Stand by your donation

Re “Boycott, or blacklist?,” editorial, Dec. 10

It would be laudable if citizens could donate to a cause without intimidation, but this has never been the case.

Your editorial mentions the plight of Scott Eckern, late of the California Musical Theatre in Sacramento, who was forced to resign as a result of his donating to Proposition 8. You ask: What if the shoe were on the other foot and he were targeted because he was gay?

Well, the shoe has been on the other foot for ages now -- people lose their jobs, and sometimes their lives, because they happen to be gay. That’s hardly news. What is news is that gays are flexing their political muscle.

Because political donations are a matter of public record, anyone who contributes to a cause should be prepared to weather the possible consequences. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Unintended results can spur people to think. Who knows? Maybe next time they’ll reconsider before they contribute.

Burt Hermey

Costa Mesa