Not to be Compromised
Re “The Voices of Parkland,” by the Editors (Editorial, 4/16): I didn’t realize the editors of America want the repeal of the Second Amendment. I don’t see that happening. My ability to protect myself and my family should not be compromised, which is what would happen if the Second Amendment is repealed.
Mike May
Online Comment
Not Saying Much
Re “The Avenue of the Americas,” by Matt Malone, S.J. (Of Many Things, 4/16): Often the statement is made that “immigrants need to come here legally” or “my family came here legally.” Many people honestly but incorrectly believe their ancestors came here through some vetting process. The concept of being an “illegal” immigrant pretty much dates back to 1924—less than a century ago. For most of U.S. history, coming here “legally” meant next to nothing. So when some say my family came in “legally,” they’re really not saying much.
Philip Fabiano
Online Comment
All-Embracing
Re “How Does Your Parish Reach Out to Hispanics in Your Community?” (Your Take, 4/16): I think as a universal church we also need to think about other cultures that participate and contribute their talents, time and treasures to the Catholic Church. With the influx of other people as migrants, refugees and the like, we need to be cognizant and all embracing, just like what Pope Francis has taught from day one.
Thelma Tiambeng-Bright
Online Comment
Not Represented
Re “Beyond Measure,” by Maria Luisa Torres (4/16): The most prestigious Catholic high school in my diocese openly recruits non-Catholics to come and play sports for the school. Financial assistance is always forthcoming for those students. Meanwhile, Hispanic students are not represented at a level proportionate to their percentages in the parish elementary schools or in the diocese as a whole. Is one allowed to wonder why poor Latino Catholic students are turned away from this fine Catholic (mostly in name) high school? Is it because they are too poor to attend and because there is no money for them as they are not good enough athletes?
Henry George
Online Comment
No Real Choice
Re “‘Elimination’ of Down Syndrome Is a ‘Great Hate Crime’” by Angelo Jesus Canta (4/16): When the Down syndrome population is almost entirely eliminated, services for those with Down syndrome are also eliminated, taking away any real choice. The social pressure to abort a baby with Down syndrome can be intense when an entire society basically tells you that the choice you’re making is contrary to what everyone else thinks is the right choice and to what even the government comes to expect of its citizens.
Bob Hunt
Online Comment
My Biggest Objection
Re “Why Telenovelas: A Powerful (and Problematic) Part of Latino Culture,” by Olga Segura (4/16): My husband is a big fan of “Señor de Los Cielos.” My biggest objection to this new incarnation of the novelas is that they portray the bad guys as the good guys. There are a number of novelas about the life of Pablo Escobar, where it is almost a Robin Hood ethic, portraying him as the hero of the poor. At the root, these are still very violent people committing horrible acts, regardless of how corrupt the government is that is oppressing the people of the country.
Eowyn Lubbs Hernandez
Online Comment
Commercial Emphasis
Re “To Quince or Not? No Easy Choice,” by Annette Jiménez (4/16): The church herself has contributed to this overly secular and commercial emphasis of quinceañeras. By telling people it’s just a birthday, it’s become that.
Harry Gonzales
Online Comment
A Religious Component
Interesting! I am not Latina, but frequently see quince groups dressed up and taking photos in our favorite park here in Tulsa, Ariz. I didn’t realize there was, traditionally, a religious component.
Rachel Piotraschke
Online Comment
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