WHAT WE CAN LEARN: From Kim Davis And Our ‘Me-Centered’ Society
Monday, Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who refused to issue licenses to same sex couples returned to work. Prior to her return, she held a press conference. She stated many reasons for her position, but summed it up with these key words, “reasonable accommodation”.
She had hoped the Judge would allow for her name not to be on the marriage licenses, as she didn’t agree with same sex marriage due to her beliefs. This being the accommodation she had hoped to receive, although her request and plea was not granted.
Monday’s marriage licenses were not issued in her name and authority as Clerk of Court for Rowan County.
Whether one agrees or disagrees, loves or loathes Ms. Davis, one fact that was not brought out by the media is that the State of Kentucky has not passed a specific law granting same sex marriages. The controversy has come from a Supreme Court ruling on Obergefell vs Hodges, wherein the court ruled that it was a violation of 14th amendment rights to deny marriage to individuals under any circumstances.
This is a judge’s interpretation of the law. The courts do not create laws, they are called on for interpretation purposes only.
However, the point of this is to ask why so many feel they must have a special rule for themselves of late?
In order for a homogenous society to thrive, there must be basic purpose and goals. The general public is a separate entity made of many individuals. The differences in people make it interesting and give variety, but there must be general guidelines if any kind of order is to be maintained. No one has the right to infringe on another, but when does it become a true societal disruption if every case is the exception rather than the rule?
The military is a perfect example of a group that must need to function as one. That is why in the past every recruit is treated the same, issued the same gear, given the same haircut etc. The recruits have to learn to work together for a common goal. When there is the exception rather than the rule, it can cost lives.
However, due to pressure from certain groups, even the military has relaxed its standards to allow for certain factions to practice beliefs.
Whatever happened to accepting restrictions set about by society or a group? If one wants to join the military, it has been a given that you will do it “their way” not “your way” anymore. It is a sacrifice one must make to be a part of the group.
Diversity, tolerance and individuality are wonderful things, but in today’s world, it has surpassed the “me” generation of the 80’s to morph into the “super self-absorbed” of the second thousand years.
It is highly unlikely that any common goals will be accomplished anytime soon, as altruism and sacrifice are leaving the vocabulary of the people.
Image: Screen shot courtesy of: http://video.foxnews.com/v/4483608017001/kim-davis-returns-to-work-/?playlist_id=928378949001#sp=show-clips