Irrational fear; Newspeak; Crowd size; Gun purchases; Irony
Irrational fear
Some presidential candidates are playing on the irrational fears of some Americans in studying the possibility of closing mosques in the U.S.
This country was founded on freedom of religion and tolerance. This possibility is against the very principles we stand for. There are extremists in every religion and/or group of people.
What is happening in this country? The hate and intolerance being expressed is an embarrassment.
Closing any house of worship is against God’s teachings.
We already see the scars left on people who have been discriminated against, whether for race or religion in this country. Are we going to continue to project this on others? I was taught better than this.
Carol St. Onge, Arlington
Fear is ISIS’s greatest weapon. Governors are lining up to block refugees from entering their states, even though they have no legal way to enforce that decision.
Presidential candidates are bloviating that closing mosques in the United States is the only sane choice — in direct violation of the First Amendment.
One member of the Texas House even said that we shouldn’t allow Syrian refugees into the state because it’s too easy to obtain weapons, a comment that probably reinforced the Norwegian practice of using “Texas” as slang for “crazy.”
All of the above are fear at its worst, used for political posturing or gain.
Americans have forgotten that we are the most technologically advanced nation on Earth, with unlimited resources compared to most countries. We can track 10,000 people easily, put out a “request for quote” and 100 businesses would return it in a week with a legal, efficient system for tracking incoming refugees — at government rates, of course.
Get rid of the fear-mongering. Become the powerful America that really exists now and show compassion, consideration and a proper amount of authority.
Quit being afraid and do what America does best — business.
Steve Smiley, Saginaw
Newspeak
In reference to the Nov. 14 news story: “Cruz campaign’s central theme: religious liberty.”
Congratulations, Mr. Orwell. Newspeak has truly come to America.
Wayne Hathaway,
Southlake
Crowd size
A Star-Telegram headline on Wednesday was: “Clinton draws Texas-size crowd in Dallas.”
The story said the crowd was only 1,500 people.
The article went on to say the visits to our area by several Republican candidates, but failed to mention Bernie Sanders’ visit, which attracted 8,000.
Hillary Clinton will probably be the Democratic presidential nominee and be popular in Texas, but I feel that leaving out Bernie Sanders was deliberate and misleading.
Susan Ashley, Arlington
“Clinton draws Texas-size crowd in Dallas”: Really? Texas-sized?
There were 1,500 in attendance. Bernie Sanders had 8,000 when he spoke in Dallas and Donald Trump had 15,000.
Ray Lunsford, Irving
Gun purchases
U.S. felons can’t legally buy guns, but people on the terrorist watch list can legally buy handguns and assault rifles.
No wonder we’re in such a mess in this country. When will we wise up?
Jose Martinez, Arlington
Irony
The lead article in Tuesday’s paper said that Gov. Greg Abbott will not accept innocent Syrian refugees for fear that a terrorist may slip in.
At the bottom of the page was a reference to a Page 3 article about the murder of six people in Palestine.
The shooter, allegedly, was an Anderson County man.
Surely I’m not the only one who sees the irony of this.
Randy Thomson,
Fort Worth
This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 6:07 PM with the headline "Irrational fear; Newspeak; Crowd size; Gun purchases; Irony."