Letters and Opinions

These are opinion pieces that I have had published in a variety of newspapers and magazines. I have been writing letters-to-the-editor since 2006, and have had over 160 published since then. I also play guitar and sing in a musical revue called The Loser's Lounge. With a cast of guest singers, we perform tributes to great songwriters and bands. The show is in its 24th year, and we perform at Joe's Pub - The Public Theater and Lincoln Center in New York City.

Saturday, May 16, 2009








The Daily News and amNY published this letter on May 15, 2009.

"It is about what I believe God wants," explained NY Assemblyman Dov Hikind in support of his stance against same-sex marriage. Of course, his god also professes "you shall not kill," and yet war and the resulting deaths are seen as justified in defense of our freedoms and safety. If an exception to God's will is made for killing, why would not the same allowance be made for a statement of love and commitment?

4 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

This was posted on a Daily News discussion group.

David Terhune: You might actually want to crack a bible or torah if
you insist on opining on what God does and does not allow. God
backed many wars, and, indeed, often intervened himself. The
commandment suffers from translation issues and refers more
acurately and specifically to intentional and unjust homicide, not
the killing of enemies in war, especially for thoose designated to
protect the community, i.e. soldiers.

Posted by miklrz on May 15, 2009 2:33 PM

2:36 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

How can one accept a god who makes an exception for killing but not for love?

2:40 PM  
Blogger VideoKen said...

Anytime a politician starts telling his constituents what G-d wants we're in trouble. The PEOPLE, not G-d, should be consulted, considered, and comforted by the assemblyman as he makes important decisions regarding what laws may impact the freedom to love whomever one chooses. Those decisions should be SEPARATE from one's religious beliefs. If he or she is not able to maintain the separation then he should be returned (quickly) to the confines of one's home and not remain in the People's legislature. I would refer the said assemblyman to Jefferson's Wall of Separation letter of January, 1802, in which he spoke to the "rights of conscience" being supreme and that personal religious beliefs are to remain private. Key word: Separate.

8:55 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Here are some photos I took at the May 17, 2009 Marriage Equality Rally in Manhattan.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidterhune/sets/72157618300706145/

8:15 PM  

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