From: mason@lambda.msfc.nasa.gov (Jim Mason)
Subject: Re: Homosexual Rights
Organization: NASA/MSFC
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 17:14:02 GMT

puttk@infonode.ingr.com (Ken Putt) writes:
>mason@lambda.msfc.nasa.gov (Jim Mason) writes:
>>"Fundamentalist christianity is NOT an acceptable way of life simply

>Your choice of worship or even belief in worship has nothing to do with 
>behavior which so obviously goes against the very nature of procreation
>of mankind. Apples and oranges.

If this were indeed so OBVIOUS, then it begs the question why it's
even included in the Bill of Rights.  People were persecuted for
centuries (and still are today) because of their religious beliefs.
Just because YOU would not judge on the basis of religious persuasion
does not mean that others would not gladly.

> >The point is that it is silly to complain about gay/lesbian use of
> >PACs....

>Silly? I think not. Just an example of how people use PAC's (a powerful
>tool for those with enough $$$) to further oftentimes detrimental
>causes. Since that statement begs the question, "Detrimental to who?", 
>I answer: it depends on your point of view. 

My point exactly.  I'm none too happy with the Moral Majority and their
ilk, but I don't go around slamming them BECAUSE they form PACs.  I
support their ability to advance their agenda in this manner, though I
completely disagree with the substance of that agenda.

>>>It is and always will be an unnatural type
>>>of behavior that merits our attention...not to accept it but to try to
>>>correct it in a civilized and logical way.

>>It is the question of the first person plural which is cause for concern.
>>When you say homosexuality "merits our attention" because we must "try to
>>correct it," who is it that should perform the "correction?"  Who will
>>establish what "correct" is?  The government?

>"We" obviously refers to our society. Correction should follow the lines
>of halting and treating other unnatural behavior. But then there are some, 
>as obviously you are aware, who believe that any activity that can be 
>imagined is "natural" and should not be disturbed. Sorry, I disagree.

So "we" will determine what is "natural" by way of vote?  Lots of
things are unnatural.  Left-handedness is unnatural.  People tried for
YEARS to change left-handed people (supposedly influenced by the devil)
into right-handed people.  Surgery is unnatural (in the middle ages,
one could be put to death for the sin of cutting into the temple of
the body).  Or are you saying that only those things which you find
offensive should have the unnatural label applied?

But further then, are rights something that can be decided by vote?
Can 51% of the population vote to not recognize the rights of the
other 49%?  Can 90% take away the rights of 10%.  Bottom line:  are
rights fundamental, or are they a privilege, which can be removed
with simple majority vote?

>> What kind of correction need be applied?  Shock treatments?  Indoctrination 
>> centres?  Prison camps?

>I see you forgot the "civilized and logical" portion of my message. There is
>excellent help for those with emotional problems. It's application can range
>from voluntary for those who recognize they need help to mandatory for those
>who break laws, whether your condition compels you to beat your wife and
>kids or stand on the street corner and expose yourself.

Your implication is, I assume, that being gay or lesbian is an emotional
problem.  Not everyone agrees.  It might be enlightening if you would
provide us with your definition of "emotional problem."

If I assert that some people's obsessive concern with the manifestation
of sexual diversity, which often boarders on paranoia, is a psychological
problem, shall we submit those individuals to "civilized and logical"
treatment?

-Jim

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