Beryl Satter, an associate professor of history at Rutgers University at Newark, writes to The New York Times about the separation of church and state, or lack of it: "Praised by Bush, a Church Center From the Streets" describes an example of the "religious antipoverty programs" President Bush hopes to support with government funds: a Pentecostal drug rehabilitation program whose method is "intensive Bible study and cold-turkey detoxification."
"As a Jew, I am disturbed by Mr. Bush's proposal to use my tax dollars to finance not only Christian conversion, but programs that target the most vulnerable among us—the homeless and addicted—for such ends.
"As a lesbian, I am upset at the possibility that homeless gay teenagers, thrown out of their homes by their parents, may find that the most accessible lifeline is Bible study led by government-financed ministers who may themselves support an anti-gay agenda."
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Robert Heath writes to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "In reply to Mary Ann Scheel's Feb. 7 letter on homosexuality: Does she think that nearsightedness is an abnormality? Does she think that having blond hair is an abnormality? Does she think that left-handedness is an abnormality?"
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Charles Ashley stamps his feet over SMU offering a same-sex benefits plan, in his petulant letter to the Dallas Morning News: "I am a 1975 graduate of Southern Methodist University. I always thought that SMU stood for principles of truth and righteousness. I now see that righteousness is not a part of SMU's concern, only being politically correct.
"I will not put on my class ring for the rest of my life. Nor will I display my bachelor of music ( education ) diploma. I do not wish to be further associated with an institution that endorses extramarital relationships. I have asked SMU to remove my name from any mailing lists."
Grow up! How old are you?
