It is important for private organizations to remain legal. The right to free association must be a protected human right.

Recently the Supreme Court ruled by a 5 – 4 margin to allow any private association (namely the Boy Scouts of America) to discriminate based on sexual orientation.

You rightfully point to the moral dilemmas that all young men face. To be a Boy Scout leader is only one of them.

Ironically, you never mention a young man who cannot ethically join a gay activist group because he is a heterosexual. Camaraderie, sense of purpose, denied because he prefers women to men in the most private aspect of his life!

If private organizations cannot remain private everyone loses. Perhaps all organizations would become identical. Or, maybe, the Supreme Court could publish lists of "approved groups" to join.

If that sounds unreal consider the 5 – 4 decision. Whew! That was close! How ironic.

Thank you for your outstanding article in MODE [August 3, Issue 5.03] on "Latin Fest 2000," which was held on August 5, 2000 at Reservoir Park in Harrisburg. Because of the media coverage we received from publications such as MODE, our festival was a complete success!

… You guys never hesitate to support our Latin community, as well as the City of Harrisburg. It is a pleasure for me personally to pick up the latest copy of MODE and check out what’s happening in Central PA.

Again, Muchas Gracias, and keep up the good work.

Why is it you people are still harping on this East Shore vs. West Shore racial thing?

I went to your website, and saw your poll, and just have to ask why you can’t let something like this fade away the way it’s supposed to?

I don’t believe the "controversy" is as big and important as you seem to. Maybe some years ago it was more true, but today, in the year 2000, it’s just not that big a deal. I can’t imagine someone my age (29) that wouldn’t travel over to the other shore because of personal belief, like it’s a bunch of white supremicists.

I’ve lived here my entire life and never have my parents spoken ill of the people on the "other shore." I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t go downtown in Harrisburg for dinner on a Friday night.

I just don’t think this topic is really worth drudging up and pasting on the wall... again. You should leave it alone and find something else more constructive.