I’m an immigrant and a proud Texan. Why are politicians gerrymandering me? | Opinion
Deserve a voice
I have to ask the Texas legislators who gerrymandered the state’s congressional districts: Why are you so scared of me?
I’ve paid taxes since I was 16, created jobs, followed the law and served my community. I’ve uplifted neighbors and fed the homeless. I’ve done everything that should make me a valued Texan. Yet as an immigrant, I’m still treated as someone to fear.
I was born in South Africa, where people like me couldn’t vote because of skin color. The world rejected apartheid in 1994. In Texas in 2025, politicians redraw maps to silence communities.
Our country is great because it gives power to the people, not politicians. That is democracy’s foundation. Why are you crushing it with gerrymandered maps?
You know we deserve a voice, and you’re scared we’ll use it.
- Chanda Parbhoo, Dallas
Only Democrats?
Why is President Donald Trump trying to stop mail-in voting? Does he think only Democrats use it?
As someone who will be older than 70 when the next presidential election arrives, I find it inconvenient to go to a polling station when I can mail in my vote. Some may decide it is not worth the effort — including some Republicans.
President Trump, be careful what you wish for.
- Thomas F. Harkins Jr., Fort Worth
Flag protest
Mark Davis’ commentary on flag burning and free speech was interesting and well-written. (Aug. 31, 7C, “Trump finds way to prevent flag burning, still protect free speech”) As an avid patriot — and one who abhors flag burning (or burning anything) as a form of protest — I recall applauding the bold actions of baseball player Rick Monday at Dodger Stadium in 1976, when he took away a flag that a protester was trying to burn on the field.
I also admire the words of Justice Anthony Kennedy in Texas v. Johnson, the Supreme Court case that found flag-burning bans unconstitutional: “It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt.”
- Mark Swanson, Mansfield
The real power
Local governments hiring taxpayer-funded lobbyists, which some lawmakers want to ban, is not the problem. The ratepayer-funded lobby is what costs consumers. How much of your telephone, internet, electricity or natural gas bill is spent lobbying for higher rates? Your lawmaker is at the beck and call of the utility lobby.
Lobbyists have tons of money from our utility payments to spend — all legal, mind you — and they get their money’s worth.
- Jesse Johnson, Crowley
Needed mandate
Texas state Sen. Phil King led the passage of a new law mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
Even the nation’s arguably most reactionary appeals court, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, recently ruled against a similar Louisiana statute. This blatant attempt to force one group’s religious views on impressionable children from many backgrounds cannot stand.
King said every parent would want their children to read: “Obey your parents. Don’t steal. Don’t Lie. Don’t harm others.” But how about, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”?
From what I’ve observed of the actions of King and his fellow Republican leaders, it would be more appropriate to post the commandments in their offices.
- Robert J. Vann, Fort Worth
A school fix
Recently, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath visited the Fort Worth school district. (Aug. 31, 2A, “Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath visits FWISD ahead of takeover decision”) His fact-finding could influence his decision on whether the state should take over the district, which would mean replacing members of the district’s board of trustees.
To avoid this disruption and take responsibility for the situation, all current board members should resign. The district could then hold elections and continue under community-elected leadership.
- William H. Koehler, Fort Worth