There's a huge, full-page ad in the Post today supporting the proposed amendment to ban gay marriages. Says the copy: "We can think of no more crucial issue for or nation than the preservation of the institution of marriage." As you might expect, the ad is sponsored by a number of religious groups and fun-loving family councils.

I had to laugh: There's no more crucial issue facing our nation than preventing gays from marrying?

But there's something that troubles me here, too. Politically-speaking, the whole debate surrounding the baneful amendment is playing beautifully into Bush's hands. Notice how no one's talking about Bush's AWOL guard service anymore? Or the lack of WMDs in Iraq? The issue is a perfect distraction from the administration's disastrous policies.

This is not to downplay the significance of what's happening right now in San Francisco and elsewhere. This form of civil disobedience is exactly the sort of activism we need more of in this country. The photos of newlywed couples have been truly heartwarming.

But we can't let Bush use this as a wedge issue. The Repubs are hoping peoples' reflexive homophobia will outweigh their concerns about the pitiful job market. Or at least make them forget about it temporarily. We just can't let that happen.