re: "The Final Assault: Foreseeable Mopping-Up Operations"

The Curmudgeon Emeritus at Eternity Road extrapolates along similar lines as my yesterday's post.

Money quote(s):

"Since the enactment of same-sex marriage legislation by the State of New York, certain questions have been on the minds of those opposed to the idea:

What else will this change?
Will churches, synagogues, etc. be compelled to solemnize same-sex marriages?
What about businesses run by religious proprietors?"

&

"Given that New York, despite the cosmopolitan-secular veneer afforded it by New York City, is as religious as any other part of the country, the bill could not have passed the Senate without such provisions. However, given the activism of American judges, there is no guarantee that an appellate court will swallow either the exemptions or the inseverability provision. A court decision mandating same-sex marriage without any exemptions is quite possible, just as same-sex marriage was foisted upon Massachusetts by a judicial decree.

Finally, given the documented history of homosexuals' pressure upon the churches, particularly the Catholic Church, to accept them and their ways despite longstanding doctrine, it's easy to foresee additional rounds in this battle." (Emphasis in original text. - CAA.)

Some consular history

The consular function is one of the oldest parts of the Department of State; the first U.S. Consul (to France), William Palfrey of Massachusetts, was appointed on Nov. 4, 1780.

The first U.S. consular post was established in Bordeaux, France in March 1778. It was closed in 1996.

Article II, section 2 of the Constitution authorized the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, "Ambassadors, other public Ministers, and Consuls." The Consular Service, which was primarily responsible for promoting American commerce and assisting distressed American sailors, was separate from the Diplomatic Service, which staffed U.S. Legations and Embassies, from 1789 until 1924.

In 1781 there were 3 consular posts and 4 diplomatic ones. Today there are over 260, more than 70 of which are consular posts.