LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Not concerned about billboard

I went to see what had a local parent and pastor in such a lather (Local pastor concerned about billboard on Highway 65, 10/7/21). I still do not know what was bothering him.

Since he apparently thinks the offending billboard’s proximity to campus is part of the threat, I drove down the little street to the west of Porterville Military Academy. The only thing I could make out was 2 people and the word “Source.” The billboard was largely obscured by a sign for the equipment rentals business. Then I drove north on Hwy 65 to see the rest of it. What I perceived was 2 enthusiastic shirtless men, one with a raised and triumphant fist. I think I made out the words “STD testing” but I was driving and couldn’t stare.

That’s it. I didn’t see anything “sexually explicit.” The only thing the billboard “suggested” to me was people enthused about the availability of medical testing. I remember watching a volleyball scene in the movie “Top Gun” once. Enthusiastic, shirtless men were high-fiving each other but it did not suggest to me something sexual was going to follow.

I think the Porterville City Council probably has the wisdom not to send any letters defining Porterville’s values. But just in case it is something they would consider, I would like them to know that throwing a tantrum over the availability of medical testing aimed at the LGBTQ communities is not a value I share. My values are more aligned with a famous healer and teacher from 2,000 years ago. His healing was offered to many, including such unpopular people as an occupying soldier, a leper, and a Syrophoenician woman’s daughter. I am looking to city government for safety services, decent streets, water and sewer services. I am not looking to have my values defined for me. I feel capable of doing that with like-minded people of honest good faith. Len Andrews Porterville