say that is ok, we have the right to say that is not ok.
I am an evanghelical christian, so I believe homosoexuality is a sin, but I don't think we (the christians) should enforce our views on others. But I do think we can express our oppinions, just like everybody else.

regarding his statement, I think he is right. If we accept that 2 men or two women can marry each other, then why should we stop here ? Why wouldn't I be allowed to marry my sister ? or my dog ? or my chair ?
where should we draw the line ? and if we think that institution of marriage was defined as between a man and a woman in europe for 2000 years and in USA for 200 years, I think that's where we should stop.

btw, I like Huckabee, I hope he will be the next president, also he is a little too soft on foreign policy (I wouldn't mind neither with Thompson, McCain, or Romney).

ps, sorry for my english – I'm not an english speaker

I think some of you nice folk,who crawled out of water,like Darwin said,really have a problem. The earth was created by God(Jesus) and he also created man and woman, after creating all of the other plants,animals,and the other things of the Earth. If one were to believe putting,men and men,women and women,and men and beast, and women and beast together, that is sick as those people who rape 6 month old babies. All this is perversion,like in Sodom and Gomorah. No rightousness, then everything will be destroyed especially those who do these abrient practices. If you don't think there isn't any God, stand on a rock(which God already created) then start creating all the foundations(earth,plants,animals,
people,and all of the other creations you see)oh by the way,no equipment,and no help,(not that it matters)you will not be able to do anything except your body functions, you know(popo,and pepe).That is what the scientists also do because they,are using materials, God has already created!!! So all of you santamonious
folk should do what God says in the Bible. I know the Bible is just a book that was written thousands of years ago (wake up smell the roses)get your butts in gear and do the things needed to be done. What if all the things in the Bible are true,
you won't be given a second chance.The poop chute isn't pro life,.you know the rest,neither is woman and woman,nor human and animal. Darwin isn't going to help either, he was just full of Hot Air!!!

@Richard, FL:

I am unfamiliar with any verse that instructs that death is the punishment for breaking the Sabbath, do you mind providing the reference?

OK, before someone points out the fact that I can't spell, I should have typed, "Rafi, NY NY, Excellent question, and excellent point!

There we go.

He wrote a book called "Kids that Kill"?

Was he writing about his son that murdered an innocent stray dog by tying him up and slitting his throat? Does he tell how he covered it up as governor, and how to this day he still sees nothing wrong with it? Is he aware that most murderers (esp. serial killers) start out killing animals before they kill people? If he hadn't covered it up, he could have gotten his son the help he needed because the boy is disturbed, as his father clearly is.

Now, how can this Huckabee treat Americans that happen to be gay unequal like this? He is 100% COMPLETELY UNpatriotic and UNAmerican!

Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate besides Gravel that is evolved enough to know how fundamentally wrong it is for one American to have more rights than other because of the sexual orientation you were born with.

Those that use religious reasons for their opposition to gay marriage need to remember something our forefathers were smart enough to come up with, and that's called "SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE".

People like him and those that hatefully agree with his warped views make me want to cry for our poor country.

"The bible doesn't say you don't work on Sunday's…it says the last day of the week will be the sabbath…and earthly toils, etc…won't be pursued–I don't know the details..but here is your answer…..

Technically speaking the Sabbath, according to the Bible would be Saturday because Sunday (according to the modern calendar of days) is the first day of the week.
---------------------------------–
That's fine. So make it Saturday or whatever day of the week you want.

CHRISTIANS, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION!

Susan:

Since you are taking the Bible literally:

Matthew 7:2-5 declares, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Are you human? Are you a sinner? If Jesus die for your sins you are set. Live and let live…. Worry about your soul and I worry about mine. STOP JUDGING.

Richard, I'll answer your question. What does it matter, this has nothing to do with politics.

Being put to death doesn't have to mean physical death, it could mean a spiritual death on the day of rest. Will these people always be spiritually alive. Yoyu have to ask your self. Some people have to work on sundays, others choose to work on this day. They aren't getting ahead chances are, so why work so long? It's a spritual death for them.

Go Mitt!

What does Huck know about bestiality and when did he know it? After all, he is from Arkansas, ain't he?

Richard, FL:

Actually, the sabbath to which you are referring is on Saturday.

Generally, Christians believe they are under grace, not the "law" – that Christ fulfilled the law for them through His sinless life.

as for me:

I personally believe that Jesus Christ is the only path to my salvation. His death and resurrection provides atonement for my sins. I do NOT call myself a Christian. I do not practice homosexualilty, I also will not condemn others who practice it for whatever reason. They – all of us – will have to answer for our lives individually. I teach my children that we should treat all individuals with respect and dignity. If a homosexual is honest and moral, then they are a good person and should be treaded as such. I cannot see their soul, no more than they can hear what I believe God speaks to mine.

I also believe that Jesus was accused of dining with publicans and sinners. What I personally believe about homosexuality is between me and my God. yes, I believe it is morally wrong. But I also believe that If Jesus were walking among us today as he did 2000 years ago he would be seen in public going to lunch with homosexuals and ministering to their needs, whatever they may be.

For the Christians to bow beat homosexuals or any other person for not living up to what they believe as moral and righteous is exactly what the pharisees did back in the day. If Jesus condemned anyone, he regularly condemned that religous group – a group who held the Law (10 commandments) as the ultimate authority.

Remember, most of the Christians are a very vocal, but small minority.

What is wrong with a little animal loving?

WOW....AND I ACTUALLY ENJOYED HUCKABEE ON THE LENO SHOW

...BUT NOW, I snapped back into reality and realized he is AN EXTREMIST DIVIDER CATERING TO THE ULTRA RIGHT WING....

DANGEROUS!

So much for Mike Huckabee and Barry Obama being populists-they are more of the same and will both lose.

This argument makes me sad. The anti-Huckabee people do not understand that a true Christian would not view the sin of a homosexual any different than their own sin. I cannot answer for him, but i believe this to be true of Huck's beliefs. That does not mean that Huck thinks thinks of a homosexual as inferior, that they should not have the same rights as other humans, but just that marriage is between a man and a woman. simple as that.

As a Christian, i'll make the point that the Bible clearly states that truth cannot be known to those that will not accept, through faith, the love that Jesus so freely wants to give. Without accepting this love, it is impossible to see the truth, homosexuality is sin. It is no different than my sin, for which i am forgiven, but none the less, it is sin. I agree with Huckabee that marriage is for a man and a woman. But, that does not make me ignorant, hateful, non-accepting, judgemental, or the like. It just means that I think I'll shake your hand in the street, help you change a tire on the side of the road, show you love in any way I know how. but, still stand firm on what i believe to be true.

Can't people read...he said, "once we change the definition, the door is open to change it again."

He didn't say homosexuality = bestiality.

His point is clearly that if we open the definition of marriage up to include homosexuality, then other groups will argue that they should be included in the definition as well..."so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal,"

Basically, he's saying, "Leave traditional marriage the way it is," otherwise it'll be degraded to the point where it's ridiculous and pointless.

Marriage b/w a man and woman has important traditional and societal roots, so there's nothing wrong with Huckabee or anyone else expressing their concern that if we mess with the concept of marriage, we'll be tinkering with a fundamentally essential and healthy unit of or society - the traditional family.

Also, has anyone ever noticed that gay couples can't pro-create together? Anyone ever noticed that 'marriage' is a religious concept and that religious people regard it as sacred? I'm glad that there are politicians defending the traditional concept of marriage for what it is. I think some people just want to mess with the definition of marriage because they don't like religion, and they don't like conservatives.

They want to destroy something religious people value so they can basically laugh at us and give us the bird. It all comes down to intolerance for religion; not the other way as the media sometimes try to portray.

Richard, FL ... I believe you are probably a MORON, yet I will offer a brief response to your ignorance.

Jesus Christ ushered mankind into the age of GRACE and out from under the unbearable weight of the LAW. In other words, we are forgiven through His unmerited grace and are no longer subject to the condemnation of the law.

For the record:
ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
ALL sin separates man from God, i.e. all sin is equal.
There is only ONE name under Heaven by which man can be saved – Jesus.
No man cometh unto the Father but by Me (Jesus)

There is ONE required process by which we receive His forgiveness.

One must admit they are sinners in need of His forgiveness. They must confess Jesus Christ as Lord and accept Him as their personal savior.

Hope this helps.

This man should not be president, run a daycare....
Response: seems to be all the same thing, these days, doesn't it?

Huckabee is an ignorant nobody. He is doing more harm to christianity than anyone in the last 20 years except for the real kooks in Kansas. GET RELIGION OUT OF POLITICS. OUT OF SCHOOLS. OUT OF EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weird alien comments. For me reading this is like looking back in time. I mean into the middle ages. Of Europa of course, because you guys don't have that history. It seems to me that everybody but you Americans know that gays are normal people, the bible is a compilation of poetry, myth and sermons, evolution is scientific and gods don't exist. Get real. Or live in isolation. Okay, but then don't try to rule the world.
Pim Gillissen, Netherlands.

The bible doesn't say you don't work on Sunday's...it says the last day of the week will be the sabbath...and earthly toils, etc...won't be pursued–I don't know the details..but here is your answer.....

Technically speaking the Sabbath, according to the Bible would be Saturday because Sunday (according to the modern calendar of days) is the first day of the week.

I find his comments ignorant; it is okay to go on television and marry someone for a million dollars or to marry and divorce after a week times. I ask you Mr Huckabee where is your sanctity of marriage comments concerning that? The truth is he has no business in politics; nor does anyone with those types of views. The constitution was designed to protect freedom not to impose restrictions based upon someones religious beliefs. More and more young Americans are becoming involved in politics. It will not be long before a lot of these stone age ideas start to work out of the system. It is people like Mr Huckabee that perpetrate the hatred, discrimination, and violence in todays society. These are the same people who believe the earth is only 10,000 years old and that humans walked with the dinosaurs!!!!
We can not allow another mistake in the White House! Our planet is in major distress as well as our country and we can not afford to repeat the actions of the past 7yrs. These aging politicians will not be here in 20-30yrs to see the mess and distruction that they have caused.

When Religion Ruled The World They Called It The Dark Ages!

Believe what you want, we are all capable (assumption here) of making our choices. If you are a strong person, you won't let the private lives of others affect you in any way (e.g., destroy the sanctitiy of marriage). Remember God did give us minds of our own.

If you are truly Christian, then you should know that judgement is reserved for God alone. Live you're life how you see fit and don't get caught up judging others.

CHRISTIANS, how about an answer?? You haven't hesitated to put in dozens and dozens of responses, so WHY WON'T YOU ANSWER THIS?

One of the Ten Commandments says that no one should work on Sundays. The Bible says ANYONE working on a Sunday should be put to death.

Why aren't you as loudly supporting death to Sunday workers as you are picking on homosexuals? IS THERE A SINGLE CHRISTIAN WHO CAN EXPLAIN THIS or is the obvious answer that you don't believe the WHOLE BIBLE and only pick and choose what you like?

So what is it? Death to Sunday workers or are you all just HYPOCRITES? How about an answer?

CHRISTIANS, PLEASE ANSWER.

it seems the christians are not going to stop till they transform everyone to there way of thinking which makes them no better then the jihad nuts in the middle east a time to fight back will come the next civil war is upon us people

WOW!!! "Marriage exists for fertility" – What about those who can't have kids? Under your twisted logic, they shouldn't be able to get married. Do you also think that we should breed like rabbits regardless of our ability to provide for the children? Do you believe that a heterosexual couple who does not plan on having children should be denied marriage? Lots of people reproduce without marriage, as well as get married without reproducing. How many loving, caring homosexual couples have you talked with regarding their family unit? If a wife-beating, drunk, deadbeat father can have the priviledge of getting married – (by the state or any religious group that accepts them) then why shouldn't two loving people of the same gender be afforded that same priviledge? This country was founded on tolorance and acceptance. Sadly, throughtout our history, people have protested change. First it was non-Protestants, then African-Americans, then Women, now Homosexuals and Lesbians, Immigrants and Muslims! When will people stop fearing what they don't understand? We need a president who is willing to step out and seek to understand those who are different from himself.

mike c.:

"The real problem, I think, is that Christians, who believe that the Bible is 'the' word of God, have a set of standards that is absolute in nature. And because of this, they have a standard they uncompromisingly use to determine how they will participate in society."

I've been wanting to ask a question about this idea, because I've heard it before. I'm genuinely curious, not trying to bash this belief.

You're saying that Christians are essentially commanded to live their lives by the word of the Bible, including government - in other words, elected officials who are Christians answer to God first, and their constituents second.

Isn't what you're describing a theocracy? And doesn't that suggest that fundamental Christianity is incompatible with democracy, as the laws of the Bible are not democratically voted on?

God destroyed Sodom because of its great sins. Homosexuality was one of the prominent ones. God hates it and He destroyed Sodom for it...
Mike Huckabee has every right to stand against homosexuality. I wish every presidential runner was against 100%.

Susan, Atlanta, GA... you are probably one that takes EVERYTHING in the bible literally, you poor thing. You use the bible as a life manual. You probably believe the earth is only 6,000 years old too and that it's not round, right?

Was that a suit of multiple fabrics he was wearing? Isn't that a stoning offense
in his fairy tale book? I bet that heathen eats pork and and shellfish too!!

Your silly fairy story means nothing to a whole lot of people in this country.
There is NO, NONE,ZERO,ZIP,NADA proof from the time this person named jesus
supposedly lived that he/it ever existed. Despite the "miracles" and sermons and
all the other stuff, there is not one record or account from that time found. The
closest things found so far are at least 60 (thats more than an average lifespan at
that time) to 100 years after the fact..For someone supposedly so great, you would
think someone would have written or made some record and that those records
would have been important (considering who this person was) and would have
been kept and valued.But no, nothing..Then a few hundred years later, a group of
people gather together and decide to make a book. They compile all these
differing stories, edit them to fit the doctrien THEY decided was going to be the doctirne and call it the bible..Excluded parts, adding things, etc..This whole thing is sole a human made concoction, just like every other religious text.Compilations of fables and someones "morality" ideals with the Deus Ex Machina portion
to make in interesting and explain the unknown..The bible is no more divine
than Green Eggs and Ham..

The Bible is a great work of fiction put together by man to defend their prejudices by blaming God. "I don't hate the gays, God does" I don't want to worship a God that would ever think that way.

Christian fanatics, or Christian fascists, are just as dangerous as Islamic fanatics and do just as much damage to Christianity and Hamas does to Islam, only they have secular governments keeping them in line; governments people like Huckabee seek to destroy.

My opinion and I'm entitled to it

As a gay man I would rather my loving relationship be foolishly and ignorantly equated with bestiality than be a bigot. This is downright cultish mentality and I am utterly appalled that people can comment on here saying that God believes that discrimination should be institutionalized. It is severely disgraceful that I live in a country where people justify sheer hate and fear with religion. Huckabee's statement is NOT mainstream. It is NOT moral. It is nothing but a political tactic to pull on evangelical heartstrings. After the civil rights movement, those who were formerly empowered by their own bigotry were shamed. Just wait...as soon as gay people gain equal civil rights, which will be soon, you will all be so ashamed that for years you have empowered yourself via blind hatred and transparent stupidity. STOP HATING others and deal with yourself.

Why dosen't Huck stick to his own sex matters? He has no solutiion to real problems in this country and he is trying to round up the ultra's out there who look under the bed at night before going to bed.That is what he is after ..the votes..so he can get the nomination...We welocome him in his efforts...

Jim: First you say, “The facts are that everytime the topic of legalizing homosexual marriage is presented … it is rejected by a very wide, wide, margin.”

Then you say, “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.”

So, should we accept your interpretation of the facts regarding the legalizing of homosexual marriage or should we assume you used those facts to tell virtually any story you want to tell?

Then you play the victim card by saying everytime you turn on the TV you have the homosexual lifestyle forced upon you and your family. Seems the obvious answer is that you can turn the TV off in those instances. It sounds like you and your family could use the extra time in educating yourselves. And, is your family bond so weak that you are threatened by something you see or hear on TV? How is it that TV in your household has a much greater influence on your family than you?

You then erroneously state that "separation of church and state" language does not exist in the Constitution. While you would be correct in saying the actual phrase “separation of church and state” is not present, the concept is apparent in the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause. The Supreme Court has quoted this concept in many of it’s opinions.

Also, you wrongly assume that the US Constitution and other documents were influenced by the bible. "The government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion," states the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli. This document was ratified by Congress without much debate or contention and stands today as a reminder of the founding fathers' intentions. While many of the founding fathers were one type of Christian or another, several of the founding fathers considered themselves to be deists or held beliefs very similar to that of traditional Deists, including Jefferson, Paine and Ethan Allen.

The fact is, the documents you referenced are notable for their lack of religious citation, not for the few instances in which it occurred. If the founders had religious underpinnings in mind, one would think that these documents and the political record (notes of the constitutional convention – especially Madison's, and in The Federalist Papers) would have numerous mentions of biblical passages or verses. That is not the case.

The influences for the Consitution came from English Common Law, which had as its antecedents Roman Law, Saxon Law, and the Danelaw, none of which were based either on the Bible or on Christianity in any of its forms. Locke, Montesquieu, the Iroquois Confederation and the Articles of Confederation served as important influences.

You go on to say that, “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.” Scientists are some of the most objective people on the planet. The scientific method gathers observable, empirical and measurable evidence and subjects this evidence to experimentation to predict dependability. The very basic expectations are that the process is objective and subject to scrutiny by other scientists. You don’t believe the evidence and conclusions these scientists provide therefore you fall back on an interpretation from a dubious source; the bible.

Joe: Why are you so threatened by what two people do in the privacy of their own home? Are you so insecure in your masculinity that you feel threatened by homosexuals?

How many so called "religeous" leaders have molested kids and been caught using illegal drugs, yet continue to tell others how to live. Live and let live.

Steve, Lyons, CO ---– dude. I have known you for a long time. Why let childhood memories cloud your mentality still to this day. Why are you making threats to people who have the same amount as freedom as you do. God loves "GAY" people, just not the act of homosexuality,

Susan from Atlanta, GA;
The Bible also says an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth and many more hideous mind-controlling ideals.
Your type is so brain washed and blindfolded to the real world that most of us just pity you anymore.

couldnt be said any better!!!!!

Ben Simmons January 18, 2008 12:47 pm ET

What aggravates me about this whole business is the way in which the Conservative Christian community has hijacked Christianity itself and turned it from a religion of tolerance, peace, grace and love into a weapon of social inequity. Christian Conservatives refer to themselves as "Christians", as if every other believer in the divinity of Jesus Christ adopts some model of the religion whereby homosexuals are social deviants deserving of society's merciless condemnation. If heterosexuals are the true stewards of the institution of marriage, why have more than half of married heterosexuals trashed their own wedding vows and ended their marriages? Why do they sign pre-nuptial agreements, mocking the word of both the Lord and the law by making arrangements for the future failure of their marriage? Get off your high horse, "Christian" Conservatives. Your hypocrisy far outweighs your logic.

What a baffoon! Hopefully this country will not again elect a primate to the highest office of the land just because he appears to be human with some level of intelligence.

We have suffered set backs long enough in this country with thinking like his. We are already the laughing stock of the civilized world as it is. Even some third world countries have enacted legislation which allows members of the same sex to have their chosen partners be legally recognized with the same rights allowed those of the opposite sex which choose to marry. And it marriage is so sanctified then why is the divorce rate over 50 percent? All one has to do is watch the Jerry Springer show to see what makes up much of this country.

Off soap box now!

Susan,

When you read the bible all the way through, as you suggest doing, please notice what else is listed in Leviticus as perversion.... either everything in that list is bad or none of it is necessarily bad. Worn a cotton blend shirt, eaten shellfish lately?

And as Elena pointed out, the bible has been tranlsated many times and actually bible scholars don't think the bible meant to condemn homosexuality originally.

If this earth and all life on earth is here because of some cosmic accident (Big-bang or whatever other explanation one might have for the existance of human life on planet earth) then life on earth and the physical universe around us is all there is and we are not accountable to anyone except ourselves.

But - IF we human are part of a huge creation project by a supernatural Being we call, "God", and IF that supernatural Being requires certain things from His Creation (especially the human race) in order to please Him

And - IF "God" or whatever you want to call Him holds the power of life and death, of continuation or total destruction over us, don't you think it makes sense to at least listen to what He wants and why He wants it?

If a Space Alien were to show up in a huge space station that circled the earth like a satellite or moon and if that Space Alien (God) were to inform us that there are certain rules He expects us to obey or He will destroy us, don't you think it might be wise to at least listen to Him, and consider what and why He has certain expectations?

Let's look at this matter of morality a different way: When one buys a new automobile, a new watch or a new piece of electronic equipment and receives an owners manual with the purchase, would it make sense to ignore the discription of the manufacturer as to who we can safely operate what we have purchased?
Wouldn't it be stupid to say, "I will put the oil in the gas tank and the gas in the crankcase if I want! After all I paid for the car and I can do what I want with it. If I bought a watch that is not water proof but insisted on keeping my new time piece that is not waterproof submerged in a sink full of water (just because I paid for it and it is mine and I will do whatever I jolly well please to do with it); wouldn't my rebellion against the owner's manual be not only stupid but destructive?

And so, if the Space Alien (God) tells us that homosexuality is destructive to our human spirit and human psyche and destructive to human society as a whole, isn't it stupid on our part to rebel against the owner's manual (the Bible)? God isn't trying to be bossy!! He just created us and human society to function in a healthy way (like gas in the gas tank instead of the oil crankcase) so that we can be happy, well adjusted and successful (fulfilling our God-given destinies).

The Owners Manual (Bible) is very clear about homosexuality, fornication, adultery and other deviant (contrary to the way the Creator made us to operate - like the new car or new electronic equipment) forms of behavior. If you don't like the way you were created, just keep in mind that God didn't ask your opinion when He created you. You and I live under His authority and He didn't seek our counsel before He created humans and human society to function in a certain manner.

Have a nice day - and a nice eternity (eternal existence in Heaven rather than Hell).

Pastor Joseph

Susan, Atlanta, GA wrote: "God says in the Bible that homosexuality is perversion and worthy of death (Leviticus and Romans chapter 1). That is never going to change, no matter how indignant homosexuals become."
__________

The views of ancient Middle Easterners (people wrote the Bible, by the way) are not relevant to discussions about equal rights for US citizens in the 21st-century USA. Nothing you can say will change that. We do not live in a Theocracy and the Bible is not, and will never be, the law. The fact that you think your fellow citizens who happen to be gay should be put to death is shared by another group of religious extremists. They're called the Taliban. We're not interested, thanks.

This isn't a judgmental question or any sort of veiled rebuke of Christian or conservative beliefs–I really, honestly would appreciate a serious answer.

**What is wrong with homosexuality?**

I truly want to understand where everyone is coming from. Can someone please explain it?

thank you for being liberal CNN

i appreciate it when you block my remarks because they are conservative

i posted this:

"typical liberal media
The gay community is trying to push their agenda down our throats.
If a man and a man can get married, then let me marry 4 women!
Simply put, the gays want the word "normal" removed from our vocabulary, and don't want anything to be kept sacred."

and it is awaiting moderation?

I see far worse things posted with name calling but you block mine!

i think the conservative community can see through your one-sidedness

you're doing a great job of continuing the polarization of our country!

One: Huckabee did not say that homosexuality and bestiality were the same. He was just showing the progression. Two: If mainstream America embraces something outrageous, for example, people who are shorter than five feet tall, should be given some special designation, would that make it right. No. Sometimes it seems that the people who advocate for somethings just happen to have the loudest voices, but it does not make them right. I think a vast majority embrace heterosexuality. Three: Everybody has a right to their opinion, not mine, but to theirs. Everybody, including myself, has the right to be wrong. Four: Huckabee has a point. When we start screwing around with definitions, whether it be marriage, torture, punishment, discipline, or whatever, we are opening a can of worms. When there is no consistency, it becomes problematic. I am not for gay rights, black rights, women's rights, or whatever rights. I am for Human Rights. Everybody has the right to be treated as human beings and all the rights that accompany the designation as being a member of that set group. That would lump people from every category together ranging from people that are conservative, liberal, black, brown, white, and every other shade. I don't care if they are pink with purple stripes. But everybody has a right to their opinion. Some people think certain lifestyles are inherently wrong, including myself. But everybody has a right to be wrong.

An ostracize offshoot of Mr. Romey's faith are the only ones practicing "traditional marriage."

Romney 08

"Susan, Atlanta, GA January 18, 2008 1:23 pm ET

God says in the Bible that homosexuality is perversion and worthy of death (Leviticus and Romans chapter 1). That is never going to change, no matter how indignant homosexuals become. They can be forgiven by God if they repent (truly admit their sin and change their ways), but God will never say it's OK. Doubt it? Just read the Bible all the way through, and you will see that fornication, adultery, homosexuality and beastiallity are all horrible sins in the eyes of God."

First of all, it doesn't matter what your "Bible" says. You have no right to shove your mythology down the throats of anyone else. If you chose to live by that mythology, good for you. But this is NOT a reglious state. The United States of America is a SECULAR state. It was founded because the puritans of England were fleeing what they considered to be religious persecution. The modern puritans in this country will not now impose religious persecution on others, or the rest of the country.

Here's a clue for you dear, not everyone in this country is a) christian, or b) obliged to read, believe, observe, or practice what you mythology preaches. Live by what makes you personally happy, and leave others alone to live their lives.

Why is everyone yelling at Huckabee?

The Gay Marriage lost by an 80% margin in SC. If anything, he rallies the Christian right to him from McCain.

Moreover, the only people who get offended about any anti gay or other "politically incorrect" comments are the liberals. They are not going to vote for him anyway. Need any proof - take a look at how good Rudy is doing with his pro gay policies in the Republican primary.

Win Win for Huckabee

The name-calling in this line is laughable. Anyone who has word one to say against homosexuality, no matter how innocuous, is a homophobe. Anyone who has one positive word to say for homosexuality is a queer.

The right leaning writers claim to represent the mainstream while the left leaning writers say the right has no claim to the mainstream. By definition, the mainstream exists between the poles, folks.

Some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were indeed "Deists" as were some of the signers of the Constitution. A greater number were avowed Christians who together used their Christian-based morality along with their education in rhetoric, the classics and history to mold the founding documents into what they viewed as a utopian government, limited at the federal level with increasing strength as you peeled down to the people. We wind up with founding documents that guarantee us a Constitutional Republic, if, as Franklin said, we can keep it.

Believing in God, Jesus Christ and voting doesn't make one a theocrat.

Not believing in God or any other higher power doesn't make one a bad person.

What makes believers and non-believers bad is their intolerance of each other's point of view and resorting to name calling and condescension in an attempt to make a point. When a non believer indicts all of Christianity for the sins of a few badly behave Christians, that non-believer is guilty of the intolerance he condemns. By the same standard, when the Christian reaches into obtuse corners of Scripture and extract from context a condemnation of one with a differing opinion, they violate Christ's command to Love our neighbors as ourselves.

Thomas Jefferson did indeed refer to a separation of church and state in a private letter. Jefferson also referred to the joy of the charming Negress, Ms. Hemmings, in other correspondence. Neither reference had the force of law.

I've always made the point that if the courts held there was such a separation of church and state, it merely echoed Jesus Christ's exhortation to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which is God's. The language of the First Amendment is clear in NOT calling for anything other than separate sphere's of influence, however. "Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." That language limits Congress, the Government...not the people. The people are empowered by that language as they should be by any amendment to the Constitution.

Final point, in my mind's eye, Governor Huckabee is an empty suit. However, this morning he did make a good point in saying that were it not for an amended Constitution, African-Americans would not be considered human. It took the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to remove the shameful 3/5ths of a man provision as pertained to slaves from 1789 to 1865. It was a well-reasoned point.

TJS:

"What happened to the rest of our rights. My rights to turn on my tv and not have homosexual lifestyles crammed down my throat. ... Everyone has to live with their own choice but I don't want to be subjected daily to your choice."

What about everyone else's right not to be subjected to your beliefs, and have Christianity shoved down their throats?

huckabee is so wrong people sould be who they want to be and no one sould vote for him cuz hes wrong.-

The Bible also speaks to another grave injury to the institution of marriage: DIVORCE.

Luke 16:18: "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."

Gay marriage is the target that so many people focus on, yet gays comprise so little of our population (I think 3%). However, divorcees, the true cancer of america, compose over 50% of the population.

HUCK, do what is right stand up for marriage in EVERY WAY! OUTLAW DIVORCE! How can we say that marriage is a sacred institution when people (and not just hollywood) marry for a few months or years? Then divorce because they "don't think they are in love anymore" or "it just wasn't what they wanted". We need to make marriage the sacred institution it is supposed to be if anyone is to take it seriously.

See, comments like these give me more hope that we can finally get a Democrat back in the White House. Good job Huckahasbeen!!!

Also, one more thought on Christianity, Huckabee and politics...

(And remember, I'm a Christian myself)

I think too many of us Christians hear that Huckleberry was a Baptist minister and we latch onto him. Why? Just because he happens to have an M-Div? Huckleberry, I have no doubt, is a good man who truly loves the Lord. I don't question that, nor should anyone question another man's heart condition. But, to blindly back Huck for President, just because you happen to share the same church background...that's silly.

Don't be fooled by Huck, don't get sweet-talked by Romney and don't be lulled to sleep by the ancient McCain........Fred Thompson is the only realist who tells it how it is.

And by the way, anyone who calls themself a Christian, yet claims to hate homosexuals and stands in judgment on them......needs to take a serious look in the mirror. Jesus died for all of us...murderers, rapists, homosexuals, heterosexuals....and guess what? He loves me just as much as he loves the agnostics and the homosexuals. Again, God hates the sin, loves the sinner.

Way to go Mike Huckabee for saying it how it really is! Don't allow the distorted minds of the minority to allow those of us with morals to be bullied into thinking that if we disagree with their actions, that we are not somehow discriminating against them.

It is true, everyone is equal. Equally responsible for doing right or wrong. Equally value as a human being, and equally sad when they can not live up to a life of standards and values that support the whole human race.

I can see how it would be difficult for homosexuality would be a difficult cross to bare. But when we start saying it is acceptable to behave however you "feel" – and that others should be tolerant of that behavior no matter what is a step in the direction of animal behavior. Humans have the unique quality of rising above how they feel at any given moment. They can stop themselves from acting on anger, jealously, neediness, greed, lust, and yes, sexual impulses. We have to power to choose, therefore we have the responsibility to choose RIGHT, and the ability to make choices that effect all of humanity. Once we formally decide that it is perfectly OK to act on homosexuality, then YES, we open the door to it being OK to act on other "perfectly natural" feelings – Like those who somehow got mixed up along the way, whether before birth or after, but just somehow feel attracted to children – or just somehow feel the need to satisfy a sexual urge with an animal.

Gay marriage may not be bestiality, but accepting it is officially taking a step in the direction of giving up our ability to choose, and instead becoming like animals – simply acting on what ever impulse suits us at the time. So go ahead and kick and scream and through around as much political jargon and claim "discrimination" and "intollerance" all you want! It still will never make it right.

And one last thing! If you demand tolerance, then I demand tolerance of my right to choose a life of morality, values, work ethics and my right to fight for a nation who upholds those standards!!!

Huckabee is BIGOT. I hope he makes it on the ballot, cuz us democrats will stomp on that idiot bible-banger. Equality for all, not just the "christians". Next thing you know, he'll be suggesting that christianity be the National Religion! How pathetic!

This is a typical ploy used many times previously by many other homophobes on the radical religious right to try say that if gay marriage is legalized that it will lead to legalized marriage between humans and animals. It's as ludicrous as it is ridiculous, but that doesn't seem to prevent a whole range of fearful people from "believing" it...or at least using the assertion as a potential wedge tool, just as the radical relgious right has done in many previous political campaigns. It has no basis in any sort of truth, and is utterly despicable! It, and Mr. Huckabee should be roundly criticized for trying it yet again. You're a disgrace, Mr. Huckabee. A disgrace!

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says all that is needed to be said about same sex marriage. So far, every state that has had a Constitutional amendment on the ballot to make it law that marriage is to be between a man and a woman, it has passed. That should say something about what the “Main stream American” sees as right and wrong. This country was founded by Christians on Christian beliefs. If you look at anything good out there you can find its roots in Christianity. Child Labor Laws, Women’s Rights, Equal Rights, etc. All have roots in Christianity. I am proud of Mike Huckabee for sticking to what he believes in and a President without Christian values would be a President without a good base for moral values. The basis for moral values is the Bible. On a side note, Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards all believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. In my opinion if these three believed that same sex relationships were ok they would also believe same sex marriage is ok. So this is not just a “Right Winged” radical concept. I urge anyone who hasn’t done so to pick up a Bible and find the salvation that Jesus Christ has given us if you just accept him. Do this before it is too late. God Bless.

Solomon wrote: "Let the states continue to decide and we will all see that most of America is against gay marriage anyway. Huckabee should just leave the topic alone.

We should really be concerned about the over 1 million murders allowed in this country every year in the name of "a Woman's right to choose"."

Whether "most Americans" (and shrinking) oppose gay marrige is irrelevant. "Most Americans" opposed interracial marriages when they weren't allowed. Does that mean they were right? Of course not. Besides, in a Democratic society (ever heard of it), the majorty does not vote on the civil rights of minority groups. Minority groups are *supposed* to be protected from the "tyranny of the majority" as de Tocqueville described it.

That "most Americans" also favor a woman's right to choose is also irrelevant. What is relevant is that in a free society, women should not and CAN not be forced by the government to give birth against their will. Banning abortion does not prevent abortion. It just kills women, and frankly, like gay marriage, it's none of your business unless you're gay or pregnant.

I am a homosexual conservative republican who agrees with what Huck said. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Fun is between a man and a man and a woman and a woman.

One more comment on a slightly different vain:

Many Democratic Candidates have GLBT Steering groups working as part of their campaigns – Like Hillary Clinton.

Folks, this simply shouldn't be. Any such candidate should be laughed off the political stage. They obviously care more about their socially acceptablity/politically correct posture than for doing what is best for society and the country. There motivations and intentions as President will be at best duplicitous from the very beginning.

The minute a candidate gives any special intrest group of this nature such a level of input into their campaign it should be a warning sign to the rest of us not to even consider that person.

I must say that you Americans (sorry for the generalization) are looking more and more like most countries in the middle east. Religion is dictating your political debate, and your country. As an European (Sweden) married to an American, I can only say that I'm happy to live here and not in my wifes country. We have our fair share of "radical believers", but you would refer to them as mainstream. It's is also sad that so many in a country, that believes it self to be the moral and democratic leader of the world, not can be more open-minded, democratic and seem to have such a low moral. Needless to say, but I do hope that whoever wins the election will put more money into education. Knowledge is the only cure for irrational thinking. If you don't believe me, read all the studies concluding that the number of atheists increases while the number of religious people decreases with education and knowledge (this is true for Americans as well as in all other countries).

Kind regards,
Morten

P.S. English is not my first language, so you have to excuse any spelling and/or other language mistakes.

On another note, I love how these Religious Right False Conservatives love to claim that they know 100% that homosexual urges are a choice and not genetic. They have no proof other than that their god told them. The same way their god told them in the past that black people were of an inferior species, women are the inferior gender, the Earth is the center of the universe, creationism trumps evolution, and that people who possess and speak of knowledge outside of the accepted religious truths of god are witches (possessing supernatural power) and deserve to be burn at the stake. All topics of a scientific nature that those of Religious background have been 100% sure they knew were correct. And yet we now look back and see how absurd and above all wrong these beliefs were. Some day religious people will learn that believing things simply because their “God” (more correctly their pastor and some books that were written by men) tell them to believe without any proof is a grave error. Until then we have to but up with their abundant ignorance.

Hi Jim,

I enjoyed reading your comment. I had one problem with it though, do you honestly believe that what is written in the bible is entirely true and that there are no falsities to it? It is common knowledge even to this day that history has usually been reshaped by those that had power over others..i.e...literature including the bible. I'm sure at one point the stories within were accurate to what you say God wanted for man, but because we are only human I don't believe in this day and age much of what is written in the bible can be coined as fact.

Case in point, there are widely known scriptures that the Roman Catholic Church has discredited on the basis that it tells people that you can find your way to God by looking inside yourself. God can't be found in some institution surround by walls of rock or gold but that God is all around us we just have to look.

The reason I mention this is well, if the Cathloic Church can rewrite the bible to as it sees fit, others can and have done the same.

~R

and also why would us GLBT people CHOOSE to be gay?

think about………do you think that us homosexual folks would CHOOSE to force ourselves to live in secrecy? do you think that we would CHOOSE to have to deal with biggots like you that have no back up on any of your answers?

DO YOU THINK THAT SOMEONE WOULD CHOOSE TO BE AN OUTCAST AND A MINORITY TO SOCIETY?

do you think someone would CHOOSE to have to live or lead a double life for fear of coming out to people they are close to?

do you think people would CHOOSE to be gay so they could possibly be disowned or mistreated by their parent figures that use to love them when they thought they were straight?

I COULD GO ON AND ON.

get some real back up on your information … and yes i agree with several of you that i don't want your heterosexuality shoved down my throat either. if it doesn't personally affect you, then why is it such a big deal?

you're basing your facts upon religious beliefs. and when really religion has been around since the beginning of time. you listen and place your beliefs into a book that was written (supposedly) millions of years ago.

have you even met a GLBT person? i bet not.

have you even talked to a gay person……probably not either.

and supposedly according to some of your religous beliefs……if we're the ones going to hell then what are you so worried about?

i lived in the "closet" having to live a double life until i came out to my parents. they love me for me. i have been there along with all other fellow GLBT people around the US and they know how hard it is to fight to come out and be PROUD of who you are.

just like another commenter said………

we are out of our closets and we are not going to back down for pretentious biggots like you…… we are going to ALL FIGHT TOGETHER for our equality. we will not subside and we will not abandon our rights.

LLoyd from canada...

YOU TELL ME HOW HOMOSEXUALITY IS IMPOSED ON YOU. TELL ME. How does me having a wife have anything to do with your marriage?

And remember people, heterosexual marriages are the ones with all the problems. Why dont you fix your own institution rather than discriminating against others.

Also, you say you are being condemned as bigots.

YOU ARE doing everything you can to stop the happiness and equality of other individuals. NOW YOU TELL ME THAT IS NOT BIGOTRY!

No special rights for the gays! Marriage = 1 man and 1 woman only.

I voted for Huckabee in the South Carolina primary because the Republican Party will get what it deserves. They've been pandering to the religious right for years now they should finally get what's coming to them – a candidate who's absolutely unelectable and who symbolizes perfectly the virulent and hateful message of today's "Conservative Christians," who are without a doubt the clearest danger to freedom and liberty in the world today.

Part of getting this country back to its Christian principles prior to 1960s is recognizing that a man and a woman constitute a marriage! Ron Paul knows this to be true but he will let the States decide these issues and move on to getting the central government out of our lives, out of debt, out of wars, out of every corner of society except what is Constitutional!

"I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and have never seen the day when I did not pray for them." General Robert E. Lee

You said General, the yankees need more prayer today than ever before. It would help us here in Dixie if the yankees would stay North of the Mason-Dixon Line and keep their immoral behavior up there with them!

Huckabee is not fit to be President. He's weak and dances around issues more often than not. Just because he's clever and witty, and speaks with poise and composure...don't be fooled. Check his record. It's more liberal than he lets on.

Latest polls show that Fred Thompson is still on the rise in South Carolina. In fourth place now, but Romney has dropped two percentage points, and Fred has jumped up two percentage points. With an enormous 19% still undecided.

South Carolinians can turn the tides here and shake this race up.

Fred Thompson is the only true conservative. And if you're leaning right, consider Fred. fred08.com

Also, Hillary has no experience. And come to think of it, neither does Obama. Why are we not hearing more about this?

Let me start off by saying I am a straight male who is a true conservative. And by that I mean I believe in small government in every aspect of the term, which includes staying out of people’s lives when it comes to their personal beliefs and following the Constitution no matter what. Having said that, I look at this debate and I see that it is really such an absurd thing. Being a scholar of law and a constitutionalist lets look at gay marriage strictly from a legal standpoint leaving God where he belongs, far far away.

What benefits are granted to a married couple:

1. Tax Breaks
2. Coverage under spouses health insurance
3. Next of kin rights in legal and medical situations
4. Protection from testifying against their spouse
5. The right to adopt a child as a couple

I ask you solely based on legal standing why should a gay couple not be granted these rights? There is no answer you can give other than God says it is wrong. No were in the above list does it mention God. As a matter of fact not god of any faith has any standing in the United States legal realm.

This shows just the idea behind Huckabee's theocracy. He's going to throw Democracy out the window and force Christian laws on everyone. Freedom of religion? Not in Huckabee's America.

I feel the commits made by Mr. Huckabee are the words of a man that has his head on straight. He is in line with mainstream .

Why does our government support marriage in the first place? It is, most commonly but not exclusively, a Christian tradition. If America is truly a state seperate from religion, then why are marriage licenses released? I suggest that my government offers a union certificate for any two adults who wish to pool their resources in economic benefit. This way, you can find your marriage at your local church and find your economic union certificate at your local courthouse. Problem solved.

What did Mike Huckabee say about values and the role of parenting when his 17 son hung a dog from a tree and shot it? And then as the Gov of the state fired the people that investigated his son. Just another shadey ex-gov from Hope, Ark.

I do not intend to allow radical Christians to tell me how tolive my life. Christians should keep their noses in the Bible and out of our lives.

The Huckster is not wrong to support the traditional family unit as well as the sexual proclivities that are a part of that. They are woven deep within the fabric of our society and social structure. Not to mention the fact that they are a significant part of the religious underpinnings of that social structure. Encouragement of civil unions will not help strenghten that structure or the human race.

However, his musings on the topic stray far outside the scope of normally accepted thought. Individuals are individuals with rights and priviledges that can't be ignored in this country. In fact they deserve to be respected.

But to be above board here, in my opinion, banning gay marriage does not harm those rights. Individual rights are unaffected by such a decision.

Nevertheless, the Huckster's rantings on the subject are simply a peak at the radical views he holds and are held by a large percentage of Evangelicals.

I don't believe that the the Huckster sees all Americans as equal. And if that is true he doesn't deserve to be President.

If we nominate him, the democrats will be dancing in the street – they've already said as much. The general election will be a cake walk for them. The same is true for McCain, Rudy and Ron Paul too.

Opinion (based on fact): The President of the United States is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the governmental complex.

Therefore, for the expediency of governmental action, religion should take NO PART in decisions regarding secular matters.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer simply signs bills into law...he doesn't actually MAKE the law- he/she is an advisor/auditor who must make sure the law functions in the capacity it was written for and also is supposed to veto it if it has large issues that should never have been in the law in the first place. (commonly known as pork barrelling etc.- that is why we have an Ethics commission)

Fact: All citizens of the United States of America are entitled to

-protection FROM religion and protection FOR religion clauses in the Constitution.

People are free to practice whatever religions they choose, and even MULTIPLE religions...but they are not free to force others to practice theirs.
Forcing others to practice a religion is, for me, subjugation/coercion. It is a form of imprisonment/thought control if the person has no desire to practice that religion or already practices a competing form.

People marry for many reasons, but usually one or more of the following: legal, social and economic stability; the formation of a family unit; procreation and the education and nurturing of children; legitimizing sexual relations; public declaration of love; or to obtain citizenship.

In no way does one need to be married to reproduce. Conversely, married couples are not requried to reproduce. To say marriage exists for fertility is absurd. CJ is correct by saying, throughout history, marriage existed as a legal means of transferring property from parents to progeny, and a means of establishing social or business ties between families.

John C: Explain to me again how employers subsidizing health benefits for non family members undermines the traditional family. Do you believe that offering benefits to domestic partners somehow affects your family?

God says in the Bible that homosexuality is perversion and worthy of death (Leviticus and Romans chapter 1). That is never going to change, no matter how indignant homosexuals become. They can be forgiven by God if they repent (truly admit their sin and change their ways), but God will never say it's OK. Doubt it? Just read the Bible all the way through, and you will see that fornication, adultery, homosexuality and beastiallity are all horrible sins in the eyes of God.

Good grief! The religious fanatics are attempting to define WHO constitutes a "family!" A good review of ANY of the history textbooks should negate any of such foolishness! The issue of marriage is a religious one; if you and your group define it, good for you! You do not, however, have any influence over how I and my family define marriage or family. There is no governmental interest in marriage.

By the way, holding certificates from a college or university in no way removes the bias, the bigotry, or lack of information on many, many topics. Even within your own degreed "family," there is substantial disagreement! STICK to the topic!

Mike. You bigoted stone-age troglodyte. Why can't you read a science book instead of the Bible? Stop pushing this stupid, backward moral pabulum.

A 1991 study of homosexuality (LeVay S (1991). A difference in hypothalamic structure between homosexual and heterosexual men. Science 253:1034-1037) provided strong evidence that homosexuality is a natural condition that stems from a lower-than-average cell count in the third interstitial nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus. For unscientific shoeless Galilee-stomping ex-preachers like you, this means that homosexuality is, for many gay individuals, hardwired into the part of the brain that regulates, among other things, sexual desire and attraction. This calls into direct - and it does not get more direct than this - question the idea of (a) an omniscient God and (b) an omnibenevolent, or all-good, God for the following reasons.

A) An all-knowing God, who claims in Genesis that humans should go forth and multiply (implying reproduction; for us, sexual reproduction, though it would not matter), would not have made this condition in nature (it implies a contradiction).
B) An all-good God would not have, upon creating this condition himself, punished its recipient by blaming it on 'lifestyle choice' (that type of blame would be neither logically valid nor would it reflect a structure of moral goodness).

Suck on that, Suckabee.

On a more humorous note, the Genesis command to maintain 'dominion over the beasts of the Earth' does not explicitly prohibit marrying them. Remember, the Levitical law says 'don't lie with beasts.' Mike, my wife, the transvestite horse, says hi.

So "GOD agrees with Huckabee. After all God said it first, and the God of Abraham CAN NOT lie."

hmmm ... no ... an Israelite priest, a man, CLAIMED God said it. I think we can all agree that a man CAN LIE, or at least make mistakes. Anyway, isn't the explict prohibitiion of homosexualty in the same book of the bible that say you can't eat pork or have sex with your wife during her period.

On the other hand, I wish people would stop quoting Jefferson. History buffs, check it out, Jefferson authored a criminal code for Virginia which criminalized sodomy.

I agree with Ron Paul, it's not government issue, it's a religious issue. Therefore, the presidential candidates should not even be discussing it. The only reason it's brought up is so Huck can tap into the evangelicals- the most close-minded people in our society.

for all you "self-righteous" right wingers, does the name "Ted Haggard" (or any of the other numbers of "conservative christians" that have been exposed for their hypocrisies) mean anything to you? The last thing that this country needs now is more intolerance!
.Huckabee has NO business being the next president...he continues to demonstrate that.
And, please don't pretend to speak for "the majority" , or "mainstream" America. How would you know what their beliefs are? You certainly don't speak for most people that I'm familiar with.

Dave: Marriage is the government's business because it involves so many rights most people never think about, such as power of attorney, inheritance of property, tax breaks. Those are not things a church can give you.

Joaquin: So, since my husband had a vasectomy, we're not married anymore? I guess it doesn't matter that we love each other or that we want to be together or anything like that. Wow...that might be the dumbest thing I've heard today.

Does this also mean that he is comparing gay marriage to polygamy? And that he is comparing gay marriage to polyandry?

He is simply saying that once we change the definition of marriage to fit one social group, what will stop us from changing it to conform to the next social group's whim and desire?

Quit reading things into statements that don't exist, just because you are looking for some reason to be offended and lash out.

Huckabee, although he won't get my vote, is talking about MARRIAGE. Marriage has always been between a MAN and a WOMAN. Homosexuals can Marry the same as heterosexuals...they'd just have to MARRY someone of the opposite sex. They just haven't been able to change what the definition of marriage is...which is what they want to do.

They choose to live this 'ALTERNATIVE' lifestyle. Yes it is a choice. I'm an alcoholic...my genes show I am predisposed to be one and yep, I am when I choose to drink. When I see alcohol...boy it looks good and I really want to...But I choose not to drink at all.

The person who said you can't choose who you Love, how stupid a thought. People do it all the time....DIVORCE, DATING, MARRIAGE...ETC..

In regards to 'Maintstream America'...I can't say myself what Mainstream America thinks. I do know that many states have started to pass Constitutional ammendments and varios Referendums protecting the definition of MARRIAGE. It would seem to me that most Americans do not want to change that definition.

"For the world's wisdom is foolishness with God."

To the responses that think Huckster's comments were fine, this is the problem with LACK of education in this country. Homosexuality is not a mental disorder, nor a disease – (DSM IV – Psychiatry) which had been reported for decades now.

To be citizens of the allegedly most powerful country in the world, it's tragic to think that a simple act of loving another person could be so visceral, so divisive, so volatile.

So, MIND your own business – Jim; Estill, go back to the cave – NOT mainstream at all...

Hi guys.

200 Responses. Statistically, I wouldn't call your responses to Mr. Huckabee's comments a fair sample of American opinion about Homosexuality. But it is a start.

Whenever I hear a news story that includes some sort of poll, I seem to hear a sample in the 1,200 range...or so. So as samples go, this discussion needs a little more work...at least according to the apparent standards of the press.

I believe our country is coming apart at the seams. Perhaps using other civilizations, such as the Roman Empire, as examples of what hapapens to a society that decides to allow moral corruption to become the norm would be a useful way of illustrating what I mean.

Historians like to say that Rome "fell" sometime around 476 A. D. Really what hapened was that at that point Rome had reached a point of "unrecognizability." Due to moral decay which continuned unabated for at least 500 years, Rome, as a society, simply became a hollow shell that was eventually swept away.

An obvious component of the moral decay I speak of us was the existence of rampant sexual immorality that included rampant homosexuality. As the Roman empire ground down to extinction, its people were given to a lust for violence and sexual gratification of all sorts.

Rome didn't fall because of Barbarian Invasions. It fell because of its internal rottenness which rendered it incapable of effective government and effective self defense.

Again, foundational to this incapacity, was Rome's moral decay. And a glaring symptom of this moral decay, was its sexual debauchery. Homosexuality was a glaring example of that debauchery.

In my opinion, what I've just described of Rome then describes the United States today.

Several of you have condemned Christians for being bigoted and fanatical in their views about homosexuality. Some of you even equated "biblical" Christianity with fascism and warned that what happened under Hitler could happen again if Christians were allowed to participate in government.

The real problem, I think, is that Christians, who believe that the Bible is "the" word of God, have a set of standards that is absolute in nature. And because of this, they have a standard they uncompromisingly use to determine how they will participate in society.

And so, when it comes to interacting with issues like:

abortion, homosexuality, pornography, sex outside of marriage, etc. They say, "no, that is against God's word, we will not agree to it, and, because we live in a country that gurantees freedom of speech, we will speak out against these sorts of things."

Part of the problem lies in the reality that the US is a pluralistic nation. 200 of you expressed your opinion about Mr. Huckabee. All of those opinions were different in some way. You could do that because you were "free" to do that.

But there are some of you out there who actually believe that, while you have a right to your opinion, and the right to express it, Christians who believe in the God of the Bible and who believe that the Bible is the one, and only, word of God, should be muzzled.

That attitude is is evidenced by the various efforts that have been made to pass laws making it illegal under hate-crime legislation to be critical of a person's "sexual orientation."

The mere fact that some of you make the leap in comparing biblical Christianity with Naziism, demonstrates breathtaking ignorance that gives license to perpetrate the very same repression endured by Christians under Nero and Jews under Hitler.

I think that some day, those of us who are Christians, who believe that the Bible is God's word, His only word, are going to face the same persecution here in the US that our predecessors did in Rome. Today, in other parts of the world, tens fo thousands of Christians are being murdered for their faith.

Two more points, and then I will close this little ditty.

First, one of you said that the most important part of Jesus Christ's ministry was the sermon on the mount. I disagree. It is true that everything that He did while here on earth was important. His mission though was to die on the cross of calvary as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the world. He was the lamb of God whose blood was shed to satisfy God's demand for justice in the face of "OUR" sin.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

If we acknowledge that God is a god of love, then, we must also acknowledge that He is a god of holiness, righteousness and justice, as well a god of mercy, grace and love. Therefore, His love is a holy love that faithfully satisfies His demand for justice in the face of our sin. His love has been administered in a way that reflects both His mercy as well as His demand for justice. And that administration of just love was realized in what Christ did for all of us when He died our death on the cross...because of God's love for us.

Second:

Christians live under the authority of the Bible because its author is God...not because a man or group of men have endowed it with authority. There is a God, whether we want Him to exist or not. And He is Lord of all His creation...not just certain specialized compartments of that creation in which He is allowed to participate in deference to any country's competing religious/social value system...or legislation.

In other words, just because someone says that there should be a separation of church and state, shouldn't expect God to actually honor that "rule."

Well, that's my opinion.

Mike

Let the states continue to decide and we will all see that most of America is against gay marriage anyway. Huckabee should just leave the topic alone.

We should really be concerned about the over 1 million murders allowed in this country every year in the name of "a Woman's right to choose".

Not to mention, I'd be more concerned about the possibility that Huckabee is like Bush, in that he's socially conservative and a flaming liberal on economic issues.

Mike Huckabee is a religious freak! I have nothing against people being religious... I'm Christian myself. However, I don't wear my religion on my sleeve. I don't understand why these people like Huckabee continue to push these issues. Nobody is telling him or his other fanatic followers they have to marry/love someone of the same sex! So I just wish all these fanatics would just live their own lives and stop pushing their radical opinions/beliefs down our throats. My brother is gay and he is not considered 'abnormal' in my family. I find it offensive for Huckabee or anyone else with his view to call my brother abnormal!! Most of the people who talk like this, with so much hate, are the one's with the problem. They really need to become more educated!!

gods and religions are for the weak!!

homosexuality is for those that can't obtain or sustain a Hetero relationship.

Both are the makings of DOOM for mankind.

I think I want to become an Alien. At least they are much more advanced and have overcome the weaknesses of a constraining social environment that dwells upon 'what can you give me' and 'this is how i want it to be' mentalities.

Most Humans are pathetic, meaning less organisms. Nothing more!

I do not agree with same sex marriage, as I feel it presents many great difficulties to the children of such unions, but I do agree that basic legal benefits of unions should be available to all. I also believe that if that is your choice, fine. It just does not happen to be my choice.

As for me, I practice live and let live. I do not demand that you accept my lifestyle, my politics, my faith, my sexual persuasion, or my beliefs and morals. But I demand the freedom to do so, and I will fight to preserve that right.

Mr. Huckabee is allowed to state his beliefs. I think what he said has been blown out of perspective. If you don't like what he says, don't vote for him. You have that right as an American. In this text-message society I think many react to the printed text without carefully considering just what exactly has been stated. What many respondents to this blog have intimated is not quite at all what he said. The ad hominem here is that they perceived he said that the gay lifestyle will lead to bestiality. He said nothing of the sort. He said basically what is to prevent further interpretation of the law to accommodate even the most bizarre definitions of marriage. That's all. No more, no less. A perfectly cogent thought.

Hilarious! You people need to Chillax! I think Huckabee is right on!

to all Joes, Jims, and etc, who think that ..two men sodomizing each other is not normal and should have no place in our society...
If you find it wrong, do not do it..But do not tell other people how to live their lives, who to love and care for.
Huckabee disturbs me. As a scientist and a PhD candidate, I find it scary that people will make an intelligent decision to vote for him...
Kids Who Kill...well, I wonder what deviations made his overweight (gluttony, remember, religious folks) son to torture and kill an innocent dog...

Huckabee might be very surprised at the number of conservatives who would fight to the death to prevent tampering with the constitution. It is one thing that draws liberals and conservatives together against him. I say keep up, Huckabee, you're very far behind the times. Most people say "Keep your religion out of my government!"

African Americans got their equal rights during the 60's and 70's. When will it take place for the homosexuals? Aren't they US citizens too?

1 more thing. Republicans are prejudice against gays for wanting a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage. Last time I checked the constitution gave people rights and freedoms, not taking them away.

If marriage is strictly a religious institution, then why can we marry in a civil ceremony in a courthouse? Aetheists get married all the time- wonder how they managed to do it?

The point is that marriage is a right that should be available to all who want it, not just the religious or straight. Government has over-stepped its bounds by declaring itselft to be a regulator of that institution. A government that begins to selectively hand out certain rights to certain groups is no longer a government of the people. We've witnessed the failings of religion-backed governments before and they do not work (anyone remember the Taliban?). Huckabee is dangerous to our precious, and often hard-won, rights in this country.

If you're religious, great. But don't think everyone else has to be, or worse, that this country has to be.

For all those who think the "gay" lifestyle is being shoved down their throats- please. What it is is this country finally acknowledging the existance of homosexuals and an increasing comfort level with that lifestyle.

With all the things to be afraid of these days (nuclear war, terrorists, bird flu, inflation, Paris Hilton), I think we should lovingly embrace two people who truly love one another, genders aside. Frankly, this world needs more love and for those of you trying to put others down for loving someone of the same sex- for shame.

Religion and Politics serve the same function....to control the population. It's all a bunch of mumbo jumbo superstitious crap. If you don't belive EVERY WORD the bible says then you are a hypocrite and a sinner per your own gospel. If you DO believe every word the bible says then you are going to hell because there is no way you can possibly live up to it's requirements on us mere mortals, unless of course you already beat your wife for speaking out of turn and sacrifice your children to avert gods rage and cover your doorstep in sheeps blood. Poor sheep, what did they ever do to anyone?

The religious right is the most idiotic group of people I have ever come accross. Most of them don't even know the true history of christianity, they are mere vessels spouting what they are told to spew at church. I feel sorry for each and every one of them. How can you hear God speaking if you are too busy spreading hate?

I'm anti-religion and proud of it.

Sometimes I wonder If people like Denny...
...who wrote, "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."

even understand how utterly CRAZY they sound when they write things like this. It is CRAZY! WAKE UP PEOPLE! God? Huckabee? Abraham?! What the hell are you talking about? Lets focus on reality and stop plugging your beliefs in MAGIC.

Huckabee is a clasic Baptist preacher people...are you really suprised by what he says?

God does not hate people...but he is often disappointed in their actions.

People who have opinions that are not you're own are not necessarily a "bigot" or "homophobic."

Is what Huckabee said really wrong? Think about it people...He is Right. Gay marriage will open up the flood gates.

Gays should not be condemned for who they are. However, what they do is not natural. It is selfish and wrong.

If you disagree with me, that's okay...but you are wrong.

Do you want to debate whether gay marriage should be legal? Email me at depquarm@gmail.com (dequarm at gmail dot come)

Good for Mike!! And he is out of "mainstream American thought." Mainstream America has become so politically correct not to offend anyone, even at the expense of truth that it will eventually be the downfall of a once great country. Huckabee is the only candidate with the guts to tell it like it is. America was founded on Christian principles
and the Bible. We no longer live by the Constitution. Men are comfortable now in what once were traditional women roles and vice versa. The country is greedy, impatient, pornographic, and violent. And it is only going to get worse. We were once one of the most feared and respected countries in the world. Now the country is 900 trillion dollars in debt, allowing illegal immigrants to enter the country daily in droves., and allowing people to get away with murder. Prisons are over crowded because of serial killers being taken care of while they appeal and appeal and appeal. The economy is in shambles due, in part, to greedy corporations, and deceitful CEOs. There are no consequences anymore for criminal behavior. Go Mike and keep telling the truth!!!!

Joaquin – So, because I'm unable to have children, *I* should also have no right to get married? And my widowed grandmother who's long past child-bearing age, she shouldn't be allowed to get married? Is that what you're saying?

i think it's absolutely outrageous to depict GLBT people wrong for wanting the right to marry their partners. How would heterosexual people feel if the shoe was on the other foot where they couldn't get married because they were straight. Being gay has been proved that it even has occurred in animals for many years now.

i grew up with a great family of two parents and a sister. i was raised as any normal kid was raised in a nice house, parents who were involved in my life, went through high school and then to one of the top ten design colleges in the country and now have my BFA. nothing was abnormal but i wasn't attracted to men since a very early on age. my father was never abusive…hell, my dad is the best father in the world. i am a proud lesbian and the whole point of being married is to have equal rights.

isn't the whole concept of marriage to be that you found someone who makes you all around happy, who loves you eternally for who you are, who supports you in everything you do, who you laugh with and want to grow old with?

essentially that is WHY you marry someone.… and if you marry a person just to marry them then you've got the wrong concept of what marriage is. if marriage is suppose to be so "sacred" like the protesters against gay marriage want you to believe, then why is it okay for a man and a woman to get married only to get divorced two months later? the whole reason of WHY you get married to someone is lost within the heterosexual world. if you notice too, the separation rates amongst straight couples is extremely high whereas if you look at gay relationship, theirs end up lasting longer because they know what the true meaning of marriage/partnership is. and half the time it's the protesters and all of the anti-gay people who haven't even known one gay individual in their life so how can you make an argument about something when you haven't even experienced a GLBT person first hand?

i don't understand why the american public is so animate about not making this equal? if it doesn't have to do directly with you, then what is the problem. the GLBT community isn't asking you to marry someone of the same sex. we just want equal rights like everyone else. it's kind of like they are taking their noses and sticking it where it doesn't really need to belong. no one is forcing anyone to do anything. if you're not gay, that's okay. marry your wife that is fine. we just want equal opportunity. we are all people too with feelings of joy, happiness, anger, etc. it's no different. just because i'm gay doesn't mean i'm a child molester or that i like animals. i mean, i have a cat and she's my cat…that's it. i am helping my partner raise two amazing sons as well. and if being gay supposedly makes you a criminal i find that hard to believe and a bunch of bs personally.

so instead of opening your mouth and saying things that aren't relevant and talking about things you don't even know………sit down, experience a gay community, research how gay couples interact and their relationship time, etc. all of that before you start running your mouth about something that is completely foreign to you.

THE PROUD LESBIAN OF COLUMBUS, OH

So here's my question. One of the first commentors mentioned common law marriage. If we legalize homosexual marriage, then are two heterosexual people of the same gender that live together considered married under common law?

And that leads to Huckabee's point–what about 3 people living together? What about a man and his dog? Are they considered married after 7 years? If you start arbitrarily defining things, then what is considered "outrageous" today may not be outrageous tomorrow, so you move the line again to a new arbitrary point.

The whole concept of separation of church and state is to protect Americans from Huckabee's (or anyone's) personal religioius views. Huckabee can personally condone gay marriage all he wants, but it should appear nowhere on his political agenda. What's actually more radical – changing the definition of marriage or altering the very foundation of our constitution?

Also, although it has a very deep personal/spiritual meaning, the basic fact is, marriage is a form of contract. In short, contracts can legally be entered into by consenting adults. As animals do not fit into this category, I think we can all relax. In my opinion, Huckabee is a ranting embarrassment to our country.

GO GO Mike, I’m a Democrat but if win the primary I will vote for you, I believe gay marriage is one of the must immoral thing I could ever see in my life. I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. If they don’t give the life to Jesus they will burn in Hell with Satan

While his comments may have been viewed as extreme by many of you ultra politically correct leftists, he is not completely wrong. While at first glance, the notion of marriage between a man and animal will surely sound ridiculous, and ALL of you would (or at least all of you SHOULD) regard it as plain wrong, it is relativiely parallel to the union of two men in that it deviates from the tradition and meaning of marriage. What is so different between marrying 2 men and a man with an animal? Neither can procreate, and both can claim they love each other JUST as much as any man and woman can. Just visit any animal rights/animal advocacy group (nutcases IMO) and you will see they may as well call them human. I see no reason for the affore mentioned activists to start rallying for the rights of people to marry their animals. What is so different from gay/lesbian rights groups pushing for changes in the law and animal activists asking for the same thing? So please, what is the difference between a gay couple, and man/animal marrying? I'm hesitant to say that both are morally wrong because of the onslaught of people who would tell me that religion should be kept to one self. Well newsflash, morality does not necessarilly have to mean a particular religious denomination. It can be viewed as the basic tenets of right and wrong, which although most of us can agree upon, the current state of our society has grossly put such principles aside in the attempts of satisfying our own hedonistic desires.

Ray – "...So do rapists, pedophiles and child pornographers. Should we respect their views?"

Last time I checked, Ray, rape and pedophilia were against the law. Why? Because it does not consist of CONSENTING adults. See the difference there? Homosexual relations between same sex couples is based on a consenting agreement. No one is being forced into the situation.

For all of you who say homosexuality is a choice then you must also agree that heterosexuality is a choice, that you wake up every morning and make the conscious decision to be hetersexual in that particular moment. The mindset is obsurd.

And lastly, how can people make the argument that homosexuality is being "forced down your throat" or that you should not be subject to the issue when you turn on the television? Last time I browsed my cable network there were 12 distinct channels showing strictly religious based materials. Using your same argument those religious channels should also be eliminated for the simple reason I should not be "forced" to be subject to that type of input. Or is it more so that I must endure the religious freedoms but the religious should not endure the secular? So much for equality in this nation. And this is what we are trying to "help" the people of Iraq become? Seems to me they already had this mindset under the Saddam regime.

As a gay man I would rather my loving relationship be foolishly and ignorantly equated with bestiality than be a disgusting bigot. This is downright cultish mentality and I am utterly appalled that people can comment on here saying that God believes that discrimination should be institutionalized. It is severely disgraceful that I live in a country where people justify sheer hate and fear with religion. Huckabee's statement is NOT mainstream. It is NOT moral. It is nothing but a political tactic to pull on evangelical heartstrings. After the civil rights movement, those who were formerly empowered by their own bigotry were shamed. Just wait...as soon as gay people gain equal civil rights, which will be soon, you will all be so ashamed that for years you have empowered yourself via blind hatred and transparent stupidity. STOP HATING others and deal with yourself.

Mr. Huckabee is correct despite the whining from the anything goes, socialist-leaning 'rights groups'. For example, a local media personality who is openly gay, became upset during a radio talk show. This fellow is very community-oriented and he described being upset after learning the Red Cross refused his attempt to donate blood. He continued to assert that the Red Cross should accept his blood since, despite being gay, he led a monogomous life style. He ignores the health risks associated with the gay lifestyle He and these 'rights groups' are dead wrong and have no defense, so they whine and label the truth as bigoted, insensitive, intolerant and hostile.

Denny,

God said a lot of things in the bible – like don't mix the materials in your shirt, like there should be no divorce, like stoning would be appropriate, like it's ok to wipe out lots of children in a great flood because their parents were bad. Either we take the whole bible literally, or we take the whole bible as a group of stories. WE can't pick and choose which parts we want to take literally.

And you should know, the bible has been TRANSLATED many times over the years and was only written down many years after Jesus died. Unless you are fluent in Amharic, you don't know what was originalyl written. In fact, bible scholars now think that homosexuality wasn't really what the bible was referring to originally – the translations have garbled up the original meanings as times changed. DId you know that many of the original church leaders were homosexuals, for the first thousand years? That the Popes actualy issued edicts talking about how it was OK? Then the times changed, the bible changed, and apparently that means God changed his mind too.

Please educate yourself and get the facts straight.

Homosexuality is an abnormal sexual behavior no different than the other abnormal sexual behaviors Mr Huckabee references. Just because gay and lesbian organizations have been successful at bombarding society with propaganda and have gained more of the uninformed publics' support does not change that fact.

Lets completely take the religious and moral argument out of the conversation. The primary purpose of sex is the procreation and continuation of the species. These deviant behaviors (homosexuality, beastiality, etc....) detract from this primary purpose. It doesn't matter if these people have bad wiring that causes this abnormal behavior. It is what it is.

I am sure some will say I am some kind of uninformed biggot or a hatemonger (just as they have already taken shots at people of differing opinions here). I don't hate or want to harm these misfunctioning individuals. I have personal and professional relationships with many gay and lesbian individuals. What they do in a private setting is not my business but shoving it in my face and saying that I must condone this behavior is not acceptable. The majority of this country (thats right the majority) doesn't see this behavior as acceptable or desirable. The question Huckabee is asking is where is the line of acceptability that has been blurred by the lobbying and propaganda of the Homosexual left. There is nothing "radical" about his statement. Homosexual lobbying and propaganda have erased that line. When the limits of society are not clear – anything goes.

I find it amusing on those who use religious justification to deny homosexuals rights. Lets take note that those same people including those on this board were spouting the same religious excuses to deny rights to blacks, latinos, asians and arabs. Am I shocked that an evangelical christian hates something that has no affect on them personal? No I am not. To be honest can anyone tell the difference between a PC liberal and a Social Conservative/Evangelical? Because I really cant. Look what he said about the Confederate Flag, and at the same time the partisans complain about other nations flags being flown here while they are dead silent on the Confederate one thats double standard 101. Hey you want to fly that flag be my guest you are covered under freedom of expression but Im sorry a Federal or State Building should fly only one flag and that is the US flag.

I agree with him 100%. Everyone else says what they want to, well, he has the same right. He didn't need a 'parade' to get his point across..

I don't like Huckabee. That being said...I agree with what he said. Marriage is between 1 MAN and 1 WOMAN. Why is that so hard for people to understand? Any suggestion that homosexual marriage should be legal is against public policy, contrary to legal precedent, and immoral.
I am tired of GLBT people who label people who oppose their point of view as "homophobic." It is ridiculous.

Adam and Steve have been able to get married in my home state of MA for years now. I have yet to see any Wedding or Engagement announcements for Adam and Fido. Methinks Mr Huckabee and all the other bigots who try to claim that marriage between two people of the same sex = marriage between a man and his dog are full of it.

For all those who oppose gay marriage and think Huckabee is correct on this issue, I hope you have a gay son or daughter and then we will see what your opinion is. You are truly being selfish and ignorant. The United States should not base its laws off a book that was written thousands of years ago. And the fact that a 'majority' of people oppose it only shows how backwards our country can be, and why most other countries laugh at us on a regular basis.

Dangle a little pink flag in front of you, and the hatred erupts. Not the presumed hatred of those who have come to grips with their own sin and their recognition of their needing forgiveness, but the hatred of those who say how dare anyone–even God–tell them what to do and tell them what is or is not acceptable behavior. Each of us will give account. Some of us rely on God's provisions for forgiveness. Some presume such notions are quaint, naive, and foolish. Both are placing their eternal future on the line. One side will be wrong.

to Denny...SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!!!!!

Joaquín Redondo wrote: "The organs for reproduction of the human species are there for fertility. That is the basic nature of the case. Marriage exists for fertility."
___________

So couples who can't or don't want children shouldn't be allowed to marry according to your standards? Besides, ever heard of adoption? There are tens of thousands of children wasting away in the system because oh-so-righteous, "natural" heterosexuals abused and abandoned them.

I will definately support a leader that has the backbone to stand up to this vocal minority of militant homosexuals that demand special rights for gays.

I am an environmentalist and an environmental scientist with a PhD. I am also a Christian and strongly agree with Jim, except that I don't want my employer to be paying for health benefits for non-family members. Employer-provided health care is heavily subsidized by the employer. Personally, I don't want to see employers (especially my employer) subsidizing the undermining of the traditional family.

The comments made by Mike Huckabee are dead on and I commend the man for standing by his beliefs and not wavering just because someone wants to take what he says and twist it around to make him look like he is saying something he is not. He is as right as the day is long, when he refers to changing it for one thing, then you have to change it for another.
Marriage is between a man and a woman and the fact that this country once believed in and was founded on Christian beliefs and is no longer is very saddening. This country no longer respects Christian beliefs and rights but is willing to respect every other religious belief and right in the country.
Again I commend Huckabee for his beliefs, sticking by them and honestly believe that his running for President and being successful is the Lord Almighty giving this country one more chance to fix what is wrong with it.

I guess I was censored by CNN and thrown out. So I'll try to make my statement again, because I think is it very important for the world outside America (which is big) who will become the next president.
As we watch CNN in the Netherlands and as we have access to CNN on the internet, I should be allowed to comment on anything, including articles in the CNN site.
So again, I repeat, in my opinion there is no difference between Huckabee and the Taliban. They are both very narrow minded and orthodox religious zealots. They don't accept evolution and the origin of species. The homo sapies is one species. There are differences, but not as a species. So they represent the entire range between homosexuals and heterosexuals. Marriage is a legal, secular institution. It is a protection by law for two people who want to live together.
Gay marriage has nothing to do with religion. Gay marriage should be a legal right for everybody. It is legalized, accepted and considered normal and above all, civilized in most European countries.
I am at the age of 65 now and I would highly appreciate if CNN would allow little space for a voice from the socalled old world.
Pim Gillissen, Netherlands

I love this candid look at Gay Marriage. Just something to think about.

The Top Ten Reasons Why Gay Marriage is Wrong

1. Homosexuality is not natural. Real people always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

4. Heterosexual marriage has been around a long time and hasn’t changed at all; women are still property, blacks still aren’t supposed to marry whites.

5. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if homosexual marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Brittany Spears’ 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6. Heterosexual marriages are valid because they produce children. Homosexual couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn’t be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren’t full yet, and the world needs more children.

7. Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That’s why we have only one religion in North America.

9. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That’s why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven’t adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.

Uhhh ohhh!! Time to rev up those evangelicals again!! Let's talk about gays gays gays!!! Those "evil" gays!! wooohooooo!!!

Next up…abortion!!!! This song and dance (unfortunately) never gets old with this narrow-minded demographic.

Can we move on to real issues that actually affect more than 2% of the population people?

To Joe from San Francisco,

"It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man." Matthew 15:11. You should read the entire Bible before taking things out of context from the Old Testament.

Mike Hukabee is right. God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Gay marriage should be banned in the United states. The bible says 'the truth will make u free. case closed

"Huckabee has previously come under fire for past comments on homosexuality. In his 1998 book "Kids Who Kill," the onetime Baptist minister seemed to link homosexuality with sexually deviant and criminal behavior."

Well he certainly has a point. Criminal behavior is often observed...in people who commit hate crimes against homosexuals. What a nutcase.

milton wrote: "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."
________________

You speak for God? Well, that's quite something. Gay people don't need to be "helped". Gay people deserve to be equal citizens in this country. Period. The views of ancient Middle Easterners are totally irrelevant.

I stand behind you. Changing the law would be wrong and subject to change again later in the future. I find the polls they use to gauge mainstream American to be misleading. More than 50% of mainstream American (who do not have the media at their door or a microphone in their hand) does stand behind keeping the law as it is. If its not broke don't fix it!

The organs for reproduction of the human species are there for fertility. That is the basic nature of the case. Marriage exists for fertility. Sterile use of the organs of reproduction is not equal to fertile use. The term "marriage" refers to reproduction. To equate fertility with sterility is a logical absurdity. No amount of political manipulation through votes will ever turn real sterility into real fertility.
In addition, language is not the fundamental reality. The analogical term "is" can be used to affirm the reality of a mental concept or the reality of something existing in front of us. Fertility is not the same as sterility.

Disgusting! The pathetic thing is, there are a lot of idiots in this country who would actually agree with Suckabee's hideous and ignorant views regarding equality for all US citizens in "the Land of the Free". What a joke that is.

All you bible thumpers make me want to puke! Did you just hear that sound? That was the door closing on Huckleberry's campaign and political future.

Thinking like Denny's scares me to no end. We can't have someone like that running our country.

Marriage is a term that should be banned from govrment usage. It's a religious item, and belongs in a church, not a public building. This is a prime example of the mess you get by combining religous beliefs, and goverment.

In the eyes of the govt you have people living together, or not. weather in the eyes of a religion they are married, should not even be an issue.

People dont list "baptism, barmitzvahs, or circumsicion" on goverment forms. 'marriage should just be one more of those items that we dont.

I am in full support of Mr. Huckabee's comments. We must get back to fundamental values in this country. If we do not we are doomed to failure. this country was founded on some very basic beliefs and we have let the far left pollute our system.

Huckabee's views on gay marriage are predictable, if somewhat backward. The truly disturbing aspect of this quote is his insistence that we must amend the constitution to conform with his religious beliefs. Thomas Jefferson must be spinning in his grave!

As for the quote from his 1998 book, will someone please explain to me how pedophilia, sadomasochism, and necrophilia are "publicly endorsed and institutionally supported"? What on earth is he talking about?

Furthermore, the "sacred" institution of marriage has been, in nearly all cultures throughout most of recorded history, primarily a legal means of transferring property from parents to progeny, and a means of establishing social or business ties between families. This is not a radical opinion, it is easily ascertained fact that can be verified with minimal historical research. The notion of mutual romantic love has never really entered into the equation until very recently, so please stop using the 'sanctity card' in your arguments.

Huckabee ... is a dinosaur!

One has to be completely and udderly ignorant to have read all of these comments and still can truthfully say that Huckabee was equating bestiality with homosexual sexually behavior.

Maybe someone of you didn't read any of the comments or maybe didn't even read the story.

The quote was, "I think the radical view is to say that we're going to change the definition of marriage so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal,". No where in that quote does it say anything like, "homosexual sexual relations are equal to bestiality."

If this did say something like that, I would agree with the fact that that comment was wrong. The comment obviously and easily understandably stated Huckabee's position on same-sex marriage as against the laws enforced in the United States.

Ignorance is not a virtue people.

What aggravates me about this whole business is the way in which the Conservative Christian community has hijacked Christianity itself and turned it from a religion of tolerance, peace, grace and love into a weapon of social inequity. Christian Conservatives refer to themselves as "Christians", as if every other believer in the divinity of Jesus Christ adopts some model of the religion whereby homosexuals are social deviants deserving of society's merciless condemnation. If heterosexuals are the true stewards of the institution of marriage, why have more than half of married heterosexuals trashed their own wedding vows and ended their marriages? Why do they sign pre-nuptial agreements, mocking the word of both the Lord and the law by making arrangements for the future failure of their marriage? Get off your high horse, "Christian" Conservatives. Your hypocrisy far outweighs your logic.

"it's a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God."
"What we need to do is to amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards rather than trying to change God's standards so it lines up with some contemporary view of how we treat each other and how we treat the family."
~Mike Huckabee

What happened to not making a law that favors one religion over another?
Not everyone in America is a Christian, what happened to America being a great big melting pot. Not so much anymore eh?

Huckabee endorsed marriage between a man and a pole in his comments about the Confederate flag, so he's not THAT closed-minded.

Seriously, though, I don't think the government should be involved in marriage at all. That's ultimately what this is about, isn't it? Whether gay people can have tax breaks and a nice shiny marriage certificate like straight people do? If the government would stop sticking its nose into the marriage business, this whole issue would be moot.

If you'd like to express your support for the government getting out of marriage and any number of other places it is meddling, vote Ron Paul!

resurrection.

remember, that Jesus DID submit to baptism...

Huckabee clearly disregards separation of Church and State. As a homosexual man, I have no objection with electing a minister president, however Huckabee has already demonstrated that his political direction will be directly influenced by his religion.

If we as Americans are all entitled to our own religious freedoms, then why can we not marry (as human beings), regardless of sexual orientation? What effect would my marriage to a man have on any other American citizen? Yes, others may not agree with it based on their own religious beliefs, but should I really be stopped if it doesn't infringe on their own freedoms?

There are many traditions and beliefs from various religions that I do not personally subscribe to. For example, in the faith of Islam, the tradition is not to consume alcohol. Although most Americans don't subscribe to this tradition, alcohol is part of our everyday life. Would it be fair for Muslims to ban alcohol consumption for all, based on their own specific beliefs... no.

The American people will speak on election day, and I'm confident that we will choose a leader who represents freedom for all, and it's not looking like Huckabee is that dynamic leader we're looking for.

Also, about the Christianity thing – gays can be Christian. Liek I said... it's not like being gay hinders anything. Yes, this nation was based upon freedom – of religion, speech, and actions – as long as you don't cause harm to others. So let me get this straight... I can be straight and agnostic. They can be gay and Christian... so let them. Freedom of religion. Gays aren't hurting anyone by being gay. And Christianity may be the only religion acceptable to Christians, but it's not the only religion. Open your eyes, your ears and your hearts. My best friend is a priest... known him since I was 14. I – am, and always have been agnostic. Hate me for it, but at least you aren't loving me for just saying I'm Christian and not acting like a Christian like 99 percent of those who dub themselves believers. In my opinion, if you're a firefighter, you do what a firefighter does, and a doctor does what a doctor does. So if you say you're Christian, do what a Christian is supposed to do and open your hearts to the way people are and stop CONDEMNING them for what they aren't. Maturity people. It's happening. And hopefully, someday – so will intelligence.

This guys thoughts reflect his own projections and his ignorance is just beyond belief.
He's clearly inferring a relationship between homosexuality and pedophilia and bestiality. He just doesn't have the guts to own what he thinks.

How long will it be until we hear about him in a airport bathroom?

As a lesbian who was in a heterosexual marriage for 8 years I can tell you that once you try to live a life as a different sexual orientation it is NOT normal! For me heterosexuality is NOT normal, that's not how God made me and millions of others since the beginning of time. I was miserable, my husband was miserable, and we divorced after having two sons, so that changed their life too. If gays and lesbians could marry each other in the first place there would be a lot less divorce and trauma on children. When a gay or a lesbian say they "were born that way" BELIEVE them!

I can't understand why Huckabee hasn't gotten his teeth fixed.

Seperate Marriage and goverment – period. Marriage is a religous domain, not the goverments.

Thats what happens when you mix the two – confusion and problems.

Get married in the eye of your chosen religion – take a legal living partner from the goverment. Taxes would be the same for single, married, and people with living partner(s). Morale judgements then are back in the hand of the religion, not the state. Gay people live together with or without that peice of paper – so what s the difference.

Marriage should be struck from the wording of the US goverment. People dont list if they are baptized, barmitzvahed, or circimcised on goverment forms, marriage should be in the same group.

The Bible that I try to live by the best I can states clearly that a marriage is to be between a man and a woman. I am sick of the media and the so called "politically correct" faction of people trying to say that a Christians view of life is somehow a form of biggotry. I do also realize that many Christian people are also part of the problem by not "practicing what they preach". It's time for the Christian values that this country was founded on to again prevail in America. As one great American once said. "Don't forget about your greatest American right of all – your right to leave"

Huckabee is using his tried-and-true method of behavior – FOOT in MOUTH! It takes only minutes of reviewing his positions on ANYTHING AFFECTING THIS NATION to discover – he has NO CLUE! If the Republican Party needed a comedian to lighten up the campaign, they have one in Huckabee! What a very, very silly man!

If you think your squeamishness should overrule someone else's civil rights, you need to take a long, hard look in the mirror, because you are selfish and arrogant.

How would you characterize gay marriage within any sense of reality? Trying to wrap deviant and disgusting behavior in the Civil Rights issue is baloney.

I think after reading most of the comments posted here I fear that the slow erosion of traditional family values is producing an inverted moral fiber. It seems that many have been flying upside down for so long they’re starting to believe they’re right side up.

Separation of Church and State really is at the heart of this issue...and here's why.

A couple can get married in either a civil setting (Justice of the Peace, etc.) or through a church. Currently, BOTH the civil authorities AND the religious authorities (ministers) are legally licensed by the state to certify the marriage. Both methods of marriage are recognized as vallid by the state.

This means that we have extended the authority to grant a legal civil status (marriage) to church officials.

Since the vast majority of marriages are performed by churches, its reasonable that the religious qualifications for marriage (i.e. hetreosexuality) are so passionately asserted in the debate.

The best option is to simply separate the two. Churches should be able to sanction whoever they want as being "married" in the eyes of the church. However, we need to reserve the legal status of "civil union" to be maintained by officials of the state who are not obliged to uphold religious standards.

In other words...conservative churches should be able to "marry" (religiously) anyone they wish to sanction using their own beliefs. At the same time, those who do not meet the criteria set by conservative churches should not be denied civil liberties that are granted by the government.

Sex is meant for reproduction. Homosexuality is a selfish abomination.

You mean I can't marry my cat?

Way to stand for morality! I totally agree! My voice is being heard through Mike Huckabee!

I laugh at how members of the Republican party have a stance of hate and bigotry can hide behind the word of "GOD". The most hilarious thing is, it's mostly "born-again" Christians that spout the most offensive, evil words at others.

Good for him! It's about time someone in the public eye stopped this 'politically correct' crap and said what the silent majority of people really feel. This is a guy I could vote for!! I wish him good luck!!

The problem is the use of religion to explain why homosexuality is not normal. The truth is religion can not be proven, therefore it is of no use to explain why homosexuality is abnormal. So lets deal with science. There are lots of abnormal people born everyday, club feet, blind, deaf, ms, and the list goes on. It would be great if we can find a cure for all of them, but we most likely never will. So why is homosexuality abnormal? Simple they can not reproduce within their own group, it takes one part female and one part male to make a new human. It is just that simple. Making up words like homophobia just to play the I'm rubber your glue game just does not cut it, "We're normal but you have a mental disorder if you don't agree with us".

The "Huckster" is definitely out of the mainstream. I am a New Testament Christian who believes marriage should be only between a man and a woman. This is the concept laid out in the Bible. Homosexuality is a sin and condemned by God in his word.

I disagree with Mike Huckabee on most everything and am an avid Democrat. However, I agree with his take on marriage. Problem is, he is not running for pastor of the United States, he is running for president. He should be allowed to have his views, as is every other citizen, but will not be elected if he insists on making his aversion to gay marriage as one of his main platforms.

Huckabee is not stupid. His camp says gays are picking a fight because they misunderstood his comments. Why does Huckabee's camp say this? Because by equating homosexuality with bestiality, he is appealing to the still very large number of ignorant, conversative christians in this country. By appealing to them, they will vote him into office just as they voted in George Bush. So then we'll have another naive president voted in by ignorant, convservative christians. After the election, they can all laugh "Hucka! Hucka! Hucka! " as the country deteriorates even more and the world keeps on laughing at us and our new president.

I applaud Huckabee for standing by his beliefs and not changing them to fit everyone else. Our country was founded by people of faith with morals and needs to be run by someone with both. It seems a corrupt society wants to be run by such and is scared by "Jesus" talk, we should be more afraid of lingo like, "lesbian", "emo", "goth", yet we embrace these, especially our children. When this country goes to hell let nobody honestly wonder how we got there. I am voting for Huckabee and am not ashamed to say so.

Huckabee is correct. Mainstream "world" has had homosexuality thrown at and imposed on us. The "liberal" world believes their's is the only world but they are wrong. The MAJORITY of the world is anti-gay but we are being condemned as bigots for speaking our minds.

I agree with Huckabee. In a democracy, the citizens get to choose the way they want to govern themselves. If the the majority of the citizens feel that gay marriage is wrong, then they have the right to not legitimize it. And if they favor a candidate that endorses their view, they have the right to support him without being labelled a bigot.

If you feel that someone is doing something to harm himself or herself, then it is your duty to not to endorse it and make it legitimate.

This is the reason voters need to get out and opt for Obama or Hilary. Huckabee is a scary scary person. After what we have been through for 8 years hasn't the country learned any lessons. I am also tired of the ignorant religious right who use religion to hide their own shortcomings. Shame on Huckabee.

And the same state (Arkansas, for you less intellectually challenged) produced your beloved Clinton. The quote was obviously taken out of context. When read in its entirety, it makes perfect sense. No wonder FOX gets the most ratings.

The Huckster is a stupid fool and anyone who listens to him is obviously weak-minded.

Do we really want to elect a Leader who makes comments like this? Regardless of one's view on what marriage is, these are inappropriate comments. John Edwards believes marriage is between a man and a woman but we sure don't hear him making comments like that of Huckabee.

Huckabee wasn't wrong in what he believes, for everyone knows that the definition of "Marriage" is a union of a man and a woman. Changing the definition opens up avenues for any crazy doctrine and that's the point he was making. However, it's going to burn him. Even IF he were to become the GOP nominee I don't see him winning any states north of the Mason Dixon line and West of the Rockies........

WOW! What a bunch of mean-spirited, stupid, backward people. Christians? I am very grateful that I have grown up along all kinds of different people. Your "Christian" remarks make me wish that us rational, nice, decent people who don't hate people because of their sexual preference, or race, or religion didn't have to live in the same country. You people are horrible and mean and hateful. You are so self-rightous, based on ignorance and stupidity. You all belong on the Jerry Springer show.

I can't blame Huckabee. Gay marriage is allowed in other countries and last year, a woman in England (I believe) married a dolphin!!!!!!

If someone does not believe all people are created equal, then they do not support the constitution and are traitors. That's what huckabee is doing. Should a traitor be president? No.

To Joe in San Francisco. Murder has been around longer than homosexuality. Does God approve of that? Are we to get used to that? I believe not. We are not to judge and by explaining what God has said in his word is not judging. It is simply stating what God is going to judge in the end. Homosexuality is wrong, no more no less than adultery or gossip. Sin is sin no matter how we want to massage it. Remember, God loves the sinner but he does not condone the sin. The reliqious people you frown upon for the most part do the same or at least they should.
Larry Snow

I love you Mike Huckabee. YOU'RE AWESOME!!!!

Go, Mike! Go! Preach it, brother!!

Jeremiah 7:19, But am I the one they are provoking? declares the LORD. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?

My partner and I have been together as a couple for 24 years and I can say we have never had sex with any animal. Are we missing out on something?

Nice to know that the United States of Bigotry is alive and well. Would somebody please rap these neandrathals upside the head and let them know that this is 2008?

WHATEVER HAPENED TO"MINDING YOUR OWN BUSINESS " ?

SOUNDS LIKE THERE'S ENOUGH MESSED UP IN THEIR OWN LIVES TO KEEP 'EM BUSY FOREVER.

OH, AND BY THE WAY – ITS THE ECONOMY STUPID – AND DON'T FORGET THAT IRAQ WAR THING EITHER.

JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU'RE BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE MEANS THAT YOU ARE NOT – BETTER YOU SPEND YOUR TIME CONTEMPLATING YOUR BELLY BUTTON LINT.

Way to go, Mr Huckabee! Gays go back in the closet! You ARE the minority!

I'm a Democrat but I admire Huckabee for taking a stand against gay marrage and all the other degenerates of this country.

I have many gay and bisexual friends and I believe that marraige is nothing more than a piece of paper. While I agree that marraige between a man and a woman is the definition of marraige, I also believe that a person cannot help but fall in love with who they are meant to be with. I don't think the definition of marraige should change, no. But it's not bestiality. Let's get real people.
We are all human. Yes, this may upset some, but most of the straight people go after gay people like they're trying to ruin "our" world. Well kids, it's not just a "straight" world. Get used to it.
It's also not a disability to be gay – I watched trading spouses one time, and a woman actually used that – she said being gay was one woman's disability.
People are cruel. People are stupid. People are ignorant. Try and put yourself in their shoes.
If I were gay, I wouldn't want people to judge me.
I realize it's probably hard to explain things to your children about why there are two women or two men married. Or even more difficult, if two same sex parents have to explain why their family is different from others. It's definitely not easy on the children but I believe a loving family means "TWO PEOPLE raising THEIR CHILDREN (adopted or whatever) to the best of THEIR ABILITIES."
I'm straight. I'm engaged. I'm happy and I've never been gay or bisexual. But let's wise up here people.
Our world is changing everyday. And everyone would be so much happier if we all could just accept each other for who we are instead of trying to judge and speak badly of them.
Thanks.

Huckabee was simply saying that when you open the door, you are inviting even the most unsavory of guests....

I sincerely hope this person does NOT get the nomination for his party. I am straight but still find his comments and book bizarre. Hopefully this is not the caliber man we want leading our already troubled country. Our country's problems are not related to straight vs gay, but many, many other very important issues. What about separation of church and state?

Those agreeing with Huckabee on this and Huckabee himself need to be reminded that our Constitution does not allow us to have a state sponsored religion and thus an "official" moral doctrine. If they don't like this, perhaps they can move to a country like Iran, where there is no separation of church and state, or North Korea, where those who don't agree with conventional ideology are persecuted and made into political prisoners.

I am a republican and would not vote for Huckabee based on some the policies he promoted for Arkansas. I do agree with him that homosexuality is unnatural. Do what you want in your bedroom- it is a freedom, just don't try to convince me that it is natural or that it should be put on the same level as marriage.

I agree 100% with Mr. Huckabee's statements, and homosexual marriages should not be allowed. We need someone in the White House that isn't afraid to speak his mind about what he believes in, and I think that man is Mike Huckabee!

It scares me terribly that these people proliferate our country. Should we all wear the Scarlett Letter if we do not play by their rules? I am humiliated for our country that, we so modern and new a country...are so very puritanical in our beliefs. I'm terrified of having a religious zealot, be it HuckaShucks or RomneyRoom, come to lead our counntry.

I agree 100% with Mr. Huckabee.I am not in the political race, so I do not need to be politically correct.I do believe any sexual aberration and deviation is worst that bestiality.Will we defend the so called 'sexual preference' to give way to to rights for pedophilia, sadomasochism and necrophilia ill people?

I don’t get why supposed educated people like Mike cant grasp it’s about 2 CONSISTING ADULTS!!!! What does the Christian right think is going to happen when gay PEOPLE can get married? Gay people are going to start breaking into straight peoples homes and dancing on the kitchen table during Christmas dinner singing “hahahahah we are gay”???!!!!?!?!?!
Find a new cause the anti gay cause is old and tiresome!

Huck is right!

Huckabee is a fool. Of course, the vast majority of straight men want to be married to two, three, four, or five women at the same time. Hasn't any straight guy here had any lesbian four way fantasies where he comes in as the sole d-? Come on, don't lie!

Homosexuality is perverse, unnatural, ABSOLUTELY NOT a legitimate issue such as civil and ethnic rights, and should not be endorsed or tolerated by the government. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman. The Bible makes this very clear. All of you who point the fingers at Christians for refusing to tolerate homosexuality need to realize that it is God who says it's wrong, and for very good reason. It's just a result of a sinful, rebellious society who has chosen to follow their carnal lusts rather than pursure a relationship with Christ, which forces us to acknowledge our sin and repent from it.

Oh, and don't quote things like "the Bible says men can't have long hair." Laws such as that fell under the law of Moses in the Old Testament of the Bible, and God used those laws to point out our human inability to be righteous without being in a right relationship with him. Later, in the new covenenant, Christ fulfilled that law and made it very clear that we are no longer bound by things such as that. There is a lot of study that needs to go into the discussion of Christians "choosing what they want" out of the Bible. The entire Bible IS correct and without error, and also needs to be studied in its proper context from Genesis through Revelation.

Trust me. Huckabee's pondering is NOT "out of the mainstream of American thought" as Mr. Smith and CNN would have you believe.

For everyone out there that keep saying you Chritians, Chistians are not the only religions that don't tolerate homosexuality,besteality etc. try the Muslim community you would have your head cut off.

there is no story here – totally taken out of context.

Joe said "If God didn't want homosexuals, homosexuality would of never happened. But unfortunately, homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time. It's apart of nature, so get used to it."

That could be the most ridiculous thing i have read on here.

That logic says that Gods wants us to accept murder and many other things that are wrong and say its human nature so its ok.

Wow.

To Ray-

I seriously hope you are not comparing homosexuals to child pornagraphers or rapists. Those people hurt others in order to satisfy themselves. They are criminals. Homosexuals are not criminals, and hurt no one else. The genes that they were given BY GOD have made them the way they are, because God wanted them that way. To preach hatred of these people who simply want the same benefits of married men and women is bigoted and hateful. Do you really think that is the kind of actions that your God would want you to take? The bible says "love thy neighbor as thyself." There is no, "unless they are homosexual" thrown in there.

wasn't all that long ago that black and white couldn't marry. Oh that darned "slippery slope"! BTW all these posts just reinforce my belief that we need a president that will unite us based on true Christian morals...the ones about loving your fellow men and finding the middle ground so that we can ALL live in peace. Obama08!!

Mr. Huckabee is 100% correct on his comment. Mr. Smith is 100% wrong. I believe if Mr. Smith took a survey, he'd find that mainstream America realizes and endorses marriage to be one man one woman, just as God intended.
If all America should decide it's ok for homosexual marriages to be OK, then 100% of the people will be wrong because God does not amend his word.
Let us pray for sound political leaders who stand on the principles that God intends us to stand on and not be swayed by the likes of Mr. Smith and other liberal advocates.
Larry Snow

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

This is what we battle against. When folks say that gays and lesbians have no place in society, take them literally. This goes far beyond gay marriage and I do not, on the whole, believe that gay marriage opponents are or will be content to stop with gay marriage. If they continue to win on that, then they will next try to make sure that civil unions aren't legal. Then they will try to make it so that employers cannot offer domestic partner benefits to employees. Then they will try to make it so that you can fire an employee for being (or appearing to be) gay or lesbian.

When someone says that they feel that people 'X' have no place in society, one should take that person very, very, seriously.

Cheers
A

Let your opinion of Mike Huck's beliefs be heard when you DON"T vote for him in November. He is a joke who is not a nice guy. He's a hater.

David wishes the mainstream America would agree with his position. This is simply not true. Mainstream America is just what it is. We just don't know until this whole thing is put up for debate. In the meantime, Mr. David should keep this thoughts to himself.

"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!"

Caroline, Truer words have never been written
I'm sick of people saying I parade it in front of them by holding hands or a hug when every day everywhere I see people of different sexes doing it

I am going to write this is the nicest way possible in hopes that CNN will not delete it.

Mike Huckabee as gone beyond insulting women, gays, and blacks in the last week. Offensive stuff. How would you like your love to be compared to animal sex? Told you should be subserviant? That it is okay to have a symbol of slavery?

HOWEVER, yesterday I watched CNN run the SAME bit about the Clinton/Obama NON issue of race over..and over...and over. In addition to the clip of Bill Clinton standing up for himself with the press.

Now the every growing lack of respect for our government includes the press.

I think what Huckabee said was out of line, but to say that he was "equating" homosexual relationships to bestiality is ignorant. In his slippery slope argument, bestiality is farther down the slope than homosexuality. A bad comment, but the word "equate" doesn't belong in the comment's criticism.

The claim is ludicrious that Huckabee's claim is beyond the pale. His position is the same as Pope Benedict, Billy Graham, and thousands of other well-respected world and national leaders. One can argue against it, but it is supported by hundreds of years of law and tradition, and the doctrine of nearly all Christian churches. While one can disagree with Huckabee on this issue, to say that his stance is not within the range of legitimate debate is simply wrong.

When one side has the losing argument, it is understandable when that side attempts to forbid any argument on the subject That is what the homosexual lobby has tried to do for years, with some success.

As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

Treaty of Tripoli – 1797 – signed by President John Adams.

Notice the first sentence – we are NOT a nation founded on Christianity. period.

And I would like to add some other quotes from our founding fathers, on the topic of religion:

“The clergy converted the simple teachings of Jesus into an engine for enslaving mankind ... to filch wealth and power to themselves. [They], in fact, constitute the real Anti-Christ.” – Thomas Jefferson

“Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness, with which more than half the Bible is filled, it would be more consistent that we called it the word of a demon than the Word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind.” -Thomas Paine

“When a Religion is good, I conceive it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not take care to support it so that its Professors are obliged to call for help of the Civil Power, it is a sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad one.” – Benjamin Franklin from a letter to Richard Price, October 9, 1780

RAY,

The difference between law abiding homosexuals and "rapists, pedophiles and child pornographers" is just that..they are not breaking any laws, nor doing any harm to anyone.

duh...

get a life hater

Jesus taught about love and acceptance

I'm proud of you, Mike Huckabee! Tell it like it is, because it's about time someone took a stand for conservative Christians. Keep up the good work. You have my vote.

To everyone agreeing with him, you realise America is the land of the FREE right? Which means people have FREEDOM?

With the same kind of mentality some of you guys are showing there would never have been a civil rights movement and we would still be stuck in the 1800s.

Times change and you have to go with them. I'm straight but there is nothing wrong with same gender marriage, the constitution says everyone has the right, liberty and pursuit of happyness, if you want to move to a country that doesn't have homosexuals why not move to Iran?

The truth will come out, and here it is about Huckabee. He's a narrow-minded, rightwing, theocratic extremist masquerading as an aw-shucks Gomer Pyle nice guy. Don't believe the hype!

I don't see any gay people here in hell, but I see a lot of Hypocrites.

Ray: "You wrote that homosexuals are part of the community and they pay taxes, etc. So do rapists, pedophiles and child pornographers. Should we respect their views? Am I a bigot if I don't allow that in my house? Am I repressing someone's views if I support legislation that punishes such criminals? Should there be an amendment allowing that sort of behavior?"

This is a pretty ignorant comment considering that all of the criminal activity you use in your argument is based on violent, forceful, criminal acts that are unwillingly forced upon an individual victim. I don't possibly see how these things have anything to do with what's being discussed here. Use some common sense when you're making your case, otherwise you end up sounding childish and without any real argumentative foundation.

meant to say...

"open your minds and open your hearts.......then and ONLY then...."

Typos aren't a sin, thankfully, otherwise most of you would try to banish me to hell w/"those heathen" homosexuals.

I think Jim is correct in every thing he said in his comment. That does not make me "ignorant".

After reading about 50 comments from both sides on this article I am sitting here amazed at how the supporters of gay rights are still using the same old tired, worn out and invalid arguments to support their view. I know it can be hard to come up with new arguments to defend your view, but after 30+ years one would think you could come up with some new cliches and buzzwords.

Huckabee is speaking the plain truth about what he believes. All of the other major candidates are lying to one degree or the other. You can accept a truth that you don't want to hear, or fall for a lie that makes you feel better.

What i find most humorous is the fact that his people think gay rights groups are just trying to pick a fight, nitpicking is what they believe them to be doing. How out of touch are these people?

At least we finally have a candidate with the "you know what" to stand up say what America needs to hear and know. Changing the definition of marriage is the key to opening the door to any "God knows what" activity under the sun. Although I disagree with Hucka regarding the SC flag, I applaud him for having the "you know what" to say that changing the definition of marriage is radically wrong.

emJ

Good for Huckabee. The only honest person in the race. At least with him, you know where he stands. Instead we have to make believe that the other candidates have real positions when you can see the transparancy of thier rhetoric. I wish out media would do it's job. They should all be forced to watch "Good Night and Good Luck".

As much as I don't care for Huckabee he has a right to his opinion on Gays. Hillary got a earmark for 330 million dollars of our tax dollars for Gays. And I didn't like that either,
He's is correct the bible is against Gays, each to his own opinon , he has a right to his

Stupid, and thereby inevitably arrogant and judgemental, people SHOULD NOT be allowed to vote, period!!!!!!!!!!!
those who do NOT believe in equality, those who are intent to impose their unqualified "belief" on the others, do NOT deserve eqiality. anyone with an ounce of brain who live outside this dumb country understands this simple principle instinctively if not intellectually.

the bigger issue here, I think, is the fact that topics such as this only serve the purpose of further dividing this country. In all reality, this sort of subject has no real merit in the lives of everyday people or in the grand scheme of politics or the nation. I, personally, have no problem with homosexuality, and it's pretty clear that most people who do to this extreme, are not very secure in their own sexuality. In reality, how much does this issue affect heterosexuals on a daily basis? I'd be willing to bet over half of the interaction the heterosexual population has with this issue is through the news and politics. Are people afraid they will be "infected" with some sort of homosexual virus? Sure, it may not fit the lifestyle you live, but just because it's not for you, I don't understand the personal vendetta people have against something that doesn't even affect them.

As far as the Christianity arguments against it are concerned, I agree that religion has no place as a foundation for national legislature. I myself am a Christian and think that faith is an important part of daily life, but there's a difference between blind faith and faith, the former being based on the inability to admit that the Bible has faults in it (as it was written by man, it is INHERENTLY subject to errors and faults). That being said, it's arrogant and ignorant to base arguments on a book without acknowledging that it is not the end-all be-all of life.

In retrospect, homosexual-phobia is really just another avenue towards ethnic profiling and racism. Now that it's become socially unacceptable to be racist towards minorities in public, we've found another group to focus ignorance and hatred upon. The US already has enough xenophobia and isolationism inherent in the population; if we ever want peace in this nation, we cannot allow such insignificant issues such as this to tear apart US citizens.

In addition, if you're concerned with this issue being an undue influence on your children, do your research; homosexuality has been classified as a genetic condition by scientists. As a parent, it's also your responsibility to monitor what your child is exposed to on television and the media. If you don't like what's on the television, change the channel or turn it off. No one's forcing you or your family to watch what you deem offensive. That's called freedom. Luck you.

My thoughts are that you love the sinner but hate the sin. We have a lot of stone casting that is going on here. The same people that are blasting homosexuals are probably drunkards or adulterers or any one of the many other sins that are confronted every day. One is not worse than the others in God's eyes. I've read the Ten Commandments many times and have yet to see anything on homosexuality. It is mentioned several times in the bible as being against God's will but it didn't make it into his top ten. Love all of your fellow man that were created in God's image. Cleanse your mind of evil thoughts and fill your heart with the Spirit. We all are imperfect and God knows it. Help those in need and treat them as your equal and also find it your heart to forgive as God has forgiven you for everything that you have done and every sin you will commit in the future. Through his Son Jesus Christ.

J-MAN

actually majority of people don't care if people are gay, and even in the latest polls majority seem to be OK with gay marriage

pollingreport.com

Check it out, plus the young people today are growing up believeing that being gay is OK (which it is), they may not vote today, as younger people dont, usually, but in 20-25 years....

Joe

January 17, 2008 11:29 pm ET

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

Um, Joe, I'm missing how that affects your own life?

Huck is Right!

January 18, 2008 11:36 am ET

"Marriage is one woman – one man. No more, no less!"

Oh, ok, so two people then.

Its so sad to see candidates playing the "Jesus Card" ! Religion should not be apart of an election....whatever happened to addressing real issues!

Wes: You're right, I won't judge those that commit murder, kidnap, rape, or steal from the local store. It's not my place. Sorry dude, you're being judged everyday. If you were secure about yourself, you wouldn't care.

It is very a 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 facing us and we should try to have a dialogue about it in most humane and compassionate manner.

I am not Huckabee'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.

I hope and pray for mike"s continuing courage,and for americans to know that if we don"t take a stand , that God"s blessings will be taken away.That is a scary, horrible future.....wake up...God have mercy on us

What a moron. Think before you speak...
America,

Please don't make another 4 yr. (or longer) mistake.

John: The difference between an evangelical fundi and a Islamic fundi? The evangelical fundi tells you that you're wrong and you are going to hell, then you get to ignore him and walk away; the Islamic fundi tells you that you're wrong and you are going to hell, then blows you up and (in his view) sends you there.

I am not a Huckabee supporter by any stretch (and believe everyone is entitled to equal rights), but he comments are really being misinterpreted here. All he really said was marriage is one man and one woman. Its not a gay bashing comment or hateful statement and many Americans believe it. Indeed, Bush and many Reps. have been saying it for years.

And truthfully, if you're gay, were you going to vote for him anyway?

HE'S SUCH A CREEP. IT AMAZES ME PEOPLE DON'T SEE THROUGH HIS HOLIER THAN THOU ATTITUDE. I THINK HE MAY HAVE POINTY EARS....

The "heat" that Huckabee is taking on this is nothing compared to the HEAT that will be felt by those who practice homosexuality. God says in His word that this is so. You can believe the sky is brown if you want to but if you open your eyes you will see it is blue. It doesn't matter if you keep telling yourself it's not.

Huckabee's views will take this country back to the dark ages-not to mention how very unChristian some of his views really are!!!!!!! He needs to go back to the pulpit somewhere, not be President to this country!!

well said A christian
I think its funny that every one keeps calling themselves main stream america. but who really is main stream america.
but on the topic of gays The bible says that they are a abomination. and this is why christians dont support gay marrige. but personally i could care less if they get married by some other religion. personaly i think same sex marige is discusting.

I'd like to address this comment to JIM:

you state that the founders of this country followed the principles of God....well was it a principle of God's doctrine to own slaves and committ genocide of innocent people? because that's what they did and that's what this country was founded on–the sweat of slaves and theft of land.

but maybe you read a different history book.

I *love* that line "rebuke with a pure heart and loving motives". Remember folks, as you do god's smiting for him, do it with love in your heart. Dang, that's nearly as duplicitous as "hate the sin, love the sinner."

Merrian's Webster:

Word: Marriage

1 a (1): the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2): the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage b: the mutual relation of married persons : wedlock c: the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage2: an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected; especially : the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities3: an intimate or close union

Huckster is not the right person for the job, but this persons comments are ludicrous. America is not as stupid as the media portrays us.

For all the "RELIGIOUS PEOPLE ARE MORAL" crap that we hear every day, religios peolpe seem to be very intolerant...

...by the way, there is a difference between religious people and people who believe in a higher power...

...if you don't get what I'm saying, don't worry about it...

This is exactly the same talk people who were against interracial marriage used in the 60s.

We can call them bigots, but what do we call ourselves?

Oh my... here we go again...

of all of things to talk about.. of all the things for a presidential candidate to go and campaign on... he chooses gays again...

my goodness... we have war, poverty, environment, education, health care, crime, immigration... all of these real issues, but no, we get dragged back into the hate the gays... leave them alone for crying out loud !!!!!

West Palm, you proved my point.

How do you KNOW God said that?

You don't really. Sure your mom and dad and preacher tells you He did. The Bible says that (along with a lot of other nonsence...want a list of nonsence from the Bible?)

But how do you really know?

Huckabee uses hate for a seat in the White House ? ? ? ?

This country needs a leader who has learned how to respect all Americans ... a uniter, not a divider.

When Huckabee and his evangelical followers have a need to preach their religion, they should do it in the privacy of their pews ... not out of the Oval office.

Haha, to those who point to the bible that being gay is an "abomination" did you also know that the bible says eating shrimp is an abomination?

Silly Christians, always picking and choosing what they like out of the bible and completely throwing out the rest as if it doesn't matter. You can't pick and choose, you have to believe the bible in its entirety.

It's just so sad that the one big rule of religion is "Love thy neighbor" and to not judge. But here you Christians are judging away, as if you're doing God a favor. There's a reason God gave free will, and there's a reason why God said to not judge and just freakin' love eachother. So because you judge, you are going to Hell.

Religions cause segregation, religions cause wars, religions cause people to judge and smite. How dare you. I can't wait until religion is rid of. Then intelligent, non judgmental, accepting individuals can flourish and we can eventually be the "free" country the founding fathers meant it to be. But to those who are religious and aren't judgmental people who accept homosexuals for who they are, God bless you.

If God didn't want homosexuals, homosexuality would of never happened. But unfortunately, homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time. It's apart of nature, so get used to it.

why is it that people are afraid that 2 people of the same sex are going to have the same rights as they do? Gay people aren't trying to get anything "special". All they want is what is granted to all heterosexual people in the country. Why is that such a bad thing? This issue has nothing to do with God. Marriage between a man and woman have nothing to do with God. A legal marriage in this country requires a liscense issued by the govt. It requires no man of the cloth, no vows, no ceremony, and no church. Marriage is a legal entity not a religious one. What are we so afraid of? I sure wish the fear mongers and the haters would quit making this issue religious. Religion does not apply.

I'm sure the nutjob liberals will have their panties in a ruffle over this one!

I don't necessarily support Huckabee, but I agree with him here. Homosexuality is aberrant, whether it's a lifestyle decision made by choice or genetics. Pedophilia and bestiality can be argued to be genetically ingrained too, like many other serial criminal behaviors. Whether it’s learned behavior, or you’re “born with it” doesn’t make it right or natural. The liberal media has forced gayness down the American public's thoughts for the last decade; enough is enough! I’m tired of this ‘gay rights’ crap. “gay rights” isn’t any more a “Civil Right” than “rapist rights” or “child molester rights.” Really, what these pervs choose to screw in the bedroom is their business, but will they stop parading it around, throwing it in everybody’s faces, and demanding to demean an ancient institution (marriage) by associating it with their aberrant, unnatural perversion????? A line needs to be drawn, and the line here is the fact that a marriage is one man and one woman. Period. As soon as you let gays call themselves married, what’s next? Can I marry my dog? Or a dead relative? My roommate? Myself? Give me a break….

Mike Huckabee is just like Larry Craig. The more they profess to be appalled by homosexuality the more they are just commenting on how unhappy they are with who they really are. I feel sorry for people like Huckabee. He professes to be a christian, but he is really just a frightened hater. Let's pray he doesn't end up in a position of national power.

I do think there are a lot of folks in this country who share Mike Huckabee's thoughts. Friendships have been ended over this subject. It mystifies me why this should be an issue when there are so many crucial items that need to be discussed, like the war and the economy. Hopefully, there will be a candidate out there who we can support and be proud of on an international stage as the world is clearly watching.

David Smith it was God who linked homosexuality with bestiality. Leviticus
Chapter 18 I am the LORD 22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination. 23 You shall not have carnal relations with an animal, defiling yourself with it; nor shall a woman set herself in front of an animal to mate with it; such things are abhorrent.

This just proves how OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY Mike Huckabee is. Just another ultra conservative right wing idiot & we sure don't need another one of those in the White House for the next 4 years. George W. Bush and his ultra conservative BS. Good Riddance to George W. Bush.
How DARE Mike Huckabee put him self on a platform and make a comment like that ! I though he was "Love you Neighbour as your Self" and a minister. Just another 2 faced Republican. Wake up and smell the coffee Mike Huckabee it's 2008.

I am gay and I knew I was Gay in 2nd grade > God made me this way and I am tire of checking the Box on my Tax form as SINGLE. I have been with my partner for 8+ years and we deserve the same benefits and tax breaks as married people. Mike Huckabee your out of touch with the 21st Century , please just go away !

Ok, Rene you are rediculous. Homosexuality isn't normal. For example, from a strictly anatomical standpoint, it serves no normal function in nature in that there can't even be reproduction. A man and a woman makes 100% perfect sense on the other hand in terms of just a round peg in a round whole idea, as compared to a square peg in a round whole that doesn't fit not matter how you try.

Truly amazing! Who knew so many of you existed. For Gods sake people have some common sense. This man is very dangerous. Please vote him out quickly. Any other Republican is 10 X better than this fruit cake.

but three lines down it says that if your offspring talk back, to take them behind your house and stone them to death, we don't do that now do we?
the bible can only be taken as people read it and people like to read selections.

I think it is time that people like David Smith stop quoting what mainstream Americans will be offended by and listen to the mainstream instead.
He does not speak for me and many other Americans and I support Mike Huckabees comments and he should not back down if that is his true convictions.

Yes, and he confirms that Christians shall be known for their ignorance.

All these comments saying that being gay is a sin.

What about not paying your 10 % tithes on your gross income? Do all "Christians" do this? It says in the bible that if you don't then it's stealing from God. Isn't stealing a sin??

So, the old lady who only gets $500 in SS each month if she doesn't pay that $50 then she is going to hell??

How about the lady with 4 kids and no husband, has a part time job and she doesn't pay that 10% on what she makes, She's going to hell?? That's what the bible says.

A sin is a sin according to what a "Christian" believes.

Aparently, no one is going to heaven. That's hard to believe myself. Maybe it's just the gay's going to hell???

By the way, heterosexuals are sucking as far as honoring marriage goes, at least in celebrity culture. Look at Jamie Lynn Spears. Now, I can either condemn her for having a baby out of wedlock or I could say that I condemn the practice of sex between teens but care for her as a person. I choose the latter. I do not choose to support it. By the way, publications should really stop coverage on the Spears family because it is nauseating and is not news rather than gossip. I should never have to know the Jamie Lynn example. I have my life and I choose to know real news like people dying in Kenya.

It is typical that homosexuals would handle Huckabee's comments like this .. his point is so simple. Marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. That's marriage. Just as a "door" is something that you can open and that delineates a pathway between two rooms. Whatever you call it between two homosexuals, don't call it "marriage." Call it a sofa.

I also find it entertaining when homosexuals say that they were "born" that way tp explain their conduct .. well, people are born without limbs. People are born with varying skin color. Either way, they can't change it by doing or not doing anything. Homesexuality is defined by conduct, by what you do. What you do is a choice, just like the alcoholic who takes a drink. Many say alcoholism is a disease. So to accept the "born that way" argument, homosexuality is thus a disease .. a strange quirk in the mind that makes one be attracted to the same sex (or, as with an alcoholic, to "have to drink") .. to not function the way a normal mind would. The "cure" for the disease is abstinence.

But, as we know, most homosexuals can't help themselves, or don't want to. They simply want society to accept their "behavior." In many ways, society has. But what homosexuals really want is affirmation .. for society to say "it's ok." They'll never get that.

Man, if there are so many interpretations of this statement from Huckabee, I wonder how many liberties and personal views shaped the way "god's words" were written down in the bible.

Just let me burn in hell, and stop preaching about it. ITS NOT YOUR PLACE TO JUDGE!!

Marriage is one woman – one man. No more, no less!

What really irks me, is that there is this ideology out there that children of homosexual parents will become criminals. How absolutely hilarious for its stupidity. How about getting a team of people to walk into every prison in America and ask each prisoner what the sexual choice of his or her parents are. HmmmmI guess we all know that the most vast majority, if not at least 98%, I'm willing to bet, are HETEROSEXUAL!!!

I find it so enjoyable to know how very many gays and lesbians are PHD's, Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, politicians, and brilliant celebrity musicians.

So, to all those barbarian savage-like "good christians", and I don't capitalize this, who smile in public and come across so gentle and Godly, you are all terrible phony and could truly care less about humanity, if it doesn't fall into your own comfort zone.

If you're not comfortable with what is on TV or in the movies or magazines, DON'T READ or WATCH IT!!!! This IS a free and Democratic country, and you will NEVER EVER get rid of anyone at all because you don't like how they live. And guess what? I can't get rid of YOU. But I live with it. And you know what???? I don't call the newspapers and my Rabbi to complain about all of your movies, books and other opinions.

MEANING?: Live your life......stimulate your mind with something other than what other human beings are doing. We all live here, every color, every religion, every sexual pursuation. it is ALL OUR PLANET!!! Get it??? You don't own this planet earth. WE ALL DO.

GET A LIFE! beyond endless complaining day and night.

I commend Huckabee for standing up for his position. He is also right, when you open the door to change the idea of marriage in one route, that just makes it that much easier to send it a different direction as well.

What really irks me, is that there is this ideology out there that children of homosexual parents will become criminals. How absolutely hilarious for its stupidity. How about getting a team of people to walk into every prison in America and ask each prisoner what the sexual choice of his or her parents are. HmmmmI guess we all know that the most vast majority, if not at least 98%, I'm willing to bet, are HETEROSEXUAL!!!

I find it so enjoyable to know how very many gays and lesbians are PHD's, Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, politicians, and brilliant celebrity musicians.

So, to all those barbarian savage-like "good christians", and I don't capitalize this, who smile in public and come across so gentle and Godly, you are all terrible phony and could truly care less about humanity, if it doesn't fall into your own comfort zone.

If you're not comfortable with what is on TV or in the movies or magazines, DON'T READ or WATCH IT!!!! This IS a free and Democratic country, and you will NEVER EVER get rid of anyone at all because you don't like how they live. And guess what? I can't get rid of YOU. But I live with it. And you know what???? I don't call the newspapers and my Rabbi to complain about all of your movies, books and other opinions.

MEANING?: Live your life......stimulate your mind with something other than what other human beings are doing. We all live here, every color, every religion, every sexual pursuation. it is ALL OUR POLANET!!! Get it??? You don't own this planet earth. WE ALL DO.

GET A LIFE! beyond endless complaining day and night.

I think the critics are reading too much into his statement. I didn't get the idea that he was degrading a certain group of people. Only to say that if we chanfe the law, it may lead to perverted people twisting it to fit their untasteful lifetstyles. I don't care if man and man want to marry, or woman and woman, I just don't want some pervert to twist the law by attempting to make underage marriage and marriage to animals legal in the crossfire. I totally understood his comment.

Democrat!

I was reading the other responses and I must agree. Religion is something used at times by these so-called "christians." The bible is nothing more than a book that should be called "convenient theries for you." It's all BS. It is sad that people cannot think for themselves. This is much much more than a gay issue, it is an ignorance issue. Many American's are like a herd of sheep simply following the leader. I totally agree it is a crutch for ignorant, angry people to feel better about themselves and an EASY out in a debated conversation by stating "the bible says...." That is a "just cuz" answer and is fluff.

D Mills Garland TX,

You wrote that homosexuals are part of the community and they pay taxes, etc. So do rapists, pedophiles and child pornographers. Should we respect their views? Am I a bigot if I don't allow that in my house? Am I repressing someone's views if I support legislation that punishes such criminals? Should there be an amendment allowing that sort of behavior?

As a gay man in a loving, committed relationship (with a Commitment Ceremony planned for the spring!!), I just want to say Thanks to all of our straight allies who speak out against this ignorance and bigotry. Since we are a minority, you are our hope for equality in this democracy.

Unfortunately, I'm not so convinced that Huckabee and the anti-gay comments here aren't the mainstream of American belief. It seems that those beliefs do, deplorably, remain the consensus of a huge faction of the American people.

And so all that means is that we have a long fight ahead. If you believe that marriage should be a legal option for any two consenting adults, make your voice heard now! It is not the time to become complacent in this fight.

This is war, and the first battle is to elect a Pres in 2008 that will fight to get ENDA on the books, scrap DOMA, scrap DADT, and allow Massachusetts marriages to be recognized coast-to-coast.

Then we'll be getting somewhere.

Lots of work, people! Thanks again for fighting with us. And remember, despite all they say, God is actually on our side.

Huckabee is right on this one. Homosexuality is the same as bestiality.

Huckabee is such a cad.

The whole equal marriage thing is about protecting the rights of a LOVING COUPLE.
So I'm not sure why beastiality comes to Huckabee's mind. It's kinda sick. Normal people don't even think of that stuff, let alone make reference to it on a presidential campaign trail. Perhaps it's something thats often on his mind, obviously as it's not his first public disclosure of the topic.

Just for the record – Equality for Gays is no different than equality for Blacks or Women! No one is talking about equality for dogs. That would be like saying (back in the day) that segregation shouldn't be stopped, because the 'run-away-train' of law changes would lead to livestock having the right to ride on the bus, vote and use the same washrooms as, all the other folks.

Last time I took the bus there were no donkeys riding along.
Perhaps where Huckabee comes from they do...?

Many Christians forget one thing.
That faith is not fact and that their opinion is nothing more than that... an OPINION .
Why is it that these people insist on imposing their way of life, their opinions and their rules on the rest of the world?
This is nothing more than gross intollerence on their part and quite un-Christ like, not to mention, it is un-American.

Jesus's life and death were about forgiveness. Christians should realize that we are alll sinners and should not cast stones. Gay behavior should be forgiven. They should still be included in our prayers and in our churches. We should not hate gays. However that does not mean we should give the gay life style normalancy, approval , or credence under the law.

You all are homophobes.
We are the mainstream
We are the DNC
Obama supports all rights
Hickabee is a racist and a homophobe
and so are you if you don't agree

I love how so many "supporters" on here are so quick to bash Estill as a bigot and offensive and not mainstream, etc. However, don't you have to love and adore and accept Estill and her opinions, or don't you become exactly what you are calling her? There is no room for Estill in your box, right? You folks are sad really.

Let's face the facts the government recognizes man/woman marriage because the USA like any other country rely on reproduction to sustain life. It really is that simple.

I personally do not care if you as a man/woman want to have a loving relationship with ____(insert anything...and I mean ANYTHING), please go ahead, you are free to do so. I personally will not judge you. However, that does not mean that it is in the long term best interest of the country, and that does not mean that our Government should encourage it.

Now some may argue that "what about a man who is infertile, should he not be allowed to marry"...Ok that is a stupid argument for a variety of reasons, but please be my guest if that is the best you can do.

Ha ha!

If Huckabee's thinking (correct) on the condoning and promoting deviant behaviors could be truly 'outside of mainstream American thought', (which is not true) then mainstream American thought is very very sick indeed.

Behaviors that arises as a result of a sick mind-brain or from forced perverted 'training' (usually during childhood) are never going to be condoned/promoted by any society that would be healthy.

Why is that the "right wingers" are so obessed with controlling everyone ele's lives? Until you live word by word by the bible – the so called word of G-d - then SHUT UP. You know nothing about me, my struggles, my life. You don't know about the countless hours of community involvement, they money I give nor how I take care of my elderly neighbors and my parents. You know NOTHING about me. Yet you continue to discriminate and call me names. I have a lot of friends who are Christian who love me and support me and want me to have the same protections and rights they have. They don't judge me and call me names. The accept me because they are true Christians. NOT hate spewing, self righteous hypocrites like I see responding here.

Marriage was created by the gov't. Lets make that clear. I really feel sorry for all of you who so blantly think you're so much better because you're "straight". We should be celebrating each others joys and helping one another.

Huckabee won't be elected – this I know - so that's a comfort.

You bet I find Huckabees beliefs and comments inappropriate and outrageous! He's so far out of touch with main stream American. Most American's want freedom of choice wether that choice is over one's own body, over who you can love or what religion you choose to believe in. A loving relationship between any two adults has nothing to do with bestiality or child molestation! I will not vote for any candidate that will descriminate against another American in the way that he does! For the past 8 years this country has become America the unfree and I'm sick to death of it! Huckabee was quoted as saying "I think the radical view is to say that we're going to change the definition of marriage so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal," he said in the interview, published on the Web site Wednesday. "Again, once we change the definition, the door is open to change it again."

I agree with Mike Huckabee. If we allow same sex couples to marry, should we allow a man with two wives to marry? If they love each other, do we need to respect that marriage? Should we allow siblings to marry? Parent and child relationships? If you look at the argument of the homosexuals, this logic applies. They say, if two people love each other, that should be the only thing that matters. Are there side effects or abnormalities between these relationships, yes. Will there be abnormalities if same sex couples marry and are allowed to call themselves husband and husband or wife and wife?

Mike may be rather polarizing on his comments about gay marriage, but I do not think his comments were at all wrong. What we really need to keep in mind here is that God did not say that living a homosexual lifestlye was a sin because He wanted to keep people from pleasure or from being who they really are, He said it because in the end, living that lifestyle will not be fulfilling and God has something so much better for your/their/my life than that. God loves us and knows what is best for us, and if that means denying sexual desires that we have and seeking His help to restore the sexuality that He gave us when we were created, then it will be worth it!

GOD,
We pray the hate will stop. We pray for those who know whats right, but refuse to abide out of selfish desire. We pray for those who don't know you and believe. We ask that You send Your Holy Spirit upon them so that their eyes may be open to Your glory and love. We pray that all can love the sinner but reject the sin. Finnaly that Your will, Father, will be done. We ask this in Your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, one God in heaven forever and ever. Amen

Imagine no religion
John Lennon

In the United States of America do we not have a right to FREE SPEECH? Yes we do. Mr. Huckabee should be no different than any other American. He should have the right to speak what he AND I believe is VERY WRONG. When did it become ok to be gay? Has this country fallen so far morally that we will accept any type of behavior just to appease and get along. You don't have to be a Christian to know that people are not born with homosexual tendencies it is a choice just as we choose where we work or what we eat. I think many of the people that have commented here are correct that what someone does behind closed doors is none of anyone's business, however I am also sick and tired of hearing homesexuals express how they should have equal rights to married couples. If you don't want it to be anyone else's business quit complaining about the lack of equality and KEEP THE RELATIONSHIPS BEHIND COSED DOORS. In other words STAY IN THE CLOSET, don't just stay in the closet lock the door and quit shoving your sick ideals down our heterosexual throats. Just like the bumper sticker says MARRIAGE = MAN + WOMAN.

so many people quote the Bill of Rights, so many people quote the Bible, yet so few people have read them, and even fewer understand them, so sad!!

I like Mike Huckabee and feel he would what whats best for Americas MAJORITY and get rid of the "minority rule and special rules for themselves"

Wake up America!

I am sorry, I try to love everyone as God would. I am not perfect. And I have homosexual friends, But the Bible reads "marriage is defined as 1 man and 1 women". I understand homosexuals are among us, but that does not make it right. I think it is good Huckabee stands up and says the truth in what he belives in, and I think God is proud of him as well. We are not here to judge, God will judge all of us. And I agree that homosexual is a choice, not somthing you are born with. God made us perfect from birth, and the evil of man made us sinners. Good for Huckabee for standing up for what he belives in. Gay marriage should not be allowed in America.

I can't help but find it surprising that some people in this society so earnestly fail to see past their own discriminatory, bigoted beliefs in order to support this "candidate" (that term is used very loosely). For all of you who think that gay marriage is so wrong, how would you feel if your own son or daughter were gay? I know most of you would probably just as soon take them out back and nail them to a cross, but really stop and think about it. Would you deny your own child the right to have their relationship recognized just the same as the relationship between you and your spouse? If you would answer this question in the affirmative (for those of you sheltered people who don't konw such big words, that means "yes") then I would seriously have to question your own moral fiber. It's clear that we still have a long, long way to go before every American citizen may truly be viewed as equal.

You should really watch what you say because you never know who around you may be gay. It could be your lawyer, investment banker, dentist, preacher (gasp!!!!!), doctor, teacher, etc. Homosexuality is a part of life. Get used to it.

to the person who "claims" to be "GOD"....um, I'm not sure, but I think that counts as taking the Lords name "in vain." I can just tell you're going to love the punishment for that sin that's prescribed in the Bible......

I personally don't condone Homosexuality. In the other hand, how can I impose my beliefs on other people?
We marvel how Muslim Countries force their religion on their citizens, are we to do the same?
Another point, what value does performing Christian acts have, if they are to be done with "a gun to the head" I say we must conduct out lives according to the Tenets we profess, try and encourage others to follow these beliefs, and let God do the judging.

to a christian,

god loves me no matter who i am. god loves all homosexuality which is why jesus died on the cross for our sins..

I'm really amazed by all of the hot tempers that are flying over all of this.

There are several things that seem to be out of balance here. First, why do we think that we deserve any civil rights? Isn't entitlement to civil rights just someone else's opinion which nobody else should have to care about? NO, that's not the case, and why not? It's because we are all built to conform to a transcendent Authority – the one who created us. We were created in His image. This goes way beyond politics. Is it possible that we have a very deluded concept of the use of our freedom, and instead of using it for what it is really designed for, we, as a society have completely lost our compass on what life is about?

So what is freedom about? If it's just about me being able to do what I want without restriction, what is the logical ending point of that? It's chaos and a society full of narcissistic people who are just out to find the next thing that will make them happy and feel good. That's about where we are as a society. Freedom is about so much more than this, and we have sold ourselves way short as a society.

Mainstream societey cannot be our judge of what is acceptable. If that were the case, maybe it will be popular in 100 years to canabalize those who have close minded views. It sounds crazy, but if you are not navigataing life from a moral compass, what determines right and wrong?

boy, you guys in the USA always blow everything out of proportion God this, God that, the COnstitution this, the Bill of Rights that, patriotism this, patriotism that, Bible this, Bible that.....

sensible solutions to problems would be good....

about Gay people: funny how they can't reproduce but there are more and more out there.
People who only base their principles on a Bible and a God who wanted to stone people to death if they would work on the sabbath have absolutly no credibility, and that goes for Huckab...boy, sometimes I can't see the difference between an evangelist fundi and an islamic fundi....

Hucabee's right on...once you change the definition of marriage to something other than between a man and a woman then the door is open for it to be changed to suit anyone....maybe someone would like to marry a beach ball....God help us...

I do not personally see how gays could affect marriage or be equated to nonconsensual sexual acts so I can't say that I am against gay marriage. If they want to get married, let them get married. I might add that I am a little selfish in saying so because homosexuals have a tendency of hitting on a few guys whom I discuss the issue with. I mean instances of being hit on though I would prefer not to go gay-bashing and say that it's a trend. If they marry, then I can pursue my heterosexual lifestyle without more homosexual men being tempted to hit on me. I would say that my religious views are not in sink with homosexuality though I can not play judge or jury. I can only say that homosexuals are people too and that I should care for them because they were made in the image of God. Governor Huckabee has a right to his views but hopefully (but I bet it's not happening!) he will see the wisdom of not banning homosexuality.

Like I say, homosexuals do not impact the divorce rate (last I heard it was 50%), do not influence the significant sales of Playboy or Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, do not vastly contribute to the rape of women, (at least homosexual men; I can't say the same for lesbians. I just do not know that much about lesbians.) and do not hit on women to the extent of heterosexual guys. Closeted gays (including that pesky Republican senator from Idaho) are more problematic but still they comprise a small portion of idiocy as compared to hedonistic, heterosexual men and dirty, old men.

I take offense to the use of the picture attached to this story. That picture is from the rally yesterday in Clemson, SC. As a student at Clemson who was at the rally, there were no comments at all regarding gays or anything of the like. Using that picture is a reflection on my school and myself, and is essentially slanderous and false. Please remove it.

I mean really....an animal? The difference is 2 consenting adults. I cannot believe that people STILL CANNOT differentiate church and state. Aside from being 'anti-gay" do we really want someone SO irrational and closed minded in such a position of responsibility...I think not. HILLARY 08!!!

Reading some of these crass and ignorant comments makes me know I did the right thing when I left the US for Canada – I could no longer stand the right-wing propaganda machine re gays in America. (WHAT ELSE can they talk about – their stellar record?) So this is how they make all the real issues go away Iraq, economy, scandal,etc., etc., go away – an old trick, but one that usually works for them. A pathetic bunch to be sure. If you like the divisive tactics of Bush/Cheney, you'll love Huckabee.

God didn't create marriage. I don't understand why people post comments that aren't even factual.

This is scary. Learn history.

How can you say that homosexuality is wrong and not natural. Scientist have found that homosexuality is caused while a person is still in their mothers stomach. if you don't believe me you need to pick up the latest psychology text book. people who throw religion around with in politics shouldn't because we as people do not believe in the same things. and yes his comment he made specifically links homosexuality with bestiality. people need to keep their mouth shuts and not open it or talk about thing that have no clue about. Mike if your president the world is over!

It's amazing how far behind the US is in terms of social matters. I wonder if the US will ever be a nation where racism, sexual preference, or religious belief isn't a major topic. Why is homosexuality wrong? Why isn't believing in God wrong? Respect people. Can we respect each others belief's without thinking our own is the only golden way to live life?

It is SCARY that so many Americans still have such ignorant views about marriage, family, and love.

When will our society stop hiding behind the Bible to support our bigotry? Americans used the Bible and religion to justify the enslavement of blacks, the oppression of women, and now the hatred of gay people.

NEWSFLASH:

The Bible was written by human beings. Not EVERYTHING in the Bible is inspired by a higher power or even is even good for our society. The Bible says that if a man rapes a female servant he must marry her. Do you honestly think that verse was inspired by God? Can we use some common sense please? The Bible reflects the time it was written in-thousands and thousands of years ago.

Read the book in context. Today we should not be pointing at the Bible to justify the hatred of gay citizens no more than we should be forcing rape victims to marry their rapists. There is a certain part of the population who is ready to read the Bible as important history, with a lot of knowledge to be gained, without following every word in it blindly. However, the other half of the population is holding us back.

Huckabee applauds "family values" but only families like his have value. He applauds life liberty and the pursuit of happiness but only lives like his, liberty to choose as he chooses and pursuit of happiness like his is worth protecting. He applauds small government but would lower the constitution to indelibly address small intrusive issues like same sex unions instead of leaving that to the states. He applauds Judeo-Christian Values when congregations of Jews and Christians do now and always have held differing values. Oh – he means HIS Judeo-Christian values. (Isn't that a bit like a Western Sharia law?) He applauds diversity... NOT!!!

I'd say get the government completely out of the marriage business and have the civil authorities grant only civil unions which would include all rights and privleges now understood as marriage. Grant them to same sex and traditional heterosexual couples. Then there'd be less ado about this. The word "Marriage" would belong to the churches who could then affirm a union by elevating it with recognition as sacrament.

Mike is spot-on. Read your Bible in Genesis 18 and 19 how God feels about homosexuality and the judgement He passes on to those who continue in that lifestyle and do not repent. That passage of Scripture was around long before Mike was- he is only the messenger.

If the views stated in this blog are a true slice of America, God help us and please have mercy on us.

i dont understand why the gays make a big deal of this. some of these people go on like being gay is the most important part of their lives and that is narrow and rediculous. Why would you want anyone having a legal right to 50 percent of your assets if it didnt work out?? there are much more important issues than this gay marriage thing that we should be concerned about. hope i didnt offend.

It's really sad to think that people can be so narrow minded.
Anyway, most of the world is heterosexual with a narrow percentage being homosexual. Very few homosexuals have children. The vast majority of murderers, pedophiles, rapists, and social deviants are born of heterosexual people.

Please use your logic and not your emotions when making rationalizations.

I'm one of the few homosexual women who have had children. My son just enlisted in the Marines this week. So much for Huckabee's theories.

Have a nice day!

marriage is not about sex, it is simply combining incomes to save on paying for 2 residences...

Hukabee is more radical than Osama Bin Laden

If Huckabee's view of marriage is so out of the mainstream of America's thought, than the laws would have been changed. Perhaps, David Smith is the person who ought examine how his beliefs match up with the mainstream of America's thought since he is representative of the minority.

The only beast in this story is Huckabee.

OMG!

The next thing you know, he'll be saying that the unbelievers are going to hell... Where do they get this nonsense??

Dave C – not because of legalistic views of the Bible. NOT because the Bible says so in terms of personal relationship with rules, laws and regulations (sound familiar -like some sort of government set up?). Because God designed human relationship, HIMSELF from the beginning, to be the way HE wanted us to live with Him and with each other. If there is no question in this whole debate of living in relationship with God – much bigger issue than your personal sex partner, so temporary! – then no other reason will matter. That's one – God. That's all – not legalism that destroys itself (by the way, keep reading: Christ came to "fulfill the law, not to abolish it" as many STILL mis-read. We can aboolish it ourselves – right, we don't need God's help in that!
Try again.