Battle over marriage equality divides

There are, indeed, very fine, intelligent well-meaning people who find it more comfortable to remain mentally situated in a comfort zone created by their upbringing ["Gay marriage fight looms," News, May 11]. They reason that they cannot support new ideas or conventions because of the way they were brought up and feel that stating this should put the argument to rest.

We were all brought up with the notions of the past generation or generations, and had we all remained mired there, we would not have even considered fighting for our political independence from countries overseas, our socioeconomic independence from the trades of our fathers, or have broken out of the chains of enslavement or fought for the end of discrimination in our country and abroad.

We are human beings with the capacity to learn, grow, evolve, develop and change our ideas and beliefs. We can change our viewpoints by sitting in another's chair and walking in another's shoes and seeing the world through another's eyes. Our imagination and education allow us to do this. We can shed the lenses smeared with eons of layered grime shielding the truth of today's world. We can see the world as it is and envision it as it ought to be, unclouded by outmoded, unproductive teachings.

It is time to take a fresh look, act as an adult and exercise our courage as we take control of our thoughts to break out of the mold built around us and take a stand for what is just and right. It is time to see the world from the viewpoint of those disenfranchised, marginalized, and made to feel like "the other" in our own country, and insist that all of our citizens be treated equally in every aspect of their lives.

It is well past the time to insist that our leaders vote for marriage equality, and it is well past the time for our leaders to have the courage and decency to stand on the side of moral justice and so vote.

Iris S. Blumenthal, Syosset
 

Be careful what we put into law. The once outspoken and flashy New York City politician Adam Clayton Powell warned that unjust laws that go against basic moral values, no matter how well intended, can have serious, lasting consequences.

Now, Adam Clayton Powell is rolling over in his grave. Why? Because in New York State we're on the verge of making new law that will redefine the meaning and purpose of marriage.

To me, it goes against everything that God created: the first man and woman to become one and be fruitful -- bone of bone, flesh of flesh. One man coming together with one woman, in what many people believe is the true meaning and moral purpose of marriage.

Jack McGreevy, Mattituck