Religious freedom
Charles Stenholm's endorsement of a "religious freedom" amendment to the Constitution is as unnecessary and reckless as the proposed amendment itself.
Stenholm knows many of his constituents think courts have been undermining free exercise of religion, so he says stuff they like to hear.
Courts have been upholding freedom of religion, not undermining it. Rulings under attack by politicians include prohibiting the display of Judeo-Christian scripture in a courtroom and restrictions on the location of crosses, nativity scenes, etc.
Simplistic popular sentiment holds such rulings are evil, but to millions of Americans, there is great value in being protected from a majority religion's gestures of domination.
The "religious freedom" amendment is crafted by extremists to undermine our freedom to choose one of the "other" faiths or philosophies. Their "Christian nation" doctrine is arrogant and un-American.
The irony is, Stenholm's district appears to enjoy complete immunity from all those bad old Supreme Court decisions. In our public schools, Christmas is a time of unbridled religious expression. Public high schools host Young Life recruiters, nurture the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, stage sectarian prayer at commencement or athletic events and have had assemblies of strong religious content - all in vigorous defiance of the Constitution.
Let's forget about tampering with the timeless Bill of Rights and start respecting equality under the law.
NOEL SINGLETON
Abilene
Lesson in tolerance
I have noticed in previous letters regarding Knockers that very few of the writers have taken into consideration the predicament in which Knockers employees find themselves.
I have read letters basically stating Abilene residents are dissatisfied because the establishment does not meet their personal standards. This is an extremely selfish position that does not take into account that the employees are trying to make a living.
Who are we to criticize what people have to do in order to feed and clothe themselves as long as it isn't illegal? I sincerely doubt the waitresses are working in this institution because they enjoy doing so.
It appalls me to see one person castigate another's profession simply because they "just don't think it's morally right." I believe people have to earn a living somehow, even if it means wearing an outfit most Abilenians would call immodest.
The opening of this business gives Abilene residents a lesson in tolerance - a tolerance for what others have to do in order to make a living and a tolerance for the choice some have made to work at Knockers.
I am only 14, but I have learned a lesson, which I believe the opponents of Knockers can learn as well.
KEVIN NARAG
Abilene
Use other parks
The Fourth of July fireworks were great! It was the location and time of the fireworks that was horrible.
Abilene needs to make use of their area parks and Taylor County Coliseum. The past location at Nelson Park was perfect. It would be great to see Abilene have a Fourth of July celebration and use Taylor County Coliseum and surrounding grounds for the celebration. Maybe a rodeo, or concert in the coliseum.
Shotwell Stadium would be a perfect place for an outdoor concert. The zoo could have a special event. There are so many wonderful places to celebrate the Fourth in Abilene, none of which are city streets crowded with people and fast-driving teen-agers.
Let's make use of our taxpayers' parks and coliseum.
ARNOLD WOOD
Abilene