Monday, July 11, 2011

High fives for fair dives...

The American legal system might be disappointing consistently, but it seems that some parts of the public service system have their agendas clear and fair. After the Defense of Marriage Act 'defined' that marriage is a union exclusively between a man and a woman, it was concluded that same sex couples were not to receive any federal benefits including Social Security and health care. Highly unfair and let me add, unconstitutional since we are all about 'separation of church and state.' But just like the abortion issue, debates concerning same sex marriages are a hot social topic that are used to deviate the less informed electorate from the facts and get votes.

But the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts has found a solution to get their way with the feds. In order to make up for the unfair treatment of homosexuals and the cost of lost benefits, the city has decided to offer additional pay to gay workers. Being in a gay relationship can cost from $1500 to $3500 a year, and the city is paying their gay employees the appropriate amount so that there is no added burden on not being straight. Amen! If the federal government is bent on socially conservative policies, local governments can take matters in their own hands, and effectively. It shouldn't be anyone's business to define how I should live my life or even worse, punish me if I don't fit the norm. America - the land of the free? Free to do as you please. And if violence, sex, and crime is okay to air any time of the day, then defining the boundaries of 'true love' seems highly contradictory. 17 companies have joined the city in their efforts to fairly compensate gay workers. Hopefully this will catch on, and across the board.

There was also some fairness and credibility in the realm of international affairs. US has decided to withhold $800 million dollars in aid to Pakistan until they resolve their 'trust' issues. Just like a betrayal in an exclusive relationship, US finding Osama bin Laden in Pakistan has led to estranged feelings of mistrust and doubts. Tensions have escalated and relationships have strained following the raid on May 2 and to be honest, rightly so. Until Pakistan shows that it is indeed against the Taliban (even though this is contrary to documented evidence) and that they are willing to contribute to the demolition of terrorist groups across eastern Asia including Afghanistan, providing millions of dollars in the name of security assistance will only be used for unclear, controversial causes. It has now been uncovered by Admiral Mike Mullen that in order to snap at critics, the Pakistani government is believed to have been behind the abduction and killing of journalist Saleem Shahzad who wrote about the infiltration of Taliban militants in the Pakistani military. Clearly, once again, Pakistan has something to hide. US is acting appropriately given its crucial and self-vested monetary and security interests in the region and using the $$ card might add some strain for better talking points.

The US Justice system has its share of work cut out to provide fair and correcting justice, but perhaps certain parts of the government do have their priorities straight. Let's get some eyes and ayes on that..

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