LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
Without any effort on my part as editor, this issue of Letters will forever be known as "the one about gay marriage." Like the gay wedding ceremonies springing up all around the country, so the articles have come, one after the other, driven by a need to speak about a subject whose time (ready or not) has come. When President Bush chose to support a move for a Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage, he drew a line in the sand. A great many of us, it seems, are ready to cross that line and stand up to the challenge. On page 6, Murray shares a letter to The White House and a part of our own story together in "Dear Mr. President." On page 8, newlywed Fay Jacobs considers the matter (as only she can), and discovers a few surprises about local laws. On page 30, Mubarak Dahir decries the ABM (anything but marriage) option. On page 12, Bill Sievert reminds us that with rights come responsibilities. On page 90, Eric Morrison provides "A Handy Guide to Defending Gay Marriage." On page 56, Cheryl Jacques, the President of HRC, compares civil unions and marriage. And finally, on page 46, Peter Rosenstein addresses the feelings of outrage and betrayal felt by gay Republicans who invested time and money in Bush's election. Obviously this matter is going to be with us for a while, especially since election year politics will blow it all out of proportion, but somehow it seems as if we've been preparing our whole lives for a challenge like this. I hope we can all rise to the occasion and loudly proclaim "I do" support equal rights for all people, and work together to form an even more "perfect union."
Congratulations to Gene Dvornick on his election to the Milton town Council on Saturday, March 6. Gene has been a faithful volunteer for CAMP Rehoboth for many years, approaching every task with energy and enthusiasm, and I feel sure that Milton residents will appreciate the commitment he brings to every thing he does. He has assured us, however, that the job will not keep him so busy that he doesn't have time to continue his volunteer activities. Follies fans will be happy to know that he still intends to find the time to assistant stage manage the event. Come to think of it, if he can manage the back stage drama at the Follies, surely he can handle just about anything that comes along. The first sign in the CAMP Rehoboth courtyard that spring is almost upon us is the reopening of Lori's Caf and the return of her hungry patrons in search of chicken salad sandwiches. Of course, it also reminds us of the spring cleaning and sprucing up that needs to be done each year in the courtyard. All that rainbow color on the tables and flower pots and fence needs work to stay bright and fresh, and every few years need to be repainted or cleaned. As soon as the weather allows we'll be announcing a courtyard workday to paint and repair and get ready for summer. We also have a little interior painting to do, and are looking for volunteers. To sign up for the spring workday call or come be the office to let us know when you're available and what you would like to do. Not long ago, super volunteer and friend Sondra Arkin delivered our years work schedule into our hands. This calendar includes not only all the projects and events that we produce or participate in, but also a lot of behind the scenes planning deadlines as well. After looking at it, I think I can safely say that we've got something planned for everyone. Sondra has also been very involved in the development and execution to the HeART of the Community Art project, which has now signed up a team of artists to produce this years show titled HEARTwork, to be auctioned at the 2004 Black and White Beach Ball. For information about these and other events, call the CAMP Rehoboth office or check out CAMPdates. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14, No.2 March 12, 2004 |