Texas secession; cats and birds; bathroom laws

Texas secession

We can always count on the Texas GOP for a laugh. (See Thursday news story “Texas secession debate starting to gain traction.”)

First, they pound their chests and shout from the rooftops about how much more sincere and superior their patriotism is than that of us commie pinko Democrats. Then, they call for a debate on seceding from the Union — the res ultima of treason.

I defy anyone to find a bigger collection of idiots, clowns and whambos this side of the Legislature.

If you are a citizen of the United States and support Texas’ secession, can you, in good conscious, say the Pledge of Allegiance?

Cats and birds

Responses to Monday’s All Points question about feral cats missed a key point.

Feral cats kill huge numbers of native birds, including desirable songbirds and insect-consuming species. This includes birds that consume pathogen-carrying mosquitoes, for example, those carrying the Zika virus.

Feral cats are not a normal part of any ecosystem. Trap-neuter-release programs hold down native bird populations and thus facilitate the spread of deadly pathogens.

This is a classic example of the “law of unintended consequences,” and indicates a need for critical reconsideration of the pros and cons of all TNR programs.

Bathrooom laws

Every session, it seems, state legislatures pass laws repealing reality.

Now, I’ve seen no agitation in lavatory stalls, but a reader wants a law making people “use the bathroom of their birth gender.” (See Tuesday letters, “Religious freedom.”)

Who’ll do the “making”?Wal-Mart greeters making citizens’ arrests?

Will Texas legislators lurk outside public toilets, demanding my birth certificate?

And, meanwhile, back at the reality ranch, not one of them gives a hoot for the human tragedy of child abuse and the pitiful foster care system.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 6:02 PM with the headline "Texas secession; cats and birds; bathroom laws."