Letters on religious freedom bills, constitutional convention, Blubaugh, Gregg Marshall’s pay, wearing flags

Religious freedom bills are dangerous

I am a strong supporter of religious freedom, but religious liberty does not mean that people can use religion as justification to harm others.

A slew of “religious freedom” bills are making their way through state legislatures around the country. In Kansas, the Senate overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 175, which would allow campus religious groups to receive taxpayer funds and deny their fellow students entry into that club. This is contrary to the “accept-all-comers” policies in place at Kansas’ colleges and universities. These policies state that in order to receive official school recognition and funds, student clubs may not discriminate in membership. This bill, however, would actually require a school to subsidize discriminatory actions by a religious student group.

In a similar vein, we have seen efforts in Indiana, Georgia and Arkansas to pass bills known as “religious restoration acts,” which provide those with religious objections an “out” from adhering to the law. Such bills have been supported by those who think businesses should be allowed to deny products and services to same-sex couples.

We must not allow a small sectarian group in America to bully lawmakers into passing discriminatory laws. Kansas legislators should oppose SB 175 and other “religious freedom” bills that only serve to jeopardize the civil rights of all Kansans.

Back convention

Our representatives in Washington, D.C., continue to fail us. The federal government grows out of control with unending deficit spending. Our liberties are diminished, and the nation moves inexorably toward fiscal ruin.

Fortunately, citizens have a recourse. Article V of the U.S. Constitution allows for a convention of the states to make amendments. Once 34 states apply, a convention must be held to propose amendments, such as a balanced-budget requirement and congressional term limits. To prevent a “runaway” convention, 38 states must ratify any suggested amendment.

The Republican Liberty Caucus of Kansas has approved a resolution to support a convention of the states for the sole and single subject of limiting power and jurisdiction of the federal government. We encourage all Kansans to support this movement as well.

Marshall well-paid

To all the voices saying “pay the man,” in reference to keeping Wichita State University men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall, I have one thing to say: $38,000. That’s what the man makes per week right now between his incentives and base pay of about $2 million a year, which is not far from the median yearly income of the average Wichita household.

Marshall is a great guy, but come on – he’s not curing cancer; he’s coaching basketball.

If the powers that be want to pay someone, it should be the players. You know – the guys who bust hump at practice and games and then carry a full academic load, with no extra time to take a part-time job for the incidentals not covered by a scholarship. Sure, they get a free education, but that is hardly a stretch for WSU or any other university when these players go to the same classrooms where the tuition-paying students go. Talk about a deal for the schools.

Yes, ask Marshall to stay, but he makes enough money, thank you very much. If the alumni and boosters want to raise money, it would be better spent on pre-med students who one day as doctors – researching in obscurity, without cheering crowds to egg them on – will, if we’re lucky, do something far more important than basketball – like cure cancer.

Don’t go to UT

After reading the Austin American-Statesman’s account about why University of Texas men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes left UT, I hope that Wichita State University coach Gregg Marshall doesn’t decide to go to UT. He’s too good of a coach to put up with UT’s athletic director telling him what to do all the time.

Blubaugh cares

I support Jeff Blubaugh, who is running for Wichita City Council in District 4. Recently, I called Blubaugh about some overgrown weeds and trash on an abandoned business property. He put me in contact with the proper person, and the problems were quickly corrected and have not recurred.

This is the kind of person I want to represent me. His actions show that Blubaugh cares about his district and what happens in it – a rare thing in these times.

Wearing flags

It is not a crime to wear the American flag as an article of clothing, but it is a violation of the Flag Code of the United States regarding respect due the flag (“Supreme Court may hear school flag-free speech case,” March 30 Eagle). Incidentally, it is also a violation of the Flag Code, and illegal in many states, to use the flag in commercial advertising.

Letters deadline

Letters to the editor about the April 7 general election must be received by 1 p.m. Thursday to be considered for publication.

This story was originally published March 31, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Letters on religious freedom bills, constitutional convention, Blubaugh, Gregg Marshall’s pay, wearing flags."