The rights of U. S. citizenship must, indeed, be precious if so many of us will fight tooth and toenail to keep other citizens from being fully vested in those rights. Like racial integration, acceptance of gay marriage will take time and energy to make it happen and much longer for it to be accepted without (much) resentment. As a heterosexual married man, I feel fortunate to have found someone who was willing to commit to share my life. I see no reason why this should be denied to anyone else for any reason.