Ten Commandments in Texas schools? There’s faith advice better suited for children | Opinion

Age-appropriate advice for kids

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick supports a law requiring Texas public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The Ten Commandments are not written in child-friendly language. Teachers would need to explain the commandments to young students. The seventh commandment about adultery and the 10th commandment about coveting your neighbor’s wife are problematic.

Instead, Texas could require that schools post Matthew 7:12, the verse known as the Golden Rule. It is easy for young children to understand. Versions of this guidance are found in most faith traditions. Schools could post versions of the Golden Rule from many faiths.

- Ann McKee, Hurst

Mattie Parker’s real ideas, agenda

I read with disbelief that the Tarrant Party Republican chairman, Bo French, accuses Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker of “pushing radical transgender ideology” with her childhood reading and literacy program. (July 9, 1A, “GOP leader says mayor’s reading program celebrates Pride”)

Really? Anyone who knows Parker knows that is simply ridiculous, even laughable. French needs a hobby or a real job, as he clearly does not have enough to worry about. Better still: How about volunteering to help teach our kids to read? Then perhaps someone can examine French’s agenda for hints of radical right extremism.

- Owen Daniel, Fort Worth

What good policing actually means

With Tarrant County jailers charged with murdering an inmate and Fort Worth police throwing a 60-year-old woman face down onto a street, it is time to hold law officers responsible. Obviously, there are many decent officers who live up to the motto “Protect and serve.” However, when bad officers are not held responsible, it hurts the public and the many good officers.

Law enforcement officers are not above the law and need to be punished for illegal behavior.

- John Nolan, Arlington

Would you work with Trump?

My question to a Republican businessperson: Would you want to do business with Donald Trump? My question to a Republican parent: Would you like your child to be associated with this man, or his behavior? Can’t we stand up to his hateful and oppressive rhetoric?

My answer to Republicans: Just do not vote this year.

- Debra J. Mann, Austin

Biden isn’t up to the demands

A recent news article highlighted what President Joe Biden told a group of Democratic governors: that he just needed more sleep and fewer events after 8 p.m. Does Biden realize he’s running for president of the United States? It’s a 24/7 job. He needs to be on his toes and able to handle a nuclear attack within a matter of seconds.

Biden made it crystal clear during the last debate that he can’t handle facing Donald Trump. He can’t articulate any accomplishments from his term, and when push comes to shove, he just accuses Trump of lying.

Americans saw the real Biden, and it was a pathetic, tired old man. He’s the one lying to us now.

- Donna Bierd, Keller

Biden shows he’s fit for the job

I understand voters being concerned and disappointed in President Joe Biden’s performance in the debate. I was, too. But it’s beyond my comprehension that anyone would think of voting for his opponent, a lying con man who proved his incompetence during his chaotic and destructive presidential term.

The fact that Biden didn’t tap dance on stage like Fred Astaire doesn’t mean he is unfit to deal with the domestic and international problems we face. Biden is twice as coherent and 10 times more honest than his opponent.

- Robert Bunata, Fort Worth