Let the transformation of old Fort Worth KKK hall be a national example
A positive step for change
Thank you so much for the encouraging, uplifting article about the two young men trying to turn a place of hate, the former KKK hall, into a place of love, creativity and joy. (July 7, 1A, “Fort Worth group hopes to transform former KKK hall”) Daniel Banks and Adam McKinney are shining examples of positive leadership.
Imagine what the United States could become if projects like this were happening across the country instead of the pointless destruction of statues.
I’m concerned that the political capital of this time is being squandered and the very real opportunity for lasting change will be wasted. I plan to support this project.
- Cheryl Patterson, Granbury
No need to change name
I feel sorry for TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini for having to deal with Faculty Senate Chairman Sean Atkinson and the biased Star-Telegram. (July 7, 1A, “Faculty leader demands change in TCU letter”) Atkinson has about as much experience in managing a university as I do: none.
The attack on the AddRan College name has crossed the line. Atkinson shows he has no knowledge of history. The best thing that could happen is for Atkinson not to let the door hit him on the way out.
- Royce Vick, Fort Worth
Trump’s COVID-19 death toll
Perhaps we need a better way to visualize the daily death toll of Americans from COVID-19. If three 777 airliners crashed every day, day after day, killing all on board, would we expect a coordinated federal response?
In only five months, we have lost roughly the equivalent of one-third of all American combat deaths in World War II. Yet this administration’s response is that we must “learn to live with it.” That requires widespread testing, effective quarantining and contact tracing. None of these is sufficiently in place, and we have no plans to establish any of these.
The incompetence is literally taking our breath away.
- Charles Stonick, Granbury
Do right by hospital workers
John Peter Smith Hospital workers are bravely and professionally caring for COVID-19 patients. They perform heroically while having a deep fear that they too will fall victim to the virus.
Yet if they do contract the disease, JPS is denying them sick pay unless they can prove they contracted the virus at the hospital.
JPS and the Tarrant County Commissioners Court should reverse this policy and treat these workers reasonably.
- John Nolan, Arlington
TCU faculty should think
As a retired university faculty and administrator, I suggest that the TCU faculty look around and see what other universities do with regard to faculty retirement plans.
For a long time, faculty members at state institutions in Texas have had to match the state’s contribution to their retirement plans from their earnings. The state contributes 6.6% of a faculty member’s salary to the faculty member’s retirement plan, almost exactly what the faculty member contributes.
If TCU faculty members want 11% contributions to their retirement plans, they would be getting a good deal by adding 3% from their salaries to the 8% TCU now offers.
- D. Jack Davis, Fort Worth