2000 LETTERS
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Contents © 2000
by Jim Holman.
All rights reserved.

JANUARY 2000 LETTERS

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Since your periodical is being mailed bulk rate, I am surprised that it contains political name-calling and smear tactics. Notes on the news of interest to Catholic laity can should be presented without such devices. I am personally acquainted with some of those people whom you described in your latest issue as "pro-abort heavies" [see "The Company She Keeps", December 1999]. I differ with them on some issues, as they do with me, perhaps. I know that they are decent, humane and useful people to have serving us in government. I refer to Congressman Cunningham and to Assemblywoman Zettel.

Have you any interest in what else they do while governing? Or do you simply spread hate if anyone differs on the one issue of Choice?

I don't need to have this political sheet coming to my mailbox. It seems to me Christian people need to understand and love one another -- not hate those whom God has made. Your anger and venom toward gays and people who are struggling with other issues seems not to have a place in a truly Catholic publication.

Marilyn Cloyd
Escondido


ANTI-QUEER NEW CAUSE?

I see News Notes is published by Concerned Citizens for Life. About half your front page is usually anti-queer. I am wondering if pro-lifers are taking up this new cause because the old one is believed not winnable. There is an advantage of using the anti-faggot cause to win -- that is due to the large, natural bias against the queers. It's much easier to beat this crowd when everyone hates them already. Nice to win for a change, huh?

This looks to me to be a change. Don't hear much about anti-abortion among most groups anymore. (I have been pro-life for many years.) I don't feel any enthusiasm with chasing some skinny queer kid down an alley to beat him up, though. Just no heart for it. I guess you good righteous folks have, though.

Cordially,

ronnie
(from e-mail)


I GROW MORE COMPASSIONATE

Re: News Notes, December 1999, I just wanted to say thanks for printing the article about gay cops ("Rainbow Force" by Allyson Smith). Before reading this article, I was somewhat undecided about issues of homosexuality and the Church. I know the Church has prohibitions against expressing or engaging in homosexual acts, and I have been taught throughout my training in the Catechism that this is inconsistent with our faith.

However, as we conclude the 20th century in America and enter the 21st, I have noticed that the Church's position with regard to homosexuals might actually be somewhat harmful, if not hurtful to some people. As I get older, I have found myself growing more compassionate toward our fellow man. When I find that my compassion for my fellow man comes in conflict with the teaching of my faith, I feel a disconnect with my Church. I do not like this feeling.

Hurtful, hateful dialogue has never resolved differences. It won't within our Church. I look around the world today and see so many sufferings. Why are we as Catholic Americans dispensing so much of our powerful energy toward such insignificant issues as whom people love? As indicated in the "Rainbow Force" article, Mr. Smith has such a tremendous reserve of energy. May he, for both the good of the Church and himself, use it to address true human suffering. There is so much of it to go around. Using this great warehouse of energy and talent to oppress gay people is not only a waste of God's gifts, it is a sin.

Michael R. Galarneau
San Carlos


DISTRESSED

Do not send me your newspaper any more. I do not like it!!

I also take exception to your comments about La Providencia (see "The Labyrinth", September, 1999). I have known the two nuns and have been part of their activities since they started in I.B. Wonderful work!!

Many of your articles distress me.

Lorrie McGrath
Bay Park

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