Texas Republicans are winning at making it hard to register to vote and get a ballot

Texas is making it harder to vote

The Legislature has gone too far once again. When a degreed, retired professional such as myself has to spend hours online and on the phone trying to find out what happened to my two applications for a ballot by mail and my still-undelivered voter-registration certificate, I have to wonder how many people with less access to the internet, less time and perhaps less understanding of the system will be sufficiently motivated to slog through the process.

These voter-suppression tactics in Texas and other Republican-controlled states have gone too far.

- Evelyn Muelder, Fort Worth

What happened to ‘friendly’?

I am a native Texan, born in Fort Worth. The ignorant, hateful political ads running now have me embarrassed for my state. We used to be called the “friendly state.” In light of the troubles in Ukraine, I would hope that my fellow Texans would recognize the value and the gift of welcoming people who flee from terror.

When did we become so cynical and uncaring?

- Wendy Stoecker, Arlington

Untrue claims in Huffines ad

A Don Huffines political ad effectively says that Gov. Greg Abbott gives people in the country illegally discounted tuition to Texas colleges and universities. Not exactly true. A 2001 law provides in-state tuition rates for students here illegally if they meet certain requirements, such as graduating from a Texas high school and swearing to seek legal residency as soon as possible.

Huffines’ ad also says Texas schools are teaching transgender ideology. What does that even mean? There’s a difference between teaching “ideology” and teaching about a subject.

- Graham Donathan, Benbrook

Weeping tears for Ukraine

I have been a proud, loyal American for 92 years. Tonight I fall on my face sobbing as we abandon Ukraine to the atrocities of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Did we run from the British in 1776? Did we run from the Nazis and Japanese in World War II, from all the rest of the wars we have fought?

We are voyeurs watching the slaughter of a nation on our televisions. We are no better than the Romans watching as lions devoured Christians. Where are Christians falling on their faces and crying to God to save Ukraine?

- Don Phillips, Fort Worth

Nothing clever about Putin

The people of Ukraine were butchered by Russian communists in the 1930s. More than 5 million were killed during the Nazi occupation in World War II. Through work and faith, they built a thriving democracy. Now they are being butchered again.

We should stand with Ukraine. We should honor those who work to build and preserve democracy in the United States. Those who praise Russian President Vladimir Putin for his cleverness should be shamed.

- Karen Myers, Fort Worth

Abbott shows his extreme stripes

The steps by Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton to curtail transgender health care for children mark the end of the line for me. (Feb. 27, 9A, “Fort Worth ISD reviewing Texas AG’s opinion that trans health care is child abuse”)

Early in his career, Abbott seemed to be middle of the road, and although I did not agree with all his politics, I thought he was somewhat attuned to the people. Not now. He has been bought and paid for by his most radical constituents. He and his administration want to tell me what books our children may read, what professional teachers and professors may teach, what medical attention I may request and what medical attention our children may receive.

We have been deceived. Vote out him and everyone in his orbit.

- Ann J. Clarkson, Wichita Falls