Letters to the Editor for May 15, 2009

Tolerate our differences 

To the editor:

I find it somewhat sad that some might oppose a homosexual group in a high school setting. When the debate was about religious groups in the high school I don’t recall the gays pulling verses from the homo book to denounce your way of life/beliefs or demean the fellowship that apparently was not satisfied by your churches thus needing to be in the school setting as well.

I would have a hard time assuming that a group of this nature is qualifying/approving homosexuality. I hope that it will serve as a forum and support group allowing some of these kids (cause that’s what we are talking about, kids) a chance to not feel like they are alone in struggling with the guilt and shame others have burdened them with because they don’t agree with their sexual orientation.

Furthermore let’s not forget that teenagers are an “at risk” population for committing suicide and by expressing a lack compassion and understanding of the torment and isolation these kids suffer you could be making the problem worse. 

Although I myself am not homosexual I have had and have many close friends that are. Having heard many of their stories of prejudices that they have had to endure throughout their lives from family and community due to fear or ignorance of their lifestyle, I think that this group is a great idea. I believe, as many (gay and straight) Americans do, that you are entitled to your opinions as skewed as they may be.

So if you don’t like homosexuals so be it, that’s your prerogative, but instead of putting up a sign at your church that reads “heterosexuals served only” you should think that if everyone you know feels the way you do about homosexuals. What if one of your children (god forbid) is gay? Perhaps due to your own religious zealotry they can’t express their feelings.  

Christopher Plummer

Baker City

All students deserve a voice

To the editor:

This is in response to Linda Opperman’s letter printed earlier this week regarding the gay and lesbian club at Baker High School. I am a heterosexual student at Baker High, and I know several of the students involved in the organization of the club.

Upon reading this letter I was outraged at the audacity of the writer. Last time I checked, it was God’s place to judge, not ours. What was said about the club in question was entirely false. The intention is not to promote inappropriate behavior between teens of the same gender, but to provide a safe place for those who express these different beliefs.

This club is desperately needed in this town, because these students have nowhere else to go to feel acknowledged and understood. Being a teenager and attending high school is hard enough, and judging people, and treating them differently because of their sexuality, is wrong. These kids may come from families who do not accept their lifestyles, so having a safe haven at school could be the one thing that gets them through these difficult years.

It is viewpoints like Opperman’s and other close-minded people that make teenage life in this town unbearable for gays and lesbians, and those questioning their sexuality. They ought to have a place where they don’t feel rejected, and they deserve the same amount of respect that would be reserved for anyone else.

Having a Christian background myself, I understand the point behind her letter. I just do not agree with the self-righteous anger the letter was written with. Yes, the club does go against her beliefs, but that does not mean it is promoting promiscuous behavior. In many religions being gay is a sin; but there is no reason for cavalier people to be pushing their viewpoints on others who already have hard enough lives. Opperman could have gotten farther with her approach if she had been more gracious. These teenagers deserved a voice, and that is the reason I wrote this letter.  

Aryel Fahrney

Baker City

We’re not all shaped the same

To the editor:

This is in reference to a letter in the Your Views section of your May 11 edition written by someone who uses a lot of Bible references and is opposed to the formation of a gay/lesbian club at Baker High School. Frequent references were made about the “adversary,” I’m assuming the devil.

Not all people are the same. If that writer were a Christian Scientist she could have quoted from Science and Health with Key to Scripture by Mary Baker Eddy. Or possibly have been Islamic, quoting from the Koran, or perhaps Hindu with references to the Kama Sutra or Bhavad Gita. Here’s the point: The pursuit of happiness, life, liberty. One of the basic principles America was founded upon. We are not all the same, not only religiously, but physically, psychologically, artistically, mechanically and in very many ways. I do not understand why people want other people to be shaped with the same cookie cutter they were cut out with.

As far as that gay/lesbian club at Baker High, I say “go for it.” At that age there is a great deal of confusion sometimes, so it’s a little like a 12-step program, to help someone with his/her struggles. Why make it harder? Let’s ease up a little and try to help. And quit criticizing.  

John Sublett

Baker City

Why object to kids meeting?

To the editor:

This is a response to the Oppermans’ letters. Have we gone mad? Should we round up the witches and burn them? Root out the adulterers and stone them? NO.

So why is it such a big deal that people, no matter what sexuality, want to meet to discuss subjects that are important to them? It shouldn’t be anyone’s business except for the kids involved in the club.

And on a personal side note, believing unquestioningly in Jesus is not any more of a real life than being an atheist, or a Muslim.  

Alex Bertalotto

Baker City

Dad’s proud of his daughter

To the editor:

In response to Mr. Opperman's comments, my daughter comes from a very loving home where my wife and I have been married for 19 years. While I do respect Mr. Opperman’s opinion, it is uneducated and factless.

My daughter’s choice is just that. A choice; HER choice. The GSA was created for these young adults who don’t have a place to turn to discuss the bullying that goes on in the school halls. Race, creed, color, or sexual preference does not matter. I am very proud of my daughter for what she is doing, making a safe haven for young adults to get together and talk. 

The judgment is not for us to do. This is for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our place, as the human race, is to love our children and be tolerant of others. 

While I understand and respect your opinion and your views, I ask you please do the same for these young adults and their club.  

Tony Jewell

Baker City

Students should vote on club

To the editor:

This is in response to Hayden Perkins’ letter in the May 13 Baker City Herald regarding the GSA club at our high school. I disagree in his statements that gays need their own special club. I have never specifically seen gay students getting picked on in our school. Straight or heterosexual individuals seem to get more picked on more often. That is why our school has “Rachel’s Challenge” that comes into play to help promote students feeling “safe” and accepted. In a quote directly from Rachel: “Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer. People will never know how far a little kindness will go.” I agree with Rachel and that is what her group is for.

I do not agree with starting the gay group without my vote. Hayden Perkins has personally campaigned for students to decide and have democracy — “a voice” of students to vote for what they want. He has failed on this issue. If it is true that the voice of the student body counts, why did 40 students make the decision for 500 students (the majority)? The student body did not get to vote on this issue like Hayden promised he would make happen on school issues. I would like the opportunity to cast my vote on this matter. It is my right.

Kyle Knight

Baker City