Aw, Shucks! I just wanted to tell you how much I’m enjoying the paper; there have been some really wonderful articles lately, and I know I haven’t taken the time to write in and say thanks. So, thank you; you and the paper are appreciated. Susan Murray Langrock, Sperry & Wool, LLP Burlington Pope, Hope & Humanity I, like many others today, watched the funeral of Pope John Paul. I watched so many people from all walks of life and religions pay their respects to a man whose philoso- phies don’t match many that were there. They were not there because of expectations, for many of these countries aren’t represented in many events like this. I watched and wondered if I was just so sucked in because I wasraised a Catholic or is there something special about this affair besides being a funeral. I left the Church many years ago because I don’t agree with much of the rules. I didn’t like many things the Pope would say. I can’t see God not ‘At Witt’s End ow ray Am;..~m' accepting me because I am from a diverse group nor can I see why Jesus walked among prostitutes and thieves but modem leaders stay clear from anyone not following their philosophy. There is something I saw in this man different as so many others did as well. We all have a right to our philosophies. We all have expecta- tions from anyone we call family. I think what made this man special is, while he always was loyal to his family (the Catholic Church), he never lost sight of the fact we all live in this little planet as one set of human beings. He worshipped with the Jews calling them the ancient brothers. He found a common ground with people who don’t believe the messiah has come yet. He found ways to find common ground as human beings. He walked with the people not just the chosen " who believed his beliefs. His word- ing was always propose not impose a major difference. I think what made him special isn’t so much, being 21 Pope, for that takes an election. What made this man unique is the way he walked with us and cried with us and hurt when we hurt. All his trav- eling didn’t make us all run back to the Catholic Church. It didn’t make us feel less for being who we are. I ftine won't‘ you 51223 wifla ma. respected the man for his willing- ness to seek the world and listen. He saw war as a bad thing because he_ heard the cries of the children, the cries of the widows. He lived the holocaust living among the Jews watching them cruelly slaughtered just for being who they were. He didn’t agree with their theology but he respected them as people. He grew up seeing how bigotry and hate can destroy humanity. I think there is too much hate in the world. Too many that think because they think differently then they must hate me. ~ ~ I know I will never return to the Catholic faith, I don’t have to — it’s my choice. But I hope a bit of love and compassion will help me always remember we are all from different backgrounds, all from dif- ferent faiths and beliefs. Maybe what I was watch- ing today was presidents, kings, queens and prime ministers all sit- ting together among people, no one standing out any more than another. Just people from all over the world not just feeling sorrow for anpassing of a Pope. But celebrating the com- mon cause of life and humanity. Maybe this planet has hope yet. April Villemaire Milton ' Leah -Wittenberg / . . I "A at" t“ BL" ' "C c" rm A» «row I M in AL AR BGH 3CARcirto&EN]1>ioxnd A‘1RA'Zth3E EBENZENE .CHER.NOB\/L ‘DDT (in, 8°“ (I D 2/; The New Pope So the new Pope is a 78-year-old anti-gay archconservative who has called homosexuality an “intrinsic moral evil." He ran the office that used to be called the Inquisition and once belonged to Hitler Youth. News reports say the hard—liner earned such nicknames as “Darth Rottweiler” and “The Enforcer.” I guess the philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778) was right when he said, “Man will not be free until the last politician is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.” William C. Stosine Iowa City, Iowa 1 35 Pearl Says Thanks! First let me say thank you to The G/L/B/T Community, The Queer Liberation Army, Big Heavy World, Seven Days, Out In The Mountains, Vermont CARES, CEDO, Gregory Douglas, Burlington Free Press, Ronnie Lopez, The DJ, Music, and Theater community, the Staff at J35 Pearl, the Patrons of 135 Pearl, and anyone who I might have over- looked. Over the past two months we have been blessed with so much Iette rs support. Business is up. People are truly rallying to support 135 Pearl. It makes such a difference when you see how much this place means to our community. Times are changing and it is very important for 135 Pearl to stay on track. We are dedicated to making the business healthier as time moves on. We are committed to presenting entertainment that brings people together, excellent guest service and community support. Look forward to our out- side garden opening May lst, VT Pride Fundraiser (Friday, May 20, 2005), great theme parties every month, DJ Precious (Redefining Gay House), DJ Craig Mitchell (Keeping it Fresh), Queen City Rock, Karaoke, Gregory Douglas — What The Folk, Second Sundays — Slam Poetry. Friday, May 6. with Karen Grenier. Tons of New Music and so much more to come. So, Thanks again. Robert Toms Craig Mitchell 135 Pearl, Burlington use It VER7 Yea 5 we ARE»/‘T .§.;tn- RRDE A L. ‘ C115: 24/ . i/4595 €;§. . . . a, n ' 0 " . . \ ... 1 I 'o’0’ . * .‘o.°. I »‘eUfi3°‘,' l 0 . '1 o 5.00‘ ‘.9’ saw: vow ear-E ‘Now. sue wax/75 0 GO BACK /9NL>.1>o A ._,;g its A LESBIA/u MOM i W~:'~iz?z~ w6'1.L RE Co MS 2 DER- au, MD £11; 0 HELP you ., 951 A 3'05 got) RDMVM-4 116- c-‘rU‘15 you 5‘ KIDS. D-Mu Ef>w6- I. go at a ' FOR A / 815/00!’- P #1 G/IVES‘ “Md Knnngg l m M’