We don't crucify people anymore

This is in response to Mr. Finnegan's May 12 letter entitled "True marriage is one man, one woman". Mr. Finnegan mentions one of the truly greatest documents of all time: the U.S. Constitution. I believe there exists no better document in all the world, including religious texts. But nowhere in that document does the word marriage appear.

Mr. Finnegan states that marriage has been between a man and woman for 2,000 years. That may be so, but we do not crucify people anymore, we no longer farm using sticks to poke a hole in the ground, we no longer ride donkeys to some fictitious "inn". In fact, we hardly employ the word "inn" anymore.

Here is a line from another great American document, our national song, which ends with the lines "land of the free, home of the brave." Now, shouldn't we all be free to pursue happiness - or just some of us? And shouldn't we all look to the future and embrace change, or just hide ourselves away from the modern world in fear? Be brave - it's your patriotic duty.

Studies remain crystal clear that as the older generations of bigots, haters and curmudgeons die off, the younger generations "get it," that this country does not draw conclusions about whole groups of people, but rather we prefer to judge people on "the content of their character." Sounds like someone needs a hug, and some comfort probably from someone of the opposite gender. I would offer it myself, but I think I know Mr. Finnegan's response to that. (I wonder if he even hugs his priest, preacher or minister.) I, also, will not be silenced or intimidated unless, of course, a plague of locusts and frogs descends on Iowa!

Stephen P. Beisiegel

Schaumburg