Friday December 15, 2006 SGN.org |
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Volume 34 Issue 50 |
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Monday, Oct 13, 2008
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Letters |
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| PUT OURSELVES FIRST BEFORE HELPING OTHERS With reference to the comments of Beau Burriola (The Gay-Muslim grudge, Dec. 1, 2006), no one in America should suffer discrimination. NO ONE. I was surprised Mr. Burriola did not mention America's Constitution and its protections from discrimination based on one's lifestyle choice, i.e. religion. Mr. Burriola is correct that Muslims should not be removed from a plane for public prayer. All religions are protected from discrimination based on federal laws. Those Muslim imams have recourse to our government for the treatment they suffered. What Mr. Burriola fails to point out is that Gay-Americans DO NOT enjoy federal protections and ARE in fact subjects of legal discrimination nationwide. We have no recourse. Should we as Gay-Americans be outraged when those that enjoy federal protection from discrimination suffer at the hands of bigots? Should we spend our time, resources, and emotional capitol making sure all Americans enjoy the rights we currently don't? Gay-Americans should understand and apply the Airline's guidelines about the use of air-masks. Put yours on first before you place one on the face of a child (you're not going to be able to help the child if you're unconscious due to lack of oxygen). Demanding equal treatment of all Americans is well and good, but it makes more sense to first secure federal protections for Gay-Americans before we attempt to come to the aide of those that already have them. Sincerely, Karl Derrick Seattle, WA KEN HUTCHERSON IS NO "REVEREND" The dictionary defines reverence as "a feeling of awe" and reverend as "worthy to be revered". If Ken Hutcherson really believes his preaching that his God made all of us, then he must concede that God, which by definition is incapable of mistakes, also made those of us who are homosexual. No one who so hypocritically claims to judge God's works merits the title of "Reverend". Sincerely, C. Wight Reade Seattle, WA ALANO CLUB WRONG TO SELL TREES Dear SGN, I was absolutely astounded when I saw that the Capitol Hill Alano Club was selling Christmas trees this year in competition with the Seattle AIDS Support Group who are just a few blocks away. I have had AIDS for over 20 years and attended many support groups at SASG throughout that time. The Christmas tree sale has kept SASG going for about 20 years and is known as a tradition in this neighborhood. I know many people who go to the Alano club that are HIV+ who share my feelings that this is simply wrong. Where the hell does the Capitol Hill Alano Club get off doing the same fundraiser in competition with another LGBT organization in our community? I am outraged -- as are many of my friends who participate with both organizations. I mean, it's a free country but I think it's in poor taste and very unethical for the Alano Club to start competing with SASG and taking a bite out of their livelihood. SASG is an institution in Seattle and 15 years ago when so many of my friends were either sick or dying, SASG was there (and still is) to provide a place to grieve, get comfort and share with one-another. I realize the Alano Club provides a much needed service to us as well, but this kind of competition with another LGBT organization in our neighborhood is something that is unheard of. I think the Alano Club should spend less time taking a bite out of SASG and more time studying the twelve steps; especially steps 8, 9 and 10! Sincerely, , Anonymous THANKS SGN Dear Leslie, , [Editor's Note: The following letter was sent to SGN Contributing Writer Leslie Robinson.] , I loved your article on Unnatural Religious Positions in the SGN, Dec 8. You are consistently right on the money with humor and irony on issues that otherwise see little attention in the regular news. Keep up the good work! Sincerely, Janice Van Cleve Seattle, WA HOLIDAY THOUGHTS Dear SGN, , People throughout our area are making ready to celebrate the big day, Christmas. It's a time of special lighting effects, holiday music, cards, gifts, and talking to family members in our large country, entertaining, church services, and a litany of various holiday activities. At the same time, cooks practically stand on their heads to create meals people won't forget. Celebrating at this time of the year is especially difficult when steadfast friends have passed away during the year. Good friends are never replaced. Military personnel returning from Iraq in boxes is extremely difficult for families and friends. The holidays become very difficult to bear under such circumstances. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is often difficult for the people involved and many military men and women are confined in prisons waiting for discharge - either a general or dishonorable - which restricts travel outside of our country or their voting privileges. When the packages are opened and the meal is served, don't forget you personally have the opportunity to help make our world a better place to live. Start today and just maybe those invisible tears will make your holidays brighter for each of us as we give thanks for our many blessings. Sincerely, , Buzz Flowers Lynnwood, WA |
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