Strick,
On the whole issue of whether or not Mrs. Grundy should have the right to define society, the big difference is that Amos is saying he doesn't have the right to tell others what to do, and Mrs. Grundy is saying she does. I categorically deny Mrs. Grundy, or George Bush, or Cruiser the right to have anything at all to say about who other people sleep with or marry legally, assuming the consenting adult caveats.

Of course the courts should define the issue. That's their job. It's a constitutional issue, and our constitution exists in large part to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. So what if a majority of the populace doesn't think gay people should be able to get married? Does majority rule dictate what is right? Are demogogues to rule the day? Do you think Mississippi would ever have desegregated their schools if they weren't forced to by an "activist" court? Do you think lots of police departments would refrain from beating suspects and coercing confessions if the courts hadn't defined such behavior as unconstitutional -- and started throwing out convictions?

John Peekstok