A gay teenager’s suicide; the latest Brown-Whitman controversy; Republicans vs. Democrats

Who’s to blame?

Re “A gay teenager’s daily gantlet,” Column One, Oct. 8

Most of the discussion in the media seems to be focused on kids bullying and what to do about bullies when, in fact, the responsibility for these tragedies should be put on the shoulders of the adults: on adult preachers of all faiths who preach hatred; on politicians who legislate discrimination; and on the homophobia that infiltrates the very air that we breath.

The pain and fear that gay youths (and gay adults) must endure in our society is shameful. As the Stephen Sondheim song goes: “Careful the things you say, children will listen.”

I have been speaking to educate and help end homophobia since 1978 for Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Terry Eselun

Huntington Beach

I’ve just finished reading Thomas Curwen’s article about Seth Walsh, and the chills remain.

This story (fortunately minus the suicide episode) could be about my 20-year-old son, Cyrus, who was raised in Bakersfield.

Reading about Seth’s tragedy, I realize how fortunate we are that Cyrus didn’t walk as far down the road as Seth felt he must.

A resource we have is the California Safe Schools Coalition. Its purpose is to protect students from discrimination and harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

Do enough schools utilize this resource? The schools seem to be mired in politics, often preventing them from keeping the students’ safety as a top priority. The concern seems to be keeping weapons off campuses, when actually the concealed weapon can be the words we speak.

Lisette Stinson

Bakersfield

I am heartbroken and angry at reading this story. But then, what else can we expect in a culture that so blatantly discriminates against gay and lesbian citizens? We deny them equal rights of marriage and the right to serve openly in the armed forces.

We should be outraged by this kind of tragedy — but not surprised. As long as we sanction this kind of discrimination, we are sending a clear message of intolerance and hate to our children. Until these laws change, I argue that we are all culpable.

Dale W. Palmer

Altadena

It seems that stupidity, cruelty and cowardice can be easily combined early in life. Those who had “fun” ganging up on Seth knew full well that he was no physical match.

Let’s hope that the shadow of their actions will govern their behavior for the remainder of their lives.

Robert Crawford

Venice

I read with great sadness the story of 13-year-old Seth, who could not take the harassment anymore.

As the mother of two children, ages 10 and 17, I have to believe that the parents of the bullies are responsible for teaching their children such intolerance.

I have a hunch that the bullies have been taught that homosexuality is a sin and therefore Seth was a “sinner” who deserved to be harassed.

Jean Burke-Martinez

South Pasadena

It outrages me that I read once again about another beautiful boy driven to suicide because of intolerance.

Where are the parents of these bullies? When do those who are so unaccepting learn how to include and tolerate those who are different?

May all of us start today.

Barbara Clarke

Rancho Cucamonga

A war of words turns nasty

Re “Brown or aide is heard slurring Whitman,” Oct. 8, and “Whitman declines to comment about slur,”

Oct. 11

An uproar over applying the “whore” label to a politician who has unethically curried favor with special-interest groups?

Please. That label is most apt, irrespective of the gender of the accused or the accuser.

Ed Alston

Santa Maria

Backers of Meg Whitman are expressing outrage over what was supposed to be a private conversation among staffers of the Jerry Brown campaign, as if people should be shocked that vile language about the opponent occurs on both sides.

In the 2000 presidential campaign, Republicans said we had no right to complain about George W. Bush referring to a New York Times reporter as an “a-hole”in a hot mike, because it was supposed to be a “private conversation.”

Andrew Gallagher

Costa Mesa

Maidgate gets front-page billing for days. Slurgate is barely mentioned.

Maidgate is a dirty trick setup. Slurgate is current reality.

Does The Times really think it is fair and balanced?

Don Black

Rancho Palos Verdes

Perhaps Brown should release the voicemail in an ad. What better definition of “whore” than someone who hypocritically cuts a deal with law enforcement for their endorsement, thereby screwing the entire citizenry.

Suzanna Goodwin

Encino

The salient fact is that Brown had the courage to stand up to the powerful police unions, while Whitman traded a promise of luxurious pensions for an endorsement.

This state needs a governor who isn’t afraid to do what’s right even if it makes him or her powerful enemies.

Brown has the fortitude California needs, and Whitman is just another politician who will do or say anything to get elected.

Charles Delgadillo

Santa Barbara

Speaking of disrespect

Re “Boehner: Government ‘disrespecting voters,’ ” Oct. 9

Rep. John A. Boehner (R- Ohio), the Republican House leader, says my government hasn’t been listening and is disrespecting me, my family, my job and my children, asking, “Do you have to take it? Hell, no, you don’t. That’s what elections are for.”

So true.

That’s why as a registered Republican — who has watched in horror these last two years as the Republican Party has done its best to ignore the needs of the country in its single-minded attempt to regain control in the elections — I’ll be voting a straight Democrat ticket Nov. 2.

Steve Campbell

Burbank

There has been a constant barrage of anti- Obama writing that seems to ignore the fact that there is almost no policy that President Obama has pursued since taking office that does not grow out of the Bush administration.

It’s just the latest manifestation of the rebirth of the conservative hysteria that marked the Clinton era. That Bill Clinton and Obama’s critics became obsessed with the person rather than policies suggests that those critics have no faith in the public’s ability to grapple with abstract issues rather than alleged personal failings.

The shrillness of the hysteria around the last two Democratic presidents also suggests a conservative sense of entitlement toward holding power at any cost.

Steven Marcinko

Riverside

A rebel with a cause

Re “William W. Norton, 1925 – 2010: Screenwriter became gunrunner for rebels,” Obituary, Oct. 10

When William W. Norton died, one of the largest jewels fell out of whatever crown humanity may have.

He was perhaps a cuckoo, sometimes spinning out of control, but he had a heart big enough to cover the world and more truth, integrity and courage than anybody I know.

Bill Lansford

Playa del Rey