Marxism and Preaching Against Gay Marriage: Feedback Friday

Each week, Patch users contribute numerous insights, opinions and observations. The following is a collection of the most thoughtful, moving, controversial or just plain funny comments that appeared on Patch sites in Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Richfield, Shakopee, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and St. Michael. Click on the headline to read the full story and join in the conversation.

(The comments below are not meant to reflect the opinions of Patch or its staff.)

***

Golden Valley Pastor Preaches Against Gay Marriage Amendment

For the first time in his 30 years of being a pastor, Edwin DuBose of Golden Valley's Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church told his congregation that he's voting 'no' on Minnesota's marriage amendment. During a recent sermon, DuBose said the legislation will only "hurt a select group of people."

Kelly chimed in and said that the passage of the marriage amendment is a constitutional issue, not a religious one.

Among other things, marriage is a civil contract, and a fundamental tenet of our country and its founding father and documents is that all men are created equal and entitled to equal rights. Gays should equal rights to marry.

As for "God's definition of marriage," that definition is obviously open to interpretation. I'm struck by those who use the Bible as a definitive.literal source, yet choose to ignore many of its passages, such as those pertaining to slavery, adultery, how people should pray, the ability of rich people to get into heaven, loving one another as yourself, turning the other cheek, leaving judgment to the Lord, etc. Moreover, as with religion itself, interpretations of the Bible vary from religion to religion, church to church, pastor to pastor, and individual to individual.

That's why the intersection of religion and legislation is messy, and one of the reasons why the founding fathers did not make our country a theocracy. They did not make us a Christian nation (as clearly spelled out in the Treaty of Tripoli), and to the extent we suggest or pretend that it is otherwise, we are unpatriotic.

Several "Vote Yes" marriage amendment signs were stolen in the previous week, according to Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate. He noted that the theft of campaign signs in Shakopee during election season is not out of the ordinary. "Vote No" signs have been stolen as well.

Ken Lehman wished that people would leave the signs in the yards:

You can't tell the difference between some adults from kids these days. I've known kids that had more sense.

Regardless where I stand on the issues leave free speech and expression as well as ALL the signs that help show it alone.

Minnesota Marriage Amendment: Why I'm Voting 'Yes'

With Election Day less than a week away, Patch asked readers to tell us why they were voting or against the proposed amendments. When readers weighed in on their support for the marriage amendment, others in opposition of it commented first:

In a series of comments, a reader only identifying herself as Susan A., first wrote:

What I don't understand is why every single person that I have talked to who is voting yes on this measure has to bring up "God" or religion in some form as their basis for voting yes. The only problem with this, is that "God" and religion do not have to be a part of marriage. It may be a part of your marriage, but there are plenty of people who get married by a judge or justice of the peace and they are every bit as married as you are. The other thing that I hear all the times is that marriage is for the creation of children. Well, again, not all people who get married can have, or even want to have children. I know quite a few married couples who don't have children and have no plans to have children, and once again, they are every bit as married as the couple who has children. So please, someone, anyone give me one reason to vote yes, that doesn't involve religion or having kids.

Yvonne Selcer Files Complaint Over Republican Mailer

A mailer sent out last past weekend by the House Republican Campaign Committee claims Yvonne Selcer did not pay her taxes on time, which she says is a lie. Selcer, who is challenging Kirk Stenrud for the State Representative District 48A seat representing Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, filed a complaint Monday with the Office of Administrative Hearings. 

While commenters from both sides continue to spar on this issue, Kathleen Nelson is just sick of it all:

I have had it with these negative mailers. If you cannot see how either side is trying to manipulate you with these full color, expensive ads then you are a dope. And by that, I mean you are willing to be duped by anyone with the money to send out these pieces of trash. You probably believe everything you see on the internet or get in emails sent by your wing-nut friends. There are websites that are non-biased and will give you the TRUTH without all this propaganda! The only reason I like these is that they are giving business to the Post Office! When I go through my mail, if I see this type of mailing, it is immediately recycled. I would advise everyone to do the same.

Star Tribune Endorses Franzen for Senate District 49

Voters still have to wait a few more days to have their say on who should be Senator of District 49, but the Star Tribune has offically weighed in on the local race.

In an editorial published earlier this week, the Strib endorsed Melisa Franzen (DFL) in her race against Keith Downey (R) for Sen. Geoff Michel's former seat. The paper said Downey represents a hard right turn from Edina's traditionally moderate Republican representation at the Capitol.

Patch reader John Bean didn't agree with the Strib's endorsement, saying his vote will be going to Keith Downey.

I have no doubt that Melisa Franzen is capable, but I take issue with the paper's endorsement calling Keith Downey "heavyhanded." 
This state and this country are in serious economic straits. Perhaps the truth and the solutions seem "heavyhanded." After listening to Keith Downey speak on several occasions and after seeing the results of some of his proposals that have been implemented, I would say that the newspaper should do a little more followup to see that Armegeddon has not been realized as a result. 
The term "cuts" as defined by the political class over the years, means that instead of state and federal expenditures growing from $1.00 to $1.10, it grows to only $1.05. The politician can then declare, "See I have implemented a painful cut of 5%." To the rest of the populace a cut means actually reducing expenditures from the previous budget, not merely the rate of growth of expenditures. Thus reducing the $1.00 to $0.95 is a real cut of 5%, and this may well feel "heavyhanded," but it accomplishes genuine budget readjustment.

I have no doubt that Melisa Franzen is smart and capable, but my vote will go to Keith Downey.

Letter: Obama Is A Hard-Core Marxist

Eden Prairie Patch has received a lot—A LOT—of letters about local races. It has received a few about national races, as well. One letter, by Cindy Powaga of Eden Prairie, makes the case that voters who want freedom and liberty will vote for Mitt Romney.

In response to one user's comment, Wm Shears said:

Which Marx, Groucho or Karl? You need to be more specific, Jeff. What's sad is, I could show you where EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WESTERN WORLD uses socialist elements. Every one. Medicare. Medicaid. Farm subsidies. Social security. Wildlife conservation. Politics is way more populated that what Rush, Beck or David tell you. To deny it only proves you're a member of the Teapulicans. Or in 4th grade.

AUDIO: District 46 Candidates Discuss Education (Part II)

On Monday, candidates who represent districts within Hopkins Public Schools boundaries gathered for a forum hosted by the school district’s Legislative Action Coalition. Those present included candidates for District 46, which covers the Patch towns of Hopkins, Golden Valley and St. Louis Park. The event offered in-depth discussion on education issues—as well as the candidates’ individual philosophies on governance.

David Arvidson, the Republican candidate for House District 46B, elaborated on his comments from the forum:

Let's start our kids in kindergarten at age 4, that's an immediate step in the right direction.