Democratic legislators ask state Supreme Court to void Prop. 8

Why do we allow ourselves to be surprised by stuff like this?

In their brief, lawmakers described the 500,000-vote margin as a “bare majority,” and said it was “compromising the enduring constitutional promise of equal protection under the law.”

“Proposition 8 seeks to effect a monumental revision of this foundational principle and constitutional structure by allowing a bare majority of voters to eliminate a fundamental right of a constitutionally protected minority group,” the brief says.

So let me get this straight. Previously, the California Constitution explicitly stated that marriage was defined as being between any two consenting adults regardless of sex, is that correct? And the Prop 8 removed that wording and replaced it with the horrible discriminatory “one man and one woman” wording. Right?

How can people throw around such strong phrases when they have absolutely zero bearing on the topic at hand? It’s just astounding to see such cynicism and blindness.

I am currently reading a book entitled The Great Game by Peter Hopkirk. It is a fascinating read that describes, as its subtitle suggests, the struggle for empire in Central Asia. Through the use of story, biography and anecdote culled from the original manuscripts of those who lived it, Hopkirk outlines the centuries-long battle to lay claim to the vast region of difficult terrain between the great powers of the 17th to 20th centuries: Russia, British India, Persia, China and Mongolia. This should be required reading for anyone wishing to comment on the US involvement in Afghanistan or Central Asian/Mid-East policy in general. It also puts Russia’s recent invasion of Georgia in the proper context.

While I am only halfway through it, I can honestly say that I will never look at the “Stan” countries on the map quite the same. Who knew that Uzbekistan, et al had such a scintillating history? Why don’t they teach these things in school anymore?

- Norm

Dear Mr. McCain,

Despite your terrible terrible campaign and your less-than-conservative record, I voted for you as the lesser of two evils, much to the chagrin of Ron Paul, for whom I voted in the primaries.

Unfortunately I live in California so it makes no difference.