Is there something in the water of Alton, IL?

[question everything]

One of the most bigoted and ignorant letter that I have read... and in the Wall Street Journal, that normally does not hold these opinions, even grants benefits to same sex partners...



Institution of Marriage
April 1, 2005; Page A11

Rev. Brad Wishon ("Who Are We Harming1," Letters to the Editor, March 15) challenges Robert F. Nagel ("Supreme Chaos2," editorial page, March 7) "to name one harmful consequence resulting from" gay marriage. I think I can name three.

First, I assume that gay married couples get some financial benefits in terms of income taxes, survivors' benefits, etc., just like man-woman married couples. Whoever is paying it is harmed by gay marriage.

Secondly, I assume gay married couples will have increased rights in adopting children. Since it is already difficult for man-woman couples to adopt, gay marriage will make it even harder. Those man-woman couples who are not able to adopt, or who must spend more time and money doing so, are harmed by gay marriage.

One might also wonder what effect it would have on mothers who are considering putting their babies up for adoption. How would knowing that your son could be adopted by two gay men affect your decision? I'm not sure what, if any, harm would be done, but I'd guess it would affect behavior.

Thirdly, and probably most importantly, gay marriage redefines the institution of marriage. As the meaning of marriage is expanded, it is also diluted. Just like awarding first-place gold medals to all Olympic athletes or giving perfect SAT scores to all college applicants would devalue the medals and SAT scores, gay marriage would devalue marriage for all non-gay married couples. Eventually, whatever benefit man-woman couples get from marriage would be lessened.

None of this means gay marriage should be prohibited. But to pretend it would bestow only benefits and no costs is unrealistic.

Randall Hoven
Alton, Ill.

URL for this article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB111232239815495195,00.html

[BrklynLiberal]

1. I am writing a letter to the WSJ, which I am sure they will not print,

saying that I assume that letter was some sort of April Fools Day joke.

[question everything]

2. Good for you.

and, hey, they may just do that

[LEW]

3. Unfortunately, I don't think this is a joke

I live in Alton, Illinois and know this gentleman. As progressive as most of Alton and Illinois is (we vote democrate), there are still some very narrow minded individuals. I'm also sure, we are not the only town or city with such people in our midst.

On the good side, Alton is a wonderfull historic town which sits on the the Mississippi. We are well known for our antique shops, historic housing and of course our casino!!

On the darker side, Elijah P. Lovejoy was killed by an angry mob in Alton because he wrote articles against slavery. We don't take people by mob action much any more, but reserve the right to repeat history in the future. lol

[question everything]

4. Isn't Phylis Schlafly from there?

[LEW]

5. Oh, thanks for reminding everyone

We try and forget about that!!!!!!

[question everything]

6. Sorry, but this is why the name Alton rang a bell

Still, sounds like a lovely city, worth a visit... I am sure it has plenty of Bed and Breakfast, and bike trails

[LEW]

7. thanks question everything

We do have 4-5 wonderfull bed and breakfast. And, a extremely nice bike trail that runs along the bluffs on the mississippi river.

If you ever visit let me know, I would be honored to meet another du'er.

[John_H]

8. Alton is a pretty town

too bad it's populated mostly by jackasses. Sadly, the Bon Aire Lounge is more representative of Alton than the bed and breakfasts.

[HughBeaumont]

9. Wasnt Robert Wadlow from Alton?

Wadlow was the tallest man in human history (8' 11 3/4"), and reportedly, he followed the events of Adolf Hitler as he invaded the Sudetenland and beyond. Apparently he was fascinated by him -

Story

[Starbucks Anarchist]

10. Miles Davis was born in Alton, IL.

So something good came out of that place.