Sure, we need more oil production. But the renewable energy future is already in Texas

Renewables are in Texas’ future

In its March 9 editorial “Welcome to Fort Worth, Mr. President. Now can we talk about these insane gas prices?” (15A) the editorial board focused on oil and natural gas. While we do need more production of these sources, Texas also generates much renewable energy.

GM, Toyota and now Tesla also have a big presence in Texas, and they all make hybrid and electric vehicles. More of both would reduce gasoline demand and help bring down the price at the pump.

None of these brings down prices in the near term. Still, an all-of-the-above strategy is likely necessary to be energy independent. You do your readers and the state a disservice by focusing only on oil and gas.

- Arnold Grothues, Arlington

US oil companies, step up now

So many American companies have voluntarily stopped buying Russian products and doing business with Russia. Now, with the U.S. ban on Russian oil and gas, why have American companies not upped the production of gas and oil products? Why haven’t they been producing more oil and gas to make us independent from Russia, Saudi Arabia and others?

How many years have we been clamoring to be energy independent? And here we are yet again. When will we learn?

- Veronica Ritchey, Burleson

Hateful intrusion on private matters

We are proud parents of our adult transgender son, and we stand in solidarity with families of transgender children whom Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are targeting for purely political purposes.

Fortunately, many are standing up to them. (March 4, 7A, “Judge blocks Texas child abuse investigation of trans teen’s parents”) Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, in rejecting Paxton’s opinion, stated that he and Abbott “are ignoring medical professionals and intentionally misrepresenting the law.”

We raised our children in North Texas years ago. We were fortunate to have avoided this tragic environment. Provided with understanding and open minds, our son was able to reach the decision of his true gender identity. Abbott and Paxton are turning back the clock and fomenting harm and hate.

- Dale and Diana Story, Houston

We must do more for Ukraine

As a disabled veteran, I have been disappointed in my government. When Hitler invaded Poland, the U.S. did nothing. When the Soviet Union attacked Hungary and Czechoslovakia, President Dwight Eisenhower told them to resist and we would come to their aid. But we didn’t. Now with Russia invading and killing the freedom-loving people of Ukraine, the U.S. and NATO should do everything possible to stop Vladimir Putin.

In addition to airplanes and military equipment, we should be sending food, water and medical supplies to the Ukrainians.

- Edward Lindsay, Fort Worth

Two school problems I see

Observations by an itinerant substitute teacher in Fort Worth ISD middle and high schools:

First: The amount of learning time irrevocably lost to cellphone use, not just during class but throughout the day, is incalculable. Students seem literally addicted to their phones.

Second: The amount of fresh fruit thrown away in school cafeterias is unconscionable. Surely, with a little initiative, this could be a valuable resource for food pantries desperate for support.

- Silas O. Hughes Jr., Fort Worth