The following is an email from Mark Bonney
(Posted 6-11-02)

Dear Mr. Alexander,

You state that there is a difference between having hatred and having a difference of opinion. When your difference of opinion is that a group of people should be excluded for who they are, how is that different from hatred? It is unfortunate that the Republican party has stated now that not only do gays and lesbians not have a place in the Republican Party, but also they do not have a place in Oklahoma. You have asked that all Oklahomans join you in taking a stand against equal rights for all people. It is sad that Republicans are now stating that equal rights, compassion and tolerance are very liberal ideas.

When you fight against equality, you show your hatred. There is no distinction. You can not be for a person and against their right to marry, have and adopt children, and live their lives in peace. When you are against a person's right to equality you do dehumanize them. When you use a group of persons to attack the Democratic Party you dehumanize them. This is exactly what you did and now you are attempting to cover it up with words of liberal agenda. There was a time when most Oklahomans believed in segregation, that did not make it right then or now. I would like to read some of the press releases from the Oklahoma Republican Party from the 1960's to see the comparisons with your releases. Some day you will be judged by your own words and on that day you will know and understand the truth.

I would like to challenge you to public debate on the issue.

Respectfully,

William Mark Bonney