Your kneeling in protest is an offense to my military service

I didn’t serve so you can kneel

Drew Brees had it right. I get teary-eyed, too. Mac Engel and Colin Kaepernick claim that we don’t understand, but that phrase is clearly misused here. (June 7, 1C, “Jones finds himself in uncharted waters: silence”)

True, many people don’t understand all the underlying factors of police complaints and racial discrimination. Many of us did not understand the extent of the issues.

But kneeling, demonstrating and disrespecting the U.S. flag while saying or singing the national anthem is different. These misguided actions are an affront to my grandfather, my father, me and all others who have served this country and suffered fighting to keep it free.

I sympathize with protesters and the causes but cannot accept the disrespect of those who served their country.

- J. Mark Bronson, Fort Worth

Concerns bigger than baseball

Jeff Wilson asked the key question in Tuesday’s column, “Ongoing money fight promises more damage to MLB’s image” (1B): Does anyone really care if there’s a baseball season? The specter of ultra-wealthy people battling over money with the country in dire straits over critical societal issues is outrageous. A pox on both their houses.

I’ve been a diehard baseball fan all my life, and I truly miss the game. But this summer, like many, I’m disgusted with the whole scenario. Just cancel the season and be done with it.

- Rick Weintraub, Mansfield

Don’t honor US opponents

It’s way past time to deal with Confederate markers and statues. I’m sure plenty of museums would take them. All of us should participate as we take down those things together.

- Julie Wende, Fort Worth

A reminder of mistakes

The Confederate marker at the Tarrant County Courthouse is part of our history. One could foresee a future when history would no longer be taught. These monuments remind us of a very difficult time in our country and should serve to warn us of things we don’t want to repeat.

- Larry L. Stowe, Benbrook

Some concrete steps to take

I’m an old white guy who likes the police. But it’s now crystal clear that we’re not dealing with a few bad apples but with a culture and system of bias, intimidation and mistreatment toward African Americans and others.

Good ideas are bubbling up. Create a community oversight board, not appointed by police, with subpoena power. Begin regular retraining of police on how to communicate and de-escalate situations. Greatly increase the number of African American officers and move toward community policing. Hold meetings in minority neighborhoods to listen and share thoughts, problems and progress.

- Keith Maurice, Arlington

End the useless war on drugs

On our police problem: The failed war on drugs takes way too much of our officers’ time and puts officers and civilians in needless conflict. Legalize drugs, tax them and use that money for treatment and prevention. Prohibition did not work for alcohol, and it will never work for drugs.

- Cliff Yelvington, Granbury