I was very upset when I heard on the radio that the New York State Senate had defeated the Marriage Equality Act 38 votes to 24. I wasn't surprised, but I was still saddened that so many senators would choose to vote against the civil rights of a significant portion of Americans. On the subway while I took my daughters to school, I punched out this letter on my blackberry, and it captured my frustration and disappointment. USA TODAY published my letter on December 8, 2009 as part of a series of letters on gay marriage:

The New York State Senate has once again failed New Yorkers and Americans alike by voting down a bill that, in a truly fair world, should never have been a deliberation. Marriage equality is as rational and inalienable a right as any promised in our founding documents. If gay Americans do not deserve to be treated equally, then they should be run out of town, and the 38 senators who voted to deny these rights should be waving sticks and leading the pack.

The Brooklyn Paper published this letter on December 4, 2009.

It is disturbing that some Park Slope eateries may be underpaying their delivery workers ("State probe outs Slope pay fraud," Nov. 27), but a boycott will not be an effective method of expressing dissatisfaction with this practice. Such action would only hurt those wronged by the restaurants. I think the embarrassing media attention combined with the penalties assessed by the state Department of Labor will persuade these establishments to correct any unfair compensation. Perhaps the best support that can be shown for these workers is the continued use of their services and a generous gratuity.

I've never felt compelled to write about Tiger Woods before, but... amNY published this letter on December 3, 2009.

I would hope that those who respect Tiger Woods' skill as a golfer would also respect his wishes to deal with his personal issues in private. Unfortunately, the desire to see the mighty fall is a strong one, and I expect to see Mr. Woods and his dignity reduced to sensational headlines peppered with clever puns for some time to come.