Private schools are generally thought to be more academically challenging than public schools, and many private schools are Catholic. Plus, he and his family could be Catholic. It seems like the school has been very supportive of him, but they can't do something the Bishop has denied.

I don't think there is anything wrong with homosexuailty. But like everything else, it doesn't have to be shoved down other peoples throats. As corrupt as the catholic church is, amongst others, it is still catholic. It is a catholic school, period. There is no reason why the group has to present him with the scholarship. A member of the school should. This I agree with. The school is doing nothing wrong here. It's like the St. Pattys day parade in New York that I used to go to all the time as a kid. I could never understand why, at a parade for St. Patrick, was it necessary for gay and lesians to voice that they are gays and lesbians. The parade itself has nothing to do with that. Im ranting. You want the scholarship, take it from whomever they want to give it. Period!

At the beginning of the story, it states that everyone at the school had been very accepting of him. Why would he think things would change at the very end? He's 18, probably graduating, and now is the FIRST TIME he's had a problem with the school/church regarding his sexuality.

Did you read the article? He began attending this school when he was just a small child, long before he realized his sexual orientation. Are you saying that he should have left his school, the teachers and friends who supported him when he realized that he was gay? What courage it took to continue in that environment, studying hard and providing all with an example of how a student should conduct himself. And yet you question his decision instead of applauding him.

rgngreco- WELL said. Very well said.

rgngreco - I was just going to say the same thing. When he started at this school in Kindergarten, it's likely he - and his parents - were not aware of his sexual orientation. For him to have come out in this environment shows he has strong character, and I am proud of the staff, students, and administration that support him. I speak as the parent of children in Catholic schools and a supporter of gay rights. I have gay/lesbian friends, my kids do, one of the religion teachers at school has a gay son. It's been a challenging year to be a Catholic, especially in North Carolina.

yet gay individuals continue to try and make their sexuality an issue and force it on others

Do you not recognize the difference between standing up for your rights and "forcing" an issue?

So the school didn't have a problem with a gay student. They also didn't have a problem with him receiving a scholarship named for a gay martyr and presented by a gay advocacy group. They just have a problem with a member of the advocacy group presenting the award. They're kind of closing the door after the horse has left, aren't they?

This is the exact type of picky little distinction that drives non-catholics crazy.

I don't think there is anything wrong with homosexuailty. But like everything else, it doesn't have to be shoved down other peoples throats. As corrupt as the catholic church is, amongst others, it is still catholic. It is a catholic school, period.

Religious schools for minors are indoctrination, period. If they can have the right to force religious beliefs down the throats of minors at the behest of their parents, this student should have the right to challenge those beliefs and offer a counterpoint.

If religious schools can't take what they dish out, then they should be made illegal.

Dustin,

First of all, most kids attending Catholic school have Catholic parents who would teach them Catholicism anyway, just like any other religious family. Secondly, as a product of Catholic school, we were allowed to ask questions in Religion class. It's not like they sit you down and say "you must believe this without question." Plus, there ARE a few non-Catholics in each class that have their own beliefs and are ALSO allowed to ask questions. It seems like this school was very supportive of this student. It was the Bishop that put the kabosh on everything. I don't know why you're raging against the school.

They can take what they dish out. Question them about God and the bible, or their take on evolution. I dont know, anything. I was raised a catholic myself and went to Catholic school, and I am sure I had plenty of questions myself being I am not a religious person now at all. All I am saying is be proud of who you are, but if your attending a catholic school and they offer you a scholarship, chances are they are not going to go full on with the gay and lesbian org. giving it. Plus it isnt necessary. I would automatically assume that the school themselves would do it. I think this kid is blowing this way outta proportion. Is he going to turn down the scholarship because it is not being presented to him in the manner he wishes?

Is the Pope Catholic?

Does the Pope #&$% in the woods?

He meant let's ask the Pope, because he's gay.

Odd that you can be both Catholic and support gay rights... what is the church view on gays?

Plenty of people manage to be Catholic and support the death penalty, which the church is also against (but most Catholics seem to conveniently forget)

Homie, it's true, the church is against homosexuality. Despite that, I still feel Catholicism is the religion for me. I don't agree with everything my country does, but I still live here. I don't agree with everything my family does, but I still love them. I don't agree with everything my company does, but I still work for them. Just because you don't agree with every single tenet of something doesn't mean you should abandon ship. Also, at least Catholicism (in general, I'm sure there are some crazies out there) can admit that gay people are still loved children of God. I've never once been taught to hate or discriminate against gays. I've been taught that all people have Christ within them and we should love everyone. So though I disagree with the "sin" aspect of the church's view of homosexuality, I believe that the church is truly loving of the people. So that's how.

He preached that homosexuality was wrong.

Really? When did Jesus ever comment on homosexuality?

It never happened, not once.

Jesus never preached about homosexuality, not one word. He barely mentioned sex at all. Even in the story of the adultress, He let her go with the admonition "do not sin again"--generic, nothing specific to sex. Apparently, sex was not of much concern to Him, just everybody else including yourself.

Actually, Jesus commented on how we should treat every controvercial group- gays, Muslims, atheists, people who wear clothes you don't like...

He said, "Love thy neighbor as I have loved you"

Jesus came to fulfill the Law. And the law on homosexuality is clear. However, he brought grace and redemtion to bring those who strayed back.

SS, now you're making stuff up. If the "Law" is clear on homosexuality, then it's clear that you can own slaves and all of the other horrific things allowed in the OT.

John 13:34. love each other, as I have loved you. Could be wrong but believe he was talking to the disciples in this instant, telling them to love each other, however he does say, love thy neighbor as thyself and so I will concede the point. However what is love? Letting someone do something that has eternal consequences or sharing the truth about a subject(in this case homosexuality) even though you will be ridiculed and called a hater.

If you were playing with gasoline around an open fire in the middle of an ammo depot is it love to say, oh well that's their dumb choice, or is it love to explain that you are not making wise choices? I realize this is a dumb generalization but hopefully someone gets my point.

Except what usually happens with Christians is when they point out that playing with gasoline isn't smart a hundred others people tell them to shut up and mind their own business.

what message does that send?

The same message as pedophile priests condemming homosexuality.

I'm Catholic and I don't know a single Catholic that condones the actions of the "priests" you speak of. People who would victimize a young child are not men of God. I've known many GOOD priests throughout my life, who would never hurt anyone. Most priests only want to serve God and serve others. They want to help. I am as mad as anyone about what those men did to those boys. But don't judge all priests by the very small percentage that actually committed the atrocities. There are good and evil people in any group, religion, race, sex, etc.

have you even read the Bible yourself? Leviticus 18:22: Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Leviticus 18:22:If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination:

I'm not sure how much more plain you can get than that. A true Christian's point of view is based solely upon the Bible, which they believe to be the divinely inspired Word of God. A truly Christian standard of ethics is the conduct of divine revelation, not of statistical research nor of public opinion. For the Christian, the Bible is the final authority for both belief and behaviour. Just because someone doesn't believe in something doesn't mean they hate that person. People can respectfully disagree. I don't agree with half the things my family does, but I still love them.

Pine, I'm no Bible scholar, so I'm paraphrasing. The word that was translated into "abomination" is actually much closer to what, in today's language, would be "abnormal."

So can we assume that you personally follow all of the prohibitions expressed in Liviticus?

@Pine: And the Bible also condones slavery. So does that mean a "true Christian" supports salvery?

Pine Walker...hope you didn't have sex with your wife sooner than 33 days after she gave birth to your son or 66 days after the birth of a daughter (she's even more unclean after the birth of a lowly girl according to Leviticus). You'd be just as sinful as a gay man. Picking and choosing your bible verse can get messy. You are so typical of those who say they follow the teachings of the Bible (judge not, lest ye shall be judged...ever heard of that one?), then jump right in with condemnation. Funny how the moral compasses of we non-believers seem much more in line with the teachings of your savior than yours do. Think about it, my friend.

Well Pine, thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law.

When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate. Its in the Bible - end of argument!

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how best to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev. 1:9. The problem is, my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2. Clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there
'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wriggle room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev. 24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

To Wondr Woman: Actually, there IS a passage that says "Sodomy is an abomination to the Lord"... That sounds pretty clear to me.

Just because you love your fellow human doesn't mean you encourage him in acts you believe are wrong. The school isn't hating him, isn't denying him the scholarship, isn't hiding the fact that he received the scholarship; they are simply exercising their right to choose who participates in the ceremony.

To Uncle Miltie: Jesus negated most of the Leviticus laws about slavery, everything about burnt offerings, the idea that outside elements (food, haircuts, pigskin, and blended fabrics) affect holiness/cleanliness, and the practice of stoning neighbors and family when they trangress (love your neighbor, pray for your enemy), so your list is laughable.

This article concerns a Roman Catholic school, not hard-core religious Jews, so please remember the New Testament, not just the old.

Uncle Miltie-I have seen that quote before and love it! It's hysterically funny to use the religious fanatics words against them, cause they don't know what to say. i can see them sitting at their PC....what do I say to THAT?

YooHoo-Calling all of you bible quoters-Please explain Uncle Milties comments? Why would your god say those things (if you happen to actually believe that the bible are really gods word) that are so blatantly racist, and volatile? What the hell kind of god are you nuts worshipping? Apparently your god lets you pick and choose which of his commands to violate and which ones to blindly defend? Do priests get to ignore the ones they don't like, such as one about pedophiles? My guess is someone does a background check on the bishop, and it won't be pretty......

Momof4: The NT did no such thing. And even if you argue that it did, then why do you continue to say homosexuality is a sin? Because it;s only a sin according to the OT, which the NT has superceded.

Uncle Miltie, great post.

I was raised a catholic and was alway being told how I should love everyone(Love thy neighbor as thyself). I don't remember any restrictions being palced on that like I should only love other Catholics or straight people. The Catholic Church has become one big joke. They preach against homosexuality while a huge percentage of their clergy are sodomizing young boys. They are hypocrites to the nth degree and that is why I am now a non practicing Catholic.

Uncle Miltie I applaud your knowledge of scriptures, most Christians don't even know what it says in books like Leviticus.

I only wish you would include the context and the circumstances behind each verse.

For instance, Slavery - A few verses up says this is talking about people falling into poverty and are forced to sell themselves into slavery. We have a bad taste in our mouth about slavery because the slave trade was pretty horrible, but slavery in the sense of indentured servitude(paying off debts) could be a good thing. Instead of being homeless and foodless they chose to sell themselves into slavery. Not to mention they were commanded to cancel all debts after 7 years(if only that applied today) From all accounts some loved their masters so much that they chose to stay with them even after the debts were paid off. (deut. 15:16) The new testament is filled with scriptures commanding that slaves be treated properly.

Obviously that isn’t the ideal, but that was the culture. Just like Matthew 19:8 Jesus said Moses gave divorce to the people because their hearts were heart but that is not the way God made it from the beginning. When sin and death and the curse entered the world when Adam and Eve sinned, many things came with it, including poverty and famine and lack, though not ideal, God made provision.

The major problem with your argument, though I must admit you write it in quite a humorous manner, is that you don’t account for the circumstances of the covenant. Here you have a nation that lived as slaves to a pagan nation(Egypt, I call it pagan because they worshipped many gods, not because I have anything against them), which had customs and rituals that were ungodly and the Hebrews having lived there over 400 years had adopted these customs. Not only that, but they were walking into nations that were even worse(ripping open pregnant ladies, sacrificing humans by fire) and God didn’t want those nations to influence the Hebrew people. So he set guidelines, and he strictly enforced them. Not only was stoning punishment for some, but God himself punished some, especially those that challenged the way He was doing things. He opened the earth and swallowed the Sons of Korah(Better watch your feet…kidding) He wanted a nation set apart to Him and He set the rules, who are we to speak against them.

If they sinned they had to atone by sacrificing animals, the pleasing aroma was that of obedience, Psalm 40:6 states the sacrifice itself didn’t please the Lord. The problem was those sacrifices only gave a temporary answer to the sin problem so Jesus become the perfect sacrifice, Hebrews 9:11-15.

Jesus came and fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17-18) on our behalf so that we don’t have to try and fulfill all those requirements, but he did not do away with it. He did not say, I’m here time to party, it just made it possible for us to be right with God.

Homosexuality is not just listed in the law of Moses along with Shellfish and other things, it was forbidden before the law of Moses(See Sodom and Gomorrah, if you can find it…you know, cuz of all the brimstone and such…) and after the law of Moses. Romans 1:24-32 states again that it is a sin.(I looked but I found no further reference to shellfish in the NT). Acts 15:19-21 is the decision of the apostles as to what from your Leviticus laws should continue. They say abstain from food offered to idols, sexual immorality, meat of strangled animals, and consuming blood. Though Paul does say in 1 Corinthians 8 that abstaining from food offered to idols is more to keep people from stumbling then anything else.

Hope this clears things up for you

I don't see what the big deal is. He still will receive a $40,000 scholarship in front of his peers. I can why there would be an upset if the other students receive their scholarships at the graduation, but since there is no mention of it in the article one can only assume

And Uncle Miltie, the laws of Leviticus were Jewish laws. If you want to find Cristian laws in the bible I suggest you read Acts of the Apostles and the letters of Paul. While some of those early laws originated from Old Testament books such as Leviticus, there is quite a diffrence between the two sets of laws.

It would be interesting to know what the school/Bishop would do about a group providing scholarships to teenaged mothers. If they would allow it, this scholarship group should also be allowed. However, it wouldn't surprise me if that group were denied as well.

By "he" are you referring to the student or the Bishop?

physical- first of all, way to get off topic. This article has nothing to do with gay marriage. Since you did, though, I feel I have to say this: the Bible has no bearing whatsoever on our Constitutional freedoms and the word "marriage" is a legal term. Separate but equal does NOT work and civil unions do not provide the same protections as a legal marriage.

Secondly, he's receiving the scholarship. The issue is that the group giving it to him is not allowed to present it to him at graduation. It will be (for now, at least) presented to him by a school official.

physicaleducator:

Newsflash for you: this country is not a theocracy. It doesn't base laws on biblical rules and definitions. Even Bible doesn't define marriage in a single way. There is no such thing as "traditional marriage". According to a tradition of which century and country? They're all different.

physicaleducator

Here's another Newsflash for you: the laws of this country don't require anyone to be married by any church. And try getting a divorce without getting the apporval of the government.

Getting the point yet?

momof2, I didn't get from the article that he was wishing for special treatment. I agree, at my school, the school just presented the scholarships. It seems like at this school, possibly due to its small size, the scholarship organizations are invited to present the awards. I don't know, as I don't go to this school, but I didn't really see anything about special treatment.

I just think it's odd that he would even ASK to be presented an award that is partly based on on the fact that he is happy to announce who he finds sexually attractive? It just seems so inappropriate at ANY school - let alone at a catholic one!

So he is out of the closet and proud of his sexual preferences - so what, so am I, it just so happens that my preferences are men. Why is this an acheivement?!? I guess, as Davenport is small town rural (I used to live there) I can see where he may have been ostacized through the years, but If I went around proclaiming all the time that I'm into doggie-style and you better accept it! - people would look at me funny too!

Sex is private and should be kept in the bedroom, whether you like men women both or barnyard animals. Hiding your preferences isn't healthy but screaming them from the rooftops all the time is just plain RUDE.

I mean, by all means, take the money but what does getting "presented with it" have to do with anything...?

Jenn, how do you even know if this young man has had sex? He's not proclaiming what kind of sex he likes. You may not have yelled that you enjoy a specific position, but did you talk about your boyfriend? Or have a poster of a male movie star you thought was cute? Would you consider that shoving your heterosexuality down people's throats or is that only when gay people do it? Did you ever bring up a personal experience (related to being a woman, having done a certain job, having a grandpa who was a farmer, etc.) during a class discussion? This boy isn't telling people the intimate details of his sex life. He's just not afraid to share his point of view as a gay teenager in a small town. THAT is courage and courage deserves a scholarship.

Did you read the story Allie? The bishop didn't say he couldn't recieve the scholarship. The bishop just said that the organization couldn't present it to him at the graduation ceremony.

gday, yes, I understand. I wasn't responding to the article, I was responding to Jenn's comment. Did you read Jenn's comment? She seems to think the scholarship is being given because he told people he's attracted to men.

Jesus is not the poster child for tolerance. He didn't tolerate sin, he told people to stop sinning. He showed them God's love which they weren't getting from the people around them, but He told them to stop sinning. He said, put to death the sinful nature within you. That's not just homosexual acts, but all sin(you can call me whatever name you want, but lets face it, Kirk Cameron got it right. Its not natural, God created male and female with complimentary body parts, two guys and two girls doesn't work!! Why is that so hard to see?) . Jesus said, maybe not out of his own mouth, but understand every word in the bible is God breathed, that we are to put to death the practice of committing sin, and strive to live a life of holiness, and holiness is what he says it is, not us. So what would Jesus do? It's not what he would do so much as what he will do, judge sin. You want people to feel good in their sin, he wants them to repent before its too late.

Uh, tex1116, I hate to break it to you, but "god didn't create male and female with complimentry body parts", YOUR PARENTS AND EVOLUTION DID! and what the hell does Kirk Cameron have to do with this, or is he your new god?

Every word in the bible is god breathed, that we are to put to death.............again, what kind of sick god are you worshipping that preaches death?

Hey, when you get up to the clouds, and a large god-like head in flowing robes speaks to you, be sure to write and let us know what the head says!

First let me apologize for my generation and past generations that failed to hold true to authority of scriptures. If they had then religions like evolution would never have been spread.

Secondly, the point still remains, males mating with males isn't natural.. correct?

If both your parents and both my parents were the same sex we wouldn't be having this discussion. Or will evolution one day rid us the need to have sex in order to procreate? Let's face it, I know where these conversations go, I've had many, and I've read many. The truth is you don't believe because you don't want to believe, not because of lack of evidence(which their is plenty, its just you don't accept it) You don't want to believe because then you have to face the facts that you we can't just do what feels good, and their is a God who is Holy and has laid out standards for living.

Second, He is not a God who preaches death, but rather life, not only did He preach life, but He gave HIMSELF for life! Sin brought death. HE gave life. That's the kind of God I worship, one who saw my weakness and took my punishment because He loved me.

Third Kirk Cameron is a brother in the Lord who voiced his opinion on the subject of homosexuality to much media attention and was verbally flogged and ostracized by many people, I had assumed most people heard about it, forgive me, and no he is not a god, nor my god.

Finally if only God would grant me the opportunity to speak to Him face to face and write down what I see and hear I would gladly share it with you in hopes that you would believe, but I fear you still wouldn't. The bible is a historical record of eyewitness accounts, if you don't believe that, then you wouldn't believe a 10 ft tall angel who walked up to you and personally answered every question you could come up with, though if you like I will do my best to pray that God send one to you. (can't guarantee He will though)

Used to be that the big scientific conundrum was "nature vs nurture" Were homosexuals born or made. You don't hear that much anymore. Now the question is are Texans born stupid or is it an acquired characteristic?

So now you have something against Texans? I thought you were all about tolerance and acceptance?

I guess the question still stands.

To state my thoughts on nature verses nurture(even though you didn't ask, I thought you would like to know). I believe in "Original Sin" which is a doctrine based on the sin of Adam that was passed down to all future generations. Bible refers to it as sinful nature or flesh. We all have a sinful nature within us, we aren't inherently good, but rather inherently bad and we need someone, preferably parents to teach us how to live right. The sinful nature manifests itself different in each person. Some struggle with drinking, some drugs, some lust, some I guess could be homosexual tendencies. It is the driving force behind us breaking God's commands. Yes I do believe in a devil. I believe his role is to remind us of our sinful desires and tempt us to follow them. If it feels good do it is his mantra.

Do I believe that some people are born homosexual and can't help it, no, but I do believe all people are born with sin and are slaves to that sin until set free by Jesus Christ.

Also I'm not from Texas, I'm from the same town this catholic school resides.

The "fuss" is that the school said yes.

Well, Kerren, the school doesn't have the authority to say "yes" and go against the practices of the church chain of command....

So, what you're saying is that the school should never have accepted him into their school to begin with? Because, by doing so, that goes against what the church believes in. Also, how is letting him receive the award okay but having it given by a member of the scholarship sponsor is wrong? How is awarding him the scholarship to begin with any different in regards to "promoting homosexuality" than having a specific person present him with the award?

@!$%#ing morons like you are what is tiresome

Get used to it, buddy. you ain't seen NOTHING yet. Freedom and equality are NOT debateable in this country

And broadcasting who you like to have sex with IS tiresome and quite frankly not something I care to hear about ...

You don't see me running around screaming "I LIKE BONDAGE, SO I WANT MORE RIGHTS!!" It's a load of crap.

By all means, you are free to like who you like etc, but that doesn't make you "special" because you choose something different than the majority. Just let it go already...

Jenn- What is your fascination with gay sex? Did it ever occur to you that someone can be gay and NOT have sex? Attraction and sex are two completely different things and the only one required to define homosexuality is attraction. Or are we all just an ambiguous sexuality until we actually have sex? Gay rights has nothing to do with how they like to have sex. It has to do with not discriminating against people based on who they are ATTRACTED to or who they wish to spend their lives with.

He WILL get it presented, just not by the organization that awarded it to him.

Sounds a bit like the group is using this kid to make headlines, or the media is...

Wow, Lisa. I guess no ONE PERSON can make a difference. YOUR feelings don't matter, as you're just ONE person. That makes ALL feelings simply null and void. You're upset because you have to sit at the back of the bus? Get over it! You think you're equal to men? I think not, let your stupid sensitive feelings be hurt, life's a bitch. This isn't simply about being awarded a scholarship, it's about denying someone their rights. It's about discrimination, which the United States has a lengthy history with. The fact that it's still going on is stupid.

According to reporting on this topic, (1) the school itself encouraged the kid to apply for the scholarship, (2) plenty of other outside organizations are routinely allowed to deliver their scholarships and awards in person and (3) the school itself officially told the foundation it could come to graduation and present the award. It was only later that the homophobic Bishop decided, keeping with Catholic anti-gay policy, to stop the foundation from coming.

Thank you for this information. Much of that was left unclear by this article, and I had little time to research (notice me coming back several hours later, lol). I'm going into more research now, to collect information from all sides, but this was good information. I did feel I had a viable question, thank you for treating it as such.

I am a Catholic but I gave it up because of the discrimination. It's alright to hide their pedophile priest but not ok to let a student get a scholarship named after a gay dead man. All churches are hypocritical Catholics the most. Here you catholics support a man named Pope and Cardinals and Bishops who are mortal men and don't have a direct line to God yet you believe and kiss the ring of a man living like a king and his Archbisops and Bishops who ride around in limosines. What is wrong with this picture.