Don’t let gross economic inequality destabilize society with needless class warfare
Gross inequity is bad for peace
We have largely avoided class warfare in the United States. Part of the reason is the feeling that because the rich pay more in taxes, it’s OK for them to have such wealth. Over the years, taxes have been cut for the superrich. So, people feel free to resent the rich more than in the past.
I fear that we and the very wealthy are inviting class warfare.
- Doug Laing, Fort Worth
Yes, you could kill someone
My neighbor died of COVID-19 last week after being on a ventilator for 25 days. As a recent cancer survivor, she had a breakthrough case, just like Colin Powell.
All the big, tough cops and firefighters refusing to get the jab deserve to be fired. In all likelihood, my neighbor caught COVID from some unvaccinated person.
There are plenty of people waiting to take your job if you will not get vaccinated. Get vaccinated for the many, not just for you.
- Fred Gregory, Arlington
What an insult to Gary Patterson
I can’t recall poorer treatment by a college or university than how TCU treated football coach Gary Patterson. Horrible! He put TCU on the relevancy map. He rebuilt Amon G. Carter Stadium. He improved practice facilities to a major college level. His players loved and revered him. His graduation rate was high.
I could go on and on, but everyone in Fort Worth and at TCU know he was a class act. For him to be kicked to the curb the way he was is unconscionable.
- Harold G. Hodapp Jr., Fort Worth
How about these real-world needs?
Texas state Rep. Matt Krause is compiling lists of books he probably hasn’t read because he’s worried about how these books might make some kids feel. I hold a master’s degree in education, so I know that children should be exposed to a wide range of literature on broad subjects, including some that make them feel uncomfortable.
I live in Krause’s district and work at a new school there. It lacks a crosswalk, school zone or adequate roads to ensure students’ safety. What kids need is for representatives to spend time on these issues, not political power grabs for name recognition.
- Kourtney Frohlich, Haslet
Asymmetric cultural warfare
Today’s conservative movement redefines what it means to be an American, and it’s no longer a mainstream, faithful representation of America.
Those among the radical right are pushing “Critical Erase Theory” to cover up, ignore or spin a narrative for current and past misdeeds and erase any enlightening narratives not serving their agenda.
Ignorance and weakness of mind and character enable their march to autocracy.
High-minded Democrats are naive to think they can overcome this by maintaining principled positions without exposing manipulation by radical right activists. Our country is imperfect, but the continuing assault on our government’s integrity and electoral process is the height of hubris.
- Patrick Lloyd Sparks, Weatherford
Everyone needs to get online
With the increase in high-quality, online higher-education options, the continued lack of access to broadband internet service remains a significant barrier for low-income families and rural communities. Broadband is the foundation of a community’s ability to train, retain and attract workers to fill vital roles such as teachers and nurses.
We at WGU Texas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online university, applaud Sen. John Cornyn’s efforts to address these inequities by introducing legislation to help nearly 300,000 Texans come online.
We are committed to serving Texans who want to further their educations online but don’t have access to broadband. Our Online Access Scholarship covers the cost of installing equipment to access the internet, and it provides eligible students with a refurbished laptop. We must work together to close the digital divide.
- Linda Battles, WGU Texas south region vice president and chancellor, Austin
Why don’t I hear about these?
Topics that seem to disappear: The status of rioters in Seattle, Minneapolis and Portland who destroyed property and attacked police for months. The status of those left behind in Afghanistan. The impact of trillions in government spending on prices for the average American. President Joe Biden’s plan to stop the record influx of illegal immigration.
- Mike Holt, Fort Worth