Why is Tarrant County judge ignoring the majority’s will on redistricting? | Opinion
People’s voice?
Tarrant County residents, beware. County Judge Tim O’Hare can’t explain why he wants to spend $30,000 of taxpayer money to hire a less-than-reputable law firm for redistricting. (April 6, 5C, “Redistricting Tarrant County might boost GOP, but don’t call it conservative”)
Of about 75 speakers at a Commissioners Court meeting where the matter was discussed, the majority objected to it. But instead of being professional and transparent, O’Hare expressed rudeness and arrogance.
- Dora Gonzales, Arlington
Power center
Congress must act to stop this unnecessary and foolish tariff fight. It should pass a bill, with veto-proof majorities, to remove the president’s tariff authority.
Such action would protect the budgets and investments of Americans and businesses. It would also stabilize the global economy. And the legislative branch could assert its standing as coequal in our system.
- Jeff Horton, Keller
Trade realities
In early 1987, the president of Fort Worth-based Pier 1 Imports proudly told Fort Worth’s World Affairs Council that his company had a profitable plant in China. Its workers were A-1: always on time, never absent and happy to be paid $2 a day.
With then-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping allowing capitalist reforms and inviting direct foreign investment, globalization resulted in massive capital flight from the United States and the outsourcing of numerous American companies. Corporations showed they had no national allegiances. Cheap labor and tax incentives were irresistible.
President Donald Trump may sincerely aspire to bring back these companies, but his tariff initiative is futile. Consumers will pay the price for his earnest but doomed trade war.
- George W. Aldridge, San Marcos
Go, Ted Cruz
I am distraught that we are seeing divisiveness and hate lead people to violence instead of expressing their differences with their protected free speech rights. We are seeing antisemitism run rampant, support for dangerous criminals being released back into our streets and Teslas being vandalized. We cannot allow this culture of hate and violence to define us or derail the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Americans can have a voice, especially through those who represent them. I am privileged to have a senator in Ted Cruz who is talking about these critical issues. We live in a great country and a great state. We need more people, like Cruz, to call out the violence in the United States and stand up for truth, integrity and liberty.
- Benji Gershon, Dallas
Christian peace
In today’s tumultuous American society, where have all the Christian peacemakers gone? As noted in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Too many of today’s Christians are fighting political battles. Many are leading the charge to hurriedly deport peaceful immigrants who are here illegally.
Peacemakers, recalibrate and rediscoveryour role. Stop the fighting. Or if you are wary of getting involved, pray for courage and conviction to make a difference.
- Brent Neuenfeldt, Fort Worth
DART needs
It’s a horrible idea to cut funding to Dallas Area Rapid Transit. (April 2, 13A, “From FIFA soccer to streets, Plano transit pullout could drive gridlock in Fort Worth”) It is a vital service and needs expansion.
Many of us work in West Plano, which has no train access. A rail expansion to that area would help many commuters. Plano reducing its DART contribution would be a major step backward for this area.
- Constance Conant, Euless