Supercharged trucks, lazy police: Post-pandemic, Fort Worth traffic is out of control | Opinion

Fort Worth traffic out of control

I commute to Hurst from Fort Worth and observe that traffic is moving faster than ever. I suggest the following reasons:

▪ Vehicles are much more powerful than in the past. Electric cars are rockets, and truckers drive semitrailers like NASCAR racers.

▪ Pickups with powerful premium fuel and men’s testosterone refuse to be passed by anyone or anything.

▪ The police got lazy about pulling over people during the pandemic.

Folks are making up for the COVID-19 slowdown by speeding up. Dallas drivers are invading Tarrant County with their characteristic lack of manners.

I’m a lawyer who sees death and dismemberment caused by car wrecks every day. I don’t want my next commute to be my last one.

- Chuck Noteboom, Fort Worth

No George Santos in Texas

Newly elected U.S. Rep. George Santos of New York is in the news for all the lies that allowed him to be considered a credible candidate. The Texas Legislature should pass a law to make sure voters in Texas are not similarly deceived about a candidate’s educational background and employment history.

It would be a simple matter to require candidates for all offices to complete a short, sworn statement form that listed these details. Then, if the candidate is proved to have lied, he or she could be prosecuted for perjury. The statute should apply to all offices, from school board to statewide races.

There has been such a reduction in the number of journalists from newspapers closing or cutting staff that this law is needed.

- Ken Sparks, Fort Worth

Don’t risk lives for politics

Texas is renowned as a state that says, “Howdy! Welcome!” But that’s at odds with our position on immigration through the southern border. I do not know what to do about the massive influx of immigrants. But when did it become acceptable to make political swagger at the expense of Texas taxpayers and the risk of people whose crime is seeking a better life?

Risking lives to make a point is not a character trait I want to exhibit. Are we not better than that? I was always proud to be a Texan. Not so much these days.

- William S. Lawrence, North Richland Hills

TCU does Fort Worth proud

TCU is Fort Worth’s home team. The pride felt at this special place and in the city is awesome. Everyone in our community is feeling it as the football team pursues the national championship, including the TCU family of the athletic department, alumni, faculty, students, administrators and staff. Bravo to Fort Worth’s university for representing our city so well.

- Richard Sybesma, North Richland Hills

Absolutely, arm my kids’ teachers

Educators should be able to protect themselves. (Dec. 21, 13A, “Keller ISD has right idea to stop shootings: Let staff carry guns”) And would-be shooters probably would avoid campuses with armed opposition. After all, they are cowards, and once confronted by a good guy with a gun, many quit.

I would like my kids in a school with armed teachers just to send the cowards down the road.

- Frank Wagnon, Southlake

Editorial wrong on Dean case

The Star-Telegram’s Dec. 25 editorial “Judge shouldn’t slap leaders for verdict reaction” (4C) says that Judge George Gallagher should not punish Mayor Mattie Parker or City Council member Chris Nettles for their intentional violation of the court’s gag order in the Aaron Dean case. It notes that they were not witnesses in the punishment phase of the trial.

Parker or Nettles could have asked the court to vacate the gag order but did not. Had the court denied that request, they could have appealed. Instead, they knowingly violated the court’s order.

The jury found that Dean acted recklessly and that it resulted in the death of Atatiana Jefferson. Dean’s status as a peace officer did not make him above the law. The same concept applies to the mayor and councilman as elected officials. I will not be surprised if their misconduct is part of Dean’s appeal.

- Michael Grubbs, Granbury

Unequal ratings are a sports fact

The House recently passed legislation that would require athletes representing the United States in international games to be paid equally, regardless of gender. (Dec. 23, B3, “US House passes equal pay bill in latest soccer win”)

I would just ask any sports fan: When was the last time you watched a WNBA game or LPGA tournament? Professional sports revenue, which determines pay levels, is primarily driven by TV ratings, not gender.

- Bob Small, Burleson