Why we call the U.S. the land of the free

Re “For Gays, a Loud New Foe,” Column One, Oct. 13

As a heterosexual Jew, I find it troubling that a prominent Russian newspaper would promote a book blaming homosexuals for the Holocaust when they were also a target of the Nazis. This is ignorance and shows how hate and deep-rooted beliefs can keep people from educating themselves. For a people who were oppressed because of their religious beliefs in the former Soviet Union, I also find it hypocritical that they would come to a new country and feel they have the power to oppress another group because of their sexual orientation. Forcing religious beliefs on people is as bad as a government doing the same.

ANTHONY MOHR

Kirkland, Wash.

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Homophobic cannot even begin to describe these immigrants’ opinions. Instead of excoriating gay Americans, what if they were expressing fear and condemnation of Jews, or interracial marriage or Mexicans? Everyone would denounce the cloak of religion they use to protect their distorted views.

I am so sick of the lies and hatred that are heaped on gay Americans in the media by “religious” persons pretending that they are protecting the family and children. What other minority group is forced to endure such statements in the mainstream media? Sadly, their false statistics and ideology often go unchallenged. Gay Americans are a part of the fabric of this country, even the GOP. The U.S. is not a theocracy.

TIMOTHY ECKERT

Los Angeles

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America may have a serious immigrant problem to the south because of sheer numbers, but a far more insidious situation looms in Northern California. Urged on by homegrown thugs, immigrants from the former Soviet Union are attacking law-abiding American citizens who happen to be gay.

Welcome to the U.S., folks. Now go and learn what “free” means. The last thing we need from you is the same bullying intolerance you left behind in the old country.

BONNIE SLOANE

Los Angeles