Pi equals three

There is an urban myth that at one time in our nation's history Congress legislated that the value of "pi" (3.14159265...) be changed to 3 to simplify computations involving trade goods. The Huffington Post cribbed the idea in a spoof last month. Of course, what makes these "funny" is that we understand that the government can't change nature, and so the true value of pi will always remain what it is and all that would be hurt by such legislation is the US economy.

Such is the case with the legislation that Governor Cuomo signed into law yesterday. I know this has been posted in much more frequented blogs than mine, like The Curt Jester and Cleansing Fire, but it needs to be shouted form the rooftops, so here's my shout. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio's statement regarding the passage of same-sex "marriage" legislation reads as follows (emphasis mine).

Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature have deconstructed the single most important institution in human history. Republicans and Democrats alike succumbed to powerful political elites and have passed legislation that will undermine our families and as a consequence, our society.

With this vote, Governor Cuomo has opened a new front in the culture wars that are tearing at the fabric of our nation. At a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling to stay in their homes and find jobs, we should be working together to solve these problems. However, the politicians have curried favor with wealthy donors who are proponents of a divisive agenda in order to advance their own careers and futures.

What is needed in our state is leadership and not political gamesmanship.

In light of these disturbing developments and in protest for this decision, I have asked all Catholic schools to refuse any distinction or honors bestowed upon them this year by the governor or any member of the legislature who voted to support this legislation. Furthermore, I have asked all pastors and principals to not invite any state legislator to speak or be present at any parish or school celebration.

The above request is intended as a protest of the corrupt political process in New York State. More than half of all New Yorkers oppose this legislation. Yet, the governor and the state legislature have demonized people of faith, whether they be Muslims, Jews, or Christians, and identified them as bigots and prejudiced, and voted in favor of same-sex “marriage.” It is mystifying that this bill would be passed on the last day of an extended session under the cover of darkness.

This issue has been framed as upholding marriage equality. This is not the case since one of the principal purposes of marriage is to bring new life into the world. This cannot happen in same-sex marriage. It is not a civil rights issue, but rather a human rights issue upholding the age-old understanding of marriage. Our political leaders do not believe their own rhetoric. If they did, how in good conscience could they carve out any exemption for institutions that would be proponents of bigotry and prejudice?

Republicans and Democrats equally share responsibility for this ruinous legislation and we as Catholics should hold all accountable for their actions.

Although I might add I don't find it "mystifying that this bill would be passed on the last day of an extended session under the cover of darkness" - I expect that. We've seen it from our pre-2010 Congress and current president often enough.

May God have mercy on us.

Posted in: America,natural law,sex