How the Hypocrites Live

This is excellent, and shows how bizarre, absurd, and out-dated religion is. Rooted in superstition and all about control, it's junk we really can't afford to be carrying around as we scramble to survive.

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An engineering professor is treating her husband, a loan officer, to dinner for finally giving in to her pleas to shave off the scraggly beard he grew on vacation. His favorite restaurant is a casual place where they both feel comfortable in slacks and cotton/polyester-blend golf shirts. But, as always, she wears the gold and pearl pendant he gave her the day her divorce decree was final.

They're laughing over their menus because they know he always ends up diving into a giant plate of ribs but she won't be talked into anything more fattening than shrimp.

Quiz: How many biblical prohibitions are they violating?

Well, wives are supposed to be 'submissive' to their husbands (I Peter 3:1).
And all women are forbidden to teach men (I Timothy 2:12),
wear gold or pearls (I Timothy 2:9)
or dress in clothing that 'pertains to a man' (Deuteronomy 22:5).
Shellfish and pork are definitely out (Leviticus 11:7, 10)
as are usury (Deuteronomy 23:19),
shaving (Leviticus 19:27)
and clothes of more than one fabric (Leviticus 19:19).
And since the Bible rarely recognizes divorce, they're committing adultery, which carries the rather harsh penalty of death by stoning (Deuteronomy 22:22).

So why are they having such a good time?

Probably because they wouldn't think of worrying about rules that seem absurd, anachronistic or - at best - unrealistic. Yet this same modern-day couple could easily be among the millions of Americans who never hesitate to lean on the Bible to justify their own anti-gay attitudes.

-~Deb Price

To Congressman Lee Terry Regarding DADT

Dear Mr. Lee Terry,

As one of your constituents from Bellevue, I'm writing this to let you know how let down I am about you standing against repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

How can you oppose treating all human beings the same? How can you set aside categories for less-than-equal treatment? You are a privileged rich white man in a control position, so you're not affected by such unfairness, but huge numbers of people are, every day. Why perpetuate unfairness, prejudice, and bigotry?

What do you fear about GLBT folks? Do NOT try to tell anyone they fight or die differently for their country, nor that they adversely affect morale. Such nonsense has been disproven from the Spartans' stand at Thermopylae on down to now.

Do you, as a privileged rich white male, have to hide any parts of yourself in order legally to do your job? Are there aspects of Lee Terry that others' would shame you with, were they to find out? Or do you live free, unafraid, and dignified by personal liberty in an open society?

Why can't everyone? Why can't ALL American citizens? How can you possibly justify a Separate, Unequal set of rules for certain categories of American Citizens?

Please use the brains that must exist behind your charisma and glibness to re-think this important, pivotal matter and support complete equality under a Rule of Law for the GLBT among us. You have a chance with the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and other bills.

Instead of towing an out-dated, fearful line of prejudice, think your way clear to supporting ALL your constituents and ALL American citizens.

Thank you for your attention.

Oh, and a thought: Please spare us both a franked letter merely expressing the party line. I've seen it so many times it haunts my bathroom hours. Use the franking privileges to support Freedom, Liberty, and Equality for ALL.

Sincerely,

Gene Stewart
1710 Dianne Avenue
Bellevue, NE 68005