Perfectly said
Subject: “There is still time, but I think about death – I feel too young to take it seriously, but old enough to know better,” by Christopher de Vinck, Saturday Opinion.
Christopher de Vinck, there you are again, on my mind. At 73, it is impossible not to think about the time left in this world.
My husband passed away unexpectedly 19 years ago and we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. I don’t want that to happen to my children and grandchildren, so I thought about putting my thoughts on paper now.
Until I complete this task, I will place your article in the envelope containing my living will and will.
You said it all. Perfect.
Patricia Link-Bewley, Murphy
Andrew Johnson?
Subject: “Harris, Trump should have learned from history – Our greatest presidents chose running mates who offered ideological balance,” by Talmage Boston, Sunday Opinion.
I’m usually happy to let Boston’s superficial columns slide, but the fact that he calls the choice of Andrew Johnson as Lincoln’s running mate a decision that should be emulated by the current candidates is so ridiculous it borders on absurd. Johnson is – rightly – ranked by many historians as one of the worst presidents the country has ever had, and his Reconstruction policies set the cause of civil rights back generations.
One of the considerations in choosing a vice president is to find someone who is trusted to take on the office of president. To reduce this to the level of pandering to undecided voters (itself an argument many political scientists would scoff at), as Talmage does, is not only superficial but downright misconduct.
Felix Harcourt, Sherman
Push for investigation
Subject: “Collapsed ceilings, hopeless tenants – Why can’t Dallas crack down on bad landlords who make your life hell?” by Julieta Chiquillo, Sunday Opinion.
Michael Hogue’s striking photo collage was a useful complement to the well-researched opinion piece on the Kendall Villas near Bachman Lake. Chiquillo didn’t attempt to cover the entire city in her article, but by focusing on a specific complex, she made some general observations: Many apartment complexes are poorly managed, and residents have few options for redress when serious violations occur.
Thank you for pushing the city to investigate and improve the lives of renters.
Keith Everett Johnson, Dallas/White Rock
Dealing with ultra-extremists
Subject: “Do the candidates want to save America or not? Campaigns should build on the strong middle, not the extremes,” by Abby McCloskey, Thursday Opinion.
You hear a lot about the extremes on both sides of the political spectrum and how nice it would be if candidates could move to the middle to govern. The problem with feel-good commentary like this is that I never see an answer to what to do with the ultra-extremists. By ultra-extremists, I mean what you do when a party uses social media to suppress comments and messages that cast a negative light on the party.
I have seen no consequences for the media and social media working together to ban any reference to Hunter Biden’s laptop, or any consequences for the fabricated Steele dossier. Where are the feel-good comments directed at state legislatures legally changing election law to favor one party’s candidate?
While I don’t have high hopes, I would be extremely satisfied if the US did something about the successful and blatant election rigging that is largely ignored and replaced by feel-good commentary like this.
Mike Shaheen, McKinney
Tired of Austin’s negativity
Here’s a headline I’d like to see: “Attorney General Ken Paxton vows to work with others to solve problems or find solutions, rather than waste precious time and money filing seemingly frivolous lawsuits for political reasons.”
Too long? Obviously, I’m not a headline writer, just someone who’s sick of all the negativity coming out of Austin. It makes my head hurt.
Perri Brackett, Lewisville
New low for GOP lawmakers
I really don’t know why I’m surprised by what Republican lawmakers in Texas are doing, but signing a protest letter to the State Fair of Texas complaining about the gun ban is shocking. And actually writing, “The State Fair of Texas claims to be a ‘celebration of all things Texas.’ Yet this new policy is anything but a celebration of Texas,” is a new low even for them.
Putting guns before human lives is wrong in many ways. Please stand firm, State Fair of Texas Board of Directors. Common sense is always welcome.
Irma Myers Donihoo, Plano
Kennedy on the ballot
Subject: “Officials clear Kennedy for ballot spot – Candidate’s bid accepted despite Democrats’ objections,” August 9 news report.
I am writing to express my concerns about statements made by John Mott, the Texas Democratic Party’s director of voter protection, and his attorney Chad Dunn, who claimed that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s signatures on the petition were insufficient to meet the requirements of state law. However, this claim was refuted by the Texas Secretary of State’s office, which recently confirmed that Kennedy’s petition was indeed valid.
Although the Democratic Party stands for democracy and voting rights, this incident raises questions about its commitment to these principles, as it appears to have been an attempt to discourage Kennedy’s campaign and supporters. Fortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful, and we remain committed to providing voters with a viable choice for President.
Wes Benedict, Austin
Country Director Texas, Team Kennedy
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