That Dweam Within a Dweam

Mawwiage: That Dweam Within a Dweam

         Marriage. Arm yourself, for we shall do combat. Yes, I take issue with thee. You religious and political hypocrite. Engarde!

         Religiously marriage is a life-long union ended officially only by death. Well, supposed to be. Church-goers shrug at their vows as non-binding expressions of promise-keeping, in divorce. If I were so foolish as to make a life-long pledge, then I'd keep that promise, despite my later whims. I can only conclude that I hold marriage more sacred than does religion.
         There is no religious institution condoning a relationship that equates to "we pledge devotion as long as we can stand each other" (which is in fact the convenient version of marriage as we prefer it today). Why not? Is it easier to recognize same-sex unions than to admit that 50% of all weddings end after one year?

         Politically marriage is an invitation to litigation. You declare that all your property and means are now subject, even after separation, to supporting your spouse. You are legally required to offer up material support to your spouse's needs, regardless of your intentions and devotions.
         There is no political institution equivalent to "we hereby commit to each other socially and emotionally, and also for the purposes of a tax reduction, but not otherwise politically or economically." There are pre-nuptual agreements limiting liability of asset loss after separation. What good can be said about two people who enter an eternal union with a hedged bet?

         That said, I welcome wife, kids, and tax exemptions. Heh.