Thank you for passing conversion therapy ban

Thank you for passing conversion therapy ban

Delaware Stonewall PAC wishes to thank the Delaware General Assembly for passing SB 65, banning the disgusting and dangerous practice of forcing children to undergo so-called conversion therapy, designed to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. This therapy has been labeled unethical and damaging by the American Psychiatric Association, while a dozen other health organizations in the United States concur. 

On June 7, SB 65 passed the House with 24 yes votes — 14 state representatives voted no, while three who were present in the House Chamber could not be bothered to vote at all.

All but 2 Democrats voted yes on the bill, while all Republicans except one voted no or did not vote at all. Republican Rep. Michael Ramone, a champion of LGBT rights in Delaware who has voted yes on every single piece of equal rights legislation, cast the only "yes" vote from his side of the aisle. Delaware Stonewall wishes to thank Rep. Ramone for all of this support over the years. 

State Representatives Bill Carson and Earl Jaques were the only two Democrats who did not cast a yes vote for SB 65. Delaware Stonewall would like to know what issue these two gentlemen have with equality for all in this state.

Representative Carson has not cast a single vote affirming Delaware's LGBT community while Representative Jaques' record has been inconsistent at best. What will it take for these two Representatives to recognize our community? 

SB 65 would not have happened without the steadfast leadership of its sponsors, Senator Harris McDowell and Representative Debra Heffernan, as well as former Senate staffer Joe Cozza, who was instrumental in its drafting. Thank you for all you have done to protect Delaware's children.

—Peter Schott, Rehoboth Beach

Government is growing out of control

With much angst, I am concerned about the devastating direction of our constitutional republic.

Our founders and framers placed an endowed emphasis on individual liberty. As progressive agendas have evolved, our individual liberties are being usurped by way of a centralized behemoth — the federal government. 

If we continue down this cataclysmic path, we'll no longer enjoy the virtues of making decisions on our own. Rather, we'll respond to the behest of an out of control, tyrannical federal government. 

My prayer is that we read and embrace the tenets of our Constitution. Otherwise, we'll be vanquished by representation of leaders who shall impart eradication of our individual liberties. 

God bless the United States of America!

—Thomas Bailey, Claymont

America is now a kakistocracy

We are currently living in a country under a form of government called kakistocracy. The word "kakistos" is the Greek superlative of "kakos," meaning "bad".

This system of government is run by the worst, least qualified or most scrupulous citizens.

First, the executive has a blatant disregard for the country and the welfare of its citizens and the importance of its institutions. Second, this leader convinced a group of voters with low self-esteem and low opinion of their country that they would elect a thoroughly venal leader!

This defines America's horrific situation — and if you are not outraged, you are not paying attention.

—Nancy Fifer, Lewes

Police service unacceptable

On May 31, at 5th and Union St., I was in a hit and run accident. I called 911 and reported the accident and told them I had the license plate number of the car as well as a description of the vehicle and the driver.

I waited an hour and a half at the scene and no fewer than three police cars passed by, giving me different excuses why they couldn't take a report. The residents that witnessed the accident, and my futile efforts to get the Wilmington Police to respond, told me that this is what they go through when they report a crime.

I finally went to the police station and was told they were busy and to come back the next day. The next morning, I waited 45 minutes for a police officer to write a report. He did not even run the license plate, he just told me he would drive out to the scene and look around.

If this is the service the residents of Wilmington are getting, they would be better off using the County or State Police. Thanks to all locals who stopped to check on us.

—Richard M. Davidson, Wilmington