What’s the problem if a business has a religious bent?
I am writing in response to Stephen L. Carter’s Forum piece (April 29, “Chick-fil-A and NYC”).
I concur completely with the author’s conclusions about religious bigotry and The New Yorker’s freedom to express it. It would indeed be a good idea for those who judge to know exactly who it is they are judging.
I am mystified, however, as to what exactly it is about the peaceful practice of Christianity that The New Yorker characterizes as an “infiltration.” I fail to see a problem. So what if Chick-fil-A’s ownership is unapologetic about being Christian? Who cares what its corporate headquarters looks like? The same with Hobby Lobby’s ownership. They (properly) do not require church attendance as a condition of employment. Both businesses, and indeed a lot of smaller concerns, are closed on Sunday. In purely economic, and thus, secular terms, they lose money by being closed. It is their choice.
In his “Notes on the State of Virginia,” Thomas Jefferson wrote, “... it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.” That sums it up well, I think. P. MICHAEL HENNINGER
Brentwood people” among the neo-Nazis in Charlottesville? Who called immigrants from Mexico rapists? Who sanctions a Muslim ban? Respect a person who didn’t think John McCain was a hero because he was captured in Vietnam — even though Mr. Trump never served in the military after seeking and obtaining five deferments? Respect a man who spoke about grabbing women by their private parts and who has cheated on three wives on multiple occasions? Respect Donald Trump who defrauded students of their money and education from the nowclosed Trump University? Respect someone who refused to rent to African-Americans and Hispanics in the buildings he owned and operated? Respect Mr. Trump when he lies over and over again? Respect a president who signs a tax cut that mainly benefits the wealthy and adds well over a trillion dollars to our national debt? A man who calls mass murderer Kim Jong Un of North Korea an “honorable man”?
A person of low character — no matter the office he holds — should never be given respect until he earns it. AL ANDREWS
Mt. Lebanon
We welcome your opinion
It’s not the winning or the fan base, although that helps. It is doing the right thing. They say character is how you act when no one is looking. The Steelers showed their character as an organization.
Mr. Shazier is a wonderful player who will be sorely missed. But, much more important, he has a shot at a normal life. He may never play football again. But he will be able to have a family and play ball in the yard with his kids.
The Steelers did the right thing by paying most of his salary in advance so he wouldn’t have to wait to get paid. Pure class. ANTHONY THOMASSEY
East Pittsburgh