Letter: The oppressed become the oppressors

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Regarding the Tribune editorial ("Things Change," June 10), it's apparent the homosexual pendulum has swung to the opposite extreme.

Where once the opponents of that lifestyle spoke openly, without retribution, they now remain fearfully silent, except for a few brave souls, including the dissenting police officer who "... is no longer employed by the Salt Lake Police." What a shame.

When our society yields to the loudest voice in the room and censures dissenters or mere disbelievers, the victory thus achieved is essentially hollow and without genuine merit. To be fearful of reprisal because of a personal expression of controversial opinion is clear evidence of subliminal tyranny and should give us pause. It's the stuff of revolutions.

Sound familiar? This is the same tactic the straight community has used to minimize homosexuals, but now that the shoe is on the other foot and the oppressed appear to have won the field. In part because of their loud, intolerant tactics, we are made to believe two wrongs make a right. Not exactly a recipe for genuine reform and seems certain to encourage continued animosity. And, sadly, at the end of the day we still won't like each other; hardly a cause to celebrate, Tribune.

Richard Ewing Davis

Stansbury Park