Sara Pascoe reads a hilarious letter asking for clarity on God's Law

At the turn of the century, the following letter was sent to Dr. Laura, a US radio personality who regularly and publicly deemed homosexuality to be a “mistake of nature.” A copy of the letter soon reached the masses, and now we bring it to you.

Comedian and writer Sara Pascoe joined us to read it at Letters Live at London's Royal Albert Hall in March 2023.

© J Kent Ashcroft

[jensjensen]

This letter was sent to Dr. Laura in May 2000. Writers for "The West Wing" courageously borrowed lines from it for an episode titled "The Midterms, " which aired in October of that year. Now, in 2024, it still bears repeating. Kudos to Sarah Pascoe and "Letters Live"! Here is the story. According to Shaun Usher, "In May of 2000, a musician from Maryland named Kent Ashcraft wrote the...letter and sent it, anonymously, to Dr. Laura Schlessinger, a radio host who, whilst offering listeners advice on her show, had regularly and publicly deemed homosexuality to be a 'mistake of nature' according to Leviticus 18:22. No reply was forthcoming. However, a copy was also sent to a friend of Ashcraft, who shared it online, and before long the letter was everywhere. It even reached the inbox of Aaron Sorkin, who used some of it on an episode of The West Wing, for which Ashcraft eventually received payment."

[djERICSPEEd]

“Why can’t I own a Canadian?” is the title of the letter. Circa 2002

[jswaggart]

I can’t imagine a more perfect letter for Sara Pascoe to be reading. It almost feels like she penned it herself.

[SweetCarolineBAMBAMBAM]

She has the perfect voice for Letters Live😊❤

[Reason]

I made a copy of this letter many years back, I often look back upon it for guidance. As I am determined to own a Canada! There just so nice, everyone will want one soon.

[ConstanzeWeber]

I'm doing English Literature dissertation at the moment, you've no idea how serendipitously helpful this was!! Who says procrastination doesn't pay!?

[lisaboban]

This channel continues to be the best!

[bostonpops]

Oh my GOD. This is my favorite one yet.

[boshmow]

I would paddle from Texas to England if I could meet Sara Pascoe. 😊

[ApproximatelyCee]

Awesome. Very well read. And funny as all get-out.

[ALNM]

What a huge argument for atheism and a brilliant read! This is my all time favorite.

[thorns]

Realising that "turn of the century" is not 1899/1900 but 2000 makes me feel old.

[friedsoybean]

Thank you for bringing this letter to wider public. I am proud to live among such witty, sarcastic, and compassionate human like the letter writer. The power of written words, can cut sharp while still being polite 😂

[craigmore]

Dear Sarah Pascoe. Should I post a link to this Letters Live in my conservative families WhatsApp group?

[OublietteTight]

Perfect. The letter, the delivery and the comical twists. But, I need these answers ASAP, because apparently the world is about to end... again. Please announce the answers so we can all get our ritual killings finished before the Apocalypse?

[migratory.]

sara knocked it out the park with this reading!

[mathanmor]

"Can I ethnically cleanse the inhabitants of a land because... y'know.. you.. "promised" it to me?... " Asking for a... friend*

[jeanhawken]

The irony of it is so hilarious. Wonderful presentation

[Robert.Sheard]

I'm not sure admitting this does me much credit, but I was a guest on Dr. Laura's short-lived television program (2000-2001). It was an episode about financial education for teens and I was on a book tour for a book about the stock market and retirement planning. I feel somewhat redeemed by the fact that her show was canceled before my episode ever aired. 🤦‍♂

[carrotcake]

Some folk in the audience are raging 😂