Dave Scidmore wrote on Aug 24, 2006 3:31 PM:
" Your report “St. Cloud, Minn.” “Bicyclist dies after colliding with truck” looks like you've turned a tragedy into a comedy but end up with your writing depicting you and your paper as totally F'ed up. It is obvious that what you have reported does not reflect the police report. You write that “ . . . a bicyclist who was fatally injured when he collided with a recycling truck in St. Cloud.” You then go on to write “Police said Vernlund was run over by the truck as it turned into a parking lot about 1:45 p. m. Tuesday.
I can just hear your Hee Haw Hee Haw, when you chose the words “he collided with a recycling truck” instead of a “A driver of a Garbage Truck run over and killed a bicyclist!”
"
Intolerance wrote on Mar 28, 2006 11:43 AM:
" Gay people are sexual deviants ... I think that's very clear. Look at the definition of deviant! Parents don't want appearnaces by other types of sexual deviants at a diversity day either ... hetero- or homo-sexuals. "
re tolerance wrote on Mar 28, 2006 8:37 AM:
" I really had to laugh at this,"where is the tolerance for parents who don't want their children to be exposed to sexual deviants at taxpayer expense?"...there is nothing sexually deviant about having gay people included in a diversity day. When one starts throwing about the words, "sexual deviants" you will find a higher percentage of "sexual deviants" among heterosexuals. I applaud the committee who tried again to bring awareness to this community again this year. It really is another sad day when diversity day was cancelled due to supression, and non-tolerance. How much more hate can this world stand. "
Tolerance? wrote on Mar 27, 2006 11:57 AM:
" We hear the liberals go on and on about tolerance, but where is the tolerance for parents who don't want their children to be exposed to sexual deviants at taxpayer expense? "
Dave wrote on Mar 27, 2006 10:24 AM:
" Man, I always love stories like this. A bunch of liberals want to hold a "diversity day" to educate young people. That is, until things get really diverse, or the education is something that they personally disagree with. Then all of a sudden, diversity is bad. "
MD wrote on Mar 27, 2006 1:16 AM:
" Sometimes ... I scratch my head and wonder if Dante wouldn't in the 21st century observe one or more of levels of hell as either political correctness or our public schools after reading the above article.
Perhaps we could avoid such needless bru-ha-ha's if we'd all hunker-down to the basics and keep it simple, like instead offering a 'math month' or a 'grammar day?'
I mean, I know it's more work and all, but perhaps understanding the differences between Aristotelian, predicate and modal logic might perhaps better equip the young student to discuss and debate the right choices for such controversial topics than a feel-good day cancelled because not everyone could be made to feel good? "
Misquoting Misquoting Jesus wrote on Mar 26, 2006 10:34 PM:
" Be careful that you're not Misquoting Misquoting Jesus. Bart Ehrman points out inconsistencies between various translations of the Bible in the first three centuries after the death of Christ. He does not definitively conclude that Jesus didn't speak those words ... he points out that some of the earliest versions of the written Gospels don't contain those two sentences. Some do. "
The Watcher wrote on Mar 26, 2006 9:18 PM:
" Actually, Jesus never said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone". It's in Bart Ehrman's book "Misquoting Jesus". It was added to the scriptures much later. "
Correction wrote on Mar 26, 2006 9:08 PM:
" Big City Boy ... your comments are profoundly ignorant. Have you ever read The Bible? Recall a man named Jesus stopping the stoning of a woman ... and teaching that lesson "let he who is without sin cast the first stone ..." Sound familiar? Advocates slavery? Ummmmm ... recall a guy named Moses ... I believe his catch phrase was "let my people go" ... the ultimate battle cry against slavery. Selling daughters ... where are you getting this crap? Maybe you need a study guide to distinguish between the bad guys and the good guys in the Bible. If ever there was a walking - talking argument for teaching The Bible in our schools, you're definitely it. "
big city boy now wrote on Mar 26, 2006 3:46 PM:
" I think Diversity Days are great! Anything that promotes tolerance and understanding of people different from ourselves can only be a good thing. I say the school should have still held it but made it voluntary if some parents feel threatened. As far as allowing preachers to speak, fine. Although I am not sure that I would want my child listening to someone who purports to speak for his god, cites a book that advocates, slavery, death by stoning, and selling daughters. But I guess we can all believe what we wish, right? "
Viroqua confusion wrote on Mar 26, 2006 9:38 AM:
" There is no such entity as ex-gays. Once born with gay proclivities one always has gay proclivities. Anything other is denial and/or falsification. 10-15 per cent of Viroqua residents are gay by birth. Allow gays to speak but a so-called ex-gay is fradulant and has no tie to diversification. "
The point of education wrote on Mar 26, 2006 9:07 AM:
" Isn't enabling students to learn valuable life skills to become successful adults in the real world the whole point of a public education? How unfortunate that the students in Viroqua will enter the workforce unprepared to work successfully without the opportunity to be informed about the diversity of the real american workforce that they will be a part of. Viroqua is alot like Walton's Mountain but there is a real world out there that has a wealth of diversity and these students are entitled to prepare themselves for living in a bigger world than small town America. Small town America is a wonderful place to live but with that also comes limited opportunities for success. "
Burg Dweller wrote on Mar 25, 2006 7:46 PM:
" OK, Mr Smith ... I'm glad you're allowing Viroqua to have a choice. AND ... it seems like a good one to me. If I didn't already live in a nice lil burg like Viroqua (somewhat smaller and father from La Crosse), I'd consider moving. People here love their neighbors and really don't pass judgment on their skin color, religious beliefs or what they may be doing in the privacy of their bedrooms. "
the untruth wrote on Mar 25, 2006 6:34 PM:
" Diversity ... but diversity of what? I've traveled to 16 different countries and I've enjoyed meeeting ppl from different cultures. I appreciate cultural diversity. I've studied different religions and I have respect for ppl from a diversity of religious backgrounds. I don't believe that "diversity of sexual preference" merits the same level of attention in school ... particularly among teens whose sexual identity is already already confused due to the effects of hormones and societal norms. "
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 25, 2006 6:06 PM:
" Well, it sure is nice to see a diversity of opinion on this forum. I'd like to point out though that while some people shy away from Diversity Day-type projects, others embrace them. Take a look at major industry today. Why do you think huge companies like AT&T, General Motors, Microsoft and all the other top companies in the world support diversity and actively promote it within their ranks? Its not because they are run by touchy-feely, altruistic, bleeding heart lefties. Its because it is PROFITABLE! Companies where diversity is embraced have lower turnover rates, higher productivity and higher profits. People are happier and do better work. So, I guess the lesson here is that you can evolve and embrace the modern world and all the wonders that it has to offer, or you can try to hide in your little burgs and let the world pass you by. It looks like Viroqua has already made its choice. "
the truth wrote on Mar 25, 2006 4:45 PM:
" why don't you read thorn and then tell me about name calling.. No one, made this political until then.. He made the generalization.. Now he can deal with the generalization about conservatives.. ONE OF WHICH is a lot closer to the truth then the point which he tried to make..
Diversity, is about everyone. We, who really do live in a closeted area, need to be more exposed to all the cultures that are out in the real world. We all need to be exposed to everyone needs, and lifestyles, and not just our own sheltered lives..
Because in real life, everyone is special, not just whites, or middle class, or the affluent but everyone. and just because you were not taught someone else's culture doesn't make yours "right and theirs wrong". No, thats not how it is.. The Native Americans have a lot to teach us. The Hmoung, African Americans, Hindu, gay, they all have a voice and they are not "wrong" just because they are different.
That would be discrimination. Racism.. That, as we have learned in 200 years of this country is wrong.. and its America's biggest eyesore.. Racism and Discrimination.. "
Another Viroqua Student wrote on Mar 25, 2006 2:57 PM:
" Do we really need a diversity days? I thought the whole purpose of school was to learn about science,history, math, and english not about different religions, Sexual orientation, and cultures. If we really wanted to learn about these different cultures how about doing something that people have done before when they wanted to learn about something, READ A BOOK!!! "
the untruth wrote on Mar 25, 2006 1:44 PM:
" jeez ... talk about intolerance and promoting hateful stereotypes ... "the truth" describes conservatives are racist and homo phobic. other posts claim they're bigots. are you so intolerant and afraid of opposing views that you have to resort to name calling and slander? lots of ppl with disagree with you and theyre not evil or fearful or intolerant ... they happen to believe in something and it is different than what you believe in. get over your persecution complex! "
the truth.. wrote on Mar 25, 2006 10:59 AM:
" and its obvious that the conservatives are racist and homo phobic here in the area.. because they are afraid of the diversity day..
See, when the conservatives get put into a corner they shout LIBERAL, and ABORTION and Homosexuals..
and then of course they ignore the LOG in their own eye..
REMOVE THE LOG FIRST and then you can see the speck in your brothers eye.. "
Thorn wrote on Mar 25, 2006 9:09 AM:
" CD you are right on the money. This whole issue just exposes the hypocrisy of the "progressive liberals" that are smothering the coulee region. I remember when people used to be able to have their OWN personalities; now people have to fret and wring their hands worrying if they are being "nice" enough, "diverse" enough, "tolerant" enough...THEN just when you think you have it all figured out, some moron in ST. Paul decides the Easter Bunny is offensive....JEEEEZ...no wonder people in the Coulee region are "angry", and fight with the police! "
So What wrote on Mar 25, 2006 8:40 AM:
" We didn't need d "diversity day" whne I went to school around there (about 10 years ago), why all of the sudden do we need one now? "
SK wrote on Mar 24, 2006 3:36 PM:
" Thanks for the support. "
my opinion wrote on Mar 24, 2006 2:24 PM:
" I can't believe that people need a special day to know how to treat people. Here is a real quick lesson, now listen up. TREAT THEM LIKE YOU WOULD ANYBODY ELSE!!! Just cause they are different than you big deal. Get to know the person, don't stereotype because of what group they fit into. "
To the Viroqua Student wrote on Mar 24, 2006 2:21 PM:
" Yes, you will someday be able to think and take care of yourselves...but I don't think public school tax dollars need to be spent promoting the religion of secularism and perversion. "
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 24, 2006 9:32 AM:
" While I appreciate your comments SK, Wikipedia is hardly a vetted source. Yet there are plenty of legitimate sources that support your statements. "
SK wrote on Mar 24, 2006 8:28 AM:
" The point of a diversity day is to learn to APPRECIATE differences. They're not forcing anyone to get up on stage and point out why they're different. The point is to show kids why their different, let them learn about different cultures and ways of life, so when they get out into the real world (which is very diverse) then they don't look STUPID cuz they've never met anyone different from them.
In response to JUST ME, gay people do not CHOOSE to be gay. They are born that way. If you are condemning people for being gay when they have no choice, then you are just a bigot. Look bigot up in the dictionary. As for the biology of homosexuality: "Several recent studies, including pioneering work by Simon LeVay, demonstrate that there are notable differences between the physiology of a heterosexual male and a homosexual male. These differences are primarily noted in the brain, inner ear and olfactory sense. LeVay discovered in his double-blind experiment that approximately 10% of homosexual male brains were physiologically different than their heterosexual counterparts." Got that from Wikipedia. SCIENCE PROVES IT! "
So What wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:50 PM:
" I grew up in a small rural town not far from Viroqua. I graduated about 10 years ago and went to a very "alternative" college. When I left my high school I had never seen drugs, I had never talked to a black person, and I thought homosexuals were only in the big cities. Not once did my school have a "diversity" day. I went to college and now have seen drugs (which I don't take), have many black friends, and know many homosexual people IN THIS TOWN! Point is, I surely didn't need a "diveristy day" to help me see what is going on out there. Before I went to college I didn't care, and to be honest I am not sure that it to this day has changed my life that much. Not sure a "diveristy day" isbeneficial for ANYONE. Isn't it kind of racist to throw these people up on a stage making the tell everyone they are "diffrent" and that the kids have to accept them? Aren't we all created equally? Or do we still need to focus on how someone is diffrent from us? "
Poe wrote on Mar 23, 2006 8:08 PM:
" Why is it that people who defend homosexuality are so upset about this situation? Is it because the Conservative Right finally is learning to use the courts in the same way that the ACLU has plagued us with incessant court cases over small memorials in parks and other things that show the intolerance of the tolerance crowd. Isn't the purpose of a diversity day to encourage tolerance for alternate viewpoints. Why then is a Christian or formely gay person such a threat to speak their mind? Where is the tolerance for these people's beliefs?
"
teacher wrote on Mar 23, 2006 6:08 PM:
" I talked with some of the leading opponents of Diversity Day last year...I even read some of the literature they felt should be distributed to high school students...what I learned was disturbing.
Rather than write a long, detailed synopsis of what I learned, I suggest you check out the following website for a concise overview of the flawed methods, etc. regarding the "research" on so-called "ex-gays": http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html
In addition, and if you have more time, I suggest reading the 1999 report "Hatred in the Hallways" (I think you can find it on the Human Rights Watch website.) "
Just me wrote on Mar 23, 2006 5:24 PM:
" Whatever, people do have choices, nobody is taking a knife to people and forcing them to be gay. You guys come on already, the morals of this world are getting worse and worse. Pretty soon there wont be any standards to live up and teach your children. There will come a time when yes will be the answer to everything, because will be allowed. "
Jim wrote on Mar 23, 2006 4:01 PM:
" It's a pity, because it seems the only diversity Viroqua seems to have is that some of its residents have different eye and hair colors. Most everything else is the same. "
Diversity Day is GOOD wrote on Mar 23, 2006 3:20 PM:
" To you who thinks diversity day is bad, what a boring world you live in!! Everyone's the same as you? You'd get sick of yourself!!! Diversity is what makes the world fun to live in!! I find that I DON'T get along with people who are just like me. I LIKE different people, different opinions, and different beliefs. That's what makes the world INTERESTING!!! You want to live in a boring, one-dimensional, plain world!! You'd get tired of it so fast!! "
Diversity Rules! wrote on Mar 23, 2006 3:03 PM:
" In reply to "diversity is plain bad"..where do u live? in a hole by yourself? i'm glad you're honest, but c'mon...get real...i believe diversity is good and is what makes the USA what it is today!!!! "
Diversity is plain bad. wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:57 AM:
" I'm sure glad they cancelled Diversity Day. I'll be honest: I'm uncomfortable with diversity -- I prefer a world where everyone is like me. And I mean exactly like me. "
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:43 AM:
" So, "Jeff" I take it that you will be advocating and voting AGAINST the amendment since you are so clearly in favor of civil unions, which the amendment would ban. Is that correct? "
Viroqua Student wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:06 AM:
" I am the voice of a Viroqua High School senior who would have been attending Diversity Day today, however I am not. I am the voice you haven't heard yet, it seems. As a sophomore I was fighting in the front lines for diversity to stay for the sake of other students considering I could not attend. I have lived in Viroqua all 18 years of my life and haven't met many people who aren't white, middle class and christian. That is why I was looking forward to attending this day along with many other students. What hurts the most is that one grandparent was able to take this day away from the juniors and seniors. We are the ages of 16,17 and 18, and we have minds of our own...We wanted this day, but no one asked our opinion. Our parents and grandparents grew up in a different time...therefore things have changed and so should their attitudes towards the people who aren't like them. Will we ever be able to think for ourselves, take care of ourselves? "
Jeff wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:57 AM:
" I frankly don't care what two people do with each other. But I am sick and tired of the same sex "gay" PR machine trying to insert their agenda into every facet of our lives. I must admit they do a good job at it, convincing people that if you don't think two men (or women) having sex is normal, you are "NARROW MINDED, and homo phobic."
But I will always draw the line when they try to teach our children that their unnatural lifestyle is the functionally the same as a man & women in a single relationship. It may be wishful, sincere thinking on their part, but it simply isn't true. Get the civil union, I don't care. But please don't try to tell me that black is white and up is down. "
Student wrote on Mar 23, 2006 10:01 AM:
" In reponse to Just me, I have to disagree with you. Gay people do not CHOOSE to be gay, it is something they are born as or with. It has been proven that homosexual people's brains differ from heterosexual people's. I don't remember exactly how, but THEY DO NOT CHOOSE TO BE GAY!! In your words, they ARE wired to be gay. God made them that way. Everyone who's too closed minded to accept people for who they are need to grow up!
"
Better Truth wrote on Mar 23, 2006 9:24 AM:
" I DO read my Bible ... I think the question raised by "the truth" has little bearing on this discussion, but if you want an answer to the question:
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things God hates, these seem to be called out as especially troublsome. All sins are not equal in the eyes of God.
Luke 12:47-48 tells of differing punishments for servants based on knowledge of master’s will. All sins are not equal in the eyes of God.
Mark 3 and Matthew 12 speak of some sins which are forgivable and one which is not. All sins are not equal in the eyes of God.
1 Corinthians 6:18 lists sexual sins as greater than others. All sins are not equal in the eyes of God.
Whether you agree or not ... I still don't see the relevance. The opportunity to repent and be saved is the same for all of us. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works.
"
the truth... wrote on Mar 23, 2006 8:43 AM:
" the Truth is that God hates sin.. all sin..
If you EVER, ever, told a lie, that is the SAME AS BEING A MURDERER. Because, all sin is the SAME. There is no GRADING CURVE FOR SIN. NONE. It was a financial reason, for putting "grades" on a sin. NOT BIBLICAL.
Jesus came for US, the sinners. ALL OF US. the Liars and the Homosexuals, and HE DIDN'T DISCRIMINATE at all.
So for someone who states that "sexual Sins" cause you not to go to Heaven, yes this is true, SO does Lying, SWEARING, stealing, and other sins, that you feel, are "small sins". THEY ARE NOT. ALL SINS ARE THE SAME TO GOD. ALL OF THEM. Please actually read your bible, and don't just take a PARTIAL LINE and use it out of context. READ THE WHOLE VERSE AND THEN THE WHOLE PARAGRAPH AND THEN THE WHOLE CHAPTER AND THEN THE WHOLE BOOK, and then the WHOLE BIBLE.. Front to back.. "
Hey just me wrote on Mar 23, 2006 8:13 AM:
" what makes you think gor is a he "
Better Truth wrote on Mar 22, 2006 11:48 PM:
" Mr Smith - You need to read your New Testament ... in every Gospel account Jesus performs miracles and heals the sick on the Sabbath. "Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" Mark 3:4. The strict legalism of the old covenant between God and man was superceded by the ministry of Jesus Christ and His teachings. But ... my hunch is that you really aren't interested in the Gospels.
"
kde wrote on Mar 22, 2006 10:13 PM:
" In response to the White Heterosexual(...)Male comment about Diversity Day being forced upon students...it's not. The students choose which speakers they hear and if they don't want to go - they don't have to. It's optional, and only for juinors and seniors. I can't even reason why there's such a strong opposition to this event. If you don't like it, don't go. It's honestly that simple. So why are we denying the majority of the students that would like to attend this event?...and believe me - it is the majority. 300 out of appromiately 400 HS students signed a petition to keep Diversity Day when it was challenged the previous time. "
Just me wrote on Mar 22, 2006 9:26 PM:
" Yes you are correct, God does love everyone. Its the choices people make {notice I said CHOICES} and behaviors they display that don't impress him. There is NO way people are "wired" to be gay. "
eastrong160 wrote on Mar 22, 2006 9:25 PM:
" I'm also from the area and the Viroqua and the rest of Vernon County (and other rural areas) need a diversity day, students shouldn't have to wait until college to be exposed to gays and other minorities. it really does remove sterotypes when you're not surrounded by just working/middle class white Christians. "
Best Truth wrote on Mar 22, 2006 9:12 PM:
" They ran together, but those verses are Genesis 24: 2, 2 Samuel 1: 26, 1 Samuel 18: 1, 1 Samuel 19: 1 "
Best Truth wrote on Mar 22, 2006 8:33 PM:
" GOD LOVES EVERYONE!!! THAT'S EVERYONE!!! GAYS INCLUDED!!! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND HE IS PERFECT!! HE LOVES ALL HIS CREATURES HERE ON EARTH!!
Some bible passages to check out:
Genesis 24: 2
2 Samuel 1: 26
1 Samuel 18: 1
1 Samuel 19: 1 "
Meg wrote on Mar 22, 2006 8:31 PM:
" The point of a diversity day is to expose students to the kind of people they don't see everyday, or those that are discriminated against. The point is not to expose them to what they are, or already know. If parents are homophobic, or against any other party represented at a diversity day, then it's all the better that they are represented at the diversity day to expose their children to the rest of the world. The parents then should also attend the diversity day, maybe they'd learn something. I am a straight, female, Christian college student, and I have plenty of friends who are gay. Guess what? I'm totally okay with that, but I would not have been if not for the diversity day at my high school. Small towns are way to isolated, the students need to be exposed to DIFFERENT people!! It will help them adjust if they ever decide to leave their isolated hometown! "
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 22, 2006 7:18 PM:
" "Better Truth," the bible also forbids eating pork, touching the dead skin of a pig, working on the sabbath and getting your hair cut. Where do you stand on those issues? "
Better Truth wrote on Mar 22, 2006 6:55 PM:
" The Bible is clear on this point: "Don't you know that evil people will not receive God's kingdom? Don't be fooled. Those who commit sexual sins will not receive the kingdom. Neither will those who worship statues of gods or commit adultery. Neither will men who are prostitutes or who commit homosexual acts" (I Corinthians 6:9; 10). But "The Truth" is right in reminding us to hate the sin, but not the sinner. "
White Christian Heterosexual Middle Class Male. wrote on Mar 22, 2006 6:29 PM:
" I have no problem with having a "Diversity Day", at school, if that is what the community and parents of the students want. But it doesn't sound like the community at large wants this stuff forced upon their children, and I am an old fashioned guy who thinks it is the parents' responsibility to instill values into children, not a public primary school's. Schools are supposed to teach Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Science, and History. Anything else is just plain old politics, and that should be left to political science courses in college.
So, if the community that this school serves supports a "diversity day", well, more power to them, but it seems to me that ALL diverse viewpoints should be represented, not the select few of the Academic Intelligencia, as it were.
The modern oppressed person in our society? Parents, plain and simple. "
Just me wrote on Mar 22, 2006 3:08 PM:
" No, its Mr HP's comment that is the best one. You are painting a target on yourselves. Quit trying to get validation from others and trying to make yourself feel better. "
Good job "the Truth" wrote on Mar 22, 2006 1:34 PM:
" HEY EVERYONE SHOULD READ WHAT "THE TRUTH" WROTE. IT'S THE BEST COMMENT OUT OF ALL OF THEM. CAUSE IT'S THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!
"
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 22, 2006 1:20 PM:
" Mr. HP, it is truly a delight to find someone as enlightened as yourself. Unfortunately, not everyone in the world has as rosy a view of their neighbors. Diversity Day was designed to provide a forum for understanding differences between people of different backgrounds. It was cancelled because some people continue to fear their neighbors. Its called xenophobia. "
I live in this area wrote on Mar 22, 2006 12:55 PM:
" I live around this area, and let me tell you that these people around here are god fearing people. I have never met so many narrow minded people who believe in GOD's word so strongly. GOD help the gay couple that decides that this would be a good community to live in. And let me tell you folks, GOD will help them, cause GOD loves all! This kind of reminds me a lot of the desegregation of the south back in the 50's. Parents kept their kids home from school back then cause they didn't want them to be around the black kids. IGNORANCE IS THE REAL ROOT OF ALL EVIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
Waiting wrote on Mar 22, 2006 10:21 AM:
" When Diversity Day was cancelled the first time, Viroqua was riduculed on national news. I am only waiting for it to happen again. "
kde wrote on Mar 22, 2006 10:08 AM:
" They didn't cancel Diversity Day solely due to the fact that the gay couple scheduled to speak felt uncomfortable. They also cancelled due to the fact that if they let Christian and ex-gay speakers come in, they would have to let anyone who wanted to speak come in, being as though it is a public school. This raised concerns of hate groups coming in to speak, such as the KKK, neo-nazi groups, black seperatist, etc. Also, Liberty Counsel threatened to sue and honestly, the school district couldn't handle any lawsuits or threats of lawsuits. Rather than compromising Diversity Day and giving way to pressure from ultra-conservative, homophobic groups, the school chose to bow out gracefully. "
Mr HP wrote on Mar 22, 2006 9:40 AM:
" Why do we need "diversity days"? I dont care if you are white, black, jew, catholic, gay, straight or other. In my America everyone is equal until they try to push their beliefs on me or others. Once you find the need to make a statement differentiating yourself, you paint a target on you and your group. "
the truth... wrote on Mar 22, 2006 9:26 AM:
" its too bad that our community is so NARROW MINDED, and homo phobic that it has destroyed diversity day again..
We learn racism and bias from OUR PARENTS. It's too bad that on a Sunday, that OUR Parents can't learn to Love our Neighbor as OURSELVES as the Bible states..
Oh and for those who say that the Bible states that Homosexuality is wrong. This is a sin, and an equal sin to RACISM, Gossip, stealing, lying, Defamation of others rights. Defamation of character, DISCRIMINATION.
So before you try to REMOVE the Speck from someone's eye, REMOVE THE LOG FROM YOUR OWN EYE FIRST..
He who is SINLESS, let him cast the first stone..
But if you are ignorant, NONE OF THIS APPLIES TO YOU.. but it really does..
Just remember, Jesus, came for everyone, and especially those who society hated.. The prostitutes, tax collectors, criminals, and the poor. Jesus, would be the first one at diversity day.. saying that we all should see and not discriminate.. BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE FALLEN SHORT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.. ALL OF US..
sorry but that's the truth... "
PBJ wrote on Mar 22, 2006 8:20 AM:
" Hey Pat with the bird flu, Thats right, just put your fingers in your ears and keep praying. That'll stop the bird flu. The fact that you think that way and think the point is 'mote' is exactly the same ignorant thinking that keeps small towns like Viroqua repressed.
People need to open their eyes, unplug their ears and realize that there are billions of other people on this planet. Most of them are vastly different from you, but that does not make them wrong. "
enjoying the sun and warm weather wrote on Mar 22, 2006 7:15 AM:
" This is hilarious. I graduated from Westby High School, grew up in the Viroqua area, and now live in Arizona, and I'm gay. There is no such thing as "ex-gay". Ex-gay is simply a term for homosexuals that can't comprehend their own homosexuality and feel the need to "play straight". I applaud the gay couple for refusing to participate. Unfortunately, this issue shows how much misunderstanding exists out there on homosexuality since a lutheran pastor (a person of "authority" who should know better) would insist that so-called "ex-gays" be allowed to participate. What a joke. "
student wrote on Mar 22, 2006 6:21 AM:
" as a comment to MS, I attend Central high school in lacrosse, and we also have a diversity day that will take place this friday. We have many speakers some of which are from our Gay and Straight alliance at school. There have never been any huge problems at Central about gay's speaking and many of the gay people at central feel comfortable coming out. I think it's extremly sad that there are some people forty minutes away that are still so set back in time, that they can't see that what they are doing now is the exact same thing that people are regretting doing to african-americans and jews just a handful of years ago "
Propaganda Machine wrote on Mar 22, 2006 2:38 AM:
" H.A, I hope to all that is good and decent that you are being severely sarcastic. I am usually rather optimistic about the human race but how could people seriously be that ignorant, hate filled,intolerant, and narrow-minded. I have associates, whom are gay, when I have spoken with them about gay social goals, the following response is what I took away from it; they don’t want to recruit people or force people to become gay. They simply want tolerance and are given the same respect that straight people get. I doubt very much that the Hmong, Jewish, Muslim, American Indian, African American, Latino, Buddhist, physically disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged speakers whom would have appeared at the diversity day would not have spoken about tolerance and respect. It appears to me that everyone wants one thing. To be accepted. But it is ill informed, narrow minded, hate driven, hypocrites that defeat the purpose of living in a land where we are encouraged to live life the best we can no matter our situation. "
Len wrote on Mar 22, 2006 2:23 AM:
" I was once a very naive person. I thought virtually everyone was a straight. Years of living and working in the real world (outside of my little Coulee Region hometown) changed all of that. It was only after this experience did I finally realize that not everyone in my hometown was straight himself or herself. There's no fence around the big metropolitan areas of the U.S that keeps gay and bisexual people herded up like cattle and away from small town America.
At the risk of giving the homophobes of Viroqua an idea for a witch hunt, nonhetersexual people exist and thrive in your schools, your places of business, your farms, your service clubs, and yes, even in your places of worship -- and quite frankly, some of them are probably married. Some may even be your own children, nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers, and you don't even realize it.
I'm going to clue you in Viroqua, including some of you [so-called] longtime residents: Viroqua was ALWAYS a diverse place, since the place was founded -- because it ALWAYS had a nonheterosexual group of people living there. They kept their inner, true sexual orientations secret to protect themselves and their families. Maybe the homophobes will want to rewrite and sanitize the social history of Viroqua next.
It's not really a question of getting on the bandwagon and supporting nonheterosexuality; what it really is all about is tolerance, allowing everyone to be treated in a respectful manner, no matter what we personally think of a lifestyle (or orientation) that is not our own.
"
H. A wrote on Mar 21, 2006 9:16 PM:
" It's about time they cancelled diversity day. The last thing viroqua needs is someone promoting the sin of homosexuality. "
Just me wrote on Mar 21, 2006 8:50 PM:
" Everyone has a choice on how they behave. "
RD wrote on Mar 21, 2006 7:29 PM:
" First of all, Muntz, it is a choice to be Jewish, Muslim, or Buddhist, certainly much more than it is a choice to be gay. Again, why would I choose such a thing if I knew I had to respond to people like you in order to get the same rights you as a straight black man have? The struggles that gays and lesbians face are different than those faced by African Americans, just as those faced by African Americans were different than those faced by Asians. But there is still illogical discrimination felt by gays and lesbians that echoes the type felt by African Americans and Asians, among others, earlier last century. I would hope you, before many others, would sympathize with me. Suppose I want to keep my children from being "exposed" to you as a black man. I would be branded an intolerant racist. It's appropriate for those who want to keep their children from being "exposed" to gays to be characterized as homophobic and intolerant. "
Aaron wrote on Mar 21, 2006 6:20 PM:
" It's really too bad because the gay speakers weren't promoting being gay ...they were promoting acceptance and understanding in society. We need acceptance and understanding because too much violence happens against our gay brothers and sisters. I haven't heard too many instances of people getting a beat down for being ex gay or for being Christian. "
Pat wrote on Mar 21, 2006 5:58 PM:
" The bird flu is coming; see Decorah newspaper for March 21st; 2006. The termites in the mulch from Louisiana that eat our houses up are supposedly coming. 35 million people have died from AIDS worldwide. 180-360million people are predicted to die from the bird flu in 18mos; if it comes. Why are we not focusing on what we need to do to live a principled; moral life. The birds, the bugs or the immorally corrupt life will get us one way or the other. The question than becomes; are we ready and do we believe in life everlasting? If we don't; the point of all this is mote. "
Anthony Reuter wrote on Mar 21, 2006 5:36 PM:
" Yes, it is your decision. An unfortunate one but that's beside the point. Think about this: Students today are very unlikely to have any urge to learn anything, so when you have that rare chance to teach students something they are genuinely interested in knowing, who are you to deny it? "
Feminist Theory wrote on Mar 21, 2006 5:15 PM:
" A vocal group has now stifled any discussion of important issues for the WHOLE community. We frown on that when its done in other countries. Why can't Diversity Day go ahead for those who are interested in finding out about how the real world operates while those who fear the outside world can stay home and pray for the rest of us? "
Muntz X wrote on Mar 21, 2006 4:46 PM:
" As a black man I am always offended when the 'discrimination' faced by gays is equated to what ethnic minorities have gone through in this country. The bottom line of this story, however, has nothing to do with discrimination. It has to do with the adults of a community making a decision about what they want to expose to their children.
Maybe you do know better than the majority of the citizens in this community but this is still our decision. "
Meg M wrote on Mar 21, 2006 4:27 PM:
" I just want to say that this same sort of issue was brought up at my high school a couple of years ago. Now I am in college and I have to say the change of environment is more than I expected. I was really glad that I had a diversity day just to see what all was out there. My small hometown was fairly isolated, and college is just not that way. It is a way more diverse world, so a diversity day is important. As for the Christians and ex-gays, they just aren't as misunderstood, I think, as gays and people of other religions. Gay people tend to be more open about their sexuality in college, and for someone never exposed to gay people before it can come as a bit of a shock. People just have to remember to have an open mind because the world is a lot bigger than the little part of it we see eacah day. "
Anthony Reuter wrote on Mar 21, 2006 4:20 PM:
" One, the 400 community members against the GLBT speaker were refuted by another 400+ community members and 300+ students in 2004. No denying that fact. Two, The ex-gay perspective is simply the heterosexual perspective. The entire point of Diversity Day is to teach the students about various cultural/religious/social/ethnic groups that are underrepresented within the community. The very large majority is white, Christian, "middle class," and heterosexual. There is no purpose in talking about issues that these students already know large amounts about. From personal experience, Diversity Day had a profound and lasting impact on me. It was the defining educational moment of my high school career. I hate to see this great program get shut down once again because people misinterpret the purpose of the program. "
Feminist Theory wrote on Mar 21, 2006 2:18 PM:
" Muntz you say being economically disadvantaged is a choice in this country. Let me guess, you are white, male, straight and christian. If I'm wrong on my suspected description of you, please correct me. While you may have worked hard to get where you are today, if you fit anywhere close to that description you started out much closer to the top than many other people. Even the poorest white male has a distinct advantage over wealthier black females. Fact. Can't you recognize that not everyone gets the same set of advantages in a racist, sexist, ethnocentric, homophobic society? Congratulations to those outside the "normative circle" who can pull themselves up on the heap. But we have to realize (and this is one of the lessons of "Diversity Day") that being outside the white/male/straight/christian circle AUTOMATICALLY disadvantages millions of people in society. Failing to recognize one's own advantages is a choice.
"
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 21, 2006 2:05 PM:
" Muntz X, you are obviously correct about being gay being a choice. For those millions of gay people in the world it must seem like a fantastic idea to be reviled by some elements of society, to face discrimination on a daily basis and face the constant threat of physical attack. After all, the payoff is sex, sex, sex and lots of it, without the consequence of unwanted children.
I know I signed up because of that (and the free toaster oven). "
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 21, 2006 2:01 PM:
" CB, your point is well taken that local folks were the first to raise objections to the diversity program. But because they object doesn't mean that they are right. Maybe families should be given an opt-out option if they choose to deliberately remain ignorant of the world around them. There is plenty of evidence to show that understanding of other cultures and traditions has fantastic economic and social benefits. Those who choose not to take part will be left in the dustbin of history by their own actions and choices. "
Muntz X wrote on Mar 21, 2006 1:43 PM:
" I think the problem stems from equating the gay lifestyle to being Hmong, Jewish, Muslim, American Indian, African American, Latino, Buddhist or physically disadvantaged. The former is a choice people make while the later defines who people are.
PS, I view being "economically disadvantaged" a choice in this land of opportunity.
PPS, 400 local citizens are not "outside troublemakers" "
CB wrote on Mar 21, 2006 12:05 PM:
" Len ... it would tough to pin this one on outside troublemakers. As the article says, "In 2004, about 400 people signed a petition asking that speakers on gay, lesbian and transgender issues not be included in the school’s Diversity Day." That's local opinion and the new school board chose to ignore local sentiment this time around in order to advance their own agenda. This year's objections were also raised by locals who sought the support of an outside group. "
Len wrote on Mar 21, 2006 11:07 AM:
" For many years, I was fortunate to live and work on a large college campus where I was exposed to a vast array of different cultures. I did not have that exposure as a teenager.
How can the Viroqua school administration allow outside instigators with their own agenda to deny such exposure to teenage students who would benefit greatly from the experience? Viroqua graduates are going to have a rude awakening about the real world once they go into the military, marry and raise children, attend college, and most importantly, when they enter the workforce.
The Viroqua school board and administration don't have the courage to stand up to outside troublemakers. The lesson they have given their student population is "don't make waves, no matter what." "
BR wrote on Mar 21, 2006 11:04 AM:
" PUBLICALLY FUNDED POLITICAL INDOCTRINATION? What on earth is this post talking about? Every day is indoctrination in the school, the town, the state and the country. Everyday anti-gay, one-sided, right-wing, anti-diversity indoctrination takes place in all media, all styles, and all places. Good grief. Why don't you open your eyes and see that, what you are complaining about, is what you are perpectuating? "
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 21, 2006 10:03 AM:
" Dear "Citizen," white history month is EVERY month, didn't you know that? Criminy, read a history book! "
Mr. Smith wrote on Mar 21, 2006 10:02 AM:
" Maybe the opponents of Diversity Day were afraid the children would get gay germs. "
MW wrote on Mar 21, 2006 9:56 AM:
" CB hit it on the head. Apparently, it is OK to challenge the beliefs and perceptions of only certain segments of the populace. But what an affront to make members of the "politcally correct" crowd uncomfortable! This story demonstrates what a farse "diversity education" really is. Presenting only one side of a social and cultural issue at a school function amounts to little more than publicly-funded political indoctrination. Whatever happened to helping students think for themselves? "
MW wrote on Mar 21, 2006 9:49 AM:
" CB hit it on the head. Apparently, it is OK to challenge the beliefs and perceptions of only certain segments of the populace. But what an affront to make members of the "politcally correct" crowd uncomfortable! This story demonstrates what a farse "diversity education" really is. Presenting only one side of social and cultural debate amounts to little more than political indoctrination. "
C wrote on Mar 21, 2006 9:28 AM:
" Is Christianity and hetrosexuality that diverse in such a community? The purpose seems to be to expose students to life outside of a small community where diversity is fairly minimal really. The gay couple has already been put in the hot seat, why wouldn't they feel uncomfortable being targeted again at such an event. It is not as if the gay couple isolates themselves in their own little world, they are out amongst the community and in the school all the time as parents and professionals. No one is being forced to attend or listen to something he/she is uncomfortable with hearing. These opponents to diversity day need to wake up a little bit and take a look at what is within and beyond the boundaries of Viroqua, who are they really protecting? "
Ned Flanders wrote on Mar 21, 2006 9:21 AM:
" The Christian perspective is so pervasive in American culture, especially outside metropolitan areas, that it does not constitute a minority or sub-dominant viewpoint. The point of diversity day was to broaden perspectives, not reinforce existing ones. Hard-core traditionalists will always prefer to reiterate existing dogma rather than expanding and engaging free thinking. This fundamentally contradicts the mission of any reputable educational institution.
Committing homosexual acts does not make someone gay. Most practicing gays have committed lots of heterosexual acts, often inside legally recognized opposite-sex marriages. That does not make them any less homosexual and it does not make them formerly straight. I am not convinced there is any such thing as a formerly gay person. There may be people who tried to come out of the closet, but found their family, friends or community so uncomfortable that they decided to go back in the closet. There may be bisexuals who just find it too inconvenient or dangerous to express the other half of their sexuality. The words “formerly gay” might just be a stand in for “appropriately proselytized and closeted”.
Having said all of that, I suppose different perspectives should be aired. The formerly gay and Christian perspectives should get just as much respect in schools as the formerly Christian and gay perspectives get in conservative churches. Once priests, pastors and ministers of all stripes can come out of the closet without losing their jobs and preach the formerly Christian perspective in their sermons, schools should follow suits and open their doors to people who think that heterosexuality is morally better than homosexuality. "
MS wrote on Mar 21, 2006 9:17 AM:
" I have only read in the paper about Viroqua
and diversity day. Do any other schools in the
area have such a day? "
Please tell me wrote on Mar 21, 2006 9:10 AM:
" What is "ex gay" ? I don't know that term.
Thank you "
RD wrote on Mar 21, 2006 8:56 AM:
" We have White History Month every month of the year...just check out the history books. They have Christian speakers in Viroqua schools all the time...they're called teachers and administrators. The fact that we have to have a special day to call attention to diversity shows the dire need for events like this every day. And the only thing we should have the ex-gays around for is to show how to suppress natural urges through unnatural means. Where is John Paulk when you need him? "
TS wrote on Mar 21, 2006 8:23 AM:
" Jewish, Muslim, Latino, Buddhist? and if they would have had a Christian speaker the ACLU would have been all over them. "
k wrote on Mar 21, 2006 8:15 AM:
" I believe the point is to see other points of view...I would hope they know quite a bit about "white history" already. "
Citizen wrote on Mar 21, 2006 7:49 AM:
" When is White History Month?
Diversity should include all people! "
Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) wrote on Mar 21, 2006 7:15 AM:
" Diversity also includes the ex-gay community. No one should feel "uncomfortable" around ex-gays. Therefore, ex-gays must be included in any teaching presentation to students to show them what diversity and tolerance mean. "
JONWA wrote on Mar 21, 2006 6:38 AM:
" Well, if the gay couple didn't want to speak couldn't they find another gay couple and keep the event running? I think it is great that the diversity day was going to have two sides of the gay issue not just one. That is diverse. "
CB wrote on Mar 21, 2006 6:22 AM:
" I find it ironic that part of the motivation for having this event is to prepare students to "be out and about in the world" and prepare them to interact comfortably with people from diverse backgrounds, BUT the scheduled homosexual couple refused to participate alongside the ex-gay because it would make them uncomfortable? That doesn't speak well for their preparation to interact comfortably with people who hold diverse views.
"
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