Allowing gays equality under the law is the right thing to do
Dear Editor,
Romney is against gay marriage. Obama supports gay marriage. Still, few define what that means. Some say marriage is a relationship between two people. Really? Then what difference does it make if the government sanctions it? Others say it’s a union between a man and a woman. What kind of union? The kind that is ‘before God’ and can be dissolved in divorce? Or the ‘traditional’ one that kept a couple together whether one or both were miserable, or whether one was abused? ‘Traditional’ marriage is something that is wonderful when two people voluntarily choose to be together forever and love each other. Or, wait, maybe it’s not the ‘traditional marriage’ that is wonderful, but the liberty of the choice to stay together within that relationship! The government’s role in marriage is strictly a legal one, not a religious one. It has to do with protections, provisions and perks.
But I wish to comment on the idea that, ‘traditionally’, marriage has been between a man and a woman. We all know Christianity had a profound influence on the founding of this nation. Yet, those same founders eschewed religious traditions that stifled liberty. It’s why they came here in the first place. Then they proceeded to cast off traditions by forming a government based on self-government, not on the imposed rules and regulations of an external religious institution, nor a monarch. The founders continued to throw off traditions of pomp and circumstance that once surrounded rulers and set them above others. The seeds of self-government were sown and traditions continued to be replaced with greater liberty.
The continued fruition of these seeds of liberty is what has caused an end to the accepted tradition of slavery and to the traditional roles of women (couldn’t vote) and men (no stay-at-home dads). The throwing off of traditions is what made us a people who come from all backgrounds and follow our own instincts, conscience and beliefs, in our own way. Yet, there some Conservatives who tout small government and religious liberty, but wish to impose an exclusive definition of marriage on others, based on either tradition or their own beliefs. Jefferson once said, “The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.” (p. 87, The Real Thomas Jefferson).
Our current president is clearly, by the timing of his announcement, using gay marriage as a political tool for re-election or for damage control due to his shoot-from-the-lip Vice President. And while I don’t believe that Romney is doing the same thing, it concerns me that he wants to exclude a large segment of the population from the protections, provisions and perks which he has because he is in a heterosexual, legally-contractual relationship. If he doesn’t wish to call it ‘marriage’, he ought to at least propose how other types of committed partners may receive the same legal protection, provisions and tax breaks that a heterosexual couple can. I hope the concerns about gays being able to gain equal legal status will soon yield; then likely another group’s ‘equality under the law’ will become the next milestone for liberty in this great country.
Jan Comstock, Morgan Hill
Paul Colin is the right choice for Superior Court Judge
Dear Editor,
Paul Colin is the best choice for Superior Court Judge. Paul is a Deputy District Attorney who has spent time working in South County where he worked closely with the police to keep our community safe. As a prosecutor, Paul has prosecuted cases involving sexually violent predators, sexual assault, mortgage fraud, security fraud, elder fraud and insurance fraud. Law enforcement is strongly behind him as well: Paul Colin is endorsed by Sheriff Laurie Smith, the Police Officers Associations of Gilroy and Morgan Hill as well as nine other public safety groups.
Paul is highly respected for his integrity and ethics which has earned him the endorsement of the retiring incumbent Judge Jerome Brock, South County Judge Susan Bernardini and more than 40 other judges. There is no other candidate in the race for judge who comes close to matching Paul Colin’s experience, endorsements and reputation for pursuing justice. We need more judges joining the bench who have Paul’s qualities. Some races are close. The race for Superior Court Judge Seat No. 5 is not one of them: Join me in voting for Paul Colin for Judge.
Don Gage, Santa Clara County Supervisor (ret.), and Santa Clara Valley Water District Director
It might be refreshing to hear new music at Taste of Morgan Hill
Dear Editor,
After hearing that our band was not chosen to be in the Taste of Morgan Hill lineup I had to write. I’m a singer/songwriter and Morgan Hill resident since 1996. My band, the Frank Dicker band, plays original music, although we do play some covers.
I was told that this year the committee is booking for known bands with large followings that play other artists songs (covers). While I understand this, I believe there are people that would find it refreshing to hear new music among all the songs we hear on the radio from the ‘70s etc.
I hope people will ask for more music diversification in the future.
Frank Dicker, Morgan Hill
