I never thought I’d see Congress assuring us the president would obey an election

Ever think we’d see this here?

It is a sad day when members of the president’s party must reassure Americans that there will be a peaceful transition of power in January. They have to do this because the president said he might not accept the results of the election. This is the United States, not Belarus.

- Gary Futoma, Benbrook

Just tell us the plain facts

In response to a Sept. 22 letter (9A) that said President Donald Trump kept us calm in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic: Most of us do not want the president either to downplay or play up the threat. We want him to tell the truth and promote policies that help us protect ourselves and others.

When we live in close community, we must accept restrictions on individual freedoms. We must acknowledge our responsibility to support the greater good out of respect for all with whom we share space and resources.

- Lynnell Brawner, Granbury

Past standard no longer applies?

Having set a precedent against confirming a Supreme Court justice in an election year, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell needs to abide by it. Is our country one of law and order or one of lawlessness and chaos? The nomination should wait until after inauguration.

- Wanda L. Smith, Denton

All you have to do is look

What planet is Keith C. Burris on? (Sept. 24, 9A, “Campaign issues, anyone?”) He complains that neither campaign is long on substance and no debates are occurring. A simple web search takes you to either campaign’s website, showing he’s half right. You can easily see that Joe Biden has many initiative ideas to heal and reinvigorate America. Conversely, the campaign website for President Donald Trump simply asks you to donate because the Democrats are bad. And the first of three Trump-Biden debates is scheduled for Tuesday.

- Seth Van Eyk, Grapevine

Not in COVID last place

We are told that the United States, at 200,000 deaths, has more fatalities from the coronavirus than any other country. However, the countries used for comparison don’t have as many people. According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard, the U.S. fatality rate is 61 deaths per 100,000. Belgium, for example, has a population of 11.4 million and a rate of 87 deaths per 100,000. Presenting the virus statistics correctly, on a per-capita basis, would take all the sting out of the daily headlines.

- Frederick D. Freeman, Colleyville

Don’t betray RBG’s legacy

My heart is broken because our country has lost one of her greatest servants and warriors for equality. My heart is broken because one of my greatest heroes has left this world. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for equality, fairness and rule of law. She waged her fight with integrity, grace and steadfast passion and purpose.

Senators, your integrity has been compromised, your character extinguished, your lust for power and acceptance of hypocrisy exposed. I believe you know right from wrong. But if you proceed with confirmation of a Supreme Court nominee 40 days before the election, you’ve cemented your chapter in history as the architects who helped bring down the United States. Honor your oath.

- Chelsea Starr Chance, Colleyville

Teachers proving their greatness

For teachers grappling with the new way of teaching: We see you learning new technology, writing lesson plans for in-school students and virtual students. We see you trying to communicate clearly while wearing the blasted mask.

We see you setting up home teaching stations and classrooms with social distancing. We know you’re arriving early and leaving late and calming others’ fears while hiding your own.

And, by all means, get ready to be evaluated and increase test scores.

We see you, and we stand in awe of you. Thank you.

- Charre Smith, Fort Worth

Please focus on yourselves

Most candidates miss great opportunities in their ads, instead pandering to special interests. It would be better never to mention endorsements. The candidate should mention qualifications and have a track record of service to the community. Trashing opponents should not be allowed.

Taking the high road is difficult, but it could help candidates sleep better and help the community as well.

- Frankie Andrew, Willow Park