Northeast Philadelphia residents discuss gay marriage, homeless vets and cleaning the neighborhood.
Why are you offended?
In response to Michael L. Bane’s Letter to the Editor, “Overturn gay marriage,” published in the June 6 edition of the Northeast Times:
A recent letter laid out a plan to overturn gay marriage in this nation. The author feels the courts came to the wrong decision when Justice Kennedy stated, “It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find fulfillment for themselves… They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The constitution grants them that right.”
As a married gay man coming up on his wedding anniversary in August, the one question that comes up in my mind when I read letters like the one published is, “Why?”
Why is my marriage considered such an affront to you? Why is what I am, and my desire to share my life with another person so controversial? I don’t want to force my sexuality in anyone’s face. I just want to live happily with the man I love and have that relationship recognized like our government recognizes other relationships. How does that desire harm anyone else? How does me living out my life with the person I love hurt you? It apparently hurts you so much that you want to null our marriage, take back our tax benefits and ban our relationship from recognition again.
I don’t think I’m that much of a threat. I just want to live my life with my family as many other gay and lesbian couples do across this nation. I want to live that life knowing that our relationship is equal and valued the same way before society and the law.
Pastor Joseph Klinger
Rhawnhurst
It’s time to fix Grant Ave.
In response to Georgeanne Kruszewski’s Letter to the Editor, “Eyesore on Grant Ave.” published in the June 6 edition of the Northeast Times:
I agree with Georgeanne Kruszewki from East Torresdale who wrote that something needs to be done with those abandoned buildings on Grant Avenue. They are a monstrosity and need to be removed as soon as possible. Those unpleasant buildings have been there for too many years. It’s time for them to be destroyed and replaced with either some kind of nature park or a business that is needed in this Northeast neighborhood.
Susan Morris
Biggest star-spangled flag
The biggest star-spangled flag
Going up proud over my country,
The outstretched national flag
Is raising above, as the guarantee.
George Washington and Betsy Ross
Have created you long ago,
You are widespread across lots
And feeling free yourself to grow.
We had thirteen in the past,
Today there are fifty stars,
A lot of people aspire to us
And wish to give friendly arms.
Under your wing in all the states,
In under God created country
In freedom, happiness and justice
All people live, as friends, politely.
Moysey Barash
Translated by Marim Barash
Donate to homeless vets
Until further notice, my staff and I will be collecting new and gently used backpacks, knapsacks, rucksacks, schoolbags, drawstring bags and satchels for homeless veterans. We also welcome donations of combs, hairbrushes, chap sticks, wet wipes, pocket tissues, deodorant, bar soap, hand cream, hand sanitizer, snacks, spoons, energy bars and water bottles.
If you have any of these items that you would like to donate, please drop them off in my office at 19 S. York Road in Hatboro.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Rep. Thomas P. Murt
152nd Legislative District
