Dear Editor,

My name is Paul, a native of and a former resident of San Diego, currently residing here in Los Angeles. I read the GLT every week, and, as much as possible, try to keep up with what’s happening with the LGBT community down there at home. One feature I always read with great interest is Nicole Murray-Ramirez’s column.

I checked out the current issue online tonight and I just learned of Nicole’s appointment as human relations commissioner. I can’t think of a person who is more worthy of serving in this position other than Nicole. If there’s anyone there who can build bridges between the various communities down there, he can do it! He has the track record to prove that he can do it! I’d like to know if there is a way that Nicole can be reached by e-mail, or by regular mail, as I’d like to send Nicole a congratulatory letter, and to let him know that, as a gay man and a fellow San Diegan, I totally support him in his new position as HRC commissioner. I strongly urge all San Diegans, gay, straight and otherwise, to support him also. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Paul Williams

West Los Angeles

Dear Editor,

The other day I said a prayer for the Supreme Court. I was inspired to do this by Pat Robertson’s Operation Supreme Court. With martial music playing, the latest computer graphics and a running ticker tape of those already praying, his doe-eyed son pleaded from the screen. He asked that we beg God Almighty to, “lay his hand upon their hearts.” He seemed quite earnest in his appeal.

So I picked up my steel blue cordless, (I refuse to get a cell phone) and eagerly dialed the number, 1 (800) 759-0700. A pleasant voiced woman with a Midwestern accent said, “The 700 Club, thank you for calling. Would you like to say a prayer?”

“Yes I would,” I began excitedly, “Dear Lord, thank you for revealing your love to the Judges of the Supreme Court. In their ruling, they recognized your truth; that all love is sacred, regardless of how it is expressed. I further pray that you show those five courageous judges, and the nation as a whole, that all marriages should be honored and respected. Please Lord, help us see that love is not a threat to love.”

She hung up on me. I said “amen” for her as well.

Donald P. Scott

San Diego

Dear Editor,

As all of you know by now, the race for Emperor and Empress XXXII has come to an end. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Emperor XXXII Robi Cox and Empress XXXII Cristina Monet. I wish them both all the very best. I would ask that you show them all the love and support that you all have shown me.

I may not have won the crown, but I have gained something much more important. I had wonderful friends and supporters standing by my side. There is nothing more important or worthwhile to me than that.

Although the avenues that I travel may change, my commitment to all of those in the GLBT community remains the same. I will never stop believing in or fighting for the rights of the GLBT community.

Linda Childers

San Diego

Dear Editor,

Once again I must bring to the attention of you and your readers the inequity with which our president is treated by GLBT activists and the GLBT press. You cited Mr. Bush’s characterization of GLBT folk as “sinners” as the Outrage of the Week in last week’s issue [Gay and Lesbian Times #815, 8/07/03]. The same page carried a story on Mr. Bush’s remarks in the context of his willingness to “codify” the notion that marriage be limited to straight folk, along with comments by various GLBT activists that it was so unfortunate that the president had characterized “us” as sinners and that he was attempting to violate the separation of church and state.

Mr. Bush was posed a question from the standpoint of a theological/religious perspective and when he answered, he categorized ALL people as “sinners.” He invoked the imagery that Christ invoked when admonishing His followers not to judge others and he did so in order to avoid judging GLBT Americans. He put himself in that category right along with us and he is to be commended for this response. Theologically, it was correct.

He went on to say that White House lawyers were looking at ways to “codify” marriage as between a man and a woman. News flash: it’s already codified! The political fair-haired boy of the GLBT community, Bill Clinton, signed the Defense of Marriage Act into law in 1996, remember? It appalls me how quickly the GLBT community condemns Mr. Bush, while winking and nodding at Mr. Clinton’s legacy. This is bigotry, and the GLBT community, of which I am a proud member, must watch itself, lest it become what it disdains.

Gregory Ragsdale

San Diego, CA