Interesting and fun column by Roger Gitlin about the Brother Jonathan shipwreck just off our shores.
Closely approaching my seventh decade. I don’t remember ever hearing that story in school. And if I did I forgot. It certainly has historical value, especially for us here on the beautiful North Coast, and hopefully is a part of our local school’s curriculum.
What disappointed me was Mr. Gitlin’s unnecessary comment against the LGBTQ community. Couldn’t he have left that part out for maybe another piece? Maybe a member of that community read Mr. Gitlin’s column, and rather than being interested in learning history, he or she was turned off immediately by being unfairly singled out.
I just felt in these times when we seem to be more divided ever, why throw in a political dig in an interesting story that can stand alone without it?
However, Mr. Gitlin’s accusation that LGBTQ curriculum is being taught to seven-year-old second graders spurs me to do some research to see how accurate his claim is. And if it is, just how deep does LGBTQ education go.
I’m not a member of that community but have many family members and friends who are. I love and support them. So thank you Mr. Gitlin for sharing the story about the Brother Jonathan. I just felt the LGBTQ reference wasn’t necessary.
Rick McNamer
Smith River