Are Same Sex Unions Marriage?

A question commonly asked is; do you believe same sex couples should be allowed to marry? It seems to me the question assumes an answer to a question that hasn't been proven yet. Most who ask this question are begging an affirmative answer to the question, can same sex couples marry? When I was a child and asked my coach for permission to run the mile, my coach and I accepted as fact that I was able to run a mile. A 'May I' question presupposes the 'Can I' question has already been answered to the affirmative. When I hear the question, do you believe same sex couples should be allowed to marry, it hits my brain the same as asking should a quadriplegic be allowed to run the mile. I would say no, but someone could make the case that they can move by artificial means so therefore they can run the mile. But have they just changed the definition of 'run?'  It seems to me that marriage is something specific as opposed to anything. Just as 'run' means something specific as opposed to whatever civil law decides it should be. If a word, like run, can mean anything than really it's meaningless; (I'm going for a run to the run for about run and get run, run my run.) Is marriage something or nothing? Is it found in natural law as part of the nature of man or is it anything/nothing? Thomas Aquinas reasoned in the 13th century that marriage is something found in natural law. In his reasoning, he refers to Ulpian of the third century, Cicero of the first century BC, and Aristotle of the fourth century BC. The bolded is from Aqinuas:

Article 1. Whether matrimony is of natural law? 
Objection 1. It would seem that matrimony is not natural. Because "the natural law is what nature has taught all animals" [Digest of Justinian I, i, de justitia et jure, 1.] But in other animals the sexes are united without matrimony. Therefore matrimony is not of natural law. 
Objection 2. Further, that which is of natural law is found in all men with regard to their every state. But matrimony was not in every state of man, for as Tully (Cicero) says (De Inventione. I,ii), "at the beginning men were savages and then no man knew his own children, nor was he bound by any marriage tie," wherein matrimony consists. Therefore it is not natural. 
Objection 3. Further, natural things are the same among all. But matrimony is not in the same way among all, since its practice varies according to the various laws. Therefore it is not natural. 
Objection 4. Further, those things without which the intention of nature can be maintained would seem not to be natural. But nature intends the preservation of the species by generation which is possible without matrimony, as in the case of fornicators. Therefore matrimony is not natural. 

On the contrary, At the commencement of the Digests it is stated: "The union of male and female, which we call matrimony, is of natural law." 

Further, the Philosopher (Aristotle-Ethic. Book viii, 12) says that "man is an animal more inclined by nature to connubial than political society." But "man is naturally a political and gregarious animal," as the same author asserts (Polit. i, 2). Therefore he is naturally inclined to connubial union, and thus the conjugal union or matrimony is natural. I answer that, A thing is said to be natural in two ways. First, as resulting of necessity from the principles of nature; thus upward movement is natural to fire. In this way matrimony is not natural, nor are any of those things that come to pass at the intervention or motion of the free-will. Secondly, that is said to be natural to which nature inclines although it comes to pass through the intervention of the free-will; thus acts of virtue and the virtues themselves are called natural; and in this way matrimony is natural, because natural reason inclines thereto in two ways. First, in relation to the principal end (purpose) of matrimony, namely the good of the offspring. For nature intends not only the begetting of offspring, but also its education and development until it reach the perfect state of man as man, and that is the state of virtue. Hence, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. viii, 12), we derive three things from our parents, namely "existence," "nourishment," and "education." Now a child cannot be brought up and instructed unless it have certain and definite parents, and this would not be the case unless there were a tie between the man and a definite woman and it is in this that matrimony consists. Secondly, in relation to the secondary end of matrimony, which is the mutual services which married persons render one another in household matters. For just as natural reason dictates that men should live together, since one is not self-sufficient in all things concerning life, for which reason man is described as being naturally inclined to political society, so too among those works that are necessary for human life some are becoming to men, others to women. Wherefore nature inculcates that society of man and woman which consists in matrimony. These two reasons are given by the Philosopher (Ethic. viii, 12).

Reply to Objection 1. Man's nature inclines to a thing in two ways. In one way, because that thing is becoming to the generic nature, and this is common to all animals; in another way because it is becoming to the nature of the difference, whereby the human species in so far as it is rational overflows the genus; such is an act of prudence or temperance. And just as the generic nature, though one in all animals, yet is not in all in the same way, so neither does it incline in the same way in all, but in a way befitting each one. Accordingly man's nature inclines to matrimony on the part of the difference, as regards the second reason given above; wherefore the Philosopher (Ethic. viii, 12; Polit. i) gives this reason in men over other animals; but as regards the first reason it inclines on the part of the genus; wherefore he says that the begetting of offspring is common to all animals. Yet nature does not incline thereto in the same way in all animals; since there are animals whose offspring are able to seek food immediately after birth, or are sufficiently fed by their mother; and in these there is no tie between male and female; whereas in those whose offspring needs the support of both parents, although for a short time, there is a certain tie, as may be seen in certain birds. In man, however, since the child needs the parents' care for a long time, there is a very great tie between male and female, to which tie even the generic nature inclines. 
Reply to Objection 2. The assertion of Tully may be true of some particular nation, provided we understand it as referring to the proximate beginning of that nation when it became a nation distinct from others; for that to which natural reason inclines is not realized in all things, and this statement is not universally true, since Holy Writ states that there has been matrimony from the beginning of the human race. 
Reply to Objection 3. According to the Philosopher (Ethic. vii) "human nature is not unchangeable as the Divine nature is." Hence things that are of natural law vary according to the various states and conditions of men; although those which naturally pertain to things Divine nowise vary. 
Reply to Objection 4. Nature intends not only being in the offspring, but also perfect being, for which matrimony is necessary, as shown above.

It seems clear that Aquinas has reasoned marriage to be something that same sex couples are not able to engage in. So asking that they be allowed to do something they can't isn't rational. Also I've heard the argument that sterile couples, like same sex couples, can still marry. Being unable to function in a specific case does not change the principle end in the general case. For example a man having eyes that do not function (blindness) does not change the principle end of the eye in general. A sterile couple may be broken but they are still married. To claim a same sex union is marriage due to an exception, would be the like claiming my finger is an eye because it can see as well as a broken eye; eye would then be meaningless.

As a final thought, I have not heard an argument for same sex unions to be included as marriage which can stand up to the reasoning that Aquinas as giving to marriage which excludes same sex unions. 

Aquinas' References: 
Natural law is that which all animals have been taught by nature ; this law is not peculiar to the human species, it is common to all animals which are produced on land or sea, and to fowls of the air as well. (Ulpian, Digest of Justinian, Book I.3) 

For there was a time when men wandered at random over the fields, after the fashion of beasts, and supported life on the food of beasts; nor did they do anything by means of the reasoning powers of the mind; but almost everything by bodily strength. No attention was as yet paid to any considerations of the religious reverence due to the gods, or of the duties which are owed to mankind: no one had ever seen any legitimate marriages, no one had beheld any children whose parentage was indubitable; nor had any one any idea what great advantage there might be in a system of equal law.(Cicero, De Inventione, Book I, II) 

From it [natural law] comes the union of man and woman called by us matrimony, and therewith the procreation and rearing of children ; we find in fact that animals in general, the very wild beasts, are marked by acquaintance with this law. (Ulpian, Digest of Justinian, Book I.3) 

Between Husband and Wife there is thought to be Friendship by a law of nature: man being by nature disposed to pair, more than to associate in Communities: in proportion as the family is prior in order of time and more absolutely necessary than the Community. And procreation is more common to him with other animals; all the other animals have Communion thus far, but human creatures cohabit not merely for the sake of procreation but also with a view to life in general: because in this connection the works are immediately divided, and some belong to the man, others to the woman: thus they help one the other, putting what is peculiar to each into the common stock. (Aristotle, Ethic, Book VIII, XII) 
He who thus considers things in their first growth and origin, whether a state or anything else, will obtain the clearest view of them. In the first place there must be a union of those who cannot exist without each other; namely, of male and female, that the race may continue (and this is a union which is formed, not of deliberate purpose, but because, in common with other animals and with plants, mankind have a natural desire to leave behind them an image of themselves), and of natural ruler and subject, that both may be preserved. (Aristotle, Politic, Book I, II) 

The friendship of children to parents, and of men to gods, is a relation to them as to something good and superior; for they have conferred the greatest benefits, since they are the causes of their being and of their nourishment, and of their education from their birth; (Aristotle, Ethic, Book VIII, XII) 

This is why God always enjoys a single and simple pleasure; for there is not only an activity of movement but an activity of immobility, and pleasure is found more in rest than in movement. But 'change in all things is sweet', as the poet says, because of some vice; for as it is the vicious man that is changeable, so the nature that needs change is vicious; for it is not simple nor good. (Aristotle, Ethics, Book VII, XIV)

Glacier National Park

On August 14, I started by motorscooter adventure to Glacier National Park.I left Cheney, Washington at 8:00am(PST) and road I-90 into Spokane taking the Argonne exit north to Trent Ave (SR290). Upon entering Idaho it turns into State Route 53 and in Rathdrum, Id it turns in State Route 41.Just before Spirit Lake, I turned right onto State Route 54 to Athol, Idaho. After s short break in Athol, I head north on Highway 95. In Sandpoint, Highway 95 and Highway 2 merge as I ride into Bonners Ferry. At the local Safeway, I buy lunch and a snack to go. I also make my first fuel stop. A few miles north of Bonners Ferry I turn right to stay on Highway 2 as Highway 95 continues north to Canada. While looking over the Moyie River, I have a snack. A couldn't find a good place for lunch, so I stopped a trash receptacle station in the Kootenia National Forest to eat my sandwich. At about 3pm (MST), I arrive in Kalispell, MT where I had reservations at the Kalispell Hill Top Inn. It was a nice clean place with wifi, and a great value. The weather was sunny and very hot, but there was rain in the forecast for tomorrow. I woke up at 2:30 in the morning and looked out my window to see it raining. I was just hoping the forecast was right in predicting that tomorrow afternoon would be sunny. When I woke up the next morning the rain was gone and there was some blue sky, but not much. I packed up and headed for the Park.

While riding along Lake McDonald, it looked like it was going to be great day for a motorcycle ride; cool and party cloudy. After I passed The Loop, I stopped to take a picture of Heavens Peak and the McDonald River valley. It was at this point, the weather started to change; cloudy, cold, and rain. There was road construction in the Park and I sat in the drizzle for 20 minutes waiting our turn to continue up the road.

I took the opportunity, to connect my heated gloves and vest. When the pilot car arrived, I continued up the road. On the way up, the rain stopped but the cold and clouds did not. The views were amazing as I made my way to the Logans Pass Vistors Center. I see beautiful plants around the vistors center but clouds were in the way of seeing any mountains. I started my way down the other side of the Continental Divide. I stopped to see Jackson Glacier but the cloud cover made it difficult to see. It was a nice ride out to St. Mary at the eastern entrance to the park. I ride down to East Glacier where I got fuel and followed Highway 2 back to the west entrance to the Park.

At this point, I look up and noticed the clouds have lifted and it was a nice day. I really wanted a picture of Jackson Glacier, so I went back into the Park. I took a few more pictures on my second trip up the road.

I road passed the summit and straight to Jackson Glacier. I was glad to be on a motorscooter, because by the afternoon, the Park was crowded. There was no room for a car at the glacier, but I made room on by bike and got my picture. It was a great day. The next day, I left Kalispell and 6:30am(MST) for my trip back to Cheney. I took Highway 93 south and watched the sunrise over Flathead Lake. Turning left onto State Routes 28, 200, and 135 I made my way into St. Regis.

I had breakfast at Jaspers. I stopped at the Old Mission on my way through northern Idaho. A great rest stop and very interesting. I arrived at home on August 16, at noon(pst). I drive a total of 823 miles, used 15.16 gallons of gas, and averaged 54.3 mpg.

Healthcare Insurance

Insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent, uncertain loss. Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for payment. My college finance professor defined insurance as "taking on unknown future cash flow and converting it in to known present cash flows."
When an employer offers their employee "vision insurance" it isn't "insurance" because there is no risk that is being hedged. The employer is giving a known amount of money to an insurance company and the insurance company then pays out that money as planned. The employer has decided to pay for a bi-annual doctor visit, and kick in some money toward the purchase of glasses; all planned in advance.

Healthcare is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans; to maintain the body operating as designed. Getting a haircut would not be healthcare. I might mentally feel better after a haircut, but it is not restoring the body to designed operation. In fact a case could be made that a haircut goes against designed operation. By design, hair grows; cutting it is anti-growth.

Today, in the political sphere, we are debating the governments requirement that birth control be provided by all employers to all their employees. There seems to be two different groups against this requirement; one religious and one political.

The political group sees this as the government forcing employers to buy birth control for their employees. It is not insurance because there is no risk; the cost is known and regular. Birth control is not healthcare because it does not maintain the body operating as designed. In fact, it causes the body to not operate as designed while increasing the risk of injury and disease. Birth control is anti-healthcare. Women should purchase their own birth control just like they have to purchase their movie tickets, bicycles, or video games. Birth control is not a requirement of life, so it would not be in the same category as food, shelter, and clothing. This is gender politics in action.

Birth control was condemned by Christian culture until the 1930's because it artificially interfered with the procreative possibility of the marital act. The Catholic Church, and some other Christian individuals, still holds that belief. The religious group sees the government requirement as a violation of the first amendment. Catholic employers are being forced to pay for something they find morally repugnant; contrary to their conscience.

Tolerance

A chair is a thing with a flat raised surface held up by four legs with structure protruding up from one or more edges. Some would be satisfied with this description while others would think it incomplete or no explanation at all.

A chair is something humans sit on. Some would be satisfied with this description while others would think it incomplete or no explanation at all.

There are two ways of describing and comprehending a thing. Some would comprehend it from a description of what it is. While others would require to know the purpose before they felt like they understood it. The full explanation would be to describe it and give its purpose.

I have a yellow chair in my dining room that spends most of it time as a hat rack. I throw all my hats on it and I grab one before I run outside. The chair has also been called to serve as a punch bowl holder, and a foot stool.

The chair was created for the purpose of a human to sit on, but I have tolerated it being used a few different ways. Because my yellow chair spends most of its time as a hat rack, I've grown to think of it as a hat rack. My yellow hat rack. My wife would never accept it as a hat rack, but she does tolerate it as one.

If the state were to pass a law declaring a flat raised surface held up by four legs with structure protruding up from one or more edges as a hat rack, would it really turn my chair into a hat rack?

Moving to Ft. Collins

Cindy and I helped our daughter move to Ft. Collins. Her husband Stacey had a new job there. We had loaded my motorscooter into the moving van, so we could ride it back to Cheney. Stephanie had Chloe and Athena in her car while Cindy and I had Shannon with us in the moving van. We left Cheney at 0700 on August 12 with a goal of 10 hours to Billings MT. Stephanie left about an hour before us to pick us Alexis, her friend and babysitter. By 0900 we were in Kellogg, ID fueling the moving van. At about noon we got a call from Stephanie that she had a flat tire. We found her on the side of the road 35 miles west of Missoula, MT. I put on the spare and we slowly made our was to Missoula to get new tires. We had lunch there while the very nice people at TireRama replaced her tires. At 1700, we arrived in Butte for more fuel and Starbucks Coffee. We met up with Stephanie at a rest area near Bozeman for a picnic supper. At 2130, we arrived in Billings, MT only 3.5 hours behind schedule.

We left Billings, MT at 0730 with a plan to be in Custer, SD for supper. We got fuel and made our way to Little Bighorn Battlefield.

We had a nice time there and left at 1030 for Mount Rushmore. We arrived at Mt. Rushmore at about 1600. Stephanie had been there for 30 minutes waiting for us. We took some picture at made our way to Custer for supper.

We had a great dinner at Cattleman's. Alexis watched the kids while Cindy, Stephanie and I went to the Bugglin Moose for drinks. We were on the roof and had a great time. It was the last day of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, so there were lots of motorcycles around to watch as we talked.

We left Custer at 0700 with a plan to be in Ft. Collins at 1600.

Just south of Custer we saw buffalo on the side of the road. We take some pictures and met Stephanie at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD
After getting fuel in Orin, WY and Starbucks in Cheyenne we arrived in Ft. Collins just slightly behind schedule. We unloaded the moving van and collapsed in our beds.

Motorcycle Trip Ft. Collins

We said goodbye to Stephanie and the kids and started our trip back to Cheney from Ft. Collins at 0735(MST) on August 17th, 2011. At 0810 we crossed into Wyoming. We stopped to get gas in Laramie at 0840. By 0920 we were in Rawlins, WY. We bought gas and sandwiches which we planned to eat latter.

We stopped at a rest area called Split Rock at 1200 to eat our sandwiches. At 1335, we were in Landers, Wyoming for more gas. We arrived in Dubois, Wyoming at 1520 to stay the night at the Stagecoach Inn. We had a nice dinner by the river at the Sundance Cafe.

The next morning at 0700, we bought gas and breakfast at the Exxon station in Dubois.
We left Dubois, Wyoming at 0730 for the national parks.
We crossed the 9658 ft Togwotee Pass at 0810 into Jackson Hole.

Took pictures of Jackson Hole at 0825

Arrived in Grand Teton National Park at 0850
Bought gas at Flagg Ranch Village at 0940
Entered Yellowstone Park south entrance at 1000
Bike odometer rolled over 10000 miles while driving past Lewis Lake

Arrived at Old Faithful Geyser at 1110
Geyser erupted at 1220
Left At Old Faithful at 1235
Bought gas, bananas, rolls in West Yellowstone at 1320
Ate lunch (bananas & rolls) in Ennis, MT at 1515
Bought Gas in Whitehall, MT at 1600

Arrived at Comfort Inn in Butte, MT at 1730

Left Butte at 0705 in August 19th.
Bought gas in Missoula, MT (Bonner) at 0915
Had Starbucks in Missoula at 0930
Arrived in Idaho at 1050(EST)
Bought gas in Kellogg, ID at 1120
Ate at Olive Garden 1215 til 1400
Arrived at Home at 15:20

Used 21.182 gallons of gas over 1038 miles. Average cost of gas was $3.753. average MPG was 49.0.