Constitutional measure on gay marriage is right action

Constitutional measure ongay marriage is right action
EDITOR:
This letter is in response to your Feb. 29 editorial "Constitutional amendment is a radical, wrong response." In your editorial, you never did explain what President Bush was responding to.
Let me explain for your readers. He was responding to the events precipitated by the newly elected radical mayor of San Francisco. Even President Bush once had the erroneous view that you should leave it up to the states to decide what to do about homosexual unions. Fortunately, for all of us to see, he was given a preview of what happens when you leave it up to the states. You have a mayor in a major city breaking the law in California. Mind you, this law was passed by the voting majority of the people living in California. So much for the states' enforcing the will of the people. Radical response? I don't think so. Wrong response? It couldn't be more correct!
I know that this is going to offend some people, but the truth needs to be told. The practice of homosexuality is a perverted behavior that should never be accepted as normal in any society! Practicing homosexuals should be given true love and attention to help them overcome their abnormal behavior, not encouragement. Your article states that this amendment is "aimed at telling a certain class of people. ..." This is not a civil rights issue. Practicing homosexuals are not a class of people in the sense you are using the word. They are human beings of all classes, races, ethnic groups and religions. It is their behavior that defines them. We, as a nation, must decide collectively which values are appropriate in our society and which are not. We discriminate every day in our laws and in our values. You can't walk down Main Street in the nude. You will be arrested. You can't drink as much alcohol as you want and then drive a car. It is against the law. As an adult, you can't have sexual relations with a minor, consenting or not. These laws discriminate against behavior that we as a society believe cause, or can cause harm to others in one way or another. Sometimes you have to discriminate for the good of all.
I am a Catholic Christian. I believe that the statistics show that over 80 percent or 90 percent of the people in this country claim to be Christian. As a Christian, I know that the practice of homosexuality is a sin, which is defined as an "offense to God." We all sin one way or another, but to flaunt the sin is unforgivable.
My religion teaches that God created man and woman for each other and to be fruitful and to multiply. What do I do when Ohio issues a marriage license to Joe and Bob and tells me that I must recognize that union as a marriage? I cannot! I will not!
RICK J. MOROCCO
North Lima
The Butler -- source of pride
EDITOR:
Wow! The Butler Institute of American Art is a gem for the Mahoning Valley! Born and raised in Girard, I was introduced to the Butler at a young age, and have loved it ever since. I now reside in Columbus, and unfortunately didn't have the chance to visit the museum for about 5 years. When I returned, the changes that had occurred amazed me!
Still are the favorites Homers' "Snap the Whip" and my beloved "In Flanders Field -- Where Soldiers Sleep and Poppies Grow," but the new wing is astounding. The BILL THOMPSON: Altered Flats are something to check out, as well as the ROYGBIV traveling instillation. Not to mention the new addition of a Caf & eacute; and the renovated gift shop. Also offered are special events such as classic Western movies played in their auditorium and a Swing dance social that sounds like it will be fun. The changes that have occurred in the museum are really something to see!
Dr. Zona and his staff at the museum should be proud of the wonderful community resource they have established. Mahoning county residents should be proud also. Oh, did I point out that all this fun was free.
SARAH RUSSELL
Columbus