Out in the Mountains

Letters to the Editor

Lost in Space: An Open Letter to Sen-
ator James Jeffords
cc: Out in the Mountains

Dear Senator Jeffords,

I’ve thought about your proposed leg-
islation that would prohibit the use of
billboards in outer space. While this may
be an admirable goal, I’m again writing
you about an issue that is much closer to
planet earth.

While claiming that you are opposed to
discrimination, you’ve consistently re-
fused to co—sponsor the National Gay and
Lesbian Civil Rights Act. As you know,
this neutral piece of civil rights legislation
would prohibit discrimination on the ba-
sis of sexual orientation nationwide. With
passage of Vermont’s anti—discrimination
statute, it is clear that Vermont has spok-
en on this issue and, as a Senator from
Vermont, you should carry this message
to the rest of the country. Why is what is
good for Vermont not good for the na-
tion? Your opposition to signing onto this
bill appears to be motivated by the Re-
publican primary you will face in 1994.
It’s discouraging to think that rather than
principle you are motivated by self-
interest and self-preservation. Does the
primary you face next year also explain
your absence on the confirmation vote of
(openly lesbian) Roberta Achtenberg to
her position at HUD?

   
 

Come back to earth, “phone home”, and
back your bark with bite by joining Sen-
ator Leahy and Representative Sanders
as a co—sponsor of this critical piece of
civil rights legislation. While gay and
lesbian Americans continue to lose their
jobs, homes and children, your work on
billboards in space is insulting, trivial,
and lost in space.

Paul Oleen

(Note to OITM readers: Staffers of Sen- I
ator Jeffords claim he has heard from ‘
few Vermonters regarding the National ~

Gay & Lesbian Civil Rights Act. If you
believe this is an important issue call _
Senator Jeffords at 1-800-835-5500 and

express your opinion).

Dear Deborah Lashman, Editor

In the September issue, 1993 under page
10, I found Nocture for Diverse In-
struments by Alison Bechdel to be porn
trash. In picking up Out in the Mann-
tains I seek education, awareness and
something of interest. I can‘t see how
this cartoon gives a positive light to any
lesbian. '

Sincerely flustered and ired,

Brother Richard K. Labbe, 5.C.
Brothere of the Sacred Heart

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