Bible characters David and Jonathan were lovers says my neighbor, Jonathan Atkin, in an email to NY Senators telling them to vote "Yes" on Marriage Equality

"President of Brandeis and Judaic scholar pointed out to me nearly 25 years ago, in the synagogue, during the high holidays, how King David and Jonathan were documented as lovers" - Jonathan Atkin

Editor's note :  Jonathan Atkin is my neighbor.  Jose (my spouse) and I met him by chance one day while returning from the subway to our home.  You guessed it, he's an openly gay man.  We've kept in touch.  He asked me for the names of the conservative NY Senators who are known to be in opposition to Marriage Equality.  Here's what he wrote them. I especially like the part about David and Jonathan - Steve Parelli

June 23rd 2011
Dear NY State Senators:

I am a captain and certified boat handler. To navigate in smooth seas, is never easy. To navigate in rough storms takes exceptional skills and leadership.

At the least, I expect leadership from the Albany Senate, not head in the sands or ducking into safe harbors on the threat of rain drops or political retribution. That is just wrong.

Pass the marriage act, now, that provides basic rights to same sex couples that other Americans take for granted.

Those of you who are hiding behind religious objections and obfuscations: SHAME. This is a country that has in theory, separation of church and state.

Those of you who need religious bolstering, my god father, now passed, and former President of Brandeis and Judaic scholar pointed out to me nearly 25 years ago, in the synagogue, during the high holidays, how King David and Jonathan were documented as lovers. Judaism at least nodded its history to reality thousands of years ago. It is more than enough time to act on this to bring the United States up to standards that recognizes universal rights for all. Otherwise our vaunted values of this country become a mockery.

If there are legal issues regarding venues, non profits and faith based groups that simply want to avoid law suits then, sure, write into the legislation their exemption. No big deal. There are plenty of organizations, venues, and others that will be glad to reap the millions of dollars in economic stimulus that equality of marriage will bring to them. The others, will be left out. Too bad.

In closing, after you pass this seemingly monumental legislation, in two years, everyone will be scratching their heads and saying, wow, what was all the fuss about? The world will continue to revolve, the US will continue to prosper, the heavens will not unleash biblical plagues and we will all be just fine.

So, stop the bickering, the small mindedness, resolve the issues and pass the bill.

Kind regards,

Captain Jonathan Atkin
Bronx, NY
http://www.shipshooter.com/

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