To the Editor:
The most recent edition of The Connection [Feb 15-21, 2012], included an article about Rep. Frank Wolf’s humanitarian crusade, and highlighted a book he has written about his experiences. Rep. Wolf’s work is exemplary, and worthy of our praise. However, it behooves me to point out a glaring void in Mr. Wolf’s work: as strong an advocate for human rights as Mr. Wolf has been, he has been an equally staunch opponent of equal human rights for gays and lesbians here in this country.
The Connection article ends with a quote from Rep. Wolf:
"The Declaration of Independence says all men are created equal, and have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," he said. "I think when we advocate and speak out, it really can make a tremendous difference to people all over the world, as we would want someone to do if we were in the same situation."
I would say to Rep. Wolf, we ARE in the same situation. A large group of Americans, who are expected to pay taxes and adhere to the laws of this land, are consistently being denied the most basic privileges and protections of those laws. The Declaration of Independence says "all" men, not just those that you prefer. I urge Rep Wolf to consider his own words, and follow the course that he himself advocates for other countries. Be a true humanitarian, Rep. Wolf, not a selective one.
Sarah O’Neil
Great Falls