Dear Editor:

During the pride festival a tragic event took place harming several of those who attended. The city leaders brought a quick and successful end by capturing the perpetrators and bringing a stability back to the community. I and many in the community would like to thank the conservative leadership in the city for going well beyond the call of duty. Many of these leaders were in the parade and not even acknowledged by those on the parade route, do to there political beliefs. This leadership in the city is a proven fact that many have false beliefs that conservatives do care for those in the gay community!! Now that the law will do its job, lets hope we don’t become “victims” but stand tall, and look forward brighter and more safer pride next year.

Paul Benson

Dear Editor:

Recently I was talking to a friend about the terrible situation in the Middle East and the hatred among the Christians, Islamists, and Jews. He comment was, “How much better this world would be if there were no religion.”

Two weeks ago I watched the city council meeting where a proclamation was presented commending the gay pride weekend festivities. I was horrified by the angry diatribes bellowed out by the Christian fundamentalists. One did not even have to hear their words; one could see the loathing contorting their faces. I thought, “How much better this city would be if there were no religion.”

Then at the gay pride parade, amid all the joyful exuberance of the crowd, there were the Christians shouting their hatred of gays with amplifying bullhorns. One can only wonder what deep psychological problems cause them to be so consumed by fear and loathing. “Yes,” I thought, “how much better our lives would be without religion.”

A while ago I received a letter from my brother-in-law, a Southern Baptist Christian, telling me that his god and he considered me an abomination. What a better family we would have if there were no religion.

According to the bible, his god demands that anyone who is an abomination be stoned to death. Now, I don’t see much difference between pelting someone with stones and beating them with a baseball bat. That, of course, is what happened to a number of persons leaving the gay pride festival.

I don’t know if there is any direct connection between the Christian fundamentalist and the thugs who attacked gays in Balboa Park. But, their actions are a direct result of the hatred proclaimed by those who hate in the name of Jesus. Indeed, this world, this country, and this city would be a better place if there were no religion.

Ted Cook

Dear Editor:

So, the city is pestering the 2200 Club. They are expending resources on a business that has a small number of customers. The general public would probably guess that the building is a gym. The police department sends in an officer and the city attorney goes to court. Meanwhile, at University Avenue and 10th Avenue a motorist almost hits a pedestrian in a marked cross walk. Mayor Sanders, I am bothered 100 times more by unruly motorist and pedestrians ignoring traffic signals than I am by people in a private club.

Your police department and city attorney are wasting resources. What is next? Are you going to close a grocery store when you find a stray gum wrapper on the floor?

Steve Bower