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Shouldn't we welcome and encourage any couple who want to make a public commitment?

Once more we have the conundrum of religious conservatives. They want a less active and intrusive government, but they also want to interfere with our most intimate actions. They dream of a golden time when daddy worked and mommy stayed home and all the kiddies were dutiful, loving, and did their homework without being told.

The infamous Sixties came about because the children of those ideal times grew up and realized the hypocrisy that ran rampant in our society. Equality and justice for all - except if your skin color or religion was different.

Kids who grew up in the leafy suburbs looked at the inner cities and decided something, lots of somethings, had to change.

Segregation is now routinely denounced, as well it should be, and the country is moving on in spite of those who equate going to church and having a moral check list with real religion. Mark Twain put it nicely, "Some don't smoke or drink; they have worse vices."

We are now in the season of Lent. We are supposed to be examining our consciences, helping the unfortunate, giving up luxuries, in general seeing if we can come closer to being the good person we want to be. How ironic that this year an important issue is being made of marriage. What on Earth does that have to do with real morality? I would suggest to those making such a fuss that they turn inward and consider the true meaning of Lent.

Dee Longenbaugh
Juneau