Ryan ChartrandAaron Baldwin, it’s too bad that engineers don’t take ENGL 145. Gale McNeeley’s letter is a vigorous expression of optimism, not an invitation to debate – unlike your “rebuttal.”
Your analysis of McNeeley’s letter was confusing and off-base. She never attacks the intelligence of Prop 8 proponents, and there is obviously “opposition to her opinion,” or there would not be cause for her letter.
Secondly, you claim that because she cited the hundred protestors, McNeeley thinks that Prop 8 is opposed by the majority. McNeeley knows that the majority voted for Prop 8, since it passed – her words were meant to encourage one side, not attack another.
McNeeley also knows that minorities passed Prop 8. Her point was that, instead of affirming the generalized belief that minority groups are against gay marriage, the protestors she saw included a refreshing mix of people, suggesting that there is representation for everyone in the fight against injustice.
McNeeley’s “slogan” (“We are all equal!”) may not be an argument, but it is hardly “trite.” It alludes to the Declaration of Independence, which states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
Lastly, I disagree with you on this point: “sexuality is a choice.” Sexuality is more fluid than many believe, and the jury is still out on whether homosexuality is a “nature or nurture” result. No licensed psychologist, scientist or doctor in her right mind would flat out say that “sexuality is a choice”- because no one knows yet.
Inness Pryor
English junior