Iraq war, poverty, Fort Worth road improvements, Al Jazeera and high school football

Counting the days

The drawdown in Iraq is just that, a drawdown. Many of us have lost some of the creature comforts to which we had grown accustomed on past deployments. But we're members of the U.S. Army; we easily adapt and overcome.

Being among the last in my unit to leave theater, I get a clear feeling of accomplishment every time I push another group of troopers out of the country and back to Fort Hood. But as I watch them get on a bird, I feel a little more isolated than before. Of course, not having large crowds in line at the Post Exchange is nice, but those PX folks are leaving soon, too.

A few weeks ago I grabbed a deck of playing cards. I put them in order, according to suits. Clubs, king through the ace, then diamonds and so on. I send one per day to my family back home. My wife and kids date the card's faces when they receive them.

I just sent out the 10 of spades, so only a few days left until I prepare to get on a flight. When I get home I'll have a complete deck that has special meaning. Sounds goofy, but it makes the time go faster and brings me and my loved ones closer.

-- Capt. Christopher Combest, Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq

Incomplete story

Self-sufficiency starts with earning a living wage? (See: "Three full-time jobs and still barely getting by," Sunday opinions)

Let me begin by saying that I am Catholic (support Catholic Charities) and certainly believe in reducing both the number of impoverished and the total number of welfare recipients. However, Heather Reynolds' column leaves numerous omissions and lurches toward the radical solution that businesses should reimburse employees for their life choices. For instance, Reynolds left out such important information as:

Educational background?

Where is the father(s) of the three children and is there child support?

Where are the parents of the mother?

Are welfare programs being used?

Total family expenses?

The idea of "self-sufficiency" should be just that. Let's not cloak people's lack of proper decisions as an employee entitlement.

The drought has caused damage to the trees and plants in my yard; therefore, I am going to ask my supervisor for a raise to cover the losses.

-- Chuck Jackson, Southlake

Street improvements

The Star-Telegram's Sept. 1 editorial ("Street monster threatens to eat FW council alive") was interesting. Bemoaning the city's $1 billion need for street and road improvements, and blaming prior City Council inaction, the editorial proceeded with the opinion that today's economic climate should excuse residents from being subjected to taxes or fees necessary to solve the problem.

Road neglect is due in large part to residents' previous cries for other services and a lower tax rate. The council's responses were budgetary policy decisions that confirm that you can't have everything. Couple that history with the fact that city costs continue to increase each year, and it becomes obvious that even the same city services cannot be continued at the same tax rate forever.

Hence last year's proposal for a dedicated transportation utility fee (tax) in order to remove the risk that such funds could be diverted to satisfy nontransportation demands.

Hopefully, those complaining tomorrow over transportation needs will remember the council's recent decision to spare them from more taxes, a dodge that will cause the city to pay more in the future when an improving economy will push construction costs 15 percent to 20 percent higher. The "monster" will not get easier to slay.

-- Carter Burdette, Fort Worth

Staged controversy

I think it should be noted that a reporter from an international news agency acted out of character for press at that level. (See: "Al Jazeera takes on Texas town, and nobody wins," Bud Kennedy, Wednesday) Any requests to film are often arranged weeks in advance. Since this is a high school football game, there would be minors present, which a reporter on an international level would likely need to get releases from their guardians to film.

The reporter in question showed up with no notice, brandishing a business card from an international news agency. That is highly out of character, and the superintendent, rightfully suspicious, did right in turning him away. Secondly, a high school football game is not a political arena nor a place to be pestered by questions about 9-11. People are there to watch their children, friends and family, not answer questions about a tragedy that happened 10 years ago. Again, the superintendent acted correctly in turning this man away.

This man wanted controversy, and he knew he would get turned away: a juvenile, amateur tactic from what is becoming an increasingly subjective and sensationalistic news source.

-- Allen Geer, Fort Worth

Red-light cameras

We now know the truth about red-light cameras. All I have read from all local cities is that red-light cameras are to make intersections safer, not to generate fines. However, the headline on Tuesday's Star-Telegram story said, "City eyes program to collect more camera fines."

Red-light cameras are about making money. They may cut accidents but that's secondary.

I am surprised that someone has not figured out how to measure the amount of oxygen each of us uses and tax us on that. Well, there is old saying that nothing is certain except death and taxes.

-- Ted Franks, Cleburne

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