Connecticut Pride

I live in Connecticut. My state has been the punchline of many jokes, including one that a New York friend of mine recited recently; "As soon as I cross the border from New York into Connecticut, my loafers grow tassels."

Yes, Connecticut is reputed to be Waspy, conservative and staid. Since Jan. 07, we've also had a Republican Governor, Jodi Rell, who by all accounts, has been a hard-working and effective leader. She attracted business and industry here. She's an advocate for health and education initiatives. And, if McCain had chosen her rather than Palin as VP - there's a good chance I might have pulled that Republican lever.

But McCain never would have considered this intelligent, forward-thinking, hard working woman as his running mate. Why? My tassel-loafered, conservative state is only one of two in the nation that permits Gay Marriage!

Whatever your stance on gay marriage (mine is pretty liberal, considering my first two college roommates "came out" shortly after rooming with me....hmmm, wonder why I had that effect on people?.... and one is still a good friend and has one of the most loving, caring families with two daughters and a "spouse" of 20 something years), you have to admit that it is not the downfall of society. The fact that one of the most productive, well-adjusted, no-drama states in the country is a gay marriage zone says something about the institution and its effect on society. It's pretty nil.

So next time religious fundamentalists want to cite G-d's retribution, take a look at the stats. No fires, tsunamis, earthquakes or hurricanes (lately) of biblical proportions in Connecticut. Just residents of a quiet state going about their business, helping their neighbors, taking initiatives and marrying the loves of their lives, no matter what gender they happen to be.