Dear Mr. O’Reilly,
I want to start by congratulating Fox News for being the No.1 network in cable news for 11 consecutive years. First Amendment-loving liberals hate when you say that, which is why I like to repeat it.
I would also like to commend you (and Martin Dugard) for your best-selling books, “Killing Lincoln” and “Killing Kennedy.” I had the opportunity to read both of them, and they were excellent.
But, let’s cut to the chase. During the Kelly File segment (last week) with Megyn Kelly, you contended the compelling argument is on the side of homosexuals. To you, their argument is “compelling” because they are Americans, so they have the “right” to be treated like everybody else does. Further, you argue the other side needs to have a strong argument. But in your mind, they don’t. All they know how to do is “thump the Bible.”
Really? As a fellow Christian, I find it rather degrading that you would marginalize a portion of your audience by referring to them, as well as the secular opponents of marriage equality, as Bible thumpers. Yet you question Christian leaders who won’t stand up for Easter?
No wonder they won’t.
In your “Talking Points Memo” on March 25, you shared the story of Ryan Rotela, the Florida Atlantic University student who was asked by his liberal professor to stomp on the word “Jesus.” In response, you said, “There is no question that many college campuses are becoming radicalized.”
Are you surprised?
It’s because of individuals like you, who give Christians a bad rap. In Luke 10:27, Jesus tells us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourself. In Matthew 7:1, we are told not to judge, or we, too, will be judged. We are instructed to love everybody, including homosexuals.
However, many people also believe marriage is the sacred union between a man and a woman. So, they interpret their religious texts literally — is that OK?
Furthermore, you agreed “100 percent” with Megyn Kelly when she said she didn’t hear anything articulated that was particularly persuasive. Have you considered the arguments that are being put forth by the opponents of marriage equality? Do you realize what it could mean for America if we decide to federally legitimize the union between two men or two women? Do you understand that if it passes, we’re talking about fundamentally redefining not just marriage, but also our rights as citizens?
How does marriage equality hurt traditional marriage?
I’ll tell you.
If we decide homosexuals have the right to marry, then we will, eventually, have to extend that “right” to bigamists, polygamists, polyamorists and incestists (if that’s what they’re called). Marriage will no longer be defined as the union between one man and one woman — it will be defined as the union among two or more people, related or not, who love each other.
Pardon me for being dogmatic, but when a society chooses to embrace cultural relativism in the name of “equality,” that society will cease to distinguish right from wrong. It is my understanding that it’s not the government’s responsibility to legislate morality. Rather, it is the government’s responsibility to uphold the values and rights given to us not by man but by God. If you call yourself a “Culture Warrior,” then act like one.
I look forward to your reply.
Erik Skipper is an economic sophomore at UF. His column usually runs on Wednesdays. You can contact him via opinions@alligator.org.
