Pull It’s not about who we love and chose to spend the rest of our lives with. It’s not about the gender of our partner. It’s not about the color of their skin. It’s about stimulating the economy.

It’s the Economy, Stupid

The one singular topic that has captivated the emotions and minds of the people is the enormous economic strain we all seem to be under. The headlines cover rising gasoline prices, health, home and car insurance, failing mortgage companies, the prospect of banks closing, even news that some of our favorite restaurants have closed due to economic hard times. The bills seem to be piling higher and the green just doesn’t stretch as much as it used to. As America stumbles through the beginning of the 21st Century, lawmakers continue to look for ways to distract us from the woes at hand.

In Massachusetts, the state legislature has opened the doorway to legally recognize the marriage between two consenting adults of the same sex. GLORY!!!! While Arizona gets bogged down with how to prevent the legal marriage of the GLBTQ residents of this great state, states like Massachusetts and California are looking for ways to boost their economy by welcoming same-sex couples to get married in their fine state.

What could be more picturesque then standing on a sandy beach near the ocean surrounded by family and friends, as you proclaim your special love for one another? Or perhaps a little grotto in the Redwood Forest. Maybe a small chapel in the Bay Area. For every wedding, there are thousands of beautiful scenarios that can be created for the happy same-sex couple seeking a public venue to express their love. It’s too bad that Arizona has chosen not to seize the economic opportunity that is being presented.

It’s not cheap to get married. Of course you could do the justice of the peace thing, or go to the courthouse. Those options run about $100 just for the license and paying the judge or marriage official. And even quick little weddings call for flowers and cake. So now we’re looking at least $200. But of course in the GLBTQ community, no great public event can be created for $200. That would fall below the standard of what we do, and how we are expected to do it.

The largest ceremony for the GLBTQ community that I have performed ran about $30,000. That included the caterer, flowers, the string quartet, the reception hall, the free bar, the rehearsal dinner and of course, my meager fee. (The smallest ceremony I’ve done was for a homeless heterosexual couple in the parking lot at Fry’s. It wasn’t free but their total cost was just under $100.)

Let’s not forget the presents that come with the guests who are attending the ceremony. And the travel expenses. Is it any wonder that California and Massachusetts expect to see a significant increase in tourism and a financial boom at the clerk’s office as more same-sex couples apply for and purchase their marriage licenses?

Arizona is missing out on the newest way to balance the budget. People flock to Arizona for its great weather and picturesque views. Wouldn’t it be great to marry your love in the red rock mountains of Sedona, or on the snowy slopes in Flagstaff? What could be more beautiful then sharing your “I Do’s” at the Japanese Garden or at the fountain in the Arizona Center?

These lawmakers and their Stinking High Thinking are causing us to miss out on something that the rest of the country is coming to realize. The GLBTQ has disposable income and we are looking for ways to spend our money. If we want to spend it getting married, then let us. Why do these legislators continue to stand in the way?

They must be moved. They must be stopped. Their minds must be liberated so that they can see the big picture. It’s not about who we love and chose to spend the rest of our lives with. It’s not about the gender of our partner. It’s not about the color of their skin. It’s about stimulating the economy.

If left to their own devices, the legislators of Arizona will continue to drive us down the road to hell and economic ruin. The time has come for the citizens of this state to rise up and tell them exactly what we think. Take politics out of our bedrooms and deal with the real issues at hand. Give us ways to stimulate the economy and be equal partakers in the liberties guaranteed us by the Constitution.

Perhaps the best way to stimulate the economy in Arizona is to motivate more right-thinking people to run for office and move these stinking-high-thinking dead-heads out of office. They’ve become preoccupied and stuck in the morose of the political process. They’re so stuck on what can’t be done they have no prospect for what should be done. It’s time for a change Arizona, and that change begins with us.

What does it take? Stimulated voting.

Rev. Charlotte is an Associate Pastor with Casa de Cristo Church. She can be reached at revski08@cox.net.

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