Jonah Goldberg - An Honest Federalist

Not to imply that he's the only one.

He writes again about gay marriage and his somewhat surprising opposition to the Federal Marriage amendment (FMA). "So, we have the FMA barreling down the tracks. The FMA would ban gay marriage "or the legal incidents thereof" - which many take to mean civil unions as well - in all 50 states for all time.

That may sound like a good idea if you're against gay marriage, civil unions and all the rest. But to me it sounds an awful lot like a replay of Prohibition. I can't tell you what the unforeseeable consequences of such an amendment are because, duh, they're unforeseeable. But what I can predict with almost mathematical certitude is that the FMA will not make this issue go away. Rather, it will more likely serve to radicalize the anti-FMA forces in much the same way Roe vs. Wade radicalized anti-abortion forces. . . .

You can't favor federalism for only good ideas or ideas you like. Experimentation means allowing local communities to make mistakes."

I do hope other conservatives listen to Mr. Goldberg because on this issue he's making a lot of sense. However, it seems unlikely in an election year. After all, this issue, according to some, has the potential to put President Bush back in the White House, particularly if he runs against Howard Dean, who has some history on this issue.