Monday, February 21, 2005

Another Domino...

Once again, the United States is playing catch-up with History:
Same-sex partners in Britain will be able to enter into civil unions from December, joining gays in parts of Europe and the United States [very small parts of the U.S.] in obtaining many of the rights enjoyed by married people, the government said Monday.
How is it that our country, which is supposedly such an enlightened role model for the free world, always seems to be so far behind the curve on slavery, capital punishment (including death for the underage and mentally ill), torture, global warming, and now gay marriage?

Are the Europeans and Canadians really that decadent, or are we just mean-spirited, selfish, and backward? I think back to last November, when an "overwhelming majority" of 51% endorsed all of these things and more, and I have my answer.

At best, we have become the Two-Face of nations, and the ugly side is gaining. Anyone know a really good plastic surgeon?

Update: rorschach has tipped me off that Not-Princess Camilla "is not welcome at the White House because she is a divorcee. The reports do no[t] mention that Charles is also a divorcee." Yes, I'm sure that if we were to scour the records of White House visits since 2001, we would not uncover a single example of a female divorcee ever being a guest there, not a one (apparently male divorcees are okay, though - hmm).

The reason I append this to this particular post is that I wonder whether this is really about Camilla being a divorcee (damn uppity women always trying to improve their station in life!), or whether this is just another example of Bush's penchant for petty spite, sending a message to our erstwhile best buddies in the UK (and to his American fundie friends as well) that we don't cotton to no civil unions for the gayfolk nohow. The fact that Charles and Camilla are getting hitched in a "civil ceremony" only serves to heighten the symbolism.

13 comments:

rorschach said...

Are the Europeans and Canadians really that decadent, or are we just mean-spirited, selfish, and backward?Mean-spirited, selfish, and backward:

The Bush Administration's attacks on same-sex marriage have now been expanded to include unmarried heterosexuals and divorced people - resulting on a ban of Camilla Parker Bowles from the White House.

The Administration is pushing its traditional marriage initiative aimed at keeping straight families from breaking up and banning gay marriage.

London's Sunday Mirror and Sun reports that the White House has scuttled plans by Prince Charles to take Camilla on a Royal tour of the US later this year after they marry in a civil ceremony.

The papers report that the Royal household was told that Camilla, who will have the title Her Royal Highness Princess Consort after Charles becomes king, is not welcome at the White House because she is a divorcee.

The reports do no[t] mention that Charles is also a divorcee.

The President, according to sun told palace aides it was "inappropriate" for him to be play host to the newly-weds.

Eli said...

Just updated, ror; thanks for the heads-up. I suspect there may be more going on than simple divorcee-bashing.

rorschach said...

Certainly.

It is at least a sop to the fundies...

And is definitely one more chapter in the sheer idiocy that is Bush's European foreign policy...

Eli said...

That's what gets me - the British are supposedly our *friends*. I would be unsurprised (though still disgusted) if he pulled this with a French or German couple, but British royals??? Yeah, I know they're not exactly big Bush fans, but still, you don't slap your friend's royal family in the face like that.

ntodd said...

Not-Princess Camilla "is not welcome at the White House because she is a divorcee.What if she turns out to be a gay prostitute?

Eli said...

What if she turns out to be a gay prostitute?

Then I guess she can stay and play with Dubya's softballs.

Anonymous said...

OK Eli- your attaturking has paid off! :-)

Eli said...

Mwahahahaha!!! I learn from the best!

NYMary said...

Hey! I can't go to the White House! You guess why....

Eli said...

Well, I think I can rule out prostitution...

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Aquaria said...

Man, if they won't Camilla in the WH, when she has that pedigree and only ONE divorce, I guess I'd better forget getting even an invite to wash dishes!

Eli said...

I think the criteria is whether your exes are still *living*.

So if you have to mysteriously disappear for a while to "take care of some business", I promise I won't say anything.