Dear Mr. Moore

Dear Mr. Moore,

When I heard the news this week that you want to ban yoga pants in public I was outraged.  I was not outraged because I love my yoga pants and wear them even when I’m not heading off to yoga.  I was not outraged because such a law may single out and discriminate against women, while some rightly think it does.

I was outraged because there are so many other things going on in the world that we all – especially our lawmakers – should be paying attention to. There are many more pressing problems in your state of Montana, in our country and in the world that need resolution.  How about focusing your attention on:

The hate and violence that is racking our country? Example:  Craig Hicks, a North Carolina bully, killing three of his neighbors because of an alleged parking dispute.  Montana too has faced problems with hate and violence.

The fear and racism that is rampant in our cities? Example:  Ferguson, MO. And just after the tragic events in Ferguson this summer the Ku Klux Klan marched in your state spreading hate against Native Americans.

The pervasive intolerance and fundamentalism that is leading to senseless murders?  Example:  the murder of American aid worker Kayla Mueller

The growing numbers of homeless and hungry in our communities?  Example: Just this week, driving up Alvarado St in Los Angeles, I saw this homeless encampment under the 101 Overpass. I am sure you have homeless and hungry families in your state too.

I could go on.

Mr. Moore, I think your priorities are in the wrong place.  Let people wear their exercise clothes in public.  (It might actually encourage people to go out and actually exercise and thus curtail some of the health problems our country faces.) As we say in Yiddish, gey gezunt – may they go in health.  Instead please consider exerting your political capital on making meaningful change in our country. Changes that will save lives and create justice in our world.

Sincerely,

This outraged American citizen, Rabbi Laura Novak Winer