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.

Thursday, May 20, 2010


I was inspired by New York City's offer of marriage-like ceremonies to couples registering as domestic partners, and the Daily News published my point of view as its lead letter on May 18, 2010. Still disappointed that the New York State Senate voted down the Marriage Equality Act last year, I was very happy that my message and continued support of gay rights was sent with a big headline and photo.
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Re "City says 'I do' to gays," May 17: While creating a marriage-like ceremony for civil unions recognizes the need to celebrate through ritual the joining of two lives, we should not confuse this well-intended idea with true equality for gays who participate. Had this proposal been attempted during the movement for women's suffrage, it would have been akin to giving women the ability to vote, go to the polls on Election Day and pull the levers - in essence, participate in the pageantry of the electoral process - but not permit their votes to actually count. I applaud creative approaches, but the only acceptable solution to this injustice is marriage equality.


I had some fun putting these two sentences together. Unusually, Metro held onto the letter for a week before publishing it on May 17, 2010.
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While I understand those who criticize the failure to capture the Times Square terrorist before he'd already boarded a plane bound for Dubai, I can't help but relish his private world of terror as he breathed a sigh of relief while passing through security, entered the plane, was seated, and congratulated himself on his perfect escape - just before his heart froze and his arrogance was shattered. It may not be top-notch security, but it will play better in the movie.