Readers Speak: Best of Web

Posted on Oct. 01, 2009, at 1:14 a.m.

RE: A conservative’s argument for same-sex marriage

While it is heartening to read that Mr. Shepherd will be voting No on One in November, L.D. 1020 [Maine’s same-sex marriage law] was hardly rushed through “without input.” The public hearing held at the Civic Center in Augusta was the first of its kind, and lasted more than three hours.

This, after months of coverage by the media in Maine. Self-government, in its purest form, requires the input of those to be governed – but they have to make some effort to make sure their representatives understand their point of view.

- Gerald Weinand

RE: A conservative’s argument for same-sex marriage

This is not a question of civil rights or anything. You like to refer to ‘Mr. Conservative’ Barry Goldwater who was soft on the issue of homosexuality. Clearly, he doesn’t speak for a majority of conservatives in America today.

For those who keep whining about the majority deciding the rights of the minority, they have absolutely no recourse until they amend the U.S. Constitution to specifically make sexual orientation as a protected class. Clearly, that’s not going to happen any time soon, so they whine on and on.

When it comes to issues of morality, how can we possibly call it a democracy (i.e., ruled by the people) if the people aren’t allowed to weigh in on issues of morality and the definition of marriage? Because if the will of the majority is ignored, then the will of the minority prevails and really isn’t different from when the minority (like royalty/the king of England) ruled over the earth in past years.

- Andrew

RE: Paulus, Orange deny Bears’ upset bid

To the Maine Black Bears football team and fans: I’m a Syracuse alum and fan. This is to wish Trevor Coston a full and speedy recovery.

-C. Clark

Editor’s Note: Coston has been given a clean bill of health and will be playing in UMaine’s next game against Delaware.