Bloomberg Pushes for Same-Sex Marrage Vote in New York Senate

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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is an independent, has met with the Republican Cacus in New York State about same-sex marriage.  Bloomberg has driven the issue for some time now, looking to bring what he says is marriage equality to the state of New York.

“I still believe if they do vote their hearts and principles, New York State will become the next state to adopt marriage equality,” Mr. Bloomberg said. “Because based on my conversations with senators, I believe that if the bill comes to the floor, it will pass. And I’m very hopeful that will be any day now.”

There are only a few states, such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont that allow same-sex marriage, Bloomberg looks to add New York to the short list.  However, he is facing some opposition in the New York Senate, as not all Republican Senators have decided which way they will vote if the bill comes to the floor.

“In all my conversations with senators – Senator Lanza, Senator Flanagan, Senator Grisanti – and many others, I could see how personal this was for them and their families, how carefully they were listening to both their parents and children, and how earnestly they are struggling to find the right answer,” Mr. Bloomberg said. “This is not an easy issue.”

Mr. Bloomberg is right, this is not an easy issue.  I believe that up to this point as a country we have handled the issue in the correct way, let the states decide the issue.  There are several personal liberty issues that I believe shoul be handled by individual states.  Legalization of marijuana, same-sex marriage, gun laws, and the drinking age are a few issues that should be handled at the state level.

Far too often the Federal Government tries to intervene in our lives.  The government has grown too much, taking more power for itself and away from the people.  States, like New York, need to take a stand, passing legislation that they want. 

I will admit that I am not the biggest supporter of same-sex marriage, but my personal beliefs are religious and I do agree with ‘separation of church and state‘.  Therefore, I believe that each state should decide how to handle this issue, but not impose their laws and statutes on other states.  If New York, or any other state for that matter votes to allow same-sex marriage, then that is their prerogative and vise versa.

Hate Crimes Against White People Do Happen

I’ve never experienced a Hate Crime.  Nor do I ever want to experience a Hate Crime.  These are unfortunate events that happen to people all across the country and across the globe.  However I believe that there is a misconception about Hate Crimes in the United States.  Myth:  Hate Crimes are only directed towards minorities and are not directed toward whites.  I believe this myth is propagated  by the media’s bias.  The media is willing to jump to conclusions and report certain stories, so as to not appear racist or show bias.  However, in doing so the media is acting in a racially motivated way that leads to bias.

There is a fine line the media needs to tread with this issue.

Here is a news story that will not make national headlines:  Akron police investigate teen mob attack on family.

“Akron police say they aren’t ready to call it a hate crime or a gang initiation.

But to Marty Marshall, his wife and two kids, it seems pretty clear.

It came after a family night of celebrating America and freedom with a fireworks show at Firestone Stadium. Marshall, his family and two friends were gathered outside a friend’s home in South Akron.

Out of nowhere, the six were attacked by dozens of teenage boys, who shouted ”This is our world” and ”This is a black world” as they confronted Marshall and his family.

The Marshalls, who are white, say the crowd of teens who attacked them and two friends June 27 on Girard Street numbered close to 50. The teens were all black.”  – excerpt from the Akron Beacon Journal

Notice the date of the attack, June 7th, the date of the article is July 7th.  Is the media a little late in reporting this incident?