First of all, I fully support mutual respect.

Growing up in the Christian church, I understand the importance, devotion, and lifestyle of the Christian faith. I also know there is a wide verity of Christians, and more than one interpretation of what it means to be one. Some Christians adhere to strict interpretations of the Bible, while others adhere to lose interpretations of the Bible.

As to arguments on both sides, "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire

In other words, atheists, Christians, all of humanity; we have the freedom to speak our opinions- it is our right to believe, speak, and support our beliefs.

However, freedom and democracy do not exist when one group is privileged above another. Regardless of beliefs (separation of church and state), the law is to be blind, without favor, or bias. It is to provide equal opportunity to all.

That being said, exercising freedom of speech and religion is perfectly fine! However, when people advocate and pursue LEGAL consequences (In other words, state-issued marriage licenses to ONLY heterosexual couples, and the sort), the term "expressing my opinion" becomes "using my opinion to oppress others."

What's the difference?

1. I like and support traditional marriage (opinion)

2. I like and support traditional marriage, and therefore wish to preserve my opinion of marriage by restricting it from homosexual couples (oppression)

But wait, can't you STILL retain your own personal beliefs of what marriage is, regardless of what the law allows? YES! The only catch is, homosexual couples will have the same, equal, legal protection a marriage license provides that heterosexual couples have.

This is the struggle of my future. Do you know what a marriage license provides? Do you know, without it, I can't visit my beloved on his hospital bed because I'm "not related." Did you know if I decide to adopt kids (and be the best darn uplifting father), my partner can't co-adopt, meaning, if I pass away, our kids go into foster care, and we're powerless legally to retain our families. This is just but a few of the complications living without a marriage license.

I don't care if you hate me, or my lifestyle, agree or disagree. What I do care about, is finding "the one," settling down, and yes, getting a marriage licence to protect our lives together and family.

UTSA Confessions: Most of what I see: *take a bad experience you had, use a stereotype, marginalize the whole population using the bad apple, assume your experience validates supporting a steriotype, rinse, wash, repeat.*

I get so stressed out about work load, due dates, and "measuring up" sometimes I just want to go to my car and cry into my cup of coffee.

Thank you to the "Quarter Fairy" who left quarters next to the lockers at the Rec Center for other people to stuble upon and use! You're a life-saver!

Somedays.. I just want to take a nap. Where are the best/most comfortable places to catch some Z's?

I'm that shy white boy nobody knew could dance like that

I honestly wish I had more friends than just the constant dogs trying to get in my pants.