LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
Several months ago, I mentioned in this column that we hoped to be expanding the CAMP Rehoboth offices. As is obvious to all who have been by the office in the CAMP Courtyard on Baltimore Avenue, that move did not take place and as the summer gets into full swing I regret it more and more. With summer interns, CAMPsafe staff, Beach Book and SUNDANCE 98 preparation and all the other activities that go on in the office on a daily basis, Im beginning to think the only solution is bunk desks. Unfortunately, the suggestion, that since she is a bit more petite than the rest of us and might like to take the upper desk, has not been met with enthusiasm by our advertising sales manager, Tricia Massella. Help! Are there any space planners out there? Speaking of the Beach Book, barring any unforeseen accidents (knock on wood!) like press failure or delivery problems, the 1998 Beach Book will be available starting Friday, June 19. This year it lists more than 325 houses with 1,400 individuals. Rehoboth just keeps growing, so if you want to know who all these new faces are (or your memory keeps failing you like mine does) be sure to see Tom Minnuto on the beach, or come by the CAMP office to pick up your copy. Last week, both Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and House Majority Leader Dick Armey made disparaging and inflammatory comments about gay Americans. Human Rights Campaign Political Director Winnie Stachelberg speaks for us all when she says: "These comments are out of step with the American people and prevailing medical and mental health opinion, and in-step with James Dobson and his extreme right-wing rhetoric. Poll after poll shows that Americans reject discrimination, and a wide range of respected medical organizations from the American Psychiatric Association to the American Medical Association, reject the type of ill-informed assertions made by Lott." One day we will reach the point where comments such as these are simply not tolerated. To help us get there, write, fax, or e-mail (or all three) the offices of Lott and Armey to express your outrage. Dick Armeys comments last week included calling homosexuality a sin, and reminds us that all across the country biblical interpretation causes many churches to seem not a sanctuary but enemy territory. Fortunately for Rehoboth, Epworth United Methodist on Baltimore Avenue is not one of them. At the regional United Methodist Conference in Dover last week, Epworths Pastor Anne Pruett-Barnett and openly gay Lay Delegate, Glen Pruitt, both spoke against resolutions rejecting gay marriage. As a member and neighbor of Epworth, I am especially thankful that it is a church that tries to live up to the "room for all" meaning of the word Rehoboth. All over town, bars, restaurants and beach houses are settling into the rhythms of Summer 98. If last weekend was any indication (see CAMPshots on pages 20 and 21), its going to be a busy one on the social scene, but Ill leave that to Tom Minnuto. And, even though it seems early to be thinking about Labor Day, its not too early to volunteer to help with SUNDANCE98! |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 7, June 19, 1998. |