Dear Editor:

Why am I a Republican? Because I believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I also believe in limited government power over our individual lives and with that the acceptance of personal responsibility for one’s actions, and a more business-like approach to government.

The fact that over a million gays voted for Bush in 2000 is not too surprising. Trying to compare that fact to this election is ludicrous as the world is not and never will be the same again. Would “I” vote for Bush? I can honestly tell you I do not know yet. Maybe by the end of this letter I can convince myself one way or the other.

If I were a one issue voter, I most certainly would not vote for a man who lets his religious principles become a basis for any kind of discrimination. There are always going to be conflicts between religion and the laws. It is a wise man who knows how to separate these two issues. Choosing to be so liberal with our Constitution is hardly a Republican move. I view it as a desperate move by conservatives who truly believe that we are evil. In many ways, conservatives are very much like the enemy we fight. They both have their religious beliefs that they wish to instill in others. The two are basically “La Cage aux Folles”.

I have yet to hear anything from Kerry about why he should be elected. I hear plenty about his thoughts on the war as it progresses and his thoughts about Bush and his administration, but I have yet to hear his thoughts on anything other than “we need a regime change.” If we do need a change, I have not heard anything about to what he would change it to. I only hear Bush-bashing. What does this man have to offer? We know his views on gay marriage, which may not be too helpful to our cause, if elected. We know his ideas change like the wind with the latest polls. But choose any man, just to beat Bush? I’ve always supported this President on the war, but I have to admit that a great communicator he is not. I could support another candidate, even from another party if I knew what it was they stood for.

Both candidates agree we have to win this situation in Iraq. I do not believe either one is going to cut and run from the situation. So far, we have not had to fight this war on our soil, for which I am grateful. If elected, I hope Kerry doesn’t stray from this thought.

As a gay man, Bush is out. As an American, I am afraid of John Kerry, only because I’ve heard no original thought from this man. What good are our gay rights if we end up being issued our prayer rugs next year? A ‘no-brainer’ issue? Hardly.

Bill Lullo

Dear Editor:

The subject of your story of international love, Jim, is a friend of mine and I have met him during one of his many visits here to Australia. He sent me the story and I have great empathy for all men and women in his situation in the U.S.

In Australia we are a bit luckier. For immigration purposes our Federal government recognises long standing same-sex relationships. Back in the early ’90s the then Labor (equivalent to the Democrats) government introduced legislation to allow this to happen and many same-sex couples took advantage of the new laws.

With the advent of a conservative government in 1996 (remember, our Prime Minister is George Dubya’s ass-lickin’ lap dog) we were extremely fearful that this category would be stopped. We were mightily surprised when not only did they not stop it, they granted us some extra places when the other migration categories were not filled. Being as xenophobic as this government is, all immigration was tightened for all categories and numbers were reduced but they still recognized our situation. The then Minister for Immigration, a staunch red-neck would say to the GLBT leaders, “Just don’t tell the

Press or the National Party (the other further-to-the-right Party in the coalition government). It’s still not easy and there are a hundred hoops to jump through but for a genuine relationship it is possible.

The Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task Force (GLITF) has worked hard for nearly two decades to have international relationships recognized and hundreds of couples are able to remain together because of their magnificent efforts. Whilst we didn’t have to use their services when my partner and I returned from Japan we have given our help and support to them by serving on the local committee and just being involved.

Shingo and I have been together for nearly 14 years now. I cannot imagine my life without him and I have GLITF to thank for lobbying various governments to have the GLBT community recognized for immigration purposes.

My prayers and thoughts are not only with Jim and Miguel and all American couples in their situation but with your GLBT leaders and all people of goodwill in the U.S. who work so diligently to break down the prejudicial barriers that make our lives just that little bit more difficult.

Bless you all.

John Lincolne