The following is a statement by President Bush:

The following is a statement by President Bush:

Today's Senate vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment marks the start of a new chapter in this important national debate.

[DB: No it doesn't. You lost. Debates over Ciao!]

I thank the Senators who supported this Amendment, but I am disappointed the Senate did not achieve the necessary number of votes to move the amendment process forward.

[DB: Why? The people have spoken. Surely you're not attempting to override the expressed will of the people, are you Mr. Bush?]

Our Nation's founders set a high bar for amending our Constitution - and history has shown us that it can take several tries before an Amendment builds the two-thirds support it needs in both houses of Congress.

[DB: If wishes were horses...]

My position on this issue is clear:

[DB: Though I only get around to expressing it in even numbered years]

...marriage is the most fundamental institution of our society, and it should not be redefined by activist judges.

[DB: What about strict-constructionist judges? Can they define it? Because if they do, I tremble for my country. After all the people who ratified the constitution thought women were chattle, with no rights.. Do you really think national policy should be brought into line with that kind of thinking?]

The people must be heard on this issue. And as this debate continues,

[DB: The people HAVE been heard. That's why the debate isn't going to contiue. Because the people spoke. AND YOU LOST.]

each American deserves to be treated with tolerance, respect, and dignity.

[DB: Tolerance, respect, and dignity? The Marriage Protection Amendment lost because it DENIES people respect and dignity, while also denying the people the right to define marriage as they see fit. Your ammendment lost because tolerance, respect, and dignity won. Your ammendment lost because Americans agree that gay people are entitled to the legal ability to visit a spouse in hospital, to pass on property, and to have legal protections for their children. You see, unlike you, the American people understand that there is no tolerance, respect or dignity for gays when the force of law denies them basic rights enjoyed by all other Americans.]