Disagreement is not hate or an insult

This is a response to the letter about defense of marriage laws (3/14/05). People who support them are not hate mongers; they are concerned about preserving community values. Their support of such laws is not an insult to anyone but simply the expression of a different viewpoint.

We have freedom of speech, and both sides are entitled to have their say about what laws are passed or not passed. It's the way in the U.S.A.

People disagree on things all the time — with strangers, friends and even the people they love most. Disagreement is not an insult. Disagreement is not hate.

To those supporting traditional marriage, most of whom are among the 70 percent of the population who say they are Christians — please remind yourselves when you speak that you have commandments to obey, straight from the mouth of Jesus: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew, 22:39). Notice it doesn't say "Love your neighbor if you like him, or if he agrees with you."

And the there's the one that makes it really clear that there are no exceptions: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…" (Matthew, 5:44).

Don't let your words become ammunition against your and what you believe in.

Finally, no one is stopping a gay person from having the comfort of a concerned partner. But according to the shared community values of the vast majority in this country, that's not "marriage." And the vast majority gets to prevail.

DONNA FUCHS

Cocolalla