Marriage should be Abolished

Yesterday, I was shocked to hear a fill-in host for the golf bag say that the state of California did not recognize the right of marriage, and that it was merely a privilege. That reminded me of this classic satirical opinion piece (Year One, page 376):

by D. t. X

The era of marriage is over. We have advanced enough as a society that we no longer need this institution legalized.

Why is it that you can put your spouse on your health insurance, but not your best friend, or your mother or father? This is a ridiculous, illogical proposition in our day and age.

Why should you pay more taxes because you're married? Sure, you could file as a single person, but it's still ridiculous.

The system should be opened for all types of couples, and other types of living arrangements. If two people, regardless of sex, wish to be together -- fine. If three friends wish to help each other out, and share health coverage, they should do it.

Let the free market decide what advantages should be given to couples and groups, and eliminate the discriminatory practice of legalized marriage forever.

Gays are discriminated against by the current system. Individuals who wish to be single are discriminated against. This is unjust, and should be rethought to reflect the current state of our society.

There are other reasons to abolish the institution of marriage. The emotional benefits of marriage are unrealistic. Believe me -- I know. I've been through hell and back five times over, trying to make relationships work, and I know that women are only interested in one thing -- financial security.

They're not interested in a mutually beneficial team-up. They're not interested in a relationship. As Dr. Eric Jericho talked about in these editorial pages, they want sex and drugs. And you need money to provide both adequately.

I don't believe we should continue raising our children with the notion that marriage is the ideal culmination of adulthood. We are misleading our kids, and creating expectations that will lead to great suffering in their futures.

Again, believe me -- I know.

Back in the day, before the industrial revolution, marriage was truly an ideal institution. Marriages were arranged by families because the idea of teaming up to keep society going was necessary for continual survival. Children did their chores, fathers worked all day, and mothers kept the home fires burning.

That was a different era. Teaming up is still useful in today's society, but no longer necessary for survival.

These days, most American women in their 20's and 30's don't care about raising a family in an ideal, two-parent household. The women I've dated are convinced that they don't deserve nice guys ... and at the same time, they don't want their child to have a nice guy as a father.

So, women from Generation X, Y, and Z punish themselves and their offspring -- all for the sake of individual pride and freedom.

And the reason these women act this way is because they don't need to team-up with a spouse in order to survive -- our society is geared to support the individual. There's nothing wrong with this, and I think it's time for our legal institutions to reflect this shift in our society.

The need to be married in order to sustain life and survive no longer exists.

I've been married ... and you know what? The effort was a gigantic waste of time.

There is no Santa Claus. There is no Easter Bunny. And there is no ideal marriage.

Marriages work when both people are committed to each other. Marriage requires two people to swallow their egos, and work as a team. Each person plays their role for the mutual benefit of the relationship, and the family.

Unfortunately, in today's world, there aren't many women who feel like being team players. They don't wish to lead ... they don't wish to follow ... they don't wish to negotiate. They just wish to be left alone.

So, I say let's leave them alone, and end this legalized pressure to marry and procreate. Those of you out there who are married needn't worry -- you'll pay less taxes, and I'm sure the health insurance companies will cover your spouse. You'll still be treated like a married couple, even though there isn't a piece of paper from your local government proving your married. You can still have your wedding ceremonies -- just don't expect a seal of approval from Uncle Sam. Write your congressman and senators, and ask that marriage be abolished immediately. You'll be glad you did.