I am right here in the middle of this new front and let me tell you, it has not caused the world to implode or spontaneously combust. It isn't even a general topic of discussion. Outside of the folks who will be applying for marriage licenses in about three weeks or those vehemently opposed to same, it does not seem to be that big a deal.

The word I have gotten from the newspapers is that it would take a constitutional amendment to reverse this decision. That takes a while. It has to pass two separate legislative sessions and then pass a popular vote. We take changes to the constitution pretty seriously here. My understanding is that the earliest this could happen is 2011.

I find the comments of those who assume Iowa to be a backward reactionary state amusing. "Know your enemy" indeed. I was told by my mother (a tireless defender of the right as she sees it) that Iowa was targeted as a state in which to bring this case because of our history of tolerance and forward thinking. They obviously picked well.

Just so there is no confusion about my stand on this, I have long thought gay marriage should be allowed but I am not gay myself.