Taking a Walk for Marriage
Today I had the opportunity join thousands of others in the March for Marriage. On the first day of Supreme Court arguments on marriage a diverse crowd gathered on the National Mall to show support for marriage between one man and one woman, united as husband and wife to be mother and father to their children. After making our way down the Mall to the front steps of the Court (weaving peacefully through a smaller group of same-sex marriage supporters gathered there) and back to the rally … [Read More...]
Defending DOMA
Recently, the Manhattan Declaration filed an amicus brief ("Friend of the Court") on behalf of its 535,000+ signers in USA v. Windsor a case coming before the Supreme Court this spring questioning the Constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as one man, one woman in federal law. John Mauck, the attorney who authored the brief, explains in an op-ed in the Washington Times why DOMA is important: The Manhattan Declaration describes marriage as “the … [Read More...]
On My Honor
I wasn't a Boy Scout for long, but the memories have stayed with me for years. While my family was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, our troop traveled to France and Belgium, where we scampered around the battlements guarding the shores of Normandy and dove in and out of craters at Pont du Hoc. I saw the spot where General Anthony McAuliffe responded to the Nazi commander "Nuts" when he demanded the surrender of the 101st Airborne surrounded outside Bastogne in the "Battle of the Bulge." We … [Read More...]
Neglecting Religious Voices
Over at American Spectator I write that the fiasco involving Louie Giglio is only the latest in a series of incidents demonstrating President Obama's low view of religious expression: Noticeably absent from next week’s inaugural ceremonies will be evangelical pastor Louie Giglio, unceremoniously dumped from the dais when a liberal blog unearthed a sermon from last century in which Giglio preaches from the Bible about sex. (For a quick primer, seeGeorge Neumayr’s piece from Wednesday.) … [Read More...]
Pro-Marriage Protests Erupt in France
Over at Ricochet I reflect on what preservationists in American can learn from the recent massive demonstrations in Paris for marriage: Hundreds of thousands gathered in a massive demonstration in Paris last weekend to protest President Francois Hollande’s plan to legalize so-called gay marriage and adoption by gay couples. The diverse coalition included Catholic, Muslim, and Evangelical leaders and laity, secular conservatives and gay people. There was also a rousing performance by French … [Read More...]
Another Presidential Prayer Vigil Speech
President Obama gave a moving speech a few weeks ago in Newtown, CT, in remembrance of the victims of the tragic shooting and in honor of the school officials, police, and others who responded so heroically. It was one of those too infrequent moments when Americans were united as one nation, joined in our sadness and resolve to do better. The speech reminded me of another tragedy involving children recurring each day in communities across America. How much of the president's speech could … [Read More...]
After Three Dates
I sat down and wrote this (mostly) fictional short story in 2010 after my third date with a girl I cared for very much. On December 31, 2012 we celebrated our one-year anniversary. I love you, Abby! As he walked towards the baggage carousels, the young man looked at his watch. Her flight didn't land for another forty-five minutes. He had taken the MARC train from Union Station once before and remembered it taking a lot longer. At least he wouldn't worry about missing her. He was … [Read More...]
My Gay Roommate
Tim and I met a few years ago at a 24 watch party. His natural intelligence, unabashed geekiness, and "Snaps" skills made us quick friends. Plus, he managed a Starbucks so there was free coffee in it for me. Before long, I needed a new place to live and so did he. With a third friend, we rented a house together. Our friendship grew. Soon, I discovered that Tim is a serious Christian whose poignant reflections on faith and life set him apart from the pack. He was an usher in my wedding. One … [Read More...]
Orange Circle, Three White Stripes
Signers of the Manhattan Declaration are a part of something, yet we have lacked a symbol of affiliation. This is a problem. Affiliation is a powerful thing. When a stranger signals their support for something you believe in, it creates an immediate bond and sense of affirmation. This mutuality reinforces conviction: I am not alone; I am part of something. Recently, the Manhattan Declaration has developed a logo that signers can display as as symbol of their commitment to a movement for … [Read More...]
Politics Won’t Save Me
This morning I received a sweet and encouraging note from my mom. In the aftermath of the election results, she had been thinking about me. Specifically, about me and the Phoenix Suns. I've been a Phoenix Suns fan for as long as I can remember. Unlike most Phoenicians, my family has a long history in the state. My great-grandfather opened the first nursery in Phoenix. My grandmother was born there, as was my dad, as was I. We left when I was a baby after my dad joined the Army JAG Corps. We … [Read More...]
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