To the editor:

After drafting multiple rebuttals to Mr. William Dann’s paid opinion piece, “A reasonable look at same-sex marriage,” I’ve come to a conclusion. Involving myself in a cycle of disproving and discovering points for debate only creates the illusion that I’m closing in on a “resolution.” Toss around reference book definitions, historical similarities, Bible verse and legislation as much as you like, but remember that this debate is about humans, not words.

Humans are a special form of animal requiring more than food and shelter to survive. We are unique in that in addition to those elements, we require love and validation.

Today, I ask this community to do something which may be difficult. Recognize that love and validation is needed by all humans, despite differing religious or political affiliation. It seems this is the gift our creator gave us to force us together. We can’t obtain love and worth independently; we obtain it through each other. If your beliefs deny others the quest for love and validation perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate those beliefs; even more, perhaps it’s time you learn what it takes to feel human.

J. McCoy,

Lawrence