How can we fix problems at the Tarrant County jail if we don’t even know they exist?

Shine light on local injustice

Thank you for Nichole Manna’s brilliant investigative reporting into the death of Robert Miller after his treatment at the Tarrant County Jail. (Oct. 16, 1A, “His death was ruled ‘natural.’ But what Tarrant jailers did to him suggests otherwise”)

This story shines a light into another area that those in power would rather see remain dark. The fact that so many leaders, from the sheriff’s office to the Texas Rangers, did so little to look into this man’s death in custody is a sad statement.

It also shows why we need newspapers such as the Star-Telegram that will do in-depth reporting on local issues. I don’t know that this will make the Tarrant sheriff’s office improve the treatment it gives to its charges, but if the story was never reported, who would force a change?

Bravo, Nichole Manna and the Star-Telegram.

- Dan Scarborough, Hurst

Texas is tired of the showboating

I understand that many people have concerns about President Joe Biden. But the upcoming election is not for or against Biden. It’s about Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

They are extremist, professional politicians who do not represent the majority of clear-thinking Texans. Most Texans want reasonable gun reform. Most Texans want women to make decisions about their own bodies. Most Texans want a border-control and immigration strategy instead of a showboating, self-serving, unproductive clown show on our southern border.

Let’s take care of the business at hand. Clean up Texas on Nov. 8 and see how Biden does for the next two years.

- David E. Voss, Dallas

Whose rights should come first

A letter in Sunday’s Star-Telegram (4C) charges that Gov. Greg Abbott has drastically reduced a woman’s perceived right to an abortion. Most pro-choice people don’t consider that at the center of the matter is a living human being who is simply at the first stage of life.

They focus exclusively on the perceived right of the unborn child’s mother to be free of her unwanted pregnancy no matter the reason. No thought is given to the fact that the fundamental right of another person is involved. To me, life should always win in a society seeking civility.

- William L. Brown, Arlington

A puzzle about interest rates

I’m confused. The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates for the stated reason of curbing inflation. (Oct. 16, 26A, “As causes of US inflation grow, so do the dangers”) But when interest rates are raised, companies that finance business by borrowing (which a large number do) have to pay more.

What happens then? To cover for the greater debt incurred, these businesses have to raise their prices. This causes more inflation, not less.

Could someone please explain this?

- Thomas F. Harkins Jr., Fort Worth

Let’s talk about ‘less desirable’

When Tim O’Hare was on the Farmers Branch City Council, he was enthusiastic about an ordinance to prohibit people who are in the country illegally from renting property. (Oct. 15, 1A, “Tarrant Democratic county judge candidate touts GOP support”) All such ordinances were struck down by courts. It reportedly cost that city more than $5 million to support O’Hare’s cause.

He said part of the motivation for the immigration ordinance was to keep “less desirable people” out of Farmers Branch.

Do we want someone like that to be Tarrant County judge?

Kay Fulgham, Fort Worth