Draft letter from Michael Perlman to the editor

Letter to the editor by GSU President Michael Perlman. Text reads: Editor: I inevitably find myself flabbergasted whenever confronted by the lunacy of measly minds! (Those who __ there prejudice to the imprisonment of society) A case in point is the kind of arrogance and unabashed prejudice fashioned by the likes of Norman and Pat Jackson and uncovered by the Mustang Daily in an article appearing Jan. 26th entitled 'GSU accuses disco of gay discrimination in policy on couples.' It is blatantly obvious that the Jacksons are beset by and in possession [sic] of unwarranted assumptions and pre-conceived judgements based on a stereotype of gay people that only ignorance and dogmatism can foster. Mr. Jackson's assertion that "homosexuals and heterosexuals will not mix" is an irresponsible generalization which serves no purpose other than to showcase his twisted and insensate view of society as well as to assure fellow bigots that they have a spokesman. Certainly there will be a few gayspeople who will be offending, just as there will be a few straight people who will be offended. However, on the whole ( and as illustrated by the grand opening of The Sophisticated Lady) the gay and straight communities mix just fine. Its happening in SLO right now. Its happening all over the world! I have often found that those most threatened by gay people are those most insecure about their own sexual orientation. I don't see any exception in the case of the Jacksons. Their bigotry is a salient reflection of their own hang-ups and disdain for others. Their debasement of homosexuals is a benighted an nonsensical attempt to feel superior in a society moving close and closer to human rights on all levels, and further away from the kind of ignorance that breeds nothing but injustice and rancor, contaminating that which is good and loving. In short, I find this particular incident a sobbering [sic] slap-in-the-face with regards to the progress made and the distance still to be covered in the area of gay rights. I find people such as the Jacksons to be a dangerous and detrimental element in society. They reveal their arrogance with pride in anticipation of support, when pity is all anyone can offer! Norman and Pat Jackson...WAKE UP!!! Sincerely, Michael Perlman President Gay Students' Union