Challenge to GOP; unexpected prayer

Challenge to GOP

“Patriots” like Marshall Stewart (in his letter on Jan. 3) are sincere in their beliefs, and I respect that.

However, he should respect the views of others and stop labeling as unpatriotic and un-American those with whom he disagrees.

There have been no legitimate Obama scandals that I know of other than those fomented by Fox News and others who work very hard to perpetuate these falsehoods.

One Republican special committee after another has looked into Benghazi, the IRS and all the other faux Obama scandals and found nothing. Saying Obama, who is a Harvard-educated, former constitutional professor “knows nothing” is ludicrous, as is the idea that he should be impeached.

The election is over. I hope that one day people will stop throwing bombs at those they disagree with and consider using their time to look for ways to make our country work better.

— R. S. Adams, Southlake

In the letter titled “Challenge to Dems,” Stewart was long on rhetoric and short on facts.

The economy is strong, one of the strongest in the world. The GDP grew at a 5 percent compound annual rate in the third quarter, while most other major countries (China, Japan and Russia, to name three) are having a variety of economic difficulties.

The country has put in place a viable healthcare plan to address the fact that medical care is beyond the financial reach of a large percentage of the population. Will the plan benefit from adjustment? Probably, but it is the largest effort ever to address a serious problem, and it is working.

Immigrants have always added to the country’s diversity and economy. Efforts are underway to put a viable immigration policy in place to help immigrants find their place in the society. These results reflect direction from the top.

There is no question we have a variety of opportunities to be better. To continue to excel we must have a healthy, well-educated population. Baseless political attacks against any party only contribute to dumbing down. I am interested in hearing suggestions for solutions.

— Dave Edstrom, Trophy Club

Unexpected prayer

As I reflect on the Cotton Bowl game last week, there was something that stood out before the first kickoff.

I am sure it was not televised, but right after the National Anthem, while everyone was standing, one of the Bowl Committee members took the microphone and was on the big screen and led the 71,000 plus fans in a prayer.

It was non-denominational but referenced “Our Creator” and God.

Heads were bowed and all of us stood together listening to words of peace, prayer and love.

I have never been to a bowl game, so I do not know if this is standard practice, but my son and I looked at each other and gave a nod of amazement.

The outcome of the game, although quite satisfactory to this Spartan, is secondary to the fact that the Bowl Committee felt it important, despite any pressure or “political correctness” or worry about offending anyone, to thank God for our lives and the opportunity to be together and for the players and coaches.

The score was one thing, but before the first play occurred everyone in the stadium and the freedom to worship were victorious. Amen.

— Eric Grunor, Denton

This story was originally published January 6, 2015 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Challenge to GOP; unexpected prayer."