fatboy, i'm not really sure why you feel the need to be able to spot a homosexual from 100 feet away...fact is, you can't always tell. There are some people who look completely ordinary, but prefer to be with the same sex...other may dress in a different way that seems to show they may be gay, but you can't be sure, because some people just dress differently!

Can you spot a pedophile in a crowd? Well, he likes little kids, certainly he must dress differently right? Your logic is flawed.

“The Bible” Superstitious Ramblings of primitive man… and it is still used to beat people to death. The Koran is even worse, “Paradise is found under the Sword”. That counts for somewhere around 3 billion people. All those people who use one book or the other to condemn all the rest.

Proper relationships of man are guided by a common respect for each other as men, nothing else. You are not your brother’s keeper.

If the gays want to have a parade, who cares??? If the paper wants to “Headline” the story, who cares? If you don’t like that stuff, don’t go to the parade and don’t buy the paper.

The “Majority” control what is printed by what you spend your money on. It all relates to profits.

ok, but leave the "act"out....lets say its a group of 1 sex there.

how do you tell? just by appearance? the weak talk? whats the "in" lingo?

what the heck do i look for??!?

Not sure if you meant to make a point, but IF you don't act out in PUBLIC no one will KNOW. Or likely care one way or the other.

It is a behavior that draws negative attention. And that may be what some seek out in some pscho babble way.

being serious here...how do you know or can tell if a person is a gay? what are the signs?!?

my idea is look for the funny haircuts, a rainbow sticker, or those diamond sweaters worn all year rd.

then where do these people hang out in the area and do they work in certain job fields? anybody know?!?!

CGSailor, you are so off that it's not even funny. First of all, when the Bible mentions death in the context that you mentioned, that is for God to decide, not man. Where is it in the Bible that a man is supposed to kill another man. "Vengeance is mine, so sayeth the Lord," or did you happen to miss that part while you were cherry picking the Bible. Please try not to misrepresent the Bible because it is obviously over your head. And if I am so intolerant, why did I say that I would never force my beliefs upon gays. What exactly is your definition of intolerance because it's not one that I've seen in any dictionary ever printed. You really need to get a grasp on reality and actually read what people post. I'm sorry to be harsh, but your post really demonstrates how narrowminded and ignorant you are. If intolerance to you means having a different opinion than your own, then you are truly living in the land of Oz.

RNB 77 - I did read your post and I replied to exactly what you said. I think you're mixing my confusion with your own. I don't understand how you could have equated what I wrote to implying that you were homosexual. By the way, gay, homosexual are all the same thing, let's not split hairs here with PC rhetoric. Like I said, read before you respond. I stand by it.

SHHEEESH! You sound so angry! i am sorry if you are having a bad Wednesday. Gay? I never said you called me gay! The terms i used were lesbian and bisexual. Oh, and i never said you called me anything i just figured that is what you were trying to imply. You asked me how tolerant i would be if someone suggested a heterosexual celebration. Why would a heterosexual object or be bothered by that? Maybe you should read your posts more thoroughly before you respond to mine. And read mine more clearly, too, so you may respond to them correctly.

RNB77 - Could you please go back to the response I posted to you on this message board, and quote me where I said that you were gay. Please show me where I said that because from what I read, I never said anything about you being gay. Please remember to read before you respond. Thank you.

Well said Ernie. That is exactly the point. When Christ was crucified, it made everything new for the gentiles. And just to deflect the point swimming in Apple's mind, yes it is in the New Testament as well that homosexuality is condemned. That is what I believe as a Christian, but I don't expect everyone else to believe the same thing. That is the essence of tolerance.

Apple - Please read the New Testament and you will see why your point is irrelevent. I talk about the Bible because that is what I believe in, and I don't expect other people to believe the same thing that I do, I respect that other people have their own opinion. It seems that I am not granted the same courtesy from those that support gay agendas on this blog. I never asked anyone to believe anything on my posts. I stated a situation that occurred between myself and a homosexual girl whom I worked with. I did it to demonstrate a point that when I was asked whether or not I supported gay marriage, my answer was met with ridicule because it didn't aline with what she believed. That is exactly what I'm talking about. The intolerance doesn't come from me, it comes from people who get ticked off just because you disagree with them. That's why I say that for a group that preaches tolerance, gay advocates sure do not practice what they preach. Not everyone is going to agree with each other, but it would be nice if gay advocates and progressives would afford people with different view point the courtesy of being able to have their own opinion.

Apples2Oranges: Need t' get your facts straight before you start arguing religion, my friend.

The laws you cite are from the Torah, the first five books of the OT and were binding on the people prior to Christ's birth so unless you happen to be addressing the Jewish population, you're really living up to your nickname.

Christian religions believe that once the New Testament came into effect at the time of Christ, the old law, the Old Testament, passed away and was/is no longer binding on God's people.

Ernie

oy... so I guess the other thread ran out of steam so we had to start this one to keep the controversy alive? Hasn't it all been said already?

Now we have a new question. Same old issue, just a new question. Does an event have to meet a "quota" of the population to warrant front page notoriety?

Some say no because it's out of the ordinary so it's newsworthy even if it only represents 8-10% of the pop. Hmmmm... my family has a reunion every year. So maybe we're not 8-10% but we are a very prolific bunch. Never made the front page - or as far as I know, even a column filler in the classifieds.

Some say yes. It's a small contingent so the event shouldn't be blared from every newspaper kiosk. Hmmm.. when the local Fart 'n Fetchum gets held up at 2 a.m. the only ones involved were the clerk and the robber. No one argues about *that* being front page news.

It's news folks and the paper was right to print it. They don't get to choose what's news and what isn't - or I guess they could but if they only reported on every family reuinion they likely wouldn't have much of a readership. But like it or not, agree with the event or its participants or not, this is news. All this complaining is just so much "shooting the messenger because you don't like the message."

Besides, ya'll ever hear of or go to the Outdoor Expo they have down at the Community Center every year? That's sponsored by M2M, the Man to Man organization that promotes male responsibility in the heterosexual Christian family environment. See? We *do* have an event celebrating heterosexual families and ya don't see the gays picketing it.

Ernie

gforce - the Bible also says that you shouldn't eat pork or touch a woman during her cycle. Just out of curiosity, do you abide by these things as well or just the part about homosexuality?

To clear the air...... because it seems someone was misled by my previous post. The person who wrote the letter to the editor sounded like a homophobic. That is my personal opinion judging from what he wrote. i was not referring to anything that anyone on here posted. i'm sorry if you have come to believe that i am a lesbian, or bisexual. i am as straight as they come! Women are beautiful but that's not my choice of cocktail, buddy! Sorry if that is what you came to assume because i am not against that type of lifestyle and because my photo is of my girl friend (not girlfriend) and i. i will change it immediately just for you. So you don't have any further misconceptions.

Well said Urbanangel.

Since when does any group require a large percentage of the population be involved before it is deserving of front page news? I do not recall this EVER being a requirement of ANY newspaper.

Newworthy material is usually just that...NEWS, and is ecspecially desired if it is also attention grabbing. Well, gay/bi stuff usually is that too.

So what if they have a parade? WHO CARES? There are many organizations that host events to bring together those with similar interests. They are not breaking any laws in their beliefs or in their act of having a parade.

Don't bring religion into the mix...WHY? Because religion is just a belief. I don't care if the bible says it's wrong...that still doesn't mean definitively that IT IS WRONG. It's a book with unconfirmed resources.

I don't think that homosexuality is natural...but why does it have to be natural? People EVERYDAY do things that are not natural...it's doesn't make them evil or wrong. They are not having sex in the middle of the street...it's a PARADE...or a CELEBRATION...whatever it is, their not hurting anyone by doing it.

I personally can not stand religious events...they are ANNOYING. And it really pisses me off when they come to my door and leave crap on my vehicle...i've never had a gay person do that. Even still...it's not that big of a deal. I get over it...and I don't care if they get front page news on their last "fundraiser".

Red Rage 00 - Thank you. I respect your opinion and I also respect your passion. Let's just call it a gentleman's disagreement. Peace be with you bro.

This will be my last reply. Red Rage 00, thank you for the robust debate. I still think you're completely intolerant and hypocritical, but I respect your opinion. Please just respect the fact that not everyone is going to agree with you, and also, personal attacks on a person's religion is not a good way to make your point. Be intellectual, not hateful. Until we joust again.

Red Rage00 - It could celebrate the male and female relationship or the nuclear family. Is there anything wrong with that? Or has the world gotten so intolerant that the majority do not have a voice anymore.

Stars - You are precisely right that the gospel is based on love, and every Christian should love their fellow human being whether they be gay, strait, black or white. But the Bible also says that a man shall not lie with a man as he would with a woman or vise versa. That is my belief. I don't agree with the gay life style, but I respect their beliefs and don't seek to impose my own on them or anyone else. Live and let live. That is what is called tolerance, which is what seems to be lacking from the gay advocates these days.

swbones:

BZZZZT. Wrongo, pally. Hates comes from fear and personal insecurity - your own inadequacies as a human being.

And, the proper relationship between men is love - whether it be brotherly, sexual, romantic, unrequited, admiration, or whatever. LOVE. As the Great Beast, Old Uncle Al himself said, "LOVE IS THE LAW, LOVE UNDER WILL."

RG - I'm totally at peace with the fact that homosexuals are here. As I've said in my previous posts, I would never impose my beliefs on other people. I have gay friends of my own and do not judge them, but I don't agree with their lifestyle. The constitution guarantees me the freedom of speech, therefore I have the right to disagree with someone. This does not make me intolerant, it makes me a free thinker. The intolerant ones are the people who want to get people who courteously disagree with the gay life style to agree with them, at all costs. Aren't people allowed to disagree with each other without being called a bigot or a homophobe. What would you rather I do, be a robot and agree with everything that you want me to. In other words, you want me to be a slave to your intolerance. I believe that is what you call a dictatorship. Think about it.

Are we STILL on this topic?? You people are forgetting two things. First the newspaper is for EVERYBODY, not just a handful of narrow minded religious zealiots. (Yes I just branded you.) Second, the Advocate has to right to publish whatever it wishes due to the 1st Admendment which gives us freedom of the press. Now, as I personally have said before, homosexualitity is here and it's here to stay and the sooner you make peace with this fact the better off we'll be.

Legislate all you want, it will not stop judgment or hate in other people. Hatred is kindled the more people are pressed to accept, pay for, tolerate, employ, make special allowances for and watch what you say around any group or person.

The individuals rights are guaranteed but the Constitution of the United States of America. There is no such thing as “Group Rights”. That thought process is a very dangerous road we have been taking.
So let’s get away from the PC BS.

What is the proper relationship between men?

Red Rage 00. From the way you berate people who believe in God, you have no clue as to who he really is. There you go again trying to act like you know what you're talking about. Can I get you a bottle, or would you like me to change your diaper for you? Anything to get you to stop crying.

rnb77. Thank you for proving my point as well. When someone disagrees with homosexual agendas, you reduce yourself to labeling people homophobic. You seek to judge people and label them when they don't agree with you. I would like to see how tolerant you are if someone suggested a celebration of heterosexuality. Thanks again for proving my point.

Red Rage 00, Thank you for proving my point and for displaying your cowardice as well. You proved that any baby can throw a fit. Have a nice time licking your wounds.

i don't see anything wrong with it being in the paper or on the front page for that matter. All you homophobics should be thankful it was in the paper so you don't happen to take your family there on that particular day. They want to celebrate..... let them. It takes a lot of courage for them to tell their families and friends that they are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. And since there is such a small percentage of them it's great that they stick together and hold events like this. They are people just like you and me. Let them be. No one is asking for your approval or whether you agree or disagree.

By the way Red Rage00. I know I would have won the argument with you as I did now because rationalism always wins out against anger. Nice try though.

Red Rage. As usual, you show your lack of class and intellect when you post your responses. First of all, I believe in the Bible because it is my choice, and you have absolutely no proof that it is written to control people. Talk about talking out of your a#%. You really need to read people's posts before you respond. Gay pride parades may have started off as you noted, but the truth is, they have turned in to a display of rank exhibitionism at best. It amazes to see how ignorant you are because you just seem to spout hatred out of every pore of your body. And how dare you compare the gay rights campaign to the civil rights campaign. The comparison is unwarrented because gays were never slaves in America, there was never a law that suggested that gays were not human, and there was never a law that kept gays separate from straits in the school systems. This issue has been raised time and again, and civil rights spokespeople all agree that to make a comparisons between the two is nuts. Also, if you bothered to read my post, you'll see that I said that I would never impose my beliefs on another person, but I'm not going to sell out my morals just to make someone feel good about themselves when they ask me if I agree with them. Do I not have the right to freedom of choice? You seem to forget that when you spout your garbage about being intolerant and thinking for yourself. The true fact of the matter is that you post on this discussion time and time again with unsubstantiated rhetoric and hypocritical nonsense, that it bores me to tears. So the next time that you want to launch an argument, be sure that you know the facts, be sure that you actually read what a person says, and most of all, know what you're talking about. You have a lot of nerve talking about intolerance, when you seem to have a penchant for putting down people who believe in the Bible. That is my belief, and if you are a decent and "tolerant" human being, you will respect that and not launch vile hateful remarks about it. Think for yourself, and don't let hate think for you.

RR: Gforce DID win that argument. Let's see, the majority is supposed to be tolerant, while the minority can be intolerant. Doesn't work that way, although the outer fringe folks would sure like it to be.

Just as your lesbian friends, we could all be accused about forgetting parts of the Bible that we don't like to hear about. When you search you soul deep down inside, you realize that brings about some of the turmoil in one's life.

Just a clarification, GLBT of Victoria isn't holding a parade, but a gay pride celebration on Magnolia Beach.

Thanks Sandwichh. I have had some gay friends before and known gay people that were very nice, but I have also known some gay people that were not so nice and were the most intolerant people I've ever met. Not to say that it's not the same on both sides, it just seems more prevelant on that side these days. I even worked with a lesbian at my job and we got in to it one day because she asked me a question and didn't like my answer. She asked me about gay marriage and I told her that I don't support the gay lifestyle because I believe it's wrong. She got extremely irrate with me and tried every means of convincing me that I was nuts. I stood my ground though. She even went so far as to tell me that we are all God's children. I then asked her, if she was a Christian and if she believed that the bible was the word of God. She said yes. Then I put the question to her, "If you believe this, then what makes you think that this is alright in God's eyes when the Bible says that the lifestyle is unacceptable in several passages?" She then retorted by saying, "Oh the Bible was written by man and isn't perfect." I then said, "How interesting that when you want to cite the Bible to further your cause, you do, yet when it says something that you don't like, you say that its fallible." I told her that she simply was using the Bible and molding it to suit her own views. She pretty much stood there with her jaw open and had nothing else to say. That's what I mean when I say intolerant. The whole thing got heated because she asked me a question and got ticked because she didn't like my answer. Don't ask the question if you can't take the answer. The Advocate also seems to be intolerant as well because it only gives one side of a story. My brother works with a lesbian at Walmart and earlier this year the Advocate did a story about her and an incident that occurred at Chickfilet. The Advocate only told one side of the incident saying that her and her girlfriend were asked to leave by the owner because they were "harmlessly" having a meal together as a lesbian couple. What I learned in the following days shed some new light on what really happened. My brother learned from people in the store who were actually there at the resteraunt that the incident didn't happen as the Adovcate had reported it. It turns out that the woman and her girlfriend were all over each other the entire time they were in Chickfilet and that customers with children were starting to complain because the two women were being exhibitionists. The manager asked the two women to stop out of consideration for the other customers, and when they didn't, they were then asked to leave. This was indeed a story of intolerance, but not by the manager of Chickfilet, but by two women who could not control their hormones and act like civilized people in public. That's why when I read the Advocate, I have to make sure and do some probing in order to get the whole story.

Oh, THEMIS! Where are you?

So let me get this straight: you don't want anything on the front page re a gay pride event cause only a small part of the community is homosexual? So, using that logic we shouldn't have anything about the Black History Parade/Festival or the Juneteenth events cause not everyone in the community is black, right? And we shouldn't have anything about the Livestock Show on the front page cause not everyone raises animals or is in 4-H and FFA. And we shouldn't have anything about high school graduations or honor rolls cause not everyone graduates or makes high grades. Do you see where I'm going here? If you start censoring what goes on the paper based on the percentage of the population that it applies to, pretty soon you're not going to have anything left.
Not that it should matter, but I am not gay, but I do have friends that are and I think they should be able to celebrate if they want. I'm sure I'm going to get roasted by other posters, but I don't care. If you don't want to be around a gay pride event [or any other celebration for that matter], don't go. If there's something in the paper about it and you don't want to read it, turn the page. If there's something on the news about it and you don't want to see it, change the channel. If it's online and you can't bear the sight of it, go to a different story or web site. There are ways to avoid things if you really want to.

You are exactly correct GForce. Just because someone is gay does not mean I have to agree with them. Met some that are nice and some that ain't. I don't think it is right or natural. They think it is, so why does that merit a gay pride thing that I have to agree with or be around it? We went to see a gay parade in Dallas one year with some friends we were visiting for a short while. They thought it was funny but it was not our bag so we left. Doesn't mean we want to trash all the gay people, just ain't our thing. We did not think it was right so they carried on and we left. Trouble is I have never seen a hetersexual pride parade or day or anything. I guess you would be called a homophobe if you wanted one of those. Just like so many things nowadays. If you don't agree with something for some reason you are a racist, sexist, homophobe, etc..

Like water off a ducks back for me anymore. If you can tell which way they are going I like to hit them first with it though. Evil one I am. hehehe. Ya gotta make some fun of this stuff everyonce in a while. Life's too short. Lot of hate around for the good stuff.

I have to say that I agree with this article in principle. Whether a person is gay or strait, I can't understand why homosexuals feel that they need to have a parade in order to "sell" their way of life to everyone else. If you're gay, that is your private decision, just like it's mine to be heterosexual, but it is entirely inappropriate to flaunt anyone's sexuality in public just to gain acceptance to the mainstream. It's interesting that when heterosexual people express their sexuality, that they are shouted down and looked upon as degenerates, but when a homosexual flaunts their sexuality, everyone is expected to sit back, accept it and keep quiet, lest you be labeled a homophobe or intolerant. In my opinion, sexual orientation is not a subject to be flaunted in public, whether it be gay or strait, but is rather a subject for one's privacy. If you're gay, that is your own private matter and should be kept to yourself as anyone's sexual orientation should be. Please remember also that tolerance and acceptance are two different things. I tolerate the fact that people choose to live a gay lifestyle and I do not choose to impose my beliefs upon them or try to shame them in anyway. I do not accept or support the gay lifestyle because I believe that it is morally wrong and goes against everything that God intended when he gave humans the ability to procreate. Like I said, that is my belief, but I will not impose on other people, but by the same token I will not support them in their lifestyle. That is the difference between tolerance and acceptance, which is a line that many gay advocates refuse to see, but rather seem content to brand people who don't agree with their agenda as intolerant bigots. It sounds to me like the intolerance has shifted more towards the other side of the coin. Hopefully people will remember the old saying, "You go your way, and I'll go mine.