Gay Marriage

The (predictable and overwhelming) triumph of the Texas amendment to the constitution that would ban recognition of any type of domestic arrangement other than a one man, one woman state-sanctioned marriage was disheartening, and short-sighted.

Living in a long-term relationship like a marriage requires a lot of work. It takes a consistent effort and a steady commitment to each other's well-being and the health of the relationship. But the results are worth it and the payoff is handsome both in personal terms as well as for the society.

In terms of the personal: a committed long-term relationship stabilizes both individuals; makes their life more rewarding in its intimacy as well as in its economic and social terms -- both partners earn more, live longer, form stronger bonds to their community, etc.

In civil terms: both become more productive members of society; they form a nuclear family, which is the building block of society; they are much more likely to become home-owners and successfully raise a child. Since their planning horizon is over their lifetime, people in a committed relationship value the dependability and efficiency brought by well-run government and a stable economy.

All of these things seem like reasons for encouraging and rewarding any kind of committed long-term relationship between two people. The schematics of whose genitals go where doesn't seem germane to the discussion.