LETTER TO THE EDITOR – Okay! I really do ‘get it’. I do. This subject raises such emotions, fears and every other sentiment known to man, and woman, that I know I have hold of a hot potato. So, why even try to comment. Well, I think we need a rational approach. Me rational? Well, let’s see if you agree.
First, I am all for gay rights as a Constitutional matter. Yes, as long as someone’s behavior and choices don’t run a foul of the law otherwise, I’m all for – and will defend – their right to act and do as they please. Now, really, don’t You agree? I’d bet you do.
Let’s examine a case history – made-up, yes, but it makes a point.. YOU are in the minority. You like your men clean-shaven, with neat, short hair styles. You like to see women wear an attractive hair set which complements their facial lines. BUT, ECOville, where you live, passes a law that states that ALL men must grow beards and wear their hair at shoulder-length and ALL women must wear their hair long, also, braided and pinned-up in two circular buns behind their ears. RATS! But, What about YOUR RIGHTS to be different? How you wear your hair is very personal, after all. Granted, sexual-orientation isn’t a hairstyle, but you get the idea. To try and make everyone a carbon copy is against agency – a person’s rights to choose for himself. So, let’s get over the recent ruling and move on.
Second, I deplore the immorality that the ruling upholds. Yes, I am a religious person with a deep faith and belief in God. I happen to believe that homosexuality is wrong in His sight and unfortunate and deplorable in our society. Yet, I will NOT persecute or picket or in any way harass someone who chooses to practice his choice. After all, as a CHRISTIAN, I DO believe that all men and women are my brothers and sisters and I should show love towards all. That means, I don’t make their lives harder than they already are. In fact, it means, if I really do care about everyone, I will treat everyone as I would like to be treated. I believe that is something called the ‘GOLDEN RULE’.
Third, let’s be practical: the war is over. We cannot and should not at this point try to change things. It would be futile. Look at California. There they voted on Prop 8, TWICE and finally, the US Supreme Court said, “NO, the majority’s will does not hold a candle to one person’s human rights.” So, we in Utah are not going to have any success fighting essentially the same battle.
But, YOU WANT to do SOMETHING, well, there’s plenty for you to do. Roll up your sleeves and pick your area of involvement. Here is a list of suggestions, if you’re really serious about helping things get better out there in the real world.
1) First, take stock of yourself. How are YOU doing? Where do YOU need improvement? Anyone who attempts to point fingers always has three fingers and a thumb pointing back at him, so beware, make sure your personal house is in order. THAT helps everybody.
2) Second, take a look at your family, immediate and extended. Are there needs there? Well, step in. This is your second most important area to make your contribution count.
3) Third, get to know and get involved in the lives of your neighbors and friends. Over the years I know that my offering of a word of advice, a shoulder, an arm or a ride has helped a considerable number. You can do or continue to do the same.
4) Fourth, get involved with your church or other community group and let your talents be known. I know of one gal whom I call “Sister Humanitarian” because of her constant and extraordinary work for those in need. She makes a difference here in the county and even around the world.
5) Fifth, get involved in your community. By this I mean – its government and politics. KNOW your elected officials. Attend meetings. Speak up and speak out.
6) Sixth, get involved in that dirty word ‘politics’. Pick your level or your issue and join with like-minded citizens. At the least, learn about issues and candidates and vote. ONLY 37.93 percent of registered voters voted in the 2013 St. George mayoral election and that’s a higher turn-out than ‘normal’. Shouldn’t our voter turn-out be 100 percent of ALL eligible citizens. Register and vote intelligently. And STAY involved. Yes, it can be disheartening at times, but well-worth it. This writer once helped unseat a five-term Congressman simply by researching and publishing his voting record.
Honestly folks, you, each of you, holds great power. Inform yourself. St. George News is a great place to start, Then, get involved. The world needs you. We all need each other. Luv ya all. ‘ Nuff said.
Submitted by: Mary Kessler
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Letters to the Editor are not the product of St. George News, its editors, staff or news contributors. The matters stated and opinions given are the responsibility of the person submitting them. They do not reflect the product or opinion of St. George News and are given only light edit for technical style and formatting.
Fix your tyrannical city government that you’ve allowed to trod on people’s rights for the past generation instead of trying to dictate to other how to live their personal relationships
A quick google search of the history of marriage, tradition, lore, history will reveal various cultures and countries view towards a man and a woman being married. Going back as far as history is written, traditional marriage has been a major event in every culture on this planet. The recent royal wedding and the coverage that it had shows how exciting that event can be. (for some)
Same sex marriage is in it’s infancy and to be honest, it’s not really that popular in any country or culture. Regardless of what anybody thinks right now, I guess time will tell as to whether this will be a popular and accepting event or just a passing fad.
If I were to give the importance of a traditional marriage a numerical value as to the importance it has in any society or culture on this planet, I’d say let’s make up that value as a 10. (could be any number)
Same-sex marriage could never equal that value regardless of the mantra of wanting same-sex marriage to be “equal” to the historical marriage between a man and a woman.
The only way both types of marriages could ever be equal is to break down that “10” value and everything that it means and force it to be less significant in society. This would mean that both types of marriages would have to be a 3 or 4 in the eyes of a culture in order for them to be considered anywhere close to equal. Hmmm, seems like that attack on families and marriage is already taking place.
A same-sex marriage will never be revered to and as equal to traditional marriage in any culture or society. Unless of course, that societies and cultures around the world continue to think less and less of traditional marriages.
Cecil, You’re ignorant, but your ability to express your ignorance is profound! Keep wrapping your tiny-little mind in a blank built for 2+2=1 reasonings! lm…o! TOO FUNNY! Not at all a valid point.
Ed. ellipsis
Did Cecil just invent a new kind of math?
HUH?!?!
If the media can keep us focused on gay people’s bedroom habits then no one will worry about the fact that wall street and the financial system is destroying the country.
I agree with the statement, “the war is over”. This issue is like a cat; it won’t walk backwards. But like another “finished” war, The Civil War, those hanging on to a stubborn belief will push that belief indefinitely. Those people may believe the decision that defines same sex marriage as a constitutional right, has ruined their lives. The may be forever bitter and feel a sense of lost control.
I agree with Bub. Who cares about gay marriage? Its a sin, I totally agree we all sin and fall short. Without Jesus our Lord God we will never be forgiven. The difference is sinning and living in sin. The editor claims to be a Christian yet supports gay marriage. Jesus hung with sinners to let them know they are sinning and not to allow it. Wake up. Merry Christmas
woody, you’re as thick as your name suggests. might i suggest you whittle yourself down to something more easily managed by a pint-sized point of view… say a twig!
” I am a religious person with a deep faith and belief in God. I happen to believe that homosexuality is wrong in His sight ”
I wish people would question things more. What makes you think that God thinks homosexuality is immoral? You may say that God said so, but I didn’t hear him say it. I know the Bible says it, but I don’t know who wrote that part. I just think that if something is morally wrong, we should be able to explain why. I can’t explain why homosexuality is wrong, which makes me question whether it really is.
The war is over and both sides lost.