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Name: thierry REGNIER Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Johannesburg RSA Time: 1998-10-23 04:34:58 Comments: Very choked, these guys and girls must be punished I just think that I have no right to live anymore.... thanks for your site. I will forward your address to my friends god bless you all. |
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Name: Neal Sutherland Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Johannesburg, South Africa Time: 1998-10-23 03:30:04 Comments: It's tragic, what a waste of life. It happens here too (not as bad as this event), if only it could be stopped, if only I could have been there to stop it. The defendants .... clever weren't they ? wasted their lives too. The well-meaning die and the stupid live ! Do we need to find any other cause to explain why human nature is what it is ? |
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Name: Gary Thomas Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Tulsa,oklahoma Time: 1998-10-23 01:27:44 Comments: my heart go out to his family and freinds, may god be with all of us in our heart and our soul,but matt is not gone from us he is watching us from above,may god be the light of an angel to show us the way |
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Name: Ian Alderton Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Pretoria, South Africa Time: 1998-10-23 01:17:41 Comments: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of Matthew Shepard. I hope that one day there will be as much protection for gay people in the USA as there is in South Africa. Maybe Matthew Shepard's tragic death will be an important painful step towards that. |
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Name: Bryan P. Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Iowa Time: 1998-10-23 00:47:11 Comments: I am feel so bad for what has happened...... It is a shame people are ignorant to others feelings..... Someday this will all change and others will exept one for who they are not what they are |
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Name: JEREMY BLANKENSHIP Website: N/A Referred by: From a Friend From: MUSKOGEE, OK Time: 1998-10-23 00:34:45 Comments: I AM VERY SORRY FOR THIS BOY I DID NOT KNOW HIM BUT WHEN I HEARD ABOUT IT I WAS UPSET. A FRIEND SENT THIS SITE TO ME AND AS I READ IT I CRIED MY HEART OUT...I HOPE HE IS BETTER WHERE HE IS NOW THAN IN THIS PLACE THAT CAN SOMETIMES SEEM WORSE THAN HELL. |
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Name: Jane Walker Website: Rio's Homepage Referred by: From a Friend From: Corinth, MS Time: 1998-10-22 23:54:08 Comments: I do not support Capital Punishment, but I do think the defendants should live out the rest of their lives in prison. There is no excuse for what they have done to an innocent and good human being. |
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Name: Rob Brown Website: Rob's Home Page Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Pennsylvania Time: 1998-10-22 23:09:30 Comments: It is sad to see there is still so much hatred in the world. The one's who did this should be punished, and not a quick punishment such as the death penalty. That would be too quick, make them suffer in jail for the rest of their natural lives for what they have done. |
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Name: b w Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Time: 1998-10-22 21:25:14 Comments: when i saw this on the news their were people protesting him that was just as bad as the people who killed him |
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Name: Carey Aimone Website: Oreonline Referred by: From a Friend From: Chicago, IL Time: 1998-10-22 21:23:06 Comments: This brutal attack serves as a reminder of how far we still have to go, to end the violence and other atrocities directed towards homosexuals in our society. It is a blunt wake up call to those of us who live our lives as productive, functional men and women, who are fortunate enough to have gained acceptance from our families and friends. No gay or lesbian person has not experienced the hate and ridicule that ignorant people are capable of, but few have experienced or imagined hate of this magnitude. We cannot give up this fight. We all must do our part, in our own personal or public way, to show others, incapable of displaying love for those who are different, how to live a good life. Family values are not about the traditional family any longer. They are about all member of our extended human family. |
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Name: Shawn Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Florida Time: 1998-10-22 21:15:36 Comments: I can't imagine the terror that Matt felt that night or the kind of hate that causes people to do such a thing. I hope to see the punishment fit the crime. |
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Name: Sergio Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Argentina Time: 1998-10-22 20:45:20 Comments: I do not approve death penalty, though I send all my love and support to Matthew's family and friends. Someday we will all be respected. Public education should deal with topics like homosexuality to teach children that we are all human and respectable. |
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Name: Erica Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: MA Time: 1998-10-22 20:01:30 Comments: My heart goes out to the poor family that lost such a brillant and wonderful young man with so much to contribute to the world. What a sad world we live in when tragic things such as this can happen. |
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Name: Gerrie Website: NONE Referred by: AOL From: Tennessee Time: 1998-10-22 19:30:38 Comments: I think that the two convicted should be burned at the stake. Seriously I think they should get Capital Punishment with NO Parol, no plea bargaining nothing but rot in jail or be executed. The two girls got a really light sentence. Both should be in jail for accessories to murder. They should be in for at least 10 years or more. Murderers get off too easy. This is a disgusting Hate Crime. Just because of a persons sexual beliefs they should not be condemned for it. |
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Name: Tracey A.Geracia Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Pittsburgh, Pa Time: 1998-10-22 19:06:19 Comments: this kind of crime is inexcusable in my eyes. i had a very good friend who wasgay, he was the most caring and loving man i have ever known. I am deeply sadden by this type of ignorance in todays society. Please except my prayers for the family of this very special young man. |
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Name: Bill Beckerman Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Oakland, Ca Time: 1998-10-22 18:29:44 Comments: A great loss, perhaps creates a great "find". I'm wonder why so many have responded to this tragedy while there is often so much bad news every day. I suppose that everyone has identified with feeling small and helpless at times. And this has hit home. Please know that the grief that you feel has echoed around the world and that Matthew's life and loss may in fact change the world. PEACE!! |
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Name: C.J. Conlogue Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Connecticut Time: 1998-10-22 18:08:10 Comments: It is hard to get past my tears to write this message, but I cannot keep quite about an issue so close to my heart. I would like to offer my prayers and deepest sorrows to the family of Matthew. I am a gay 21 year old male and Matthew's experience is one that I fear regularly. I see ignorance and intolerance all around me. Matthew did not choose a depraved lifestyle, he only chose to be what God made him to be, an individual with the extraordinary ability to love. My biggest fear is that there are people out there who do not realise that this crime was wrong and I pray for them also. That is all I can do to protect my life and the lives of those I love. |
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Name: Gary Pulsipher Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Phoenix. Arizona Time: 1998-10-22 17:57:59 Comments: This should never have happened.Rest in peace. |
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Name: earl w miller Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: omaha nebraska Time: 1998-10-22 17:31:18 Comments: Good bye matthew,Thank you for the great gift you have left to all the world, Becouse of your dignity,bravery ,and compassion,Mankind is just a little more tolerant,A little more understanding. But i am a whole lot sadder, I feel like i lost a part of me.And i didnt even know you.But then i did,you are me ,and i you,you will always live in my heart.Forever. |
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Name: Danielle Rieckenberg Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Illinois Time: 1998-10-22 17:20:50 Comments: My sympathies go out to the family and friends of Matt Shepard. What those people did was not right at all. I think that this website is very good, and hopefully it will help people to have enough love that something like this will never happen again. |
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Name: S. Allyson Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Los Angeles, CA Time: 1998-10-22 17:00:26 Comments: Humanity seems to have a difficult time learning this lesson... Each time a crime of this nature is committed, in heart or in deed, it diminishes us all. The very force of life reverberates with grief at mans refusal to learn to live and let live. Hate isn't a force that lives on the hunted, it lives on the host, as a cancer of the soul. Once the victims are finally extinct, the hater must find someone to take his place, and they only select someone else to feed the aching hunger of that cancer. |
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Name: keith guy Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: New Zealand but living in Sydney Australia Time: 1998-10-22 16:54:06 Comments: Just heart felt sympathies to Matthew's friends and family |
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Name: Jason Spray Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: St. Louis, MO Time: 1998-10-22 16:26:45 Comments: I grieve with the family during their loss even though I dont know them. I find this a very horrible crime and those that were involved should be punished. If there is anyone I can write to or anything I can sign please let me know so this can be taken care of and they get what they deserve. Sincerely, Jason |
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Name: Brian Melton Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Wake Forest University Time: 1998-10-22 15:09:32 Comments: Hate under any circumstances causes pain. How much pain must humanity take before we realize we shouldn't hate anymore? |
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Name: Farley R. Cleghorn Website: Institute of Human Virology/University of Maryland Referred by: From a Friend From: Baltimore, Maryland Time: 1998-10-22 13:36:06 Comments: Thank you for helping to remember Matthew. You would be amazed at how this is being discussed in far corners of the world. |
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Name: Melissa Hyman Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Fairfax, Virginia Time: 1998-10-22 13:14:15 Comments: My heart is with you. |
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Name: Curtis C. Miller Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Houston, TX Time: 1998-10-22 12:39:37 Comments: We will not forget you. |
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Name: Phoenix Website: I am FIRE!! Referred by: From a Friend From: San Francisco, CA Time: 1998-10-22 12:26:35 Comments: very good guestbook. It makes me feel proud of the work and effort you have put forth to keeping Mathews Memory alive in all of us. Keep up the good work. *smile* |
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Name: Cavan Candito Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: San Francisco Time: 1998-10-22 11:42:21 Comments: Sincerest condolences from the bottom of my heart. I lived many years in Switzerland near where Matthew went to school, and feel a special kinship. May he rest in peace, and may his attackers be brought to swift justice. |
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Name: Helen Website: Mommy2forsoft Referred by: From a Friend From: Cleveland,Ohio Time: 1998-10-22 11:12:24 Comments: My sympathies to Matthew and his Family may he rest in peace. Very nice home page in his memory. |
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Name: Marla Buonodono Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Houston, TX Time: 1998-10-22 10:44:47 Comments: It really breaks my heart that this is still going on. You have my prayers. God bless you. |
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Name: Nichole C Website: Rokingal Referred by: From a Friend From: Virginia Time: 1998-10-22 09:06:39 Comments: My sympathy is with the family and friends of this young man who was taken away from the world at such a young age. It is awful of some of the people in this world think and how they think they are better than someone else becuse of their choices and their lifestyle. Everyone needs to open their eyes and just be open to everything in the world. Being a straight female, I have no idea what it is like, but I don't judge people by their choices in anyway and I think everyone should be that way also. |
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Name: Jim Lyons Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Warwick, Rhode Island Time: 1998-10-22 09:04:16 Comments: To the friends and family of Matt....I am so sorry for your loss. It makes me so angry and sad, yet out of this horror people's consciences have been raised and good will result. It is beyond me however to think a beautiful kid like Matt had to be murdered for people to decide that a person's worth is more than their sexuality. |
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Name: David Keys Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Sydney, Australia Time: 1998-10-22 08:40:35 Comments: My thoughts are with the family and friends of Matthew. I hope the men who did this are brought to justice. This kind of incident shows how much more we still need to go for acceptance; race, religion or sexuality. Be at peace, Matthew. Australia is thinking of you. |
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Name: Bryan Turgeon Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Montreal,Canada Time: 1998-10-22 07:22:08 Comments: My condolences to the family and friends. And I hope these monsters are treated to death in the same way that they took your son's life away..This gay bashing has to stop, Governments are not doing anything about it. |
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Name: Fred Day Website: none Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Orlando, Florida Time: 1998-10-22 05:57:11 Comments: This horrible crime should never have happened!! The guilty persons should get the most severe punishment that the law allows!!! All steps should be taken to prevent anything like this from ever happening again!!! Rest in Peace, Matthew!!! My sincere sympathy to his family and friends!!! May he never be forgotten!!! |
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Name: Dustin J. White Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Roswell New Mexico Time: 1998-10-22 03:33:15 Comments: I am very upset to hear about this kind of hate going on in todays world . I am almost ashamed to live in such a place (USA) that allows this to happen to a person becuase the person might be or in this case is gay . You know , I have always been told not to pass judgment on a person , that the only one to judge is God . I think we should keep it that way . To all that are homophobic I just have one thing to say ." Quit playing God , don't judge us or kill us becuase we are gay , If it's wrong to be gay let God deal with it ! " Dustin |
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Name: Leslie House Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Cedar Springs Michigan Time: 1998-10-22 02:58:59 Comments: My deepest regrets an prayers to Matthews' family an friends. A crime like this should never have happened to a man of any sexual or racial preference.With remorse an soorrow that a crime like this had to happen to open this country eyes an ears to such hate crimes. This i hope will make this world better. I am sad to say that Matthew has touched all our lives thru his death insyead of his LIFE. |
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Name: Clayton Powell Website: Home of the Fallen Angel Referred by: From a Friend From: Baton Rouge, LA Time: 1998-10-22 01:51:20 Comments: Thank you for bringing such a crime to light. Things like this are not to be taken lightly. If there is anything I can do to help bring these crimes to light and help eliminate Hate Crimes, let me know. Again, Thank you. The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. -Plutarch |
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Name: Jason M. Wagner Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Nebraska Time: 1998-10-22 00:34:07 Comments: This is a great site, that will hopefully remember a truly brave and couragous person.... |
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Name: Frank Donadio Website: I want Bear's Den Referred by: AOL From: Clementon NJ, USA Time: 1998-10-22 00:21:44 Comments: Actually I also found you thru ICQ. I just hope that some good can be done and learned, and that people who were earlier homophobic, or considered any hate crimes would stop and learn that it is not worth it. And hopefully Matthews death, will open up more hearts in the state and in many states who do not yet punish those who commit hate-crimes. Every state in the US and other countries should adapt these hate-crimes laws. Thank God in my state we do have laws that punish people who commit these terrible crimes because of one's sexuality. I hope that Matthew can see some good that came from this. Even though I have never met him, in some way I feel like I have. He seems a little like me, and I will be happy and proud to meet him in another life. |
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Name: Dustin Funderburg Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Kennewick, WA Time: 1998-10-22 00:22:32 Comments: I just think its too bad that it takes something like this to happen, in order to make things of this nature known (again) like hate crimes against us (the gay community)........ other than that, I'm speechless...... |
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Name: Robert R White Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: just moved to san diego from denver Time: 1998-10-21 23:50:06 Comments: matthew was cut down in the prime of his life but his memories will live on forever .. i didnt honestly know matthew but i am also gay and yes i feeel the anger and pain in not as much of a degree as his family and friends but it is there i am alot like matthew i strive and have strived to help others all my life i have said a prayer for matthew in hopes that he will be able to move on to his next life with the peace he had in this one you see i believe in shamanism and i follow it everyday of my life i just hope that someday this so called society that we live in as humanbeings will someday be able to accept people for who they are not there sexual preferance my prayers go out to matthews family as well love and hugs always from this papabear.. matthew's memorie will live on forever take care and blessed be |
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Name: Vicki Ferguson Website: In Memory of Kaitlyn M.Ferguson Referred by: From a Friend From: Midwest Time: 1998-10-21 22:59:29 Comments: My thoughts and prayers go out to the parents and family of Matthew. To lose a child is one of the worst experiences in ones life. |
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Name: Max Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Scottsdale,Arizona Time: 1998-10-21 22:06:26 Comments: It will be an honor to sign this guestbook. I have been reading for hours; beautiful thoughts, prayers and heartfelt messages. I`d like to share this poem that was read at my husband`s and girlfriend`s funeral, recently:If tears could build a castle, and memories build a lane, I`d walk all the way to heaven and bring you back again.I think of you in silence and often speak your name, but all I have are memories and your picture in a frame. It broke my heart to lose you but you did not go alone, for part of me went with you when G-D called you home.Matthew, I know your looking down at your family and loving all the love your receiving. |
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Name: Sascha Wagner Website: sascha-largo Referred by: From a Friend From: Colorado Time: 1998-10-21 22:02:12 Comments: For evil to prevail, it is only necessary that good people do nothing. Heaven help us NOW. |
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Name: Max Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Scottsdale,Arizona Time: 1998-10-21 22:01:50 Comments: It will be an honor to sign this guestbook. I have been reading for hours; beautiful thoughts, prayers and heartfelt messages. I`d like to share this poem that was read at my husband`s and girlfriend`s funeral, recently:If tears could build a castle, and memories build a lane, I`d walk all the way to heaven and bring you back again.I think of you in silence and often speak your name, but all I have are memories and your picture in a frame. It broke my heart to lose you but you did not go alone, for part of me went with you when G-D called you home.Matthew, I know your looking down at your family and loving all the love your receiving. |
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Name: Briceson Ducharme Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Fort Collins Colorado Time: 1998-10-21 21:44:04 Comments: I never knew Matthew, but through his silence I will speak. Through the darkness comes one little light of hope and determination for all to believe in. For all the suffering and the pain he had indured, for all of the suffering they caused, he will reign, and never hurt again. I can't really say I knew him at all, but through this tragic thing I feel like I've known him, for years. I'm sorry for all the hurt in your life, I'm sorry he had to go. I'll never know the pain you've been through, I'll never know the hurt, all I can say is that it will get better. I'm sorry this had to happen to him, I wish I could turn back time, and maybe for one moment changed things. But since I cannot, I can sing and praise the life he lead, pray to god that it never happens to anyone else. Through the things they had done, those horrible things that call themselves human, they think they have dampened our spirits, they think they have one, but they haven't!!!!!! This has pulled our nation stronger together than ever before. Through Matthew's eyes we have one. Through the darkness we have pulled out the light, shone the forest that we too can grow, making one nation under god through all desperation and suffering. All I can say is I'm sorry..... But the battle's not over, not yet undone, I will fight for justice until it is done!!!!!!!!! |
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Name: kai Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Time: 1998-10-21 21:33:23 Comments: it's a sad story and i hope we can all learn something from it. the best way to remember matt is to unite and stop the hate. may you rest in peace! |
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Name: Deb Corbett Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Calgary, Alberta Canada Time: 1998-10-21 21:32:00 Comments: I just don't know what to say that probably hasn't already been said. God Bless |
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Name: Thomas Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Time: 1998-10-21 21:09:17 Comments: HATE IS SO EASY... LOVE IS SO HARD. IT IS MY HOPE THAT MATHEW IS REMEMBERED THAT WE AS A POEPLE WILL WORK HARDER FOR THE LOVE THAT SHOULD COME NATURALLY. |
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Name: Meghan Website: The Minds Attic...gothic liturature Referred by: From a Friend From: Houston, Texas Time: 1998-10-21 20:30:06 Comments: This case disgustes me, it really does. An innocant boy taken by mortal cruelaty...these 4 people should spent the rest of their lives in a cold empty jail cell with a picture of Matthew in the cell with them. So everyday they can look at this and relize what theyve done. I myself am not gay, althouh my bestfriend is. I respect him in every aspect of his life, no matter what choices he makes...they are HIS choices..what makes him happy is what he needs to do. That's what scares me about this killing. It hits home..so close to where I am. What happens if someone does the same thing, but to my bestfriend? I would be lost without him...and so many others would too. I can't even imagine what I would do to someone who took my bestfriend away from me...so I can feel what others have malice against to these boys...May God watch over them...no one else will be. |
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Name: DANIELLE STAMPLEY Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: HOUSTON,TX Time: 1998-10-21 20:19:50 Comments: THIS IS A VERY SAD STORY.I THINK THE PEOPLE WHO DIDTHIS SHOULD BE PUT TO DEATH IN THE SAME MANNER THEY DID HIM.I BELIEVE THAT HOW PEOPLE ARE IS THERE BUSINESS AND IF SOMEONE THANKS IT IS WRONG IM SORRY TO SAY BUT THEY SHOULD LEARN TO LIVE WITH IT.TO EACH HIS OWN THATS WHAT I ALWAYS SAY.I AM A BISEXUAL FEMALE AND IF SOMEONE DONT LIKE IT I REALLY DONT CARE.THE FACT OF KILLING SOMEONE IS WRONG.THESE PEOPLE TRIED TO PLAY GOD AND IF I COULD I WOULD KILL THEM MYSELF,AND TO THE FAMILY IM REALLY SORRY 4 YOUR LOSE.I WISH I COULD MAKE IT BETTER.ANYTHING TO HELP I WILL.U HAVE MY EMAIL ADDRESS AND HERE IS MY PHONE NUMBER 1-281-880-7367 I WOULD BE GLAD TO HELP WITH ANYTHING...............................................SINCERLY,................................................DANIELLE |
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Name: James E Sturdivant Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Washington State, USA Time: 1998-10-21 18:42:29 Comments: I feel for the family. To lose someone in that way is awful. I fear that this is going to be the new "witch hunt of the 90's, due to some very misguided people who think it is christian to kill what they do not understand. |
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Name: Barbara Foster Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: West Palm Beach, FL Time: 1998-10-21 18:13:19 Comments: My gay friend sent this to me it made me cry for your lost. I can tell from what you wrote it would been a pleasure knowing him. I hope in the days to come you will be comforted by the man he was and know that he will always be a part of your everyday life and always around you and with you. Please remember also that the Good Lord will only give us what we can handle. Again sorry for your loss. |
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Name: Kevin Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Milwaukee, WI Time: 1998-10-21 18:02:12 Comments: I will be very happy to see the four kids spend the rest of their lives in prison. |
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Name: Stan Jensen Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: King of Prussia, PA Time: 1998-10-21 17:56:09 Comments: Thank you for this wonderful memorial to a fine young man. I lived 55 years of my life in the closet and admire the courage of young men like Matthew who come out at an early age. It is such a sad tragedy to see such a wonderful life taken away by stupidity and hatred. I only hope that the publicity of this case will awaken the world and cause people to rally around efforts to fight all forms of hatred. |
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Name: Barry Hounshell Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Bland, Virginia Time: 1998-10-21 17:51:14 Comments: May the peace and love of God be with you during your tragic loss. |
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Name: Kim Bruner Website: HCCP Referred by: From a Friend From: Western North Carolina Time: 1998-10-21 17:29:51 Comments: I am truly sorry for your loss. Myself and many around here are enraged over what has happened. In this Southern town, we live among such ignorance ourselves. It is time to end this hate! I will share this beautiful Memorial Web-site with anyone I can with hopes it will help educate the ignorant. With Light, Love, and the Brightest of Blessings, Kimberly Bruner |
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Name: Liz Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Phoenix, Arizona Time: 1998-10-21 17:02:42 Comments: As hollow as it may sound to some, my deepest sympathys. I understand all to well what Matthew's friends and family are suffering through. Here's to the hope (however vain it maybe) thatthis will wake the country up and help end this sort of hate. Here's to hope that this will never occur to any one again, gay or straight, no one deserves the torture he suffered through. "There is no future/there is no past/I live this moment/as my last." Rent In perfect love and perfect trust, Spider |
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Name: Michelle Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Illinois Time: 1998-10-21 16:39:25 Comments: I am very sorry about your loss. We always appreciate those who are able to live their lives honestly and bravely, and when a life like that is taken it is truely horrific. It makes me want to stand up with pride for who I am and show support for others who are gay but it also scares me. I just wanted to share my deepest regrets with you and let you know that we are all thinking of Matthew and his family. |
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Name: Rob Stevens Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Arkansas Time: 1998-10-21 16:16:44 Comments: My thought and prayers go out to the family of Matthew. May god be with you in your time or need and sorrow. |
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Name: Cherie Thompson Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: woodbridg, va Time: 1998-10-21 16:03:13 Comments: Your loss is very sad and my prayers are with you. |
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Name: Heath Holcomb Website: DODGER BLUE Referred by: From a Friend From: GA Time: 1998-10-21 15:38:08 Comments: Hello. My name is Heath and i am 16 yrs. of age. i am sraight but i don't really care if someone is bi, gay or of some other sex. This is totally wrong and i can't see why someone like those jack asses would do something like this. Everyone is created equal in some way, and i just can't see why something like this would happen to a boy full of spirit. Why in the hell would someone commit this awful crime? Because they are sick in the head and have no respect for thereselfs much less the person they have done this to or the people they have hurt. Let this be a lesson that everyone deserves a chance and for Matthew, well his chance didn't come. He has helped people in many ways and i just don't understand why someone would take that away from someone....i am sorry.... |
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Name: Michael Wagner Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Alexandria, Virginia Time: 1998-10-21 15:16:26 Comments: A tragedy that could have been avoided. |
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Name: Gary Graham Website: Fantazia 1 Referred by: From a Friend From: Glasgow, Scotland Time: 1998-10-21 14:18:18 Comments: First of all I'd like to say it is such a great loss of life, for such a small thing in someone's life. He will be dearly missed by everyone, I am sure. Although I didn't know Matthew, I cried for a long time when I heard this news. I'm glad that the courts of Wyoming found the defendants guilty. People like this should be brought to justice. Take care Matthew, and I hope that you will be well. Lots of love, Gary. xxx |
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Name: Deb Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: MO Time: 1998-10-21 14:15:54 Comments: As a parent myself, I am sorry this had to happen to any child. We are so harsh to judge anyone who is different from us...We are so quick to react...We cannot open our eyes to the person inside...who is just like us...Who has one goal in life, to be no more than we are and hopefully a little different than anyone else. Pray for the people who cannot see that different is what makes us human beings and not just another animal on this earth! We pray for you! |
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Name: Brenda Smith Website: Welcome To Blue's Home Referred by: Lycos From: Colorado Time: 1998-10-21 12:37:24 Comments: My prayers go out to all who were close to Matthew.I am so outraged by this, and it really has had me upset. I too have a son who is gay and know that he is a caring human being just as I am sure Matthew was. It tore my heart out to hear this story. I know we are not suppose to want revenge...but the two defendants can not get enough punishment to suit me! Matthew's parents, family and friends are in my prayers everyday. |
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Name: Amy Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: new hampshire Time: 1998-10-21 12:36:29 Comments: to the family of matthew shepard i am terribly sorry for matthews untimely death. In reading your letters, statements and sites i have come to the understanding that matthew was a very kind and caring young man. If only i had the opportunity to meet him just once, maybe it would be different today......however there is no one that can blame themselves for something so cruel. Being 17 i have lived through some amazing things, the birth of my nephew, the death of a 12 year old friend by his own hand, the death of a friend by drunk driving and so many others that are so numerous and sad that i havent the energy to list, by writing this to you today i am sending my cndolences and best wishes for a bright day to come whether it be to the conviction or whatever else may happen i wish only happiness to you and pray for your happiness to come soon again i am sorry Amy |
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Name: Angela Agresto & Angela Chesney Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Lake Ridge, VA Time: 1998-10-21 12:22:00 Comments: Our prayers are with you in this time of need. |
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Name: Mark Harris Website: Mark's Fitness Place Referred by: Net Search From: Roanoke, VA Time: 1998-10-21 09:54:40 Comments: My sincere condolences to the family of Matthew. Maybe something good will come out of this. |
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Name: Jon Berg Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Seattle, WA Time: 1998-10-21 09:36:18 Comments: Matthew Shepard has touched us all in different ways. I think that the fact that he's gotten the gay community united behind a common front (which has almost never happened) should be some kind of solace in this time of extreme pain. I grieved as much as anybody over this, but I am comforted in my promise to Matthew and to the rest of the world that I will never let his memory rest. I will never walk down another street and not feel lucky to be there; for it could have been any of us that day, not just Matthew. I hope he's in a better place now. Jon Berg, 21 |
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Name: Mark Williams Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Swansea, UK Time: 1998-10-21 09:18:10 Comments: I know that Matthew's brutal death has shaken the gay community to its roots. Sometimes in the face of such adversity I wonder if there is any point trying to convice people that gays and lesbians are not evil, immoral or unnatural. There has to come a point where you have nothing left to give. It's not until something like this happens that you realise we just can't give up. It is my right to chose who I love. I demand respect, honour and dignity from those around me and society. It is a fight that must be fought continiously until we win. I believe that one day I will be able to kiss my lover in the street, hold his hand in the bar and tell those I meet that he is my lover - not to walk in fear, not to live in shame and not to love in secret. Maybe that day is a long way off, but every journey begins with the first step. I pray to the gods that Matthew's death is the last. With all my love, Mark Williams, Swansea, UK. |
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Name: Debbie Vaughan Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Woodbridge, VA Time: 1998-10-21 06:21:50 Comments: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you while you deal with your loss. I hope that people will hear Matthew's story and realize that hatred for anyone is always wrong and destructive. We are all different and we should celebrate it instead of destroying it. |
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Name: Ernie TeBordo Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Hollywood, FL Time: 1998-10-21 06:09:45 Comments: I called and left a message with Orin Hatch's office. We must do all we can do to stop this hate. As a former teacher for 35 yrs of hs youth, I realize the struggles that gay young have to face. Pray that God will help us to change the way people react to gay and lesbian youth. |
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Name: Jeffrey McLaughlin Website: Referred by: Clicked on our Banner Advertisement From: Las Vegas, NV Time: 1998-10-21 05:12:37 Comments: May Matthews death not be in vain. Lets make this Americas wake up call, that people are being killed every day simply for who they are. Lets remember Matthew whenever we feel distrust and anger at people because they do not look or act like we do. Earths loss is heavens gain. Matthew, you're legacy will be one of that, that makes us realise we are all of 1 race. The Human race. God bless you Matthew as your Family and America commend your soul to the presence of the Lord. PS:My church is praying that something good can come out of this, while Justice is served on those who perpetrated this abomination. |
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Name: BJ Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Pasco, WA Time: 1998-10-21 03:49:08 Comments: I'm sorry about what has happen. I give my best wishes to you. Aslo I started a E-mail to about 30 people and telling them to pass it on so this won't happen again. Zeroeye69@aol.com |
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Name: CRYSTAL LURWICK Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: NEW JERSEY Time: 1998-10-21 01:54:25 Comments: I am so sorry, my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Matthew Shepard. I didn't know Matthew personally, but being a lesbian I feel in my heart that I knew him. The way Matthew was forced to leave this world was/is an inhuman, insensitive and unforgivable act in which the accused must be punished. Personally, I believe in an eye for an eye, but since this is not an option I can only trust that the jury will detemine the futures of the four accused. Whatever, the outcome I trust that they'll suffer as Matthew did. To all the "ignorant ones" you know who you are. Be careful what you say or how you treat someone because your son, daughter, sister, brother, etc. could be gay or lesbian. Society needs to unite and respect one another. Stop this hatred among us because of sexual orientation, race, religion, mental abilities, fiances, beauty etc. we are all equal and we all need each other to keep this world revolving. When I first heard about the beating of Matthew it made me cry and then again when he passed on and still more tears are falling for this man I didn't even know. I trust that the jury will decide on a suitable punishment for the crime committed (I know that there isn't any suitable punishment). Again, to the family my deepest condolences! God Bless, Crystal Lurwick |
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Name: John Paul Cappa Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Lower Burrell, PA Time: 1998-10-20 23:37:22 Comments: I am an "out" organist and musician in the Greensburg Diocese. I am trying to live my life "out" of the closet so that this type of thing won't happen. I try to be a good person and permit the mostly conservative right-winged congregation to seee me as I am, which hopefully, is not all they feared I'd be: preditory, anti-God, loud or demanding, etc. I am a talented person, and I hope that my musical talents in this Christian church help people to see that I'm OK and it's OK to like me (either because I'm talented, or because I'm a person, basically) and that "hate is not a family value" and should not be promoted by people claiming to believe in Jesus and his teachings. I try to live an "out" life to help break down these barriers that the church has historically set up against gays (ironically, it's OK for most priests to be gay). The catholic church even teaches, officially, that being gay is not a sin, yet they stand mostly silent and idle in a tragedy like this, wrongly fearing a loss of their "flock" (more like 'constituents') if they come out against gay-bashing like they do against abortion. I tend to be embarrased to be called a Christian under these circumstances, but I am "out" to my church staff, congregation and choirs. I feel that I should be as positive an example as I can be in the conservative camp, and this is my lot in life. In Matt's case, I tend to feel failure that I didn't do this sooner or well enough, although I know there's more hate at work here than I am responsible for, but I'm trying to help out us gays as much as I can. I'm very sorry for this tragedy, but tend to hope that it pulls even more people together on treating all people with dignity and respect. We had two funerals in our church the day Matthew died and my last "great uncle" died the previous Saturday, but Matt's death made me the saddest of all that week. If there is anything I could do, please let me know! Love - John Paul Cappa, Lower Burrell, PA. |
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Name: Bob & Angel Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Chicago Time: 1998-10-20 22:23:17 Comments: May God's Mercy help us to forgive and may God's Love give us the strength to carry on. |
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Name: rick trombly Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: New Hampshire Time: 1998-10-20 22:17:36 Comments: in 1986 while a member of the new hampshire house of reprsentatives i sponsored this state's hate crimes act. it passed without a dissenting vote. gay men and lesbians are specifically protected. i have mourned the loss of Matt as if he were a personal friend. and then i remembered we are all family. |
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Name: John Biggers Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Indianapolis, Indiana Time: 1998-10-20 21:45:19 Comments: God be with you as you struggle to make sense of your loss and the new direction it will take you in your lives. He is with God and is at peace. Know that for sure. Love, John |
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Name: RICHARD Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: BOCA RATON,FLORIDA Time: 1998-10-20 21:31:03 Comments: MY PRAYERS ARE WITH MATTHEWS SOLE NOW AND FOREVER. FROM ONE GAY MAN TO ANOTHER THIS WAS AN UNFORGIVEABLE CRIME. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND HEART FELT PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY, I KNOW THEY LOVED HIM FOR THE PERSON HE WAS. MAY GOD ALWAYS KEEP HIS SPIRIT WITH YOU AND IN YOUR HEARTS ALWAYS. |
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Name: Michael Robert Page Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Columbus, Ohio Time: 1998-10-20 21:25:26 Comments: As a Gay male, I was very touched by the memmorial and deeply saddened by the circumstances which caused it's creation. It's time we all start living the way God on earth taught us. To LOVE one another. No EXCEPTIONS! This I believe is the true christian teaching and not the hatred preached to us. |
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Name: Bill Jones Website: Referred by: AOL From: Cincinnati, Ohio Time: 1998-10-20 21:05:43 Comments: May GOD be with Matt always, as we are all family.So let's all love one another. |
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Name: Desire Website: You will not be forgotten Matthew! Referred by: Clicked on a 'Guestbooks by GuestWorld' Button From: New York Time: 1998-10-20 20:44:23 Comments: Oh my God! Have we come to this stage that there is no more respect in this world? There is so much room for hate that love can not be found anymore. If one seeks to hurt one individual think again before you do anything. That one person may be link to a community or even a nation. So don't think for one moment you are really hurting only one person because that is not true! Is there so much hate that there is no room for love anymore? We need reverse this hate to love. Let us look for love so there will be no room for hate. Matthew may you rest in peace. For we will not let your death go unknown. |
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Name: Blake Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Arkansas Time: 1998-10-20 20:25:49 Comments: This is a great homepage dedicated to such an obviously great person. The hate in this world is amazing. That somebody would do what those murderers did to Matthew is unthinkable. A great injustice was done to him, his family, and the world. Matthew will live in our hearts forever |
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Name: Jessica Roberson/Aaron Edwards Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Summerville,Ga. Time: 1998-10-20 19:43:43 Comments: It really saddens our hearts to hear of such an ignorant and outrageous act of violence against someone who seems to have been such a loving, caring and outgoing person as Matthew. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we hope that the people who commited this act are punished to the fullest extent of the law!! |
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Name: Robert Schneider Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Cape Cod,Massachusetts Time: 1998-10-20 19:41:23 Comments: How proud of a son are these parents! What a wonderful human he became in such a short time. His name will be remembered as one who wanted peace on all levels . Unfortunatley only his name will be used- why couldn't the human be spared to show a path of peace. Hopefully his horrible death will not be for naught- hopefully others will recognize the importance and stive to accomplish that peace and understanding which he stood for!! |
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Name: R.C. Lund Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Tennessee Time: 1998-10-20 19:15:28 Comments: A tremendous loss for everyone............. |
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Name: Gustavo Martinie Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Buenos Aires - Argentina Time: 1998-10-20 18:58:48 Comments: I support the trial and the conviction of the criminals. |
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Name: Lindsay Sikora Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: New York Time: 1998-10-20 17:32:52 Comments: i hate to hear about things like this that happen to people because of their sexual orientation or race oranything else. i really hope that the people that did this get the harshest penalty they can get. i think what the state of Wyoming should do is put themthrough the same torture that Mathew had to go through but do them alot worse so they woud have to suffer for a long time tied to that fence and that they would have to die that way. my thoughts and prayers go out to all Mathew's family and friends.~Lindsay~ |
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Name: Tom Borges Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Corpus Christi, TX Time: 1998-10-20 17:26:58 Comments: Great job, |
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Name: Lynda McLean Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: South Houston, Texas Time: 1998-10-20 15:59:14 Comments: I feel as everyone else does and I hope that the ones that did this does not get off lightly. I love your message and believe as your son and you do. Sincerely, Lynda |
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Name: Brian Belcher Website: Jays1998 / Personal WBS Home Page Referred by: From a Friend From: Toronto, Canada Time: 1998-10-20 14:47:17 Comments: I am So Sorry For Your Loss! I know Words will Not Help you at this Time, But My Prayers are With You and Your Family. Being a Gay Man, I am Deeply Sorrowed and Angry By Your Tragedy. From What You Wrote about Mathew, I would Have Really Liked To Have Know Him. Hope You Know that Everyone Everywhere are Sorrowed and Angered By this and Hope To God That This WIll Never Happen To Anyone Else. May You Know that We are with you as is The Lord. Brian |
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Name: robin Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: san jose california Time: 1998-10-20 13:16:47 Comments: this never should have happened. there a thousands of hearts that have your name on them for what you had to go through, Matthew. |
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Name: Roger Coleman Website: Referred by: AOL From: Clearwater Florida Time: 1998-10-20 13:12:33 Comments: TO All People, It's 1998 and it's time to starting working on the world. Instead of wanting to know everybody elses business of what goes on in there personal life. They need to get a life!! |
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Name: Donna B. Website: Welcome To My World...Come On In!! Referred by: From a Friend From: Southern Illinois Time: 1998-10-20 13:00:23 Comments: I sit here in absolute horror after reading all that is contained in your site. All I can say is that I am so sorry for your loss, and that I am angry at mankind in general. How one human being can do this to another is beyond my logic and reasoning. Please know that I support you in every way that I can. |
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Name: Jill WIlliams Website: n/a Referred by: From a Friend From: California Time: 1998-10-20 12:59:42 Comments: I apologize , I wrote to you the other day and mistakenly called Matthew, Shawn. Shawn is a close friend of mine. I support all of your efforts. |
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Name: Laurie Muggleton Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Litchfield, CT Time: 1998-10-20 12:55:43 Comments: May this awful event, inspire us all to stand up for each others rights and may we never forget that life is the most precious gift. To live in silence or hiding one's sexual orientation is also not living to the fullest. There must be freedom to be ourselves, gay or straight it doesn't matter. Thank you. |
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Name: Michael Williams Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Conway Arkansas Time: 1998-10-20 12:49:00 Comments: Matts death has made me cry, and that is something i have not done in a long time. We usually don't realise how lucky we are until we see someone like matt who has been so grossly mistreated and robbed even of thier life. I am saddened by it deaply. :-( Michael |
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Name: Meredith Masin Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: New Jersey Time: 1998-10-20 12:51:41 Comments: Thank you for this page. Never knowing Matthew Sheppard, I felt sick and horrified by what happened to him. I wanted so badly to have someone tell me that this was all just a dream, like things like this didn't happen anymore- just in the recesses of history books and movies. I wanted to run to my mother and have her tell me that the boogie-man will go away, that i will wake up and turn on the light and find nothing in the shadows. But I know that will never happen. Because this boogie-man is so pervasive in our country today, that it is using the name of my God in its hate speeches, in its hate posters, in its hate crimes. And I know that I cannot hide from this boogie-man, because whether the lights are on or off, it's still there. It is up to me, and you, and all the people in this country who have a heart to speak out and condemn those who are spewing this hate. This page is a start. Thank you, God bless you, and PLEASE, keep up the good work. Because no matter what people wants you to believe, the God I know loves all people. Meredith Masin |
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Name: Patrick McNeil Website: N/A Referred by: From a Friend From: florida Time: 1998-10-20 11:41:57 Comments: I am not gay but I think that anyone who would do that to some one should not be allowed to live while the frinds and fam suffer I have seen too many of my friends killed and never avenged because of technicalitys and think the american legal system need's to open it's eyes and stop using the kid gloves and get down to buisiness well thats about it for me scincerly Patrick McNeil |
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Name: Cathy LaCombe Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: New Hampshire Time: 1998-10-20 11:19:20 Comments: i just wanted to give my deepest sympathy to matthews' family...this was very tragic and filled my soul with pain and fear as i am also gay...it hurts to know that we cannot truly be ourselves and live life the only way we know how...matthew will always have a place in my heart and his family will always be in my prayers... Cathy LaCombe |
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Name: Mark Owen Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Oklahoma Time: 1998-10-20 11:07:21 Comments: Matthew, Your death was an unnecessary tragedy brought on by ignorance. I pray the world will see this as a sign that the hatred of others must stop, regardless of their differences. |
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Name: Kerin O'Brien Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Canberra, AUSTRALIA Time: 1998-10-20 10:53:47 Comments: Matthew, you will long be remembered as one of the human races true heros, a position I'm sure you never wanted or thought about. Long will you be remembered! God bless you and your family, for giving us such a beautiful and loving soul. |
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Name: Jeff Sumner Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Chicago Time: 1998-10-20 10:39:48 Comments: I am so sorry about your loss. Five years ago on October 9th, my best friend was killed in an eerily similar way. He was also beaten and left for dead, only to die hours later by himself. My heart goes out to your family and you're in my thoughts. I don't think I'll ever understand how such awesome people like my friend and like Matthew can be torn from us so violently. I've always believed that everything happens for a reason, but I don't think I'll ever understand why this, or how this, could happen. I wish there was something more I could say to ease your pain. |
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Name: Susan French Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Cincinnati, Ohio Time: 1998-10-20 10:28:29 Comments: This and recent events in Texas show we still have a long way to go in the area of human rights. It saddens me especially as we approach the millenium that we have not come further. I do not, however, support the death penalty. State supported brutalilty will not do anything to advance our voilence-ridden society. Additionally, the irony of what will happen to these men in prison is not lost on me. |
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Name: John Daley Website: the river dojo Referred by: From a Friend From: Cincinnati Time: 1998-10-20 10:18:57 Comments: We all need to remember that human beings are capable of such attrocities so that we can keep our selves in check. |
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Name: John Benson Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Columbus, OH Time: 1998-10-20 09:42:05 Comments: We are all Matt... Love ya' all! ;-) |
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Name: Linda Weltmer Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Overland Park, KS Time: 1998-10-20 08:43:34 Comments: I hope this is a lesson learned by all. |
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Name: Ian Glover Website: Referred by: Yahoo! From: London U.K Time: 1998-10-20 08:34:51 Comments: America. You should be deeply ashamed of your once great country. Your culture (sic) has become a festering cancer that is rapidly eating away at your morals and sense of what is right and wrong. You are swimming in a sea of denial, still clinging on to the belief that carrying a gun is an inalienable right as laid down in your constitution. You make me puke with all your tallk of being a god fearing people. Your children are taught to hate and to mock anything or anyone that is different and that doesn't fit in with your "Traditional Values". You tolerate (and some of you support) such sites as "godhatesfags.com" and then go to your churches.You allow organisations like the KKK to exist. You truely are a sick nation and I fear for the future of the world if things do not change. Matt was a human being and not a beast to be hunted like a woodland creature. Your American children, blessed with your sick values, chose to hunt, capture, torture and then kill an innocent boy. Nice Values...NOT. I can't prey for Matt as there is no god as you would believe, but my thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to his parents. There is a higher power somewhere that is responsible for creating our planet, but America; you and your children are responsible for Murder. Ian Glover |
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Name: Trish Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Dallas, TX Time: 1998-10-20 08:07:49 Comments: I am horrified by this event. I can't understand what would make a person(s) do such a thing, because of a persons sexual preference. I hope that justice is served to these kids. Actions like this cannot be tolerated. People, no matter if they are gay or straight, need to ban together right now and make sure something is done to prevent this from happening again. Take 5 minutes out of your time to write a letter to congress. Take $5.00 out of your pocket a month and send it to the Human Rights Campaign Fund. Or, take 5 days a year out of you busy schedule and donate it to Volunteer at an Organization in your area. Just do something! Because believe me, every little bit helps! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!! My prayers and love are with the Shepard family. Just remember, we are here for you! Trish |
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Name: Robin Frojen Website: Tink66 Referred by: AngelFire From: Corvallis, Oregon Time: 1998-10-20 03:07:29 Comments: My love goes out to all of us that once again must feel unsafe, even if for a brief moment. But know that we are loved by many and by God. Though Matthew's death is a tragedy, we must gain strength from it and stand together in faith. Tears fall down my cheek as I write this, but love fills my heart. |
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Name: Gord Williams Website: Referred by: Yahoo! From: Canada Time: 1998-10-20 02:19:02 Comments: From this earths life form to Matthew.."May The Lord Watch Between Me and Thee, While We Are Absent, One From Another". Unknown to me yet Matthews soul touchs mine. Gord Williams |
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Name: Kevin Burns Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: San Francisco Time: 1998-10-20 01:38:33 Comments: The sadness of a young life snuffed out so early and in such a brutal manner will never go away. But Matthew's death was not in vain. He will be remembered. |
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Name: Nick Heng Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Nebraska Time: 1998-10-20 01:33:41 Comments: The defendants should be executed for their crimes... or at least imprisoned forever. They do not deserve to live among the rest of humanity if they themselves cannot accept all humans for who they are. |
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Name: Sherry Lynn Pavlovec Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: RAB Germany Time: 1998-10-20 00:57:00 Comments: To Matt's Family my sympathy be with you. I know this is a hard time for you, but there is a joy knowing that Matt is with his FATHER. The brightness in his soul lights up heaven. As for the people against the defendants: Do not wish for their death, you are also harboring hate just as they did to Matt, for you will be no better than them. Pray for justice, let them go to PRISON and live a life that will require them to be tortured and treated the way that they treat the anger towards those who are different. If justice in not done, VENGENCE IS MINE SAYS THE LORD! |
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Name: John B. Farr Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Alabama Time: 1998-10-19 23:31:11 Comments: I think God has a reason for everything. Maybe in time, we will know what his purpose was in taking Matthew at such an early age, and in such an awful way. Have faith. |
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Name: Arthur D. Jackson, Jr. Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Bellevue, Wa. Time: 1998-10-19 23:26:01 Comments: Let's not trade hate for those who committed this terrible act with espression of hate of those who committed this terrible act. To hate in response seems and unfitting tribute to a child of LOVE. AJ |
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Name: Alexander Blair Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Time: 1998-10-19 23:01:51 Comments: I offer my condolences to Mr. Shepherd's parents and hope that the criminals pay for it. |
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Name: Adam Website: Boy Feet Palace Referred by: From a Friend From: PA Time: 1998-10-19 22:33:24 Comments: I like this page, i think it is done very well and created with a lot of thought and heart. I feel that those "people" (if they can be called that), should all be killed they way the murdered Matthew. |
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Name: Howard Swimm Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Lynn Mass Time: 1998-10-19 22:18:23 Comments: This a wonderful memorial I wish it wasn't needed. My thoughts and my love go out to Matthew and his friends and family. As a gay man I am appalled that this happens in this day and age. As a human being I am sickened that animals like these four people actually walk around on two legs as opposed to four. I honestly feel they all should be executed for the act and for trying to cover it up! |
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Name: Erik Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Washington Time: 1998-10-19 21:43:16 Comments: I too am sorry to hear about Matthew. It makes me sick to my stomach to know that there are people out there who would do such a thing. God has his way of getting even with people who do things like that. What goes around comes around. |
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Name: Anthony Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: new jersey Time: 1998-10-19 21:11:40 Comments: Amazingly enough as a male attempting to survive in a society where we all search for love, that search finds hate and pain. We as a people are more apt to believe that the deamons that took a life took that life took it because of a robbery; but it was more than that. We should realize that they took his life because of his belief that someone could care about a person living within his lifestyle. Are we a society that breeds hate and a total disreguard of the lives of others. Would our forefathers really want us to segregate those who would not disregaurd their personal quest for love and caring? Do we now betray the constitution and not allow everyone the quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Taken in the life of Matthew was not just a child of his parents but a small piece of that which we as Americans hold dearest. The freedom to seek happiness in whatever venue we choose, the liberty to excersise our first amendment right to free speech and basic freedom to life. I weep here and hope that his family finds comfort in the Lord. |
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Name: Paulo Monteiro da Conceicao Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Portugal Time: 1998-10-19 20:06:38 Comments: It is shocking for the entire human kind to deal with such a brutal murder. One human being was severely murdered by two other human beings. Oh Lord, where are, if not the moral values, at least the species conservation instinct that every animal have, on these two yound murderers? Let Matthew Sheppard's soul rest in peace, and always in the heart of all us humans... who leave together on this planet. |
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Name: paul byrne Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: ireland Time: 1998-10-19 19:49:37 Comments: i was appalled at the fate of matthew and truly shocked at the savagery shown to him. my heart just bleeds for his family and if there was anything i could do to bring back their beautiful son i would. i am so upset at this that words seem pointless. may god comfort his family. this could have been almost paradise yet look what some people have made it for us -- nearer to hell at times. will we ever learn? |
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Name: Peter Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Northeast U.S. Time: 1998-10-19 19:47:09 Comments: My heart goes out not only to Matthew, but to his whole family and friends. From what I've read about Matthew, I know he had real good, loving, caring, giving friends, and my heart goes out to all of them as well. I am a 44 year old gay and I've NEVER been as sick to my stomach as I was when I heard what happened to Matthew. As I read more and more about Matthew, the sicker I get. Such a beautiful loving human being taken away from us, now only way to early, but so violently. It makes me cry. Matthew, my soul, heart, and tears are with you......I never have met you, but one day I will, and I look forward to meeting you, the loving beautiful man that you are, face to face, soul to soul...... |
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Name: danny, erik, shane, & thomas Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: atlanta ga Time: 1998-10-19 19:46:02 Comments: may you find peace in your greatest time of sorrow |
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Name: Paul Jerez Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: colorado springs Time: 1998-10-19 18:10:11 Comments: I hate that it takes the death of someone so dearly loved to remind us all off how precious life really is. I hope all of Matthews family and friends are comforted by all the people who have spoken on his behalf. |
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Name: Wayne Moore Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Time: 1998-10-19 17:29:23 Comments: It has really saddened me to hear about Matthew's senseless death. My thoughts are with Matthews family and friends. Im ery soory to hear about this and I hope nobody ever has to go through something like this ever again. My God bless each and evryone of you who has signed this guessbook. Wayne Moore |
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Name: Marcus Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Kiel, Germany Time: 1998-10-19 17:00:18 Comments: To read about what happened with Matt makes me very, very sad and also in a way aggressive. So many murders are committed because of someone's homosexuality. But still, also in Germany, there is very little support by the press. You seldom read about the real reasons of a crime like that. I hope, that Matt's death is discussed openly with every respect and dignity he and his family deserves. May I be allowed to give two comments: I think that killing is wrong - always. No human being has the right to judge about someone else's life. This also includes the death penalty. We don't want others to judge about our life, we shouldn't judge about their lifes. I don't know, whether "Love" and "Hate" should be the main topics in our discussion. I rather think that such a violent act of crime is a crime against the homosexuality in oneself. If you hate yourself, including your homosexual treats, you will hate others that display what you hate within yourself. We will never reach the state where everybody loves each other - we are too different for that. But when we are able to accept ourselves with everything that we like or dislike we will be able to respect the other. |
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Name: ray dostmann Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: york, pennsylvania Time: 1998-10-19 16:28:00 Comments: i was deeply horrified and saddened upon hearing the tragic and savage death of our brother Matthew.My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Sheppard family,and that they can go on with their lives through their strength of Faith in the Lord, for only can He guide them through this dark timeand it is He that will hand out Justice to Matthew's killers. It is not for us to question the whys of Matthew's tragic death,for every one of us plays a part in God's Great Plan, and perhaps Matthew was a tool toward a greater good that can come out of this horrifying tragedy.We must not waste Matthew's death by hating his killers,but go on ever stronger toward a society that does not hate us because of our sexual orientation.The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one.We must unite as a loving One, and fight ever harder towards anti-hate laws that protect the lesbian/gay society.We must hate the Sin, and not the Sinner, for if we do, then we are no better than the biggots that fill this ha |
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Name: RONALD BENIRSCHKE Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: SHEBOYGAN,WISCONSIN Time: 1998-10-19 15:58:51 Comments: PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SMYPATHY,AND MY PRAYERSAND LOVE GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY,BEING GAY MYSELF HAS BEEN HARD AND ME BEING ADULTI CANT PHANTOM A BEATING THAT WAS SO BRUTAL AND VICOUS BY THE FOUR KIDS!!. AT LEAST THROUGH THE HELL YOUR SON OUR FRIEND ENDURED IN THE LAST HOURS OF HIS LIFE NOONE IN THE MIND OF MATTHEW YOUR FAMILY WAS THERE WITH HIM THEN. |
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Name: Jean-Sébastien Roy Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Quebec city, canada Time: 1998-10-19 15:55:04 Comments: You're not died for nothing.....I'm hope |
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Name: wendy jo taylor Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: perry, iowa usa Time: 1998-10-19 14:40:31 Comments: This site is so many things that i cannot begin to describe how it made me feel. I was touched, angered, saddened and educated by the things I read here......I shall never forget this horrific crime against humanity and I sincerely wish that this site and others like it continue to exist....only when sites like these are around, does the Web have any real attraction or worth... May God Bless and Keep Us All--Sinners that we are.... And may Matt stand watch over us all...... |
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Name: Rachael Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: washington Time: 1998-10-19 14:31:02 Comments: My deepest sympathy goes to all of you who are hurting right now over this unfortunate loss.... some people are so cruel and closed minded... i wish people could walk in eachothers shoes when indifference was an issue... to be able to see what life is like for that person... so that maybe there would be understanding instead of this hatred. In my opinion, these young people, no matter what their excuse or explanation, have done one of the most horrible things they could possibley do. No human being has the right to take a human life. No one has the right to play God. This was a dispicable and idiotic expression of hate and in choosing to do what they have done they should pay for their actions. There is no excuse for this. I only hope they will see what they have done and beg the family and the good Lord for forgiveness... and change... but in todays society... those changes are few and far between so I pray the Lord shows them the mercy that they didn't in this part of their lives. I am winging my prayers to heaven for all of this family to feel comforted that even if justice is not served on earth, it will be in the next life... no one can run away from their sins... no one can hide from the eyes of the Father, for He can see into our souls. My most sincere sympathy goes out to you, because i know what you are going through... i lost my first and only son and though the pain and memories never fully go away...it does get easier with healing and time... and always remeber... goodbye is not forever..... |
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Name: Jaime Website: Summer's page Referred by: From a Friend From: Pa Time: 1998-10-19 14:21:43 Comments: My heart goes out the Parents, realtives and friends of Matthew, I am so angry that this has happen. I will keep you all in my prayers and I'll be putting a candle on my page for Matthew |
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Name: Barry Ray Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Lewisville, Texas Time: 1998-10-19 13:50:01 Comments: I cannot believe what this world has come too. I am a straight male, and I am very open minded. I believe that you are who you are. You are a person and you have as many rights as the rest of us no matter what your sexual preference. I know this will never be forgotten and I pray that some day we will all be able to accept each other. God will take care of William, he is in a better place now. When it comes to judgement. The lord will take care of the murderers of this. They will be punished in the end. |
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Name: Mary M. Schnickel Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Chicago, IL Time: 1998-10-19 13:16:16 Comments: We've had several brutal attacks in the area known as Boystown one just a few feet from a police station. This violence must end. In these days it seems to be a Christian means to hate. Matthew will be in my mind now and forever he is now the guardian angel of all of us who are different. May God bless his family and friends. |
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Name: STEVE SMALL Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: ENGLAND Time: 1998-10-19 13:10:06 Comments: WHAT CAN I SAY? THIS IS VERY SAD AND I HOPE YOUR FAMILY CAN FIND PEACE. I AM VERY VERY SORRY THIS KIND OF THING HAPPENS IN TODAYS SOCIETY. I HOPE MATHEWS SOUL CAN REST IN PEACE. |
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Name: stacie wissler Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: san diego Time: 1998-10-19 13:04:36 Comments: as a lesbian, i hear, read and experience this "accepted hatred" everyday. i hurt inside everytime another "innocent angel" is tortured and abused. the fight must go on and those that turn there head or leave it in the sand may one day hear our demand for protection and rights like every other human being is entitled. unfortunately, it may only happen when some one they love dies or is abused in the same way. STAY STRONG! and continue to love one another and YOURSELF! |
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Name: Scott Schroeder Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Time: 1998-10-19 13:00:40 Comments: I am so sorry. My prayers and thoughts are with you. |
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Name: Timothy & Evelyn Weir Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Florida Time: 1998-10-19 12:39:18 Comments: Mathew's murder is a crime against humanity. It is our feverent hope that his death will lead to stronger laws against hate and discrimination. |
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Name: A. David Abad Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Ohio Time: 1998-10-19 12:29:13 Comments: Very well put together Hope enough people care to make a difference! |
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Name: Heather Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Pocatello, ID Time: 1998-10-19 12:08:15 Comments: I think your website is great. I am glad you are doing a positive thing and trying to remember Matthew Shepard as a person, although I did not know him I am outraged by the circumstances surrounding his death. What's worse is the sick and demented people that protested outside his funeral. I just wanted to let you know that your site is really great. |
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Name: Bill Steward Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Tallahassee Florida Time: 1998-10-19 11:35:09 Comments: His passing and the resulting outpouring of support and shared mourning can only further the efforts towards compassion and understanding that Michael obviously believed in.May we someday reach those who are so consumed by fear and hate that they would destroy their own lives in order to destroy another. |
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Name: John Keeber Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Warren, Michigan. A subburb of Detroit Time: 1998-10-19 11:34:37 Comments: May God bless Matthew, and give peace to his family. May God give us all the ability to forgive those who opose us. May God grant them clear vission. May God protect us all. Love John Bass, Detroit Together Men's Chorus |
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Name: Joseph V Smith Website: Referred by: AOL From: Greenville SC Time: 1998-10-19 11:35:02 Comments: My heart goes out to Matthews family and family, But we know that Matthew is in a much better place now he is in a place that where there is not hate but only love no matter of what beliefs we have!!! I pray that the killers will pay a worst price than what they did to "our borther" |
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Name: gretchen Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: indianapolis, IN Time: 1998-10-19 11:09:14 Comments: Gay or straight, we have lost a young man with wonderful potential. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. |
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Name: Lyle Henry Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Los Angeles, CA Time: 1998-10-19 10:33:56 Comments: Thank you all for sharing your insite and love. Let's celebrate Matthew's life by getting a federal Hate Crimes law passed, and also in states that don't already have one! |
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Name: Cari Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Burke, va Time: 1998-10-19 10:26:34 Comments: Never again if i can help it! {{hugs to all}} |
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Name: Kevin Website: Referred by: AOL From: oklahoma Time: 1998-10-19 10:23:56 Comments: Great job. Thanks . |
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Name: tyra timms Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Oregon Time: 1998-10-19 10:09:06 Comments: thanks for sending this to me. he was a great guy |
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Name: Debra Deakyne Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Waukegan, Illinois Time: 1998-10-19 09:38:41 Comments: my heart goes out to everyone that lost matthew. I will miss him and his words of kindness. please believe that he will find a way for all of us to live together in harmony. |
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Name: Debra Deakyne Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Waukegan, Illinois Time: 1998-10-19 09:41:26 Comments: my heart goes out to everyone that lost matthew. I will miss him and his words of kindness. please believe that he will find a way for all of us to live together in harmony. |
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Name: AMM Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Maryland Time: 1998-10-19 09:30:01 Comments: I never have spoken out and supported the gay community, but after hearing what happend I couldn't sit down and say nothing. It was truely a heartless act and the man above will see justice is done. God bless him and his family!!! |
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Name: Dr. Buddy Harris Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Fort Worth, Texas Time: 1998-10-19 09:07:47 Comments: It is time that things like this stop! Laws MUST be passed to protect ALL THE PEOPLE! |
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Name: John C Finck Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: North Myrtle Beach,SC Time: 1998-10-19 08:03:39 Comments: I sent a contibution to the Human rights campaign in his Honor |
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Name: Gilbert L. Grey Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Rockville,Md. Time: 1998-10-19 08:00:18 Comments: I very sorry for your loss. May my prayers be with mathew. |
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Name: Barry A Deist Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Gettysburg,Pa Time: 1998-10-19 07:41:25 Comments: This is a beautiful web page! I really feel for the parents. I hope they are hanged! I am gay to! And Gettysburg,Pa is a red neck town. So I know what Matthew went threw! Barry |
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Name: michelle Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Pittsburgh, Pa. Time: 1998-10-19 07:30:37 Comments: I am so ashamed to be an american sometimes how can a country built on equality be so cruel sometimes? |
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Name: Scott Davis Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Greenville, TX Time: 1998-10-19 07:27:56 Comments: Thanks for your site. Our problem is that these things happen, and then eventially we forget. In Texas alone, we have had a banker in Houston who was leaving a gay bar be chased down by youths with nail studded 2x4's and beat to death. Shortly following that even, 2 young men where disrobbed and shot in a gay park in Dallas on Maple AVE and one of the young men died because they where gay. Shortly after that a young gay man was killed in a rock quory outside of Tyler, TX because he was gay. Shortly after that, a young man was killed in Austin, TX because he was gay. There have been many others in Texas alone. And thousands more in the country in general. We must not forget when these things happen. We must not let the general population forget. We can't let our elected officials forget. I just wrote my congressmen using Congress.Org. If we all let our feeling be known and if we all come out of the closet, we can make a difference because of our huge numbers. It is just that we seem like a very small minority when 99% of us are closeted and almost ashamed of who we are. Another precaution that I have taken is that I bought a small pepper spayer for personal protection. If we can't protect ourselves, we are crazy. Matthew, we won't forget you. We can't forget you because if we do forget, we are killing ourselves and dishonoring your memory. We love you. |
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Name: Eivind Påve Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Sweden Time: 1998-10-19 06:23:31 Comments: Sweden Hallo Matthew ! Am living in sweden mi sity Strömsund.Am 48 old.sory for a ken not so god englis spik end rid. Mail betste helsningar Eivind Påve |
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Name: Robin Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Tennessee Time: 1998-10-19 05:38:44 Comments: I just wanted to offer my sympathy and prayers to the family. This is a great tragedy to us all and i hope u know that u have support thru the lesbian community. Were out here and we care!!! |
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Name: Paulo Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: San Jose, California Time: 1998-10-19 04:01:34 Comments: To all the friends and family of Matthew S. -Thank you for loving him supporting him in a cruel world still full of hate and bigotry. It was in your loving arms that this spirit was able to soar. The death greatly affected me. It was a reality check for me, realizing that I do still live in a bigoted world and that there is so much work to be done. As awful as it may seem though, we must not hate the ones who are at fault here. They are children who have been taught to hate something they do not understand. we must look at all the factors involved. I am more angry at the situation. This is a time for all of us to collect our positive energy and send it out into the universe so that our brother Matthew's spirit will NOT go in vain. From the bottom of my heart a warm and welcome hug I send to you all. With Love! Paulo Candido- xoxo |
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Name: Krystle Website: Krystle's Home Page Referred by: From a Friend From: Dallas,TX Time: 1998-10-19 01:47:09 Comments: Thank you....that was a very nice page....i hope some people can learn from everything that went on |
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Name: Lisa Mundo Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Kalamazoo, Mi Time: 1998-10-19 01:33:24 Comments: I cannot believe the butality in the world |
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Name: PRINCE JOURDAN BRANDON Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: ATLANTA ,GA Time: 1998-10-19 01:22:56 Comments: I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME , AND THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE ... THATS ALL FOR NOW I'AM REALLY SPEACHLESS. OANCE AGIAN THANK YOU PRINCE JOURDAN BRANDON |
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Name: The Rev. George T. H. Fuller Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Vancouver, B.C. Canada & Lopez, WA Time: 1998-10-19 00:46:45 Comments: As a Christian minister I find the event of Matthew Shepards death directly linked to the tragic misuse of the Christian faith to villify human beings for their sexual diversity. There is no Biblical justification for such attitudes. The Bible does not give us the right to make absolutes out of anything, including our sexual orientation. I believe that freedom of speech is not an absolute, and such hate filled speech, as is regularly displayed by people who claim to use the Christian scriptures to justify their hatred, is a direct cause of the violence against people of same-sex attraction, and it is time we recognize that to make an absolute out of any freedom is to be responsible for tyranny. The amount of homophobic hatred in society is simply astounding. It begins at the earliest ages of life and continued untrammeled and unsupressed by anyone in every segment of society. This society provides a virtual license to hunt down persecute and yes, even kill gay people. The amount of silence, in particular by so-called people of good will is deafening. Teachers in schools carry a particular heavy burden of responsibility for this environment for they allow the vicitimization to go on right before their eyes and do nothing. Historically, the police have been part of the problem, not part of the solution. Currently, politicians are using homophobic attitudes to gain votes for election. Everyone one of this list of people, and many many more, have blood on their hands, and now it is also Matthews. If this society cannot deal responsibly with this kind of hatred and stimulus to violence, it deserves every wound it receives as a result, and it can certainly not claim to be a leader in any form of human rights reform anywhere in the world. This is an issue that crosses racial and cultural boundaries as well. No race, no culture, no religious body is free from guilt in this. Hopefully the violent and vicious ending of this beautiful young live may be a catalyst for a drive to rid ourselves of this form of legitimized hatred. Unfortunately, I think it is so deeply buried in the psyche of this nation, that there is a very heavy burden of work ahead, and more will be wounded and die before significant change takes place. Nevertheless, we owe it to the victims to carry on the fight. |