Mr. Kirchhoff, I am one of the so-called backward hick bigots, which you referred to in your article entitled Queer Nebraska, which appeared in the Iowa State Daily on Nov. 17 and in the Harvard Crimson on Nov. 15. First of all Mr. Kirchhoff Initiative 419 does not exist. The Initiative you are referring to is 416. Your suggestion that Initiative 416 represents the notion that “the politics of hate are overwhelmingly popular in the state of Nebraska” is absolutely absurd. In case you are unaware Mr. Kirchhoff the idea of a marriage, the union between a man and a woman, is one put forth not by any governmental agency, but by the bible.

I fully support the rights of persons to live their lives in a manner which they see fit. I as well as the majority of my fellow Nebraskans and fellow Republicans do not propose to “disenfranchise” gays and lesbians from any fundamental civil rights. I have no problem with a homosexual man or women or heterosexual man or women for that matter, engaging in whatever sort of relationship they choose. I also have no problem with a homosexual man or woman engaging in some sort of common-law civil union. As far as I’m concerned after they can prove they have lived together for a set amount of time, they can be considered a couple and thus afforded many of the benefits that accompany such a relationship, such as spousal insurance. I do take issue however with the idea of a homosexual marriage per se. As I said before, the idea of a marriage, is one that originated in the bible as a union between a man and a woman.

Two of my dear friends, Chris and Sean, are an “oppressed” couple, who happen to live amongst the “backward hick bigots.” I have debated the issue with them and they seem to understand and even accept my position and where I come from. They understand that I do not wish to deny them any rights or privileges or dictate to them how to live their lives. I am merely interested in keeping marriage per se the way it was originally intended.

Are there extremists who feel that homosexuals are Satan’s spawn? Certainly there are. The same way there are extremists on the left who believe we should live in some sort of social commune. Probably even some at your fine institution. I do not attempt to make broad sweeping generalizations as you do however, that those back east or the entire Democratic party call for the upheaval of free market capitalism. Your broad sweeping generalizations Mr. Kirchhoff expose your self-serving Harvard elitist attitude. Most likely you have never visited Nebraska, and obviously do not understand the agenda of the Republican Party. So the next time you decide to make such broad sweeping generalizations, I suggest you check your self-serving Harvard elitist attitude at the door.

Mike Nichols

Senior

Political Science