Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Delightful new ‘Zorro’ production is exactly what Fort Worth Opera audiences need

The show is full of fun, comedy, emotion — and excellent musicianship, too.
The show is full of fun, comedy, emotion — and excellent musicianship, too. Facebook/Fort Worth Opera

‘Zorro’ opera was quite a smash

Kudos to the Fort Worth Opera for presenting the world premiere of “Zorro,” part of its “Noches de Ópera” series. (Jan. 23, 7A, “Swashbuckling opera adventure sweeps Fort Worth with ‘Zorro’ at Rose Marine Theater”) It was fun, comical and emotional. The singers were excellent, and the guitarist and pianist were exceptional as well. It was a delightful evening of entertainment.

- Susan Wilcox, Fort Worth

Trump can’t be Texas’ future

The Star-Telegram’s editorial condemning political leaders pandering to Trumpism is commendable. (Feb. 3, 9A, “Texas GOP leaders must move away from Trump’s poisonous ideas on election, pardons”) The editorial board’s courage makes me proud to be a long-standing subscriber to the paper.

The thoughts expressed in this editorial echo those of many of us. If the board’s observations can inspire leading politicians in our state to rethink their loyalty to Donald Trump, it will have done a remarkable thing. I fear our leaders are hopelessly influenced by Trump’s power over the GOP base.

All pundits, along with every Texan who cares about what’s right, should continue to encourage Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton to think of the greater good of our state and our country before their own political ambitions.

- Linda Bartles, Fort Worth

Keep US out of Ukraine

The U.S. should not involve itself in a war with Russia. (Feb. 3, 8A, “More US troops to boost NATO allies in east Europe”) The Russians know how to fight and defeat their enemies. Where is the anti-war crowd?

The United States should stop selling arms to Ukraine. The Ukrainians can get weapons from anywhere else. Germany has refused to provide arms, and the U.S. should follow its lead.

Let Ukraine and Eastern Europe involve itself in a war with Russia. They’ve got old scores to settle. We don’t.

- John Davis, Fort Worth

Democrats are the real danger

President Joe Biden’s speech for the Jan. 6 anniversary proved that he is desperate to “grab anything that remotely resembles a life raft,” as columnist Michael Goodwin wrote in the New York Post.

The same goes for the other members of his party, who are trying to make their opponents into criminals and paint all Donald Trump voters — including the millions who were nowhere near the Capitol during the riot — as dangerous.

The Democrats’ response is a far greater threat to democracy than anything that happened on Jan. 6, 2021.

- Lucille Bida, Arlington

No to Biden’s promise

If President Joe Biden considers only Black women for his nomination to the Supreme Court, is that not discrimination? There are lots of people of both genders and all races who would make fine justices. He should pick the most qualified, not base it on sex or race.

- Walt DaPrile, Arlington

What would it have taken?

We will never know, but let’s look back: Rioters and insurrectionists attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Blue lives suddenly didn’t matter, and chants of “Hang Mike Pence!” echoed in the area.

Members of Congress from both parties had to be ushered to safety.

Some Republican cowards hours later voted against certification of the election — but only certification of votes for president and not for Republican gains in many other races. Would these lawmakers have held a different position had any of them, including Vice President Pence or his family, been injured or killed?

Would it take the death or harm to one of their own to support seeking out those responsible to be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law?

- J.W. Sullivan, Arlington

Hardy keeps students at heart

I have known Pat Hardy for more than 17 years and have worked closely with her in her various roles in education. Her reputation, passion and devotion to Texas schools and students are undeniable. Her experience and knowledge about how things work in education are key, along with her keen understanding of school districts’ needs. Anyone who knows Hardy would certainly agree that her character is beyond reproach.

Pat Hardy deserves reelection to the State Board of Education, District 11.

- Gloria Chatelain, Colleyville

This story was originally published February 6, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Delightful new ‘Zorro’ production is exactly what Fort Worth Opera audiences need."

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