How should the NFL handle black players’ protests? Star-Telegram readers weigh in

Don’t underline protests

I urge Clarence E. Hill Jr. to reconsider what he advocated in his commentary Sunday, “Cowboys can no longer be silent on George Floyd’s death.” (1C) Protests during the playing of the national anthem are a very divisive issue, and more division is the last thing we need.

- Tom Dodson, Fort Worth

It’s a Texas problem, too

In response to a letter writer Sunday who implied what happened to George Floyd was a Minneapolis-only problem: Where have you been? (9A)

Police violence does happen here. How could you have forgotten about Atatiana Jefferson? She was killed in her own home. Why didn’t Botham Jean of Dallas cross your mind? He was watching TV in his apartment when gunned down.

It isn’t one police officer in another state; it’s a handful of them scattered throughout our nation. And, yes, it did happen here.

- Cynthia Daneshfar, Trophy Club

Mac has it wrong on race

Of course Mac Engel is using the George Floyd tragedy as an opportunity to lecture us unenlightened rubes on race. (June 1, 1B, “NFL’s Goodell is no different than America’s Founding Fathers”) Bravo to him for implying everyone from the Founding Fathers to the NFL to the average churchgoer is racist.

But what the self-absorbed media types don’t realize is that we really don’t care what you say anymore when it comes to race. The fact is the average white American was enraged after seeing the murder of George Floyd. I would gladly volunteer to throw the switch on Old Sparky if Minnesota had the death penalty.

But to compare Colin Kaepernick’s experience with that of real slavery is one of the most asinine things I have heard.

- Bob Morrison, Haslet

Mac really gets it on race

Monday’s column on Colin Kaepernick was Mac Engel’s best ever. Guys like him bring us sanity, kindness and peace.

- Don Henderson, Arlington

Good reason for tear gas

It’s ridiculous to shine a bad light on the Fort Worth police with Monday’s story, “Dallas issues 7 p.m. curfew following protests.” (6A) Toward the end, it explains why the tear gas and flash bangs were used.

Police were protecting businesses and museums from being looted. Officers didn’t use tear gas until they had frozen water bottles thrown at them and had given warnings. Don’t promote bad behaviors when you should be promoting peace.

- Stormy Finley, Euless

A path to mutual respect

To the Fort Worth police: Recent protests are about accountability. When we see another citizen commit a crime, we are taught not to watch idly. By the same token, when our own police force commits a crime, we will not watch idly.

So, when you see people marching with anger and passion, know they seek accountability. March with them. Show them that you respect their cause. Show them that you will work hard to hold other officers accountable, just as you expect citizens to hold each other accountable.

One day, we will live in a world of equality and respect. Accountability is the vessel that gets us there.

- Aviva Y. Isgur, Fort Worth