Cheney Daughter Remark

[ATFFL]

If the person brings up family first in the middle of a discussion, then it is ok for the other person to comment on the family.  Cheney was not on stage with Kerry, so therefore it was not ok for Kerry to mention his family.

It is just that simple.

Well, my personal feeling is that it's ok as long as any statements made are completely factual and are not negative criticisms in any way, as these were.

Really?  Does Mary Cheney think that?

Kerry gave an answer that was his opinion.  That may truly be his opinion, but it cannot be considered a factual statement.

Who I want to hear from is Mary Cheney.  She is a very private person though, so I am not sure she will say anything one way or another.

[ATFFL]

I have no doubt that many people, both hetero- and homosexual, feel that it is an environmental trait, a learned trait. 

Really? Can you find one homosexual that isn't involved in Right Wing politics or theology that says homosexuality is learned?

Question: If it is genetic why do identical twins not always have the same sexual orientation?

[ATFFL]

Question: If it is genetic why do identical twins not always have the same sexual orientation?

OK. Say sexual orientation is like being right-handed and left-handed. Does a person choose to be right-handed or left-handed?

No one is sure of the cause of left handedness.  Current theory is that it is a mix of factors, including genetics.  This is because there is only a 26% chance that parents who are both lefties will have a lefty child.

THis proves that handedness is not 100% genetics.

Now that I have dealt with your diversion, I ask my question again.  If homosexuality is caused by genetics, just being who you were born to be, why do identical twins not always have the same sexual orientation?

I'll answer it since you decided to dodge it.  The answer is that homosexuality cannot be cause 100% by genetics then. 

[ATFFL]

The question was whether it was a "choice" or not.  Even if it's not genetic, I don't think anyone really thinks it's a "choice".  Kerry's response was accurate, well stated and perfectly legitimate.

Bush's response was ignorant, politically motivated and mostly off point.

Here's what I wonder:  how did Mary Cheney come to become gay if she was raised by the Cheneys and if it's somehow a "choice"?

How do the children of evangelical christians become pagans?  That is something that is clearly a choice.

It is not appropriate to bring the children of candidates in to the campaign, even if they are on the trail.  You are supposed to leave family out of it.  Even Dukakis did not bring up some of W's stupid comments back in '88 and W gave him some good lines he could have used.

[ATFFL]

Both of you should stop for the night, calm down, come back in the morning and reread everything the other person posted today.  Both of you have done a damn fine job of making fools of yourself.

Stop.

Rest.

Come at it fresh on the morrow.