No, RFK Jr. Texas kids need vaccines to fight measles outbreak, not extra vitamin A | Opinion
Vaccines, measles
I was heartened to see Tarrant County Public Health Director Brian Byrd’s support for measles vaccination given the rising outbreak in Texas. (March 14, 7A, “Tarrant County ‘getting ready for measles’ as West Texas outbreak grows”)
But we must also address the statements by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Associating the measles outbreak with vitamin A deficiency puts children and those pregnant at unnecessary risk if parents forgo vaccination. Vitamin A is important for our immune system, but deficiency is unlikely. Unvaccinated children with great vitamin A levels can contract and even die from measles.
Kennedy is correct that Texas has nearly the highest rate of food insecurity among the states. So, I hope he will join me in calling upon Texans in Congress to protect SNAP benefits for residents of our state, most of whom are families with young children.
- Aquiel Warner, Euless
Dueling boycotts
The boycott of Tesla would be amusing if not so indicative of the worrisome double standard in our country under President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The right wing was gung ho to boycott Budweiser over the Dylan Mulvaney Bud Light ad campaign. Kid Rock even blasted cases of Bud Light in a video.
Trump says the boycott of Tesla is illegal. Is that not a double-standard? If somebody with enough money lined up four or five Teslas and opened fire on them, Trump and Musk should be OK with the symbolism, right?
- Graham Donathan, Benbrook
Little losses
Education is fundamental for a democracy and a well-functioning society. Dramatic changes have occurred in every state over the last 75 years. Small-town Texas no longer thrives with pride and quality in its schools. Separation of church and state is no longer accepted by everyone because of the culture wars. The shibboleth of the Republican Party for small government and noninterference of federal and state governments in local issues unless the Constitution is violated has been cast aside.
Those who lose with school vouchers include small Texas towns and large inner-city schools. Winners include religious schools, affluent private schools, home schools — which prevent socialization of students in a diverse society — and politicians buying votes with a voucher law.
- Michael Stoltz, Fort Worth
France’s line
After reading the March 17 story, “French lawmaker demands US return of Statue of Liberty,” in the online edition, I thought: Yes, France’s request is another fatal blow to our nation’s profile because of President Donald Trump’s callousness. He seems to take pleasure in coming up with any heinous act that will feed the selfishness and bigotry of his followers.
- Preston Matthiesen, Fort Worth
Everyone loses
Now is the time for mainstream Jewish organizations to join with pro-Palestinian activists in protesting the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil. Allowing President Donald Trump to deport those he claims are engaged in “pro-terrorist, antisemitic, anti-American activity” threatens free speech for all.
But a more important reason exists: Such a bold move could decimate the rhetorical battle lines destroying any hope for a permanent peace in the Middle East.
Once Palestinians, Israelis, pro-Palestinians, Jews, Zionists and anti-Zionists realize they are pawns in a struggle perpetuated by powerful nations and self-interested politicians, they might find the courage to support those desperate to craft an equitable two-state solution.
Waving flags, shouting, marching and giving speeches excoriating your enemy is much glitzier than hammering out a less-than-perfect agreement.
- Barbara Chiarello, Austin