I know TCU’s leadership, and Fort Worth is lucky to have it

You can drink while masked

Gov. Greg Abbott’s order to close bars is likely to result in some closing for good. (July 1, 10A, “Bar owners sue Abbott over shutdown amid rise in COVID-19 cases”) Why not order every establishment to require masks, operate at half capacity and offer outside seating? If people don’t feel the need to wear a mask, they could just stay outside.

If you’re not smart enough to wear a mask and drink at the same time, you probably should stay home anyway.

- Jeff Murray,Weatherford

The bigger COVID-19 picture

If you know someone who believes COVID-19 is not a big deal because death rates are “low” or mask requirements are unconstitutional, remind them of the consequences of contracting this virus.

Those who get it can be sick for at least two weeks and have to quarantine. Will their employers pay them? Can they afford two or more weeks in the hospital? What if they need ventilators? Have they considered the long-term effect on their lungs? What is the cost of passing the virus on to others?

Wearing a face mask in the Texas heat is a small price to pay compared with contracting COVID-19.

- Peirce J. Dewey, Fort Worth

TCU leaders have my vote

Our family was outraged at the TCU faculty members criticizing the magnificent leadership of Chancellor Victor Boschini over the past 17 years and especially during this health crisis. (June 26, 1A, “TCU faculty discusses vote of no confidence in school’s leadership”) Academics have soared, new buildings and plush dorms have been built, and we have a beautiful football stadium and fabulous rebuilt arena.

Are you not impressed with these spectacular TCU accomplishments that many much richer universities only dream of?

TCU and Fort Worth are blessed to have this beacon of foresight and commitment.

- Stephen Joseph Salerno, Fort Worth

Politics over public health

There shouldn’t be controversy about wearing masks in public. Policies designed to protect us during emergencies should be followed without all this “personal decision” ridiculousness.

I am totally disgusted with leaders in Colleyville such as Mayor Richard Newton, state Reps. Jonathan Stickland and Tony Tinderholt and all the other goofballs who put their own selfish philosophy ahead of the rest of us.

I will not be shopping in Colleyville anytime soon. Stores that don’t require mask-wearing are not safe, and I will no longer patronize them.

- Penny Baxter, North Richland Hills

Step up, fellow Black voters

Conversations among my friends usually consist of sports, food and reminiscing about college days. Now, we’ve shifted to COVID-19, racism and politics. Our thoughts and opinions obviously come from an African American perspective, and my guys vote. But too few African American men talk about the importance of voting.

Voting might not seem cool when you are young, but for any brother over the age of 20, it should be mandatory. These are crucial times, with so much anger and anxiety about the future.

For Black men whose ancestors did not have the right to vote to choose not to vote is dishonorable. They are disregarding and disrespecting a legacy and hard-fought privilege.

- James Branch, Fort Worth