Letters to the Editor

Again we're subjected to the preaching of Ross Foti ("One nation under what?" in the June 30 edition of the Daily Journal). He needs to come down off his pulpit and realize that we're not all of the same faith. It really upsets me to see someone so forcefully belittle so many people at one time.

Is he trying to make enemies, or is that just icing on the cake? Doesn't the bible say "Judge not lest ye be judged."?

Not to mention the fact that he doesn't seem to have all his facts straight. He said, "The next ruling in the near future is the legalization of marriage between homosexuals and their right to adopt innocent children." When last I checked, pal, lots of homosexual couples have adopted children, who, I might add have kept their childhood innocence because, contrary to your opinions, homosexuals are not a bunch of corrupt dirty perverts who sit at home waiting to jump on unsuspecting children and apparently dogs, as you again sited bestiality in your arguments.

He has previously accused all homosexuals of being horrible sinners, but doesn't the bible also say "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."? What dirty little secrets he is hiding down in your conscience, that he has any right to condescend on the masses?

Then there's the whole idea that porn will lead to degradation. Why be shy and beat around the bush, I've looked at porn lots of times and so have a lot of my friends. Does that mean that we'll all become divorced, adulterous, fornicating, wife beaters or battered wives who get abortions on weekends while plotting our serial-killing spree as we videotape our children or sell them on corners all the while spreading AIDS and HIV like a common cold?

No. The next time you try to use religion as a scapegoat for your arguments, which are nothing more than puffed up hatred and intolerance wrapped up in a pretty pink and rainbow ribbon, then I suggest you take a stance that includes all religions and try to validate your judgements then, because my money says that if you were to take into consideration the numerous different religions that exist within the United States, you'd find your puffed up arguments are nothing but hot air.

Mel Ellis

South San Francisco

Flag desecration

Dear Editor,

Not long ago the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public flag desecration to protest something or other was "protected" by the free speech clause. Since that time a movement has been under way to amend the Constitution to reverse that decision - which upholds the offensive conduct.

Daily Journal readers should be aware that the freedom and right to protest government's wrongs and mistakes is already upheld in the First Amendment's "right to petition" clause. I've been doing this all my life.

There is unquestionably a right and duty to speak out against injustice of any kind. But offensive conduct? Nowhere in our Constitution is there a right to offend, to be rude, to threaten, to send unwanted "messages" or to deny others the human rights we claim for ourselves.

Our Constitution deals exclusively with relations we have with the government, not with relations we have with each other.

"Equal protection of the laws" is, of course, everyone's entitlement (14th Amendment).

Louis Worth Jones

San Mateo

Rights of former gays

Dear Editor,

Presidential candidate John Kerry has come out in favor of gay rights in all aspects of the law, including gay adoption, marriage, and social security benefits.

(See Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Proclamation by Kerry on DNC Web site at http://www.democrats.org/glbt/news/200406070002.html). But what about ex-gay rights? Kerry has been strangely quiet on the issue of equal treatment for former homosexuals. Kerry, do you support equal access to the public forum for ex-gays? Do you support the inclusion of former homosexuals in the Kennedy hate crimes bill?

Or do you agree with gay activist groups that sexual orientation only includes gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders, but not former homosexuals? Favoring homosexuality over ex-gays is discriminatory. It also defeats diversity and the goal of full inclusion in American society. Kerry, the ex-gay community wants to know where you stand.

Regina Griggs

Executive Director

PFOX, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays

Fort Belvoir, Va.

Casualty of war

Dear Editor,

I saw "Fahrenheit 911" last night and felt it was an important contribution to our current political, social and military dialogue. People may not like what they saw but I feel it is hard to disagree with what was depicted in the film; the events took place and were recorded on Michael Moore's film. Possibly this is why people of certain persuasions tried to keep theaters from showing it. As has been said before, the first casualties of war are truth and civilians.

Randy Silver

San Carlos