Ex-Ravens players could team up with city kids

Glenn Doughty was a wide receiver on Baltimore Colts teams in the 70s. While he had a stellar career with the Colts, Doughty was busy opening “The Shake and Bake Family Fun Center” in the West Baltimore neighborhood of Upton (“Ex-Colt’s dream lives on: ‘Shake and Bake’ center overcomes financial troubles to serve thousands,” June 1, 2019).

The center proved wildly popular among city kids. It gave them opportunities to meet their friends after school and to participate in sports at the various centers around the city. This got me to thinking. There must be a former Ravens player such as Ray Lewis or Ed Reed who can help to once again raise the center to its former glory.

I guarantee that if someone of their stature in the community would step up, it would have a direct, positive effect on the homicide rate in Baltimore.

— Patrick R. Lynch, Towson

Morin’s alleged killer should be tried in Harford

It is incomprehensible that a defense team wants to move the trial of Victor Martinez-Hernandez out of Harford County Circuit Court because they fear that he “cannot receive a fair trial” (“Rachel Morin case: Defense seeks to move trial of El Salvadoran man accused of killing her out of Harford County,” Jan. 3).

Was Rachel Morin, 37, a mother of five, treated “fairly” when Victor Martinez-Hernandez allegedly raped, bludgeoned and killed her? I am confident the court will make the right and “fair” decision.

— Elizabeth Migliara, Cockeysville

Donald Trump is no George Washington

Armstrong Williams must have more faith in God than I do.

In a recent column, he sees our next president “eschewing pettiness, personal brawls or a politics of revenge. Trump should endeavor to represent all Americans, not just his political supporters. He was elected president of the United States, not president of Trump loyalists or president of the world. He should summon the better angels of his nature to the White House, and, following President George Washington, set a standard to which the wise and honest may repair“ (“Armstrong Williams: Donald Trump’s last hurrah,” Jan. 4).

I’ve read books about George Washington. Our first president put his country before personal ambition. Mr. Trump, you’re no George Washington.

And how is Trump going to receive a Nobel Peace Price with his America First agenda?

“Trump understands that we are a nation of immigrants,” Williams observes. If they are from Northern Europe maybe. Otherwise, don’t expect a sane immigration policy that will meet the needs of manufacturing, construction, agriculture and health care.

I applaud the Sun columnist’s desire to hope for the best, but a realist would plan for the worst.

— Eric Greene, Annapolis

Net neutrality decision: Big corporations win, consumers lose

It was barely noted in the news, but a federal appeals court struck down “net neutrality” rules issued by the Federal Communications Commission (“Court strikes down US net neutrality rules,” Jan. 2).

The Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision was a major victory for big corporations over small businesses on the internet. It was also a loss for us, the consumers, by stifling the competition from small-time sellers seeking to have all content treated equally!

— Jim Dempsey, Edgewood

Maryvale soccer coach deserving of Sun recognition

Recently, The Baltimore Sun recognized Maryvale Prep Coach Colin Devlin as Coach of the Year in girls soccer (“Baltimore Sun 2024 All-Metro girls soccer: Severna Park’s Abby Cover is Player of the Year,” Dec. 24). I enthusiastically applaud this decision.

I have been a soccer referee for 17 years and have had many opportunities to referee Maryvale’s games. Despite the high intensity of “The Beautiful Game,” Coach Devlin has always been courteous and fair on the sidelines. His demeanor in dealing with his team before, during and after the game is exemplary and is a credit to the game that he coaches.

If my daughters were still young enough to play soccer, I’d want them playing for Coach Devlin.

— Michael Beres, Perry Hall