The view that the public should decide the fate of this issue completely dismisses the fact that our Constitution protects the rights of the minority from the majority, no matter how unpopular.
Gays and lesbians pay taxes and positively contribute to society through all facets of life. How could anyone justify the less-than-fair treatment they receive compared to heterosexual married couples?
In my opinion, the poll numbers against same-gender marriage simply reflect the public's fear of what is unchartered territory.
Heterosexuals who are against or undecided about same-gender marriage may relax - theywill not lose any rights by the passage of such. This issue belongs with an impartial court to decide; not for a fearful and emotional public who are not the victims of such discrimination.
KEONI TONAKI
Ten years ago, I would have automatically voted for Dole in a Dole-Clinton contest. Today, I see Dole as just another political prostitute, a tool of the lobbyists, a special-interest darling, a "beltway bureaucrat" - a man who has become a multi-millionaire through his political connections!
Dole cannot win the presidency on the basis of his record. He is desperately trying to get Colin Powell as his running mate and Powell isn't interested. In the end, Dole will pick New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman as his vice president hoping that she will bring him the female vote and put him in the White House.
In the last presidential election I supported Ross Perot. There is no doubt in my mind that Perot would have won the election if he hadn't dropped out and then later decided to run again.
Pat Buchanan is going to bolt from the Republican Party and Ross Perot will doubtlessly be running as a third-party presidential candidate. I could support a Perot/Buchanan ticket - or vice versa. Bob Dole is not going to be president and Bill Clinton should never be re-elected!
WILLIAN D. NUESKE
The service you now offer and the ability to stay in touch with our roots is sincerely appreciated.
HANS L'ORANGE III
Boulder, Colo.
I've lived in the area nearly two years as a residential manager. I am quite knowledgeable about what my tenants desire and I assure you, it's not another park. The parks we have now aren't suited to the needs of our tenants at this time. Nor is the community. Couldn't this money be better used in an effort to service those who are already in the area?
As for the road work that's to be done, we have a lot of roads that are used much more thanthe ones to be developed. Can't we use the money to improve what's already in place? Lord knows we need it! Why now?
MICHAEL W. TURMAN