How well we sing the national anthem is secondary. It’s a sign of respect first | Opinion

Singing is about respect, freedom

Ryan Rusak makes a great case for why the United States needs unity and support for our country and the people who died for our freedom. (July 18, 9A, “Why do we sing national anthem for sports at all?”) I sing the national anthem with pride and reverence. “In God we trust” is a motto that I honor.

The problem Rusak notes is not the anthem itself. I’m sure he is patriotic and understands the significance of the anthem. The question of whether it is trivialized when performers of varying skill levels sing it is a separate issue.

Singing to show respect and gratefulness for our freedoms as Americans is a good thing. Do it often.

- Ben Loughry, Fort Worth

Let’s do something positive

We sing the national anthem not because we have to but because we need to. As a nation, we need to maintain a sense of belonging. We need something that connects the young and old and all races. We need to be reminded of the privilege we have to gather in freedom. We cannot take that freedom for granted.

Sporting events are a great opportunity to share and bond in this unifying experience. We are competing, but we respect those striving for the same goal. That translates to our daily lives.

God knows we have enough negativity and strife before us. Why not do something positive and unifying at every opportunity? I say, “Thank God. Sing on and play ball!”

- Jim Hargrove, Fort Worth

That clock stopped long ago

Joe Biden finally steps down. It’s just 40 years too late.

- Michael Bruner, Fort Worth

Keep Texas abortion laws strict

The authors of the July 21 news story on abortion laws “Texas has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the U.S. Could they get stricter?” (4C) didn’t put enough emphasis on the fact that Texas law allows for exceptions “in the exercise of a reasonable medical judgment” for “a life-threatening physical condition aggravated by, caused by, or arising from a pregnancy” that threatens a woman’s life or poses a serious health risk.

Leave abortion laws up to the states, where they belong. I hope Texas will continue to uphold its strict abortion laws and stop the killing of babies.

- Mary Joyce Clark, Bedford

Power must remain with people

We might believe we’re immune, but having and increasing power comes with a subtle attachment. We can feel sure our motives are magnanimous and not realize a change in course. When the focus of the Tarrant County Commissioners Court is controlling public comment, wielding power is job one and listening to constituents is no longer a priority. (July 21, 4C, “Sheriff must clarify warnings to speakers at Tarrant court”)

That is how we know it is time for a new county judge.

- Sandra Soria, Fort Worth

US future is not dark, cruel

Thanks to Cynthia Allen for telling the truth in her July 24 column, “Not Trump/not Biden is not enough for Democrats to win.” (15A) Democrats, uncomfortable with President Joe Biden’s public performances but respectful of his accomplishments, had a dilemma. The “big tent” party has sometimes been compared to a quarrelsome family. But even those can unite against an outside threat.

Donald Trump’s dictator vision for America is the threat. A dark, dystopian vision of a cruel, hateful America led by a convicted felon does not appeal to decent Americans.

If Americans who want a democracy with equality of opportunity for all get off the sofa and vote, Vice President Kamala Harris will win, and so will America.

- Loveta Eastes, Fort Worth