Two views of a changed world; hypocrisy; ATM thefts; flag symbols

A changed world

This situation we are witnessing as a country is very simple: It is called communism.

It is the job of the Supreme Court to interpret the law, not change the Constitution without the consent of Congress or take away our states’ rights!

We have just witnessed the first fruits of communism rapidly taking away our nation’s freedom.

Changing our history by taking away a historical flag and thus the true history behind it, overturning Texas law so that the butchering of babies can continue, and same sex marriage — that’s only the beginning of the list to come.

As a free American, designated so by the Constitution, I demand my rights as established in our Constitution, that our country operate under this law and not under a certain few who abuse our nation’s freedoms.

Enforce it, Congress!

— Melissa M. Bill, Fort Worth

I awoke this morning as usual, a straight, white, married man, covered under both Medicare and government retirement health plans. In my life, little has changed since last week.

But I rejoice for my brothers and sisters of other races, who see the symbols of racial oppression being furled throughout the country, as we speak of forgiveness along with justice.

I rejoice for my LGBT friends and family throughout the nation, who can now share a legal bond with those they love.

I rejoice for my neighbors and relations who can continue to purchase affordable medical coverage no matter their age or health status.

We live in a great nation where the promise of our founding documents is coming to fruition at last. We are all created equal, and we are establishing a more perfect union.

The sun shines, the birds are singing, and the future is bright for all Americans.

— Laurence A. Pimentel, Fort Worth

Hypocrisy

I was amused by several writers in Monday’s All Points feature who took pains to paint “Republicans” who disagreed with the pope’s encyclical on climate change as hypocritical in light of their support of his positions on same-sex marriage and abortion.

Apparently, these writers failed to look in the mirror at themselves and others who excoriated the pontiff for his stance on social issues and now applaud him as enlightened.

Let’s be honest! Hypocrisy doesn’t wear a political label, no matter how one tries to shade it.

— Robert Kai, Keller

ATM thefts

If the people who manufacture ATM machines want to stop the theft of the machines, all they have to do is put dye packs inside the machines to dye the money if the machine is tampered with.

The reason they don’t do this is because for every ATM machine destroyed they get to sell another machine.

The punishment for doing this needs to be changed from simple theft to a felony — 10 years in jail and pay for the damage done to the store.

— Randy Geisel, Arlington

Flag symbols

While I could present a wealth of information on how the U.S. flag has represented slavery, segregation, prejudice and discrimination from 1789 to the present, both here and abroad, and is therefore equally a candidate for removal, I will instead ask a simple question.

Does anyone truly believe that removing a flag from sight will end hate and eliminate discrimination?

— Daniel L. Nation, Fort Worth

This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Two views of a changed world; hypocrisy; ATM thefts; flag symbols."