Homosexuals or Violence

     An editorial in The Washington Post from October 12, 2010 headlines “Politicians Help Fuel Climate of Hate Against Gays and Lesbians.” I don’t know about you, but that kind of title definitely catches the eye. In this editorial the author reaches every anti-republican, homosexual and gay rights activist and joins them all together. 
The story is replayed of how two 17- year-old boys and a 30 year old man were kidnapped and sexually tortured in the Bronx because they are gay. While this bit of information is heart wrenching and sickening at the same time, it doesn’t began to compare to the statement of Republican governor candidate, Carl Paladino, made in a speech he gave on Sunday.
     “That’s not how God created us… I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family, and I don’t want them brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally and valid successful option—it isn’t.”—Carl Paladino(The Washington Post)


     While I have my own beliefs as to how life was intended to be when it comes to the subject of homosexuality, I do not have the right to imply or assume that “my children and your children would be better off ” if they weren’t homosexual. However the author does ask a challenging question. “Where do bullies get their ammunition, the hurtful slurs that eat away at the self esteem of those who are gay or lesbian?” “One source,” he says is politicians like Carl Paladino.


     I agree and disagree with the author here. I agree that it not only shows your bias as a republican candidate, it also shows your lack of maturity and respect for human life. If republican candidate Paladino was the father of one of the 17 yr olds  would he have the same beliefs ? Or would he be a bit more understanding(hypocritical)?  
While I also don’t believe that God created us to be attracted to the same sex, I do believe that the same God was grieved by what happened to those three gentlemen.
     I disagree that politicians are one of the greatest sources of fuel for these hate crimes. I believe the media is the mafia king in the light of these crimes. From cop television shows to newspaper articles like this one, the media helps the idea of these crimes develop for some and give ammunition for others. Why are we concerned with homosexuality being a way of life while violence has proven to take life? We are not talking about Hussein's or Bin Laden's beliefs vs America's beliefs! Those were harmful to the point of death. We are talking about a sexual preference. We all have our own opinions as to how things are supposed to be. What we DO NOT HAVE is the right to harm one based on their lifestyle choices (especially if it’s not a matter of life and death).