Gay penguins?

Recently there was some controversy in one of our local elementary schools about the book "And Tango makes three"*. A child, not sure of the exact age but obviously of elementary age, checked out this book from the school's library. The parents were appalled that the school would even carry a book like this and confronted the school board about it. The superintendent and few school board members decided to remove the book from the school library. Soon after, the book was placed back on the shelf at the school. The reason being that the superintendent and the 2 school board members did not take proper action in regards to their decision to remove the book. The entire school board is entitled to vote on this - a couple boneheads can't just make this decision and call it good.

It's fairly obvious that in my duration here on earth that we will always being battling same sex relationships. I am not much a fan of debates. In fact they make me very uncomfortable. But this crap just irritates me.

What I want to say to these parents. "You don't like the book, fine.  Don't read it! Don't let your kids read it! But you do not have the right to banish the book therefore not allowing kids/families that stand behind same sex relationships a chance to read it. By taking the book off the shelves, do you feel you are doing your part to save the world from the evil of gayness? Go back to your cave."

A lot of people are against same sex marriages and let's not even mention the unfathomable thought of a same sex couple raising a child(ren) together (horror I tell you, just horror). Some of the most caring, good-hearted, funniest and smartest people I know are gay. Folks that can't see past the sexual preference status are missing out on knowing some truly amazing human beings. Yep, that's right...  gay peeps are human beings!

This post isn't to start any debates. It's just a way for me to express my thoughts on this disgusting topic. I should also say that I have never read this book, knew nothing about it until I heard it on the local news. I have every intention of buying this book and (wait for it..) READING it to my children. I never want my children to think ill of another human being because of their sexual preference.

I have a motto in my daycare: "if it doesn't effect you, move on". I wouldn't mind sharing my motto with these parents and many others. In no way does a person's sexual preference effect anyone else, so move on and find something else to be upset about. There is plenty of true evil in this world that we should be focusing on, whether a person is gay or straight is not one of them.

A Pinterest find...

Lastly, what I would really like to say to these parents is "screw you" but that would be sinking to their level and I am not about to do that. Instead I will pray for these kids to not follow in the judgmental footsteps of their parents.



*Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 3-This tale based on a true story about a charming penguin family living in New York City's Central Park Zoo will capture the hearts of penguin lovers everywhere. Roy and Silo, two male penguins, are "a little bit different." They cuddle and share a nest like the other penguin couples, and when all the others start hatching eggs, they want to be parents, too. Determined and hopeful, they bring an egg-shaped rock back to their nest and proceed to start caring for it. They have little luck, until a watchful zookeeper decides they deserve a chance at having their own family and gives them an egg in need of nurturing. The dedicated and enthusiastic fathers do a great job of hatching their funny and adorable daughter, and the three can still be seen at the zoo today. Done in soft watercolors, the illustrations set the tone for this uplifting story, and readers will find it hard to resist the penguins' comical expressions. The well-designed pages perfectly marry words and pictures, allowing readers to savor each illustration. An author's note provides more information about Roy, Silo, Tango, and other chinstrap penguins. This joyful story about the meaning of family is a must for any library.-Julie Roach, Watertown Free Public Library, MA
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Melissa