Can’t lift one cause by disparaging another
The letter writer (“Gay Marriage — Move past the Old Testament,” Readers Write, April 28) may have “moved past the Old Testament,” but he has not moved past the potential anti-Judaism from his tradition. I said “anti-Judaism,” not “anti-semitism,” yet anti-Judaism provides fertile territory for hate to grow. All scripture has troubling texts; the key is how we use our religion; and this gentleman is lifting himself and his causes up by putting others down. His voice will not ring out to promote ethical behavior as long as that is how he is using it.
JANET RICE, ATLANTA
Teen worries she’ll pay for missteps
I am 16 years old. As part of the new generation, I’m very concerned about America’s constant state of political turmoil. Every time I read up on current events, I see that no one seems to have any idea where the country wants to go. We are all worried about the economy and homeland security, but at the same time we want to play superman and rescue every other nation from its issues. It would be nice if politicians could come together and at least know what each side wants. As it stands, neither the Democrats nor Republicans, or the liberals or conservatives, have any idea what they want. My fear is that my peers and I will be left picking up the pieces that our elders left behind.
AXELLE KOUTANA, ATLANTA
Beliefs shouldn’t trump Constitution
While who one marries does not affect me, I do care how our government treats all citizens. Those who oppose same-sex marriage seem to have three reasons: 1.) They personally oppose it; 2.) Marriage has always been defined as between one man and one woman; and 3.) the Bible teaches opposition to same-sex unions.
Those who oppose same sex marriage have every right to do so, and a potential Supreme Court decision will not change that. If we refused to adapt to societal changes, women could not vote, we would still have Prohibition, and public schools would be segregated.
As to the Bible, those of us who follow its teachings must concede that where it conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution must prevail. The 14th Amendment provides in part, “…No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, … nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Some have rightfully argued that Muslim Sharia law cannot be allowed to override U. S. law. It would seem that the same logic would apply to the Bible.
RAY WOOLFOLK, VILLA RICA
Spending doesn’t ensure school success
Since Jay Bookman has a limited mental capacity to evaluate school success by any measure other than money (“Schools do more with less,” Opinion, April 26), we’ll ask him one question: Since the U.S. spends more per student than most of our industrial competitors, why has our scholastic achievement compared to them declined? That’s because it has nothing to do with money and everything to do with attitude. Why do so many East European and Asian immigrants achieve more than local whites and minorities in the same government education system? It’s student and family attitude. Who’s been wining spelling bees and science awards?
BRIAN WALKER, ACWORTH
Granting gay rights is bizarre
I think it is bizarre that gay persons would expect to be given special legal rights just because of the way they like to have sex. I know, some people would say “they can’t help it — they were born that way.” By the same thinking, most of us were born with a tendency to be selfish. We were born with a tendency to resort to violence when things don’t go our way. But, as children, our parents taught us the right way to live, and most of us learned to control those corrupt tendencies. And, even though some people may have been born with an inclination to deviant sexual behaviors, this should be corrected in the same way.
BILL WHITLOW, AUBURN
