LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Speak Out |
I saw that District 14 Candidate Mike Meoli advertised in Letters asking for our community's support. I have also noticed that he has not gone on record with his stand on HB99 or other issues related to equal rights. If he is asking for our support I believe he should publicize his views on issues of importance to our community. Perhaps, because he is currently in a primary battle for the nomination, he may not want to discuss equality issues until the primary is over. But if he is asking for our support now and in the general election, he should tell us his platform now.
Thom Swiger Editors note: I had a lengthy meeting with Mike Meoli earlier this month. He told me that he supports HB 99 and, if elected, will vote in favor of its passage. On the morning of July 25, 2002, we were married in civil union in Bennington, Vermont. A battle was won! Our joyful experience is one we wish to share. The overwhelming feeling of total acceptance and equality is rare among same sex couples in this country. We too often feel, justified or not, that acceptance is necessary in order to protect ourselves from the ostracism from family, places of employment, or those thought to be friends. Although our founding fathers laid the groundwork for tolerance and equality, generations of different people have suffered total discrimination, hatred, and bigotry at the hands of our federal government, not to mention all other 49 states. The Green Mountain State is refreshing in its basic principles of human rights, having had a long history of open-minded leaders and citizens. It is our hope that the voice of Vermont will resound in legislative halls around this nation, where hopefully true equality will finally echo Lincoln's "land of the people, by the people and for the people." We, like millions of nonjudgmental Americans, sincerely wish to express our gratitude to Governor Howard Dean, the Vermont Legislature, and the great people of the Green Mountain State for the accepting and gracious attitude shown us throughout our travels across your beautiful state, where Herb's great-grandmother was born. Let us all pray that the God who does not discriminate will guide and enlighten the minds and hearts of the American people. May Vermont's green light signal the go ahead and serve to spur America to enact what is the private act of individuals. This defines civil and the civil union of those who choose to exercise it. Herbert A. Russell and Roberto Font Deane We'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all you do to make our community such a positive environment for everyone. Unlike many people here in Rehoboth, we had not been "weekenders." We moved here to get away from the hustle and stress of city life without having a sense of what we would encounter. We both knew that Rehoboth had a reputation for being "diversity friendly," but were amazed to find such an active, welcoming communitythe heart of which is CAMP Rehoboth. How fortunate we are to have a community center whose message of creating a more positive community is put into practice every day! Murray's creativity, radiance, and attention to detail, Steve's perpetual kindness, compassion, and devotion to CAMP's mission, Sal's playfulness and unrelenting commitment to community health, and Kathy's constant grace and competence in serving others combine to create a positive, welcoming "home." Together, Kathy, Sal, Steve, and Murray live out the values of integrity, forgiveness, acceptance, openness, and honesty. For us, there are no higher standards to live by. Whether it is a simple question about where to park, or managing a major fundraising event, or community organizing, the staff at CAMP is efficient, dedicated, and fun-loving. We feel blessed to have chanced upon such an extraordinary place to live, play and work, and build community. Susan Hamadock and Marsha Levine |
Letters should be addressed to Editor, Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth, DE 19971, or e-mail: editor@camprehoboth.com. Include your name and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 12, August 23, 2002. |