I cant remember the last tie I read a column by MS West and this column reminds me why... When did it become illegal ? Just how ignorant is the author... For most of the world free speech IS illegal and has been for thousands of years. For what was Jesus condemned to be crucified? SPEECH!! Every individual in the world is born with the same innate right to free speech granted by the creator. But Governments have long been denying that right to the populace. Thats is why our constitution is so important. Does England have our Constitution? No? then why is she surprised they dont have free speech.

What is a NEOCON? Was Reagan a NEOCON? If so I am proudly a neocon and yes we are in control. Who are the "Israeli Lobby"?? Do you mean Jews but are afraid to say it? Ron Paul lost so the choice is Romney or Obama

I think it had to do with the specific nature of the plaintiffs standing in the case. They were not affected (effected? it is late) by the section two so had to sue in court under section 3.

Amy, I am reading the Case now. The actual findings of the court in the Case. http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/Doma_decision4.pdf Very few will read that I know. Most will try to have someone else tell them what the court said. But they refer to an old Supreme Court Case where the court said marriage laws are the purview of the state. I agree. The fed Gov can say what the effects of a state marriage license are but as the court apparently ruled in this case, they can not treat two identical licenses differently.

Art 4 gives Congress specific authority not full regulation over the states. How they record the licenses and the effect of the licenses. Not who can enter into the licenses.

But where does Congress get the authority to tell a state how it can conduct a marriage Contract? THat is 10th amendment at its basic core.

DOMA will hit SCOTUS next year. They will most likely rule 6-3 that it is unconstitutional. Same sex couples can legally marry in some states. The marriage license is identical for a same sex couple and a male female couple. It is unconstitutional to treat the public record for one couple different then exact same public record of another couple.

Well I agree they should be recognized but I bet your CCW license lists the permission to carry is only in that state. And then some other states might have a reciprocal agreement to recognize it. My fishing license for GA states it is specific ONLY for that state. But i can fish some waters of FL and SC with it. I have weapons for home defense but dont carry so never got the License. But I would bet it states it is valid for your state only.

Why would congress have a right to regulate Contract law? I could see if it involved Interstate Commerce, but isnt that the very same principle we are against Congress doing with Obamacare? Why do you think Congress can regulate Contracts? I may miss something there but dont see it....

I was very concerned about the way my son grew up and am proud he is a remarkable young and is pre-law student at an excellent University. But again what does that have to do with Doma?