Mixing sports and politics
Mac Engel completely and utterly misrepresents Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act in his Tuesday “sports” commentary (“Sports, do something about Indiana’s law”). He needs to either be more informed or stick to true sports stories.
— John Dallas, Arlington
I’m getting really tired of sports writers using the sports section to air their views on political issues. Could you have them stick to sports?
And if Engel thinks Texas is a bad place to live, please tell him there are 49 other states he can choose from. If he wants to be a political writer, find space for him in the opinion pages, or maybe he can go write for The New York Times.
— Bill Bridges, Colleyville
What this comes down to is whether people should have to participate in conduct they find religiously offensive. To say that somebody has to provide flowers for a gay wedding or a preacher officiate the ceremony would be judicial overreach. Legislatures should be able to protect against that.
— Thomas F. Harkins Jr., Fort Worth
I suggest that those who agree with Engel read an opinion piece in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal, “The New Intolerance.”
It reminds us that the Indiana act mimics laws in 19 states. In addition, courts in 11 states have extended equally vigorous protections for religious people. All of these state laws and court rulings stem from the federal 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act introduced by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., passed in Congress by an overwhelming majority and signed by President Bill Clinton with the support of the ACLU and other liberal groups.
If sports boycott Indiana, they will have to be careful which state to favor. Indiana isn’t targeting gays; instead, liberals/progressives are targeting religion.
— Tom Dodson, Arlington
Indiana is taking a stand for religious freedom. Mac Engel is displaying the same discrimination of which he complains. Stick to sports, Mac, and stay out of politics.
— Scott Royal, Fort Worth
If Engel wants to get on his soapbox, he can write an editorial or a letter to the editor. But at least leave me one section of the paper I can read without politics. I can’t even read the comics anymore because of it. I may have to quit following sports altogether.
— Dana Barbee, Granbury
Letters
Letters should be no longer than 200 words and must have a full name, home street address, city of residence and both a home and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters about the May 9 elections should be no longer than 150 words and must be received no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 30.
E-mail (preferred): letters@star-telegram.com; Fax: 817-390-7688
Regular mail: Letters to the Editor, Box 1870, Fort Worth TX 76101
This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 5:41 PM with the headline "Mixing sports and politics."