"Cockroaches"

Letter to the editor,

In reply to Judy Smith's letter "By any other name" (ARN Sat. Feb 28,2004) I must disagree with her statement "You cannot compare an animal to a human being " in her response to David Gann's Feb 24 letter to the editor " Marry your pet ".
Comparing humans who “disgust” (Mr Ganns words regarding Gays) you to animals,or insects, is not new. Hitler's propaganda minister (Dr Joseph Goebbels) demonized humans on a daily basis via the “talking heads” of the airwaves and newspapers comparing the Jews, Gays & Gypsies to cockroaches, etc. The goal, you see, is to demonize and dehumanize these " disgusting humans " on a daily basis. This tactic works efficiently when they are targeted as a group because the community at large chooses to remain silent in the midst of the "roundup" ( "roundups" manifest themselves in many forms! ). The same Goebbels tactic can be heard on a daily basis across our nation via many “love the sinner, hate the sin” talk radio stations. One of these in particular is located in our community of Brownwood. Brownwood's KXYL FM 96.9 (Host-James Williamnson-formerly radio host of News & Views KPSM - The Rock) is a prime example of these tactics. Mr Williamnson has quite a track record of using Goebbels proven tactics. His daily barrage of comparing Democrats, Liberals, "Weak Willed Weenie Republicans", or anyone else who disagrees with his Biblically inspired Fundamentalist belief, as cockroaches is very popular in Brownwood.
If I had a choice. and thankfully I do, to become a "Compassionate Conservative Christian" like James, and his supporters, or to become a member of all those he "hates" ( this includes Moderate Christians of which I am ! ), I'd choose the latter.
For the record, Mr Williamson does not speak for all of Brownwood, he just has control of the microphone. Unfortunately, most everyone in our community has chosen to remain silent ! Sounds very familiar/similar to me ! And remember, Hitler's SS wore belt buckles bearing the words "Gott Mit Uns" (God is with us) as they carried out their orders ! Carl Sandburg may have penned it best in his poem "Billy Sunday" to express my views regarding those "chosen folks" who make it their life mission, using God's word, to bully and beat up their neighbors (their track record is quite long). And remember the year is 2004, the year of a Presidential Election, so when anything goes wrong in your life just blame it on the Gays and tell yourself,and others, that God, via Karl Rove and KXYL’s James Williamson, told you so !

Steve Harris-Brownwood