The story of Sam Beaumont is a perfect example of how same-sex couples are harmed when they are denied legal recognition. Sam and his partner Earl Meadows spent over 20 years building and working an 80-acre ranch in Bristow, Oklahoma. Together they raised Sam's three sons from a previous marriage. When Earl's parents got older, Sam tended to their every need, often spending the night with Earl's mother when she got to sick too care for herself. They shared a quiet life together, building a family, tending cattle and raising prize-winning chickens.
Their time together came to an end in 2000 when Earl died of a stroke. Unfortunately, the notarized will Earl drafted to leave everything to Sam had only one witness - Oklahoma requires two. To make matters worse, almost all the couple's assets were in Earl's name.
If Sam and Earl could have married, the property would have passed to Sam automatically. But since Oklahoma law doesn't recognize same-sex relationships, it's only a matter of time before the home Sam and Earl shared will go to Earl's disapproving cousins who rarely spoke to Earl when he was alive and had never even set foot on the property. Meanwhile, Sam is struggling to hold on to what little he has left.
Remember, that if the Wisconsin amendment passes, this will happen to gay -- and straight, unwed couples -- in this state. Imagine, you work hard all your life and some distant, homophobic cousin comes along and rips your hardwork away from you, because your spouse passed away. NO ONE should be allowed EVER to CONTEST this type of a will. It's ridiculous to think one of my cousins could contest my will. What right do they have?!?
Also, June 5th, Congress is giving it yet another go at the anti-gay amendment. Wouldn't it be nice if they could find the time to eliminate poverty in this country or do something about the trade deficit? No, they want to make our Constitution a mandate of hate. While our sons and daughters are fighting for democracy in Iraq, we will elimate democracy here at home!
I can remember how the conservatives used to be when I was growing up - little government interference, always wanting to stick up for the little guy, but not anymore. Now, the conservatives are looking out for hate-filled, backward, incompetent, Bible-thumping (but not Bible-reading), small-minded, insensitive, freedom hating, hypocritical, right-wing, psudeo-Christians, who's hearts are like those of the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus' day.
May God have mercy on all of their souls, for on judgement day Jesus will be casting them aside like goats because they did not help the oppressed and they reached out and even harmed the oppressed. Won't they be surprised when they are cast down into the fires of Hell and their hate-filled hearts will be filled with more agony than the agony they have chosen to inflict on Gays and Lesbians.
Never forget that Jesus ate with the poor, downtrodden, the outcasts, the unwanteds and the unloved. He did not entertain the hypocrites, Sadducees and Pharisees.
MATTHEW 21:42-43 STATES:
"42Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43Therefore say I unto you (THE PHARISEES), The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."
God Bless
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