I have been watching too many Jane Austin movies...

Yes it is true my wife is a huge Jane Austin fan. If it is a Jane movie we will watch it, as was the case last night. So why would a constitutionally minded blog mention such a movie as, "Northanger Abbey"? Quite simple really, it is due to the conversation I had with my beautiful and astute wife after the Jane feast was over.

Shauna: The aristocracy was really quite horrible.

John: Remind you of any particular political party?

Shauna: Not really.

John: The Democrats.

Shauna: Why?

John: They care more about the image and the financial details of the situation than they do the real core humanity of the situation. It is all about the appearance rather than the substance of any matter.

Shauna: They believed they were better than the average person on the street that they rode past. They despised anyone in a business enterprise that they called, "a trade". The pretended to care nothing of money and to be mindful of those "wretched poor", all the while they were scheming to marry for money or power and spitting upon any of births lower than they perceived themselves.

John: Precisely!

I find as I think about last nights conversation that there is much truth to be had as a generality, though there are clearly some Republicans (we call them RINO's) who have clearly adopted the views of the New Aristocracy. Isn't that an ironic thought the Democrats are yelling about the Republicans being "Robber Barons" when it is they themselves who first adopted their tactics and ideals?

Hallmark, I can no longer support you financially...

This is in response to Hallmark Cards recent decision to publish gay marriage cards. Which to me is not a practice I can condone or support. While I allow others their rights to free association under the law, I cannot continue in good conscience supporting a company that is supporting what I believe to be the unraveling of our Nation's moral fiber. I know many who read this will disagree. That is your right and it is thankfully guarenteed to you by an armed soldier who has sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. I do not wish to remove that right from you nor do I believe you should seek to remove it from me. Therefore as you ponder responding I encourage you to remember that this is a free nation under God and you have the right of free expression and association and I encourage its exercise by all.

That is why I wrote and set the following letter via email to: Donald J. Hall, Chairman Hallmark Cards 2501 McGee TrafficwayKansas City, MO 64108 Phone: 816-274-5111or: 800-425-5627E-Mail: Donald J. Hall, Hallmark Cards.

Dear Chairman Hall:

The freedom to associate that is afforded each citizen and consumer in America by our Constitution and Bill of Rights is a great two-edged sword. I allows us both to choose with whom and under what circumstances we will allow behavior and financially support that behavior. While I respect your right to do business as you choose I do not and cannot support your decisions finanically.

There was a time that Hallmark ads said "Send the very best". Due to your recent decision to promote a lifestyle that is destructive to individuals and to our society as a whole I now question the validity of that old slogan wholeheartedly. Marriage (between a man and a woman) is the foundation upon which our society stands. Maligned as marriage has become it is still the only sound and proven environment for the raising of children. The exception are just that exceptions and not the norm. Norms are what they are and there is usually a legitimate reason for their existence. As there is in the case of marriage between a man and a woman and the raising of children in a home with a father and a mother. Other lifestyles while fully permitted should never be allowed to destroy the core of family.

I can no longer in good conscience use your cards for my birthday, anniversary or get well messages. This could be considered the type of tragedy that I would send a sympathy card to an individual. However, you would notice that it wasn't a Hallmark card as it would have been manufactured by American Greeting Cards, your competitor.

I trust the $30 that I spend on gift cards will not bring your company undue finanical harm. I just can't support companies that support the destruction of the moral fabric of our nation.