No, Texas isn’t a red state - it’s just gerrymandered that way | Opinion
Gerrymandered to extremes
Texas is not a red state. It is a rigged state, with the district maps gerrymandered to benefit Republicans and generate apathy among Democrats. Coupled with voter suppression efforts, that has benefited the GOP since the early 2000s.
More than 60% of voters used straight-ticket voting, which is why the Legislature removed it as an option when Democrats started to narrow the gaps with Republicans. But they have overplayed their hand. We’re tired of the extremists and their loud, divisive rhetoric.
In 2018, Dems flipped 12 Texas House seats, and in 2020, Tarrant County went for President Joe Biden. In 2024, we are poised to bring calm, logic and reason back to our state through a big blue wave.
- Valerie Watson, Bedford
Students must come first
The Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees has agreed to pay more than $1 million in the last few years to remove two superintendents from the district. (Nov. 6, 5C, “How do we get Fort Worth ISD out of ‘Groundhog Day’?”) The board approved contracts that apparently allow superintendents to be paid in full for not doing their basic job: educating students.
If “not educating students” does not justify termination for cause, what does?
- William Koehler, Fort Worth
Our world’s peace is at stake
Though we have moved some of our attention away from Ukraine because of the presidential campaign and war in the Middle East, we must not allow it to take a back seat to anything. (Oct. 4, 6A, “Ukraine accuses Russia of executing 16 POWs”)
Donald Trump has stated that he can end the Russia-Ukraine war in one day. The only way that could happen is for Trump to discontinue our support of Ukraine and agree that Russia should keep the Ukrainian land it currently occupies.
As we learned in World War II, appeasement does not work. Once our commitment to Ukraine is withdrawn, Russian President Vladimir Putin would take more of Ukraine — and then other countries in Europe. And just as important, the Chinese would understand that America won’t defend our allies and would invade Taiwan.
For the sake of world peace, our commitment to Ukraine must be maintained. Trump cannot be allowed back into the Oval Office.
- David C. Rondeau, Aledo
Trump loves the common man
Donald Trump pledged to the forgotten men and women, “I will be your voice.” He never stopped doing so because he genuinely likes the American people.
Trump is unselfish with his time and willing to share it and show how important the hardworking citizens who make this country great are to him.
Before rallies, he meets with Gold Star military families. He also greets police and firefighters at airports. Since his days in construction, he has valued working-class Americans who use their hands to build the country from the ground up.
Trump is someone everyday people can relate to, despite his immense wealth and success. His humanity shines through his transparency and love for fellow man and country.
- Melissa Reed, Keller
Just quit spreading the fear
Bud Kennedy nailed it again in his Oct. 10 column, “JD Vance is making things up about immigrants, housing. It can only hurt Republicans.” (1C)
Those, like Vance, who carry the torch for former President Donald Trump get away with saying the most baseless, outrageous things without fear of reprisal. It spreads fear and loathing among the American people.
- Owen Daniel, Fort Worth