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Mountain Home News

High school club plans end-of-the-year picnic

Friday, March 18, 2011

At Mountain Home High School, a club of students promotes acceptance of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people. This club, known as Gay-Straight Alliance or GSA, coordinates appearances to further their cause.

As part of GSA's hope to reach out to the community, the club will host and End-of-the-Year picnic Saturday, April 30 in Carl Miller Park between 3:00 and 5:30 PM. Anyone is welcome to come, including GSA's members, supporters, and anyone curious about GSA.

The environment will be family friendly, with face-painting and games for all. Although club members will be providing some food including hot dogs and hamburgers, they encourage guests to bring additional staples to be shared at the picnic tables.

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  • I am appalled that this club is at the school--it has nothing to do with academics.

    -- Posted by Nomad4 on Sat, Mar 19, 2011, at 9:36 AM

  • A lot of clubs have nothing to do with academics and are part of schools. How about teaching acceptance and tolerance? Those things are also important in the growing up experience. Nope, I'm not gay, I just think in this day and age there are FAR worse things to worry and whine about.

    -- Posted by ItsJustMeAgain on Sat, Mar 19, 2011, at 9:56 AM

  • In this day and age--acceptance and tolerance is preached for perverted behavior but when it comes to Christian beliefs the preaching turns to hatred. The schools should not be the proving ground for this.

    -- Posted by Nomad4 on Sat, Mar 19, 2011, at 10:09 AM

  • Nomad- you could use a little tolerance training.

    The school allows nearly any club to form as long as it doesn't create violence- INCLUDING CHRISTIANITY. We've had Bible study clubs before at the high school.

    -- Posted by lilmissmelmo on Sun, Mar 20, 2011, at 2:05 AM

  • lilmissmelmo---I know the schools allow various clubs. The Bible was allowed in schools up until the 60's and it actually was one of the main textbooks for many many years at the beginning stages of our young nation. Religion does have a place in schools and should be taught. "Sexual" Activism, however, does not. Maybe you should read this article:

    http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/03/nea-cant-teach-...

    Not what should be taught in schools!!!! The only way they can combat the family role and religion in the U.S. is to teach sexual promiscuity in our schools. That is what I'm intolerant about!!!!

    -- Posted by Nomad4 on Sun, Mar 20, 2011, at 7:46 AM

  • I am glad to see there is a group of children out there who show tolerance for everyone no matter what there beliefs or preferences.

    Just because someone does not share my opinions doesn't mean they are wrong nor am I wrong for not agreeing with them.

    -- Posted by Miranduh3 on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 9:56 AM
  • *

    So where is the line drawn? I"M NOT FOR ANY OF THIS", but have to ask those SO tolerant people out. Which of the following clubs would you not tolerate? It used to be schools were about education now they are about turning out good little zombies that will believe anything anyone tells them. Unfortunately I have met a quiet a few that have trouble reading and writing.

    1. MABLA (or something like that)

    2. The pro-Kaddafi club

    3. The pro-Osama Bin Laden Club

    4. Communist Party Club

    5. Anti-GAY/LESBIAN Club

    "The zombie reference refers to those children being used as pawns for the teachers to get more money and benefits in the name of education."

    -- Posted by Trouble2011 on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 1:17 PM

  • Nomad4, Jesus accepted everybody! He loved and forgave everybody. I am glad these kids are acting as true Christians should and showing love and tolerance for all. Not trying to ban them from being married or allowing them to be honest about who they are while serving our country, like MOST Christian right wing politicians are.

    -- Posted by BoiseRN on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 1:18 PM

  • Trouble 2011,

    Were you on of those 'Zombies'? Apparently so, since you have trouble writing proper english. Quiet or Quite??? I guess you prove our schools do need more money to educate our students. You graduated and are unable to use proper english. I"M or I'M?

    -- Posted by BoiseRN on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 1:27 PM

  • Yes, God loves everyone, and does forgive. But that's the key, asking for forgiveness. Most homosexuals do not believe they are sinning so may not ask for forgiveness. I have heard many times that no one should be told who or who not to love when it comes to same-sex marriage. And, while that may be true (love who you want) that doesn't mean laws should be changed for them. The definition of marriage is between a man and a woman, plain and simple. Homosexuality is an abomination to God per scripture, and in my opinion, it is black and white with no gray area period.

    -- Posted by CuriousParents on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 1:30 PM

  • An abomination? You must have a mean angry God to feel that his children are an abomination. Just because they are different from you doesn't make them an abomination. Do you ask for forgiveness for the hatred in you heart for homosexuals? People shouldn't have to ask for forgiveness for being who they are. It is that kind of hate speech that is causing our children to commit suicide and be bullied to death. You are teaching your children intolerance. Years ago it was believed laws shouldn't be changed for women. Now we can vote. It used to be legal to be a slave owner, now it is against the law (Thank GOD)! Now we can ride the same bus and drink out of the same drinking fountain as black people. I am glad those laws that taught prejudice were changed. If you don't believe in same sex marriage than don't do it. Why should it matter to you who someone else marries. Or are you that righteous that you feel others should be just like you. I believe one of the commandments is love thy neighbor. Pretty sure there isn't a commandment for don't marry the same sex.

    -- Posted by BoiseRN on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 1:54 PM

  • Homosexuality (the actions of the person) is an abomination to God, not the person. And, I do not hate homosexuals and am quite sure I never said that. God loves all men, including sinners, and yes, I too am in that category, but while he can love his creation he can hate the sin in their life.

    While they may not be in the "Commandments" there are several scriptures that warn against homosexuality.

    -- Posted by CuriousParents on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 2:37 PM
  • *

    Forget it curiousparent, if you disagree or try and hit them with logic they call you a racist or bigot. They have nothing in history to back them up on this and can only call you names. It is funny they are telling everyone to be tolerant while not being tolerant themselves. I love getting these individuals all spun up.

    BoiseRN,

    I was hoping one of the students would have found the error I placed. But thanks for pointing it out I wonder how many others noticed it. I was waiting to hear from the students though. Can you spot the error in this message?

    -- Posted by Trouble2011 on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 3:42 PM

  • Hit me with logic? What logic. What in history backs you up? Some scripture in a bible? That's not history, just what someone thinks God said. Where is your proof God said the actions of homosexuals are an abomination. You apparently are just as spun up as I am.

    -- Posted by BoiseRN on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 4:02 PM

  • Leviticus 18:22

    "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." KJV

    -- Posted by CuriousParents on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 4:25 PM

  • Romans Chapter 1 has more to say on this topic!

    I have a Lovingly God who sent His Only Begotten Son to die on a cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world and all I had to do was accept His free gift of Salvation and repent of my sin! Wow, what love He has for me and I am not worthy of it. He loves all the world (John 3:16) but He hates the sin because that sin keeps us separated from Him. Even creation shows us the natural order of things "male and female created He them"

    I am simply stating that this type of club should not be in our schools--our schools should be havens of education and all the rest is to be taught by the parents.

    -- Posted by Nomad4 on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 4:35 PM

  • I can do that too:

    If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her ... and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid: Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate: And the damsel's father shall say ... these are the tokens of my daughter's virginity. And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city. ... But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die. Deuteronomy 22:13-21

    So is stoning okay? Because the bible says its okay???

    -- Posted by BoiseRN on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 7:16 PM

  • You asked for proof of homosexuality being an abomination to God, and it was given. Perhaps you didn't like the answer being as straightforward as it is. It leaves little room for debate.

    -- Posted by CuriousParents on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 7:36 PM

  • It leaves plenty of room for debate. That is not proof. That is a quote from a book you believe to be true. The bible says it is okay to stone people. Does that mean it is true and we can? Prove to me the bible is true. Prove to me GOD said that. You just believe it because you were told to believe it. Not all Americans believe your bible to be true. So why should laws be made because your bible says it is a sin? I get that you have faith that it is true. The bible also talks about how a man was swallowed and lived in a whale. I'm pretty sure a man did not live inside a whale?

    -- Posted by BoiseRN on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 8:29 PM
  • *

    BoiseRN,

    Just wondering how you could be in healthcare if you don't believe in God? Do you tell you sick and dying patients they have nothing to look forward to? You can believe what you want that is what makes this county great, the problem is when my tax money pays for something I don't agree with or think is right. I don't tell gays they can't do what they do, I just ask I'm not involved. You can say anything but why you care if you're a BOISE RN. This is Elmore county and Mountain Home.

    -- Posted by Trouble2011 on Mon, Mar 21, 2011, at 9:57 PM

  • Trouble2011, the line is drawn at groups that promote violence/ illegal behavior. This isn't a rights group, nor it is a "hunt the straight kids" group. It is a club meant to promote tolerance of these people's lifestyle choice. As a Christian myself, I believe God finds these actions an abomination BUT that is between them And God. I will be tolerant and I will not cast away a group of students trying to create a little peace.

    Your bait at giving me a spelling test (as I'm the only known student on here) is immature and beside the point.

    -- Posted by lilmissmelmo on Tue, Mar 22, 2011, at 6:57 AM

  • Trouble 2011 I never said I didn't believe in God. I don't believe in your anger and discrimination of others lifestyles. Are they hurting you or forcing their lifestyle and laws on you? I know many atheist nurses and doctors. You don't have to believe in God to give patients compassion and help heal them and show them respect and care. And we don't all believe in your Christian GOD or lifestyle. Not all my patients are Christian yet I support their beliefs when they are dying. I respect Christians and love all my friends and family that choose to follow that path. I am just saying I don't agree with some of it. Is Mountain home not part of Idaho, the state I live in. I am showing support for a group of kids I support.

    -- Posted by BoiseRN on Tue, Mar 22, 2011, at 11:07 AM

  • BoiseRN,

    You are showing support for a group of kids? You are showing intolerance for for those who don't choose believe as you do. What is the differance between your intolerance and the intolerance of Trouble2011?

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Tue, Mar 22, 2011, at 11:35 AM

  • To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

    -- St. Thomas Aquinas

    -- Posted by CuriousParents on Wed, Mar 23, 2011, at 9:03 AM

  • You all turned a story about a tolerance group into a hate filled mud slinging contest. I hope you are all proud, just know that when this club was created, there was no religious thought other than "Religions may disapprove, but all they would be disapproving of is tolerance." Sorry if that sounded preachy, but you all need to take a deep breath and realize that not everyone that isn't exactly like you is out to kill you, and turn your children into evil little sinners.

    -- Posted by wagsman on Wed, Mar 23, 2011, at 11:29 PM

  • Oh My, Oh My...personally I know that there are people out there that "really" are genetically predisposed to being gay. Most however I believe are not, but rather claim gay because there have no understanding of why they want the nurturing love of someone of the same sex. By in large I would say most because they missed it as a child or didn't get the warm fuzzy feelings from their mom's or dad's...they just need help...Then the rest jump on the band wagon because it seems the ting to do..everyone else is after all...These are the ones that jump back and forth between the genders...I have tolerance for the ones that are real...hope and pray the ones that need help get it...and have no use for the ones playing games...I won't even address the so called "Bi" people...As for God...come on folks...there is only one...and on judgment day...He knows who is real and who isn't...It is apparent by the scripture by some...not all..just some...that they have absolutely no idea what it is they are trying to reference...sorry for you...As for the schools....it has been years since academia was the reason for school...the kids are really going to have it rough...they have no idea what is coming at them in real life....I guess that is it.

    -- Posted by JacksonStreet on Thu, Mar 24, 2011, at 12:12 AM

  • "Religions may disapprove, but all they would be disapproving of is tolerance."

    Being a Christian can be hard especially in a world that is wanting to change what should or should not be considered morally wrong. Personally, to ally myself with those that choose to live in a sinful nature would send a mixed message about what I believe to be right or wrong. This does not come from hate and is not hate filled. I have close, family friends that are homosexuals. I still love them and care deeply for them, but at the same time I do not show support for their choice or encourage their lifestyle. I can be tolerant of the person while not tolerating or accepting their actions. I do realize that not everyone is like me or believes the way that I do. It would be foolish of me to do so. For you to think that others will not disagree with you would be foolish on your part.

    -- Posted by CuriousParents on Thu, Mar 24, 2011, at 2:13 PM

  • It's a picnic, ran by Friendly teens who want to celebrate a good year. We have always been an open and inviting club, encouraging not only LGBTQ students but anyone who is looking for a comforting and goofy fun environment. There is a message under all the things we do. Tolerance. We are not asking anyone who doesn't want to come. But we hope people will. There will be much to do and lots to eat. It is simply a feel good event after a long and fruitful year.

    -- Posted by Libbs on Thu, Apr 7, 2011, at 11:18 PM
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