Written Communication - Spring 2009
In this class this semester, I learned about different writing styles. I learned how to write a narrative and descriptive essay, an analytical essay and a persuasive essay. Each was a little more difficult than the last.
In writing a narrative and descriptive essay, you are writing about a personal experience. When writing this type of an essay, one of the most important aspects of your writing should be in the details. You want to make the reader feel like they are there. You want your reader to see what you saw, feel what you felt, taste what you tasted and hear what you heard.
In analytical essays, there are several different ways you can write your paper. It can be cause and effect, comparison and contrast, classification, process writing, definition or a combination of any of these. In any analytical essay, it is very important to pick a topic that is important to you. You want to convey that importance in your writing to your readers. The main purpose of an analytical paper is to inform your audience about a topic.
In persuasive writing, it is also very important to pick a topic that you care about. You want to pick a topic, explain it to the reader, take your position, and persuade your readers in a non-condescending way to change the way they think or act about your topic. In persuading your readers you want to be sure to take and show your position, but also show the opposition and have rebuttals for those opposing views. You may also want to propose a solution.
In all forms of writing, it is a step-by-step process. You want to pick your topic, have a good understanding of your current knowledge on the topic and then do some research. Whenever you do research, you must make sure to quote your sources. You always want to make sure you are aware of your audience and what they may already know about the topic. A very important part of writing is knowing your readers. You always want to write a fist draft and get some feedback on it. You want to make sure that you have enough details and supporting evidence (if needed in the type of paper you are writing). You also want to be sure that you are clear in your essay as well as having a good flow; a good organization method to your essay. You want to make sure that your opening is attention grabbing and your closing is fitting to your topic. Then you want to revise your essay based on the feedback you received and correct any grammar and spelling errors. Then you are ready to write your final draft and publish your essay.
In this class, I would say the most difficult essay for me to write was the last essay, which was our persuasive essay. I found it the most difficult because you are trying to persuade your readers to change their opinions on a topic that you care about deeply. And you must do it in a way that is not argumentative (in a bad way). You must talk in a voice that is thoughtful. I think that is hard to do when you are talking about a heated topic.
Overall, I really enjoyed this class. I really enjoyed writing the essays we were required to write. And I especially enjoyed hearing all the different essays in class. I really like that there are people from all around the globe in our class and we get an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of others.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Chapter 20 - Proposing a Solution Exercise
Chapter 20 - Proposing a Solution - Exercise
“Uncle Sam and Aunt Samantha” - Pages 306 - 308 - Reading for Better Writing Exercise:
1. What problem(s) does Quindlen identify? What solution(s) does she propose? To what extent would the proposed solution(s) solve the problem(s) Quindlen discusses?
I see the problem that Quindlen identifies is that in this country, only men, ages 18-25 are to be drafted if need be, not women. She proposes that both men and women, ages 18-25 should be drafted if need be. I think that her solution to the problem is a good one. I am not sure if I agree with it, but it would solve her problem of inequality in this country when it comes to a draft.
2. Review the section in Chapter 17 about “Identifying Logical Fallacies” (see pages 255-258). Quindlen’s opponents might accuse her of “wither/or thinking,” pointing out that instead of addressing only two options, she could also have argued to end the draft for everyone. What other logical fallacies might Quindlen’s opponents accuse her of making? Would you agree with them? Why or why not?
Appealing to pity, appealing to popular sentiment, attack against the person, and slanted language are some of the fallacies I see to be in this essay by Quindlen. I think, and do agree that these fallacies are present in this paper. I think that Quindlen’s voice throughout this paper shows a negative connotation. I think she preys on the reader’s pity that men are to be drafted, but women are not. That her son will have to enroll at age 18, but her daughter will not. I think her voice should have been smoother throughout this paper.
3. What strategies does Quindlen use to try to convince readers that the situation she describes is problematic?
Quindlen talks about the differences in women in this country to the women in Afghanistan. She also talks about how people in this country do not want their sons to get drafted, just like they would not want their daughters to get drafted. She points out that there should be equality in this country when it comes to this matter. She is trying to show that women and men are equal and should be treated that way on every level, on every issue.
4. Why does the writer acknowledge that there may be opposition to her description of the problem and to her proposed solution? How does she respond to these counterarguments?
One way that the writer acknowledges an opposition is talking about how people think that women are made of the finer stuff, but in this day and age made of the right stuff. Because of this, she says that right comes with responsibility and teachers teach their students this. But because women do not get drafted, it goes against what is taught in this country.
5. Why does the essay open with a series of one-sentence paragraphs? How might the effect of the essay differ if these sentences had been combined into one paragraph?
I think the writer opens this essay with a series of one-sentence paragraphs for a dramatic effect. She really wants to highlight some facts. If they were all combined into one paragraph, I think they would loose that dramatic, highlighted effect.
“Uncle Sam and Aunt Samantha” - Pages 306 - 308 - Reading for Better Writing Exercise:
1. What problem(s) does Quindlen identify? What solution(s) does she propose? To what extent would the proposed solution(s) solve the problem(s) Quindlen discusses?
I see the problem that Quindlen identifies is that in this country, only men, ages 18-25 are to be drafted if need be, not women. She proposes that both men and women, ages 18-25 should be drafted if need be. I think that her solution to the problem is a good one. I am not sure if I agree with it, but it would solve her problem of inequality in this country when it comes to a draft.
2. Review the section in Chapter 17 about “Identifying Logical Fallacies” (see pages 255-258). Quindlen’s opponents might accuse her of “wither/or thinking,” pointing out that instead of addressing only two options, she could also have argued to end the draft for everyone. What other logical fallacies might Quindlen’s opponents accuse her of making? Would you agree with them? Why or why not?
Appealing to pity, appealing to popular sentiment, attack against the person, and slanted language are some of the fallacies I see to be in this essay by Quindlen. I think, and do agree that these fallacies are present in this paper. I think that Quindlen’s voice throughout this paper shows a negative connotation. I think she preys on the reader’s pity that men are to be drafted, but women are not. That her son will have to enroll at age 18, but her daughter will not. I think her voice should have been smoother throughout this paper.
3. What strategies does Quindlen use to try to convince readers that the situation she describes is problematic?
Quindlen talks about the differences in women in this country to the women in Afghanistan. She also talks about how people in this country do not want their sons to get drafted, just like they would not want their daughters to get drafted. She points out that there should be equality in this country when it comes to this matter. She is trying to show that women and men are equal and should be treated that way on every level, on every issue.
4. Why does the writer acknowledge that there may be opposition to her description of the problem and to her proposed solution? How does she respond to these counterarguments?
One way that the writer acknowledges an opposition is talking about how people think that women are made of the finer stuff, but in this day and age made of the right stuff. Because of this, she says that right comes with responsibility and teachers teach their students this. But because women do not get drafted, it goes against what is taught in this country.
5. Why does the essay open with a series of one-sentence paragraphs? How might the effect of the essay differ if these sentences had been combined into one paragraph?
I think the writer opens this essay with a series of one-sentence paragraphs for a dramatic effect. She really wants to highlight some facts. If they were all combined into one paragraph, I think they would loose that dramatic, highlighted effect.
Chapter 20 - Proposing a Solution Summary
Chapter 20 - Proposing a Solution - Summary
This chapter is all about identifying a problem and coming up with the best solution for it. You should pick a topic that is real, serious or shows danger or brokenness. The problem you choose to discuss should also have a workable solution. You should always identify and analyze your audience. You need to think about what they may already know about the issue, if it affects them directly or indirectly. You also need to know if there is any common ground between you and your audience. In your paper, it is of course very important to define the problem for your reader. They need to understand all the parts to the issue. You need to determine the seriousness of the issue, analyze the causes, and explore the history of the issue and solutions that may have been previously tried. And you must think creatively. Try to look at the issue through other peoples eyes. Maybe a different countries or gender or races sees the issue differently than you. Next, I learned that you need to brainstorm possible solutions and evaluate them. You need to be able to pick the best possible solution to this problem with supporting evidence that this is the best solution. Then you outline your proposal, showing the problem, the solution and the support. You should always get feedback when writing a paper, and then take the feedback into consideration. You then edit your paper, check for grammar and spelling errors and publish your paper. I did learn in doing my exercise for this chapter, that you need to be careful of including fallacies in your proposal. This seems to be very easy to do without even knowing sometimes. So I would ask your peers for feedback on that as well.
This chapter is all about identifying a problem and coming up with the best solution for it. You should pick a topic that is real, serious or shows danger or brokenness. The problem you choose to discuss should also have a workable solution. You should always identify and analyze your audience. You need to think about what they may already know about the issue, if it affects them directly or indirectly. You also need to know if there is any common ground between you and your audience. In your paper, it is of course very important to define the problem for your reader. They need to understand all the parts to the issue. You need to determine the seriousness of the issue, analyze the causes, and explore the history of the issue and solutions that may have been previously tried. And you must think creatively. Try to look at the issue through other peoples eyes. Maybe a different countries or gender or races sees the issue differently than you. Next, I learned that you need to brainstorm possible solutions and evaluate them. You need to be able to pick the best possible solution to this problem with supporting evidence that this is the best solution. Then you outline your proposal, showing the problem, the solution and the support. You should always get feedback when writing a paper, and then take the feedback into consideration. You then edit your paper, check for grammar and spelling errors and publish your paper. I did learn in doing my exercise for this chapter, that you need to be careful of including fallacies in your proposal. This seems to be very easy to do without even knowing sometimes. So I would ask your peers for feedback on that as well.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"Is This Truly The Land of the Free Where All Men and Women Are Equal? - Persuasive Essay Resources
References
“All men are created equal” - Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address, I Have a Dream - King Jr., Martin Luther
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_men_are_created_equal
Article 5 - California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/ AIDS Prevention Education Act - Education Code Section 51938
http://crahd.phi.org/sb71overview.pdf
Bill of Rights
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am1
California Constitution Article 1 Declaration of Rights - Section 7.5
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=edc&group=51001-52000&file=51890-51891
Declaration of Independence Transcript: The National Achieves Experience
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
Education Code Section 51930-51932
http://www.sdcoe.net/lret2/hpe/pdf/ED%20Code%2051930-51939.pdf
Let California Ring - Facts - Equality California Institute - Copyright 2009
http://www.letcaliforniaring.org/site/c.ltJTJ6MQIuE/b.3348081/k.B080/Facts.htm
Pascoe, Peggy - “Why the Ugly Rhetoric Against Gay Marriage Is Familiar to this Historian of Miscegenation” - 2004 - History of Interracial Marriage
http://hnn.us/articles/4708.html
Prop 8 - Pros & Cons to Same-Sex Marriage - Created for Nov. 2008 Election
http://www.smartvoter.org/2008/11/04/ca/state/prop/8/
SB 71 Fact Sheet - California Comprehensive Sexual Health Education LAW - SB 71 (Senate Bill 71) - Law as of 1/1/2004
http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/pdf/SB71FactSheet2.pdf
Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_partnership
“All men are created equal” - Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address, I Have a Dream - King Jr., Martin Luther
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_men_are_created_equal
Article 5 - California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/ AIDS Prevention Education Act - Education Code Section 51938
http://crahd.phi.org/sb71overview.pdf
Bill of Rights
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am1
California Constitution Article 1 Declaration of Rights - Section 7.5
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=edc&group=51001-52000&file=51890-51891
Declaration of Independence Transcript: The National Achieves Experience
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
Education Code Section 51930-51932
http://www.sdcoe.net/lret2/hpe/pdf/ED%20Code%2051930-51939.pdf
Let California Ring - Facts - Equality California Institute - Copyright 2009
http://www.letcaliforniaring.org/site/c.ltJTJ6MQIuE/b.3348081/k.B080/Facts.htm
Pascoe, Peggy - “Why the Ugly Rhetoric Against Gay Marriage Is Familiar to this Historian of Miscegenation” - 2004 - History of Interracial Marriage
http://hnn.us/articles/4708.html
Prop 8 - Pros & Cons to Same-Sex Marriage - Created for Nov. 2008 Election
http://www.smartvoter.org/2008/11/04/ca/state/prop/8/
SB 71 Fact Sheet - California Comprehensive Sexual Health Education LAW - SB 71 (Senate Bill 71) - Law as of 1/1/2004
http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/pdf/SB71FactSheet2.pdf
Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_partnership
"Is This Truly The Land of the Free Where All Men and Women Are Equal? - Persuasive Essay
Is This Truly The Land of the Free Where All Men and Women Are Equal?
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men all created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (United States Declaration of Independence).
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln).
“I have a dream, that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal” (“I Have a Dream”, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
Those famous quotes taken from documents and speeches throughout the history of America were used in attempt to make this country a place of freedom, where all men and women are truly equal. I believe in what this country stands for which is freedom and equality. The United States of America is known best as The Land of the Free! I believe that all Americans should have the right to marry; this includes same-sex couples. If we exclude these rights from certain individuals, such as same-sex couples then we are going against what we, as Americans, stand for. I believe that it was wrong that during the years of 1664 to 1967, interracial marriages were illegal (Pascoe), just like I now think it is wrong that same-sex marriages are not legal. Discrimination is no different when directed at race or a person’s sexuality. It is still discrimination, and therefore, wrong.
When I first gained a definite opinion about this issue was during 2008, when Proposition 8 was written. Prop-8 was based on whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in the state of California. The California Supreme Court had over-turned a previous vote of the people and legalized same-sex marriages in May of 2008, deeming it was unconstitutional to prevent same-sex marriages. Prop 8 was written to over-turn that Supreme Court ruling, and in November of 2008, the people voted YES on Prop 8. The YES vote now means that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California (California Constitution Article 1 Declaration of Rights Section 7.5). Personally, I voted no on Prop 8 for several different reasons. One of those reasons is close to my heart for two of my best friends are homosexuals. I believe that they deserve the same rights as everyone else. Both of them should be able to marry and reap the same marital benefits as heterosexual couples. I do not believe they should be treated differently in any way because of their sexual orientation.
The most common concerns here in California with those that were and are against same-sex marriages are heterosexuals and religious establishments wanting to preserve the meaning of marriage as between a man and a woman and parents not wanting same-sex marriage to be taught in schools. Prop 8 supporters were using, what I believed to be scare tactics, such as saying that fairy tales would be read in schools about Kings and Kings to young children. There was also a story about children being taken to a same-sex marriage ceremony for a school field trip. Opinions were and are that homosexuals don’t need to marry because they are offered domestic partnerships; which give the same benefits as marriage without the title. And, of course, many disagree with same-sex marriage based on their religious beliefs (Prop 8 - Smart Voter).
Homosexuality is apart of our society today, regardless if you agree with it or not. Children are going to be curious and ask about same-sex couples whether or not they are allowed to marry. With that being said, Senate Bill 71, the California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Act of 2004, went into law on January 1, 2004. This law is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be protected against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It is also suppose to educate the students about being healthy, adolescent growth and development, body image, gender roles, sexual orientation, dating, marriage, and family (SB 71 Fact Sheet). This law also requires that schools notify parents at the beginning of year about these classes. All parents have the right to “opt out” and not have their child participate in these classes. Education Code Section 51938 shows that it is a parent’s right to excuse their child from all or part of comprehensive sexual education (Article 5). So, if one is concerned with a child learning about homosexuality or same-sex marriage in their school, it is within a parent’s rights to remove their child from those health or sex education classes.
When I heard people talking about teachers reading students fairy tales about Kings and Kings, I thought that was a fallacy; a false claim to put fear in people. I do not remember any fairy tale stories being a part of grammar school curriculum and neither does anyone I know. I do not remember learning about heterosexual or homosexual marriage either. Another story that I believe to be false is the one I mentioned previously about students being taken to a same-sex marriage ceremony for a school field trip. As I remember, Kindergarten through 12th grade, no matter what field trip you went on with your school, it required a parental permission slip. Again, I believe this was only a scare tactic used to persuade people to vote against homosexual marriages.
Same-sex couples in the state of California, in certain cities, are offered the opinion to become domestic partners. A domestic partnership is defined as a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage nor a civil union (Wikipedia). Many people think that same-sex couples do not need to get married because they are offered domestic partnerships. People tend to think that they are one in the same, but with a little research you will find that they are quite different. A few of those differences are, for example, as a married couple you have more than 1,000 federal rights and benefits, you are allowed to make medical decisions for your spouse, visit them in the hospital as immediate family, and are recognized universally as a married couple. As a domestic partner, there are no federal protections, you may not be able to make medical decisions for your partner or get recognized as immediate family to visit them in the hospital, and you are not universally seen as a united couple on the same level as a marriage. Also, in a marriage you are able to file your taxes jointly, except an inheritance from your spouse, allowed to change your name and eligible for Social Security Insurance. While as a domestic partner you can only file federal taxes separately, and if you are left an inheritance from your partner, there will be a tax penalty which is the same as if a stranger left someone an inheritance. As a domestic partner, you may only change your name with a court order and you are not eligible for Social Security Insurance. So, as you can see when comparing marriage to a domestic partnership, they are not the same. Domestic partnerships do not come with nearly as many benefits as married couples do.
The last opposition I want to address is the fact that people do not think same-sex marriages should be legalized because of their religious beliefs. I do not want to discuss what each religion and their materials say because I believe it is all up for interpretation. I do understand that all religions disapprove of homosexuality, but I think whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to marry should be based on state, not church. Just like the Bill of Rights First Amendment (freedom of religion, press and expression) 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” (Bill of Rights).
In this country, there is a separation of church and state. If a law would pass stating same-sex couples would be allowed to marry, that would not force religions to change their beliefs. I look at these as two separate entities. Religions can continue preaching as they wish regarding homosexuality. Same-sex couples will probably never be allowed to marry in churches, so that is religion’s way of not putting their stamp of approval on something they disagree with. Same-sex marriage does not dictate what a religion can and can not believe in, it just gives same-sex couples equal marital rights on a state level.
The world we live in is forever changing, so I think we should keep an open mind and roll with the punches so to speak. I am not asking you to change whether or not you believe in homosexuality; all I am asking is that you remember America is The Land of the Free and is about equality for all. If you believe that homosexuality is wrong, you are free to believe that. Changing ones mind on whether or not homosexuality is right or wrong was not the goal of Prop 8, nor is it my goal. I just want fellow Americans to see that marriage should not be discriminated against no matter heterosexual or homosexual in the eyes of the state.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men all created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (United States Declaration of Independence).
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” (Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln).
“I have a dream, that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal” (“I Have a Dream”, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
Those famous quotes taken from documents and speeches throughout the history of America were used in attempt to make this country a place of freedom, where all men and women are truly equal. I believe in what this country stands for which is freedom and equality. The United States of America is known best as The Land of the Free! I believe that all Americans should have the right to marry; this includes same-sex couples. If we exclude these rights from certain individuals, such as same-sex couples then we are going against what we, as Americans, stand for. I believe that it was wrong that during the years of 1664 to 1967, interracial marriages were illegal (Pascoe), just like I now think it is wrong that same-sex marriages are not legal. Discrimination is no different when directed at race or a person’s sexuality. It is still discrimination, and therefore, wrong.
When I first gained a definite opinion about this issue was during 2008, when Proposition 8 was written. Prop-8 was based on whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in the state of California. The California Supreme Court had over-turned a previous vote of the people and legalized same-sex marriages in May of 2008, deeming it was unconstitutional to prevent same-sex marriages. Prop 8 was written to over-turn that Supreme Court ruling, and in November of 2008, the people voted YES on Prop 8. The YES vote now means that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California (California Constitution Article 1 Declaration of Rights Section 7.5). Personally, I voted no on Prop 8 for several different reasons. One of those reasons is close to my heart for two of my best friends are homosexuals. I believe that they deserve the same rights as everyone else. Both of them should be able to marry and reap the same marital benefits as heterosexual couples. I do not believe they should be treated differently in any way because of their sexual orientation.
The most common concerns here in California with those that were and are against same-sex marriages are heterosexuals and religious establishments wanting to preserve the meaning of marriage as between a man and a woman and parents not wanting same-sex marriage to be taught in schools. Prop 8 supporters were using, what I believed to be scare tactics, such as saying that fairy tales would be read in schools about Kings and Kings to young children. There was also a story about children being taken to a same-sex marriage ceremony for a school field trip. Opinions were and are that homosexuals don’t need to marry because they are offered domestic partnerships; which give the same benefits as marriage without the title. And, of course, many disagree with same-sex marriage based on their religious beliefs (Prop 8 - Smart Voter).
Homosexuality is apart of our society today, regardless if you agree with it or not. Children are going to be curious and ask about same-sex couples whether or not they are allowed to marry. With that being said, Senate Bill 71, the California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Act of 2004, went into law on January 1, 2004. This law is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be protected against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It is also suppose to educate the students about being healthy, adolescent growth and development, body image, gender roles, sexual orientation, dating, marriage, and family (SB 71 Fact Sheet). This law also requires that schools notify parents at the beginning of year about these classes. All parents have the right to “opt out” and not have their child participate in these classes. Education Code Section 51938 shows that it is a parent’s right to excuse their child from all or part of comprehensive sexual education (Article 5). So, if one is concerned with a child learning about homosexuality or same-sex marriage in their school, it is within a parent’s rights to remove their child from those health or sex education classes.
When I heard people talking about teachers reading students fairy tales about Kings and Kings, I thought that was a fallacy; a false claim to put fear in people. I do not remember any fairy tale stories being a part of grammar school curriculum and neither does anyone I know. I do not remember learning about heterosexual or homosexual marriage either. Another story that I believe to be false is the one I mentioned previously about students being taken to a same-sex marriage ceremony for a school field trip. As I remember, Kindergarten through 12th grade, no matter what field trip you went on with your school, it required a parental permission slip. Again, I believe this was only a scare tactic used to persuade people to vote against homosexual marriages.
Same-sex couples in the state of California, in certain cities, are offered the opinion to become domestic partners. A domestic partnership is defined as a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage nor a civil union (Wikipedia). Many people think that same-sex couples do not need to get married because they are offered domestic partnerships. People tend to think that they are one in the same, but with a little research you will find that they are quite different. A few of those differences are, for example, as a married couple you have more than 1,000 federal rights and benefits, you are allowed to make medical decisions for your spouse, visit them in the hospital as immediate family, and are recognized universally as a married couple. As a domestic partner, there are no federal protections, you may not be able to make medical decisions for your partner or get recognized as immediate family to visit them in the hospital, and you are not universally seen as a united couple on the same level as a marriage. Also, in a marriage you are able to file your taxes jointly, except an inheritance from your spouse, allowed to change your name and eligible for Social Security Insurance. While as a domestic partner you can only file federal taxes separately, and if you are left an inheritance from your partner, there will be a tax penalty which is the same as if a stranger left someone an inheritance. As a domestic partner, you may only change your name with a court order and you are not eligible for Social Security Insurance. So, as you can see when comparing marriage to a domestic partnership, they are not the same. Domestic partnerships do not come with nearly as many benefits as married couples do.
The last opposition I want to address is the fact that people do not think same-sex marriages should be legalized because of their religious beliefs. I do not want to discuss what each religion and their materials say because I believe it is all up for interpretation. I do understand that all religions disapprove of homosexuality, but I think whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to marry should be based on state, not church. Just like the Bill of Rights First Amendment (freedom of religion, press and expression) 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” (Bill of Rights).
In this country, there is a separation of church and state. If a law would pass stating same-sex couples would be allowed to marry, that would not force religions to change their beliefs. I look at these as two separate entities. Religions can continue preaching as they wish regarding homosexuality. Same-sex couples will probably never be allowed to marry in churches, so that is religion’s way of not putting their stamp of approval on something they disagree with. Same-sex marriage does not dictate what a religion can and can not believe in, it just gives same-sex couples equal marital rights on a state level.
The world we live in is forever changing, so I think we should keep an open mind and roll with the punches so to speak. I am not asking you to change whether or not you believe in homosexuality; all I am asking is that you remember America is The Land of the Free and is about equality for all. If you believe that homosexuality is wrong, you are free to believe that. Changing ones mind on whether or not homosexuality is right or wrong was not the goal of Prop 8, nor is it my goal. I just want fellow Americans to see that marriage should not be discriminated against no matter heterosexual or homosexual in the eyes of the state.
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