In the news

Canada decided to give marriage rights to gays nationwide. It was somewhat symbolic as gays have the right to marry in 8 of 10 provinces anyway. Still, it was a good decision says me. If only we could be so forward thinking in this country. Incidentally, Belgium and the Netherlands are the only two other countries who have done this.

Before passage, members agreed to an amendment that would protect the charitable status of any religious institution that refuses to perform same-sex marriages.

So religious groups can refuse to perform marriage ceremonies without having to worry about losing their charitable statue. That's good. People in religious organizations should be allowed to believe whatever they want without it affecting the status of the organization.

I don't understand why there is a huge issue about gay marriage. Well, that's not true. I do understand it. I just don't get the idea that we're somehow lessening the institution of marriage if we allows gays to marry. My marriage isn't any less valid because John and Harry next door got married.

Here's a quote from Conservative Party leader, Stephen Harper:

"Most Canadians believe that the traditional definition of marriage should be recognized," Mr. Harper told the gathering. "If we refuse to speak about this issue, who will stand up and protect your faith and your religion?"

It's not a government's job to protect people's religion if it interferes with the rights of others. Religious freedom extends up to the point where you start affecting other people's rights. Kind of like how I have the freedom to swing my fist around unless it's going to hit you in the nose.

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In other news, the nations of the world are coming together in an attempt to create a better energy source, namely fusion. The USA is only contributing 10% to the project with the Europen Union throwing in 40%. France throws in an extra 10%, but they're also the ones whose economy will be helped as the plant will be located in Cadarache, near Marseille. Russia, China, Japan, and Korea will also each throw in ten percent. Total price tag is $13 billion. Of course, we won't see even the prototype until around 2030. But still, this seems to me to be a step in the right direction. I wish the USA were more of a leader in this sort of thing, but at least we're part of it.