Not Jesus' way

I am appalled by state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe's recent anti-Muslim comments (A June 19 story, "Resolution Derailed by One Lawmaker's Anti-Muslim Remark," reported that the state House held up voting on a resolution recognizing a Muslim group's convention after Mr. Metcalfe protested that "the Muslims do not recognize Jesus Christ as God."). Rejecting a government resolution because of a difference in religion is discriminatory and immature.

I am even more disheartened that the House delayed voting on the resolution because of one person's obtuse thinking. If Mr. Metcalfe truly believed in Jesus and the examples Jesus set, he would not have uttered those remarks.

CARA J. HAYDEN
Squirrel Hill

Our weak leaders

I read the many opinions voicing strong disagreement with Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry, (June 25 letters), but in each letter something was missing. Where was the outrage against the weak House leadership?

In pretty much every organization, government and otherwise, there are bigots. There are individuals with power in all facets of our society who oppress other races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, income levels, and on and on. These people lose power when others, especially their leaders, stand up to their behavior and label it as wrong.

What disturbed me most about the recent incident was not the representative's comments, but the reaction of the leadership and others in the legislative body. Why did they not seek to censure his comments? Why did Rep. Metcalfe get his way when the leadership sought to withdraw the commendation for the group in question? Why weren't the voices of every other representative raised in support of our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, our individual freedoms and collective identities?

At the end of the day, we can all be mad at Rep. Metcalfe. But he won. Because of the leadership's lack of principle and courage in the face of small-mindedness, the Muslim group, and all of us in the commonwealth, lost.

AMY RASLEVICH
Ohio Township

Not in my name

Thank you for your editorial "Faith and Folly" (June 22) regarding Rep. Daryl Metcalfe's statement on religion. When I read his statement in the Post-Gazette, I was offended and upset. Your editorial let me know I was not alone.

One of the tenets this country was founded on was freedom of religion, and Mr. Metcalfe is trying to take that away. He is my district representative, but he does not represent me.

JANE ELSTON
Cranberry

We welcome your letters. Please include your name, address and phone number, and send to Letters to the Editor, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. E-mail letters to letters@post-gazette.com or fax to 412-263-2014. Letters should be 250 words or less, original and exclusive to the Post-Gazette. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity and accuracy and will be verified before being published.