Letters
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- Written by: Johnny Carney
One is the lobbying system which is nothing less than graft and corruption. The ability to buy and sell the people we send to Washington is downright shameful.
Equally disgusting is the addition of "pork" to bills that should pass or fail on their own merit. Recently our congressman voted down a bill designed, hopefully, to rescue this country's chaotic financial mess. When a second bill was introduced, Congressman Thompson found it more palatable when he added millions of "pork" for the race car industry. Whatever happened to ethics? Why do we tolerate this type of chicanery?
Keep this in mind when you are at the polls.
Johnny Carney lives in Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Evan R.Willig
I know that for many the opposition to same-sex marriage is based on their deeply held and cherished religious faith and from them and all other proponents of Proposition 8 I ask for a moment so that I may explain my profound opposition to this change to California's Constitution.
Twenty eight years ago as a young woman and man my wife and I took that greatest of all leaps of faith – we got married. Like young people all over the world, we found ourselves in love and decided to join together that love and friendship and our lives in marriage. And in all that I have done in my 52 years on this earth that is the source of my greatest joy and happiness. Through thick and thin we have stayed together and built a life and family together. That opportunity, the opportunity to marry and create families and lives together, should be available to all including those that love someone of the same sex.
The laws of our country and our state are the laws of man. They are written by man and subject to change, as is man and the society that we build. Of course many of the people who participate in the construction of our laws are informed by and have deep religious faith. They bring that faith with them as they represent themselves and others when law is made and changed.
But this should not be confused with representing God or God's will; they perform man's work in constructing law. Many of the truly profound changes our nation and its laws have experienced over the years have been the subject of controversy and soul searching with heartfelt differences expressed by both sides of many issues. In a democracy that is as it should be.
But over the long stretch of history, with many a bump and false start and many times a step back even as we step forward, our nation has changed for the better. Our laws have evolved so that it is understood that equal protection for all means just that, equal protection for all – including persons who are members of minorities whether that is an ethnic minority, religious minority or a minority based on something else, like sexual orientation.
This November in California we have an opportunity to advance the cause of equal justice for all. By defeating Proposition 8 we will send a message to our nation and to the world that a new page has been turned in the cause of freedom and equality.
Together let us affirm that when people of the same sex love each other we welcome that love, we respect that love and that we as a society wish them happiness as they embrace in marriage.
It may be that your convictions hold that a marriage between two people of the same sex violates your understanding of God's law. I and others who oppose Proposition 8 have no wish to alter your beliefs or your religious convictions. The California State Constitution is the work of men and women not God. It is designed by mortal men and women to protect all Californians whatever their ethic background, religious belief or sexual orientation. It assures each of us the right to equal protection under the law.
Our society has changed. Men and women can choose same-sex marriage as a matter of equality. I believe with all my heart that this is a good thing; you may not.
But please consider it as a right won by individuals who are part of a minority that only wishes to fully participate in our state and nation as free and equal citizens, just like me and just like you.
Please vote no on Proposition 8.
Evan R Willig lives in Cobb.
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- Written by: Leona Boylan
Jim Comstock supports this same philosophy and, like many parents who have had the opportunity to raise their children in a wonderful community like Lake County, we want that for our children, also.
Having served on the Middletown Unified School District Board of Trustees with Jim gave me insight and experience working with him firsthand. He is honorable, trustworthy, not afraid to stand up for his beliefs (even if they are not politically correct) and hard working. Jim has the experience of working on a board to get things done and has the financial background as well as a deep love for his community to do the right thing.
I am honored to support him and I know my husband feels the same, that’s why when we vote we are supporting Jim Comstock for Supervisor for District 1.
Leona Boylan lives in the Hidden Valley Lake area.
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- Written by: Karen Turcotte
I don't know Jim Comstock, though have met him several times. I do know that it was unsettling to find out that he would like to take the Middletown County Trailside Park, 107 acres of no longer disturbed land and turn it into RV parking.
I do appreciate opportunities for growth, but I believe, as does Susanne, that to remove a jewel of public land in South Lake County, is not appropriate ... or perhaps appreciated.
I run the annual EcoArts: Lake County Sculpture Walk in the park, but understand that the only true constant in life is that things change. I don't expect to run an art project there forever. I do hope the Park will be there forever.
Karen Turcotte lives on Cobb Mountain.
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