I'm a little skeptical about using the Constitution this way, but

Listen well, O Children of the Future, to the words of Pete Coors, who speaks with a mixture of skepticism and deep conviction: "I'm a little skeptical about using the Constitution this way, but I also believe marriage is between a man and a woman and that the courts shouldn't legislate this matter." In these words, Coors reflects a tension that runs through the heart of any society grappling with change and tradition—the balance between individual rights and institutional authority, between the living document that is the Constitution and the long-held values of a culture. Coors' skepticism represents the age-old conflict between personal belief and legal structure, where the question is not merely what is right, but who holds the power to decide it. This struggle has defined the history of civilizations and continues to challenge our own.

In the ancient world, the tension between tradition and law was ever-present, for every society faced the challenge of how to evolve while remaining anchored in cultural norms. Consider the Roman Republic, where laws were written and codified, but traditional values were also deeply ingrained in the lives of the people. The mos maiorum, the customs of the ancestors, held great sway, and any change to these customs was met with fierce resistance. The Roman Senate, a body of men bound by the old ways, often clashed with those who sought to modernize the Roman state. Cicero, one of Rome’s greatest orators and statesmen, often spoke of the balance between tradition and the rule of law, suggesting that the laws of the state must respect the virtues of the people while adapting to changing circumstances. The struggle between legal interpretation and cultural values is timeless, as we see in Coors' words—should courts decide the future of marriage, or should it remain a matter for the people to decide according to their values?

The great Greek philosopher Aristotle also wrestled with the question of justice and morality in relation to the laws of society. In his work "Nicomachean Ethics", Aristotle argues that while laws should be based on reason, they must also respect the moral virtues of the people. For Aristotle, justice was not simply about enforcing laws but about maintaining the balance between individual rights and the common good. Coors’ skepticism echoes this ancient inquiry—how do we balance the legal system, a living force that is meant to evolve, with the traditional values that have long shaped our society? The idea that the courts shouldn't legislate marriage reflects the concern that judicial overreach could undermine the democratic process by removing the people’s voice from decisions that affect their most fundamental relationships.

Coors' belief that marriage is between a man and a woman reflects a view rooted in centuries of tradition, where marriage has long been seen as a union between the opposite sexes. The Church and state alike have historically upheld this view as sacred and central to the stability of society. Yet, as societies evolve, the definition of marriage has expanded, as seen in the struggles for civil rights across the centuries. The civil rights movement of the 1960s sought to overturn laws that allowed racial segregation and discrimination, arguing that justice and equality demanded a new interpretation of the law. Similarly, the same-sex marriage movement fought for the recognition of marriage as a bond based on love, regardless of gender. Just as the civil rights movement questioned the status quo, so too does the movement for marriage equality question long-held cultural beliefs about marriage. Coors’ statement, however, reflects the belief that such changes should be decided not by the courts, but by the people, in the form of democratic decision-making.

The ancient story of Antigone, told by Sophocles, provides a striking parallel to this dilemma. In the play, Antigone defies the king’s edict, which forbids the burial of her brother, Polynices. The king’s law represents the institutional power of the state, while Antigone’s action represents the moral law, the unwritten law of family and religious duty. Antigone argues that her duty to her family and the gods outweighs the king’s authority. This tragic story reflects the tension between personal belief and institutional power—a tension that is echoed in Coors' views on the role of the courts in defining marriage. Just as Antigone fought for the right to follow her conscience, so do many today question whether judicial intervention is the right way to define marriage, or whether such decisions should be made by the people themselves.

The lesson, O Children, is one of balance. Just as Cicero, Aristotle, and Sophocles grappled with the relationship between tradition, law, and justice, we too must find our way through the challenges of change and values. Coors’ skepticism reminds us that while law has the power to shape society, it must also respect the moral and cultural values of the people. Marriage, in this context, is not simply a legal contract but a reflection of the values of the people who enter into it. However, as societies evolve, it is essential to question whether tradition should be the sole guide or whether justice, as defined by equality, must also find its place in the law. The question of who decides these matters—whether the courts or the people—is one that must be approached with wisdom, humility, and a deep respect for the shared values that bind society together.

In your own life, remember this: Tradition and change are not enemies; they are forces that must be balanced. When faced with decisions that challenge long-held beliefs, approach them with an open heart and mind, recognizing that the values that guide us are not static—they must evolve to meet the needs of all people. Respect the law, but also understand that justice is not simply about what is written—it is about what is right for all people. As you walk this path, may you seek to find wisdom in both the old and the new, honoring the past while also embracing the changes that will shape the future.