The Right to Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness

 THE right to life…liberty and pursuit of happiness…the declaration of independence.  Imagine…most of human history these ideas were not seen as “inalienable rights.”  It is our position that every American has these rights.  Notice is does not say the “right to happiness” meaning, there is no guarantee of happiness but you do have the right to pursue it!   So with the upcoming election…think about how to most protect your constitutional rights.  It is our position that citizens of the United States of America who are also members or identify as LGTBQ have these rights as well…because these people…not only are they American but they are HUMAN.  This blog started as a way to talk about marriage equality in terms of the benefits to the economy and American Society…but it really is founded on constitutional ideas of democracy and freedom.  Can we not have CIVIL discourse?  LGBTQ people in our opinion have the right to exist in America…as Americans without being bullied, Gay Bashed or otherwise demonized, as long as our fellow Americans behave lawfully and civilly.  Moreover, getting married, going to church, being employed and owning businesses…same idea.  If you get bent around the axel about a gay person getting married…then go to your church that may or may not offer marriage ceremonies like you believe.  It is just that simple.  

You have freedom of association in America.  

You do not have to live or go to church with the lgbtq community.  It would be a shame that you feel this way because you might meet some absolutely wonderful fellow Americans.  

There are many benefits to being married with reference to legal protections and health and happiness.  Humans are by design social animals and family and friends and these types of living arrangements add in our opinion to the stability of society.  (LEGAL ISSUES)

PGA WELCOMES LGBTQ!

We Love Marie Osmond

WE LOVE MARIE!

Marie Osmond Loves Her Lesbian Daughter and We Love Her!

http://marieosmond.com/

Christmas Info For Marie!

https://youtu.be/oAz4HJ-IFf0

University Place, Home of the U.S. Open!

https://www.chambersbaygolf.com/2015-u-s-open/

United Church | United in Love; United to Serve

United Church | United in Love; 

United to Serve

We found United Church in University Place, and Pastor Jen (Jennifer Walters) one day when randomly walking in the neighborhood.

United Church of Christ, Open Accepting, Reconciling

The church had a rainbow flag right in it's foyer and the vibe in the entry way was awesome.  Our family was looking for a place to feel at home where all were accepted regardless of sexual orientation.  Our family came from a Catholic and Jewish background in Seattle, Washington and we have found that many progressive people from these faiths as well like us support God's Love and the message of acceptance and tolerance.   As people who have read the New Testament and the Torah and are learning Hebrew, we do not find acceptance of others inconsistent with Christian or Jewish Faith.  United Church of Christ in University Place welcomes people of all faiths and even has celebrated Passover during the Easter Holiday, as Pastor Jen believes it is important to connect Jesus to the faith of his community which he grew up in...which is Jewish,   

United Church serves two communities, one that is Methodist and one that is The United Church of Christ, a congregation that is one of the oldest in the  United States.  The Church sits next to the University Place Curran Apple Orchard and opens its parking lot to many community events.   Pastor Jen and her husband and the members exemplify the true grace that comes with loving and accepting others.   The Church was the first group to formally recognize Marriage Equality in the area and Pastor Jen even married people before formal recognition.  She is truly a person who walks in Christ's footsteps and she has a loving supportive partner in her husband Chris. 

We were present and voted on formally recognizing Marriage Equality and having the ceremony at the Church.  It was a thrilling moment to hear that the decision to formally marry couples was passed!  Sometimes people from outside the community would show up to see what United Church of Christ was about.   They would ask questions and sometimes even appear surprised that the congregation and gathering of people looked so normal ... sometimes even sedate.  All left with the idea it was a truly loving and accepting place. 

Everyone IS Welcome!

Marriage Equality is Sound Business For University Place

Reading a great article on PBS Feed about economic benefits of LGBTQ marriage.   No kidding.   Washington as the most progressive state in the union recognizes marriage equality because voters recognized it was the right thing to do, but intelligent people (and there are many here in Washington State and University Place) Recognize that it is the economically the smart thing to do.
ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING......

When Spring is In The Air, our thoughts turn to love and romance...and Marriage...Family IS the most important thing to create and cherish.

Economically Smart To Support Marriage Equality

Video Link: New York City Generating 259 Million A Year on Marriage Equality!

Marriage Equality is Estimated to Bring In $$$$$ 85 Million into Washington State