So this letter was in the school paper today. I replied via email because sometimes the target is just too easy. I find that this is one of the best ways to get a little self-esteem boost. Not because it takes skills to win the argument, but just because I realize more and more that no matter what personal failings I may have, at least I'm not this guy.

Ms. Phillips, I first want to commend you for taking the time to write your letter about something you feel strongly about. I am sorry that you feel the ban on same-sex marriage violates the idea of equality. However, I want to remind you of the concept of "government of the people, by the people, for the people." Obviously, this is from the Gettysburg Address, but speaks volumes of what our government is to be. Mainly, the government is supposed to reflect what the people want.

Case in hand, the people of California shockingly stood up and voted for the ban on same-sex marriage. Hence, the people spoke and it doesn't matter what one liberal judge says about it being constitutional. It is interesting that you use a quote that references the "Creator" to make your argument, since God is clearly the establisher of marriage in the first place and set it forth then as a union between one man and one woman, but that's another letter. I support the ban and applaud the people of California. While I think some sort of civil unions could be accommodated, I think that marriage is off limits. My main gripe is how those on the other side of the issue protest. Invading and disrupting church services and naked bike rides through town only hurt their cause.

If you lose a vote, either accept it or move. I accept the recent presidential election results and am preparing to embrace socialism and have practiced throwing my money out of my window as I drive home daily. Sometimes things don't seem equitable, but we have to accept, adapt and move on, just show some class and respect in doing so.

Darrell Woodman
Senior, School of Management

From: Rex Dart
To: Darrell Woodman

I was relieved to see that you are not in the school of liberal arts. If you were, I would hope that you'd be well-versed enough in history to know that when miscegenation laws were repealed (by liberal activist judges) nationally in 1967, popular opinion in those states was opposed to the decision. And that you'd know enough about American Constitutional law to have heard of "majority rule, minority rights". Look up tyranny of the majority sometime. You might find it enlightening. (I assume you finished high school; did you sleep through this the first time?)

As it is, I'm slightly bothered that a management student thinks that the line between capitalism and socialism lies between 36 and 39% for people making over $250,000. Then again, you do no worse than most Americans on knowing what socialism is.

If you'd like to learn about the way our government works and how it was intended to, the function of the court system theoretically and historically and exactly who gave racial minorities and women their civil rights (hint: it wasn't popular vote, or even popular), and the real definition of socialism without that good old McCarthyist taint, you should come over to liberal arts for some classes sometime. But I'd be careful, since history classes have a tendency to put in perspective your own biases, and you might end up seeing just what idiots homophobes like yourself are going to look like to future generations.

Another hint: kind of like the idiots who thought that whites needed their own drinking fountains.

Cheers.

Rex Dart

From: Darrel Woodman
To: Rex Dart

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thanks for the entertainment.

From: Rex Dart
To: Darrell Woodman

Your rebuttals are even more refined than your initial argument. The multiple exclamation points are a particularly mature, thoughtful touch that only add to the already poignant sting of your razor-sharp intellect. Well played, sir.