OPINION:
Social issues should be decided at the state level. This is the way the Constitution of the United States is written, this was the intent of our Founding Fathers, and this should be the way the laws are observed. States should have the freedom to choose their future way of life, reflecting the values of their majority.
In the case of abortion, this policy was not followed and it resulted in hard feelings with considerable emotional distress. While majorities in some states, such as Massachusetts or New York, may want it, majorities in other states, such as Texas or Mississippi, do not. Many in Texas or Mississippi feel dominated by a distant federal government that does not share their values and has imposed its will upon their beliefs and way of life.
Currently the issue of gay marriage is before the U.S. Supreme Court. In keeping with the 10th Amendment and in order to avoid the hard feelings of unjustified control by the federal courts, the decision in each state should be left to each state.
Social issues, especially gay marriage, could be a major topic in the 2016 presidential elections. This would be unfortunate because there are other issues of great importance that should be solved at the federal level. These include issues with regard to the economy, national security and foreign relations. The economy is recovering at the slowest rate since the Great Depression, our military is intentionally being reduced (weakened) by the Obama administration, respect for America and its word are low and many regions of the world are locked in war and chaos.
My advice to the Republican candidates is to focus on the three issues that should be decided on the national level and declare that the social issues should be decided by each state legislature and governor or by referendum.
Almost certainly the Democratic candidates will focus on the social issues. They will get the support of the liberal media, which supports the liberal approach to social issues. The economy, national security and foreign relations are in disarray and are losing issues for the Democrats.
ARTHUR HORN
East Windsor, N.J.
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