Rosie's Family Cruise

I think sometimes I get a bad rap from some of my Liberal friends because we always end up spending time arguing about issues we disagree on. Well, every so often I'll freak out one of my Liberal friends by agreeing with them on an issue traditionally "owned" by the left. One of these is gay marriage. Honestly, it has nothing to do with any liberal leanings of my own, but more due to my Libertarian streak. What's funny is that this issue is so decisive in some circles that people who call themselves Libertarian (advocates of freedom) come out against it. I'm thinking specifically of Jay Severin, on of my favortie radio talk show hosts. To be honest, Jay strikes me as a bit homophobic (I could be wrong); however, to his credit, his arguments against gay marrige are based on logic, and the premise that gay people should not be granted rights the rest of us don't enjoy. For the record, I think he should get over it.

The thing that popped this issue into my mind was actually Rosie O'Donnell's appearance tonight on Hardball. Usually, I can't stand Rosie O'Donnell. She typically typifies (at least for me) the screeching, wild-eyed liberals that seem to be so angry that they're totally unwilling to "come to the table" to discuss anything in a reasonable manner. But despite my own knee-jerk feelings about Rosie, the focus of Chris Mattews interview was something that I think is really noble use of her personal resources.

Rosie is the subject of a new HBO documentary entitled "All Aboard," which depicts a new venture she has started called "Rosie's Family Cruise." It wasn't clear whether this is a for profit or a service venture, but either way it's a good cause. Rosie's family Cruise is a cruise ship vacation that provides a friendly environement for gay familys with children. The idea is based on the reality noticed by many gay couples -- it can be really tough to be the child of gay parents. The family cruise is a vacation that gay families can take their children on and be around other families "like their own." I think this is a great idea, and an opportunity for a great positive experience for children who may not feel like the rest of the kids at school.

As for gay marriage, my message for all conservatives is that they should "get over it." The "high ground" on this one is grounded in liberty. This is the land of the free, meaning as long as you're not infringing on other people's rights, we'll take embrace you into our culture. Of course, the flip side of this is gay people respecting the right of others to disagree based on their religion. You don't need to disagree, but those fringe players looking to "stick it" to the religeous types by dancing in chaps in the St. Paddy's day parade....well, you're not helping anyone's cause.