Letters to the Editor 09-14-2005
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- God Doesn't Hate - True Gentleman
God Doesn't Hate
Editor, Times-Union:Here I am, settling back into my second year of college, not nearly far enough away from Warsaw. It's been a while since I've written to you, gentle readers of the Times-Union, and I must admit that's simply because I was waiting around for the one good letter that would really set me aflame (no pun intended). J. Robert and Jodie Boggs. I don't even know where to begin.
I was in New Orleans a month before Katrina hit. I was there as an Indiana state representative for the American Civil Liberties Union Biennial Conference (to toot my own horn). During my visit, I stayed in a hostel, where I met many true locals like a voodoo priestess and a down-home N'Awleans "good old boy" who worked at the house. We stayed up for countless hours one muggy Louisiana night talking about Southern Decadence.
I'd never heard of it, and it sounded to me like a good time. But what do I know about fun? I lived 18 years in Warsaw in the proverbial "closet" because of people like you. That was joyous, let me tell you.
Southern Decadence began in 1972 as a party thrown by a group of friends in New Orleans. Some of them were gay. Some of them were heterosexual. Still following me? Good. Nowadays, a vast majority of the planned events for Southern Decadence take place in clubs and bars, inside, away from the eyes of the world, for people in general to celebrate the diversity of the gay and lesbian community.
As for those rabble rousers who take it "a little too far" - I'm sure New Orleans has seen enough of their straight counterparts at Mardi Gras. Let's be a little open minded, eh?
But you know, that's not really the point. You may have decided, based on your fallible knowledge of Southern Decadence, that the event is - what's that phrase the right-wing likes so much - something negative about the "moral fabric of America." It's fine for you to have a problem with Southern Decadence, like it is fine for me to have a problem with your ideas of religion and life in general. Three cheers for different opinions!
It is not fine for you to believe that God killed, hurt and left homeless so many innocent people, gay and straight, because He or She didn't agree with a party. Biblically, God has never set "His" hand against anyone who lived a good and virtuous lifestyle. I'm pretty sure there was this story from the Bible - where there was this guy - and God was going to rain down fire or boiling acid and destroy a city - because that's how "He" rolled in those days - but this guy said, "Wait up, God, what if I can find one virtuous man? Just one! Out of a whole ton of baddies. Then will you spare this city?" And after some heckling, God said, "You know, that would be a pretty awesome thing of me to do. And I'm a pretty awesome guy. Your wish is my command." Or something like that. You probably know the story better than me since you're true Christians.
So, if you're right, and God hates what is so gently referred to as the "Gay Mardi Gras," explain to me the unnecessary death. Explain to me the damage that has been done to all the people that are living lifestyles that even you would have to deem virtuous. Explain.
One more thing. Southern Decadence is a largely French Quarter event. Surprisingly enough, Katrina spared the French Quarter from most of the serious damage. Amen to that.
Brittany Decker Kusserow
Muncie, via e-mail
True Gentleman
Editor, Times-Union:One of the greatest people that I have ever met passed away recently. He was 82 years old. I met him about 20 years ago, so even at that time he was an older grandfather type man to me, being 40 years younger. My age had no effect on his view of me.
Simply put, when you talked to this man, he made you feel important. He actually listened to what you had to say and genuinely cared about how things were in your life.
This man lived in a very nice house on a very nice lake and obviously lived a comfortable life. I was but a delivery person whose job was to provide the service of delivering packages to him and his family. When I was at his house though, doing my job, I felt as though I was part of his family. His wealth or accomplishments compared to mine meant nothing. I was always invited in, offered a beverage, and on occasion given the opportunity to view some of his prized possessions.
He was an admirer of the American Indian and enjoyed collecting related art. This man had obviously been very successful in his life and career and had some interesting memorabilia and awards that he humbly shared with me.
He was extremely proud of his family, and when I did get to meet his children, I felt as though I already knew them. Every person in his family shared the same warm personality. Whether it is in the genes, or that this type of caring personality is simply contagious I cannot say for sure, but I do know that I sure felt different ... better about myself and other people ... after I had the opportunity to have a chat with this man.
I wish everybody could have met this man. It is a fast-paced world where it seems that people have a tendency to think only about themselves and what is happening in their own life. This man could show you how wonderful it is to occasionally put your own life aside and show interest in another person's well-being.
This man's name was Chris Schenkel.
By the way, I heard he was a famous sportscaster.
Brian Erne
Warsaw, via e-mail
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- God Doesn't Hate - True Gentleman
God Doesn't Hate
Editor, Times-Union:Here I am, settling back into my second year of college, not nearly far enough away from Warsaw. It's been a while since I've written to you, gentle readers of the Times-Union, and I must admit that's simply because I was waiting around for the one good letter that would really set me aflame (no pun intended). J. Robert and Jodie Boggs. I don't even know where to begin.
I was in New Orleans a month before Katrina hit. I was there as an Indiana state representative for the American Civil Liberties Union Biennial Conference (to toot my own horn). During my visit, I stayed in a hostel, where I met many true locals like a voodoo priestess and a down-home N'Awleans "good old boy" who worked at the house. We stayed up for countless hours one muggy Louisiana night talking about Southern Decadence.
I'd never heard of it, and it sounded to me like a good time. But what do I know about fun? I lived 18 years in Warsaw in the proverbial "closet" because of people like you. That was joyous, let me tell you.
Southern Decadence began in 1972 as a party thrown by a group of friends in New Orleans. Some of them were gay. Some of them were heterosexual. Still following me? Good. Nowadays, a vast majority of the planned events for Southern Decadence take place in clubs and bars, inside, away from the eyes of the world, for people in general to celebrate the diversity of the gay and lesbian community.
As for those rabble rousers who take it "a little too far" - I'm sure New Orleans has seen enough of their straight counterparts at Mardi Gras. Let's be a little open minded, eh?
But you know, that's not really the point. You may have decided, based on your fallible knowledge of Southern Decadence, that the event is - what's that phrase the right-wing likes so much - something negative about the "moral fabric of America." It's fine for you to have a problem with Southern Decadence, like it is fine for me to have a problem with your ideas of religion and life in general. Three cheers for different opinions!
It is not fine for you to believe that God killed, hurt and left homeless so many innocent people, gay and straight, because He or She didn't agree with a party. Biblically, God has never set "His" hand against anyone who lived a good and virtuous lifestyle. I'm pretty sure there was this story from the Bible - where there was this guy - and God was going to rain down fire or boiling acid and destroy a city - because that's how "He" rolled in those days - but this guy said, "Wait up, God, what if I can find one virtuous man? Just one! Out of a whole ton of baddies. Then will you spare this city?" And after some heckling, God said, "You know, that would be a pretty awesome thing of me to do. And I'm a pretty awesome guy. Your wish is my command." Or something like that. You probably know the story better than me since you're true Christians.
So, if you're right, and God hates what is so gently referred to as the "Gay Mardi Gras," explain to me the unnecessary death. Explain to me the damage that has been done to all the people that are living lifestyles that even you would have to deem virtuous. Explain.
One more thing. Southern Decadence is a largely French Quarter event. Surprisingly enough, Katrina spared the French Quarter from most of the serious damage. Amen to that.
Brittany Decker Kusserow
Muncie, via e-mail
True Gentleman
Editor, Times-Union:One of the greatest people that I have ever met passed away recently. He was 82 years old. I met him about 20 years ago, so even at that time he was an older grandfather type man to me, being 40 years younger. My age had no effect on his view of me.
Simply put, when you talked to this man, he made you feel important. He actually listened to what you had to say and genuinely cared about how things were in your life.
This man lived in a very nice house on a very nice lake and obviously lived a comfortable life. I was but a delivery person whose job was to provide the service of delivering packages to him and his family. When I was at his house though, doing my job, I felt as though I was part of his family. His wealth or accomplishments compared to mine meant nothing. I was always invited in, offered a beverage, and on occasion given the opportunity to view some of his prized possessions.
He was an admirer of the American Indian and enjoyed collecting related art. This man had obviously been very successful in his life and career and had some interesting memorabilia and awards that he humbly shared with me.
He was extremely proud of his family, and when I did get to meet his children, I felt as though I already knew them. Every person in his family shared the same warm personality. Whether it is in the genes, or that this type of caring personality is simply contagious I cannot say for sure, but I do know that I sure felt different ... better about myself and other people ... after I had the opportunity to have a chat with this man.
I wish everybody could have met this man. It is a fast-paced world where it seems that people have a tendency to think only about themselves and what is happening in their own life. This man could show you how wonderful it is to occasionally put your own life aside and show interest in another person's well-being.
This man's name was Chris Schenkel.
By the way, I heard he was a famous sportscaster.
Brian Erne
Warsaw, via e-mail
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