Dear Editor:

As part of the major effort to promote “no” on the anti-marriage equality initiative, I would like to point out that gay people have scarcely begun to utilize the formidable economic clout that we have in almost every area. Gay travel and publishing are leaders in those fields, etc. In every struggle for human rights, it has usually been the economic pressure that ultimately prevailed. Certainly, in the Civil Rights Movement, it was the boycott of anti-integration business that was most effective.

And, in South Africa, it was the growing boycott of those firms which supported the dehumanizing apartheid that brought about the end of that regime. And we must never let it be forgotten that the powerful Dutch Reformed Church – on religious principles – justified and supported that dehumanizing and brutal regime. Refer to James Michener’s book South Africa. In total contrast, the Anglican Church, led by the indomitable Archbishop Desmond Tutu, acting on its religious principles, defied the apartheid government and steadfastly proclaimed the equality of all people and welcomed all people without reservation. And, Tutu, before many world forums and religious convocations, consistently and eloquently declared that gay people were fighting for the same basic human rights, equality and dignity that black people had been struggling for!

So, I would urge a grassroots movement that makes maximum use of the instant information that can be conveyed on the Internet – thousands of “bloggers” who can pin-point any business or corporation that is anti-equality (on religious grounds?) and spread the word: do not fund our oppressors! Instead, let us support those many companies of all kinds which believe that “equality is a moral value!”

Incidentally, this is the best slogan, motto, bumper-sticker I have seen. It goes directly to the heart of the debate. I hope we can make this powerful statement our state-wide rallying cry!

Lonny Cothron

Dear Editor:

In reaction to the California Supreme Court’s ruling over same-sex marriage and in order to prevent county officials from having to honor gay marriages, officials of Kern County (which includes Bakersfield) have suspended performing any civil weddings, effective June 13. This smacks of the same ignorance and hate which caused Virginia public school districts to close completely instead of permit segregated school systems in the 1950s and 60s. I am driving through Kern on the way north on a vacation next month and will specifically not stop in the county or spend any money. GLBT and other friendly people and groups in the state and throughout the country should boycott Kern County and make clear when they do (I have sent an email through their county web site, for example) that they have refused to spend money in a county which promotes such hate and intransigence.

Charles M. Seigel

Dear Editor:

It is my understanding, directly from Judge Goldsmith on another matter, that he is not allowed to voice an opinion on any legal matter while he is on the bench – no exceptions. Thus, he has to be very circumspect to make certain that, any opinion he does make, cannot be interpreted as a legal opinion.

Pillaring him in GLT, for his refusal to deliver an opinion on an issue of interest to you, deserves a public apology in your next issue.

Allen F. Gates

Dear Editor:

For obvious reasons, we were appalled a few weeks ago when we noticed that an army recruitment center had opened in the heart of Hillcrest (corner of University and 10th). Upon visiting their office, we were further disturbed by the clandestine approach in setting up shop in Hillcrest. They have no front door entrance and one has to sneak around the back of the building to even enter the office. Also, it wasn’t until last week did they even have a sign up announcing their presence.

What further disconcerted us and prompted this letter are the numerous neon-green NOW HIRING posters plastered around our neighborhood over the last week. I suggest that we bombard their phone lines with questions such as, “Am I welcome in the army if I admit to being gay or lesbian?” “Is my new husband/wife also welcome and would they receive full benefits as are due heterosexual married couples in the military?” “Would I actually be trained for a future career, or simply be used as fodder for an illegal, unjust invasion and occupation of two sovereign nations?”

Please consider calling Sergeant First Class James Smith at 619-291-7801/7813 and ask him these questions directly. We’re sure the recruitment center wouldn’t mind us sharing their phone number: they’ve already spread the same phone number on their NOW HIRING posters donning nearly every telephone pole in Hillcrest. (Is it just us, or do these illegal “telephone pole postings” show the desperation of the military and their need for human fuel?)

Bottom line, the army recruitment center is NOT welcome – especially in Hillcrest.

Drew Searing and Larry Maldonado