Dear Muzzy

    Monica Hamkins
    P.O.Box 396
    Brunswick, Maine
    04011


    Dear Muzzy,

    "My name is Monica Hamkins. I'm a proud Mainer, and I'm writing today
    because of my daughter.

    My husband, Clark, and I have six children. One of our daughters, Melisa,
    is a lesbian, Melisa is just as committed to her partner as our married children
    are to their husbands and wives.

    As a Catholic, I've experienced some conflict about this issue. Despite the
    Church's official position, I know the Bible tells me to love God with all my heart,
    and to love my neighbor as myself. So what does it mean to love my neighbor?

    I think about what my own marriage means to me. I've been married to Clark
    for 54 years, and our marriage brings me joy and contentment every day.

    Ultimately, how I excercise my conscience is by thinking and praying about
    issues and weighing what my faith teaches me with what I experience in the
    real world. I can only do what my conscience tells me is right, and I know
    that allowing all loving, committed couples to marry is the right thing to do.

    I didn't always feel this way. The journey to these feelings took some time
    and understanding. But we were all brought up to believe in the Golden Rule:
    to treat others as you want to be treated.

    Two people in a loving, committed relationship should be able to share in
    dignity, support and recognition that only marriage can provide.

    Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

    Sincerely,

    Monica

    Monica Hamkins
    Brunswick"


    Dear Monica,
   

    I have voted yes to legalize gay marriages in Maine.
    It seems arcane to perpetuate superstitions about same sex relationships.
    Honestly, do we need the Bible for our social guide?
    Judges 8:30 "Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten:
    for he had many wives." Is polygamy legal?
    2 Chronicles  "Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Abraham above
    all of his wives and his concubines." So, having prostitutes is okay?
    Leviticus 21:17 forbids the blind, crippled, or bastards from entering the
    Temple. These poor souls were to be shunned.
    What is it that makes us believe that these pre-modern superstitions
    are not ignorance and prejudice?

    I wish you luck Monica. Your cause is just, but there are a lot of
    Old Testament bigots against you.

    Sincerely,

    Muzzy

    =+=