Paxton versus Talarico in Texas Senate race: How would Jesus vote? | Opinion
Moral compass
Back in the 1990s, there were signs and shirts that read “WWJD?” or “What would Jesus do?” It was meant as a soul-searching question to a Christendom that might have lost touch with the teachings of Jesus. For Texas Christians today, facing the choice of Ken Paxton or James Talarico for Senate, the better question might be: “How would Jesus vote?”
Jesus was not political, but consider how he might view the candidates according to his teachings. Which candidate has more love and compassion for his fellow man? Which has more forgiveness and grace? Who would be the better servant to the community? Who would be more just to everyone?
How you have lived your life and what you do each day defines who you are. These two men are vastly different. HWJV? Your Christian moral compass will guide you.
- Gary Brown, Fort Worth
Mission accomplished
In launching the war against Iran, the combined miscalculations of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have accomplished only one thing: They have made Iran the regional superpower of the Middle East.
- Paul R. Schattman, Arlington
Heat warning
During a recent visit to France, I saw firsthand how vulnerable much of Europe remains to extreme heat. Heat waves across Europe are becoming more frequent, intense and dangerous. Extreme heat places tremendous stress on the body, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and cardiovascular complications, especially among older adults, children and outdoor workers.
What is happening in Europe is happening here as well. Communities across Texas and the United States are experiencing longer, hotter summers and more days of dangerous heat. Climate change is making these events more severe, threatening public health and safety.
Europe’s heat crisis should serve as a warning: Investing in clean energy, resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation is essential to protect lives in a warming world.
- Andrea Christgau, Keller
Partial history
Judging from the actions of the State Board of Education, our young Texans are heathens if they are not taught the Ten Commandments and various Bible stories. Sunday school, vacation Bible school, yeshiva and catechism apparently no longer suffice.
The board also thinks our Texas-tough kids are wimps — too fragile to learn about ugly chapters in Texas and U.S. history. In keeping with the board’s oxymoronic “ignorance is bliss” approach to learning, conservative member Brandon Hall, an Aledo Republican, wants to downgrade instruction about the Middle East in world civilization courses. (July 1, 1A, “Texas State BOE mandates Bible stories as required learning”)
His anti-Arab and anti-Muslim animosities are well known. But his prejudices should not keep our middle schoolers from learning about the contributions of Arabs, Persians and Turks. Hall wants them to learn about Islamic extremism. Fine. But the region is about much more than al-Qaeda.
- George W. Aldridge, Arlington
Human cost
As a physician, I have serious concerns about data centers being built. They can emit pollutants that harm our lungs, hearts, brains, kidneys and reproductive organs. How many of us know friends or family members with heart diseases or asthma who are affected by air pollution?
Electricity costs are rising. Individuals have to choose among paying for utilities, groceries, medications or other necessities. I have seen worsening blood pressures or diabetes in patients because they couldn’t afford their medications. If electricity costs increase because of data centers, it will further stress people’s finances and health.
People’s health shouldn’t be compromised for the development of infrastructure. This must be part of the discussion.
- Micah Nishigaki, Dallas