Galois

I'm Back

I know I've been away for awhile, but I'm back now and plan on posting on about a weekly basis (look for new posts each Sunday).  As for why I've been gone for the last six months, much of that is related to a move (to New York City) and significant professional changes for both my wife and me.  We're finally getting settled into our new apartment and new lives, though, and so I thought I'd return to posting.  For the last week I've been planning on returning by looking at three same-sex marriage cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, and California.  I sort of forgot about New York.  It seems to have jumped into the spotlight, so I'll start with a post or two about the recent case here making headlines.  In the months to come I'll return to the other cases mentioned above.  So, without further ado once more into the breach, dear friends.....

Light Blogging

Things have been and will continue to be quite hectic for the next few weeks so blogging will be light for the time being. Hopefully I'll find some time to get in a few posts that I've been meaning to write, but if not I should pick up the pace around the end of June. Likewise with comment threads, I'll try to respond when I can, but it might take longer than ususal.

Little to No Blogging

There will be little or no blogging this week, including responding to comments. Blogging should resume late Sunday or Monday. Thank you.

See You Thursday

I won't be blogging over the next few days because of the Passover holiday. I should be back either Wednesday night or Thursday. I really do hope to take care of some of the posts I've been meaning to write at some point in the "near" future. Anyway, Hag Sameach.

Coming Attractions

wI have a number of topics related to same-sex marriage that I hope to blog about in the near future, but I don't know how long it will take me to cover everything.  So I thought perhaps a preview was in order. 

At MarriageDebate.com Eve Tushnet has asked whether the question of whether gays should be able to marry is a matter that should be left to the states.  My short answer is that no it should not.  All states should respect this basic principle of equal protection.  That being said, I don't think a national solution will be imposed in either direction anytime in the near future.  So for the time being there will be different state with different answers and we are going to have to deal with that fact.  The solution I believe is not for a state without SSM to ignore all such marriages and all its consequences for all purposes.  What sort of guidelines, though, that I believe it makes sense for the state to follow will take some time to explain.  Therefore my long answer will have to wait a bit.

I also want to report on a symposium I attended Friday at Quinnipiac University.  The whole day was quite interesting with wonderful speakers on both sides of the issue discussing a variety of topics as they relate to same-sex marriage.  Eventually I hope to write at least one post on each of the seven "sessions" of the symposium.  Tom Sylvester of the Family Scholars Blog was also there--and probably took better notes than I did--so I'll be quite interested to see his reports on the day.

Finally, the Massachusetts legislators meet again tomorrow as a constitutional convention to continue debating moving forward an amendment to ban same-sex marriage in that state in 2006.  I'm sure I'll have something to say about the events there. 

And yes I know if I had just written one of those posts instead of this long preview, I would have probably made better use of my time.  Oh well. 

Mazel Tov to My Wife

We interrupt our usual discussions on this blog to bring you this late breaking news. My wife just got accepted into the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America! For those unfamiliar with this fine institution, JTS describes itself as " the intellectual and religious center of Conservative Judaism". I cannot describe how proud I am of her. She has put in countless hours of hard work to get into this program and I am delighted to see her efforts rewarded. I know she will make a valuable contribution to Conservative Judaism and the community as a whole.

A Mathematician Looks at 30

So I just turned 30 today. Funny, I feel pretty much the same. Except I have a sudden desire to listen to Jimmy Buffett.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

I leave today for the Joint Mathematics Meetings in Phoenix.  Thus I probably won't be posting again until next week.  When I return, though, we'll be a week out from the Iowa Caucuses and we will have reached the deadline for parties to submit amicus briefs to the Mass. SJC on the matter of the Senate civil union bill.  I am sure I will have much to say.  Have a great week everybody!