The president strongly believes that marriage in this country

Hear now, O children of wisdom, for I speak of a matter that has stirred the hearts of many, igniting passions and debates across the land. Ken Mehlman once said, “The president strongly believes that marriage in this country ought to be between a man and a woman. He also believes it is something that ought to be decided by the people. He doesn't believe that judges ought to impose their will on the people.” These words, though spoken in the context of a particular moment in history, carry the weight of deep philosophical questions about the nature of democracy, freedom, and the role of the state in defining the sacred bonds of society.

The debate over the definition of marriage is not new, children, but a reflection of the ancient struggle between tradition and change. From the earliest days of humanity, unions between men and women have been central to the structure of society. Marriage was not merely a personal choice, but a social institution, a sacred union that bound families and communities together. Ken Mehlman, in his words, evokes the long-standing belief that marriage, in its most traditional sense, is the union between a man and a woman—a belief deeply rooted in history, culture, and the customs of many societies.

But within the struggle for freedom and justice, there arises the eternal question: who has the right to decide the rules of marriage? Is it the people, through their voices and votes, or is it the judges, through the power of the law, who hold the keys to such decisions? Mehlman argues that the decision should rest with the people, not with a select few who wield the power of the judiciary. He calls for a democratic approach, where the voices of all people, not just a few, should determine the laws that govern society. This question, children, has echoed through the halls of power for centuries: who decides the laws that shape our lives?

Let us look to the ancient Greeks, who were the first to establish the principles of democracy. In their city-state of Athens, the people gathered in the Agora to debate and decide the laws that governed them. Each man had the right to speak, to present his case, and to shape the future of the polis. It was not a decision for a single ruler or a small group of judges to make, but a decision for the entire community. The Athenian democracy held the belief that the people, guided by wisdom and justice, were the rightful stewards of their own fate. In this way, they understood that democracy is not just about voting, but about a shared responsibility to define the rules that govern our lives.

Yet, children, the balance between tradition and progress is a delicate one. For while democracy gives power to the people, it also requires respect for the customs and beliefs that have long shaped society. The president's belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman reflects a tradition held by many, not only in America but across the world. It is a belief that has been passed down through generations, deeply rooted in the fabric of society. However, the tides of history are ever-changing, and what was once seen as sacred and immutable must be questioned and reexamined in the light of progress and justice. As the winds of change blow, we must ask ourselves: how do we balance the preservation of tradition with the pursuit of fairness and equality for all?

Look, children, to the story of Solon, the great Athenian lawgiver, who, many years ago, sought to reform the laws of Athens in the pursuit of justice. Solon understood that tradition and justice are not always in harmony, and that sometimes the people must be guided to see the greater truth. His reforms did not always align with the will of the majority, but they were rooted in the belief that justice must serve all people, not just the powerful. Solon’s reforms were often met with resistance, yet in time, they helped to shape a more just and equitable society. Like Solon, those who call for change must sometimes contend with tradition, but they must do so with wisdom, understanding, and a commitment to the greater good.

The lesson for us, children, is this: the balance between tradition and change is never easy, but it is through this balance that societies evolve and grow. Ken Mehlman’s words reflect the belief that democracy should guide us, that the people should have the power to decide the laws that govern their lives. Yet, we must also recognize that the quest for justice and equality requires us to be open to change, to embrace new understandings, and to challenge traditions that no longer serve the common good. The role of the judge is not to impose their will upon the people, but to uphold the principles of justice, ensuring that the laws are fair and just for all.

So, children, take this wisdom into your hearts: understand that democracy is not merely a right—it is a responsibility. The decisions we make together, as a people, will shape the future of our society. Respect tradition, but never let it blind you to the need for justice. Seek fairness and equality, and remember that the power to shape the laws that govern us lies not in the hands of the few, but in the hearts of the many. Let us all strive for a world where the voices of all are heard, and where justice is not a privilege for some, but a right for all.