Winston-Salem Journal LTE WE 05/02/12

Amendment Two

I hope everyone is saving a little attention for Amendment Two. It reads: "White landowners over the age of 40 are the only voters that shall be valid or recognized in this State." Nothing discriminatory there. Nothing harming family values.

God intended successful patriarchs to lead society. They serve as the basic building block of a civilized and productive society. The breakdown of society has come about because we've let so many other people — especially women — have the vote.

Traditional voting was reserved for white landowners over 40. We need to protect the vote. After all, older white landowners are in the majority.

One cannot equate the unnatural, abominable and immoral acts of women and minorities voting with the God-ordained, natural and morally accepted, time-honored relationship between older white landowners and publicly elected officials.

What? Discrimination? Of course not. Just because older white landowners have the vote doesn't mean that every adult is supposed to vote. I'm tired of being called a bigot by people who are trying to redefine "voter." Is nothing sacred?

Think of the children. Vote "Yes" for Amendment Two!

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MARK B. HOWARD

Winston-Salem

Faith and compassion

If marriage is not a "right," then why do we allow felons to marry their pen-pals in prison?

Why should the citizens of North Carolina have the right to distinguish between groups based on what is clearly a matter of biology?

After faithful consideration of the issue, an increasing number of congregations now bless same-sex marriages. Passage of Amendment One discriminates against those of us whose faith tells us to act first and foremost with compassion.

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NEAL GROSE

Harmony

No logical argument

My niece is gay. She has a degree from Yale University, a PhD, and is a professor at a prestigious university. She's married under the laws of her state. She has two small children, lives in an expensive home and treasures her family above all else. That sounds pretty traditional to me.

The supporters of the referendum for changing the state law to make marriage only between a man and women say it's because of tradition. If I remember my history, prior to the mid-1860s, it was a tradition in this country to own slaves. Until World War II, it was a tradition that women stay home and not work outside the home. Wasn't it a tradition that country clubs excluded blacks, Jews (this would have included Jesus) and anyone else not Anglo-Saxon?

I've been waiting to hear a logical argument why allowing people of the same gender to marry has any impact on what supporters call "traditional" marriage. Without religious references, they can't make a case. I guess you know how I'll be voting on this referendum.

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SHIRLEY HORTON

Winston-Salem

A campaign of deception

God's Word teaches that deception will be widespread before Christ returns. Those for the marriage amendment are being called bigots, liars and hate-mongers while being accused of discrimination and forcing beliefs on others. Those calling us names and making accusations are running a campaign of deception attempting to further erode God's definition of marriage and family.

Two generations ago, divorce was nearly unheard of. However, today its frequency is being used by some to justify same-sex marriage. As a pastor, I preach against divorce as much as I do homosexuality, and I'll gladly minister to either in an attempt to show them the love of Jesus Christ, who died for all of our sins. I would be just as pleased if a homosexual repented and put saving faith in Christ as I would if someone divorced repented. In preaching God's Word for 28 years, I've never had one divorcee accuse me of hate, nor has one ever said I was forcing my beliefs on them.

Many against the marriage amendment have moved on from accusations to a new deception. Now we're harming children, battered women and denying benefits to unmarried couples. Unproven opinions of liberal scholars, attorneys and activist judges are their proof. State Rep. Paul "Skip" Stam, one of the attorneys who worded the amendment, has dismissed these as last-minute diversions based on some of the 30 states that adopted marriage amendments that have had legal challenges.

Don't be deceived, vote for marriage as God defined it.

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ROBERT HUTCHENS

PASTOR, MEADOWVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH

Winston-Salem

Quoting Scripture

I'm wondering why so many people keep quoting Scripture so others will vote for Amendment One. Also wondering if they read the part about "Judge not, lest you be judged."

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SUE ELLEN MOSS

Winston-Salem

In the beginning

Genesis 1:1: "In the Beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:26: "And God said, Let us make man in our image." Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them."

Chapters 3 and 4 tell of the beginning of all humanity with Eve being called "the mother of all living." One must read them to understand.

Picture this: Had it been male and male or female and female, humanity would have died right there because they cannot reproduce. There must be a sperm and egg coming together in the womb, which a male does not have and the female cannot provide the sperm. God had a perfect plan, but Satan has been working for many years to destroy the home, which is the foundation of our society. I will say, that while some gay couples can be loving and nurturing to children, they cannot be both dad and mom.

As we observe our two great-granddaughters, they love playing with Granddaddy and Grandmom. But when they get hurt, they come to Grandmom for comfort because a mother is by nature, nurturing. Granddad is stronger and can play with them more than Grandmom.

I praise God for his plan for the family and thank him for the precious children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren He has blessed us with. Needless to say, I will be voting for the marriage amendment.

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MARIE C. HOLTZMANN

Lexington

Unintended consequences

The May 8 referendum on proposed Amendment One gives all voters an opportunity to think clearly. Let's do that. Regardless of one's views — pro or con — about same-gender marriages, the proposed amendment is faulty law and would damage our state's constitution. State law in North Carolina already excludes recognition of same-gender marriages.  

If the objective is to bear witness to one's opposition to same-sex marriage, amending the state constitution is not the way to do it. Constitutions — national and state — are intended to define and to protect the rights of all citizens, not to take them away. The age-old law of unintended consequences should give all voters reason to say "No" to this amendment. Its inclusion in the state constitution would very likely deprive children of unmarried couples of basic rights, through no fault of their own. Equal protection under law — a basic American right — could be denied in cases of domestic violence. Rights to visit or be visited by a loved one while hospitalized, and to have a voice in medical decisions, could be impaired by this amendment. 

Aside from the ongoing and needed conversation about same-gender marriage, I urge fellow citizens to join me and thousands of North Carolinians in voting "No" on Amendment One.

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S. CURTIS PATTERSON

Winston-Salem

Completely genuine

I have had the pleasure of knowing Elisabeth Motsinger personally for quite a while now. I think that she is a completely genuine and caring person who wants to be a true representative for the people of the 5th District.

She has served on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board for six years, and I believe she has done an outstanding job. Elisabeth has been a persistent and honest voice in opposition of Amendment One, an amendment to the N.C. constitution that she believes is discriminatory and will have harmful effects on all unmarried couples. Elisabeth wants to make sure that the next generation can enjoy equality for all, can receive a quality public education, can still have a country whose natural wonders have not been destroyed and can access quality, affordable health care.

I encourage everyone to vote for Elisabeth Motsinger for the U.S. House of Representatives.

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TRENT HARMON

FINANCE DIRECTOR, ELISABETH MOTSINGER FOR CONGRESS

Clemmons

Losing teachers

With the harassment and degradation of teachers, many would-be teachers with high qualifications may decide to pursue other careers.

Not to worry, we can continue to hire scientists and engineers from the 25 countries that surpass our educational standards.

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WILLIAM McKENNA

Clemmons

For Baker

I would like to endorse Mark Baker for Forsyth County commissioner. Mark is a true conservative who will stand by his word. He will work for the residents of Forsyth County and help reduce useless spending. Remember, the present county commissioners under the guidance of Dave Plyler in 2009 raised everyone's taxes by reevaluating the property at a very critical time, with very high unemployment and people losing their jobs every day. This put a burden on a high percentage of the people in Forsyth County who were struggling to keep their finances in order.

If the people of Forsyth County can cut their expenses in order to make it in these trying times, I'm sure our commissioners can find a way to cut spending and not be raising taxes every time their budget looks weak.

I believe Mark Baker is the man we need in these trying times.

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JOE LUNSFORD

Belews Creek

While property taxes were increased in the 2009-2010 budget, Dave Plyler voted against the budget. — The editor.

Freedom of speech

I am a Catholic, a graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law, and I just voted early in favor of the "marriage amendment."

A majority of my friends will probably vote "no," and I hope they will still like me even if we disagree.

Every day I thank God that we have freedom of speech in our wonderful country and the right to vote without fear of being persecuted or killed for our views.

I would like to remind voters that former President Clinton signed into law the federal statute that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This has been federal law since 1996.

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ANN ESCH

Winston-Salem

Detrimental to the future

The High Point Market opened with thousands of the world's top furniture designers, manufacturers and retailers filling our hotels and restaurants. These creative, international folks arrived just as the battle over Amendment One was heating up.

Does our General Assembly realize that the passage of Amendment One, which would deny many of these same people their right to domestic partnership, civil union or marriage, would be detrimental to the future of the furniture business in North Carolina? As we know, there is another furniture market in Las Vegas that would like to replace High Point.

In 2009, the Nevada legislature created legal recognition of same-sex unions in Nevada. A vote against Amendment One is a vote for business and jobs in North Carolina.

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ANN GUILL

Winston-Salem

Jesus shunned hypocrites

"Who would Jesus bomb?" The Gospels are clear: Jesus would bomb hypocrites.

Jesus loved sinners, seeking them out, dining with them, comforting them. Jesus assured and reassured prostitutes, thieves, murderers, etc., of God's love, forgiveness and promise of redemption.

Jesus shunned hypocrites. Calling hypocrites "a brood of vipers," he demanded to know who warned them (Matthew 3:6-8). Jesus assured hypocrites only that, in the time of judgment, it would be better for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah than for hypocrites.

Are there greater hypocrites than the anti-gay crowd, with their sinful amendment? Superimposing "definition" that mocks content, they betray marriage. Dressing up their bigotry in Scripture and their fear as virtue, they arrogate to themselves God-given freedom to love and marry.

Are there greater hypocrites than the so-called pro-life crowd? They aver the absurd and gainsay the obvious, proclaiming life in a fetus sacred, but life in a sperm and egg discretionary, disposable. Pointing, shaming, judging, they must know they themselves have not brought all of the children into this world that they could have.

Lacking any modern interpretation of Christian faith, theirs is the dead faith of the living. Both covet earthly power Jesus renounced.

When Jesus returns and gets a load of conservative "culture," he'll need a bucket. Worse than bombs for these pious frauds, great is the weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness.

Gay or lesbian? Had an abortion? Get on your knees and thank God you are not, at least, a hypocrite.

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ANDY G. MILLER

Kernersville