Gambling in Texas: Would Austin be making a sure bet or just taking too many chances?
Texas is exporting gambling dollars
Regarding the Jan. 9 front-page story, “What are the odds?” about bringing casino and sports betting to Texas: As a gambler and nine-year resident of this state, I’ve come to the conclusion that Austin is content with seeing parking lots in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Thackerville, Oklahoma; and Sunland Park, New Mexico, half-full of cars with Texas tags and gamblers taking their money outside the state.
- Bob Small, Burleson
A different kind of gamble
While I appreciate the political landscape painted by the Star-Telegram Editorial Board and Eleanor Dearman’s reporting on the push to legalize gambling in Texas, I’d like to add a detail that was missing. With its related economic burdens, adding legalized gambling to the raft of public health threats barreling down on us in the wake of the pandemic seems like a terrible bet.
- Caryl Sherman-Gonzalez, Fort Worth
My choice not to get vaccinated
In defense of those who refuse to be vaccinated, perhaps we should consider the broader picture. Many people, myself included, consistently react very badly to pharmaceuticals. Some people have other valid medical reasons for objecting, based on reported adverse effects. No one should ever be faced with having to choose between their own personal health, as they see it, and their livelihood.
- Wendy Stoecker, Arlington
Print this notice in bold print
A note with Wednesday’s story “Tarrant reports 6 COVID deaths, including 2 women in 40s; positive test rate at new high,” (2A) said the county “does not release data on the vaccination status of recently diagnosed patients or deaths.” I can’t fathom why the county stopped releasing the vaccination status of these people. The note said the county released such data only once, in June last year. It revealed that “nearly 100% of these patients were unvaccinated.”
Presuming ongoing access to this data, releasing it on a monthly basis (numbers only, not patient identification) might encourage at least some reluctant unvaccinated Tarrant County residents to change their mind. If I were the Star-Telegram’s editor, I would increase the type size of this notice and put it on the front page to maximize visibility.
The only reason I can imagine for not making this data public would be county officials concerned about a right-wing backlash by anti-vaxxers. If true, how sad for our county.
- Gary B. Strong, Fort Worth
I don’t believe Biden’s pledge
It’s incredible to me that anyone can believe the Jan. 7 front-page story, “Marking 1 year since riot, Biden pledges to defend democracy,” considering that the president and his party lack interest in the unbelievable number of immigrants crossing our southern borders illegally.
- Richard Baumgartner, Arlington
With Mattie Parker on signing letter
The people of Fort Worth voted for a new City Council in our last election. We need their focus on local problems and quality of life issues. We do not need their attention diverted to craziness coming out of Washington, D.C.
Individually, our council representatives can support any cause they choose, but as a body, I prefer that they stay local. So, I appreciated the fact that Mayor Mattie Parker chose not to sign a letter of support for a bill she had nothing to do with drafting. (Jan. 11, 1A, “Council member critical of mayor over voting rights letter.”)
I would have chosen the same option. It has nothing to do with her support for fair elections.
- Wanda Conlin, Fort Worth