Value all loving relationships
I never cease to be amazed at the homophobic hysteria people like James Finnegan ("Illinois must act to save marriage", June 16) try to whip up.
Why the hate? Not too long ago similar arguments were made against interracial marriage. Thankfully, most people have moved beyond that.
Does it really matter what your neighbors do behind closed doors? I don't care what Tom and Jane are doing as long as they are both consenting adults. Why should I care if it's Tom and Steve? It certainly doesn't affect my marriage.
They must always mention the Bible's sanctions against homosexuality. The Bible also says you should treat your slaves well, you should not work on the Sabbath, you can sell your daughter into slavery, and you should not cut off the edges of your beard, among many other things that no longer have much relevance. Bacon and ribs, anyone?
Instead, why don't we concentrate on the real lessons of the Bible? Things like love your neighbor, judge not, and treating others the way you want to be treated.
Hopefully, in a few years this will be one of those things that society can look back on and wonder why such a big deal was made. Loving relationships should be valued and cherished no matter the race, religion or gender of those involved.
Sandy Orr Gurnee
Bean has done much for the 8th
I am writing today because many of Larry Kozlicki's claims in his letter on June 9 ("Bean should create laws that help us") are just flat out wrong.
Since elected, Congresswoman Melissa Bean has done nothing but focused on the issues that impact us directly.
Our congresswoman has been at the forefront of reducing federal spending. She was in the paper just a couple of weeks ago calling for a commission on earmark reform that would stop wasteful pork projects.
She won the "fiscal watchdog" award from the Lake County Chamber of Commerce for her efforts to fight waste and taxes. She has consistently voted against tax hikes since taking office, including the estate tax and the Alternative Minimum Tax.
Melissa cares very much about the issues facing our district and has fought hard. She's been the chief opponent of CN Railroad's attempt to dramatically increase rail traffic in our community.
Mr. Kozlicki needs to check his facts. Melissa Bean is dedicated to the 8th district, and she has shown her commitment to all of us during her time in Congress.
Nicholas B. Burke
Fox Lake
Kirk shows us where priorities lie
After months of paying lip service to helping struggling homeowners,ˆ Rep. Mark Kirk showed where his true priorities lie -- with the administration, over the 10th District.ˆ
Despite the economic adversity facing our families, Mark Kirk recently voted with the Bush administration against the Housing Assistance Tax Act, which would provide a refundable $7,500 tax credit to first-time home buyers and offer tax relief to non-itemizers by increasing the standard deduction for property taxes. Meanwhile, Kirk himself has saved over $35,000 through a tax credit available to certain homeowners here in Illinois.
Meanwhile, the 10th District pays a little more in property taxes for those who get special tax breaks.ˆ After months of paying lip service to helping struggling homeowners, Kirk showed where his true priorities lie -- with the administration, over the 10th District.
Steven Victor
Lake Forest