Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Dan Malloy

2013-04-20T01:53:47Z

MukeshS: Created page with "'''Dannel Patrick "Dan" Malloy''' (b. July 21, 1955), a Democrat, is the governor of Connecticut. He was elected to that post on November 3, 2010, and assumed office ..."

'''Dannel Patrick "Dan" Malloy''' (b. July 21, 1955), a [[Democrat]], is the [[governor]] of [[Connecticut]]. He was elected to that post on November 3, 2010, and assumed office on January 5, 2011. He previously served as [[mayor]] of [[Stamford]], Connecticut (1995-2009).

John Hickenlooper

2013-04-20T01:47:01Z

MukeshS:

'''John Wright Hickenlooper''' (born February 7, 1952 in Narberth, Pennsylvania), a [[Democrat]], is the [[governor]] of [[Colorado]]. He was elected to that post on November 2, 2010. Previously he served as Mayor of [[Denver]] (2003-2011).

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hickenlooper, John}}
[[Category:Democratic Governors]]
[[Category:Colorado Governors]]

John Hickenlooper

2013-04-20T01:46:44Z

MukeshS: update

'''John Wright Hickenlooper''' (born February 7, 1952 in Narberth, Pennsylvania), [[Democrat]], is the [[governor]] of [[Colorado]]. He was elected to that post on November 2, 2010. Previously he served as Mayor of [[Denver]] (2003-2011).

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hickenlooper, John}}
[[Category:Democratic Governors]]
[[Category:Colorado Governors]]

Elton John

2013-04-19T22:40:07Z

MukeshS: better?

[[Image:Sir Elton John.jpg|right|200px]]
Sir '''Elton Hercules John''' [[Commander of the Order of the British Empire|CBE]] (born Reginald Dwight in [[London]], 1947) is an English singer/pianist who achieved prominence in the early 1970s. He was made a CBE in 1996 and a [[Knight Bachelor]] in 1998. In 2005 he married his long-term partner [[David Furnish]] in a Civil Partnership Ceremony.

==Musical Style and Voice==
In his early years, his classical-influenced piano melodies, combined with lyrics by [[Bernie Taupin]] and a set of orchestral arrangements by [[Paul Buckmaster]], and his rich tenor voice set him apart from the other singer-songwriters of the time. For many years, John would switch from his normal tenor to a falsetto in most of his songs. In most cases, soft rock is his main genre, but he often sings songs in the genre of country rock, hard rock, and emotional, moving ballads.

In 1986, John received surgery to remove polyps from his vocal cords, which was brought upon by heavy marijuana abuse, which started while he was living in Australia with then-wife Renate Blauel. <ref>http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/elton.%20.cannabis%20behind%20throat%20op.</ref> After the surgery, he discovered that he could not sing falsetto anymore, and he now has a lower vocal register.

==Offensive Views on Religion==
*In 2006, John stated that he would support "ban[ning] organized religion completely". [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6140710.stm]
*In 2010, "I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems." <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2010/02/18/elton-john-says-jesus-christ-was-gay#ixzz0gIcYaenN Elton John Says Jesus Christ Was Gay, February 18, 2010]</ref>

==Civil partnership and adoption==
Elton John is an outspoken [[liberal]] and [[homosexual]] activist. In 2005 he entered into a civil partnership with his partner David Furnish in a ceremony in Windsor, [[United Kingdom]].

Worrying news followed in December 2011 when the singer and Furnish welcomed into their family a son born to a surrogate mother. Another son followed in early 2013. The high profile status of the couple means that the child will be under intense media scrutiny and will likely serve to raise awareness of the inevitable damage done being raised in a single-sex household.

==Rush Limbaugh's wedding==
In June 2010, John was criticized by homosexual rights activists for performing at the wedding of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. John reportedly received $1 million for his participation.[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/06/rush-limbaugh-gets-married-and-elton-john-is-the-wedding-singer-poll.html]

==Discography==
*1969 - ''Empty Sky''
*1970 - ''Elton John''
*1971 - ''Tumbleweed Connection''
*1971 - ''Friends'' Soundtrack
*1971 - ''11-17-10'' (''17-11-70'' in [[Britain]])
*1972 - ''Madman Across the Water''
*1972 - ''Honky Chateau''
*1973 - ''Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player''
*1973 - ''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road''
*1974 - ''Caribou''
*1974 - ''Greatest Hits''
*1975 - ''Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy''
*1975 - ''Rock of the Westies''
*1975 - ''Here and There''
*1976 - ''Blue Moves''
*1977 - ''Greatest Hits Vol. 2''
*1978 - ''A Single Man''
*1979 - ''Victim of Love''
*1980 - ''21 at 33''
*1981 - ''The Fox''
*1982 - ''Jump Up!''
*1983 - ''Too Low For Zero''
*1984 - ''Breaking Hearts''
*1985 - ''Ice on Fire''
*1986 - ''Leather Jackets''
*1987 - ''Live in Australia With the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra''
*1988 - ''Reg Strikes Back''
*1989 - ''Sleeping With the Past''
*1990 - ''The Very Best of Elton John''
*1992 - ''The One''
*1993 - ''Rare Masters''
*1993 - ''Duets''
*1994 - ''The Lion King'' Soundtrack
*1995 - ''Made in England''
*1995 - ''Love Songs''
*1997 - ''The Big Picture''
*1999 - ''Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida''
*1999 - ''The Muse'' Soundtrack
*2000 - ''The Road to El Dorado'' Soundtrack
*2000 - ''One Night Only''
*2001 - ''Songs From the West Coast''
*2004 - ''Peachtree Road''
*2006 - ''The Captain and the Kid''
===Track listing of ''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road''===
''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'' is widely regarded as his best album. All songs written by Elton John and [[Bernie Taupin]].

*1. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (11.08)
*2. Candle in the Wind (3.50)
*3. Bennie and the Jets (5.23)
*4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (3.34)
*5. This Song Has no Title (2.23)
*6. Grey Seal (3.58)
*7. Jamaica Jerk-Off (3.39)
*8. I've Seen That Movie Too (5.59)
*9. Sweet Painted Lady (3.52)
*10. The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-34) (4.24)
*11. Dirty Little Girl (5.01)
*12. All the Girls Love Alice (5.08)
*13. Your Sister Can't Twist (But she Can Rock 'n Roll) (2.42)
*14. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting (4.54)
*15. [[Roy Rogers]] (4.08)
*16. Social Disease (3.44)
*17. Harmony (2.45)

==Elton John Band==
*Elton John - [[piano]]/keyboards, vocals
*Bernie Taupin - lyrics
*Davey Johnstone - electric guitars, acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos, backing vocals
*Bob Birch - bass guitar, backing vocals
*Nigel Olsson - drums, backing vocals
*John Mahon - percussion, backing vocals
*Guy Babylon - keyboards

===Past Members===
*Dee Murray - bass guitar, backing vocals
*Caleb Quaye - guitars, backing vocals
*Ray Cooper - percussion
*Roger Pope - drums
*Kenny Passarelli - bass, backing vocals
*James Newton-Howard - keyboards

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:John, Elton}}

[[Category: Male Singers]]
[[Category: Pianists]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Homosexuals]]

Scott Brown

2013-04-19T22:10:57Z

MukeshS: update

{{Officeholder
|name=Scott Brown
|image=ScottBrownofficialphoto.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Gail Huff
|religion=Protestant
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Massachusetts
|terms=February 4, 2010 - January 3, 2013
|preceded=[[Paul Kirk]]
|former=n
|succeeded=[[Elizabeth Warren]]
}}
}}

'''Scott Brown''' (b. September 12, 1959) is a former [[Republican]] [[United States Senator]] from [[Massachusetts]], winning a special election in the wake of Senator [[Edward Kennedy]]'s death.

In a major defeat for liberals nationwide, and Obama in particular, Brown won the U.S. Senate seat in 2010 by a 52%-47% margin.

Previously he represented the Massachusetts districts of Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex in the State Senate. He claims to be a conservative and stresses his record of fighting wasteful government spending and higher taxes. However, he has voted for a Democratic jobs bill and avoided connection with the [[TEA Party]] movement since his election, leading many to suspect he is a [[RINO]]. Brown believes in a culture of family, patriotism and freedom. <ref>[http://brownforussenate.com/senator-brown Scott Brown for U.S. Senate]</ref>

Brown was defeated by [[liberal]] Democrat [[Elizabeth Warren]] in the 2012 election.

==Career==
Brown is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps and has served the Massachusetts [[National Guard]] since 1979.
Brown is a graduate of Wakefield High School, [[Tufts University]] (1981), and [[Boston College]] Law School (1985). Brown is a nominal Protestant; he is married to Gail Brown and they have two children. In 1982, Brown posed for a "tame"<ref>http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/09/15/gop-senator-s-racy-pics-don-t-matter-because-he-s-a-dude.aspx</ref> nude photo in ''Cosmopolitan'' magazine.

==State Politics==

Brown's political life started as a Selectman for the Town of Wrentham. In 1998, he was elected a Representative to the Massachusetts House where he served until 2004. Brown won a special election for the State Senate in 2004. He was a committee member for Veterans' and Federal Affairs, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Education, Election Laws, Higher Education, Public Safety and Homeland Security. He caucused for Children, Elder, Veterans',and Mental Health. <ref>[http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=18919 Senator Scott P. Brown (MA)]</ref>

== Position on Abortion ==

Brown states on his campaign website that:
"While this decision should ultimately be made by the woman in consultation with her doctor, I believe we need to reduce the number of abortions in America. I believe government has the responsibility to regulate in this area and I support parental consent and notification requirements and I oppose partial birth abortion. I also believe there are people of good will on both sides of the issue and we ought to work together to support and promote adoption as an alternative to abortion."<ref>http://brownforussenate.com/issues</ref>

==U.S. Senate campaign==
Democrats had been favored to keep this Senate seat, and were in a state of shock when the Democratic candidate [[Martha Coakley]] lost her 30 point lead and fell behind Republican [[Scott Brown]] in the final week. Coakley, a party insider, proved to be an ineffective candidate who was unable to reach out to independents.

The race originally was expected to heavily favor Democrats, since there are a million more registered Democrats than Republicans. But independents are the largest bloc and they moved heavily to Brown.

Brown's main theme was that he would be the 41st senator and will block the Obama health care plan--which Massachusetts does not need, he explains, because it has its own plan now in operation. Coakley responded by attacking bankers and bringing in big guns like [[Bill Clinton]], [[John Kerry]] and [[Barack Obama]]. Their appearance only underscored her base among Democratic party regulars; the independents rejected the old time politics by voting for Brown by 2-1. Brown had the momentum going into the final days of the campaign, and led Coakley by an 8-10 point margin in the final polls.

The defeat for Coakley, which came on the heels of the Democrats' loss of [[Virginia]] and [[New Jersey]] gubernatorial elections in Nov. 2009, was a major blow to the liberal cause and reinvigorated the Republican party nationally. A victory by Scott Brown showed that every Democrat seat, including Democratic-friendly districts, will not be secure or immune from replacement by their constituents.

===Vote analysis===
In the end, Brown won chiefly because he won unaffiliated voters by a 73% to 25% margin. He picked up 23% of the vote from Democrats--in an election in which where 53% of the voters were Democrats, 21% were Republicans and 26% were not affiliated with either party. Coakley also barely carried a usually reliable Democratic constituency. Union workers went for her by just six points, 52% to 46%.<ref> see [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/massachusetts/brown_wins_stunning_victory_in_massachusetts "Brown Wins Stunning Victory in Massachusetts"]</ref>

Rasmussen polls show 56% of Massachusetts voters named health care as the most important issue. Coakley actually won among those voters by a 53% to 46% margin, as those Democrats who wants Obamacare to pass voted for her. One key to Brown’s victory is that 41% Strongly Opposed the health care plan while just 25% Strongly Favored it.

Other issues dominated the election.
* Among the 25% who named the economy as the top issue, Brown came out ahead, 52% to 47%.
* Among those who named national security as most important, Brown won 67% to 29%.
* For those who saw taxes as number one, it was Brown 87%, Coakley 13%.<ref>See [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/massachusetts/a_final_look_at_massachusetts_election_night_poll Rasmussen election nightpoll]</ref>

===Final poll results===
[[File:WinnerScottBrown.jpg|200px|right]]
see [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2010/senate/ma/massachusetts_senate_special_election-1144.html latest polls and crosstabs]
* Politico/InAdv (released 1-18): Brown 52, Coakley 43
* PJM/CrossTarget (released 1-18): Brown 52, Coakley 42
* Daily Kos/R2000 (released 1-18): Brown 48, Coakley 48
* PPP (released 1-18): Brown 51, Coakley 46
* InsideMedford/MRG (released 1-17): Brown 51, Coakley 41
* ARG Poll (released 1-16): Brown 48, Coakley 45
* Suffolk/7News (released 1-15): Brown 50, Coakley 46
* Blue Mass Group/R2000 (released 1-14): Brown 41 Coakley 49

===Endorsements===
* State Police Association of Massachusetts <ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/coakley_brown_j.html Coakley, Brown joust in heated debate, Boston.com, January 11, 2010]</ref>
* The Boston Herald
* Curt Schilling
* [[Mitt Romney]]
* Citizens for Limited Taxation
* Doug Flutie
* Worcester Telegram (owned by NYTimes)
* U.S. Chamber of Commerce
==Present positions supported==
Senator Scott Brown has come out in support for a petition, presently garnishing petitioners, for the reopening of the investigation into the 1983 Soviet shoot down of [[Korean Airlines Flight 007]] and reports of survivors including Democratic Congressman from Georgia [[Larry McDonald]] see [http://www.change.org/petitions/president-barack-obama-speaker-of-the-house-john-boehner-conduct-an-investigation-of-flight-kal-007?utm_campaign=share_button_modal-share_image_experiment-E&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition]

==See also==
* [[2010 Midterm Elections]]

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
* [http://brownforussenate.com Scott Brown for U.S. Senate]
* [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-Brown/178795233167?ref=ts&v=wall Scott Brown on Facebook]
* [http://twitter.com/ScottBrownMA Scott Brown on Twitter]
* [http://www.youtube.com/user/scottbrownma Scott Brown on YouTube]

[[Category:Republicans]]
[[Category:RINOs]]
[[Category:Political Figures]]
[[Category:Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Former United States Senators]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]
[[Category:Rino backers]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Brown, Scott}}

Talk:Stephen Hawking

2013-04-19T21:54:34Z

MukeshS: /* “Ridiculous" */ new section

==Divorce==

How would divorce influence his "promotion of his pseudoscience fantasies"? There's no causality, and unless the claim can be cited beyond simply stating that, "It's unknown," it doesn't belong on an educational website. [[User:JaneX|JaneX]] 16:51, 8 October 2010 (EDT)
:Good point... added references and removed the "it is unknown" bit. [[User:AndrewWi|AndrewWi]] 19:56, 1 November 2010 (EDT)
::I still don't think it's relevant because atheists and those who promote pseudoscience aren't the only ones who get divorced. How can we explain why John McCain has been divorced once, Newt Gingrich twice and Rush Limbaugh three times? The bottom line is, divorce is an ill that plagues society, and not one group is devoid of it. [[User:JaneX|JaneX]] 20:15, 1 November 2010 (EDT)

== Hawking's "unfortunate belief" ==

Why is it unfortunate that Hawking has "yet to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior"? Surely this a subjective statement, very much so opposed to the supposed "objectiveness" of Conservapedia. Some may find it fortunate that Hawking thinks this way. I see no reason why the personal opinion of the writer should be included in the article. I suggest this be removed immediately, if Conservapedia's supposed good name be kept. by all means, mention that Hawking does not accept Jesus Christ as his saviour, but no commennt should be made on the matter in such a way as has been done already in this article.

==Value judgements==
Do words like ''unfortunately'' and ''foolish'' really belong here? I understand that this encyclopedia is written from a Christian, Conservative, Young Earth Creationist point of view and I respect that, but there are subtler and gentler ways of promoting these beliefs. There is no need to open walnuts with a sledgehammer, when a nutcracker will do. Personally, I'd remove at least these two words. --[[User:LeonardO|Leo-from-UK]] 13:48, 4 July 2011 (EDT)
:If you please, employ the nutcracker! [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] 13:56, 4 July 2011 (EDT)
::What I would write is ''Stephen Hawking is an Atheist, and has made the comment that there is no place for a creator, claiming that all of the universe is self-contained and not affected by anything outside itself.''
::Saying that he is an Atheist already contains in himself the fact that he "has yet to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior", as every user here will be familiar with what Atheism is. Words like ''unfortunately'' and ''foolish'' should, in my opinion, be removed. 
::Last but not least, I'd change "God's Creation" to "Universe", but, I admit, this is just being pedantic: Hawkins is an Atheist, so he can have made no claims about "God's Creation", but he is likely to have called it "Universe". But I guess that "God's Creation" would be fine. 
::I am not trying to impose my point of view, anyway, and mine are just suggestions. If you find them not suitable for your website, feel free to reject them. 
::Sincerely, 
[[User:LeonardO|Leo-from-UK]] 14:05, 4 July 2011 (EDT)

== “Ridiculous" ==

“Ridiculous” in paragraph 5 is unfounded editorializing. [[User:MukeshS|MukeshS]] 17:54, 19 April 2013 (EDT)

Elton John

2013-04-19T21:52:28Z

MukeshS: rmv editorializing and speculation

[[Image:Sir Elton John.jpg|right|200px]]
Sir '''Elton Hercules John''' [[Commander of the Order of the British Empire|CBE]] (born Reginald Dwight in [[London]], 1947) is an English singer/pianist who achieved prominence in the early 1970s. He was made a CBE in 1996 and a [[Knight Bachelor]] in 1998. In 2005 he married his long-term partner [[David Furnish]] in a Civil Partnership Ceremony.

==Musical Style and Voice==
In his early years, his classical-influenced piano melodies, combined with lyrics by [[Bernie Taupin]] and a set of orchestral arrangements by [[Paul Buckmaster]], and his rich tenor voice set him apart from the other singer-songwriters of the time. For many years, John would switch from his normal tenor to a falsetto in most of his songs. In most cases, soft rock is his main genre, but he often sings songs in the genre of country rock, hard rock, and emotional, moving ballads.

In 1986, John received surgery to remove polyps from his vocal cords, which was brought upon by heavy marijuana abuse, which started while he was living in Australia with then-wife Renate Blauel. <ref>http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/elton.%20.cannabis%20behind%20throat%20op.</ref> After the surgery, he discovered that he could not sing falsetto anymore, and he now has a lower vocal register.

==Offensive Views on Religion==
*In 2006, John stated that he would support "ban[ning] organized religion completely". [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6140710.stm]
*In 2010, "I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems." <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2010/02/18/elton-john-says-jesus-christ-was-gay#ixzz0gIcYaenN Elton John Says Jesus Christ Was Gay, February 18, 2010]</ref>

==Civil partnership and adoption==
Elton John is an outspoken [[liberal]] and [[homosexual]] activist. In 2005 he entered into a civil partnership with his partner David Furnish. In December 2010, the couple had a son via a surrogate mother. A second son followed in early 2013.

==Rush Limbaugh's wedding==
In June 2010, John was criticized by homosexual rights activists for performing at the wedding of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. John reportedly received $1 million for his participation.[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/06/rush-limbaugh-gets-married-and-elton-john-is-the-wedding-singer-poll.html]

==Discography==
*1969 - ''Empty Sky''
*1970 - ''Elton John''
*1971 - ''Tumbleweed Connection''
*1971 - ''Friends'' Soundtrack
*1971 - ''11-17-10'' (''17-11-70'' in [[Britain]])
*1972 - ''Madman Across the Water''
*1972 - ''Honky Chateau''
*1973 - ''Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player''
*1973 - ''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road''
*1974 - ''Caribou''
*1974 - ''Greatest Hits''
*1975 - ''Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy''
*1975 - ''Rock of the Westies''
*1975 - ''Here and There''
*1976 - ''Blue Moves''
*1977 - ''Greatest Hits Vol. 2''
*1978 - ''A Single Man''
*1979 - ''Victim of Love''
*1980 - ''21 at 33''
*1981 - ''The Fox''
*1982 - ''Jump Up!''
*1983 - ''Too Low For Zero''
*1984 - ''Breaking Hearts''
*1985 - ''Ice on Fire''
*1986 - ''Leather Jackets''
*1987 - ''Live in Australia With the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra''
*1988 - ''Reg Strikes Back''
*1989 - ''Sleeping With the Past''
*1990 - ''The Very Best of Elton John''
*1992 - ''The One''
*1993 - ''Rare Masters''
*1993 - ''Duets''
*1994 - ''The Lion King'' Soundtrack
*1995 - ''Made in England''
*1995 - ''Love Songs''
*1997 - ''The Big Picture''
*1999 - ''Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida''
*1999 - ''The Muse'' Soundtrack
*2000 - ''The Road to El Dorado'' Soundtrack
*2000 - ''One Night Only''
*2001 - ''Songs From the West Coast''
*2004 - ''Peachtree Road''
*2006 - ''The Captain and the Kid''
===Track listing of ''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road''===
''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'' is widely regarded as his best album. All songs written by Elton John and [[Bernie Taupin]].

*1. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (11.08)
*2. Candle in the Wind (3.50)
*3. Bennie and the Jets (5.23)
*4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (3.34)
*5. This Song Has no Title (2.23)
*6. Grey Seal (3.58)
*7. Jamaica Jerk-Off (3.39)
*8. I've Seen That Movie Too (5.59)
*9. Sweet Painted Lady (3.52)
*10. The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-34) (4.24)
*11. Dirty Little Girl (5.01)
*12. All the Girls Love Alice (5.08)
*13. Your Sister Can't Twist (But she Can Rock 'n Roll) (2.42)
*14. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting (4.54)
*15. [[Roy Rogers]] (4.08)
*16. Social Disease (3.44)
*17. Harmony (2.45)

==Elton John Band==
*Elton John - [[piano]]/keyboards, vocals
*Bernie Taupin - lyrics
*Davey Johnstone - electric guitars, acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos, backing vocals
*Bob Birch - bass guitar, backing vocals
*Nigel Olsson - drums, backing vocals
*John Mahon - percussion, backing vocals
*Guy Babylon - keyboards

===Past Members===
*Dee Murray - bass guitar, backing vocals
*Caleb Quaye - guitars, backing vocals
*Ray Cooper - percussion
*Roger Pope - drums
*Kenny Passarelli - bass, backing vocals
*James Newton-Howard - keyboards

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:John, Elton}}

[[Category: Male Singers]]
[[Category: Pianists]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Homosexuals]]

Stephen Hawking

2013-04-19T21:44:37Z

MukeshS:

[[Image:Bvfgdtre.jpg|right|thumb|Stephen Hawking]]
'''Stephen William Hawking''', CBE (born January 8, 1942) is a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[physicist]] and [[author]].

Despite suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis for most of his adult life he has written books popularizing [[science]]. His most famous books are ''[[A Brief History of Time]]'', ''[[Black Holes and Baby Universes]]'' , ''[[The Universe in a Nutshell]]'' and ''The Grand Design,'' in which he argues against the idea of the need for a Creator. <ref>http://www.theblaze.com/stories/hawking-says-god-not-needed-for-creation/</ref>

Hawking is credited with the development of the [[Big Bang]] Theory of the [[creation]] of the [[universe]]. He theorized that information can escape from a [[black hole]] in the form of [[Hawking Radiation]] wherein virtual dual particles will came close to the [[Event Horizon]] of a [[black hole]]. One half of the virtual dual particle will escape the pull of gravity, taking with it the information of the second virtual particle. It is thought that this eventually will cause the evaporation of the [[black hole]]<ref>http://library.thinkquest.org/C007571/english/advance/english.htm</ref>. He is also credited with advancing the understandings of [[black holes]]. From 1979 until his retirement in 2009, Hawking was [[Lucasian Professor of Mathematics]] at [[Cambridge University]], a post once held by [[Isaac Newton]] and [[Paul Dirac]].<ref>[http://www.hawking.org.uk Stephen W. Hawking's webpages]</ref>

Stephen Hawking combines his research with family life and acts to popularize science. He has appeared on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and ''[[Star Trek|Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' [[TV]] shows and contributed vocals through his speech synthesizer to the [[Pink Floyd]] album ''[[The Division Bell]]'' on the track "Keep Talking".

He is known for his anti-[[Heaven]] beliefs. He once stated "There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark." <ref>[http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2011/05/16/heaven-is-a-fairy-tale-says-british-physicist-stephen-hawking]</ref>

Hawking has been married twice.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1531891/Hawking-and-second-wife-agree-to-divorce.html Hawking and second wife agree to divorce]</ref> He was married to his first wife, Jane, for more than 25 years; the couple has three children - Robert, Tim and Lucy. His second marriage to Elaine Mason lasted eleven years, and ended in 2006 amid claims by his caretakers that she had physically abused him.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-411781/Hawkings-nurse-reveals-surprised-marriage-over.html Hawking's nurse reveals why she is not surprised his marriage is over] October 20, 2006, dailymail.co.uk, retrieved August 30, 2012</ref>

==References==
<references/>

==External links==

*Creation Ministries International, [http://creation.com/stephen-hawking-god ''Hawking atheopathy: Famous physicist goes beyond the evidence'']
[[Category:Physicists|Hawking, Stephen]]

Kate Bush

2013-04-19T21:35:16Z

MukeshS:

'''Kate Bush''', CBE (b. July 30, 1958) is a British recording artist, singer and multi-instrumentalist. Her career began in the late 1970s, and she is still releasing albums. Still most famous for her debut single, an arrestingly shrill and typically individualistic reimagining in song of the novel ''[[Wuthering Heights]]'', also entitled "Wuthering Heights," Bush has also made hits with "Running Up That Hill" and “Babooshka," among many others, and retains a loyal fan-base.

Bush has a reputation for reclusiveness, and in the latter part of her career her album releases have customarily been many years apart. However, in 2010-11 Bush bucked this trend by releasing three albums, including the [[Christmas]]-themed ''Fifty Words for Snow'', whose title track featured the voice of humorist and dilettante [[Stephen Fry]].

Modern artists considered similar to Bush include [[PJ Harvey]] and [[Florence and the Machine]].

[[category:Singers]]

Kate Bush

2013-04-19T21:30:15Z

MukeshS:

'''Kate Bush''', CBE (b. July 30, 1958) is a British recording artist, singer and multi-instrumentalist. Her career began in the late 1970s, and she is still releasing albums. Still most famous for her debut single, and arrestingly shrill and typically individualistic reimagining in song of the novel ''Wuthering Heights'', also entitled [[Wuthering Heights]], Bush has also made hits with ''Running Up That Hill'' and ''Babushka'', amongst many others, and retains a loyal fanbase.

Bush has a reputation for reclusiveness, and in the latter part of her career her album releases have customarily been many years apart. However, in 2010-11 Bush bucked this trend by releasing three albums, including the [[Christmas]]-themed ''Fifty Words for Snow'', whose title track featured the voice of humorist and dilettante [[Stephen Fry]].

Modern artists considered similar to Bush include [[PJ Harvey]] and [[Florence and the Machine]].

[[category:Singers]]

Kate Bush

2013-04-19T21:29:38Z

MukeshS:

'''Kate Bush’’’, CBE (b. July 30, 1958) is a British recording artist, singer and multi-instrumentalist. Her career began in the late 1970s, and she is still releasing albums. Still most famous for her debut single, and arrestingly shrill and typically individualistic reimagining in song of the novel ''Wuthering Heights'', also entitled [[Wuthering Heights]], Bush has also made hits with ''Running Up That Hill'' and ''Babushka'', amongst many others, and retains a loyal fanbase.

Bush has a reputation for reclusiveness, and in the latter part of her career her album releases have customarily been many years apart. However, in 2010-11 Bush bucked this trend by releasing three albums, including the [[Christmas]]-themed ''Fifty Words for Snow'', whose title track featured the voice of humorist and dilettante [[Stephen Fry]].

Modern artists considered similar to Bush include [[PJ Harvey]] and [[Florence and the Machine]].

[[category:Singers]]

Hank Johnson

2013-04-19T20:46:54Z

MukeshS:

Rep. '''Hank Johnson''', a [[Democrat]], is a member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] from [[Georgia]]. Rep. Johnson is a [[liberal]].

Johnson drew attention with a comment he made during a House Armed Services Committee hearing in March 2010. Questioning Admiral Robert Willard, head of the U.S. Pacific fleet, Johnson expressed his concern about a plan to station 8,000 Marines in Guam, saying, "My fear is that the whole island will become so overly populated that it will tip over and capsize."<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20001567-503544.html</ref>

==References==
<references>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Hank}}
[[Category:Politicians]]
[[Category: Democrats]]
[[Category:Buddhists]]

Hank Johnson

2013-04-19T20:26:22Z

MukeshS: add cat

Rep. '''Hank Johnson''', D-Ga. is a congressman from [[Georgia]]. Rep. Johnson is a liberal. As Michael Savage has noted, liberalism is a mental disorder. <ref>http://newsbusters.org/blogs/rusty-weiss/2012/01/22/yes-liberalism-mental-disorder</ref> The specific mental disorder that Johnson suffers from is mental retardation. Proof of his mental retardation is obvious to anyone who has watched Johnson's House Armed Services Committee statements where he told the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet that if too many troops were moved to the island of Guam, that it might tip over. Johnson said, "My fear is that the whole island will become so overly populated that it will tip over and capsize." <ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20001567-503544.html</ref>

==References==
<references>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Hank}}
[[Category:Politicians]]
[[Category:Buddhists]]

Sharon Stone

2013-04-19T20:20:28Z

MukeshS: add cat

'''Sharon Vonne Stone''' is an [[United States|American]] actress, producer, and former fashion model. She came to international attention for her performance in the 1992 film ''Basic Instinct'', however apart from a supporting role in the 1995 film ''Casino'', she has yet to star in a commercially successful film since then.

Stone sparked criticism for her comments made in an exchange on the red carpet with [[Hong Kong]]'s "Cable Entertainment News" during the 61st Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2008. When asked about the 2008 Sichuan [[earthquake]] she remarked:

:"Well you know it was very interesting because at first, you know, I'm not happy about the way the Chinese are treating the Tibetans because I don't think anyone should be unkind to anyone else. And so I have been very concerned about how to think and what to do about that because I don’t like that. And I had been this, you know, concerned about, oh how should we deal with the Olympics because they are not being nice to the Dalai Lama, who is a good friend of mine. And then this earthquake and all this stuff happened, and then I thought, is that Karma? When you're not nice that the bad things happen to you?"

Ironically, the the epicenter of the earthquake, Wenchuan County, is located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, where ethnic [[Tibet]]ans comprise over half of the population.

After her comments, one of [[China]]'s biggest cinema chains released statements stating its company would not show her films in its theaters. The founder of the UME Cineplex chain and the chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, Ng See-Yuen called Stone's comments "inappropriate" and said the UME Cineplex chain would not be releasing her films in the future. Christian Dior advertisements featuring Stone's image were also dropped from all ads in China amidst the public uproar. Stone was also struck from the 2008 Shanghai International Film Festival guest list, with the event's organizers considering a permanent ban for the actress. The [[Dalai Lama]] reportedly has distanced himself from Stone.

In 2004, Stone attracted ridicule when she blamed President [[George W. Bush]] for the lack of a lesbian kissing scene in her 2004 film flop ''Catwoman''.<ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=39783</ref>

{{RL}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stone, Sharon}}
[[Category:Liberal Activists]]
[[Category:Actresses]]
[[Category:Buddhists]]

Herbie Hancock

2013-04-19T20:18:57Z

MukeshS: correction

'''Herbie Hancock''' (1940 - ) is a [[jazz]] [[piano|pianist]] who rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of [[Miles Davis]]'s quintet. As well as his important contribution to jazz, he has also dabbled in more popular forms of music, scoring a pop hit in the mid-1980s with a breakdance instrumental entitled "Rockit".

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hancock, Herbie}}

[[category:jazz]]
[[category:Buddhists]]

Herbie Hancock

2013-04-19T20:17:53Z

MukeshS: add cat

Steve Jobs

2013-04-19T20:16:21Z

MukeshS: add cats

[[Image:Jobs.jpg|thumb|right|160px]]
'''Steve Paul Jobs''' (1955-2011)<ref>http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/</ref>; born in Los Altos CA served as the CEO of [[Apple Inc.|Apple, Inc.]] until August 24, 2011, which he co-founded with [[Steve Wozniak]] in 1976. He also co-founded [[Pixar]] Animation Studios in 1986. In 2010, Steve Jobs was recognized as the “best-performing CEO in the world.”<ref>[http://blog.intego.com/2010/01/06/steve-jobs-worlds-best-ceo/ Steve Jobs, World's Best CEO], [[Intego|blog.intego.com]], January 6, 2010.</ref> Steve Jobs grew up in the apricot orchards which later became known as [[Silicon Valley]], and lived there with his wife and three children until his death on October 5, 2011.<ref>http://www.geocities.com/franktau/History1.html</ref><ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304447804576410753210811910.html?mod=WSJ_Home_largeHeadline/ Steven Paul Jobs, 1955-2011], ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', October 6, 2011.</ref>

==Biography==
Jobs reportedly claimed that he left [[Christianity]] when he was thirteen and saw a Life magazine picture of starving children.<ref>http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44979333#.TqN5x0cRqO8</ref> That story, however, sounds implausibly similar to the reason given by [[Buddha]] for founding [[Buddhism]], a belief system that Jobs later found attractive. Jobs was, in fact, similar to many California teenagers in the 1970s who did what they liked, while rejecting Christianity. But that all changed when he found out about his cancer. "Ever since I've had cancer, I've been thinking about (God) more. And I find myself believing a bit more. Maybe it's because I want to believe in an afterlife. That when you die, it doesn't just all disappear."
<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/10/24/steve-jobs-shocker-bill-gates-should-have-dropped-acid/?test=faces#ixzz1biO9g7Pl Steve Jobs Shocker: Bill Gates Should Have Dropped Acid, Fox news, October 24, 2011]</ref>

Jobs left Apple in 1985 when the CEO he recruited in 1983 gave the board of directors a "him or me" ultimatum, but later returned in the mid-1990s to eventually restore it to preeminence. He was credited with overseeing the development and marketing of the Macintosh, the iPad, the iPhone, and the iPod.

Steve Jobs co-founded [[Pixar]] Animation Studios in 1986. Pixar merged with The [[Walt Disney Company]] in 2006, and Jobs served on Disney's board of directors. Jobs was one the very few persons to successfully run a company that takes a horizontal diversification approach (selling and marketing a variety of products that would appeal to their original consumer base). He was also one of the [[adoption success stories]].

::''I love beautiful objects. I love creating them. Negative people upset me... Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.''

Jobs co-invented 313 Apple patents, mostly on designs rather than as utility patents. This is far more than most technology executives, such as [[Bill Gates]].

Jobs donated a modest amount (relative to his wealth) of $150,000 in soft-money to causes related to the [[Democratic Party]],<ref>http://www.newsmeat.com/billionaire_political_donations/Steve_Jobs.php</ref> but it is likely that Jobs supported liberal causes simply to further his own businesses, rather than based on his personal views.<ref>http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mac/commentary/cultofmac/2006/01/70072</ref> There are strong indications that Jobs became more [[conservative]] on issues like the [[public schools]] as he grew older. When he met with [[Barack Obama]], Jobs was sharply critical of his policies. <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/20/steve-jobs-biography-obama_n_1022786.html</ref>

== Awards ==
National Technology Medal from President Reagan in 1985, before founding NeXT; Jefferson Award for Public Service in 1987; Entrepreneur of the Decade by Inc. Magazine in 1989. [http://www.theapplemuseum.com/index.php?id=49]

==External links==
*[http://www.apple.com/pr/bios/jobs.html Steve Jobs] Apple-Macintosh computers-iPods.
*[http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~history/Jobs.html Steve Paul Jobs]
*[http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html "You've got to find what you love," Jobs says] Stanford Report, June 14, 2005.
*[http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/09/st_essayjobs_ceo/ Steve Jobs, the Perfect CEO], ''Wired Magazine'', September 27, 2011.

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jobs, Steve}}
[[Category:Apple Inc.]]
[[Category:Computers]]
[[Category:Business People]]
[[Category:Buddhists]]

Theravada

2013-04-19T20:09:56Z

MukeshS: undo - sorry

'''Theravada''' ([[Pali]] for "The Way of the Elders") is the branch of [[Buddhism]] which adheres strictly to the [[Buddha]]'s original teachings, the [[Pali Canon]] or ''Tipitaka''. It is dominant in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Thailand]], [[Cambodia]], [[Burma]], and [[Laos]]. It is sometimes referred to as '''Hinayana''' ("lesser vehicle", "inferior vehicle"), but this name is usually seen as derogatory by Theravada followers.

Theravada focuses on the original Pali writings, purported to record the actual words of the Buddha, and downplays the importance of [[bodhisattva]]s in favor of personal enlightenment.

[[Category:Buddhism]]

Theravada

2013-04-19T20:09:00Z

MukeshS: wikify Pali

'''Theravada''' ([[Pali]] for "The Way of the Elders") is the branch of [[Buddhism]] which adheres strictly to the [[Buddha]]'s original teachings, the [[Pali Canon]] or ''Tipitaka''. It is dominant in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Thailand]], [[Cambodia]], [[Burma]], and [[Laos]]. It is sometimes referred to as '''Hinayana''' ("lesser vehicle", "inferior vehicle"), but this name is usually seen as derogatory by Theravada followers.

Theravada focuses on the original [[Pali]] writings, purported to record the actual words of the Buddha, and downplays the importance of [[bodhisattva]]s in favor of personal enlightenment.

[[Category:Buddhism]]

Same-sex marriage

2013-04-19T19:51:30Z

MukeshS: update

'''Same-sex "marriage"''' (also called '''homosexual "marriage"''') is a proposal to [[deregulate]] marriage laws granting [[same-sex union]]s the same legal status as heterosexual marriage. This is contrary to thousands of years of success based on a one-man/one-woman marriage system and in direct violation of the [[Bible]]<ref>It's a direct challenge to and nullification of Genesis 2:24, ''Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife''; of coarse, not every child has a mother and father anyway, so God must be unfair as well, the atheist theorizes. </ref> and most other religious teachings.<ref>"Same-sex marriage uses force of secular law to justify what the scripture of ''most modern religions'' has clearly labelled a sin: i.e., [[homosexual]] relations. At least one nation that has adopted same-sex marriage now requires the largest Christian church there to perform them also, despite its clear contradiction with the [[Bible]].</ref>

In [[Norway]] and [[Sweden]], the adoption of same-sex marriage has led to a loss in respect for the marriage institution itself even for traditional couples. In [[Massachusetts]], the imposition of same-sex marriage led to a decline in property values and an exodus from the state by many. Also in response to the introduction of same-sex marriage the State Department of Public Health changed marriage certificates to read "Party A" and "Party B" instead of husband and wife.

In May 2012, voters in [[North Carolina]] banned both same-sex marriage and gay unions. North Carolina thereby became the 29th state to pass an [[amendment]] against gay marriage, by a huge 61-39% margin.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/north-carolina-voters-ban-gay-marriage-civil-unions/story?id=16307081#.T6nLvOjlvKY</ref> [[Barack Obama]] -- heavily dependent on gay donations for his reelection -- rushed to prop up the [[homosexual agenda]] by endorsing same-sex marriage after its stunning defeat in this [[swing state]].

Some studies and polls about same-sex marriage conducted in a few countries generally indicate support for same-sex marriage increases with higher levels of education,<ref>This of course means only stupid people would oppose gay marriage. Rational arguments using this type of "evidence" in public policy debates can also be known as "[[bully]]ing".</ref> and that younger people are more likely to support the legalization of it than older generations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Survey - Generations at Odds: The Millennial Generation and the Future of Gay and Lesbian Rights|url=http://publicreligion.org/research/2011/08/generations-at-odds/|publisher=[[Public Religion Research Institute]]|accessdate=25 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pew Forum: Part 2: Gay Marriage|url=http://www.pewforum.org/PublicationPage.aspx?id=647|publisher=[[Pew Research Center]]|accessdate=25 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Poirier|first=Justine|title=Same-Sex Marriage: Let's Make a Change|url=http://www.montrealites.ca/justice/same-sex-marriage-lets-make-a-change.html|publisher=Montréalités Justice|accessdate=25 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Data Points: Support for Legal Same-Sex Marriage|url=http://chronicle.com/article/Chart-Support-for-Legal/64683/|accessdate=25 September 2012|newspaper=The Chronicle of Higher Education|date=16 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Support for Same‐Sex Marriage in Latin America|url=http://www.vanderbilt.edu/lapop/insights/I0844.enrevised.pdf|publisher=[[Vanderbilt University]]|accessdate=25 September 2012}}</ref> Polls show the most right-wing religious people are more likely to oppose it.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waldman|first=Steven|title=A Common Missed Conception|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/life/faithbased/2003/11/a_common_missed_conception.html|accessdate=25 September 2012|newspaper=[[Slate (magazine)]]|date=19 November 2003}}</ref> Prior to 2012, in each U.S. state to hold a voter referendum on the issue, the public rejected same-sex marriage laws by a small majority.<ref>{{cite news|title=Maine voters reject gay-marriage law|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/8789627|accessdate=20 September 2012|newspaper=Associated Press via [[The Guardian]]|date=4 November 2009}}</ref> However, In 2012, [[Maine]]. [[Washington]] and [[Maryland]] voted in favor of same-sex marriage. Addditionally, recent polls indicate that more than half of Americans support same-sex marriage, approximately 53%.<ref name=Gallup2011>{{cite web|last=Newport|first=Frank|title=For First Time, Majority of Americans Favor Legal Gay Marriage|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/147662/First-Time-Majority-Americans-Favor-Legal-Gay-Marriage.aspx|publisher=[[The Gallup Organization|Gallup]]|accessdate=25 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=ABC2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.langerresearch.com/uploads/1137a2GayMarriage.pdf |title=ABC News/Washington Post poll: Strong Support for Gay Marriage Now Exceeds Strong Opposition – 23 May 2012 |format=PDF |accessdate=16 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=CNN2012>{{cite web|url=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2012/images/06/06/rel5e.pdf |title=CNN Opinion Research – May 29-31, 2012 |format=PDF |accessdate=16 September 2012}}</ref><ref>These conclusions indicate young people are less ignorant than their elders.</ref>

Campaigns advocating same-sex marriage are at the forefront of the [[gay rights movement]]'s attempt to elevate [[homosexuality]] to the same moral plane as [[heterosexuality]], overturning centuries of established tradition whereby homosexuals were would keep their (according to many Christians) sinful acts hidden. Some opponents of marriage claim its purpose is to destroy the [[family]] as an institution, merely to secure a legal basis for [[sexual freedom]]. According to some opponents of marriage, the primary purpose of marriage is to bring joy to society as much as to safeguard the development of happy families, and it is not for individual glory. They believe that unrelated people living together make each other miserable and harm society. Among the many reasons homosexuals might advocate same-sex marriage are the ability to make emergent healthcare decisions for a loved one in the absence of a durable power of attorney or living will, the alteration of the laws of intestate succession to include gay partners, and equal tax treatment as heterosexual married couples.

Current [[United States]] [[law]] defines "marriage" as "one man, one woman" for purposes of the federal [[Defense of Marriage Act]], which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex relationships as marriages for any purpose, even if permitted under state law, and permits a state to disregard a same-sex marriage entered into in another state. An interesting consequence of the federal definition of "marriage" is that it specifically rules out [[polygamy]]. 

__TOC__
==Morality==
Social [[conservatives]] regard same-sex marriage as immoral, and argue that use of the word "[[marriage]]" is a misnomer, because the [[Form of Solemnization of Matrimony|marriage services]] of Christian denominations define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Some social liberals try to use this debate as a excuse to take the socially-conservative view of marriage out of the law. In some Christian marriage ceremonies, the wedding will begin with a statement along the lines of: "Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony,"<ref>''The Book of Common Prayer,'' Episcopal Church, The Church Hymnal Corporation and the Seabury Press, 1979: "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage," p. 423</ref> a definition which was also written into United States federal law in 1996.<ref>[http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode01/usc_sec_01_00000007----000-.html US Code - Title 1, section 7]</ref>

Dr. [[James Dobson]]'s [[Focus on the Family]] organization prefers the phrase ''same-sex "marriage,"'' with quotation marks around the word "marriage," to call attention to his belief that marriage—civil as well as religious—is intrinsically a union between a man and a woman, and that that same-sex unions are "counterfeits."<ref>[http://www.family.org/socialissues/A000000464.cfm Same-Sex 'Marriage' and Civil Unions], ''Focus on the Family's'' website</ref>

Use of the term "same-sex marriage" was unheard of a few decades ago; however, these unions are now among a number of issues advocated by [[liberal]] activists. They argue that heterosexual people are allowed to marry and so the homosexual population should be given that right too.

Some advocates of same-sex marriage view marriage as a purely civil matter, which in the history of the United States is a position taken particularly strongly by Puritan colonists, who viewed the interjection of religion into the franchise of marriage as scandalous to Christ's Church.

== Background ==
In the United States, marriage is primarily governed by each individual state and marriage laws differ from state to state. Several states allow [[civil union]]s between two people of the same sex, and nine, [[Massachusetts]], [[Connecticut]], [[Vermont]], [[New Hampshire]], [[New York]], [[Maryland]], [[Maine]], [[Washington]] and [[Iowa]], plus the [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]], currently issue same-sex marriage licenses. These marriage licenses are not recognized by the Federal government.

In 1996 Congress recognized the likelihood that [[liberal]] activists would soon seek changes to the laws in some states that pertain to homosexuals. It considered the possibility of test cases reaching the Supreme Court, and of the court conceivably ruling that a state—even though it prohibits same-sex marriage itself—must honor same-sex marriages performed in another state pursuant to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution. The Defense of Marriage act, which was passed and signed by President Clinton, prevents this possibility, and also prevents the Federal Government from recognizing marriage as anything other than a union between a man and a woman. Its Constitutionality has not yet been tested under the Full Faith and Credit Clause, the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, or the Due Process Clause of the 5th Amendment.

In 1999 a Vermont court ruled that under its constitution, it was not required to allow same-sex marriage but was required to make provisions to grant same-sex couples legal rights identical to those provided by marriage. Vermont responded by creating "civil unions," which are legally distinct from marriages but convey the same rights. In 2009, the Vermont legislature overrode the governor's veto to pass a bill allowing same-sex marriage.

In 2003 the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that under Massachusetts' constitution, same-sex couples could not be denied Massachusetts marriage licenses, making Massachusetts the first state to issue same-sex marriage licenses. As of April 2009, same-sex marriage was legal in four states, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and Iowa. <ref>''Vermont Legislature Makes Same-Sex Marriage Legal'' [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/us/08vermont.html?_r=1&hp]</ref><ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081010/ap_on_re_us/connecticut_same_sex_marriage Conn. high court rules gay couples can marry]</ref>

Beginning in 2008, the states of [[Washington]], and [[Oregon]] also provide for same-sex unions. Washington later legalized same-sex marriage. [[Hawaii]] provides certain benefits to same sex couples. <ref>[http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--civilunions-optio0531may31,0,341613.story?coll=ny-region-apconnecticut Newsday]</ref> The State of New Hampshire issued civil unions until the summer of 2009, when it passed a bill approving same-sex marriage <ref>"New Hampshire Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage" [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/us/04marriage.html]</ref> The state will begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses in January, 2010.

In the fall of 2009, a same-sex marriage bill was introduced to the [[Washington, D.C.]] city council by At-Large Council Member David Catania (who is openly gay.) After two days of testimony involving nearly 250 witnesses <ref>''D.C. Council hears from both sides in gay marriage debate'' [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/D_C_-Council-hears-from-both-sides-in-gay-marriage-debate-8442433-66188647.html]</ref>, the council voted to approve the bill, 11-2. Once signed by the Mayor, the bill went to Congress for a mandatory [[DC Home Rule|30-day review period]]. While opponents of the bill vowed to fight it in Congress<ref>"DC Council Approves Same-Sex Marriage" [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/15/AR2009121500945.html]</ref> it passed and became law in 2010.

The New York legislature voted for same-sex marriage on June 24, 2011.<ref>http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-gay-marriage-passes-in-new-york</ref>

Same-sex marriages were legal for a brief period in the state of [[California]], but the people of that state voted to repeal the law in the fall of 2008<ref>"California Votes for Prop 8"[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122586056759900673.html]</ref>, through a ballot initiative known as [[Proposition 8]]. The legislature of [[Maine]] approved a same-sex marriage bill in May of 2009 <ref>"Lawmakers approve same-sex marriage in N.H., Maine" [http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/06/maine.same.sex.marriage/index.html]</ref> but opponents lobbied to have the bill put up to a popular vote, and it was defeated by the voters in the fall of 2009.<ref>"Maine rejects same-sex marriage law" [http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/04/maine.same.sex/index.html]</ref>

Same-sex marriage is legal in eleven countries: the [[Netherlands]], [[Belgium]], [[Spain]], [[Canada]], [[South Africa]], [[Norway]], [[Sweden]], [[Portugal]], [[Iceland]], [[Argentina]], and [[Denmark]]. (The House of Representatives of [[New Zealand]] passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on April 17, 2013 that will go into effect on August 19, 2013.)<ref>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10878200</ref> Additionally, in [[Mexico]], same-sex marriage is legal in the state of [[Quintana Roo]] and in [[Mexico City]], a federal district similar to Washington, D.C. Other countries, such as [[France]], [[Germany]], and the [[United Kingdom]], recognize [[civil unions]] and [[domestic partnership]]s.<ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-03/05/content_311998.htm Countries worldwide address gay marriage]</ref><ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-05/tasmania-to-back-gay-marriage-intensifying-pressure-on-gillard]</ref>

In Israel, all marriages must be performed by a religious organization - there is no "civil" marriage. Specific religions may determine the definition of marriages that they perform, and none currently recognize same-sex couples. However, a Supreme Court decision determined that Israel must recognize all marriages performed outside the country, same-sex or opposite-sex. In September of 2011, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi in Israel attempted to marry homosexual males to homosexual females so they could start a conventional family. However, the plan drew criticism both from liberals, who said the plan was meant to discourage homosexuality, and from conservatives, who argued the plan promoted loveless relationships. <ref>"Israeli rabbi pairs gays to lesbians" http://news.yahoo.com/israeli-rabbi-pairs-gays-lesbians-061904417.html</ref>

In the Netherlands overseas territories of [[Aruba]], [[Curacao]], and [[Sint Maarten]], same-sex marriages are not performed, but all marriages performed in the mainland portion of the country (including same-sex) are recognized. In [[Brazil]], same-sex civil unions can be converted to marriages by state judges on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the state of [[Rhode Island]] recognizes, but does not perform, same-sex marriages. Furthermore, [[California]] recognizes all same-sex marriages performed in or out of state before the passage of [[Proposition 8]].

Some opponents of same-sex marriage believe that the religious ceremony of marriage is governed by each denomination and is unaffected by laws passed by civil authority. Same-sex marriage is forbidden in Orthodox Judaism, Catholicism, and most mainstream Protestant denominations. In Massachusetts, however, about 6% of all marriages are same-sex marriages, so this does not appear to be a problem. <ref>[http://www.massequality.org/news/news_story.php?id=273]</ref><ref>http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fnchs%2Fdata%2Fnvss%2Fmarriage90_04.pdf&images=yes</ref> In Conservative Judaism (no relation to the political philosophy known as "conservatism"), synagogues and rabbis are allowed, but not required, to recognize and perform same-sex marriages. Reform Judaism also allows rabbis to use "good faith" on this issue, but as the least-religious branch of Judaism, they take this stance on most issues. Additionally, homosexuality (and by extension same-sex marriage) is forbidden in [[Islam]].

Many [[libertarian]]s argue [[marriage privatization|eliminating any legal definition of "marriage"]] and simply granting legal benefits to all couples under a neutral name would solve this problem and satisfy both sides. This is called "marriage privatization". Many religious conservatives still feel this is unacceptable - see that article for more details.

Public attitude toward same-sex marriage parallels attitude toward homosexuality. In general, it is opposed by social conservatives and outside of this group, support is split down the middle leaning to opposition.<ref>[http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/us/Relationships/same_sex_marriage_poll_040121.html Same Sex Marriage Poll from ABC News]</ref>

== Motivation for advocating it==
[[Image:Cycle.gif|thumbnail|200px|right|A recent study by the [[Canada|Canadian]] government states that "violence was twice as common among homosexual couples compared with [[heterosexual]] couples".<ref>http://www.statcan.ca/english/research/85-570-XIE/2006001/findings/risk.htm Aforementioned Canadian Study.</ref>]]
[[James Dobson]] cites Stanley Kurtz to argue that the motivation of those advocating same-sex marriage is not to secure the benefits of marriage for gay couples, but to destroy the institution of marriage itself:
:...most gays and lesbians do not want to marry each other. That would entangle them in all sorts of legal constraints. Who needs a lifetime commitment to one person? The intention here is to destroy marriage altogether. With marriage as we know it gone, everyone would enjoy all the legal benefits of marriage (custody rights, tax-free inheritance, joint ownership of property, health care and spousal citizenship, etc.,) without limiting the number of partners or their gender. Nor would "couples" be bound to each other in the eyes of the law. This is clearly where the movement is headed.<ref>Stanley Kurtz, "Beyond Marriage," The Weekly Standard, August 4/August 11, 2003. - cited in [http://www.focusonthefamily.com/docstudy/newsletters/A000000771.cfm Marriage on the Ropes], Dr. James Dobson, retrieved from ''Focus on the Family'', 15 May 2007. </ref>

Homosexuals are beginning to admit they want what Mollenkott proposes, namely the destruction of the concept of [[monogamy]] and [[traditional marriage]] altogether. What they really are after is a society that recognizes every sexual arrangement as normal - even [[group sex]]ual liaisons and [[polygamy]].<ref name=pjones>
Peter Jones, ''The God of Sex: How Spirituality Defines Your Sexuality'', page 22</ref>

==Child-rearing and adoption==

According to a March, 2007 report, there are 65,000 adopted children in the U.S. being raised by same-sex couples. The same report says 14,100 foster children were being raised by one or more gay or lesbian foster parents.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/25/gay.adoption/index.html Gay adoption: A new take on the American family]</ref>

In Great Britain, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has expressed its full support to the stand taken by the Catholic Church opposing regulations on gay adoption. The Catholic Church sought to be exempt from the new law. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams of the Church of England, supports the Catholic Church's efforts declaring that the rights of conscience cannot be subject to laws. Catholic leaders have already said that its teachings prevent its agencies placing children with homosexuals and they will have to close if bound by the rules. The MCB, the UK's leading Muslim umbrella group embracing over 400 affiliated organizations, said that while it supported anti-discrimination laws, homosexuality is forbidden in Islam. <ref>[http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/menu-234/0701266670200554.htm UK Muslim group backs Christian opposition to gay adoption rules London], Islamic republic News Agency, Jan 26, 2007.</ref>

Several states, including [[New York]], allow any two adults living together to adopt a child regardless of marital status or sex. This law provided a method for same-sex couples to adopt children even before New York legalized same-sex marriage.

==Homosexual promiscuity==

''See also:'' [[Homosexuality and promiscuity]]

Studies indicate that homosexual couples have higher rates of promiscuity than heterosexual couples.<ref>[http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=IS04C02 Comparing the Lifestyles of Homosexual Couples to Married Couples]</ref> Allowing gays to marry would make gays seek more partners.<ref>2004 General Social Survey, Statistics Canada, Canada's National Statistical Agency, July 7, 2005</ref>

==Homosexual violence and abuse==

In addition, studies report that [[Homosexual Couples and Domestic Violence|homosexual couples have significantly higher incidences of violent behavior]]. These studies are not surprising given what pathologists have stated regarding the commonness and brutality of homosexual murders{{fact}} (see [[Homosexuality and Murders]]). The prevalence of violence and emotional abuse in gay domestic partnerships. One survey found 53% of gays felt if the high incidence of violence against partners in homosexual relationships was known and understood by the heterosexual population, it would hinder the drive for gay rights.

Domestic abuse is divided into two categories, emotional abuse and physical abuse. While gay domestic abuse has not been studied to the extent that heterosexual relationships have, [[Homosexual Couples and Domestic Violence|preliminary studies indicate a much higher level of abuse]].

==Family breakdown ==

Bishop Harry Jackson has shown how same-sex "marriage" is causally linked to the breakdown of the family in recent decades, particularly the black family.<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/harryrjacksonjr/2008/10/13/the_naacp_abandons_the_black_family The NAACP Abandons the Black Family]</ref> As noted in the 1965 [[Daniel Patrick Moynihan|Moynihan]] Report,<ref>[http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/history/webid-meynihan.htm The Negro Family: The Case for National Action]</ref> the breakdown of the African-American family is a national concern. He has attributed support for same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia and Maryland to a demonic force called the [[Queen of Heaven]].<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GMnaW-0rQ-U Harry Jackson, Cindy Jacobs Rally Against Same-Sex Marriage]</ref>

Subsequent to same-sex marriage becoming law in [[Massachusetts]], property values declined and many left the State, in contrast to those states that do not recognize it.

One study, however, claims that the children of same-sex couples or gay parents have equal or higher scores in psychological evaluations as well as cognitive. Researchers Nanette Gartrell, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California at San Francisco, and Henry Bos, a behavioral scientist at the University of Amsterdam, led a study focused on planned lesbian families in which a lesbian couple had chosen to adopt children or undergo artificial insemination to start a family. These children were shown to have higher self esteems and confidence which in turn enabled them to have higher test results academically than their straight-parent counterparts. <ref>[http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1994480,00.html],Study: Children of Lesbians May Do Better Than Their Peers</ref>

==Social dysfunction==

Legalization of same-sex "marriage" is correlated with social dysfunctions<ref>[http://www.allaboutlove.org/same-sex-marriage-countries.htm Same Sex Marriage Countries]</ref> that states and countries banning it have avoided. States and countries legalizing same-sex "marriage" have markedly different levels of quality of life from those that have banned it.

==Collapse of civilizations==

Some ancient civilizations that recognized same-sex "marriage" collapsed as a result, while some that refused to recognize it escaped that fate.<ref>[http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Slippery-Slope-Of-Same-Sex-Marriage&id=824855 The Slippery Slope of Same Sex Marriage]</ref> However, [[Correlation is not causation]], and there is not even a large enough data set to get a correlation.

==Legal disadvantages for heterosexuals==

Legalization of same-sex "marriage" would confer [[special rights]] on homosexuals, thereby placing heterosexuals at a legal disadvantage.<ref>[http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2009/December/New-Jersey-Lawmakers-Drop-Same-Sex-Marriage-Bill/ New Jersey Lawmakers Drop Same-Sex Marriage Bill], from [[CBN]]</ref>

The fact that the strongest predictor of support for same-sex "marriage" is level of education<ref>[http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090902/ARTICLES/909021016?p=1&tc=pg UF study: Education best predicted support for gay marriage ban]</ref> shows that [[brainwashing]] into [[professor values]] has a corrosive effect on morality.

According to Bill Borst, a regular substitute radio host for conservative [[Phyllis Schlafly]] on WSIV, rights are a [[zero-sum game]].<ref>[http://bbprof.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/the-new-three-rs/ The New Three R's], by Bill Borst</ref>. If this is true, granting same-sex couples the right to "marry" will necessarily come at the expense of the rights of others.

==See also==
*[[Anti-Defamation League]]
*[[Intimate Partner Violence]]
*[[Gay bowel syndrome]]
*[[Homosexuality and the Bible]]
*[[Homosexuality and biblical interpretation]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External Links==
*[http://www.nogaymarriage.com/tenarguments.asp Gay Marriage: Why Would It Affect Me? Ten Arguments Against Same Sex Marriage], NoGayMarriage.com
*[http://www.robgagnon.net/homoPresbyTodayArticle.htm Why “Gay Marriage” Is Wrong, by Robert A. J. Gagnon, Ph.D.]
[[Category:Homosexual Agenda]]