Dear Windy City Times:
Since June 2010, the Army has been holding PFC Bradley Manning in the equivalent of solitary confinement. Is he getting a special shaft because they believe he's gay?
It's possible Manning is guilty of something, so let them hold him and investigatein humane conditions.
We have, as a nation, become very complacent and blase about individual rights. We say we're shocked at the abusive treatment of Americans being held in Iran. Is it different for Bradley Manning?
Sincerely,
Robert Dooman
Putting on a front
Dear Editor:
As reported in Windy City Times (Feb. 16, 2011), a new Catholic organization appeared at the GLN-sponsored protest at Holy Name Cathedral on Feb. 13. The group, Go First Ministries, says it apologizes for the "negative experience" LGBTs have had with the Catholic church, while sporting blue T-shirts proclaiming "Love is the Answer." However, when asked to support civil marriage rights for same-sex couples, group members refused to do so. No wonder. Describing themselves as "devout Catholics" means that they back the antigay teachings and discriminatory policies of their church leaders.
Explicit ties to the Catholic hierarchy are revealed on the website GoFirstMinistries.org . Sanctioned by the Catholic bishop of Springfield, Thomas John Paprockian opponent of the recently signed civil-unions billthe "ministry" is dedicated to a woman killed by a gay man after she harassed him to "give up his destructive lifestyle and live a chaste life."
An inspiration for this new Catholic group is the Marin Foundation, led by Evangelical Andrew Marin, a slippery character who calls for "dialog" with gays as do the blue shirts, but who like them will not back equal civil rights for gays and who, if pressed, also adheres to antigay teachings.
Go First Ministries is a public-relations ploy by the Catholic hierarchy, designed to put a smiling face on bigotry.
Bob Schwartz
Gay Liberation Network