Texans’ mail-in ballots were rejected, and we know there was no good reason for it

A pointless ballot logjam

The GOP Legislature created massive confusion with its new mail-in ballot rules. Mail ballots were rejected at alarming rates, and many people needing to use them were not able to vote. (March 13, 8A, “945 mail-in ballots rejected, mostly over new ID rules”)

There was no meaningful voter fraud in the last election, and there was no reason to make this election mess.

- Doug Harman, Fort Worth

You are in the bag for Beto

It’s become obvious the Star-Telegram is backing Beto O’Rourke. After the primary voting, you reported voting results for O’ Rourke and Gov. Greg Abbott by percentages instead of vote totals. Abbott won 66% in the Republican primary, while O’Rourke won 91% in the Democratic. That sounds like O’Rourke is stronger, but it neglects to mention that half a million more Republicans voted.

Next came Ryan J. Rusak’s March 11 column, “Why did Greg Abbott donor sue Beto O’Rourke?” (17A) sounding like Abbott is a plaintiff in the defamation suit and praising O’Rourke for using it in his campaign. Also, saying the donor deserves scrutiny because in 2012 he wanted his son’s name on the park he donated to is quite a stretch.

- Randy Weeks, Roanoke

What would they fight for?

Maybe the disappointing results of the poll on a “terrible hypothetical” of the United States being invaded like Ukraine that Cynthia M. Allen writes about have to do with how the United States spends tax dollars. (March 13, 5A, “Would Americans fight for homeland like Ukrainians? Poll discouraging”)

Why would the taxpayer need “to stand and fight” when we spend more on defense, $770 billion yearly, than the next eight countries combined. Yet, we can’t afford President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better plan, $200 billion yearly to ensure adequate school meals, pre-kindergarten education and health care. Think those priorities matter to the polling results?

I fear this is the beginning. I would stay and fight, but to be honest, I’m glad I’m 64, not 24.

- Jim Rice, North Richland Hills

Good roads need priority

It’s a good thing Texans are so easily distracted by the trigger words: my guns, my freedoms and illegal immigration. Otherwise, they’d realize that some of the money that goes to bloated law enforcement could be used to fix the roads that break their cars every day. Some of the worst roads in the area are in Watauga.

- Florence Schmidt, Watauga

Democrats are ones to blame

The current administration has no one to blame but itself over the disintegration of the Democratic Party’s political standing. There is wisdom for them in the following statement: “Everybody fails, but nobody is a failure until he or she blames someone else for his or her failure.”

- Ed Kasper, Fort Worth

What the US owes Ukrainians

With the mass exodus of millions of Ukrainians, the countries of Europe alone cannot handle the volume. The economic impact on Europe will be devastating. This is likely just what Russian President Vladimir Putin wants.

It is time for the United States to step up with real help. We should set up a massive airlift to bring thousands of Ukrainian refugees to the U.S., set up housing and provide necessary medical and food services.

With all the discussion about immigration in this country, isn’t it time to help those truly in need?

- Walter Aue, Colleyville