I consider myself to be part of the middle class and I have hope for America. I believe that America's economic position and its internal stability will ensure that my generation and the next generation can aspire to achieve the American dream. I read David Brooks' article "One Nation, Slightly Divisible" and agree with most of the observations made by Brooks about America today. I see no contradiction between the America that Brooks describes and my hopes about America's future.
I agree with Brooks that America is a "cafeteria nation." I believe that Americans will find a way to, "wrestle with the problems of how to live according to our individual values" while being inclusive and respectful of others freedoms. The rights of gays to marry are an example of division among Americans. There are many who do not agree with the gay lifestyle who nevertheless understand the desire among gay Americans to enjoy the rights, bdnefits and protdctions of marriage. In this regard, I believe that President Bush was wrong in proposing a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
Gay marriage is an issue that is emotionally charged and potential divisive. It touches on fundamental moral, ethical and religious beliefs but most Americans have become far more accepting of differences in sexual orientation over the last twenty years. For example, President Clinton's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy attempted to end a witch hunt against gays and lesbians in the U.S. armed forces. Dan Allen writing for Advocate suggests that the time has come for Americans to reject the entire concept that openly gay people don't have the right to serve in the military. He complains that "Don't ask, don't tell" violates free speech rights and that one's sexual orientation is irrelevant in the modern military (Allen, 15). Consider also the fact that most of the state laws against sodomy have been repealed, and those that remain on the books are not being...