A couple of supporters of Kathy Martin want to make sure you know that Christopher Renner is gay.

Renner, Manhattan, a Democrat, is running against incumbent Martin, Republican, Clay Center, for her position as 6th District representative on the State Board of Education.

In the past few days, those supporters have sent the Journal a few e-mails to make sure we warned voters. That's Voters with a capital "V" and that rhymes with "G" and that stands for Gay!

Whew! Glad that's out there. We're feeling better already.

Can you imagine the caliber of disaster that could result if we elected a gay man to the State Board of Education? Why, he'd likely be showing up at board meetings and ... and, he'd be, uh, ... well, we're not sure what he'd be. What do gay men do at board of education meetings?

Study issues? Make comments? Vote? About what everyone else on the board is doing?

Forgive us our silliness. It's a natural reaction to the idea that in 2008, adults still get exorcised over the prospect of an openly gay man -- in Renner's case -- serving in public office. Or as a teacher, or a solider, or banker, or anything. It's ludicrous.

Unless you happen to be gay. Or have a gay child, sibling, friend or relative. Or maybe you just care about people.

Then you probably can get really angry when someone thinks it's not only OK to discriminate against gays but also that gays or lesbians are a danger to society.

For our straight readers still struggling with the idea of accepting gays, see if this helps: Think back. Maybe a long time ago, when you first made that decision to become a heterosexual. Remember? You weighed both sides of the issue, did the research, maybe talked it over with friends and parents, perhaps prayed for guidance, and finally, you decided that being a heterosexual was right for you. Remember?

Neither do we. Neither do gays. You don't choose your sexuality. You might, if you're gay, choose to suppress it (good luck with that), but no one wakes up one morning and says: "That's it! I've made my decision. It's the homosexual life for me!"

For those who are troubled by gays, may you find peace and embrace acceptance.

For Christopher Renner, we already endorsed you. We're looking smarter all the time.

-- Ben Wearing

Executive Editor

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get real. says....
Who says you cant choose your sexual preference. Its no different than people choosing to dress goth or gangsta. Those forms of dress draw scorn, yet they do it anyway, say with choosing to be gay. This doesnt mean we should be forced to set our opinions aside to support thei choice.
1/3/2009

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Tom Pilcher says....
you are all entitled to believe what you want. Doesnt mean you arent morons. And what kind of person hides behind a name like "iceman"? Can you call me "maverick" or "wolf den" ?
11/11/2008

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The syko one says....
IceMan, what a load of garbage you have stated. Where exactly did you get that bogus information? You need to check a few more places before you start making such bold comments on something you clearly know NOTHING about.
11/4/2008

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Merriamksdem says....
IceMan you are a fool... My Dad was a Gay Teacher. He Died of a HEART ATTACK just like many straight people. He never killed or kidnapped. Why does sexuality matter...as long as they are together for love. At least they don't bow down to some foolish thought that one or the other is the head-of-the-household or are hatefull based on words from an out-dated book.
11/3/2008

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Bill Richter, Manhattan says....
Bravo for an excellent commentary.
11/3/2008

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Matthew L says....
As an openly gay student at Kansas State University, I find this article very encouraging. I applaud Ben Wearing for his words. Sometimes it's very hard for me to believe that we are living in 2008 and some members of our society still hold such hurtful and discriminating positions.
11/2/2008

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RHM says....
Shame on the Martin campaign. Does anyone honestly believe that Renner's sexuality is relevant to the election?
10/31/2008

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says....
Thank you, Editor Wearing, for your eloquent attempt to educate that segment of the public which still nurses old bigoted attitudes. Chris has for years been a very important force for progress in our Manhattan---Sam Lacy 785 539 4404
10/30/2008

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visitor says....
No, I still believe that is it NOT OK to be Gay. SO thanks for letting me know the news. I wouldn't vote for him anyway... the gov sebelius is endorsing him. Hey, I am entitled to believe exactly what I want!
10/30/2008

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jane says....
Brilliant commentary. Thanks Ben Wearing.
10/30/2008

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James H says....
Was it not RENNER who FIRST brought up the the issue of his homosexuality in this campaign -in order to solicit political and financial support from the lesbian and gay support grouo "PFALG"?
10/30/2008

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Larkin Mayo says....
well stated and more importantly, well thought out --- we will hope for Mr. Renner's success at the polls as the best candidate to do the job at hand IRREGARDLESS of his orientation --- he's had my vote since he announced he was running ---
10/30/2008

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Jan says....
Thank you. You said it better than anyone I've heard. And coming from the a paper in the heart of Kansas, I am so proud.
10/30/2008

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mvf says....
Bravo, Ben! By the way, we hear Kathy Martin is an avowed heterosexual.
10/30/2008

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Ed Fitzgerald says....
Mr. Wearing, Thank you for your Cogent and Intelligent analysis of the situation here. Christopher Renner is a fine person and great Candidate. The fact that he is and has been Openly Gay, and honest about it, attests to his character
10/30/2008

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WhatsUp says....
For a physicians perspective on gays, read the analysis of Dr John Diggs MD, at www.catholiceducation.org
10/30/2008

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IceMan says....
Here are a few differences between straights and gays. Gays are ten times more likely to be carriers of sexually transmitted diseases; their life expectancy is 42 years old; and they are more likely to kidnap and kill boys. In other words, they are more dangerous to public health and safety than the average racist at work.
10/30/2008

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kahlid jabar wasabi says....
scientists have decoded the human gnome and there is no "gay gene". so being gay is either a "choice" or a "psycological disorder". wich is it mr. executive editor? Kansas get ready for a california proposition 8 in our state.
10/30/2008

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