Women lead nations around the world. How did the United States fall so far behind? | Opinion
Are we forever playing catch-up?
Kamala Harris’ failed presidential campaign led to laments that America was not ready for a woman to be president. About 30 other countries, rich and poor, have elected female presidents or prime ministers. How did we fall behind Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, all the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Nicaragua and so many others?
Are we no longer the world’s most advanced country?
- Dan Levine, Fort Worth
Immigrants part of US fabric
I didn’t vote for Donald Trump. But he won, so he’s my president. Will I be better off in four years? (Nov. 20, 12A, “Trump names Wall St. executive Lutnick to lead Commerce”)
Not unless millions of immigrants here illegally have been deported, tariffs have replaced taxes (and prices reduced, of course) and the swamp has actually been drained.
“Trump being Trump” will not be acceptable to me. Campaign bluster? Nope. He said those things, which makes them campaign promises. And I’ll be holding him to those promises.
- Tom Kelly, Arlington
Democrats, look at yourselves
Responses from the left after the election have been typical. (Nov. 10, 12A, “Devastated Democrats lay blame, and stare at a dark future”)
Some groups have blamed racism and misogyny; others claim nefarious interference in the election. The possibility that their candidates were not well received by voters or that their platforms turned off many voters hasn’t entered their minds.
They remind me of the schoolboy who tells the teacher the family pet ate his homework. That line works only once or twice, and the kid will flunk if he doesn’t wake up. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer might have predicted what just happened when he admonished the Supreme Court for a decision he didn’t like: “You have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price.”
- Bob Schultz, Haslet
Reality of why we are here
Are Americans sobering as they consider the outcome of the elections? The circus of the campaigns has been replaced by the realities of mass deportations and appointment of astonishingly incompetent Cabinet members. (Nov. 20, 1A, “How might Trump’s Cabinet picks affect immigration policy?”)
Are we ready to see families separated and kids caged on TV? What will you tell your children and grandchildren — that they were all criminals?
Immigrants are a vital part of our economy, especially in farming, construction, meatpacking and cleaning. They pay taxes, including into Social Security. There are not enough native citizens to fill these jobs.
This situation has existed for decades: Neither political party has developed an immigration plan with clarity and fairness to those who come here.
- Loveta Eastes, Fort Worth
Media, we don’t care about you
I hope that our recent election helps the mainstream media realize just how little attention the majority of Americans pay to its political commentary. Just report the news.
- Mike Holt, Fort Worth
Cornyn is looking out for Texas
I admire Sen. John Cornyn’s willingness and actions in the best interest of Texas and our Constitution. (Nov. 17, 4C, “Republicans trashing Cornyn Senate leader bid hurt Texas”)
He does not suck up to Donald Trump, whom I despise for his failed attempt to steal the 2020 election and his draft evasion. Family members tell me they have friends who were injured guards at the Capitol.
No way the convicted insurrection prisoners should be pardoned.
- Lou Conde, Belton