Steeped in history

Regarding Proposition 8, Mr. Ziolkowski's letter in last week's Acorn said that it is "a constitutional amendment that actually denies, not awards, a section of our society basic rights." This mischaracterizes Prop. 8, which is a simple affirmation of a societal value in place for thousands of years and supported by every society and every major religion.

It is not punitive or discriminatory. The concept is to reward a relationship that society feels should be above all other relationships.

Ms. Williams in last week's Acorn said that she doesn't understand why people make a religious issue of marriage between a man and woman. Throughout history marriage has always been defined as "holy matrimony" between man and woman. Holy means separated. The wisdom of history's great thinkers, secular and religious, has separated the relationship between man and woman, elevating that relationship as "holy." It is a societal value that lends strength to society by building families and reinforcing source values. The privilege of holy matrimony should remain a privilege reserved for heterosexuals. Prop. 8 reinforces the one relationship sanctioned by religions and society. It no more discriminates against gays than against polygamists or any other relations.

Mr. Ziolkowski and Ms. Williams, tolerance is a two-way street. I hope we can all travel that road in a thoughtful, respectful way. Tom Block Agoura Hills