Local Op-Ed piece

[WillParkinson]

Because the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel link is not working I can't post it yet. However, there is a line in it that just freaks me out:


"All I, and others on the religious right, really want to do is just inject some moral values into society. Values that we believe will ultimately improve it."

Below is my letter to him:

Dear Sir,

It's with some trepidation that I read your column in the Thursday edition of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. After reading it I feel that my fears were justified.

Morals are very fluid. Yes, there are some basics, but not all people see them the same way. While you may consider yourself to be a "thoughtful conservative" (and not knowing you I cannot say if you are or are not) your moral stance is different from mine.

You say that you think homosexuality is wrong. You say you disagree with the proposed constitutional amendment. That's nice of you. Really. It does, however, go a long way to proving my point (which I promise I'll get to in a few minutes).

This quote from your column is the one that is the reason I am writing to you:

"All I, and others on the religious right, really want to do is just inject some moral values into society. Values that we believe will ultimately improve it."

There, sir, is where you're wrong. The religious right wants their values instilled into society. If it were just basics - honesty, respect for life (though I am not sure of your stand on abortion) and courage to do the right things - I may agree with you. The religious right, however, wants much more than that. From the ten commandments in the classroom to prayer in the classroom. Sadly, they won't want to stop at "the basics".

And, finally, my point:
You say that you believe homosexuality is wrong. That is a "moral" decision you've made. Guess what? I disagree. If I had children I would not want you teaching them your version of morality. Growing up gay it was hard enough to be told that I was "wrong". I would never want my child to have to go through it, too.

Your version of morals is exactly that. Your version. I don't want you or anyone on the "religious right" telling me how to live my life. I do just fine, thank you very much. And please forgive me if I have a hard time believing that the religious right only wants to inject moral values into society. They want their values. That's all that will ever satisfy them. And that scares me more than you could know.

Will Bowden
Milwaukee, WI

If you have anything to add his e-mail address is [e-mail]

[bigscott]

1. Good Man

we get enough bullshit from people. We do not need someone to tell us that "if we just did not act that way, you would be so much happier" As far as I am concerned, Live and let Live. When I meet my Maker, I will answer to him. You, Mr thoughtfulconservative, can fuck off

[WillParkinson]

2. Thanks!

I doubt it will change his mind or even make him think, but I had to say something.