I must make a final reply to Mr. James Vaughn”s letter (Record-Bee, January 31). Isn”t it time we stopped this quibbling and sniping at each other? My last letter was an effort at reconciliation, not a call to battle. This back and forth disagreement is becoming childish, unbecoming and detrimental to both of our parties.
Basically, I take most exception to his contention of the Stonewall Club being “separate”. It is not separate. it is merely an extension. The Democratic Party has room for all kinds of groups, women, minorities and ethnic groups who meet to discuss their issues and problems, then report back to their respective Central Committees. I believe that”s called democracy.
Vaughn may have disbanded the Log Cabin Republicans a bit prematurely. The “governator” has twice vetoed the same-sex marriage bill that an industrious and dedicated democratic legislature passed. All Democratic presidential candidates have vowed to end the “don”t ask, don”t tell” policy, and not one Republican candidate has followed suit.
This is my last letter, but one final thing needs to be addressed, The Lake County Gay Community does not have the privileges of a large metropolis area like Sacramento with its community center, gay bars and other venues. So we depend on the Stonewall Club for its spirit of friendship and unity. Is that explanation enough for why we are organized?
Since Vaughn is an avid reader of the Record-Bee, he can easily find the Democratic Club meetings. Lets not take any more space in this newspaper that has allowed both sides to be expressed and allow other citizens to participate with more crucial problems such as global warming, a catastrophic war and a sliding economy.
Harold Riley
Clearlake
