Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Our young men need protection from the evils of pornography

We must protect our young men from pornography, writes Michael Sweeten.
We must protect our young men from pornography, writes Michael Sweeten. Associated Press file photo

If Trump can clear himself, he should

President Donald Trump is actively undermining our democracy. The House impeached him for a reason: his effort to enlist Ukraine to help sway the 2020 election.

Protests about the process don’t change the facts that were gathered despite White House obstruction. If Trump is innocent of wrongdoing, he should open his books, allow his associates to testify and concern himself with the country’s business.

- Patrick Sparks, Weatherford

Protect young men from temptation

Cynthia M. Allen’s column about banning pornography didn’t propose that we demand manufacturers of tech devices create products designed to prohibit access to porn. (Dec. 13, 9A, “Porn’s effect on kids is reason enough to consider ban”) It seems downright scandalous that nothing like this is offered.

Call it the tragedy of unavoidable temptation.

Temptation can become an incessant distraction and a tragic impediment to mentally intensive pursuits.

As of now, big technology companies lead our unprotected boys and young men into unavoidable temptation. A society that fails to protect its boys and young men faces a dark future.

- Michael Sweeten, Turlock, California

Help those who long to be free

In 2011, I deployed to Afghanistan and helped train members of the Afghan National Army. I found the Afghan people to be friendly and compassionate, with good senses of humor.

In 2018, while we were attending a carnival for refugees, God inspired us to volunteer to help those in Texas. It has been a blessing beyond measure.

Kudos to Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price for her letter supporting refugees. To the keyboard commandos attacking Price and refugees: Real patriots support those fleeing harm and seeking freedom.

- Frederick Gregory, Arlington

Not a level news playing field

With the entrance of Michael Bloomberg into the Democratic presidential field, Bloomberg News announced it will no longer investigate any of the Democratic candidates but will continue its work on President Donald Trump. (Dec. 6, Star-Telegram.com, “Bloomberg: His news reporters need to accept restrictions”)

This is beyond the pale.

For one fabulously wealthy candidate to use the press in this manner is outrageous. Newspapers should immediately cancel their subscriptions to Bloomberg News and print nothing from that source.

I want to read a newspaper that fairly represents both left and right so I can decide for myself.

- Rick Weintraub, Mansfield



Need to be able to discuss climate

Once again, the Star-Telegram is part of the problem of polarization. We need to listen to each other, discuss, debate and argue if necessary, but stop attacking and trying to suppress opposing ideas. The Dec. 13 column by Eugene Robinson was an example. (9A, “There’s no one but ourselves to blame for climate crisis”)

Not long ago, most people understood there was a higher power that controlled natural forces, including the climate. The idea of man-made climate change should be discussed, challenged and argued.

- Alan Dodd, Fort Worth

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