LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Speak Out |
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 ProjectComments 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. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 11, Aug 11, 2000. |