[Melchior]

[quote]Originally posted by Cerek:

Originally posted by Melchior: So is the leper also just refusing to look at the glass as "half full" - or are you making an exception for them and conceding they actually have a valid reason for being unhappy?

I don't understand your problem. I didn't devalidate unhappiness. I pointed out that we are in control of our reactions to what happen to us. It's incorrect to say to someone "you make me so mad". No-one makes you mad, you chose to be angry with a person, just as you can chose to calm down and let it go. Of course circumstances make that choice difficult, just as time passing make the choice easier.

If you deny this very basic concept you can live a powerless life, unable to control your emotions, be committed in relationships, create emotional art etc etc. Actors choose to emote for a living. That's why they fall in love with their leading partner all the time.

This is quite a common knowledge idea. Many have espoused it before me. I really don't understand your sarcastic attitude.

Since you quoted the Declaration of Independence in support of your view (even though it is NOT a law-creating document, as Timber pointed out), how do you explain the fact that gay couples are being denied the "Unalienable Right" of "Pursuit of Happiness"? Unlike heterosexual couples, gay couples are forced to make of choice of "coupling" with the person they love OR "coupling" with an opposite-gender person to gain certain legal benefits granted through a union or marriage?

If you think a piece of paper makes you happy you've misunderstood marriage.

A homosexual is not discriminated against here. Homosexual relationships are, given the current aims of U.S. society. (Actually the way things stand now, homosexuals aren't being defined by their sexual preference at all.)

Look, if you want to change society by all means do so. Please don't try and take some sort of moral highground in the process though, because both camps are doing exactly the same thing. What changes is the picture people want to see their society become.

And finally, if you believe that homosexuality is a conscious choice, then (theoretically) you should be able change your current sexual preference (if you really wanted to). Can any heterosexual male here honostly say they could "decide" to start being attracted to other men? Points to ponder.

You bet. They often do.

Again I present my aquaintance: http://www.syrogers.org/