Posted by Pagan (anonymous) on October 24, 2009 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If your religion tells you these things are wrong, then don't do them. But don't assume the rest of us believe in the same gods you do.

Posted by steeldogwood (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 4:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the most disgustingly mean-spirited thing I have seen in print in a long time.
Does compassion and tolerance have no place in your world view Mr Wagstaff? You seem to practice a version of Christianity, as do far too many people these days, that has nothing to do with Christ's teachings, but serves as a justification for hatred of anything or anybody NOT EXACTLY LIKE YOU! People like you search through scripture for whatever you can find to shore up your meanness and discard the parts you don't like! (This is called "heresy" by the way.) I am grateful to God that I have been raised to love others as He loves me: "just as I am."
You and I have no right to deny anybody in this world, and especially in this country, their rights to enjoy fully all that our society has to offer in terms of community-acceptance, support and benefits.
I'm sure glad I don't have to look at the world the way you do. I often wonder whether Christ would recognize the majority of the "believers" who appropriate His Name to justify all this hatred and meanness.
Nancy L.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have my views about homosexuality but I do believe in living and letting live.But can anyone help me to understand how homosexuality is a "human" right? When I think of human rights I think of Martin Luther King Jr. fighting--and dying-- for black folks to be treated as American citizens,or the guy that stood before tanks in Tiennamen Square in China protesting for freedom.I may be wrong but I don't see how one can equate sexual orientation with human rights. Tolerance is one thing having a lifestyle jammed down our throats--which I think is the goal of these advocacy groups the writer speaks of-- is another.

Posted by steeldogwood (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nobody is trying to "jam a lifestyle down our throats" they just want the same protections and options YOU have. I have been witness to the abuse and helplessness of too many of my gay or lesbian friends over the years and I'm sick of it. I have friends whose gay relationships have lasted as long or longer than traditional ones and I'd like to see them have the same rights as any people in a committed relationship. One of the most heartrending stories I've experienced, when the "longtime companion" of another friend died of cancer, was the way the "family" (who had largely ignored him most of his life) waded in and pushed his partner out of all decisions about his end-of-life care (which consisted mostly of refusing permission for any number of treatments) and funeral arrangements...part of THAT being leaving his body unclaimed until they were forced to do something about it!!! HIs partner was not allowed to claim the body and bury him. This is an all-too-common occurrence among gay couples...or any couple who do not or cannot have the protection of law.
AND, I would like to add, that I don't know ANY gay men or women of my acquaintance who have ever harmed a child, so don't even GO there! Ever notice that pedophiles are, for the most part, "straight?"
People have a right to equal treatment under the law and respect for their "lifestyle" decisions as long as it doesn't violate any other laws or restrict somebody else's rights.
Darn right this situation needs prayer...for the bigots!
get over it.

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have gay family members and friends too,steeldogwood,so don't label me a bigot or homophobe because we have a difference of opinion...a common tactic of advocacy groups and their members and supporters.If you read my previous post I said I believe in living and letting live. I don't have a problem with gays and believe in treating them like people and letting God pass judgement on their lifestyle,my problem is with people like you that--whenever someone disagrees with you-- you label them intolerant homophobes.People--like the author of this letter-- also have a right to their opinions...whether you like them or not.

Posted by steeldogwood (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Your own words, leo
"Tolerance is one thing having a lifestyle jammed down our throats--which I think is the goal of these advocacy groups the writer speaks of--"

Posted by popdukes12 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It appears that if we don't conform to modern day "political correctness" that we are in the minority. This is propagated by any extreme minority being able to use the bully pulpit of a liberal press to promote their agenda. Now, that everyone has their mind set as to what is meant by that, let me throw some cold water on it. I'm not a very religious person and could care less what religion you serve (or serves you) as long as you don't push it on me. If it works for you as a coping mechanism, have at it. I will respect your rituals in your presents. As to sexual preference, same thing. If gays want to get married to get on their partners insurance, adopt kids, own property, pick up a dead body, have at it. Liberty should be liberty without restrictions (especially on religious grounds) as long as it doesn't effect me. Now, there 's the problem. Laws are developed to "piss off" the least number of voters. This is how politicians stay in office. Abortion, health care,energy laws etc. are just several subjects that politicians will sidestep unless their constituents are solidly behind it. Now, as to the press. I believe it was Ben Franklin that said something to the effect that you should never pick a fight with the press for they have barrels of ink. The liberal press can eventually make wrong sound right, black sound white, murder of unborn childern sound acceptable, (oh, excuse me, they have already done that). the press is the "head of the snake" in many of the changes we will see until the people return to the original core values of this country as express in the original constitution. popdukes12

Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What I meant by that,steeldogwood,is that gay advocacy groups have to constantly "push the envelope"-- through things like don't ask don't tell regarding the military and gay marriage-- to mainstream their lifestyles.Don't commited gay couples have many of the same rights a heterosexual common law couple has when it comes to issues of insurance,medical powers of attorney,and end of life decisions,etc,etc?Unless i'm wrong,they are already equally protected under the law.Why do they have to "jam it down our throats" by mainstreaming their behavior?

Posted by nemo (anonymous) on October 25, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are all God's children. All human beings are deserving of the opportunity to seek life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If anyone disapproves of homosexuality, they should certainly refrain from engaging in that behavior. In Leviticus, we are instructed about the burnt offerings we should make. Should we enforce that rule as well? How about how to deal with things that are deemed unclean? When is the last time you performed a ritual purification Mr. Wagstaff? Leviticus also tells us how to tend to clothes that are mildewed, Mr. Wagstaff. Do you follow Leviticus' instructions, or do you use a modern cleaning product? Either obey all the rules or get off your high horse. We should not pick and choose which of God's laws we follow. I notice when intolerant people try to justify their beliefs, they pick and choose their scripture. Well, here's a little scripture for you: Ephesians 4:32. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.