Dear Tell All: As expected, you glibly sided with Former A&E Fan, who wrote to denounce Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty (Down with Duck Dynasty," 1/3/2013). In Madison, I know there will always be a knee-jerk condemnation of normal religious people who simply want to follow biblical teachings. Robertson committed the most unforgivable sin around these parts: He expressed his disapproval of homosexuality, as the Bible instructs. And you, of course, piled on. That's the only acceptable thing to do in politically correct Madison.
But guess what? Most people in this country are Christians who respect the Bible. That's why the A&E network was forced to revoke its suspension of Robertson after the public spoke out. Outside the Madison city limits, Robertson is well within his rights to voice the majority view. And I respect Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. Sarah Palin for sticking up for him, despite the sneers of people like you.
Leviticus 18:22
Dear Leviticus: Believe me, there's nothing "glib" about my support for gay rights. I take it as seriously as civil rights struggles throughout American history involving African Americans, Native Americans, women and other persecuted groups. Where you are disgusted by Madison's strongly pro-gay stance, I'm proud of it.
As a result, I don't consider the condemnation of Phil Robertson to be "knee-jerk." Given that Robertson ignorantly equated homosexuality with bestiality, drunkenness and swindling, I'd say the response was appropriate.
I respect people's religious beliefs, but not when they're used to justify bigotry. As you know, that's been a common approach in this country, dating back to slavery. I'm sure you also know that the Bible includes all sorts of rules people don't follow in the modern world -- for example, killing children for cursing their parents or stoning women for having sex before marriage.
You refer to the "majority view" against homosexuality, Leviticus, but recent CNN and Gallup polls found that over half of Americans now support same-sex marriage. Looks like Madison isn't such an outlier after all.
Do you have a question about life or love in Madison? Write Tell All, 101 King St., Madison, WI, 53703. Or email tellall@isthmus.com.
