Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

To the Editor:

“Loss in Maine Sets Back Drive for Same-Sex Marriage” (news analysis, New York Times on the Web, Nov. 4):

For all of the strengths of our nation, founded on the principles of justice for all, one sad and unforgivable flaw remains: we allow the majority to decide the rights of a minority.

If I were a citizen of Maine, I’d awaken this morning very embarrassed to be a part of that otherwise very beautiful state. You have denied people I love a basic human right; you should not be proud of yourselves.

Toni Weaver
McHenry, Ill., Nov. 4, 2009

Note from KBJ: Perhaps the letter writer would be happier in some other country, where the people have no say in things. The United States is a democracy. Our government is of the people, by the people, for the people. As for the people of Maine, they have no reason to be embarrassed and every reason to be proud. They told their elected representatives (and judges) that they do not appreciate having important institutions such as marriage tampered with. As for homosexual "marriage" being a basic human right, let me say this: It's not a right at all, much less a human right (i.e., a right that exists independently of government), much less a basic human right. Dogs don't have a right to vote; nor should they. Homosexual couples don't have a right to marry; nor should they. Every individual has exactly the same right: to marry someone of the opposite sex.