letter to Ehrlich, thread # 2

[Bertha Venation]

I can't find my original thread, and didn't see help for finding it in the FAQ.

I think this is the final form of my letter to the guvnah. I plan to copy the Post & Times of Washington and the Baltimore Sun. I'm new to the area; any other papers I should hit? I'm also copying all my delegates in the Maryland legislature, as well as the senate prez and speaker of the house.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. I can write, some, but when I edit myself over and over and over again I get into trouble. Any editors out there? Feel free.

Thanks.

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Dear Governor Ehrlich,

As a registered voter and resident of the state of Maryland, I take exception to your comment on WTOP Radio last week that gay marriage is “not going to happen in Maryland. End of discussion.”

Rights are subject neither to executive order nor to plebiscite, sir; rights are inherent. The Supreme Court has ruled: “The freedom to marry has long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men. Marriage is one of the ‘basic civil rights of man,’ fundamental to our very existence and survival.” (Loving v. Virginia)

The idea that discouraging committed couples from marrying and settling down will harm the institution of marriage is illogical, even ludicrous. Yet this idea is precisely what drives the attempt to ban gay marriage. Clearly many people believe we are incapable of forming permanent bonds and remaining committed for life, and gay Americans long have been grossly marginalized by the erroneous belief that we are promiscuous at best, outright sexual criminals at worst. But for argument’s sake, consider the effect of marriage on the promiscuous. The taking of vows is a powerful thing, Governor Ehrlich, and the responsibilities attendant to marriage have a sobering effect. Our culture is full of references to those who’ve “sown their wild oats” and are thence ready to “settle down.” How can anyone rationally believe that when a gay couple settles down it is destructive to society, and when a straight couple does so it is a benefit?

I suggest that you gather some new advisors on the subject of gay Marylanders and their marriages. Call me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx to discuss the issue. If you like, I will ask my neighbors to call you. You can ask them what it’s like to have a same-sex couple in the neighborhood, and if our presence is disruptive or has devalued their families.

But if not with me, please discuss this issue with gay Marylanders before deciding that your legacy as governor will include slamming the gate on civil rights.

I urge you, Governor Ehrlich, do not attempt to block whatever action the Maryland legislature takes toward guaranteeing its gay citizens the right to civil marriage.

Sincerely, etc.
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PS Mods: Posted in GD because more will see it than in the Civil Rights/Equality/Privacy forum. I want to reach a lot of people, get a lot of opinions & input.

[Bertha Venation]

1. kick - if you have an opinion please weigh in

[veganwitch]

2. i like it. erlich is an asshole

his statement is "illogical" it smacks of a three year old (and im sorry if i affend any three year olds) sticking its fingers in its ears and screaming lalalalalalala. i dont wanna an' you cant make me. bullshit.