[MD] Quality decline in U.S. politics

[Arlo Bensinger]

[Platt]
If not the voters, who do you think should decide?

[Arlo]
So, just so we are clear, you believe that states should be able to 
decide whether or not to recognize interracial marriage. Is that correct?

[Arlo had asked]
The same argument was made when "interracial marriage" became an 
issue. We were told that allowing "blacks and whites" to wed would 
undermine social values, erode society away and lead to all sorts 
of  social ills. Why has that changed?

[Platt]
To many minds who see a general degeneration of society it hasn't.

[Arlo]
Are you saying there is validity to the argument that interracial 
marriage contributes to the degeneration of society?

[Platt]
Says you. What's necessarily "violent" about drug abuse, 
prostitution, pornography and lawlessness? And as usual, you 
introduce a personal attack.

[Arlo]
In your litany of associations with gay marriage you include, and I 
quote, "out-of-wedlock births, prostitution and 
pornography,  violence, drugs, profane language, discipline, 
upholding the law,  etc., etc., all of which undermine the bonds that 
hold a society together". These are the things you wish to equate 
with "gay marriage"

Also note the word "violence" in your statement.

As for the "personal attack", cry me a river. Its an atrocious 
rhetoric association, sorry if that bothers you to have it pointed out.

[Platt]
I was answering Keith's argument. Your question is nonsensical.

[Arlo]
Just to be clear, you agree that whether or not "marriage" encourages 
long-term relationships should not be a basis for its social 
recognition? Yes or no.