No empathy, toloerance

In his Aug. 12 column, Pastor Steve Massey posits that transgenderism is “neither normative nor acceptable.” He argues further that acceptance of transgender persons demonstrates a lack of true compassion, apparently because they are meant to be other than they are. As proof of the tragic state of transgender persons, he cites the high suicide rate among that group.

One might counter that the high suicide rate results because of the prejudice and meanness of people presuming to have an inside track on God’s design and plan. However, I understand that arguing with such a person is futile. Those who lack empathy and tolerance cannot be talked into having them.

What I cannot understand is why I pay money to read a newspaper that publishes hateful commentary under the supposed interest of providing a variety of opinions. Opinions are based on facts and arguments and prejudice is not an opinion. It emanates from the basest of human feelings, not from thought. We may differ in our thinking about gender and sexuality, and for that matter about religion, but we should not confuse bigotry with a point of view.

The editors of Spokesman-Review should think about the difference.

John Mason

Spokane Valley