He explains with great emotion that civil unions are not an acceptable alternative, because they are a “separate but equal” right. US history has shown that those kinds of compromises are not up to the standards of the US Constitution.

Mayor Sanders’ almost embarrassing emotion betrays his deeply felt conviction in making this decision. Sanders states he followed his heart in this choice. He will undoubtedly suffer serious political consequences from the far Right for this decision. However, he may also be heralded as a leader of a broader movement supporting equal rights for all proud American citizens who wish to commit to a life together in marriage.

I want you to take a moment and listen to something very basic I don’t believe most people understand….

As I watched the debate last night the only thing both candidates agreed upon (except unconditional support of Israel, which of course is because otherwise they would have no financial backing for their campaigns) is an agreement on the definition of marriage being between a man and a women.

The core issue here is not gay rights, or the rights to see sick loved ones when in hospital, or be beneficiaries of marriage in a way most people understand. Marriage is an institution sanctioned by the government heterosexual people can enter into as an expression of commitment, love, and a common understanding excepted by society.

It has been shown through SUPREME COURT RULINGS separate is not equal. If you agree that a different water fountain for blacks, regardless if it still provides water to people, is a fair ruling than you won’t understand the issue. If you agree that separate schools for non-whites, even with the same books and materials, is a noble idea, than you miss the point. If you think we should again segregate buses and living spaces and create all together different institutions in society for each group of people then yes, gays should not get married. IF YOU ARE A BACKWARDS, MISINFORMED, IGNORANT PERSON who does not realize the way forward is for constant reevaluation of the standards in which we live and how we treat our neighbors, nurses, the teacher that teach our children, and our families, than you agree that a “union” or a “contract” is fair. How is separate but equal fair???

All I ask is when this topic is brought up, DON’T SAY “WHAT OTHER PEOPLE DO IS THEIR BUSINESS”, DON’T BE PASSIVE ABOUT THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ISSUE. THE RIGHT FOR HOMOSEXUALS TO MARRY IS THE SAME RIGHT AS NON-WHITES HAVE TO ATTEND PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL, FOR THE BLACK KID IN THE HALLWAY TO SIP FROM THE WATER FOUNTAIN, AND FOR ALL OF YOU TO LIVE AS EQUALS IN A FAIR AND JUST SOCIETY.

If GOD is your reasoning, let him judge for himself on an individual basis, don’t force feed me your religion through public policy!

ITS SICKENING!

Thanks for reading, it means a lot.
Mark

I barely write here anymore, especially since the arts culture crisis began in Columbus in January, threatening my job of 19 years. I moved here to play in the Columbus Symphony. It was a thriving orchestra back then, up and coming. We had some great years with Alessandro Siciliani; a trip to Carnegie Hall, several recordings. Now all that is threatened.

An orchestra is like a tree. It takes a long time to grow and develop. It’s unique shape and habits are like no other tree. It offers relief from the rigors of the day under its branches.

I have an old Chinquapin Oak growing next to my house. It is at least 150 years old. It’s branches grow over two houses. When I had a large addition put on the back of my house, I had a special “floating” foundation put in, with three large piers upon which the room is built. I hired a tree specialist to dig the holes, so as not to disturb the roots. She used a large air gun to blast the soil away, revealing any roots, which she cut very carefully. Luckily, there were no really important arteries in any of the three 5 ft deep holes.

So it is with an orchestra. In the attempts to “stabilize” the organization financially, those who perhaps intended “progress” have instead damaged, perhaps irreparably, the Columbus Symphony. Several players have left, and more will leave in the next few months.

I planted three tomato plants in a pot in my driveway, one of the few places unshaded by the huge oak. Those three tiny little plants are now huge, rambling five feet high and flopping in every direction. The first tomatoes are almost ripe. (I planted them late) I watched the progress of those weedy plants each time I walked past them. I also planted a few dozen Basil plants, which are now robust bushes full of fragrant leaves. Tomato and Basil plants are the epitome of Summer! Their pungent smell and profuse vigor capture the very essence of Summer’s fecund process. So much happens in a garden during the growing season.

And I realize that, like the tomato plants, I’ve also been productive. I’ve had to adjust to the possibility of being unemployed for awhile until either the orchestra is resurrected or I gain another job. (akin to winning the Olympics, in other words a rare and difficult accomplishment) I’ve cleared out three rooms in my house and rented them out. The new house-mates have settled in and, in addition to providing me with income, are turning out to be excellent additions to my home.

I had a huge garage sale a few days ago. I seized the opportunity while clearing rooms out to sort through and eliminate superfluous stuff. I sold not only house items, but many plant divisions from my garden, mainly Hostas and Daylilies. I made $350 on the sale. And my life feels a bit lighter.

I am teaching more private students, and enjoying the process of initiating young minds to music’s complexity, especially since I have few performances to worry about.

Along with other musicians in the orchestra, I helped organize several very successful concerts to keep our orchestra in the public eye.

So, as I look at the garden through the large window behind my computer, I see that the garden’s progress didn’t happen alone. I now see how much I have grown, in self-reliance, confidence and resilience, during the past few months.

At the end of Summer, Fall’s harvest is the reward for hard work. Perhaps during the approaching Fall season, my hard earned personal growth and actions will pay off. I have to hope and be optimistic.