HIGH GEAR/JULY 1978

SPEAKING OF FREEDOM...

By Rev. C. Shawn Farrell

Two hundred and two years ago the Declaration of independence came into being, based on the irrefutable selfevident truths that all people are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

This philosophy has helped guide our country to its position as one of the leaders for freedom, and has attracted thousands to our shores seeking the opportunity to pursue their

followers was that they love one another. It is sad that the lady with the microphone has, in the name of Christ who spoke of love and setting people free, en'tered into a crusade of persecution and discrimination.

Perhaps the most cruel irony of all is that she claims to be doing it for our own good! C.S. Lewis writes: "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's

been those who, out of the "goodness" of their hearts, have seen fit to dictate to the culture the morality of the day. Since the beginning of human history, legislated morality has NOT worked, and it WILL NOT work when that legislation is obtained at the expense of personal justice.

No group in society should be arbitrarily discriminated against, because when the rights of one minority are violated, the rights of all Americans are in jeopardy.

Yearly this country celebrates the birth of its independence, and among those who share in that celebration are twenty million gay Americans who are treated as second class citizens. Men and women from every walk of life, doctors, lawyers, teachers, policemen, fireman, bookkeepers, executives,-these, too, are part of society, and we will not disapper, nor will we be satisfied win less than full civil liberties. Sexual and affectional preference is no reason for second class citizen-

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ship in a country dedicated to the cause of human rights. All Americans are entitled to their basic rights as spelled out in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

TO CONDEMN, TO PERSECUTE, TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST GAY PEOPLE ON THE BASIS OF RELIGIOUS BELIEF ONLY TAKES US BACK TO THE TIME OF PONTIUS PILATE AND A MAN WHO WAS CRUCIFIED BECAUSE HE HAPPENED TO BE DIFFERENT.

chosen goals unrestricted by cruelty may sometimes sleep, FOURTH OF JULY PICNIC

political pressures and religious persecution. Many came to America by way of New York harbor, where the legendary lady with the lamp stands as a beacon to the oppressed, a symbol to all who seek the freedom which she promises.

But recently another lady has appeared on the horizon, bearing not a lamp and a promise of freedom, but instead, holding a microphone and preaching against those whose lifestyle differs from her own. Unlike Miss Liberty, she does not base her beliefs upon selfevident truths, but rather upon a distortion of facts. Furthermore, she conducts her campaign in the name of Jesus Christ, whose abiding directive to His

his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience...to be "cured" against one's will and "cured" of states which we do not regard as disease is to be put on a level with those who have not yet reached the age of reason. You start being "kind" to people before you have considered their rights, and then force upon them supposed kindnesses which they in fact had a right to refuse, and finally kindnesses which no one but you will recognize as kindnesses and which the recipient will feel as abominable cruelties.

Swinging a bat, hitting a ball over the net, running threelegged sack races, helping a partner to cross the field wheelbarrow fashion and eating a hardy, picnic lunch, were a few of the many activities enjoyed by those attending the AllOhio Gay Picnic.

Sponsored by MCC-Akron, in cooperation with the Northeast Ohio Bars and Baths, the unique event attracted some three hundred persons from diverse areas and cities in Ohio. The picnic was held at Shaker Day Camp, rented exclusively for the fourth of July. The super job of planand

In every society there have ning. scheduling,

organizing the social, brought the feeling of unity among the picnickers. In spite of the weather being cool and the skies cloudy, the warmth and smiles of those attending certainly weren't affected by the hidden sun. Much laughter, new acquaintances, familiar faces, and plenty of beer added to the fun and relaxation. In the woods, foot trails and streams were full of adventure and intrigue.

Unlike many picnics you may have attended, this one couldn't be beat. The response of the gay crowd and the feeling of being many, helped this to be successful. Many names of those who worked long, hard hours at

getting things together could be listed, but recognition and appreciation belongs and is due to everyone who participated: those who served the beer and soft drinks, operated the kitchen, handled the parking, organized the games, cleaned the grounds, and those who were there just to have a good time. And if you missed this picnic, you missed a fun time; if you attended, you had a good time.

We are looking forward to another great day filled with games, fellowship with others. and plenty of food and drink at the next All-Ohio Gay Picnic. Be there, will you? I will.

15th ANNUAL KISMET PICNIC

Sunday July 30th 12noon to 8p.m.