Santorum lashed out at gay-marriage backers for insulting those who feel differently, taking exception to a recent 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that struck down California’s ban on same-sex marriage.
"It’s pretty intolerant to suggest that people have no rational reason to be in favor of this institution that has been the bulwark of society for 235 years," Santorum said, calling for both sides of the marriage debate to "be respectful."
In its ruling, a three-judge 9th Circuit panel said California’s ban on gay marriage "serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California."
Actually Rick, you are arguing with the court here, so it is not really a situation of "both sides being respectful." And while the court is not accepting your reasoning, it did not say "there is no rational reason ......." What it basically said is that the main effect of a ban is to lessen the dignity of gays and lesbians and that a ban serves no other purpose. Now you think a ban does serve a purpose, but the court disagrees with you. That is not the same as being disrespectful of your argument.
OTOH, many of us do have little respect for your argument, because we can say what the court cannot, that your argument that being FOR gay marriage is somehow being AGAINST hetero marriage. You see Rick, that argument does not make a great deal of sense, some might say it makes no sense, so it is really really hard to have much respect for such an argument. You see Rick, as in many situations, respect must be earned. And you don't earn respect for your arguments by saying things which make no sense. A gay marriage does not somehow diminish your hetero marriage no matter how many times you and others repeat that claim.
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