Reply #47: School me a bit.

[jeepnstein]

Obviously, I don't know all the ins and outs of civil unions versus "marriage". I'm not trying to be a jerk although some times I can certainly sound like one. I'd really like to hear a bit about how you perceive the difference between the two. It's hard for anyone to have a civil conversation if one side doesn't know enough about what is being discussed.

I really think you and I are in agreement about the need for everyone to have equal protections under the law. What I'm driving at is a way to guarantee those rights while avoiding the politically charged term "marriage". Political realities being what they are I just don't see how we can use the term "marriage" and not cause a backlash. I'm at a loss to figure out how to get that done while generally pleasing everyone. The political landscape surrounding the issue is so charged it's really hard to discuss it rationally in some circles.