WVU Chick-fil-A issue not about free speech

Editor:

Jeremiah Dys and his right-wing Republican front group, the Family Policy Council of West Virginia, are trying to portray the issue of Chick-fil-A on the West Virginia University campus as a fight for free speech. Well, he and they are wrong. ("Religious freedom attacked," Gazette, Aug. 21.)

If someone is actively campaigning for withholding the basic rights of major groups of citizens (think women, gays, minorities), then his business operations on a college campus might be called into question. If the students and faculty at WVU want to object to the bias and discrimination of Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy, then they certainly are entitled to refuse to give him space to use for his business. Allowing speech on campus is one thing, but permitting business operations is entirely another.

The policies of Mr. Cathy and Mr. Dys are based on what they allege to be religious grounds, which right off the bat is questionable in a secular country, which is what we have here in the "land of the free." Mr. Dys contends that "every child is deserving of a mom and a dad." But having a mom and a dad does not ensure a loving or nurturing environment. There are thousands of examples of children being raised properly and lovingly among families with two moms, and those with two dads.

Mr. Dys has stated that "The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees each of us the right to live and do business according to our faith." No, it doesn't. That amendment refers to the right to personal free speech and the practice of religion, but businesses are regulated by law. Businesses are subject to operate according to the wishes of local constituents. Businesses are not "people" somehow entitled to all the rights under the Constitution.

The Family Policy Council exists to deny basic human rights to women and to gay couples. This is not based on religion; it is based on politics. The rights of women to make choices about their own bodies, and the rights of gay couples to marry, should not be abridged.

Mike Harman

St. Albans

Republicans don't support the poor

Editor:

Jesus was the first socialist, the first to seek a better life for mankind. Along with embracing the benevolence of sharing, can you follow Jesus and politically support the Paul Ryans and John Boehners of the GOP, pseudo centurions whose dedication is to strip the entitlements of the indigents of Americans, including food stamps? Of course, Americans don't go "hungry" anymore. They have "food security" issues. We are painfully aware of the fierce opposition of the Republican Party to a single-payer insurance health-care plan for all Americans. More GOP pain - shift Medicare to the private sector and Social Security to Wall Street. These are legions of Republican fundamentalists who claim they are Christians yet support and vote for the GOP, which is dramatically opposed to the humane doctrine of the trinity. When the end of time comes, I think Jesus will ask, "Did you support the poor?"

Jerome Curry

Charleston

Thank you, storm workers

Editor:

I want all of the storm workers to know their long hours in the heat, for many days, is appreciated. I realize all workers from "in-state" and "out of state" are probably getting paid well, but I am sure some would rather be home with their family in the air conditioning. I believe some of the power customers have no idea of the "size of the monster that had to be slain."

To the storm workers, DOT rescue people, volunteers, EMS and those who gave comfort in any way, thank you. You deserve a big pat on the back!

Sheila White

Madison