Letters: Marc Veasey, Immigration, ‘Non Sequitur,' Southern Baptists, the Bible, Voter Suppression

Stronger than any wallIt's critical as a country that we embrace the diversity and spirit of our border communities. From El Paso to McAllen, these cities are a model for the rest of the country. On Monday night, President Donald Trump tried to sow fear and division in our communities, but El Paso showed that the ties that bind us together as Americans and as Texans are stronger than any border wall. The rest of the country watched as community leaders in El Paso combated Trump's hate-filled lies with the truth about the safety of their hometown. They marched for immigrant communities worldwide and demonstrated that their diversity enriches their community and our country.As we move closer to a bipartisan deal to keep the government funded and secure our borders, I ask my Republican colleagues, and the president, to follow the example El Paso has set for us. Let's embrace our country's immigrants, who make our state and our country stronger, and build on the American values of treating everyone with dignity and compassion.Congressman Marc Veasey, Fort Worth Wall is just a scare tacticRegarding the border wall: Who really cared or wanted one before about three years ago? There is not more illegal immigration than before. Terrorists are not arriving from the border. We have worse "bad hombres and rapists" in the United States who are Americans. This is just a ploy and a scare tactic by the president to appeal to the fearful and racist part of his base. So sad - there are so many good things he could be focusing on like infrastructure, health care costs, climate change, living wages - and the list goes on. But he wants his "big, beautiful wall" no matter what! Ridiculous!Sandy Elkins, PlanoAn offensive cartoonRe: "The News drops cartoon - Sunday's 'Non Sequitur' included hidden vulgar insult aimed at Trump," Tuesday Metro & State story.Shall I assume that The Dallas Morning News will also be canceling Mallard Fillmore? That cartoon seems to exist only to make offensive, sarcastic, denigrating commentary against most any ideology (left or moderate) that is not conservative. If we start censorship of comic strip humor, where do we stop? What is acceptable? And who decides?Deon Studdard, RichardsonThanks for dropping cartoonThanks for dropping the rude, insulting strip.Patrick Kernan, CoppellGive 'Non Sequitur' another chanceOh, come on, Dallas Morning News. Give Non Sequitur by Wiley Miller a break. He admits he made a stupid mistake by not correcting that cartoon. Non Sequitur is one of the few things in the comics section that is actually funny and I would miss it. Besides, why even mention his Twitter account since, as far as I know, it is still OK to express your opinion on Twitter? For the sake of humor, give the guy one more chance.Peggy Tucker, RichardsonTry 'Rhymes With Orange'Again, I suggest Hilary B. Price's cartoon strip Rhymes With Orange. Price is a nationally syndicated cartoonist. Her strip humorously deals with situations we all face with our family, our pets, our friends.Victoria Edge, Dallas/Preston HollowSpend savings on 'Shoe'Now that you have an extra $8,000 for cartoons, can you afford Shoe on a daily basis?Nancy Miller, Far North DallasSBC must reformRe: "Sexual predators abused the faithful SBC leader vows crackdown on abuse - Report says hundreds were victimized by church leaders, volunteers," Monday news story.As a pastor of a Southern Baptist church, I am saddened by the report of sexual abuse in the churches of this denomination, but I am not surprised. The dominant attitude of the convention reflected in the statement of faith places women in a subordinate role. Though possibly not intentional, the result is a culture where women are viewed as lesser creatures designed solely for the use of men. Women are expected to be not only submissive in marriage but in relations with men in general. The patriarchal nature of the denomination leads to such abuse. When the leaders as well as a large majority of members endorse a president with a history of sexual misdeeds and boastful statements of sexual abuse, it is no wonder that this behavior exists. As a Baptist, as a pastor, as a Southern gentleman, I am embarrassed as a well as enraged. There is need for repentance but most importantly reform within our denomination.Cecil Larry Pool, MidlothianGod-fearing abusersIn reference to this article about sexual predators abusing the faithful, all I can say is it is a good thing it was honest, God-fearing folk abusing our children instead of those evil, heathen transgenders.Donald Jackman, Flower MoundSo-called Christian valuesRe: "LGBTQ bills called bid to ban the Bible - Measures' backers flatly deny that, say aim is to prevent discrimination," Friday news story.I found it interesting that a group of professed Christians is using lies to promote anti-discrimination laws, saying they are "stripping Texans of their right to practice biblical teachings." Lying and intolerance are not among "Christian" values I was taught.Stephan Gozdecki, PlanoVoter suppression affects us allRe: "Voters have nothing to fear," by Katrina Pugh, Saturday Letters.I was struck by a word in the last sentence in Pugh's letter: "If they are eligible [to vote], then what are they afraid of?" A basic understanding of American history will highlight the many "theys" that have had much to fear when it comes to voter suppression and exclusion. Less than a century ago, Pugh would have been a "they," unable to cast a ballot because of her gender. As "theys" continue to be tossed from voter rolls, we should all be afraid. It is all too easy to become a "they" in a society that allows voter suppression to occur.Lesa Holley, Rowlett  Continue reading...

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