Tommy for Vendetta

I have been thinking for days how to respond to the powerful film, V for Vendetta.

In the end, I have been speechless but really torn up over this powerful film that I highly recommend seeing in the theatre.

So yesterday after reading the public pulse comment in The Grand Rapids Press I think this letter says it all. See this film!

Harmful about homosexuals

I am responding to Philip Lewis ("Pushing gay agenda," Pulse, March 24). Mr. Lewis objected to the supportive position which the movie "V for Vendetta" takes toward homosexual people. First, homosexual people were targeted by the Nazis and exterminated in the camps. Therefore, their similar depiction in the movie is legitimate -- hardly "absolutely ludicrous." I have several gay friends, all of whom knew from childhood that they were different and have had to endure the shaming and bruising of language like Mr. Lewis' for their entire lives: "deviant," "vile," "sewer water," "damaging to society," "not natural." This kind of talk is profoundly hurtful to many people, including children. Finally, regarding Mr. Lewis' concern: "Where is it going to end -- with another Sodom and Gomorrah?" I offer this: A gay male couple lives near to me. They have an incredibly beautiful garden. My elderly father and I often walk by and admire it. Whenever we catch one of the men in the yard, they are always exceedingly kind and conversational. They are an asset to the neighborhood. Mr. Lewis would be greatly relieved to hear that of all the people I have observed enjoying the garden, not one yet has become a pillar of salt.

GEORGE BARTNICK/Grand Rapids
from the Grand Rapids Press, May 1
Letter to the Editor