If anything, we live in a “persistent and determined supermajority rules” country. As others have noted, we do have constitutionally-protected rights after all. And as I recall shematwater, you're a Mormon, correct? You of all people should be damned glad that we do have those protections.

On a separate but related note, I’m sick to death of hearing armchair moralists call folks irresponsible and self-indulgent for wanting the same rights and considerations that the name-callers take as their natural due. Being responsible is a fine thing. But it seems to me we ought to think seriously about the consequences of our own attitudes, actions, and choices before we criticize others.