The Hot Topic

Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum was John Stewart tonight discussing his book "It's About the Family". As the title suggests, the book is about same-sex marriage and traditional family values...a topic I feel very strongly about. I do not share the Senators opinion and neither does John Stewart. But the two played nice and both delivered intelligent arguements, so I have no choice but to respect the Senator.

John Stewart raised an interesting point about traditional marriage. The marriage of today is usually, or better yet, IDEALLY a union of a man and a woman who are in love for the purpose of raising virtuous, moral children in a wholesome family environment. But as history has proven time and time again, the IDEAL anything is difficult and short lasting. The ideal marriage up until about 150 years ago was about the acquisition of wealth and property, and children were just an extension or an expression of said wealth. Sons were deemed of higher value, while daughters had to be accompanied by livestock or property to been seen as suitable for marriage. This ideal changed (thank you) as most ideals do.

The part about the debate of same-sex marriage that makes me laugh (but not in a funny way) is this, and I beg you to bear with me because sometimes I have a hard time explaining myself, so this may not make much sense....

Those against same-sex marriage claim it is unchristian and harmful to society as a whole because it undermines the traditional definition of family. By granting homosexual couples the freedom to marry, they feel they are GIVING UP something. But it would be more an act of altruism (the unselfish concern for the welfare of others), probably the most christian thing one can do. Unfortunately, humans by their very nature are greedy and self serving, no matter how "christian" they claim to be.

"But won't someone please think of the children!" is the cry from the Christians. I have and you know what? Most children I knew growing up would have been better off in any family other than the one they had, same-sex or not. A so called "traditional" marriage is not a guarantee of a nurturing, ideal childhood. For me, homosexuals raising children is such a non-issue, it's laughable. If an individual of same-sex orientation can save the lives of those in a car wreck, then by God they're more than able to raise a child! More able than me, that's for sure.

In my opinion, same-sex marriage is a benefit to society, creating higher self esteem and self worth for a very large portion of the population, thus creating a more productive and happier society as a whole with less conflict and strife.

Thank God we live in Canada and this has already been made law. But there are those in our community who like to revert us back to the stone age...don't worry...I have my eye on them...they won't get far if I have anything to do about it...

I could be just talking out my ass right now and I do believe I am starting to ramble, but that was my two cents. This issue deserves at least four cents so please feel free to input.

Feedback

Well...what does everyone think of the new and improved Slackhopper Blog?

As you can see, I have added a multitude of interesting links, organized into catagories, to keep everyone busy and entertained. Please let me know if there are any of your favourite sites, blogs, stuff and things you think I should add and I will make it so.

There are more changes to come although the over all look will remain the same. Hopefully within the next couple of days, I will have my photo blog up and running and linked to this one. Check back soon and thanks for visiting...

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

hello...

I am currently in the process of renovating my blog, trying to make it easier to blog from home. Plus the other template was getting too busy for me. Besides, this one so happens to be my favourite colour. I promise that once the changes are made I will blog more often, so please excuse my dust and bear with me...or better yet, be bare with me...teehee...

A Photo of Me And Matt Good (....I'm the one on the right....)

Where is Everybody?

Last night I had the pleasure to witness, yet another fantastic out of town original musical experience. But where the hell was everybody? The small but appreciative crowd that came out to the Downbeat Lounge to hear Slow Nerve Action danced, laughed and demanded an encore. With a song about "chewin' vagina", how could we not have a good time? It was a performance not to be missed...but it was by many.

The Downbeat Lounge not only supports our local musical heros with regular performances by Chris Belsito, Startlefish and The Inner City Surfers, but is also a great source for up-and-coming national talent. Some of the more notables being; Cuff the Duke, Rae Spoon, Joel Plaskett, the Agriculture Club, Bocephus King , Blue Quarter, Bedouin Sound Clash, New Shady Groove , Mr. Something Something , Novillero, Lindy , the Swiftys, the Wheat Monkeys and the Ultimate Power Duo ...just to name a few...

But it is cause for intense head scratching whilst listening to inspired original music in a half empty bar. I don't get it. Is it lack of advertising? Is it lack of interest? Are the locals just not cool?

It is a pattern for this city I have noticed during my extensive drinking and live music listening career. Chancy's, Zak's, Club Princess, Foggy Notions, Lop Lops...the unfortunate absence of support is everywhere.

Last week during the awe-inspiring performance of Moses Mayes, Trevor turned to me and asked, "Is this all the cool people in the city?" referring to the modest audience. I guess out of a population of 65 000, there are only about 40 cool people in Sault Ste. Marie. I am thankful that most of them are my friends.

I am also thankful that Trevor and Amanda continue to bring in world class entertainment for my listening pleasure. I hope they do not get discouraged. The multitude of out of town acts have vastly expanded my C.D. and t-shirt collections, as well as my music appreciation.

Thanks guys. Keep it up.