THE PUBLIC MIND: READER WANTS NATION'S ATTENTION TO MOVE BEYOND GAY DEBATE

Dear Editor:

As I perused the Nov. 22 edition of the Wall Street Journal, the article on Page 16 headlining: "Christian Oppose Homosexual Rights," captured my attention. It would appear that some of the influential representatives of the pulpit have deemed it necessary to interpret religious faction's opinions of the impact of homosexuality on society in the United States. When did the "Christian right" seek out heterosexual consensus on homosexuality? After what battle will they claim victory?

It sickens me to realize that there are those individuals out in the clergy profession that would even consider allowing homosexuality to take precedence over the more important economic issues on the government's all ready full dinner tray. Homosexuality is an issue that cannot be settled or made to go away by legislation; it therefore warrants NO need for publicity, donations, or any special privileges.

Since such aggressive legislation is being sought against a so-called abnormal sexual act; shouldn't we also seek penalizations for those that participate in mate swapping, rough sex, and anal sex? In fact - let's just make everyone carry a registration card of their sexual preference and their preferred activity with that preference. Have the gates of Sodom and Gomorrah been no lesson to us? If we dwell upon what lies in the past and on what is not our concern, we to shall become like a pillar of salt; still and helpless.

Until this country has no other items of legislative concern except for sex; let us until that time, remain more focused of the challenges at hand. We need to re-educate the American population to some old, but tried and true philosophies: cheap products aren't always continuously productive; less can mean more; government subsidy in large doses isn't always healthy; and that global awareness will help create a better community. Let's steer clear of the moral roller coasters - they are cheap thrills compared to more worthwhile causes that need championing. We are intelligent people; we can tackle the adult issues of the economy and make some impact.

We should encourage our families and religious leaders to handle the moral issues with their God empowered and sanctioned boundaries. Once we allow our government to delegate moral behavior, we are picking out our own ropes. All that will be left is to argue as to what tree to dangle the rope.

It is a shame that some individuals of this nation still think that the American public can be duped into spending good productive time on dribble subjects such as homosexuality. What is so damning is this: Some of that duped population really thinks that their time is being spent wisely. No wonder the poor stay poor and the homeless stay homeless; they allow their destinies controlled to be the "chicken littles" of society. The few should not rule the many.

In am well aware my words are crass. It seemed real frankness was in order to command the attention of the sometimes blase reader. My words are a plea from an optimistic, young parent of two. Our children need direction; not division. Our children need moral nurturing; not more legislation. Our children need us to rise to the occasion and take the helm of this giant ship. Our leaders can only lead successfully if there is a united constituency.

Kelle A. Lane

Route 4 Jackson