Anti-sex reaction formation
To the editor:
Your recent account of the intensifying battle over depiction of explicit sex and discussion of sexual matters on cable television (Oct. 3, p. 1) arouses my concern, especially when I consider the financial backing behind the quasi-religious and political demagogues who are promoting the censorial legislation which would forbid such free expression. To deny Americans their right to purchase the literature of their choosing, whether printed or broadcasted, smacks of a Fallweilian rewrite of 1984. , Trenton, NJ, 06-21-1983
It is the responsibility of parents and other heads of households, not of self-righteous theologians or politicians (at any level of government) to determine what movies or films will be viewed in their homes. No abridgement of this inalienable right will ever be tolorated by lovers of freedom.
The pathological anti-sex reaction-formation defenses of a few powerful members of an amoral minority should not be allowed to hamper the vast numbers of parents who wish to prepare their young ones for life with a healthy and balanced view of human sexuality.
THOMAS S. RUE
Trenton
The Trenton Times
The Trentonian, Trenton, NJ, 06-21-1983
1984 Near / Information Act
Kindly publish the following open letter to all members of Congress: , Trenton, NJ, 06-21-1983
Please note the sentiments of this voter with regard to the sanctity of the Freedom of Information Act (Title 5, United States Code, Section 552) and the Privacy Act of 1974 (Title 5, United States Code, Section 552a.) Be advised that I take an active interest in these issues, and that I consider them to be among my most vital considerations when casting my ballot.
In particular, I am opposed to the proposed (and, in some cases, recent granted) exemptions extended to the Central Intelligence Agency and Federaul Bureau of Investigations. It is imperative that the FOIA not be sacrificed to allay ungrounded fears in the the paranoid delusionaries who now dominate the administration and internation politics.
I urge you to intensify your support of these two pieces of legislation which are vital to our continued existence as a free people. Remember, 1984 is scarecely six months away!
THOMAS S. RUE
Trenton
The Trenton Times
The Trentonian, Trenton, NJ, 06-21-1983
Women pioneers had greater role
You may be pleased to learn that a full-page advertisement by one of your sponsors (which appeared on page 45 of the March 1983 issue), offering a twelve-tape dramatization of a "new and monumental tribute to the women of the Church" has been selected for presentation at a seminar on the psychology of women at Trenton State College. , Provo, UT, 03-15-1983
A fine example of the roles women are socialized to fill in the LDS Church, this ad features an illustration of Emma Smith "organizing" the Relief Society, this country's oldest women's organization, under the watchful eye of her husband Joseph and other priesthood leaders.
The ad goes on to name "some of the well known women" dramatized in the series of tapes. Most of their "accomplishments", however, consist solely in their relationships to prominent men. Starting with Lucy Mack Smith, whose life accomplishment is listed as giving birth to Joseph, Junior, several more are listed. The primary accomplishment of Emma Smith, for example, is shown as being the "wife of Joseph". A third is Eliza R. Snow. Best known for her poem (now hymn) "Oh My Father", Eliza is primarily famous for her polygamous marriage to Joseph Smith and for her relationship to Lorenzo Snow.
We wonder, are there not better examples in the annals of Mormondom of women who have achieved? Surely there have been those who built great names for themselves without using a man or a man's work as a foundation!
THOMAS S. RUE
Trenton
BYU Today
Thanks firemen
The following letter was sent to Chief Rudolph Fuessel of the Slackwood Volunteer Fire Company: , Lawrenceville, NJ, 01-27-1982
Enclosed you will find an extra contribution to Slackwood Volunteer Fire Company for this year, sent as an expression of our sincere appreciation of the efforts you and your men put forward in putting out the fire in our home on the night of January 19, 1982.
The fire began with a tangled extension cord which ignited a mattress and spread to the wall. If our smoke alarm had not gone off, it might have been some time before the fire was noticed.
It is largely due to your quick response that our house was saved and damage was minized. Your men did an excellent job of not only putting out the fire, but cleaning up some of the resulting mess.
My family joins the many other Lawrence Township residents who are indebted to the slefless volunteer service you and your Company give to the community.
CLYDE B. RUE
179 Foch Ave.
The Lawrence Ledger
[The above letter was written by, and at the suggestion of, Tom Rue. The enclosed check was written by Clyde B. Rue.]
The lessons of Masada
After reading 'Masada, Ancient Drama' in the July New Era, and having today visited that historic site, I could not help but be impressed with two things in relation to the events which took place there. , Salt Lake City, Utah, 09-1977
First, strange as it may sound, the victory won at Masada on the part of the Jews.
The as remains of the heros, even to this day, testify of their valor and determination to serve their Lord unfettered; of their love for God and freedom above their very lives. If one listens hard enough, he can almost hear the glorious words of Captain Moroni echoed through the surrounding country-side: 'In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives and our children' (Alma 46:12).
And second, the ~tragedy~ of Masada: not the demise of those who met martyrs' deaths, but the circumstances which brought them to their position. Judah was an "evil and adulterous generation" (Matthew 2:39) who tried to rationalize sin, calling "evil good and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20), very similar to many of us -- "Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord (Isaiah 5:20) -- a warning to the youth of latter-day Zion?
I sincerely hope that 'the mountains around us' will ever resound with zealous cries of faith and praise and that we may truthfully say, when the time comes, that we have lived our lives 'in memory of our God.'
THOMAS RUE
Trenton, New Jersey
The New Era
To sunlight by my tears
The juxtaposition of "Gold Mine" by Stephen Farrance and "Stephen" about Stephen Farrance in the May New Era was profound. What we would like to be so often conflicts with what we are capable of being. As Steve in the first article, our fantasies are often similar to discovering a gold mine or buying out Howard Hughes. In real life, however, this giant was not so short-sighted. I pray to God that I can be as insightful as Stephen Farrance was, discerning "the many blessings which I have to be thankful for," and not be blinded to the sunlight by my tears. , Salt Lake City, Utah, 09-1976
THOMAS RUE
Trenton, New Jersey
The New Era
03-24-1998
