Comments on: Maine inkeeps say gay marriage could save industry

By: kujie

kujie — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:51:51 +0000

Hey, why not bring it up as a finicial issue. That is THE focus on this year, and this new presidency. It’s the major issue on everyone’s mind. Yes, marriage should be allowed because it is fair and equal, but why not bring in other facts and factors to help pump up the results. Plus Maine needs it. I used to live in Bangor and the moved to California, and noticed a huge difference in the economy. If Maine can get anything to boost their economy, they NEED to look into it. ANd it’s never just about equality. DUH people! We want marriage, no civil unions, because of the LEGAL ramifications and advances it has. If it was just about equality, then there wouldn’t be as much fire behind the campaign. You have to reach ALL audiences.

By: Daniel S

Daniel S — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:02:55 +0000

I recall reading somewhere that Canadian tourist groups were similarly enthused when their country legalized same-sex marriage. I remember one woman interviewed saying something like: “This could totally make up for SARS!”.

By: OttO

OttO — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 04:23:41 +0000

TJNV – Everyone has the same rights now.

J.M.E. – I like the cynicism – various people simultaneously complaining that it takes financial interest to spur this movement while saying, ‘great! We’ll use it!’ And for what? Well, apparently to support the lie that gay relationships are the same as straight relationships.

At least it’s the legislative body making the decision and not the courts imposing it. This should be far more important than the idea that it’s being done so hotel managers can turn a profit. But it’s never been about why or how it’s done, just so long as it’s done.

Apparently Maine can’t entice anyone to come to the state because everyone’s too poor from this ‘crisis’ but the only people not suffering financially are homosexuals (not that I even buy this unsupported premise in the first place).

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 21:45:40 +0000

Look out homophobes of Maine!
Make way for the homos!

By: drewski

drewski — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:41:23 +0000

Maine’s not “redneck” in the same sense as, say, Alabama. Granted, every place has at least some segment who you know must have a family tree like a telephone pole, but Mainers just don’t have that compulsion to get up in other peoples’ business. The very fact that the hopsitality industry is being this direct in support of marriage shows me that these are people who see it’s the right time to change. Sure, it’s in their financial interests, but there’s no way that one or two bad years would yield a similar result in most of the South.

Hawai’i…well, it’s not just the Catholics, but there’s that huge Mormon contingent too. A lot of Hawai’i's old money, power money, is Mormon. I still can’t quite imagine a tropical paradise where people insist on being bigots, but that’s their cross to bear and not mine. Hawai’i's mentality is still colonial in the sense that the conservative forces have also preserved the state’s reliance on factory farms and tourism, which helps keep the old powers and the old ways intact. That thinking leaves Hawai’i caught in that rigid mentality, instead of giving itself the luxury of not meddling in a neighbor’s affairs–a mentality which was more common before the missionaries came.

By: Larry

Larry — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:29:48 +0000

My husband and I have gone to Massachusettes twice a yr. (granted it’s only 8 hrs from Pa.)since they started allowing gay marriage there. we finally married last Sept and went there last month and are planning another trip in June and again in sept for family week at P-town would we consider Maine as a stop on our vacation? depends on how this bill goes and whether or not equality comes to Maine.We are firm believers in supporting those that support us across the board if we aren’t good enough for them then our money is better spent elsewhere.These states need to stop and realize that they arent just courting a gay or lesbian couple anymore but they need to make room for our extended families or we will just simply go somewhere that does

By: Fred

Fred — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:52:59 +0000

How sad that Maine merchants favor same sex marriage because of the money it will bring to the state, rather than because it is the right thing to do. Americans need to grow up and learn to be guided by good values, rather than by money.

By: J.M.E.

J.M.E. — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:38:45 +0000

As J.C. said, “only in America!” Money trumps fairness and equality. As I recall my history, much of equality standards came down to money or power. Oh well, whatever it takes I will take it. Once we have it, then we all can demonstrate more freely that we are no different then anyone else.

By: shawn

shawn — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:35:23 +0000

marriage Equality in half assed redneck Maine? LMAO! I’ll believe THAT when i see it! Ayuhhhhh! LMFAO!

By: everett

everett — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:06:38 +0000

Personally, I find it a little sickening when I hear the argument that all people should support gay civil rights (esp. marriage equality) because of the economic benefits for the states and private industries involved.

Now, I know that for some people (in my experience, it seems straight, white, middle-aged males LOVE to THINK like this) its the only way to get them on board for same-sex marriage, but I’d like to think that most people that do (and eventually, will) support same-sex marriage do so because it is the fair, just, humane position to take on the matter.