Barack Obama is getting straight down to work, even though there's another couple of months to go before he is sworn in. Today he has started appointing officers, and of course there are a few pressing issues to be thinking about: how to shore up the failing economy, how to deal with America's ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, what to do about healthcare... And the biggest question of all, judging by the media interest here today: what sort of puppy to get for the kids. If you can be bothered, this is quite representative of the discussion.
An issue that rather slipped under the radar during all the post-election excitement was that of the votes against gay marriage in three states, most notably in California where same-sex marriage has been legal since May. I feel very sad that just as America is taking a giant step away from age-old prejudices by electing an African-American President, it is taking two steps in the other direction when it comes to recognising the rights of gay people.
Why on earth does anyone think that two gay people getting married is going to damage 'family values' or the institution of marriage? If it brings any couple happiness to get married and make that public commitment to one another because they love each other, then doesn't that simply add to the greater happiness of the world? How is that a bad thing?
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