To The Herald-Whig:

I read your article in Oct. 29 edition about President Obama signing the inappropriately named "hate crime" bill. Gays and lesbians are not hated people.

I was a part of the 1963-64 generation. In 1963 and before that time period, in my lifetime our country was a comparatively conservative country. Over the years, since 1964, I have watched our nation become progressively more liberal. However, it never once occurred to me that we would be in the fix we are presently in.

Today, due to the passing of Obama's hate-crime bill, preachers are not allowed to preach against sin. But, several years ago, the Federal Communications Commission made it lawful for radio, television and newspapers to use profanity and obscenity over the air and in newspapers. With all due respect, I have never seen such language in The Herald-Whig nor have I heard such language on our local news. I am not a radio or television fan, but of course, do listen to the news and baseball games.

I am as much to blame for this mess as anyone else, as I should have badgered our senators and representatives more. The point is, why do we now have this double standard -- what's sauce for the goose (media) is not sauce for the gander (preachers)?. We need to pray for our nation.

President Reagan once quoted II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Rather than turning our backs on God, let's turn back to God and pray for our nation and also pray that this portion of the bill will be declared unconstitutional.

Keep in mind that once our right of freedom of speech is taken away, other similar bills may certainly follow suit.

Donna Miller

Quincy