I think it's a bit too pre-mature to judge this. It doesn't sound like a good idea to me right now, I have to admit that, but stranger things have surprised me. Evita, although not considered an opera in the classical sense, was pretty darn close to being one (as is Phantom and a number of other "lighter" operas...well, opera-like musicals) and who would think that such a political story would translate well into that kind of production? Gilbert and Sullivan were laughed at for the "type" of operas they did (and for the subjects/stories they told in rather buffooning messages), but some of those operas are now considered classics...maybe in a different league or classification, but still classics. And, it could be a rock opera...no, in this case, a country music opera...it's possible and, although maybe not everyone's cup of tea, it's acceptable.
Some just call it a piece of paper, but it's what the paper represents LEGALLY. A doctor's degree is just a piece of paper. A driver's licence is just a piece of paper (maybe laminated). A birth certificate is just a piece of paper. A voter's card is just a piece of paper. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are just pieces of paper. Yet, each of those things symbolizes a hell of a lot more than the material and the ink that's on it. Each makes a statement and carries a story, a legal right, a concept, the ability to practice what you are licensed for, etc. Whether someone wants the piece of paper (and/or what it represents to them or to others) is a choice...you can pursue a career as a doctor or not (you have a legal right to), you can exercise the right to vote (it's a legal choice), you can live in this country as a LEGAL resident/citizen (or you can leave..either way, it's a legal choice). You can vote if you are gay or not, you can drive if you are gay or not, you might be a citizen if you are gay or not. But, it does make a difference in this country whether you are gay or not to get one of those licenses, even if you were born here, are voting, are obeying the laws, are a licenced doctor. And, that is what is not fair! And, not having that piece of paper may hinder the chances of getting other pieces of paper (that, supposedly, other people can legally have, such as family insurance policies, binding wills, joint tax returns, etc.....but often drives these people into having to get other "special" pieces of paper that many non-gay people even have to deal with...such as costly documentations from lawyers to help protect gay people from all that would normally be safe for other people, but their mere sexual orientation can be used against them without "special" pieces of paper in place.)
Emotionally, to be allowed to marry after such a long and hard fight, and then to have it taken away, as if something wrong was done and punishment was being handed down, it can be traumatic...more so than just knowing that marriage is still unable to achieve. But, as a political statement, a cry for the cause, it is a victory every time a marriage is legally allowed, and more of a reason to keep fighting where marriage is forbidden, taken away, or treated so differently that other related issues (divorce, adoption, etc.)are not equally recognized, allowed, or practiced.
We certainly will know soon.
Whether marriage is legal or not, those in love will live together as all other married and unmarried couples do. However, it's because we are not given the choice, the right to choose whether to marry or remain unmarried is where the argument lies...because that is what isn't fair. A piece of paper does not necessarily prove the love of the heart, but it solidifies it for some people...a personal symbol of "completing" the union. However, besides the unfairness of not having the right to choose, therefore the right to marry if so chosen, the unfairness/inequality reaches far into the many benefits and needs that all married couples have a right to apply for, depend on, and/or to have increased security. There are non-gay people who are without some of those things for various reasons, but it isn't because they don't have a right to have them. Those things are still there if wanted, needed, or accessible by certain requirements (none of which depend on the legality of their marriage because of their sexual orientation)...where those same things are not there for gay people, strictly because of their sexual orientation because that is blocking them from being considered as married. It's a case of inequality on top of another inequality. Where discrimination is practiced in the intitial sense, it spills over to further discrimination in other areas.
It's supposed to be good luck. And, in spite of the shock of it, you didn't crash, did you? So, it brought you luck!
Yep, had a heat wave here, too...hit 100 degrees a couple of days. Can you believe that Edie had the A/C set so cold (she was "comfortable") that I had to go outside to warm up? We get waves like this here and there during the summer, but seldom this early...although we were hit with one even earlier last year. Sorry to hear about your Dad, I fear the day my parents will not be here. But, I'd like to think that your Dad is having a fine time in his new home. Now, I hope you got to have your Cheetos!
A great post, angie! It really gets a mind thinking and the soul searching. I just might save this as I may need a refresher once in awhile. Thanks for a great post!
Hey, angie...I hope you are feeling better and I am so glad you vented like you did. Letting it out HAS to be done, whether vocally or on paper (or both). I sure hope your grandson makes a decision he feels good about because everybody's got enough stress already. I know he feels he should stay to watch over his mom...and that is wonderful that he feels and cares that way...but he also has to realize that his mom makes an awful lot of the decisions herself (which isn't always the best way of watching over him) and she would probably do the same if he wasn't there...because it doesn't appear she is going to change. (Not right away, anyway.) If he leaves, it doesn't mean he stopped loving her or caring for her, just that it was his time to move away and move on. They can still stay in touch if they want to, so it's not like he's just taking off on her. Now, I do hope you are calmer and that all your furry friends are back to being your pals again...and not the bothersome furballs your anxieties have made them seem like to you.
So, now you know why my livingroom and the room I use as an office is so cluttered and messy! I'm into projects in other rooms! (Not really, not like your projects, anyway. Just that I'm trying to get certain things taken care of in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom...and some stuff gathered to put in the basement.) So, I know what it's like to have things pushed into a room..it gets cluttered and you can't clean around it, and you can't do anything with it fast enough to get it where it belongs.
I'm so glad to hear that your friend made it ok and that you got to spend some real nice time with her. There's nothing like having a best friend around!
We had a bout of rain, too...now we're in a heat wave. Well, actually, things cooled down today...only in the 80's...but it sure was hot.
I knew because I could "see" it in your writing.
Yes, those that charge per room have already established what they want for that room, regardless of one or two people...so the single traveler is still not getting a break. Even though the person is alone, he/she will pay the same amount as two people in the room. Some charge per room, some per person...but however it's quoted and charged, it will still "cover" that room. (Per room charges usually say "up to so many people"...then there are additional charges if more are allowed. The additional charges are never as high as the original per person or per room charge.)
In essence, the one price per cabin/room IS what is being considered. Each cruise line, hotel, resort, etc. needs to make a certain amount per accommodation and, because that amount is usually based on (or figured out) two occupants, the supplement is added to a single traveler to offset the difference...which explains why a single person doesn't pay half the price. It's also why it is so much cheaper per person for extra persons in a cabin/room. The reason why total cost per person is genuinely higher for "special" or "exclusive" gay packages, events, resort weeks, cruises, etc. is because of personalities, services, staff, and a number of other things that are hired, arranged (therefore have to be paid for) for the trip, resort, cruise that is taking place. It isn't usually the "cruise as it usually is" or "the going routine of the resort" that is offered, but specially contracted entertainment, excursions, etc. in addition to the cruise, resort amenities and offerings themselves. I don't want to get too lengthy here...I already was for my original comment...but I think you can follow my point. A hotel wants to make so much "to cover", so they are going to make sure they get that much (on average) for every room that is booked. If something is going to be special, something different or more is included, must be paid for, so an additional amount must be charged.
Well, I'm still glad about the detours and time delay...I feel better about it.
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