Former New Mexico Governor and Presidential aspirant Gary Johnson has a response to the now-infamous “Marriage Vow” signed by Michelle Bachmann (and Rick Santorum). Here’s a taste:
The so-called ‘Marriage Vow” pledge that FAMiLY LEADER is asking Republican candidates for President to sign attacks minority segments of our population and attempts to prevent and eliminate personal freedom. This type of rhetoric is what gives Republicans a bad name.
Government should not be involved in the bedrooms of consenting adults. I have always been a strong advocate of liberty and freedom from unnecessary government intervention into our lives. The freedoms that our forefathers fought for in this country are sacred and must be preserved. The Republican Party cannot be sidetracked into discussing these morally judgmental issues — such a discussion is simply wrongheaded. We need to maintain our position as the party of efficient government management and the watchdogs of the “public’s pocket book”.
It seems to me that this response is far better than trying to parse its language to uncover an unstated commitment to ban pornography.
UPDATE: The Marriage Vow authors have also apologized for including language suggesting African-American children may have been better off under slavery than they are today.
SECOND UPDATE: Here’s an alternative pledge public officials may wish to consider.