LETTER: Friday’s letters not credible

To the editor:

Friday’s Statesman contained three letters which were so intellectually backward and morally perverse that I feel compelled to respond. (I’d like to think the writers were engaging in irony, but sadly I believe they were not.)

First, someone writes that if homosexuals would just stop making such a big deal about their orientation, they’d be as welcome in society as left-handed people. But the point behind gay pride rallies, parades, etc., is to protest the way our culture oppresses homosexuality, both politically and socially. Urging them to “not make an issue of it” would be like telling the civil rights protesters in the 50s and 60s not to treat racial inequality like it’s a big deal. Sometimes it takes a show of force to seize political rights.

Second, someone argues – well, asserts – that homosexuality is simply a weakness that can be overcome. But in what possible sense is it supposed to be a wekness? No medical doctor would call it that. Maybe it’s a moral weakness? But then where is the victim? Who gets hurt? Several religious leaders call it a weakness, but they never present any reasons for thinking so; they just call it one and expect the case to be closed. But surely that’s a poor means for setting public policy.

Finally, someone complains that a poem by the 17th-century writer Robbert Herrick is “pornographic” and has no business appearing in the newspaper. Well, ’nuff said.

Charlie Huenemann