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In Our Opinion
The Monticello Express Editorial



Same-sex marriage and cell phone ban debate are hot topics

   In most of my journalism classes in college, the professors told us there was some topics newspaper writers should stay away from when writing an editorial. Two of the major topics include abortion and the death penalty. Same-sex marriage is a hot issue right now being debated in the Iowa Capitol; I have some strong feelings of my own regarding the issue.

    The traditional definition of a marriage is that between a man and a woman. This definition does not apply to today’s day and age. No longer are men marrying women. It’s time to face the facts! Gay marriage is a part, a huge part, of our society, whether stateside or national.

    Taking away one’s legal rights is just plain wrong. Anyone, no matter his or her sexual preference, should be allowed the same rights as the average Joe. We may as well go back to the days of banning women from voting if you consider marriage to be in the same sector. I don’t see how our Iowa lawmakers can live with themselves knowing they could take away a person’s God-given rights?

    Not only is marriage a right, but defining the idea is a form of discrimination. In the ‘50s and ‘60s African Americans were discriminated against because of their race. Is that what Iowa is resorting to? Picking and choosing those who can and cannot get married? Get with the times!

    The state is also debating the much talked about cell phone ban. The City of Dubuque has already implemented a call phone ban within city limits. It is a bit harsh if you ask me. For obvious reasons you cannot text while driving, but now you can’t even talk on a cell phone as well. Dig out those hands-free devices. I don’t know how Dubuque will be able to aggressively enforce this ban with people coming and going daily in and out of Dubuque from Illinois and Wisconsin.

    Right now, the state is looking at banning writing, receiving and reading text messages while driving. I think you know my stance on the issue, which I made public in an editorial that ran on Feb. 3. I have heard that texting while driving is equivalent to drinking and driving. I don’t doubt that. But banning ALL cell phone usage is a bit crazy.

    So many working people are on the road every day, going from place to place. How are they NOT going to be able to talk on their phones? Hands-free devices are nice, safer maybe, but what about dialing phone numbers? You need your cell phone to do that unless your lucky enough to say, “Call the boss,” and your phone automatically dials into your office.

    The state is looking at so many issues right now, some more important than others, depending on who you talk to. In my mind, same-sex marriage and cell phone bans are hot button issues that will not go away any time soon. (K.N.B.)



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