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At a time when our courts and legislatures, religious
denominations, “Dr.” Laura and other entities are vomiting out
anti-gay bigotry, it is understandable for gays to adopt a defensive,
low-profile posture.
Understandable but not acceptable.
We strongly believe that gay people should pro-actively live
out those rights we do have and thus empower ourselves to achieve full
equality. Most important among the legal rights we already have is the
First Amendment right to reveal who we are. Yes, military people will be
discharged and others will pay social and financial consequences for it,
but we believe living lives of integrity and honesty is well worth the
price.
Further, think what would happen if gay Americans would
‘come out” en masse, damn the consequences, and take the offensive in
achieving full civil equality! Elected officials could no longer
underestimate our numbers or importance. Religious denominations may stop
fueling Republican homophobia when they see how many clergy and laity are
gay. And our family, friends and acquaintances may just learn something
about gay people instead of gay myths.
Attending annual Gay Pride parades is not enough. Gay people
need to be out, proud and pro-active everyday.
Douglas & Corey Marshall-Steele
Kathy McGuiness is by far the most qualified candidate to
elect as a Rehoboth Beach City Commissioner on August 12. Her infusion of
new blood, fresh ideas and the perspective of a parent and local business
owner will be a refreshing addition to the local political scene. Her
outspoken candor will deliver the vision of a revitalized downtown in the
same manner that she has brought us Main Street and the return of
Independence Day fireworks.
Kathy takes the time to research and learn about this city
and its citizens. Revitalization, more effective delivery of city
services, historic preservation, economic development, and public safety
are all concerns of the increasing year-round population as well as our
thousands of summer guests. She is well versed on all these topics and
willing to listen to the will of the people she serves regarding the
direction of the city.
Kathy McGuiness is truly a candidate for all Rehoboth
residents. She will use her energies and passion to move the city forward
and carefully weigh all decisions and choices presented to her.
I concur with her recent endorsement by the Rehoboth Beach
Homeowner’s Association. Kathy McGuiness has my vote and she deserves
yours.
George M. Yaksic
As responsible citizens, we must be concerned about the
quality of our leaders throughout the country. Decisions are made at the
executive level of government that have a profound effect on our lives.
While many of us don’t vote in Delaware, we own or rent homes here and
spend a lot of time in the state. Therefore, we must involve ourselves in
the selection of the leadership!
This year there is a candidate running for Governor of
Delaware whom all of us must unite behind. She will work hard for the
issues that we care most about, whether it’s the environment, our
beaches, crime or our basic freedoms.
For example, Ruth Ann Minner will work to balance growth by
developing a sensible plan in which the state and counties work together
and preserve land for parks and open space. She will work to ensure that
our beaches are protected and improved. Most importantly, she will
continue to support measures that outlaw discrimination based on race,
religion, nationality, gender or sexual orientation.
Ruth Ann Minner has been an exceptional member of the
Delaware legislature and for the past eight years has served with
distinction as Lt. Governor. We need to see her elected to the state’s
highest office. It would be in our own best interests.
I urge all part time Delawareans to join with our local
friends in support of this remarkable candidate.
For those who want to help, there will be a fundraising
brunch Sunday, August 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the home of Mimi
Mager, 111 Breakwater Reach, Cape Shores, Lewes (suggested donation: $100)
For details, please call 301-654-6767 or 302-226-3825.
Jeffrey Z. Slavin
I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and
send a huge “Thank you!”
to all those who donated their
time, efforts and money to the recent
fundraising events in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach benefiting the
ACLU-DE Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Project. Thanks goes out to:
the DJs and performers at ROAM and Yum Yum; all the volunteers who helped
out; the businesses who donated prizes or services for the raffle at Yum
Yum; and a special thank you to Dan Fendler for
his extra legwork, running around Rehoboth, picking up prizes.
Huge kudos and thanks go to Sean Reilly at ROAM and Steve
Webster and partners at Yum Yum Pan Asian Bistro for donating the use of
their respective businesses for these events. Because of the generous support of these business owners and
their patrons, the ACLU-DE Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights Project raised
$2,201 in one weekend! These donations will enable the Project to continue
its legislative and educational efforts in the coming year and bring us
just that much closer to equality for all Delawareans.
Thanks again to all!
Peter Medwick, New Castle County Coordinator,
ACLU-DE Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights Project
Comments may be sent to CAMP Rehoboth,
39 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or
fax: 302-227-5604, or e-mail: letters@camprehoboth.com.
Include your name and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited
for clarity and length.
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