Really, What is the Big Deal?

On the way to work I listen to NPR. On Wednesday morning I listened to the aftermath of Tuesday’s election and ranted all the way to work when I learned that the voters in Maine repealed their law that allowed gay couples in that state to get married.

“What is the big deal?” I asked the inside of my windshield. Can anyone out there on the Internet answer this question? I am having trouble understanding why this is such a heated issue. Am I missing something?

The last time I checked, we live in America. America, also known as the land of the free and the home of the brave—you know, that part at the very end of our national anthem? Why, in the year 2009, is this such a big deal?

What’s the worst that would happen if gay couples were allowed to marry in every state of this nation? Is gay marriage a threat to national security? Will gay marriage change my marriage, or my life? Will it cause the sun to rise in the west if legalized? Will it rain dog shit if gay people can marry? Will chickens lay hard boiled eggs?

The way I see it, only good could come out of gay marriage. More people would be allowed to share every bit of their lives with their best friend. More people could build a family without judgment from anyone else—in a time when families in our nation are falling apart.

Again I ask, will someone please tell me what the big deal is?

Give me one good reason.

I dare you.