Why should we listen to a Texas Republican over scientists on climate change?

False equivalency on climate report

I am disgusted that the Star-Telegram devoted a major op-ed to climate-change skepticism Dec. 9. (5B, World’s young steeped in ‘warming’ dogma, but don’t you buy it”)

After the recent Fourth National Climate Assessment by respected scientists in our own government agencies warned of increasing unprecedented storms, droughts and floods caused by human-created climate disruption, you published an article written by a non-scientist politician (former Tarrant County GOP chair Pat Carlson) who spiced up her denials with two — two — quotes from Adolf Hitler that linked today’s concern over global climate change with Nazi brainwashing.

Nothing should detract from the fact that more than 98 percent of actual climate scientists accept evidence that Earth’s temperatures are warming and that human activities are a primary cause. To argue otherwise is little different from asserting Earth is flat or that unicorns exist.

True presidential integrity

The author of a Sunday letter to the editor wrote that “the most decent and honorable man to hold the presidency in recent times is the only one not favored with a second term.”

We assume that he refers to Jimmy Carter, still keeping the faith and fighting the good fight.

Churches must heal themselves

It’s a sad day when the Star-Telegram’s editorial board feels compelled to lecture the churches about morality, but thank God it has done so. (Dec. 9, 4B, “Churches must take action to end abuse”) What has been reported about the sexual abuse and cover-up scandals within the independent fundamental Baptist churches is horrendous.

Every denomination and independent church bears some responsibility for the sexual abuse and cover-up scandals that continue to be exposed across our nation. Our inaction has resulted in many damaged lives.

As Christians we teach that repentance and the resolve to amend life is the place to begin. When this is authentic, forgiveness and new life will follow.

May God grant our churches and their leadership absolution and a new beginning.

The wrong message about rape

I am sure that many of us are incensed by the plea agreement for rapist Jacob Anderson. (Dec. 11, 1A, “Ex-frat president at Baylor avoids jail time in rape case”) The Waco district attorney would have been better off making no statement. The explanation for allowing this violent rapist to get off with no punishment and no sex-offender status is laughable and sad.

What happened to the concept that bad cases make bad law? Just because one jury could not be convinced of the guilt of a defendant, we should assume that no jury can be convinced?

If this is the standard in Waco, Baylor’s female students had better be prepared to defend themselves in real time, because the system won’t defend them after the fact.

There’s a better place here

Dr. Shahid Shafi, you are invited to join the Democratic Party, the party that opens its arms to all humans. We welcome folks who are nice and lift up one another in order for us to reach our full potential.

The tea party Republicans don’t want you. They’re evidently a “white people only” club.