Opinion : Letter to the Editor: They-Them

Editor:

I am not sure why I am so bothered by the following - but I am. I attended Catholic Mass today as I usually do on Sundays, and was struck by the woman hood of some of my female friends; T. M. E. and others. I adore them not in any romantic way but in the way they carry themselves and identify; without doubt to their sex. Theirs is much different than my own; I am male and have always been male. I didn't think much about that fact attending Kindergarten where I noticed there were differences; I had short hair and wore denums the others that I later identified as girls had long hair or pigtails and wore dresses. For the most part they didn't like us and we didn't particularly like them - they were different. They spoke differently, they acted differently - we boys fought and wrestled and played contact games; they despised us for that. But, somehow we got along and we respected each other's appearance and habits. They had different restrooms then us guys, and we were instructed to not violate that space, but to use our own - BOY'S ROOM, and out of respect for our opposites we did not violate that rule.

But after Mass I needed to do some grocery shopping as Sharon was not feeling well. So, I stopped at the only grocery open on a Sunday in our town and did my business. But before I got my shopping cart I spied this young - clearly - female with a sort of top (can't describe it properly) as it showed her bare shoulders and bare midriff. But the thing that started me - not her dress as other girls dress that way - but what the garment said; THEY, THEM. Now I wondered "what the hell does that mean?" Now I'm sure that the cadre of critics to my writings can explain not only to me, but to other readers as well - "what the hell it means!"

In my own beliefs there are certain rules that I as a male do not violate without repercussions. I am to respect others regardless of their biological sex, race, or religion. But, I know there is Nature's law and God's law and to violate either is sinful. I grew up as a Protestant and through our regular sermons and summer bible schools we were taught the basics of the Christian Religion. When I met Sharon and we decided to spend the rest of our lives together I realized that there could be no differences in our religious beliefs. So, as I was on Active Duty USAF during our engagement I had various Air Force Chaplin priests instruct me as to Catholic Doctrine. The Gospels - Mathew, Mark, Luke and John were the kingpins to my indoctrination as were those men of the Old Testament - Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Elijah, Daniel and David. These are men of great faith who had trials and weaknesses just as we do today. (David, As a young lad, how brave and courageous he was to confront the Philistine giant Goliath and best him in mortal combat.) I found Jesus to be kind, merciful, and a great teacher to his Jewish and non- Jewish brothers and sisters. Anyway, no need to go further. But still the question - what the hell does "they - them" mean?

Does it have to do with "Secular Humanism". In other words the only worthwhile religion is found only in governance?; ---is that is what Marxism and other leftist ideologies including Progressivism are about? Is that it; or is there some other mystery I am not aware of? Hmm? I am sure the trio can enlighten me.

Remember November

Regards,

John Stiegelmeyer