After reading the comments generated by my posting yesterday I wanted to follow up and explain a few things.

1-The statement about the Federal Governments “first foray” into marriage. A reader had a good point-the Federal Government’s involvement in marriage did extend into the tax code prior to DOMA-which I had forgotten-but really, who wouldn’t like to forget the tax code?!

2-There were many whose opinion differ from mine who seemed to take my opinion as an attack on their personal stance. A differing opinion is just that, a differing opinion. My post was meant to explain my stance on the issue, which I know is shared by many in my age group. That is a fact, not an attack on any particular belief or belief system.

My opinion is shared by many in the GOP: Claire McCaskill, Dick and Lynn Cheney, John Huntsman, Meg Whitman and many others. Regardless of how you feel about them personally, or as Republicans, they are entitled to express their opinions on the matter. That is the upside, and the downside, of the First Amendment.

Part of living in a Constitutional Republic is being exposed to differing opinions. The strength of our society is shown when we are able to discuss those differing opinions in a respectful manner.

I respect our readers, and my colleagues, right to hold different opinions on marriage equality-I just ask that when that happens that we are able to discuss our differences in a manner that captures the spirit of our founding fathers. Respectfully.