A letter to Robert A. Wild
The following letter was sent by Dr. Robert J. Starshak to Marquette University president Robert A. Wild:
I am writing to you on behalf of the board of directors of Fair Wisconsin Education Fund, the statewide organization dedicated to advancing, achieving and protecting the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Wisconsinites. We achieve this mission by educating about the harms of all forms of discrimination and by building inclusive communities and workplaces.
We at Fair Wisconsin wish to express our profound disappointment with the recent turn of events surrounding the rescinded offer to Dr. Jodi O’Brien to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Regardless of whether the decision was based on Dr. O’Brien’s sexual orientation or the subject matter of her previously published works, this action sends the wrong message about Marquette University to communities of faith, members of the LGBT community and all Wisconsin citizens.
As leaders in the fight for equality, we work with businesses, government and individuals across the state who wish to build inclusive workplaces and attract and retain a diverse workforce. We would welcome the opportunity to work with Marquette University to enhance its diversity.
Read more...Historical correction
I was reading the review for the play “The Value of Names” and noticed that there was a historical error in the article. It was mentioned that President Harry S. Truman in 1959 labeled what he saw as, “The most un -American thing in this country today.” This is, however, incorrect because he was not president in that year. It would have to be President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
I am a straight yet very supportive person for gay rights and I enjoy reading your newspaper. It helps me keep up with what’s going on in the LGBT world.
Un-Christian chaplains
As a longtime advocate for equal rights for all citizens, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, I am deeply troubled by the views expressed in today’s letter from a group of retired military chaplains to President Obama and Defense Secretary Gates. It is so fraught with illogical reasoning, one almost does not know where to begin in discussing its content.
The chaplains claim that their religious freedoms would be threatened if gays serve openly in the military. Yet, repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell” in no way would hinder chaplains from voicing their personal moral convictions and theological doctrines. The chaplaincy should represent the diversity of faiths in the military, not simply one point of view.
Similarly, the chaplains argue that this would impact their “ability to counsel” because “service members seeking guidance regarding homosexual relationships will place chaplains in an untenable position.” By this logic, we also should ban all service members whose gambling habits, treatment of spouses, and views on abortion, politics, or the economy are not in line with those of the chaplains.
As a Baptist minister, I frequently counsel people whose beliefs on a number of subjects are not exactly in line with the religious or moral values that I embrace.
Read more...Support supportive businesses
It amazes me the infighting that goes on in the LGBT communities. As a transgender I know the pain, suffering, isolation and inhuman cruelty we face. Some of us face imprisonment, forced military service, slander campaigns, exodus crusades and catty people.
We try desperately to please those who hate us. We spend our money, donate our time and pay with our lives.
When asked what transgender people want, one prominent transgender activist said, “We want the right to live. We want love, relationships, education, healthcare, a good job and a future for our children. In short we are fighting for our very lives.”
Read more...Opinion
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