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Letters for March 21, 2010
The Daily News ran a letter to the editor March 14 asking when Galveston became a “gay mecca.” Many readers replied.
Show Some Respect For The Rest Of Us
In response to the hoopla created by a letter to the editor that I wrote, I would like to clarify my original point.
First, I have no problem with gay people. The gay friends I have are very good people. However, they are not out to flaunt their homosexual lifestyle to the public. I’ve never seen them act affectionate in public. Why is this? They live in very diverse communities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Oklahoma City, etc. As I stated in the first letter, this is deviant behavior. This is defined as:
adj. — Differing from a norm or from the accepted standards of a society.
n. — One that differs from a norm, especially a person whose behavior and attitudes differ from accepted social standards.
I’m not condemning them, but it’s not the standard most Americans choose. We’re talking 2 to 5 percent of the U.S. population. That stated, in Galveston it seems to be a higher percentage. I can only guess the reason why is that the city is very tolerant of deviant lifestyles. There’s a torrid history of such on this island. I would like to see that change.
Secondly, the comparison to other minority groups is ludicrous. Being Black, Asian, Jewish, etc.... is not being deviant. America is a melting pot of many cultures; that’s why we live in the greatest country on Earth. It’s apples and oranges.
Third, I’m a Christian. I believe in tolerance for everyone. The Bible doesn’t say being gay is a sin. However, it does state very clear that acting on that behavior is a sin.
Last of all, gay rights? I think all Americans have the same rights. I believe in civil unions for gays. They have the same rights as I do. Just don’t call it marriage. That’s a biblical term used to define a man and a woman before God. It doesn’t even apply to homosexuals.
In closing, my original point was that the public shouldn’t have to be subjected to a lifestyle that only a very small percentage of society “chooses.” If you’re gay, that’s fine, but please have some respect for the 95 percent of us who don’t choose it.
Accept your place in society and get on with life. There are much better things to worry about than having to make yourself feel accepted in a society where this is and never will be normal behavior. The city shouldn’t welcome this. It just looks bad to the rest of the state (except maybe Austin) who we count on for tourist dollars.
Josh Davis
Galveston
Letter Hit The Nail On The Head
Thank you for having the guts to print the letter from Josh Davis (“Keep the gay lifestyle out of Galveston,” The Daily News, March 14) concerning Galveston becoming a gay mecca. I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Davis’ assessment of how deeply the city has become ingrained into the “rainbow” lifestyle.
Interesting that Mr. Davis’ item appeared directly across the spread from Dolph Tillotson’s column pertaining to what’s wrong on the island (“Census shows what’s wrong on isle,” The Daily News, March 14).
Among other reasons, has it ever occurred to city officials that some middle class families are exiting the island to raise their families in neighborhoods where children can play with children instead of keeping them inside and wondering what the “boys next door” are doing behind closed doors?
I also read Heber Taylor’s column in which he said, “Galveston has long been a community where differences are tolerated” (“Tolerance such a bad thing?” The Daily News, March 14).
You know, at one time, gay activity was illegal in Texas under sodomy laws. Was Galveston tolerant then of criminal behavior? I love Galveston, have owned property here, but have decided the best place for my family is north of the causeway for the above (and other) reasons.
Lynn Watson
Webster
Galveston Always Has Been Welcoming
This is in response to the letter from Josh Davis (“Keep the gay lifestyle out of Galveston,” The Daily News, March 14), who wants to know when Galveston allowed families to vacation, get the history of Galveston and the gay mecca.
Well, Mr. Davis, it’s always been here. As a matter of fact, it’s been here since before Christ.
There’s no reason why anyone would have to explain to a 5-year-old, as you put it, why two men are kissing. What about two women? Would there have been a different reaction on your part? I’m sure there would be. All one would have to reply to in that situation is the truth. They may be boyfriends or girlfriends. Does it really matter? I don’t think so. And why not complain about a man and woman doing the same thing in public? There’s no difference.
As far as Galveston “welcoming” this sort of behavior, it’s always been here. Maybe you haven’t always been here, but gays, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, etc. have. This has been for a long time a growing town. Maybe if you don’t like it, find that one place on earth where there is no diversity, no violence and please, by all means, let me know. I would gladly send you there.
You see, people make up the world, and our families and friends. But, if for any reason you want a specific group to leave, let’s have the group called the simple minded be the first — and you can lead the way.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions, values, and religious views. There’s no need to try and throw them off on others. If you don’t like it, leave. That seems to be the easiest way for you to go.
L.M. Devoe
Galveston
In Washington, House Democrats were pressing for a decisive vote on a proposed health reform act.
Health Care Bill Is A Mistake
A recent Associated Press article March 18 reported on a possible upcoming vote for President Barack Obama’s health care bill.
Why every American isn’t screaming as loud as he can against this bill is beyond me. In the article, it states that beginning in 2014, most Americans would be “required” to purchase insurance and “face penalties” if they refuse. I have insurance, so it shouldn’t be a problem for me. But, it is a problem for me. I have insurance because I choose to have insurance — not because the government requires me to.
I believe that, even though I’m able to buy insurance, I have the right to refuse to buy insurance without penalty if I choose. I also believe hospitals should have the right to refuse to treat me and I should suffer the consequences of my reckless decision if I choose not to buy insurance.
I think the requirement to buy insurance or face a penalty is an egregious and frightening step toward totalitarianism and the response to that will be anarchy.
I’m a Democrat, and it’s disturbing to see what my fellow Democrats in Washington have become. The headiness of power has corrupted and made once-reasonable people delusional. I know this has happened throughout the history of mankind, but when I vote I still hope I can trust our elected representatives to serve without bias, without self-serving personal agendas, and without doing harm.
This health care bill will do harm. It isn’t unreasonable to believe that if this bill passes in its current form, ordinary citizens will see more of their rights eroded. An immigration bill “requiring” Americans to hire immigrants could be passed. There could be legislation making it a crime to be overweight. Whatever the ruling party’s leadership decides to champion will be rammed down your throat. No debate, no discussion, no reason.
I do not usually agree with Libertarians, but their position on less government is surely validated with this bill.
James Boyd
Dickinson
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