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THE SANDBOX Archive ~ 2000 (Part 4 of 5)
OCT, 2000 ~ #93, #94, #95, #96, #97, #98, #99,
#100, #101
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THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #93 ~ October 7, 2000
"Life is the childhood of our immortality."
- Goethe
Contents:
Sharing Viewpoints
Anna Durbin '69
The man who does not read
Chuck Monasmith '65
Your Children Will Be Grateful
Janie O'Neal Janssen '65
What Were These Guys Thinking???
Jenny (Smart) Page (87)
History Revision and Mobility
Steve Carson (58)
Presenting Homosexuality as an OK Lifestyle
Steve Carson (58)
Check out "McCain Reform Now"
Andrew Eckert `54
Letter To The Media
Mary Ray Henslee (61)
If a Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
John Northover `59
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Subj: Sharing Viewpoints
From: Anna Durbin '69
golddurb@libertynet.org
Dear Sandboxers,
I would just like to say that I thought our dialogue
was all about tolerance and sharing our viewpoints
with others. I would never presume to tell anyone
else how to raise their children, and if anything I
ranted out here sounded that I was, I am sorry. I
was sharing my approach, which so far (gulp),
seems to have worked with the children that have
been entrusted to me for the short time before they
are off on their own. I think we basically want the
same things for our children; among others that
they are protected from evil, they get good
educations and learn to think, and they find a
happy life that contributes to the welfare of
humanity. Unfortunately, not everyone has that,
but we try for it in our own muddled way, doing
the best we can, just as our moms and dads did
the best they could.
So, let's keep being welcome to our own opinions
and sharing them. This will become an unhappy
country if we ever all start forcing each other to be
exactly alike or believe the same things. It didn't
start that way, and it wasn't designed to work that
way. I think it has been very good for me to learn
how other people live and think. A lot of people
are not as blessed as we Bombers were. I think we
should keep working really hard not to take
personal offense at anything anyone says, but to
keep our robust sharing of views. I try to be
nonviolent, but I would certainly verbally fight for
anyone's right to disagree with me, even if I'm right
and everyone else is wrong, or vice versa. (That
was tongue-in-cheek, okay?) I learn from
disagreements, and I always have something more
to learn.
- Anna Durbin '69
~~~
Subj: The man who does not read
From: Chuck Monasmith '65
msmith@owt.com
Re: The discussion of Jenny Smart Page and Harry
Potter.
Well, Jenny, it seems we have started a lot of
people thinking and speaking. I hope you agree
that is a good thing.
Your (and others) decision to not allow your
children to read Harry Potter is the topic for this
missive.
My mother instilled in me a respect for reading.
"Reading increases knowledge." "Ignorance is the
absence of knowledge." "Now, go read some
more." My own quote here would be "There is no
bad knowledge."
Your decision to prohibit books that your children's
schoolmates are reading and discussing sends two
distinct messages to your children. One, their
mother thinks their comprehension level is below
that of their schoolmates. Worst of all, their
mother is teaching them that ignorance is a
solution. You should be ashamed of your decision.
I do respect your taking responsibility for the
development of the minds of your children.
However, your action is an insult to me and to my
mother and to all the other free thinking individuals
in the world.
"The man who does not read is no better than then
the man who cannot read" Mark Twain.
- Chuck Monasmith '65
~ ~ ~
Subj: Your Children Will Be Grateful
To Jenny Smart Page,
>From Janie O'Neal Janssen '65
I really have to write and tell you how much I
admire you and what you stand for. You've taken
quite a bit of heat here in the Sandbox and you've
lived up to your name: one pretty smart lady the
way I see it. It's not easy taking the road less
traveled but it's going to pay off in the end. Not
only will your children be grateful when they grow
up, but your grandchildren and their children.
Hang in there.
-Janie O'Neal Janssen '65
~ ~ ~
Subj: What Were These Guys Thinking???
From: Jenny (Smart) Page (87)
Reply-to: jpage@gocougs.wsu.edu
After the Harry Potter-less children were snuggled
safely in their beds, I sat down to watch the
summer Olympics the other night, just as I have for
the last couple of weeks, hoping to catch the men's
4x100 rely final. Fortunately, I made it in time.
Off they went, sprinting so easily (at least to my
untrained eye) to a gold medal. Hurray for the
USA! We did it again! But wait, what is that guy
doing now? Is he really behaving that way on
international TV? What is he thinking?? Oh, no...
now they all are acting up. I can't believe they're
"wearing" the American flag wrapped around their
heads like that!! Oh, how I hope they stop doing
that before the medal ceremony.....oh no, they're
still being disrespectful....here comes the National
Anthem...I sure hope they stop....yikes, they're still
not showing any respect....What on earth are these
four guys thinking? Don't they know they're
making fools of themselves and of our country???
It's jerks like these guys that give Americans such
a bad reputation as idiots with the rest of the world!
They ought to be kicked off the team, and banned
from ever representing our country again in any
sort of international sporting event like the
Olympics. I don't care how fast they run, they
don't deserve to wear the "USA" uniform when
they can't even show a smidgen of respect for our
flag and our National Anthem. I hope someday
they grow up and look back at the video footage
of that ceremony and realize what fools they have
been.
- Jenny (Smart) Page (87)
~ ~ ~
Subj: History Revision and Mobility
From: Steve Carson (58)
SteveNitro@aol.com
For Jim Moran (86)
Interesting history revision re the repeal of
prohibition. Have never heard that the reason for
the repeal was taxes. Don't know that it wasn't but
have never heard that interpretation. Perhaps
some of our senior classmates will chime in on this.
Secondly, The American people will give up their
gas guzzling cars when there is an alternative. Gas
guzzlers are not the issue, mobility is.
- Steve Carson (58)
~ ~ ~
Subj: Presenting Homosexuality as an OK Lifestyle
From: Steve Carson (58)
SteveNitro@aol.com
For Missy Keeney Baker (59)
The "teaching" of homosexuality is represented by
the system presenting it at as an OK lifestyle and in
the mainstream of our culture. It isn't. I lost a son
to AIDS and can attest to the misery he
experienced in his "alternative" lifestyle. Having
the schools "validate" (see encourage) this lifestyle
will cause experimentation and many will be
harmed. The aggressive promotion of the lifestyle
by activist groups is their right and it is our (my)
right to work against the normalization of
homosexuality in our schools.
- Steve Carson (58)
~ ~ ~
Subj: Letter To The Media
From: Mary Ray Henslee (61)
Mah@satx.net
Give us a break mainstream media! We didn't all
just get off the Jerry Springer show. We do not
want you to undermine our moral principles and
insult our intelligence. We resent your attempt to
manipulate our perception of the facts to suit your
own agenda. We know when your news is biased.
We know when you are distorting the facts for a
more sensational effect. You are losing your
credibility, which is the cornerstone of your
profession. You try very hard to convince us that
the absurd is normal, but we aren't buying it. We
want the facts. We want to hear both sides of a
story. We are not interested in your side.
Diane Sawyer, shame on you! What has happened
to investigative reporting? Why was Winifred
Skinner (the can lady) newsworthy enough to win
a spot on Good Morning America? This after
ABC spikes an interview with a witness to another
possible Watergate. I do not consider this woman
the face of outrage. I consider you an outrage for
having her on your show. Did you bother to find
out how many cans one would have to pick up in
order to make several hundred dollars? How do
you feel about portraying the city of Des Moines,
Iowa as a city with a litter problem? Did you
bother to find out why this woman picks up cans
to pay for her prescription drugs when she lives in
a large metropolitan area where Medicare HMO's
are available at little or no cost? Certainly for less
than she is supposedly paying out-of-pocket for
prescription drugs. She claims to be an ex-auto
worker, which equates to an ex-union worker.
Hello! Doesn't the Union take care of their
workers with retirement benefits, including
insurance? Winifred Skinner joked about people
telling her to get a life while she was picking up
cans. Get real! I think that this woman just got
off the Springer show before she showed up at
Gore's campaign speech. As a voter I would like
to know if she was wittingly or unwittingly
exploited? I would like to know how much of
what she said was fact and how much was fiction?
What do you the media do to answer my
questions? You tell me with your actions that
exploiting people for personal gain is acceptable
and should not be questioned.
ABC, CBS, and NBC you now have a chance to
redeem yourself by doing some respectable
investigative reporting on Tapegate. This possible
Watergate revisited begs for responsible reporting.
The American people would like to know
whodunit before the election you know. Is it all a
lot of tomfoolery or is a calculating devious mind
at work that should not be in the White House?
What's with the Gap? Monica with her Gap dress
and McKinnon with his Gap pants. Is the Gap
where the discriminating go to buy their
incriminating clothes? Inquiring minds want to
know.
- Mary Ray Henslee (61)
~ ~ ~
Subj: Check out "McCain Reform Now"
From: Andrew Eckert `54
ECKERT1108@aol.com
Click here:
McCainReformNow: Main
http://www.electmccainnow.com/main.htm
If you believe as I feel, that we the people have
been outmaneuvered once again by the rich and
powerful- (Those who at Caucasus pick those
who will best serve their own personal needs and
wants), then please consider fighting back.
The people in state after state voted for John
McCain over the bought and paid for Bush. In our
own state of Washington the actual vote by the
people was 44% for McCain, 22% for Bush, &
20% for Gore, In New York State the figures were
the same and though not having the rest in front of
me I can attest to reading that many were much the
same. I'll be writing in John McCain's name on my
Ballot. In watching these other two debate? It
became clear that regardless of who might win the
white house, I doubt that anything will change and
all these empty promises will be just that. Can
anyone really believe that Campaign finance laws
will be enacted by either party; that any of their
pontificating on what they would do for us, would
in fact ever be mentioned the day after election
day? I urge any of you who share my despair with
the status quo to write in John McCain's name and
to pass this letter on to a few friends on your
mailing lists. I wonder just how much of an impact
we, the ignored, could have on this election.
- Andrew Eckert (54)
~ ~ ~
Subj: If a Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
From: John Northover `59
jnorthov@scndetsd.massopac.navy.mil
If a picture is a thousand words ... here
is my political commentary.
http://homepages.go.com/~dentover/gorlie.jpg
John '59
~ ~ ~
That concludes this issue of The SANDBOX folks.
Please include your class year and (nee) name, (if
applicable), in all correspondence and subscription
requests. It's easy to join us in the ongoing
conversations here. Just send your comments to:
The_Sandbox@bigfoot.com
or simply hit your reply button and talk to us! We
are the Alumni of Richland High School, Richland
Washington, AKA Columbia High School,
representing classes from 1942 through 2000.
Visit the Sandbox Archives at:
http://www.bigfoot.com/~The_Sandbox
Be faithful to your day!
- Al Parker (53)
Your SANDBOX host
- 93 -
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THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #94 ~ October 9, 2000
"Little drops of water,
little grains of sand,
make the mighty ocean
and the pleasant land;
so the little minutes
humble as they may be,
make the mighty ages
of eternity."
- Fletcher Carney
Contents:
Why Worry?
Mary Ray Henslee `61
Let's Focus On The Person, Not The Lifestyle
Lynn-Marie Hatcher `68
It's Time To Open The Doors
Linda Merrill Hendley `64
It's Against God's Law
Jimmie A. Shipman Class `51
Just Because There's A Book There
Doesn't Mean I Have To Read It
Peggy (Roesch) Wallan `71
She Need Not Be Ashamed
Staci Campbell `86
Showing Respect "for which it stands."
Linda Reining Pitchford `64
-------------------------------------------------------
Subj: Why Worry?
From: Mary Ray Henslee (61)
Mah@satx.net
To: Bob Carlson (54)
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To
think that Gore's stand against HMO's will not
adversely effect the present Medicare system is
foolhardy. The road is already being paved. This
administration is already neglecting to properly fund
the HMO's, which is causing HMO's to pull out of
the system. If you don't think that this is cause for
concern, I think that it would behoove you to get a
hold of a Medicare booklet and find out just what
your out-of-pocket expenses will be if you do not
have a Medicare HMO to supplement your
Medicare. Why worry?
Although many of the candidate's pledges will never
be passed by Congress, they do speak volumes about
how a candidate thinks, their character, and what
direction they are going to take once they get into
office. Otherwise, there would be no real reason for
campaigning and certainly no reason for us to bother
wasting our time listening to them.
Granted, figures are to be scoffed at, and in Gore's
case laughed at, because his are so excessive. We
may be able to ignore Gore's outrageous pledges,
but can we ignore his outlandish lying while he is
trying to make his pledges believable? The most
frightening thing about Gore's lies is that we don't
always know when he is lying because we aren't
always privy to the facts. We have to rely on those
in the know to point out to us that Gore couldn't
have done this or that because he wasn't even in
Congress yet or no way this or that could be true
because of this or that. I would rather have a
President who fumbles his words from time to time
than a President who speaks clearly when he lies to
me. We are finding out more and more that Gore is
a chameleon who will say and do anything to get
votes and campaign money. Right now he is only
lying for votes, but what happens when he
compromises the Nation's security by lying to world
leaders? Why worry?
Even if I agreed with Gore on the issues, I would
have to say that his psychology is worrisome. He
lies far too much and is patronizing us in the process.
His feelings of grandeur are evident and should be
reason for concern. During the debate, Gore told us
how Winifred Skinner, the lady who picks up cans to
pay for her prescription drugs, drove to the debate in
her "Winnebago" (Hello?) and how Kaela has to
stand up in the back of her classroom every day
(Hello?) because she has no desk. I didn't end up
feeling sorry for Winifred and Kaela, I ended up
feeling sorry for Gore. His comments were so far
over the edge that they could almost be interpreted
as a cry for help. If I had to choose between Clinton
and Gore, I would rather have eight more years of
Clinton than Gore because at least Clinton has
charisma and intelligence to compensate for any
moral shortcomings. To quote a quote: Two kinds
of men generally best succeed in political life; men of
no principle, but of great talent; and men of no
talent, but of great principle. Gore does not fit into
either category. The polls say more about the
American people than they do about the candidates
and they are not painting a very pretty picture right
now. Why worry?
- Mary Ray Henslee (61)
~ ~ ~
Subj: Let's Focus On The Person, Not The Lifestyle
From: Lynn-Marie Hatcher (68)
footay@3-cities.com (Lynn-Marie Foote, RN)
Re: Steve Carson; Presenting Homosexuality as an
OK Lifestyle [See Sandbox Issue 93]
Dear Steve,
First, I must express my condolences to you on the
loss of your son. I, too, have lost a son (albeit in
infancy), and know there is no comparable pain.
Secondly, I must take exception to your implication
that AIDS is a male, homosexual disease. The
fastest growing population of AIDS patients are
heterosexual females.
Third, I am surprised that, as the father of a
homosexual son, you are not aware that there is
strong scientific evidence to the fact that the
configuration of the brain of a gay person is actually
(really and truly)! different from that of a straight
person. That is to say, being gay is not something
one is taught -- it is the way one is born. Therefore,
what reasonable, moral choice do we have except to
accept a gay son or daughter as he/she is?
I am dreadfully sorry that your son (and many, many
other gay people) experience misery due to their
alternative lifestyle --- even if they never are stricken
with AIDS. It seems to me that the path to lessening
that misery (besides finding a cure for AIDS) is to
develop more acceptance and tolerance. Let's focus
on the person, not on who his/her sexual
preferences. After all, sexual activity is SUCH a
small part of who we are!
Respectfully,
Lynn-Marie Hatcher (68)
~ ~ ~
Subj: It's Time To Open The Doors
From: Linda Merrill Hendley ('64)
PLHendley@aol.com
For Steve Carson
Re: Presenting Homosexuality as an OK Lifestyle
[See Sandbox Issue 93]
I have never written to the Sandbox and probably
never will again, but it's hard to read this and NOT
respond--sorry it turned out so long.
Steve Carson,
I am saddened to learn that you have lost a son to
aids. I am sure his suffering from a disease was
quite different from the suffering he must have
experienced with society's rejection of his lifestyle.
I would like to respond to your sentiments that
"validating alternative lifestyles in the classroom
can cause experimentation and many will be
harmed." First of all, experimentation among
teenagers is expected. And many are harmed from
experimentation. To NOT openly discuss areas
teenagers might want to explore just makes the
idea more enticing. Teenagers need to understand
the options and consequences of their actions.
As a high school teacher, I have never seen
alternative lifestyles "aggressively promoted" in the
classroom. However, I have seen a huge effort
made to teach tolerance and the appreciation of
diversity. Our school is richer for the newfound
respect our students have for each other and their
varied religions, skin colors, languages, cultures,
AND lifestyles. That doesn't mean that they
embrace all that they are exposed to. It does mean
that they have knowledge and hopefully can make
THEIR OWN decisions about what is right for
them. Too many of our teenagers resort to suicide
when they don't find acceptance from their peers.
Many teenagers commit suicide because they are
gay and have been convinced by others that they
are not acceptable. The classroom is the perfect
place to let people know that they are important
and what they give back to society is important.
How sad it is that your son wasn't living in a
community that helped him to make wise (and
safe)! Decisions about life choices. How sad that
he had to suffer. Somehow, I think that his
suffering could have been avoided if he thought he
was valued as a person and that his health and
safety was important. I am confident that future
generations will suffer less from needless rejection
and the diversity of mankind will be tolerated in a
more compassionate manner because teachers are
teaching about tolerance and diversity.
Homosexuality IS OK as a lifestyle. It IS in the
mainstream of our culture. It has been for
centuries. It's time to open the doors, get rid of
the closets! We would all be so much richer for it.
- Linda Merrill Hendley (64)
~ ~ ~
Subj: It's Against God's Law
From: Jimmie A. Shipman Class "51"
JAS_RDAS@email.msn.com
For Steve Carson (58)
Re: Presenting Homosexuality as an OK Lifestyle
[See Sandbox Issue 93]
I usually just read the Articles in the Sandbox but
this one especially, caught my attention. Why do
we put up with these aggressive promotions of that
lifestyle? Homosexuality is against God's Law, and
most State Laws!! I commend you Steve for
speaking out. God Bless.
Now go and have a good day.
- Jimmie A. Shipman Class "51"
~ ~ ~
Subj: Just Because There's A Book There
Doesn't Mean I Have To Read It
From: Peggy (Roesch) Wallan '71
Reply-to: plroesch@earthlink.net
RE: The Harry Potter Stuff
Just because there's a book there, I don't have to
read it. There are so many GOOD books to read, I
have to be discerning about what I spend my time
on, and I'm not going to waste my valuable time on
mediocre stuff or stuff that represents values I can't
live with (such as, for me, sorcery, pornography,
murder, etc.). If I had children, I would model that
value for them, just as Jenny is doing. (You go,
girl!) I do have students, over 800 of 'em, and
instead of teaching values about books, I teach
values about music. When asked about my
listening tastes, I freely offer my opinion and
describe the decision-making process I make
before I buy a CD; that process includes whether
or not I wish to contribute my money to the
lifestyle or reputation or whatever of the artist (so
I don't buy Kathleen Battle or Luciano Pavarotti or
The Rolling Stones or The Sex Pistols).
It's the same with books.
Either way, if it's not contributing to the betterment
of my mind, I don't waste my time with it, EVEN
IF EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT. Where
were you people when your parents challenged
your "But everyone else is doing it, Mom!"
whining? If you want to read Harry Potter, please
give me a better reason than "everyone else is
doing it and I'll look stupid if I don't copy them."
Do some serious soul-searching and study your
values, like Jenny and others here (you go, girl!!!);
THEN read or don't read the book depending on
your values. And then stop berating others for
making a decision that's different from yours.
Please?
Curmudgeons live,
Peggy Roesch Wallan '71, Spanaway, WA
~ ~ ~
Subj: She Need Not Be Ashamed
From: Staci Campbell (86)
staci_campbell@msn.com
For: Chuck Monasmith
Re: The man who does not read.
So far I have been sitting back and just reading what
everyone has to say..and keeping my 2 cents to
myself regarding the Harry Potter books...But
I feel that Chuck Monasmith's comment to Jenny
Smart about how she should be ashamed of her
decision and that she was insulting your mother and
every other free thinker in this world was waay out
of line. I feel as though you may be taking this whole
debate way too seriously. This has gone from the
pros and cons of reading a particular book to
attacking a person's character about her decisions
that she makes with her own children. I was
personally under the impression that The Sandbox
was a forum set up for healthy debates. Not personal
attacks.
- Staci Campbell (86)
~ ~ ~
Subj: Showing Respect "for which it stands."
From: Linda Reining Pitchford (64)
Wabbithabit@aol.com
To Jenny Smart Page (87) regarding her comments
on the Olympics and the "respect" shown by the
four athletes:
I, too, would like to know why they cannot stand on
the podium and show the respect for the flag and
all it stands for! I would also like to know why
they DO NOT know the words to "THE STAR
SPANGLED BANNER"!!!!!!!!! If nothing
else, they should be taught it as part of their
training, so if they are fortunate enough to "win
gold," they can at least stand up there and sing the
"National Anthem"!!!!!!!!!
I can understand being excited and happy about
winning, BUT that is not an excuse to be a
SMARTA_ _!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for letting me "vent."
-Linda Reining Pitchford (64)
Bakersfield, CA
~ ~ ~
Note: Some of you have been including your current
locale in your entries. See Linda Reining Pitchford's
example, above. Feel free to do so also, if you like.
I think it adds interest to the ongoing discussions
here, to see how we have spread around the world.
It's interesting as well, to see how many still thrive
in our hometown! -ap
That concludes this issue of The SANDBOX folks.
Please include your class year and (nee) name, (if
applicable), in all correspondence and subscription
requests. It's easy to join us in the ongoing
conversations here. Just send your comments to:
The_Sandbox@bigfoot.com
or simply hit your reply button and talk to us! We
are the Alumni of Richland High School, Richland
Washington, AKA Columbia High School,
representing classes from 1942 through 2000.
Visit the Sandbox Archives at:
http://www.bigfoot.com/~The_Sandbox
Be faithful to your day!
- Al Parker (53)
Your SANDBOX host
- 94 -
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THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #95 ~ October 22, 2000
Subj: YOU DECIDE!
From: Paul W. Ratsch (58)
pratsch@hotmail.com
The State of Texas, under the leadership of
Governor George W. Bush, is ranked 50th in
spending for teachers salaries, 49th in spending on
the environment,48th in per capita in funding for
public health, 47th in delivery of social services,
42nd in child support collections, 41st in per
capital spending on public education, 5th in
percentage of population of people living in
poverty, 1st in water & air pollution, 1st in % of
poor working parents without insurance, 1st in %of
children without health insurance, 1st in
executions (avg.1 every 2 wks. for Bush's first 5
years). Just think of what he could do for the
country if he were president.
Paul W. Ratsch (58)
Subj: You Don't Have To Get Run Over By A
Train To Know You Shouldn't Lay On The Tracks
From: Jenny (Smart) Page ('87)
jpage@3-cities.com
Reply-to: jpage@gocougs.wsu.edu
Perhaps Chuck, and probably a few others, are
finally realizing at least part of my Harry Potter
point...the fact that it is being discussed. I agree, it
is a good thing that is being discussed. And I
hope in stating my point of view, that perhaps
Harry Potter isn't the best role model for all
children, that other's will be willing to stand up to
their kids, and society, and also say, "Hey, you
know what. There's just something that doesn't sit
right with me about this subject. Maybe my kids
ought not to be reading this. I think I'll look into it
some more before I shell out another $15 for the
next book." And they will look deeper into the
decision, instead just blindly following the path of
what is the current fad.
Chuck, I'm glad your mother instilled in you a love
of reading. My father did the same for me. (My
mother, God rest her soul, was dyslexic, and was
never a big reader. But she instilled many other
fine characteristics into my life, such as speaking
what I believe in, and baking a mean oatmeal
chocolate chip cookie). And please note again,
that I have never, in any of my statements, ever
professed a need to ban or censor or prohibit the
reading of these books by the general public.
I do not let my child read Harry Potter, just like I
don't let her listen to Marilyn Manson or any of the
other hate-filled garbage bands they call music
these days. I do not let my child read Harry
Potter, for a similar reason that I have not
provided her with a room full of Barbie
paraphernalia, nor do I let her dress like Britney
Spears or Christina Aguilera. And, my sons do not
have posters of Dennis Rodman, the Undertaker or
Steve Austin on their bedroom wall. They are not
the type of role models I wish my children to be
following.
As for the messages you think I am sending to my
daughter, I am not the least bit ashamed by my
decisions, as you state I should be. My daughter
and I have talked about this, on numerous
occasions. She understands that the characters in
the books do things that are not appropriate in the
beliefs of our family. She is a strong child, and I
have seen her speak her mind to friends as to why
she can or can not do something, and why. Neither
she nor I are ignorant, Chuck. To the contrary, I
would have to believe that we are informed enough
to make a decision that this is inappropriate for our
family.
By following your logic, that I am unable to make a
decision regarding this book without reading it and
base my decision by only reading reviews, listening
to others, and reading things such as our ongoing
debate; then: -- one could also not know that
doing drugs is bad, unless one smokes dope and
shoots up; -- one could also not know that
drinking and driving is hazardous, unless one does
so and experiences an accident or arrest; -- one
could also not know that putting a hand on a hot
stove is going to hurt, unless one does so; -- one
could not know that music by various junk bands
today is in poor taste, promoting violence and
disrespect, without personally purchasing and
listening to the songs; -- one could not know that
slapping a baby around and throwing it against
the wall is harmful, unless one does so; -- one
could not decide to travel to Europe, without
having done so!
I think its clear that people (including me) are able
to stop, look and listen to what others are saying
regarding a certain subject, be it personal behavior
or personal travel, and make a decision based on
the information collected. It is done all the time.
We read movie reviews by critics. We listen to the
evening news. We talk to friends, neighbors,
coworkers and family members. We read trade
journals, newspapers, brochures and
advertisements. We research things at the library,
and on the Internet. I don't have to have been
arrested for drunk driving to know that I need to
teach my kids that it's wrong to drink and drive. I
don't have to be a world traveler to know that this
isn't the best time to be visiting Yugoslavia. A
prime example that is very much in the limelight
today is our presidential election. I don't have to
have personally met Al Gore, to know that he lies,
often and repeatedly, and when its not even
necessary.
I am not one who parents in a manner to win a
popularity contest. I am the parent. They are the
children. I am the one with the adult experience.
They, again, are the children. And, being a parent
first, and friend second, sometimes means that I
make decisions that my kids don't agree with or
fully understand (however, Harry Potter does not
fall within either of those categories, as my
daughter does understand why we're not reading
the books, and she also agrees that it's something
that isn't right for our family).
I've never made any mention of something that can
be misconstrued as my desire to limit others access
to these books. Which also means that I've never
made an attempt to insult you (or anyone's mother)
in regard to your ability to think freely. I applaud
those who are able to think for themselves, and not
just blindly follow like lemmings over the waterfall.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to do that. They
follow along with what everyone else is doing
or saying, without any regard to the after effect.
It's the "if it feels good, do it" attitude. They think
the majority must be right, or it wouldn't be the
majority! And sometimes nothing can be further
from the truth.
As a side note, I wish to publicly thank all those
who have sent me personal e-mail in support of my
stance on the Harry Potter books, and sticking by
my principles in general. It just confirms that I'm
not a "wacko" thinking this way; and like so many
topics, I'm part of the "silent majority" --- I just
happen to be the one who chose not to be silent.
Sign me, "A parent who isn't always voted #1 Mom
of the Year, but loved and respected anyways,"
Jenny (Smart) Page ('87)
Subj: Personal Attacks Are Out Of Line
From: Karen Schildknecht Mateo '67
CuteNBossy@aol.com
Richland WA
To Chuck Monasmith:
Re: Harry Potter
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you the one
who said that reading these books would open a
child's mind to fair play, help them understand
diversity, and tolerance? (I'm not quoting, but it's
close.) So, did you read those books? Because you
went way too far this time. I can see not
understanding the fact that someone would raise
their children a little different than you raised
yours, or even how you were raised. I can even
understand you thinking that your way might have
been better. But stop right there. Jenny Smart has
every right to keep things from her children, if she
doesn't feel they would benefit from them. You,
however, do not have a right to attack her
personally for her style of child raising. It is simply
none of your business, and way beyond the scope
of the Sandbox. It's okay to disagree with what
someone believes, but it's not okay to attack them
for their beliefs. Isn't that why people come here,
to America? For freedom of speech, freedom of
expression? To attack that in the defense these
books makes no sense whatsoever. At first I
enjoyed the banter, but you took it too far when
you attacked Jenny's ability to parent, since I'm
assuming you do not personally know her. If she
was not feeding them, or not clothing them, or if
she left them alone, she might be a bad mother.
You attacked her (and that's exactly what you did)
because she felt it her duty as a mother to keep
certain elements from her children, such as
witchcraft and sorcery. That's her right as a mother
to determine what is good fro her kids. So, please,
for all of us who have been reading the Sandbox,
consider this the end of the Harry Potter
discussion. I feel you owe Jenny an apology for
such a personal attack to her character. Jenny,
raise your children as you wish, and remember, it
doesn't take books to instill an imagination.
To Steve Carlson (65)
Re: Alternative lifestyles
Please accept my condolences on the death of your
son. But, instead of believing that teaching about
these lifestyles in school would promote
homosexuality, I would rather believe it could
promote understanding and compassion for anyone
who has been born into this lifestyle. If you really
saw the pain it brought you son, wouldn't you
hope that those who treated and judged him so
harshly would learn to be more open and
understanding of the next gay man or lesbian they
encounter? I sure would.
Karen Schildknecht Mateo '67
Richland WA
Subj: Choices, Body Slams and Winnebagos
From: Pam Jewett-Bullock (nee Pyle '69)
Stafford, Virginia
Topjjb@aol.com
I have so enjoyed the recent debates among my
fellow RHS alumni concerning a variety of issues,
particularly the Medicare/Social Security
proposals, Harry Potter, and teaching tolerance.
Enjoyed it, that is, until I read the couple of
relative personal "body slams" delivered in these
last two issues.
I'd like to thank Stacy Campbell (86) for her quick
comeback to Chuck Monasmith's (sorry, Chuck,
I've forgotten your class year) ill-advised personal
admonition to Jenny Smart (87) concerning her
parenting. The fact that I disagree with Jenny's
approach to teaching her children about making
good personal choices via imposition of parental
control over the particular reading materials we've
been discussing is irrelevant. There is NO shame
in Jenny's obvious love and concern for those
children. On the contrary, and as one who has
preceded Jenny in life experiences in Bomberville
and Parenthood, I'd like Jenny to know that I am
ALWAYS grateful to witness or read about
parents who are fully immersed in and taking
seriously the tremendous responsibility for rearing
their children. Chuck, I wish you'd apologize. As
ones who have gone before Jenny, I think the best
we can do for her is to applaud and encourage her
to continue to express that love in the best way she
can. Challenge her on the issues and her opinions,
if you will, but please don't introduce further the
notion that she is to be ashamed for trying to steer
her children in non-violent ways. The world is full
of parents who are making LOTS more frightening
choices with their children!
Thanks, also, to Lynn Hatcher (68) for reminding
Steve Shipman (51) and the rest of us that
homosexuality is NOT a lifestyle "choice"; rather,
it is an innate physiological feature and function of
the individual, as much as is skin and eye color.
(Although I suppose one might argue that it is
possible for one to choose to TRY to live or act
like a homosexual might, just as a man might
choose to dress like a woman or vice-versa; but
one CANNOT choose to BE homosexual. It's like
pregnancy: Either you are or you are not. Period.)
And, as for "God's Law," Steve, the God of my
understanding is in no way exclusionary, but in
every way unconditionally loving to each each and
every creature in existence. So unconditionally
loving, in fact, that God gifted us with freewill to
choose how we would interpret God and respond
to God. As I further understand, God issued ten
laws, the first two of which God considered the
"be-all, end-all" rules by which mankind should
measure itself: "Love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, thy soul, and thy mind" and "Love thy
neighbor as thyself." Beyond those ten laws, all
other interpretations and rules are the products of
the human heart, mind and hand, whether between
the covers of the book known as the Holy Bible or
elsewhere. In my opinion, teaching tolerance is
exactly what we ought to be doing in our homes
and our schools. Tolerance, manners, common
courtesies, respect for our differences, and value
of individual gifts--these are all lessons I hope our
children will learn, but fear they are more and more
missing today, just as many seem to be missing
right along with some of the other most basic skills
we were taught. (Evidence: the recent display of
how to win WITHOUT grace and respect for both
the competition and the nation which they
represented in the recent Olympics.) Happily,
there are all sorts and conditions of men and
women who were once societally, essentially, and
literally hidden locked in closets, attics,
institutions, or placed within fences, because they
were somehow different, and are today welcomed,
celebrated and accepted more readily as the full
members of creation they are and always have
been. These include persons of race and color,
those with mental or physical conditions such as
Mongoloidism, deafness, alcoholism, depression,
physical retardation. I say "accepted more readily"
because, by all accounts and appearances, we still
have a whole lot more work to do on our abilities,
as societies and as individuals, in terms of
accepting and celebrating differences. Question:
If we HAD BEEN more effective in our teaching
tolerance and acceptance, would we still face the
realities of such tragedies as the one at Columbine
High School in Colorado last year?
Finally, I'd like to say that I just wish somebody
could effectively explain to me exactly what it is
that our two presidential candidates are proposing
to do with Medicare/Social Security and how they
plan to PAY for it. ("SHOW-me-the-MONEY!")
I confess. I don't get it. And, I must say, I wonder
how many aluminum cans Winnifred Skinner had
to pick up in order to pay for her Winnebago and
the gas it guzzled between Iowa and Kentucky.
More importantly, did Vice-president Gore think I
wouldn't ASK that question? And, relative to
education tax credits, I'd like Governor Bush to
explain to me what good the tax credits/vouchers
are going to do when the schools RAISE the
tuition--and they WILL raise it--to effectively
offset the value of the credit/voucher which is
supposed to help me/my child? (The last question
is, for us, purely rhetorical at this point, since our
son just graduated after seven years of private high
school/college education--for which we will all be
paying for about ten MORE years.) I look
forward to reading the continuing entries of my
fellow alumni on these subject matters.
Pam Jewett-Bullock (nee Pyle '69)
Stafford, Virginia
- 95 -
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THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #96 ~ October 23, 2000
"You can't have everything. Where would you put it?"
- Steven Wright
Contents:
Stranger Than Fiction
Mary Ray Henslee (61)
Not Revising History
Jim Moran '86
Loved and Accepted
Carol (Carson) Renaud (60)
Apropos of nothing
Bob Carlson (Mike Clowes) '54
Tolerance and the Homosexual Issue
Robert W. Epler (80WB)
Kind Words and Comments
Steve Carson (58)
-------------------------------------------------
Subj: Stranger Than Fiction
From: Mary Ray Henslee (61)
Mah@satx.net
When, during an interview, Gore stated that Tipper
was a Psychology major and that he was her
biggest project, no truer words have ever came out
of his mouth. His behavior is becoming
increasingly puzzling, especially since it is
reminiscent of behavior he was criticized for
during past campaigns. I think that it is becoming
more apparent everyday just why Clinton picked
Gore for his running mate.
Just like the repeat offenders who fill our prisons
and the child who never listens, Gore continues his
pattern of unacceptable behavior no matter how
many times he is admonished by the press and his
own inner-circle. Why??? He brought Winifred
Skinner (the can lady) to the October 3, debate
knowing that her multimillionaire son had already
talked to the press and set the record straight.
Why??? Why bring her in any case???
>From reports coming out, we are finding out that
Gore's sighs and facial contortions were not
spontaneous, but planned. They are strategic sighs
and facial contortions also used in past debates to
distract and discredit his opponent. Why would
anyone deliberately do something while they are
running for the President of the United States that
could be construed as immature and stupid, unless
they are immature and stupid? The Wall Street
Journal's website http://www.wsj.com has an
editorial about Gore's sighs and facial contortions
during past debates with Bill Bradley and others.
Click on Opinion for some interesting editorials
that tell it like it is.
>From reports coming out, we are finding out that
Gore's lying and exaggerating reach back to his
campaigning days during the 80's. Memos have
been posted on http://www.drudgereport.com that
were written by his campaign managers to him
during past campaigns advising him to stop lying
because he was going to be caught, yet he
continues to this day. Why??? Clinton's lies to
cover up his transgressions were understandable.
It is understandable for a politician or anyone to
legitimately misquote a mundane fact or figure.
Exaggerated pledges are to be expected during a
campaign. Bizarre, inexplicable and unwarranted
lies such as Gore's are unprecedented and
unfathomable. His do or say anything to get
elected attitude shows a profound disrespect for
the American people and for the office for which
he is running.
We are being conditioned by the biased media and
the Gore campaign to question Bush's intelligence.
Hello? Now we can add Projection to Gore's
psychological profile.
I don't know about anyone else in this forum, but
Gore scares the living daylights out of me. And,
what scares me even more is that the polls indicate
that half of the voters plan to vote for this man.
How many lies does this man have to tell and how
bizarre does his behavior have to get to sway these
voters. Some voters may not be taking Gores's lies
seriously, but our allies and adversaries will. Ten
years ago this man would never have gotten as far
as he has. Go figure?
I have never gotten into politics very much before,
but this is one election where we have a candidate
that would be so bad for this country that it is hard
not to speak out and it is becoming increasingly
harder and harder to understand staunch Gore
supporters. This election is a very good example
of why people who blindly embrace party
propaganda rather than consider the candidate's
character and platform should not vote. In my
opinion, not voting is an honorable choice for
people who don't care about politics enough to
stay informed. This election is too close and too
crucial to vote haphazardly. If you haven't already,
I urge you to educate yourself on the individual
candidate's positions, record, and value system.
When you are armed with the facts, then go to the
polls in November and vote your conscience.
My thoughts for the day for what they are worth.
October 9, 2000
Mary Ray Henslee (61)
~~~
Subj: Not Revising History
From: Jim Moran '86
jpmoran@cyberhighway.net
Reply to Steve Carson.
No, I am not revising history, but it is common
knowable that government revenue was one
(amongst many) reason which helped in the
repealing of the 18th amendment. I site the
following from Encarta;
"In the U.S., a major shift in public opinion
occurred during the early years of the Great
Depression, when opponents could argue
persuasively that Prohibition deprived people of
jobs and governments of revenue and generally
contributed to economic stagnation...."
-"Prohibition," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 98
Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1997 Microsoft
Corporation. All rights reserved.
I could sight many other sources but I haven't the
time.
Also, if the issue is mobility then, how do so many
other industrialized nations become "mobile" with
so much less energy? The alternative is mass
transit.
Always thinking critical.
- Jim Moran '86
~~~
Subj: Loved and Accepted
From: Carol (Carson) Renaud (60)
Carolyn.Renaud@PSS.Boeing.com
To: Linda Merrill Hendley (64)
Linda - I must respond to your response to my
Brother, Steve Carson. His son, Chuck,
absolutely was loved and accepted by the entire
family. Don't believe for one moment that Steve
or Chuck's siblings or any other member of the
extended family ever shut him out.
Just because "they" say there is a part of the brain
that makes a person gay doesn't mean it should be
brought into the mainstream and accepted as
normal. I loved my nephew and was very sad that
we lost him to AIDS. I know that there is a
growing population of heterosexual females getting
AIDS. However, male or female, gay or straight, I
believe the majority of AIDS cases are
BEHAVIORALLY caused. God help the
innocent (health care workers, babies born with
AIDS, etc.) who contract the disease through no
fault of their own.
Gay? Fine - that's your chosen lifestyle. But,
please for the sake of us all, protect yourself and
your partners.
- Carol (Carson) Renaud (60) -
~~~
Subj: Apropos of nothing
From: Bob Carlson (Mike Clowes) '54
bobsown1@hotmail.com
Apropos of nothing-
Which is my sentiment regarding a certain
website we were directed to in the last issue. It is
like the campaign, boring and lacking wit and
humor.
With regard to the antigay measure here in
Oregon, one of the major ideas of the proponents
of this measure is that "certain" teachers in the
public schools are "promoting" AIDS awareness as
a part of their courses on sex education (a dirty
word in and of itself). It would seem that AIDS
awareness is blatant promotion of homosexuality
because "they" started this epidemic.
O.K. And typhoid was started by some woman
named Mary, right?
It is this kind of thinking that I have been railing
against in these pages. The closed mind is a
wondrous thing to behold. It will accept no
truths other than its own. That's is why we live on
a flat earth, supported in space by four giant
elephants. What holds the elephants up is not to
be contemplated by the mere mind of man.
We can no longer afford to be an insular society.
We haven't been able to be one since Teddy's
Great White Fleet sailed around the world way
back when. We cannot afford to shut out ANY
member of our species (Homo Sapiens). This, of
course, will mean the demise of homo erectus (but
hasn't that already happened)? Wouldn't it be
better to run this planet headlong into the asteroid
than to kill each other off, individually, by acts of
uncaring malice?
Well, that's my opinion, and I'm welcome to it.
-Bob Carlson (Mike Clowes) '54 -
~~~
Subj: Tolerance and the Homosexual Issue
From: Robert W. Epler (80WB)
ERosebud5@aol.com
I have read the recent Sandbox submissions
concerning homosexuality and feel compelled to
add my two cents worth. Whether it's worth two
cents is a matter of opinion of course. There has
been an overwhelming move by the media and
schools to promote homosexuality as being no
different from race or having blond hair. That
acting out as a homosexual is no different from
having brown skin. It's something you are born
with and so naturally should be met with tolerance
and respect. Some feel it should even be
celebrated as an example of human diversity. In
this endeavor, the media and schools have
succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. But is this
a good thing? There are unquestionably good and
intelligent people on both sides of the debate. We
have read both sides in this forum. But I ask, more
to the point, is tolerance toward destructive sexual
behavior a good thing? Whoah! Did I just call
homosexual behavior destructive? I argue that it is
most decidedly so. As are many other sexual
behaviors, including heterosexual promiscuity, sex
with children and many more. Let me ask this as
well: Are adults that are legitimately attracted to
children born that way? And if so, should it also
be tolerated? Understand that I am only equating
the two issues to make a point. Many folks out
there are attracted sexually to more than their
spouse. Would it be good for society to act on this
attraction because most of us are born with these
desires? After all, it's natural. Therefore, isn't it
just another example of our celebrated diversity?
My point is, plainly, that we need to channel our
God given sexuality in a positive and healthy
direction. And this is where the schools come into
play. Lately, there has been a move in health
classes across America to display homosexuality as
something that should not be discouraged. While,
at the same time, health statistics plainly show that
homosexual behavior and sex outside marriage is
bad for society in the form of disease, mortality,
abortions, unwanted pregnancies, and the breakup
of families. I don't know how anyone can use the
latest health statistics to argue anything else. So
we must ask ourselves, why are our health
educators not teaching against something that
contributes to bad health, increases mortality, and
spreads disease and death? Yes, there are
exceptions, but it's a little like playing Russian
roulette. But back to my question, why not simply
teach that some behaviors are bad for your health
and well being? Do you think part of the answer
may lie in religion and the Bible in particular?
Many out there want to say it is a religious issue
because the Bible condemns such behavior. They
want to turn it into a holy war or something. It is
wrong to argue on such grounds because most
Americans don't believe the Bible to be the
infallible word of God. If you question this, take a
look at the creation-evolution debate and take note
of where most people stand. But common ground
can be found in the science and health issue. But
even then, some argue that our scientists simply
need to find the cures for the diseases and social
ills resulting from such behavior. All we need is
the cure from the results of sin (destructive
behavior). But for those who believe there is a
cure to be found, other than in Jesus Christ, I only
advise that while you're waiting, we agree to start
teaching against behaviors that may quite possibly
lead our children into physical and mental
destruction; whether it be of a homosexual or
heterosexual nature. And lest I be misunderstood, I
am not arguing in favor of hating and hurting folks
who make bad choices. Lord knows I've made
plenty. I believe such people need to be loved and
helped toward making positive choices. And that
is what tolerance is all about. I'm grateful to my
parents, Dick(52) and Lynn(52), and the fine
schools in Richland in the 60's and 70's for helping
me to make positive and healthy choices
throughout my adult life.
Robert W. Epler ('80WB)
~~~
Subj: Kind Words and Comments
From: Steve Carson (58)
SteveNitro@aol.com
For Lynn-Marie Hatcher (68), Linda Merrill
Hendley (64) and Jimmie A. Shipman (51)
Thank you all for your comments and kind words.
There is good thinking in your comments and I am
still against the schools being involved in the
promotion of homosexuality as a lifestyle.
Steve Carson (58)
Chicago, IL
~~~
Thanks for your contributions, everyone. Many
more to come. If you've sent an entry recently and
haven't seen it in The SANDBOX yet, please be
patient. Your voice will soon be heard!
- Al Parker (53) -
Shippenville, PA
Your Sandbox Host
THE SANDBOX is Animal Cruelty Free.
Definitely not tested on animals!
- 96 -
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THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #97 ~ October 27, 2000
"Our best thoughts come from others."
- Emerson
Contents:
One Parent's View
Peggy Lewis Johnson '62
Bean Counters
Bob (Mike Clowes) Carlson '54
Debunking the Bunk
Jerry Lewis ('73)
It Would Be Nice
Mary Collins Burbage (63)
Hate is Not a Family Value
Missy Keeney Baker (59)
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
Subj: One Parent's View
From: Peggy Lewis Johnson '62
gpjohn@sos.net (Peggy Johnson)
Regarding homosexuality:
The real issue is about parents of homosexuals.
Parents' duty is to rear children and teach them
compassion, tolerance, respect for others; to
nurture a child to build self-esteem, and support a
child in developing his or her natural talent and
intellect. When my first born daughter was born
there was a mother's awareness that my new baby
daughter was intriguingly different. As I watched
her grow I curiously observed her development
and sensed and knew like only mothers - or fathers
- might know that there was something special and
unique about this child.
To make a longer story shorter I'll bypass those
early school years when her choices in simple
things pushed my intuition beyond and into
intellectual thoughts and I began to understand
what might be a fact about her sexuality. As a
high school student she struggled inside with who
she was - like others her age -- and then shared
those truths with me as a young adult. Here's how
it went: (and this is a short version) "Mom, I have
something I want to talk to you about" "Sure,
honey, what is it?" (I knew by her approach that
this was one of those mother-daughter talks that
come from deep within - with a need to know that
trust is there, love is there, acceptance and flesh
and blood - to die for - devotion is there) She said:
"This is hard to tell you, you might not like it"
I said: "You might be surprised how deep my love
is for you and what you can share with me, honey."
She started to cry and blurted out "I'm gay" I held
her in my arms and said: "Oh sweetheart, and you
are the kindest, most compassionate person I know
--- and you are the best of friend to all your
friends, and you are honest, and you have such a
good mind, and such a good sense of humor, and
you are responsible and such a good reader, and
student, and such a great niece, and cousin and
granddaughter, you use your mind for good cause
and you always are growing, you are so beautiful
and wise beyond your years, you are so patient and
kind ------and you are gay ---- and from what I
know being gay will have it's challenges. Will you
have difficulty? Maybe less than some
heterosexuals in relationships. Will you be
scrutinized -- maybe less than some who are of a
different faith, or someone who has a learning
disability or an extremely high IQ -- or a cause
they are willing to die for. Will you have problems
in your love life? Probably not more than those
heterosexuals who are in the divorce statistics. Will
you be happy? Some of the time. Will you be sad?
Some of the time. Will you struggle? Some of the
time ------- Challenged? - Yes, I hope, as
challenge makes us strong. Frustrated? Yes, as
frustration makes us agitated to act. All this you
will be and more.........not because you are gay, but
because all human beings have challenges, are
happy sometimes and sad sometimes, etc. Your
challenges will be your own -- as are mine.
I love you so deeply. You are a child from my
womb -- my child--- my flesh and blood -- if you
are gay then my soul is a bit gay as I shared a part
of who I am to create you - If you are gay then my
spirit and being is a bit gay as I gave you a part of
myself. If you are gay, then my physical body
created you from my being and, though I am not
gay, a part of my genetic being was where you
came from. And will I grow old and love you every
moment of my life and be proud of you every
moment of my life - and be comfortable and
delighted in your presence --------------- As sure
as I hold you in my arms and am thankful for you
and know the world is a better place because you
exist --- of course --- but not in spite of who you
are --- but because of who you are — every
molecule in your body, every voice in your spirit,
every thought in your mind -- I love you, God
gave you to me as a gift and a treasure. It's
OK now, so quit crying and lets go have some fun.
After that she shared with me more than I wanted
to know -- like a parent of any child of any sexual
orientation -- about her sexual life. A few months
later we agreed, laughing, that if I didn't tell her all
my sexual adventures as a single parent, (not that
great of a story), that she wouldn't have to tell me
hers. She is a bright - and beautiful woman. She is
well educated and an engineer moving into
management and growing in her career. Her
coworkers love working with her - some might
know of her sexual preference and some might not.
Anymore than their sexual preference is of great
interest to her. Greater than anything about her is
her compassion, her kindness, good mind, her
integrity and responsible, caring nature. If I ever
thought I would be described by my friends or
those who knew me as I have described my
daughter I would be greatly humbled.
One parent's view.
Peggy Lewis Johnson '62
~ ~ ~
Subj: Bean Counters
From: Bob (Mike Clowes) Carlson '54
bobsown1@hotmail.com (Robert Carlson)
Mary Ray Henslee (61), in issue #94, is of the
opinion that I favor Bore's Medicare Plan over that
of Gush. Far from it.
What I was trying to point out, is that no matter
who gets elected, and no matter which plan
possibly gets enacted, the people who need
Medicare will not benefit. Why? Bean Counters.
If the "gummint" runs the show, then the bean
counters will come up with more regulations and
paper work to slow down or even nullify the
program. For every dollar of treatment, either the
patient or the doctor may have to spend up to five
dollars in filling out forms. Remember, this is the
government and it cannot survive, even in the
computer age, without forms of some sort. The
form to fill out forms is still out there.
If the private sector (insurance companies) run
the show, as soon as the bean counters figure out
that it is a money loosing proposition, they will
drop it like a hot potato. Just recently the state of
Oregon's health plan was dropped by yet another
insurance company as it was (to the provider(?))
not cost effective.
Neither the government nor the insurance
companies care about your health and well being.
The government will offer lip service, and do its
best to obfuscate the process. If there is no profit
in it, the insurance companies will want nothing to
do with it.
As a retired military person, I have suffered
through the maze of paper work and "need to
justify" of a mediocre health care program.
"What?" you say. "You don't get the best medical
care? I thought the military took care of their
own?" Does the phrase "Not on your Nelly" strike
a familiar note?
Now, if I were living in the close vicinity of a
major military medical facility, I just might get less
expensive treatment. But I live on "the economy"
(as we used to call it), and have to find a doctor
and a medical facility that will accept the medical
program I have. And that will run out next May,
and then I get to face the loveliness of Medicare. At
least what I have now is better than a poke in the
eye with a sharp stick, not much, but not quite as
painful.
I'm afraid, Mary, that neither candidate does me
any good, except to be the target of bad humor.
Well, that's my opinion, and I'm entitled to it.
- Bob (Mike Clowes) Carlson '54
~ ~ ~
Subj: Debunking the Bunk
From: Jerry Lewis ('73)
jlewis@owt.com
Someone sent in a link to an image of a bumper
sticker that he thought was pretty eloquent. I
checked it out and I didn't think it was all that
informative and was actually kind of offensive. I
believe it was implying that Gore is a liar by
highlighting the first 3 letters of Lieberman's
name in a mock Gore/Lieberman bumper sticker,
but it really is only eloquent to someone who's an
opponent and not really interested in discourse.
Right now, I'm listening to a report by students
centered on the accuracy of media reports in
general and specifically centering on an incident
where Gore gave a speech at their high school
where he ended up being blasted as claiming to
uncover the Love Canal problem. They played
back the actual speech where he didn't make such
a claim, but did that make any difference? No. It
got me to thinking about Dan Quayle and how
once the media tags these guys, there's almost no
return. Doesn't matter whether they're liberal or
conservative.
I just happened to receive a notice from the Urban
Legend web site, my hands-down favorite location
for debunking (or confirming) rumors, stories,
warnings. There are two links relevant to the Gore
discussion and one to the Harry Potter brouhaha.
The most substantial Gore one is a list of supposed
lies Gore told and then an analysis of each one.
The first third of the web page is the supposed lies
and the supposed truths as circulating in e-mails.
Scroll down through that to find each one
addressed with the actual facts. It's at:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/gorelies.htm
Another one about a rumor that strings were pulled
to shorten his tour in Vietnam:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/goreviet.htm
So if you're a Gore (Clinton?) hater and aren't
interested in facts, you can skip reading them. If
you're willing to have an open mind and are
actually interested in substantiated research into the
claims rather than unsubstantiated innuendo, check
them out.
Also, regarding Harry Potter books, I've refrained
from entering the fray. It's my opinion that they
are pretty harmless, and are in a long tradition of
fantasy books for kids. Many of us read similar
books as kids and didn't turn out to believe the
fantasies or devote our lives to them. I just read
the last one, and had a more critical eye turned on
it due to the discussions here and I just don't see it
as likely to be harmful to the young readers. It's
really pretty clean and the good guy ends up
coming out ahead after surmounting challenges.
That said, if Jenny Smart has the right to choose
what her children read and if she doesn't want her
kids to read an innocuous adventure story, that's
her prerogative. I probably wouldn't agree with her
limited reading list, but c'est la vie.
Lastly there's a small bit on the Urban Legends site
about Harry Potter and supposed links to Satanism:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/stooopid/potter.htm
Jerry Lewis ('73) * jlewis@owt.com **
http://www.owt.com/users/jlewis/
~ ~ ~
Subj: It Would Be Nice
From: Mary CollinsvBurbage (63)
Olympia WA
mmburbage@home.com (Mary Collins Burbage)
I am very glad that the Sandbox is "animal cruelty"
free. I think it would be nice if it could become
"human cruelty" free also.
- Mary Collins Burbage (63)
~ ~ ~
Subj: Hate is Not a Family Value
From: Missy Keeney Baker (59)
missykb@hotmail.com
To Steve Carson (58)
I was extremely saddened to learn you had lost a
son to AIDS and wish you healing in that loss. I
have agonized since your response to my entry
in the SANDBOX about the OCA. How could I
compassionately and intelligently respond??
Well,.......
To Lynn-Marie Hatcher (68) and Linda Merrill
Hendley (64)
Thank you for doing just that. I couldn't have said
it better myself. I had a wonderful tape by a group
called the "Flirtations", a great a cappella gay men's
vocal group, and one of the song verses went
something like this...(it was a song for a child at
bedtime)
"You can be anybody that you want to be. You
can love whomever you will, You can travel any
country where your heart leads and know I will
love you still, You can live by yourself, you can
gather friends around, You can choose one special
one..And the only measure of your words and your
deeds Will be the love you leave behind when
you're gone."
Much of the pain and anguish that I observe in the
gay community is caused by parents and families
who are unable to love and support their gay and
lesbian children. I can't recommend highly enough
the PFLAG (Parent, Family and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays) organization and the work they
do help folks deal with this issue in a tolerant and
loving manner.
The sun is shining and the leaves are turning here in
Richland, Washington.
Tell your children you love them. I'm going to!!
- Missy Keeney (59)
~ ~ ~
From: Peggy Lewis Johnson (62):
A friend shared this with me. I want to
share it with you.
Infinity
I am sprinkled with light
Like a line
I go on forever
A monster of a place
Unexplored
My beautiful lights
Help you find your way
Lurking above you
All the time
My children have names
Of ancient gods
My brightest son
Gives you light
I am the universe
Rachel Weiner Spring 1997 (8 yrs old)
~-~-~-~-~-~-~
Thanks for your contributions, everyone. Many
more to come. If you've sent an entry recently and
haven't seen it in The SANDBOX yet, please be
patient. Your voice will soon be heard!
Al Parker (53)
Your Sandbox Host
- 97 -
***************************************
***************************************
********************************************
THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #98 ~ October 28, 2000
"One man's word is no man's word. We should
quietly hear both sides." -Goethe
Contents:
Ballot measures and other fun stuff
Bob (Mike Clowes) Carlson '54
Because You Read It, Does Not Mean Its True!
Andrew Eckert (54)
Harry Spells Danger
Janie O'Neal Janssen (65)
The 50's and Richland
Rich Henderson '62
Missed The Substance
Irene de la Bretonne Hays (1961)
OK, I'll Offer My Two Bits:
Bob Rector '62
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
Subj: Ballot measures and other fun stuff
From: Bob (Mike Clowes) Carlson '54
bobsown1@hotmail.com
Just recieved Volume 1 of the Oregon Voter's
Pamphlet in the mail today, with the promise of
Volume 2 to follow in a few days. This one is a
joy to behold, 26 separate ballot measures, taking
368 pages to explain each measure and why the
voter should vote either for or against each
measure. Several have been proposed by our own
anti-tax/anit-government gadfly, Bill Sizemore.
Mr. Sizemore, several years ago, in the wake of
what happened in California, succeeded in getting
a property tax reduction measure on the ballot. It
passed. Funny thing, it didn't really reduce
property taxes, as the appriasals on which such
taxes are based went up. Since then, he has in
each election year proposed further tax cuts, and
reductions in government. He even ran for
governor one year and failed miserably at that task.
His current proposals have to do with deductions
for federal income tax paid (which really doesn't
help anyone except those who itemize); and further
simplifying the process by which initiative
measures can be put on the ballot. The latter
stems from his frustration in getting some of his
ideas turned into ballot measures basically because
no one wanted to sign his petitions.
There is a measure, supported earnestly by both
"Piggy" (Portland General Electric) and PP&L
which would in effect repeal a measure voted in by
an overwhelming majority in 1978 which does not
allow the power companies to make the users pay
for costs incurred in closing or maintaining closed
plants.
One measure that I might be induced to vote for is
one that says that if the legislature mandates
educational programs, the legislature had best come
up with the funding, and not leave it to the school
districts. Legislatures and Congresses like to do
things like that: Mandate a program and then not
fund it and wonder why it isn't working.
Previously in these pages, I reported on the
current biggoted ballot measure. Now, to make it
perfectly clear to those who don't really
understand, let me cite the text of the measure:
"Be it enacted by the people of the State of
Oreon:
"Section 1. ORS 336.067 is amended to read
(new section):
"(e) Sexual Orientation as it relates to
homosexuality and bisexuality is a divisive subject
matter not necessary to the instruction of students
in public schools. Nothwithstanding any other law
or rule, the instruction of behaviors relating to
homosexuality and bisexuality shall not be
presented in a public school in a manner which
encourages, promotes or sanctions such behaviors.
"Section 2. ORS 659.166 is amended to read
(new section):
"(1) Any public elementary or secondary
school determined by the Superintendent of Public
Instruction or any community college determined
by the Commissioner for Community College
Services to be in nocompliance with the provisions
of ORS 336.067 (e) or ORS 659.150 and this
section shall be subject to appropriate sanctions,
which may include withholding of all or part of
state funding, as established by rule of the State
Board of Education."
By way of explanation, the Legislative
Committee defined "public school" as any public
elementary schools, public secondary schools,
community colleges, state colleges and state
universitlies, and all state and local institutions that
provide educations for patients or inmates.
Yes, The Bible, and quite possibly sacred
writings of other religions tell us that
homosexuality is not acceptable behavior.
Unfortunately, homosexuality has been with "man"
for quite sometime and it has not been restricted to
any race, creed or religious preferrence. It is not
something that can be legislated or prayed away.
It is a fact of life.
The son of a fellow Bomber passed away
because of AIDS, and left his father bitter over the
lad's lifestyle. I wonder how many other Bombers
and/or their children have died because of AIDS,
or may be HIV positive. No, I am not asking for
names or for anyone to come out of the closet, or
even be outed in these pages. And remember that
AIDS doesn't strike the gay community alone.
Needle sharers, and those with indiscriminate
mating habits also need be aware.
If our children and grandchildren are to be given
some measure of protection against life's
visisitudes, they must be given the education and
knowledge necessary to avoid them, all of them. If
the discussion on protection against AIDS or any
other STD promotes homosexuality or bisexuality,
something is wrong somewhere. Or maybe we
should revert back the the V.D. films our fathers or
brothers told us about when they were in the
Armed Forces. If that don't scare kids away from
sex of any nature, I don't know what will.
Well, that's my opinion, and I'm welcome to it.
Bob (Mike Clowes) Carlson '54
~ ~ ~
Subj: Because You Read It, Does Not Mean Its True!
From: Andrew Eckert (54)
ECKERT1108@aol.com
Let me cite an example of the press corps' ability to
spin on important policy.
This involves Vice President Gore's best-selling book,
Earth in the Balance.
Soon after the book was published in 1992, Gore
was selected to be Bill Clinton's running mate, and
the RNC began portraying the book as an example
of crackpot environmentalism. From then until
now, party spokesmen have pulled stray quotes
from the book, trying to demonstrate Gore's
"extremism."
A long-standing favorite is a quote concerning the
future of the internal combustion engine.
"[I]t ought to be possible," Gore writes in the book,
"to accomplish the strategic goal of completely
eliminating the internalcombustion engine over,
say, a twenty-five year period." In context, it is
abundantly clear that Gore is talking about
replacing the IC engine with cleaner technology.
But apparently that wouldn't sound silly enough,
so GOP spinners have long pretended Gore wants
to get rid of cars. In June of 1999, for example,
RNC chairman Jim Nicholson—author of the farm
chores hoax—published a full-page open letter to
Gore in major newspapers, asking Gore to explain
"why you want to eliminate the automobile as we
know it." This followed press releases in which
Nicholson explicitly accused Gore of trying to "do
away with the internal combustion engine, the
automobile."
One might think it the work of a serious press corps
to clarify groaning nonsense like that. And this
story is especially intriguing because of a
ittle-noticed fact. On January 5, 1998, both the
Wall Street Journal and the New York Times
presented page-one, lead stories from the Detroit
Auto Show, reporting that world car companies
now agree that internal combustion is on the way
out. Rebecca Blumenstein, page one, Wall Street
Journal:
[Auto makers from Tokyo to Stuttgart to Detroit
have reached a surprising new consensus on an
idea deemed heretical not long ago. A fundamental
shift in engine technology is needed. "We need to
press very hard to increase fuel economy and
lower emissions" of carbon dioxide, says John F.
Smith, Jr., chairman of General Motors.This then
would be the world, salvation from the Oil Barrons
of the world ... Is there not an Oil company baring
the name "Bush" in Bahrain? Is not Cheney a
former CEO of a very large oil CO? Did they not
hand $20 Million dollars Soft Money to the
Champaign? Sure hope everyone is doing there
homework on our future. The election is only days
away, Who can we blame if WE elect the wrong
person for the wrong reasons.
But do vote. Your future is at stake.
Information for this article was found on
"dailyhowler.com "
Andrew Eckert (54)
~ ~ ~
Subj: Harry Spells Danger
From: Janie O'Neal Janssen (65)
jjanssen@onlinemac.com
Well, I know we've probably talked the Harry
Potter subject to death, but while reading the
Philadelphia Trumpet I came across this article and
though I would share part of it with you. The
article was Titled Harry Spells Danger. The part I
found very interesting was as follows: According
to a report in the September edition of Youthworks,
many teenage boys are rejecting
Christianity and the church for witchcraft.
Moreover, there is an even greater response from
young women seeking female "empowerment."
Droves of girls are showing an unprecedented
interest in witchcraft, with dozens every month
wanting to join covens to learn about casting spells
in order to pass school exams, find boyfriends and
become wealthy.
One organization, the Pagan Federation (a
UK-based group which represents druids,
shamans, witches and high priestesses)
acknowledges that scores of curious youngsters
are now contacting its main office, with upwards
of 100 telephone calls per month. The Federation
has just appointed its first youth officer in response
to the growing number of queries from children.
Interesting!! I don't know if I mentioned when I
sent in my comment about reading Harry Potter
with my grandson last year, that the reason we
were reading it was because it was required
reading in his 5th grade class? After reading this
article I wish that I would have voiced my opinion
to the school instead of just pointing out issues to
my grandson.
- Janie O'Neal Janssen (65)
~ ~ ~
Subj: The 50's and Richland
From: Rich Henderson '62
grassroots3@earthlink.net
Noticed recent alumni comments about growing
up in Richland during the decade of the 50's.
There was an excellent book published about the
decade of the 50's. David Halberstam authored the
book titled: "THE FIFTIES", by Villard Books,
(New York), in 1993. This single volume book is
about 700+ pages, (with 46 chapters), detailing the
many facets of the decade. The book may now be
out of print.
MY COMMENTS: Some historians have, more
recently, suggested that this decade was the
spawning ground for the future "counter-culture
generation" of the 60's and beyond. They
continue, ...that the "baby-boomer generation" did
not accept all of these values, that they rejected it!
I am inclined to agree with the premise that some
of the values did adversely influence the
generational mindset. That these were seen as
superficial, shallow, materialist, and lacking in
compassion and understanding.
No, I am not bad-mouthing the decade. It was a
time of increasing national stability, .... growth,
.... improvements, and communication. This was
offset by increased international instability and
tensions, i.e., The Cold War.
Still, the 50's, (and Richland), was an excellent
time and place to be both a kid and grow up in.
-Rich Henderson
Class of '62
~~~
Subj: Missed The Substance
From: Irene de la Bretonne Hays (1961)
IreneHays@aol.com
Jenny Smart:
I missed the substance of your objection to Harry
Potter. Would you mind restating it as concisely and
specifically as possible? Thanks.
Irene de la Bretonne Hays (1961)
Golden, Colorado
~~~
Subj: OK, I'll Offer My Two Bits:
(a) homosexuality &
(b) Harry Potter
From: Bob Rector '62
b_rector@owt.com (Robert Rector)
Just a note to thank the editors etc. This "page"
offers entertaining reading and sometimes even a
cogent thought or two. Best of all, it keeps my
aging mind in gear. Thanks.
Now, my very personal opinion on two much
discussed topics:
(a) On Homosexuality:
People are People and Life is Life.
Wish folks would worry more about
overpopulation or consumption of fossil fuels.
(b) On Harry Potter Books:
We all hAve fears.
Some people have dreadful fears, and some
itty bitty fears.
Some even have imagined or senseless fears.
I too have fears.....but reading Harry Potter
is not one of them.
When confronted by a scarecrow, & a little
girl in pigtails, even the Wizard of Oz was afraid.
Later, Bob Rector '62
~~~
Thanks for your contributions, everyone. Many
more to come. If you've sent an entry recently and
haven't seen it in The SANDBOX yet, please be
patient. Your voice will soon be heard!
Al Parker (53)
Your Sandbox Host
- 98 -
***************************************
***************************************
********************************************
THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #99 ~ October 29, 2000
"Kindness is the golden chain by which
society is bound together." -Goethe
Contents:
Phony Environmentalists
Brad Wear, '71
Parenting and Censors
Chuck Monasmith (65)
Because We Have The Freedom
Linda McKnight (65)
Harry Potter For President
Linda McKnight (65)
Intelligent, Eloquent, Loving.
Dave Doran (72)
Wow, Some SANDBOX!
Anna Durbin,'69
God Doesn't Make Junk
Linda Reining Pitchford (64)
Can We Ask That Question In
The SANDBOX?
Tedd Cadd (66)
-----------------------------------------------
Subj: Phony Environmentalists
From: Brad Wear, '71,
Richardson, TX.
Wear90@aol.com
I recently returned from a week long hunting trip to
Washington State. I hunted both birds and deer on
the Eastern side of the mountains. What
absolutely amazed me was the fire damage in the
South central part of the state, particularly around
the Bickleton area. They sustained 11 fires this
summer 5 lightening strikes, and 6 man made fires.
The devastation is beyond comprehension. The
sad fact is that the state bureaucrats who are pulled
and pushed by the environmentalists are refusing to
reseed the burned areas and want a "natural return
of the land." I had the opportunity to meet several
of the local "PETA, and soil conservationist's"
advocates in the area while I was in Bickleton.
None of these so called environmentalists had even
been into the burn area, other than to drive down
the roads that crisscross the area. The fires in
several areas were so hot they burned the root
structure of the trees that at one time populated
the area. There is nothing, and I mean nothing to
anchor the soil in the area. Dirt in some areas was
over ankle deep. Where is this going during the
first heavy rain? This is the watershed of the
Columbia River. The canyons I was in are less
than six miles from the Columbia. Tons of silt and
top soil will flood into the river and cause massive
natural pollution. The fact that the local state
employees of the soil conservation district have not
even ventured into these burn areas to formulate a
plan is criminal. Aerial reseeding or better yet pre
germinated grass matting is essential at this time.
I think it would be interesting to see what "clean
water" candidates are even aware of the potential
time bomb that is ticking away in the that specific
area.
The lone PETA activist was so uninformed it was
amazing. There is no food in the burned off area,
yet the deer are still "yarding up" in their old
territories. We saw in excess of 50 deer milling
around in these burned areas and judging by the
established game trails they are not leaving the
region. When they do it will force them onto
tracts of land that will support maybe in a good
year half the deer population that will inhabit it.
When I posed the question of: If the land will
support 10 deer, and 11 deer live on it, how many
will die of starvation? The usual answer is arrived
at by simple math of only 1. Error, all will die.
Unlike humans where one noble person might step
forward and sacrifice their life for the good of the
group. Deer will eat until nothing is left and then
starve to death. The PETA person could not or
would not grasp this concept. By and large I think
these people are well meaning, but they need to
walk the land, observe the conditions, and look at
the impact of their "perfect world" edicts.
To: Paul Ratsch,'58
Paul, I don't know what percentage of the oil
refined for America is processed in Texas,
specifically the Houston area, but I bet it would be
significant. I bet that you would be the loudest
whiner if they cut back any production and drove
your fuel costs through the roof. You can't have it
both ways. You want the fuel, you get the
pollution. It's also interesting to note that neither
candidate is slamming California for their
pollution. I was in San Jose, CA three weeks ago
and they deemed it a good day. You couldn't see
the mountains. But that's OK, it's a key state for
both, and they don't want to offend anyone.
Starting teacher pay in Texas $30K, better than
Police or firemen, but that's OK, they're not a
political issue.
Water pollution in Texas, some of the worst water
I've ever seen. There are only three rivers I would
swim in, Comal, Guadeloupe, and Brazos. The
others are full of natural pollution, soil run off.
There are only Two, yes TWO, natural lakes in
Texas. Everything else is man made, dam a creek
form a lake. The only problem is they usually are
only an average depth of 4 ft. Combine that with
100 plus days of 100 plus degree heat and you've
got polluted water. Look at Toledo Bend Lake,
90 miles long 20 miles wide, average depth 4 ft.
with a water temperature of 86 degrees. Quality?
No, but what are you going to do about it? Breach
the dams? Yeah, right.
- Brad Wear,'71,
~~~
Subj: Parenting and Censors
From: Chuck Monasmith (65)
msmith@owt.com
A reply to Jenny (Smart) Page
Must I be responsible for the perception others take
of my words? Yes, I must. Unfortunately for me,
you and others have perceived that my words
about your willingness to censor books was a
personal attack on your parenting skills. That was
not my intent. It was my intent to be critical of
your opinion that censorship is a justified action. I
apologize to you for the heat of my rhetoric and
my passion for allowing uncensored reading
causing you offense. My apology is sincere, I hope
that you will accept it.
If it is at all possible, I'd like to try and get the
discussion back on track. Let's leave out parenting
skills, drug use, irresponsible social behavior etc.
The topic is censorship. History has many
examples where censorship of reading materials
has been negative. Beginning with the Catholic
Church censoring the books of Copernicus,
teaching the earth was not the center of the
universe and on and on. Where has censoring
reading material been of benefit to any society?
Chuck Monasmith (65)
~~~
Subj: Because We Have The Freedom
From: Linda McKnight (65)
Lmckn21142@aol.com
An excerpt from The Sunday Oregonian October
22, 2000. Questions and answers to J. K.
Rowling, author of The Harry Potter series. ON
CENSORSHIP: "I really hate censorship. I find it
objectionable. I personally think that they're very
mistaken. I think these are very moral books and
I think it's a very shortsighted thing.
Shortsighted in the sense that if you try hard to
portray goodness without showing that the reverse
is evil and without showing how great it is to resist
that..well, that's always been my feeling about
literature.
"You find magic, witchcraft, and wizardry in all
sorts of classic children's books. Where do you
start? Are you going to start with 'The Wizard of
Oz?' These people are trying to protect children
from their own imagination."
Also, I was too old for Barbies, I was baby-sitting
when girls were playing with Barbies. What is
wrong with Barbie????? Oh yes, I guess it is
because she is anorexic. But, the new Barbie isn't
that way. I am sorry, but I truly feel sorry for
Jenny Smart's children. To grow to old age and
never play with a Barbie and have such an
opinionated mother.....Wonder which one of her
kids will become Hari Krishna, or form their own
even more revolting band than Marilyn Manson.
How many people out there have even heard
Marilyn Manson's music? To put that in the same
context as sweet, little poor abused child, Harry
Potter. Oh well, that is the part that is so great
about the United States of America. We can say
and do just about anything we want to because we
have the freedom to do so.
EVERYBODY GET OUT AND VOTE. IT IS OUR RIGHT.
- Linda McKnight (65)
~~~
Subj: Harry Potter For President
From: Linda McKnight (65)
Lmckn21142@aol.com
Thank you so much, Al Parker, for this place where
we can sound off. I had an additional thing to add,
from the newspaper.
Another excerpt from The Sunday Oregonian of
October 22, 2000. (Commentary section)
ENDORSEMENT OF THE WEEK
"If I had to pick, I'd pick Bush, and not
necessarily by default; I know I don't support what
the other team is about."
- Marilyn Manson, rock singer
and minister of the Church of Satan
(New York Post)
Could it be that George W. Bush is the antichrist?
Isn't it great that we have such freedom in this
country? Be sure to cast your ballot for your
candidate.....
HARRY POTTER FOR PRESIDENT
(Linda McKnight - 65 - with tongue in cheek.)
~~~
Subj: Wow, Some SANDBOX!
Re: The SANDBOX Issue 97
From: Anna Durbin, 69
golddurb@libertynet.org
Wow, Some SANDBOX! If we could all be
parents like Peggy Johnson, this world would be a
better place. I hope I can tell my children the same
things when they turn out differently from
whatever dreams I may have entertained for them.
If you need any extra daughters and want to adopt,
I am ready. Thanks for sharing your mother-love
with us.
I was so proud when my daughter told me that one
of her now ex-friends at school commented to her,
"Why are you hanging out with X? Her parents
are lesbians, you know," and my daughter's
response was: "So what?" I hope the day comes
when people can be comfortable enough with their
own sexuality that they will not have to fear and
hate gay people. Although I have been married to
the same man for over 24 years now, I can truly
say that my life has been enriched by every gay and
lesbian friend I have. Our three daughters
blessedly feel the same way. This world will be a
better place when all of us can stop hating and
fearing "the other." When you get down to it, that
hate and fear come from our own feelings of fear
about ourselves.
And thanks to the other Sandboxers for the
amazing poem and for the Urban Legend Cites.
It's great to learn things this way.
- Anna Durbin, 69
~~~
Subj: Intelligent, Eloquent, Loving.
From: Dave Doran (72)
salt4385@aol.com
Re: Peggy Lewis Johnson's thoughts on gayness,
That was the most intelligent, eloquent, loving and
thoughtful piece I've ever read on the 'difficulty'
some find with homosexuality. [SB Issue 97] Your
simple piece debunks a thousand years of 'God's
Law' nonsense and 'Lifestyle Choice' idiocy. Where
the science of homosexuality still finds
stubbornness, your heartfelt response cannot ever
be refuted. Very good indeed!
- Dave Doran (72)
~~~
Subj: God Doesn't Make Junk
From: Linda Reining Pitchford (64)
Bakersfield, CA
Wabbithabit@aol.com
re: alternative lifestyles
"God doesn't make junk." I believe that, and I also
believe He will not condemn a homosexual to
eternal damnation. Now before "feathers get
ruffled," I am not saying homosexual's are junk. I
just mean that He created all of us! And I do not
believe that they "choose" their lifestyle. Why
would they choose a lifestyle that brings them
pain, shame, ridicule, and sometimes, the loss of
their family's love????? As for teaching tolerance
of their lifestyle in schools-----if it helps, WHY
NOT? If you are worried that by teaching it, it will
make others become "that way," it won't. I have
no medical evidence to prove this, but I believe
something happens during puberty and things just
go "haywire."
Linda Reining Pitchford (64)
~~~
Subj: Can We Ask That Question In
The SANDBOX?
From: Tedd Cadd (66)
tedd.cadd@pnl.gov
Since so many things are out of bounds for The Alumni
Sandstorm, I wonder what is out of bounds for THE
SANDBOX?
One of the problems I have in contributing to the AS is
that some of my memories of Richland are not exactly
happy ones and certainly go against the "growing up in
a time and place where we were safe" things I read
there. No doubt some, even most, were safe. But not
all of us. I've often wondered if there were others
who know how dangerous Richland was in the 50s and
beyond. Is the Sandbox a place to ask that question?
- Tedd Cadd (66)
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life.
Proverbs 15:4
Reply to Ted:
I think it would be OK to ask that question here.
Let's keep a few things in mind in the meantime:
As far as topics, and opinions about them are
concerned, I have no desire to "censor" any of the
voices heard in The SANDBOX, not wanting to inhibit
honest feelings here. I don't recommend coarse
language because more than likely it will diminish,
rather than enhance, the value of what one wishes to
say. I do encourage contributors to be courteous and
respectful of their fellow alumni in this forum as they
deal with the issues at hand. I look to this forum to
be self-correcting when necessary, by responses from
other members encouraging folks to be courteous when
such reminders are needed.
Another thing to keep in mind is this:
The SANDBOX is designed primarily for original input
from Richland Bomber Alumni, so there isn't room for
long quotes from outside sources, but you can cite web
sites if you wish, to illustrate your points. Letters
from Richland Bomber Families and "Bomber Boosters" are
also welcome here. One other thought: As moderator of
this forum, I will avoid publishing any material that
could in any way be considered by any party to be
libelous or slanderous. Any negative opinions of past
teachers, etc., specifically named, would be an example
of that.
Did you remember to set your clocks back and change
the batteries in your smoke, radon and carbon monoxide
detectors?
Build yourself a beautiful day!
- Al Parker (53)
Your Sandbox Host
- 99 -
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THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #100 ~ October 30, 2000
Contents:
Choices/Body Slams/Pre-Fab Folding Chairs
Jimmie A. Shipman Class of "51"
Enough of Anti-Gay Venom
Patricia Keeney (63)
Give Our Schools A Break
Mike Franco (1970)
We Can Learn From What We Read
Anna Durbin '69
---------------------------------------------------
Subj: Choices/Body Slams/Pre-Fab Folding Chairs
From: Jimmie A. Shipman Class of "51"
Richland, Washington
JAS_RDAS@email.msn.com
Does any one have any old pre-fab folding chairs
that they would like to part with?
To Pam Jewett-Bullock (nee Plye'69)
1: It is Jimmie A. (Not Steve) Shipman.
2: The thanks that you gave to Lynn Hatcher (68)
was for her Snippet "Let's Focus On The Person,
Not The Lifestyle" was addressed to Steve
Carson (58) not to Steve Shipman (51) as stated
by you. It was in the Sandbox #94 issue, However
I do take credit for "It's Against God's Law"
as Jimmie A. Shipman (51), in Sandbox #94 issue.
3: Homosexuality is a lifestyle of choice, it has
nothing to do with skin or eye color or any of the
other rhetoric that you went on and on about.
4. God's Words on homosexual relationships can be
located in the following Bible verses:
(Lev 18:22), "Do not lie with a man as one lies
with a woman; that is detestable."
(Lev 20:13), "If a man lies with a man as one lies
with a woman, both of them have done what is
detestable. They must be put to death; their
blood will be on their own heads."
(Rom 1:18_32), "The wrath of God is being
revealed from heaven against all the godlessness
and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by
their wickedness, {19} since what may be known
about God is plain to them, because God has made
it plain to them. {20} For since the creation of the
world God's invisible qualities__his eternal power
and divine nature__have been clearly seen, being
understood from what has been made, so that men
are without excuse. {21} For although they knew
God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave
thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and
their foolish hearts were darkened. {22} Although
they claimed to be wise, they became fools {23}
and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for
images made to look like mortal man and birds and
animals and reptiles. {24} Therefore God gave
them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to
sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies
with one another. {25} They exchanged the truth
of God for a lie, and worshiped and served
created things rather than the Creator__who is
forever praised. Amen. {26} Because of this, God
gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their
women exchanged natural relations for unnatural
ones. {27} In the same way the men also
abandoned natural relations with women and were
inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed
indecent acts with other men, and received in
themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
{28} Furthermore, since they did not think it
worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he
gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what
ought not to be done. {29} They have become
filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed
and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife,
deceit and malice. They are gossips, {30}
slanderers, God_haters, insolent, arrogant and
boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they
disobey their parents; {31} they are senseless,
faithless, heartless, ruthless. {32} Although
they know God's righteous decree that those who
do such things deserve death, they not only
continue to do these very things but also approve
of those who practice them."
(1 Cor 6:9_11), "Do you not know that the wicked
will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be
deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor
idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor
homosexual offenders {10} nor thieves nor the
greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor
swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. {11}
And that is what some of you were. But you were
washed, you were sanctified, you were justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the
Spirit of our God."
(1 Tim 1:8_11), "We know that the law is good if
one uses it properly. {9} We also know that law is
made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and
rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and
irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or
mothers, for murderers, {10} for adulterers and
perverts, for slave traders and liars and
perjurers__and for whatever else is contrary to the
sound doctrine {11} that conforms to the glorious
gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to
me."
5. Again, let me say that homosexuality is and will
be always against God's Law, as stated in the
Scriptures of the Holy Bible.
6. God expects us to love not only him, but also our
neighbors as well. I, as a Christian, do love
homosexual people, It's the sin of homosexualtity
that I deplore. We have an extended family
member who by choice is a homosexual and we
love her.
God Bless
Now go and have a good day.
Regards:
Jimmie A. Shipman (51)
~~~
Subj: Enough of Anti-Gay Venom
From: Patricia Keeney (63)
Forest Grove, Oregon
pkeeney@worldnet.att.net
For years I have been in the middle of heated
political debate here in Oregon in defense of my
gay son and others in the widely disdained and
misunderstood gay community. In April of this
year, a mother in Vermont wrote to her local paper
and said so many of things I have wanted to say. I
could not have said it any better... so I will
reproduce it here....
I've had enough of your anti-gay venom
by Sharon Underwood For the Valley News
(White River Junction, VT/Hanover, NH)
As the mother of a gay son, I've seen firsthand how
cruel and misguided people can be.
Many letters have been sent to the Valley News
concerning the homosexual menace in Vermont. I
am the mother of a gay son and I've taken enough
from you good people.
I'm tired of your foolish rhetoric about the
"homosexual agenda" and your allegations that
accepting homosexuality is the same thing as
advocating sex with children. You are cruel and
ignorant. You have been robbing me of the joys of
motherhood ever since my children were tiny.
My firstborn son started suffering at the hands of
the moral little thugs from your moral, upright
families from the time he was in the first grade. He
was physically and verbally abused from first grade
straight through high school because he was
perceived to be gay.
He never professed to be gay or had any
association with anything gay, but he had the
misfortune not to walk or have gestures like the
other boys. He was called "fag" incessantly,
starting when he was six.
In high school, while your children were doing
what kids that age should be doing, mine labored
over a suicide note, drafting and redrafting it to be
sure his family knew how much he loved them.
My sobbing 17-year-old tore the heart out of me as
he choked out that he just couldn't bear to
continue living any longer, that he didn't want to
be gay and that he couldn't face a life with no
dignity.
You have the audacity to talk about protecting
families and children from the homosexual menace,
while you yourselves tear apart families and drive
children to despair. I don't know why my son is
gay, but I do know that God didn't put him, and
millions like him, on this Earth to give you
someone to abuse. God gave you brains so that
you could think, and it's about time you started
doing that.
No Choice
At the core of all your misguided beliefs is the
belief that this could never happen to you, that
there is some kind of subculture out there that
people have chosen to join. The fact is that if it
can happen to my family, it can happen to yours,
and you won't get to choose. Whether it is genetic
or whether something occurs during a critical time
of fetal development, I don't know. I can only tell
you with an absolute certainty that it is inborn.
If you want to tout your morality, you'd best
come up with something more substantive than
your heterosexuality. You did nothing to earn it; it
was given to you. If you disagree, I would be
interested in hearing your story, because my own
heterosexuality was a blessing I received with no
effort whatsoever on my part. It is so woven into
the very soul of me that nothing could ever change
it.
For those of you who reduce sexual orientation
to a simple choice, a character issue, a bad habit or
something that can be changed by a 10-step
program, I'm puzzled. Are you saying that your
own sexual orientation is nothing more than
something you have chosen, that you could change
it at will? If that's not the case, then why would
you suggest that someone else can?
A popular theme in your letters is that Vermont
has been infiltrated by outsiders. Both sides of my
family have lived in Vermont for generations. I am
heart and soul a Vermonter, so I'll thank you to
stop saying that you are speaking for "true
Vermonters."
Principles?
You invoke the memory of the brave people who
have fought on the battlefield for this great
country, saying that they didn't give their lives so
that the "homosexual agenda" could tear down the
principles they died defending. My 83-year-old
father fought in some of the most horrific battles of
World War II, was wounded and awarded the
Purple Heart. He shakes his head in sadness at the
life his grandson has had to live. He says he fought
alongside homosexuals in those battles, they did
their part and bothered no one. One of his best
friends in the service was gay, and he never knew
it until the end, and when he did find out, it
mattered not at all. That wasn't the measure of the
man.
You religious folk just can't bear the thought that
as my son emerges from the hell that was his
childhood he might like to find a lifelong
companion and have a measure of happiness. It
offends your sensibilities that he should request the
right to visit that companion in the hospital, to
make medical decisions for him or to benefit from
tax laws governing inheritance.
How dare he? you say. These outrageous
requests would threaten the very existence of your
family, would undermine the sanctity of marriage.
You use religion to abdicate your responsibility
to be thinking human beings. There are vast
numbers of religious people who find your
attitudes repugnant. God is not for the privileged
majority, and God knows my son has committed no sin.
The deep-thinking author of a letter to the April
12 Valley News who lectures about homosexual
sin and tells us about "those of us who have been
blessed with the benefits of a religious upbringing"
asks: "What ever happened to the idea of
striving...to be better human beings than we are?"
Indeed sir, what ever happened to that?
Postscript from Patricia Keeney...
Vermont became the first state to approve civil
unions for gays and lesbians. May it be the first of
many to offer the same privileges and freedoms the
rest of us enjoy.
Bomber parents of gay children, if you want
more information and want to learn how to
support our wonderful children, contact your local
Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(PFLAG). If you don't know how to find a local
chapter, email me and I will help you.
- Patricia Keeney (63)
~~~
Subj: Give Our Schools A Break
From: Mike Franco (1970)
Kent, Washington
Bmbr70@aol.com
I must respond to comments regarding
homosexuality and our tolerance or lack of it in
our lives, schools, etc. In particular a submittal
stated..."schools and media promoting
homosexuality as no different than
race or blond hair. We should channel our God
given sexuality in a positive and healthy
direction....this is where the schools come into
play..."
PLEEEEEEEEEZ give our schools a break! Let's
not burden our teachers with any more of the
policing, feeding, child raising, morals promoting
that we currently bury them under. Many of my
closest pals are teachers and the last thing they
desire is to get into the morals business.
I must ask another question though. I am very
active in my daughter's jr high school, spend a lot
of time there and also read two daily newspapers
(big city "lib" papers) and have not encountered
any "promoting " of homosexuality. In papers we
certainly see different attitudes and morals, but I
cannot say I have ever seen any promotion and
NEVER any in the schools. I spend days each
month on several committees and other activities
and have no idea what this "promotion" is all
about.
I find it alarming that to make a point an individual
will simply make a statement ("schools do this, or
that") and then goes on to condemn the entire
education system. I will defend our public schools
here in Kent as doing a great job and dealing well
with the issues of the day. I too remember our
Richland childhood days fondly. But if you equate
those times with the challenges of teaching and
parenting today you don't understand the changing
times. The good old days are just that...old and in
the past.
On this very emotional and moral issue there is
more than one road to follow in leading and
educating our children. Decisions are not easy
and there is no one right way to deal with issues
and people.....but do NOT blame institutions
(schools, newspapers, TV) outside the family. The
only reason these institutions may have more
influence than parents is because some of us
did not or do not meet issues head on.
It's OK for us to disagree on the issue of
homosexuality awareness. It's a tough one. It is
also well worth our time and consideration. Just
remember, it involves a lot of people and how
they are treated. That, (treatment of others), is
ALWAYS worth the effort.
Mike Franco (1970)
~~~
Subj: We Can Learn From What We Read
From: Anna Durbin '69
golddurb@libertynet.org
I just want to thank Bob Rector ('62) for his
concise wisdom and Bob (Mike Clowes)
Carlson '54 for his info and wisdom on ballot
issues [Issue 98] (my two concise takes: ignorance
is not bliss, really, and fear of the different or
unknown causes hatred). I loved the no mandates
without funding idea. If we are talking about
banning the apparently evil Harry Potter, does that
mean we want to ban Grimm's Fairy tales,
especially because they really dump on
stepmothers, and anything Walt Disney as well
since he anthropomorhises animals, not to mention
the Sorcerer's Apprentice? I think the Amish go
really far trying to protect their children from the
current culture, and there was a big arrest among
some young Amish adults not too long ago for
drug dealing. I go for learning from other
cultures and believing that searching for truth shall
make us free, myself.
I still think we learn something from what we read.
And if Christians are good role models and really
do practice loving their fellow humans, their
children will not turn to Satanism, which is very
different from Wicca, but will follow the good of
the religion as Jesus taught it. For example, he did
not let people stone the adulteress, but suggested
that he who is without sin should cast the first
stone. I think that message, instead of the message
that allows people to think it is okay to beat
homosexuals to death because they are an evil
abomination according to the Bible, is Christianity
as I learned it. I don't think God made people who
are evil abominations and I think the song from
South Pacific is very true. Remember the one
about how "Children must be carefully taught..."
And I can't thank Andrew Eckert (54) enough for
doing research for me to send to the members of
my family who repeat the propaganda they read.
Amazing how intelligent people from the same
family can have such diametrically opposed ideas
to mine. But we enjoy mixing it up by email much
as the Sandboxers do. I must confess that an older
brother did recently call me a communist, however.
And I thought they were all dead.
And Editor, do you think it would be possible to
refer people back to earlier editions if they miss
some beginning of discussion so we don't have to
start it all over again? Or are we not set up with
some indexing ability? And no, I am not
suggesting to stick you with the task. You already
do enough work already. Any retired net wizards
(oops, did not mean to espouse Satanism) (Yes, it
has taken over our language) who could help you?
And Happy Halloween. I really enjoy Trick or
Treaters, myself. And please, I am trying to be
lighthearted, not to insult anyone.
- Anna Durbin '69
Note: Generally, extensive quotations are avoided in
The SANDBOX in order to leave more room for the
original thoughts and comments of Bomber Alumni.
Exceptions have been made in this issue for purposes of
parity.-ap
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That concludes this issue of THE SANDBOX folks. Please
include your class year and maiden name, (if applicable),
in all correspondence and subscription requests. You may
also include your current locale if you wish. It's easy
to join us in the ongoing conversations here. Just send
your comments to: THE_SANDBOX@bigfoot.com! We are the
Alumni of Richland High School, Richland Washington,
AKA Columbia High School, representing classes from 1942
through 2000. Visit the THE SANDBOX website.
Al Parker (53)
Shippenville, PA
Your SANDBOX Host
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- 100 -
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THE SANDBOX ~ Issue #101 ~ October 31, 2000
"Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all."
- Shakespeare
Contents:
Censorship & Barb
Jenny (Smart) Page RHS '87
DIVERSITY vs. DEVIANCY
John Allen (Class of '66)
If It Could Be, It Would Be
Mary Ray Henslee (61)
Checking Things Out
Jerry Lewis (73)
----------------------------------------
Subj: Censorship & Barbie
From: Jenny (Smart) Page RHS '87
jpage@3-cities.com
Once again, let me state this as clearly as possible:
I have never, in past, present or any future
comments regarding Harry Potter, advocated
censoring these books. We're all adults (I think)
here, so I hope its not necessary for me to quote
some dictionary as to the definition of "censor."
Read this out loud, if that's what it takes for this to
sink in: Read this book if you want to! I'm not
saying you can not or should not!
Let me state this again, as clearly as possible:
It's not appropriate for MY FAMILY. I prefer to
make other choices for OUR reading material.
Period.
Chuck, I am as against censoring materials as
apparently you are. Maybe even more so.
As a side note, Chuck, I was really starting to hope
that you would take a more active role in raising
my kids. You see, we made our first trip to the
orthodontist last week, and well, we could use a
secondary insurance to help cover it...it is open
enrollment season for most plans isn't it? :) (See,
I'm trying to lighten the mood here, folks...)
For Linda McKnight, regarding why my daughter
doesn't have a Barbie:
This again comes down to the "appropriate role
model" thing. It has nothing to do with Barbie
looking anorexic, or even her being materialistic
and having to own a gazillion outfits. What turned
me off to Barbie was when they started selling the
doll in sexy lingerie a few years ago -- we're
talking see-through teddy, with the feather
trimmed robe and high heeled slippers, etc. Barbie
looked like something out of a Frederick's of
Hollywood catalog. Sexy lingerie is fine for
adults. But its not something I want my (then)
preschool aged daughter playing with. There are
alternative dress-up dolls, and they don't come
with thong underwear. Simple as that. It's not
appropriate for our family. We chose something
different.
Maybe I ought to submit my Christmas shopping
list for approval....oh, sorry, I probably can't say
"Christmas" without being ridiculed..."Winter Gift
Exchange Opportunity Day" shopping list, how's
that?
Jenny (Smart) Page
RHS '87
~~~
Subj: DIVERSITY vs. DEVIANCY
From: John Allen (Class of '66)
miles2go@cheerful.com
For many years now, the words "deviancy" and
"deviant" have taken on a universally negative
connotation rather than the true definition which
describes something "different from the norm." If
one applies the word "deviant" or "deviancy" to
describe homosexuals or homosexuality, there
is not a thing in the world wrong or inaccurate
about that use.
Undeniably, homosexual behavior deviates from the
obvious and NORMAL biological purpose of
sexuality in all species, and therefore, from a
strictly functional standpoint, qualifies as
"deviant." Further, since only about 3-5% of the
population is homosexual, from the standpoint of
its prevalence within the human species in
particular, homosexuality also qualifies as "deviant."
As a rule, however, most people do not want to be
described as decidedly different than the norm and
I suspect the homosexual community itself has
decided that "deviant" is a negative use of the
language in regard to their behavior, whereas
"gay" is seen as a positive, if exceptionally
"oblique" and heavily veiled, use of the language.
By way of kowtowing to the whimsy of various
minority groups who strive to redefine
themselves in what they perceive to be more
favorable language, the language becomes
bastardized a little bit more every year. For
instance, it used to be perfectly acceptable, even
amongst the black population of this country, to be
described as "Negro" or "Colored" (probably the
most accurate way to describe any race other than
Caucasian). Around 1968 (when Martin Luther
King was assassinated), those terms became very
UNacceptable and the term "black" became the
almost dictated terminology. In recent years, if
one wants to be truly politically correct, the term
African American must be used. All this
reminds me a great deal of teenage girls who decide
to change their names from, let's say, Sharon, to
"Shari" with an "i" (and preferably a heart over the
"i") as if what they are called and how it is spelled
will somehow by itself make them more popular.
My personal favorite bastardization within the last
12 months is the growing use of the word "issue,"
to the near extinction of the word "problem." Who
started THAT very trendy trend? Some lawyer, no
doubt!!
But I digress; this article was prompted by a recent
comment from another SANDBOX contributor.
The comment was that her life had been
enriched by every gay and lesbian friend she has
had. When I read things like this, I have to
wonder if it is the friend as a whole who has done
the enriching, or only the gay or lesbian nature of
the friend which has done the enriching. If it is the
latter, I would like to see an explanation of
SPECIFICALLY how the gay or lesbian nature of
a person, taken apart from their whole personality,
is so enriching. If, on the other hand, it is the
friend in his or her entirety who does the enriching,
then why pigeonhole that friend by describing him
or her solely by sexual preference. Why not
describe the friend as "the florist," "the astro
physicist" or maybe just "the gal with the red
Chevy?" Perhaps, as I suspect, the original
"enrichment" comment was simply a knee jerk,
politically correct thing to say so as to be SEEN
AS politically correct in a society which,
increasingly, values image much more than substance.
My personal attitude toward homosexuality was
best described by Dennis Miller about three years
ago during one of his HBO Special "rants" when
he said, "I don't want you to think I'm homophobic
or anything, but the thought of having sex with a
MAN is so repugnant to me, I sometimes marvel
that you WOMEN can do it." Look, I don't go
out of my way to make life miserable or even
difficult for homosexuals, but as a practicing
hetero man, I don't understand homosexuality any
better than I understand women, and I don't think
it unreasonable or uncaring to say that I never will.
Further, I don't see the need to "enrich" my life by
wasting time trying to do something that is
effectively impossible.
---John Allen (Class of '66)
~~~
Subj: If It Could Be, It Would Be
From: Mary Ray Henslee (61)
Mah@satx.net
A man writes a book and says he wants to do away
with the internal combustion engine and this is
what we should base our vote on? Don't we all
want a perfect world? If it could be, it would be.
In the meantime we had better vote for someone
who wants to keep what we do have running and
someone who is concerned about our national
security. While Gore is daydreaming about 25
years down the road, he is not dealing with the
here and now. We are continuing to depend on
foreign sources that could cut us off in the blink of
an eye.
If Gore really wanted to help preserve our
environment for future generations, he would be
promoting zero population growth, but that
wouldn't be politically correct. Pollution begins in
the home, in our bedrooms. Overpopulation is the
real culprit. We have only in recent years had
ozone days in San Antonio due to the population
boom, not due to industry because we have none
here. When I lived in Houston during the early
sixties, pollution was not an issue because the
population was under control. The oil refineries
were there just as they are today and the swamps
were giving off polluting gases just as they are
today. And, hey, the tanks that we drove were not
environmentally friendly by any stretch of the
imagination.
Our skies are overcrowded with Airlines because
more people are flying than ever before, but you
don't hear environmentalists saying down with
planes. They are probably contributing more to
the depletion of the ozone layer than anything that
is going on down on the ground.
More people, more industries needed to make the
goods that more people require.
Gore is not going to put an alternative automobile
on the road any quicker than it is feasible or he
would have already done so. Since we rely on
mostly foreign oil, I don't think that we are being
motivated to keep gasoline engines for our own
economy. We just have not come up with any
viable replacement. Cars are running cleaner than
they ever have before, but more people, more cars.
It wasn't too long ago that we were told aerosol
cans were the biggest culprit to the ozone layer. I
don't think scientists have all the answers right now
and I sure don't think Al Gore does. Al Gore does
not have the corner on wanting to live in a clean
environment, we all do. He just has a corner on
impressing extremists who want to have their
cause validated by someone with their same
extremist views.
All of our politicians breathe the same air as we do
and so do their children. I don't think that any one
of them will stand in the way of progress toward a
cleaner environment within reason. This
administration has not functioned with reason and
has now created an oil shortage and higher prices.
Cutting consumption is only a temporary fix to our
shortage because as the population grows, so
grows the need for more cutbacks. This is
something San Antonians know only too well
as we watch our lawns die because of a water
shortage due to our overpopulation and lack of
planning.
If this country does not develop its own source of
energy immediately, we are going to be in serious
trouble economically and strategically. Are you
going to think Gore is a rational thinking man
when you can't drive your car because you have
used up your rations? Are you going to think
Gore is a rational thinking man when the economy
crashes and you no longer have a job? Are you
going to think Gore is a rational thinking man
when the trucks can't roll to get food to the
grocery stores? Are you going to think Gore is a
rational thinking man when our fighter planes can't
protect us because they have no fuel? Are you
going to think Gore is a rational thinking man
when we are no longer a world power because we
have not had the foresight to develop our own
energy sources?
What difference does it make if the gasoline we
use to fuel our cars and planes is refined on our
own soil or on another country's soil? The
outcome is the same....the pollutants are all going
into the same atmosphere, depleting the same
ozone layer. Hello?
One pound of learning requires ten pounds of
common sense to apply it (Persian Proverb). I
think the most important qualities to look for in
any elected official are integrity and common
sense.
Mary Ray Henslee (61)
~~~
Subj: Checking Things Out
Re: The SANDBOX Issue 98
From: Jerry Lewis (73)
jlewis@owt.com
The Harry Potter dialog continues... I am very
skeptical of the report quoted by Janie O'Neal
Janssen. Although the wording is different, the
tale is similar to a satiric piece from theonion.com,
which as far as I can tell doesn't print anything that
is not made up.
I did go to the Philadelphia Trumpet web site, but
wasn't able to view the article to see if there were
any references or descriptions of how this
information was gathered. Judging from the
available material, I don't think The Trumpet is
exactly an unbiased news source.
Before 'trumpeting' such a story around, I'd like to
see some back up to the allegations. The advent of
easy distribution via the web and e-mail of opinion
and fiction masquerading as fact has made me
more cautious about blindly accepting any
uncorroborated material in general.
If you're interested in the Urban Legends site's take
on the situation, check out
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/stooopid/potter.htm
It mainly is pointing out that any rumor that quotes
the story from theonion.com is not correct, and
doesn't have any other references. So in the spirit of
skepticism, I'd like to see some more research.
In the way of an inquiry, I did a search for the
Pagan Federation (PF), mentioned in Janie's post.
The site did come up, and indeed, they did just hire
a 'youth officer' to "deal with inquiries from under
18 year olds that are not allowed to join..." In the
extended article it mentions thousands of letters
from a teenage magazine article that mentioned the
PF. No word of Harry Potter. I looked at the
other headlines and links and no mention of
anything remotely sounding like it would have
anything to do with Harry Potter. Not conclusive,
but something to keep in mind during the investigation.
I also searched the New York Times (only two
weeks) and the Seattle Times, but didn't come up
with anything relevant to this discussion. (scanning
the first page or so of titles).
All for now ...
Jerry Lewis (73) jlewis@owt.com
http://www.owt.com/users/jlewis/
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That concludes this issue of THE SANDBOX folks. Please
include your class year and maiden name, (if applicable),
in all correspondence and subscription requests. You may
also include your current locale if you wish. It's easy
to join us in the ongoing conversations here. Just send
your comments to: THE_SANDBOX@bigfoot.com! We are the
Alumni of Richland High School, Richland Washington,
AKA Columbia High School, representing classes from 1942
through 2000. Visit the THE SANDBOX website.
Al Parker (53)
Shippenville, PA
Your SANDBOX Host
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