tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post8309836259468610737..comments2023-06-12T05:42:15.794-07:00Comments on Mount Si Parents: Coalition calls for an end to the Day of Silence at Mount Si High School:MtSiParentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01373429203303191324noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-49976340118878413502009-01-04T16:02:00.000-08:002009-01-04T16:02:00.000-08:00You said, "When persecuted, do you feel sympatheti...You said, "When persecuted, do you feel sympathetic to your tormentors?" <BR/><BR/>Isn't that especially funny coming from a persecutor? Aren't you being a bit of a baby, crying about how YOU make others feel on a daily basis, 365 days a year? What, you can't take "an eye for an eye" for just ONE day?<BR/><BR/>Hypocrisy is an ugly thing - except to the hypocrite - who thinks it makes him look handsome.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-51657975198231143982008-03-09T15:10:00.000-07:002008-03-09T15:10:00.000-07:00Diane Garding said... "Let the woman learn in sile...<I>Diane Garding said... </I><BR/><BR/>"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. <B>But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." (I Timothy 2:11-15)<BR/></B>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-81548336333678310412008-03-08T13:41:00.000-08:002008-03-08T13:41:00.000-08:00hmmm...the "mormon-approved' website doesn't reall...hmmm...the "mormon-approved' website doesn't really say anything too different than the "biased" site Juanita Parent recomened and that Gaurding and Hilsman were so worried about. <BR/><BR/>Both sites claim that church believes that "homosexuality is a curable affliction" and that there are programs and methods out there to resist "same-gender" attraction.<BR/><BR/>I wonder why they got their secret underwear in such a knot?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-632317878359588822008-03-08T13:35:00.000-08:002008-03-08T13:35:00.000-08:00Here are some quotes from the recommended "Mormon-...Here are some quotes from the recommended "Mormon-approved" websites. In a nutshell, the church of LDS argues that homosexuality exists and that only "acting" on "same-gender attractions" (they specifically avoid referring to the term "homosexuality") is a sin. The solution?! Celibacy, prayer, therapy, and making these "afflicted" individuals recognize that homosexuality is a choice. Enjoy the quotes. <BR/><BR/>If there are any gay Mormon kids out there reading, let it be known that there are plenty of people out here (even right here in little old Snoqualmie Valley) willing to accept you for exactly who you truly are--no repentance, therapy, or lying to yourself required. If you are looking for allies, GSA meetings are on Thursdays. Here are the quotes:<BR/> <BR/><BR/>"Over past years we have seen unrelenting pressure from advocates of that lifestyle to accept as normal what is not normal"<BR/><BR/>"I think it’s important for you to understand that homosexuality, which you’ve spoken of, is not a noun that describes a condition. It’s an adjective that describes feelings or behavior."<BR/><BR/>"homosexual feelings are controllable. Perhaps there is an inclination or susceptibility to such feelings that is a reality for some and not a reality for others. But out of such susceptibilities come feelings, and feelings are controllable. If we cater to the feelings, they increase the power of the temptation. If we yield to the temptation, we have committed sinful behavior."<BR/><BR/>"it may be appropriate for that person [a homosexual] to seek therapy."<BR/><BR/>"same-gender attraction did not exist in the pre-earth life and neither will it exist in the next life. It is a circumstance that for whatever reason or reasons seems to apply right now in mortality, in this nano-second of our eternal existence."<BR/><BR/>"The Lord’s law of moral conduct is abstinence outside of lawful marriage and fidelity within marriage. Sexual relations are proper only between husband and wife, appropriately expressed within the bonds of marriage. Any other sexual conduct, including fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior is sinful. Those who persist in such practices or influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline.”<BR/><BR/>" Either there is marriage as it is now defined and as defined by the Lord, or there is what could thus be described as genderless marriage. The latter is abhorrent to God"<BR/><BR/>" people want to legalize a particular relationship, we need to be careful if that kind of relationship has been disapproved for millennia. Suddenly there’s a call to legalize it so they can feel better about themselves"<BR/><BR/>"Ultimately, the wisest course for anybody who’s afflicted with same-gender attraction is to strive to extend one’s horizon beyond just one’s sexual orientation, one’s gender orientation, and to try to see the whole person. If I’m one that’s afflicted with same-gender attraction, I should strive to see myself in a much broader context"<BR/><BR/>"We urge persons with same-gender attractions to control those and to refrain from acting upon them, which is a sin"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-87144229950585840272008-03-06T12:16:00.000-08:002008-03-06T12:16:00.000-08:00Diane, thanks for your response. I was about to po...Diane, thanks for your response. I was about to post the same two articles to illustrate the position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) position on homosexuality.<BR/><BR/>While www.lds.org is the official church website for information and material, the church also maintains a site, www.mormon.org, that also has information as well. Either on is a good source of information about the church.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely Yours,<BR/>Karl HilsmannAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-82079656428386331912008-03-06T10:53:00.000-08:002008-03-06T10:53:00.000-08:00GSA parent of 2 (Juanita) said... "The Coalition's...GSA parent of 2 (Juanita) said... <BR/><BR/>"The Coalition's letter includes a quote from Gordon B. Hinckley, the former head of the Mormon Church who recently passed away. Thought it would be interesting to provide a link to some of LDS views on homosexuality:". This was followed by a link to an anti-Mormon web site.<BR/><BR/>If I want to learn about GLSEN, I can go to a biased, but well documented, anti-gay site or I can go directly to their own website. Where do you think I will get the most accurate view of their purpose?<BR/><BR/>If anyone honestly wants to know the LDS church's (Mormon) opinion on same sex relationships go to their newsroom and read their official press release.<BR/><BR/>http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction<BR/><BR/>Here is a shorter version in response to a ABC Nightline story in June 2006 that reported some views and comments that do not reflect the teachings of our church. <BR/><BR/>http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/church-responds-to-nightline-story-on-mormons-and-homosexuality<BR/><BR/>Note, too, that the quote from Gordon Hinckley was about management practices and had nothing whatsoever to do with his or his Church's positions on homosexuality or gender identity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-18492453266306636122008-03-05T14:01:00.000-08:002008-03-05T14:01:00.000-08:00If the letter quotes Hinkley, then why would it be...If the letter quotes Hinkley, then why would it be inappropriate to question what the Mormon views on homosexuality are? <BR/><BR/>If you are willing to speak about them, have at it. The forum is definitely listening with open ears. No one is pointing fingers, all (Juanita Parent) did was point people to a site...and warned everybody that the site was clearly biased.<BR/><BR/>...sorry, but by quoting Hinkley, you are bringing a Mormon perspective into the mix. Just as bringing Hutcherson to a MLK assembly brings gay opposition into the mix. If the coalition doesn't want religion to be at the forefront of their argument, then they shouldn't be quoting Hinkley--a person who is solely known for his religious affiliation and leadership<BR/><BR/>I'm definitely interested to see what the Mormon take on homosexuality is-- I honestly don't know. Mr. Hilsmann, nobody is accusing you of anything or afraid to talk...why don't you take this opportunity and provide some info on the LDS perspective on civil rights and homosexuality...or, if you are not comfortable with that, direct us to a more balanced website. I'm sure everybody here would be interested to find out more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-92067084223077677792008-03-05T11:27:00.000-08:002008-03-05T11:27:00.000-08:00To GSA parent of 2 (Juanita)Interestingly enough, ...To GSA parent of 2 (Juanita)<BR/><BR/>Interestingly enough, you find fault the open GSA letter and attack it with an interesting tactic: You attack Pres. Hinckley’s comment - which was not regarding the gay issue - with direction to an anti-Mormon site whose bias is clear and unequivocal. Thus throwing into derision Mormons in an attempt to discredit them and by inference, the statement and so they must be discounted. I wonder how that would work for me if I employed a similar tactic and pointed people to an anti gay site? Seems to me I would be labeled a bigot and intolerant. Why is the reverse not true?<BR/><BR/>If you want to know what a Mormon believes, ask a Mormon. I had my horns removed some time ago and I promise not to steal your wife and children :-). Show some respect and get rid of the knee jerk response.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Karl Hilsmann<BR/><BR/>-Parent of 2 boys in Mt. Si. Parent of 2 Mt. Si graduates. Mormon, conservative and not afraid to talk about it. Only wishes that if people want to know the beliefs of Mormons, to have them just ask one because we don't carry the plague regardless what our detractors think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-37288725678571677752008-03-04T22:41:00.000-08:002008-03-04T22:41:00.000-08:00Awesome post Cindy!But I would have picked the Sne...Awesome post Cindy!<BR/><BR/>But I would have picked the Sneetches.MtSiParentshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01373429203303191324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-82818803025370804182008-03-04T21:05:00.000-08:002008-03-04T21:05:00.000-08:00We are raised told that blogs and online places ar...We are raised told that blogs and online places are not places to post our names.<BR/><BR/>Now that we have established that...<BR/><BR/>I am against intolerance of EVERYONE. Not just a select group.<BR/><BR/>Otherwise we might have like 30 days of silence for various groups unless we recognize everyone in one day. If we cant do that then we should just bag the day completely as it singles people out and labels them.<BR/><BR/>It also disrupts the classroom. Can we have a day that recognizes intolerance and doesnt interfere with teaching?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-61410946987890914112008-03-04T20:45:00.000-08:002008-03-04T20:45:00.000-08:00It seems to me that the best course of action for ...It seems to me that the best course of action for parents, students, and staff is to get on board and to support this fine educational experience for all those who enter the High School on April 25. It should, as always, be a welcoming and diverse environment.<BR/> Those who choose not to speak should be respected as should those who choose not to participate, and there you have it. I don't get why this is such an issue. I do worry that the parents who voice strong opposition for reasons that escape me and seem intolerant of difference are passing this on to their kids and subsequently empowering them to be more disruptive than is otherwise acceptable. Such a belligerent attitude threatens the school environment. Please teach your children well and explain that tolerance is a blessing and this day provides a good opportunity to practice tolerance and seek understanding,<BR/><BR/>Respectfully,<BR/><BR/>Mark JoselynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-29529518668715879862008-03-04T20:00:00.000-08:002008-03-04T20:00:00.000-08:00"To Anonymous student.Unfortunately your statement..."To Anonymous student.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately your statement does not carry the same impact with your anonymity.<BR/><BR/>If you have something to say speak and and be recognized!<BR/><BR/>-Larry Smith, North Bend Resident"<BR/><BR/>I speak out plenty at school, to many different people about my feelings and beliefs. Simply because I choose to remain anonymous on and online blog does not lessen what I am saying. I mean, kids are supposed to be safe online right? =)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-57001188642768279512008-03-04T19:47:00.000-08:002008-03-04T19:47:00.000-08:00This year’s Day of Silence will be held in memory ...This year’s Day of Silence will be held in memory of Lawrence King. What a powerful message for students to observe the day in silence to not only echo the silence LGBTQ students and their friends face every day, but to peacefully protest the type of violence and hatred that ended Lawrence King's life.<BR/><BR/>It seems like this simple message is being lost in all the rhetoric.<BR/><BR/>If what you feel is that the past two events have had flaws, then by all means, bring them to the GSA and help them make the event better. I agree that students who do not participate should not be labeled or subject to harassment. <BR/><BR/>I wasn't working at MSHS in 2007, but in 2006 I was there for the first event. Students participating in the day of silence were told that if talking was a necessary part of their academic day, then they were to talk. period. For example, Choir members pretty much sing, participation points for class discussions are a must. I participated by wearing a button, but my job required me to speak (answering the phone made staying silent difficult). Many staff participated in the same way.<BR/><BR/>To those of you with other reasons to want to "silence" the Day of Silence, take a lesson from the Grinch.<BR/><BR/>Remember what happened when he tried to stop Christmas from coming? As he listened for the crying ... he did hear a sound rising over the snow. It started in low. Then it started to grow. <BR/>But the sound wasn't sad! Why, it sound sounded merry! It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY! <BR/>He stared down at Whoville! The Grinch popped his eyes! Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise! Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small, <BR/>Was singing! Without any presents at all! He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME! <BR/>Somehow or other, it came just the same! <BR/><BR/>So, lets say for the sake of argument that the principal buckles under the pressure of a few vocal parents and declares that there will be no Day of Silence. <BR/><BR/>What if a student chooses not to talk on April 25th anyway? When they are walking through the halls, at lunch, or in a classroom where speaking isn't necessary, what will happen then?<BR/><BR/>Respectfully,<BR/>Cindy SattlerCindyShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08361777163657415076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-21667521770367780352008-03-04T19:37:00.000-08:002008-03-04T19:37:00.000-08:00To Anonymous student.Unfortunately your statement ...To Anonymous student.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately your statement does not carry the same impact with your anonymity.<BR/><BR/>If you have something to say speak and and be recognized!<BR/><BR/>-Larry Smith, North Bend ResidentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-2749704896743923662008-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:002008-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00If 80 percent of the students choose not to partic...If 80 percent of the students choose not to participate, then I am curious as to how so many folks felt harrassed by those who are for the Day of Silence.<BR/><BR/>And one more thing, I read about this Coalition to Defend Education. I invite others to check out its webpage. It sounds like a bit of astroturfing to me (i.e. they oppose Day of Silence because of the gay element, but mask their disagreement under the pretence that their concern is for ALL students.) Their site says they want to stop "indoctrination."<BR/><BR/>I strongly suggest that folks investigate this group to seek if they are credible or some front members backed up by folks like Ken HutchersonBlackTsunamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02349560427762283170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-53330373828753394332008-03-04T15:32:00.000-08:002008-03-04T15:32:00.000-08:00I don't believe parents have any true idea of what...I don't believe parents have any true idea of what the "Day of Silence" is like at Mt. Si. Meaning, going to class for 6 periods a day, walking down the halls, eating lunch etc...<BR/><BR/>I'm not a parent, I'm a student. And I am suprised you all know so much about a day in my shoes, because last time I checked, there is only one adult in the classroom and thats the teacher. <BR/>Last year, and the year before I did not participate in the Day of Silence, simply because of my personal beliefs, some involving religion and some having nothing to do with religion.<BR/>I have nothing against being homosexual, I believe it is 100% your own choice and I'll like you all the same either way. But on the Day of Silence, I WAS labeled instantly, whether you think it or not. I was.<BR/>Most of you are on the outside looking in, and you should know that the Day of Silence is not just sugar puffs and frosting, its not just about equality for all, its not just about peace; it has its bad parts too. It DOES cause a massive amount of conflict, it DOES cause people to be hurt, and it DOES cause more hate. From both sides EQUALLY. <BR/>Do not say that the GSA and their supporters have nothing to do with the hatred thrown around, they have just as much hatred as people against homosexuality and personally, I think that it has gone way too far.<BR/>I don't hate anyone, and I'm tired of being told that I'm the problem. I'm not against the GSA,(I wish I could join the club to mix it up a little but I couldn't make the meetings)and I'm not against homosexuality, but I am against things that cause me to want to miss school, things that make me fear speaking my mind, and things that cause hate. <BR/><BR/>So parents, I am the neutral person, and I would like my voice to be heard the way I intend it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-10476187515282936782008-03-03T21:29:00.000-08:002008-03-03T21:29:00.000-08:00This blog is informative but loses legitimacy as m...This blog is informative but loses legitimacy as most choose to be anonymous. That says a lot, mostly that we seem unable to have open, honest and respectful conversation.<BR/>Perhaps if the community were to get behind the Day of Silence it would start a process of open communication and healing.<BR/><BR/>Mark Joselyn, parent of 3 students in the SVSD who is concerned that their education prepare them to live in our increasingly diverse world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-28197707919896006242008-03-03T20:19:00.000-08:002008-03-03T20:19:00.000-08:00My son is gay and I still don't want Day of Silenc...My son is gay and I still don't want Day of Silence in the school. Make it a before/after school activity and keep it out of the classrooms.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-10954837428502832572008-03-03T19:50:00.000-08:002008-03-03T19:50:00.000-08:00Yes, I think it is okay for people to be GLBT. Yet...Yes, I think it is okay for people to be GLBT. <BR/><BR/>Yet I am stereotyped.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-34774324204862883632008-03-03T18:43:00.000-08:002008-03-03T18:43:00.000-08:00I don't support the day of silence because it does...<I>I don't support the day of silence because it doesn't show the discrimination of everyone. Just one group. Also, it divides us into stereotypes such as the one above. Those who don't support it are thought to be against the gay community and are called ANTI-GAY. Which isn't accurate. It also interferes with teaching.</I><BR/><BR/><B> "Do you feel that it is OK for a person to be GLBT?"</B>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-24963468241848524802008-03-03T18:42:00.000-08:002008-03-03T18:42:00.000-08:00Most people are discriminated for one reason or an...Most people are discriminated for one reason or another throughout their life. Lets recognize everyone and stop dividing our school into stereotypes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-71318106215336563812008-03-03T18:38:00.000-08:002008-03-03T18:38:00.000-08:00"One thing I get from all this is the sneaking sus..."One thing I get from all this is the sneaking suspicion that almost all the people against the Day of Silence are actually against the Day because it legitimizes the existance of GLBT people"<BR/><BR/>This is stereotyping and totally untrue. This is one reason why people are against the day of silence.<BR/><BR/>I don't support the day of silence because it doesn't show the discrimination of everyone. Just one group. Also, it divides us into stereotypes such as the one above. Those who don't support it are thought to be against the gay community and are called ANTI-GAY. Which isn't accurate. It also interferes with teaching. <BR/><BR/>Do you see the Christians shutting up for a day because they have been told that their religion is bs?<BR/><BR/>What about the Jewish?<BR/>The African Americans?<BR/>The Native Americans?<BR/>The Females?<BR/>The Mormans?<BR/><BR/>These people are discriminated too.<BR/>You shouldn't just recognize yourselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-43199510853400097752008-03-03T11:19:00.000-08:002008-03-03T11:19:00.000-08:00If this day took place 50 years ago and was about ...If this day took place 50 years ago and was about bringing attention to the fact that many African Americans felt silenced and threatened by racism and discrimination, would you still be so against it?<BR/><BR/>Think about that...and tell me if you think there's a diffence. If you are qucik to say there's a huge difference, then there's no point discussing this matter further. <BR/><BR/>Here's the situation: those opposed to the Day of Silence do not believe GLBTQ individuals are born that way<BR/><BR/>Those who support the Day of Silence understand that there is no choice in regards to one's sexual identity<BR/><BR/>If it's not that simple, then we've got some people out there who would have no problem banning the study of the civil rights movement, black history, this country's racist past, apartheid, etc. from schools--all of which are studied, by the way, to help students learn from past mistakes and to empower them to create change. <BR/><BR/>People have been asking what is the day of silence about, it's simple: it's about bringing attention to the fact that many students do not feel safe to speak about who they really are...that's it. <BR/><BR/>It is not political, it is not religious, it is not controversial... it's human. Schools ARE about promoting human equality, if you think that's part of an agenda or political belief and you want that out of classrooms, then I'm sad to say you yourself have a lot of learning to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-71500188041360499702008-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:002008-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:00I think as it relates to MSHS as a public school e...I think as it relates to MSHS as a public school environment the fundamental question is around student safety. Do GLBT (or fill in your own favorite blank) children feel safe in the school? As someone with two kids in area schools I can tell you that we do have a culture where it is okay to be rude to, make fun of, name call, generally be hostile about anyone and all things gay. More so than any other category you would fill in the blank with. There is a real safety and discrimination issue here. Is it safe to be openly or not so openly gay in our schools? Everything else just get collapsed into that - do we agree with homosexuality or not, do we believe in benefits, gay marriage, etc.? Those are issues but the fundamental issue facing MSHS again is safety.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347078983265612327.post-69956678081592956502008-03-03T06:02:00.000-08:002008-03-03T06:02:00.000-08:00One thing I get from all this is the sneaking susp...One thing I get from all this is the sneaking suspicion that almost all the people against the Day of Silence are actually against the Day because it legitimizes the existance of GLBT people. I think all dialogue from us who feel differently should begin with the simmple and honest question "Do you feel that it is OK for a person to be GLBT?" If the answer is no, make note, but save your breath.Griskinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08256754364910919215noreply@blogger.com