opinion

Letters, Feb. 25: Religious freedom; Mike Pence

Religious ‘freedom’ act is about discrimination

AMY EDMONDS

Muncie

The so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act is unconstitutional and a waste of our legislators’ time. Our religious freedoms don’t need to be restored. Our civility does.

Let’s be honest — this is about the “freedom” to discriminate against gays.

But as they say, be careful what you wish for. Allowing religious discrimination permits it for everyone. Catholics could refuse to bake a cake for a second marriage. Jewish tailors could refuse to alter a tux made of mixed fibers. Muslims could cite Sharia Law to circumvent statutes. And atheists or Pentecostals could refuse service to someone wearing a cross.

Employees would have to pass a theology exam to get a private sector job. If the business changes hands they’d have to learn the new employer’s ways or lose their job. Everything from a cheeseburger to an aspirin could offend someone’s religion.

In the founders’ era, each state had a predominant religious sect. Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury (Conn.) Baptists assured them that in the new republic they would not be second-class citizens under the majority Congregationalists.

If being civil to people of other beliefs is contrary to your religion, then you are proposing Sharia Law, not religious freedom.

Pence overstepping his power

DON HOBBS

Muncie

Everybody should be concerned about what Gov. Mike Pence and his hand picked school board has done to Glenda Ritz, who was elected by the people of this state to oversee education in public schools.

Pence and Mitch Daniels have done more to damage schools than anyone. They pushed private and charter schools, leaving public schools to fend for themselves. Pence came from the past Congress, which had an overall approval rating of 15 percent.

What does he know about education? Glenda Ritz should charge Pence and crew with abuse of power. This should not happen, not even in a red state.

Thankful for principal at Burris

MRS. MAX GABLE

Muncie

We are very lucky to have Dawn Miller leading Burris Laboratory School.

Not only does she know the names of all the Burris Students, she is not afraid to fill in the gaps as needed in all areas of the school.

We have two grandchildren at Burris who really enjoy Mrs. Miller. We were thankful when they were drawn to attend Burris.

We need more school administrators like Mrs. Miller.