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Letters
School should protect its religious students
Mr. Lorton's letter "Bigotry disguised as free speech," in the June 6 issue of the Saratoga News, didn't practice the "tolerance" preached. It was full of anti-Christian bigotry--which he does have the right to express regardless of how it offends. Bigotry against Christians isn't "tolerance" for homosexuals--it's just more bigotry. Those who think hating Christians somehow creates "tolerance" for gays are wrong. Hate never creates "tolerance" for anyone.
Promoting homosexual sex, or any type of sex, to children under the age of consent is criminal "corruption of a minor." Schools should be safe and protect children from sexual exploitation and harassment while teaching necessary job skills. Sex isn't a "job skill" regardless of "orientation" unless prostitution's a "job." Saratoga High School has a sexual abstinence policy that requires its clubs, including Gay and Straight Alliance, to obey laws prohibiting "corrupting a minor."
Whether Mr. Lorton likes Christianity or not, SHS students are free to believe or not as they choose. Saratoga High School should protect its religious students from discrimination and "hate," as well as any.
Teri Jones
Riesling Court
Moral standards in dire need of attention
The issue of moral standards in our schools is in dire need of attention. It does seem that homosexuality is moving to the fore. Recent events at Saratoga High School appear to be reaching power-grab status.
A question arises in my mind: Just what do the parents want for moral standards for their children?
The May 30 issue of the Saratoga News printed a letter by M. Elaine Hocker, discussing an alternative to the Gay-Straight Alliance Club at Saratoga High School. She presented a strong argument and a moral one. The group she referred to is directed by Dr. James Dobson, a nationally respected Christian leader who writes with ample documentation.
Parents can control this situation, but must stand up on their hind legs and do it. Two items come to mind:
* Any and all federal laws concerning schools and education are unconstitutional from the start. The United States Constitution prohibits the federal government from meddling with the schools. A wealth of documentation is available on this subject, should you wish it.
* The Bible calls homosexuality an abomination. (Leviticus 20:13) Additional documentation is available.
I am interested in knowing what the dads of the children in our schools want for a moral standard. Your views will be welcome.
Forest Glen Durland
Grandfather and retired teacher
Big Basin Way
Fight against bigotry needs to get personal
I was both thrilled and disappointed to read John Heindel's June 20 critique of my letter to the paper condemning, out of hand, Elaine Hocker's public opposition to homosexuality. Disappointed, because he has chosen to join with Ms. Hocker's prejudiced, anachronistic crusade of hatred; and thrilled, because this letters page is so much more interesting now that it's not all about widening roads in the hills and too-loud rock concerts. Mr. Heindel says that "[Lorton] describes Ms. Hocker as a bigot, compares her to the KKK and accuses her of fronting for an evangelical Christian ministry ... "
Well ... yes! Was I unclear?
But, I don't actually want to "silence" Ms. Hocker, or even Mr. Heindel. Indeed, I don't need to. Time, progress and the classes of 2001, 2002 and so on, will take care of that in due course.
Mr. Heindel also complains that "It's too bad that Mr. Lorton does not possess the character to argue his position on this issue, without resorting to a personal attack on Ms. Elaine Hocker."
But, how can one campaign against a bigot without being personal? Bigotry is ALL personal. The issue itself is a no-brainer, like "slavery is bad," and the fact that the earth is not flat. To lack the spirit to jump in, toe-to-toe and face-to-face, against hatred, the moment it raises its misguided head, is to lack humanity and morality.
There was also a letter in the paper from Megan Donohoe, who was upset with my "attack on religion." In response to her, I apologize for reminding all of you that Christian literature routinely proclaims homosexuals to be "sinners," who will spend "all eternity" in "hell." Truly, and with all my heart, I would love nothing more than if Ms. Donohoe would write back to the paper with heretofore unpublicized proof that the majority of organized religion is not fundamentally opposed to freedom of sexual choice. A divinical proof like that might actually influence Ms. Hocker and Mr. Heindel's thinking, if nothing else will. Indeed, could we please have a letter to the paper from a local priest on this issue? Come on, guys, get in the ball game! It would be helpful and instructive. I was very glad to read that Ms. Donohoe is going to follow a vocation in ministry, for it is evident from her letter that she will work hard to effect such changes in people's intolerant attitudes. I wish her every success.
I do not mean to cast aspersions on the many Christians who are, in fact, not homophobes (it is actually very brave of them to be in conflict with official doctrine); and certainly do not mean to upset the many Christians who are, in fact, homosexual; and who work tirelessly to change the centuries-old policies of the organizations they are unable to come out to in public. However, I found it deliciously ironic that the earnest Ms. Donohoe's well-intended letter was followed by three others (by Mr. Heindel, Mr. Froess and Ms. Nistler ) that, nonetheless, continue to attack homosexuality on religious grounds. For, what else can they do? There are no other grounds on which to attack it.
By the way, want to know where I learned how to write letters and developed these opinions on freedom in the first place? The Saratoga school system in the Reagan era.
William Lorton
SHS alumnus, 198
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
