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From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Full-name: SME BD
Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2001 19:55:25 EST
Subject: Re: Politics and religion (NJC)
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In a message dated 1/13/01 5:48:37 AM Eastern Standard Time, Siresorrow
writes:
> <<to be judged for my faith is both offensive and telling. this is why i
> used the example i did. to put in perspective for others my experience.>>
As I said in my original post, you certainly are entitled to your religious
beliefs. And likewise, Clark. What I found offensive, telling, and
frightening, about your bringing homosexuality into the discussion is just
the fact that you felt compelled to do so. Many, not all, conservatives tend
to use homosexuality as the benchmark for evil, depravity, and immorality.
With many conservatives, anything they don't like gets compared to
homosexuality. Why is it that conservatives believe that homosexuality is
the argument to rally behind? I judge George W. Bush because of his beliefs.
He is pro-life. I am pro-choice. He believes in the death penalty. I
don't. His choice for Attorney General leaves questions in the minds of
many--me included--who believe he will not stand up for civil rights.
<<funny thing though....it's ok to do it george bush. but god damn, don't do
to the gay men. that's sacralige. >>
I reject Bush because of his beliefs. Not because he is heterosexual. Why
reject or judge me because I am gay? What is it about homosexuality that is
so threatening? We don't recruit. In fact, we are generally raised by
straight parents. :-)
<<i wish we would be able to get to know each other stephen. i think we'd
both be surprised by a lot of things. >>
I'd more than welcome the opportunity.
<<did you ever find that book i suggested to you specifically last year by
bruce bauwer, the gay episcopalian i'm so fond of? his one book has altered
my life. he understands me. and i him. >>
I mean no disrespect by this, but the gay Episcopalian, or gay Jew, or gay
Muslim, or gay whatever religious type, holds no interest for me. You are
certainly entitled to your beliefs and I will defend your right. It is
wonderful that you found something/someone who has brought meaning into your
life. What I don't understand about many conservatives/religious types (and
I am not saying that all conservatives are religious, nor am I saying that
you fall into this category) is the fact that they want to impose their
beliefs on others. They tend to want to limit the freedom of others (the
abortion issue, for example). Liberals tend to want to open up choices for
all. And you never hear of a liberal who insists that a woman have an
abortion. Yet the right wants to tell her not to. Where is the respect for
the view of the left?
Stephen
