After Charlie Kirk’s murder, America needs change from the very top | Opinion
Why silence?
I enjoyed reading the opinion columns by Bud Kennedy, Ryan J. Rusak and Mark Davis on Charlie Kirk’s murder. Their thoughts remind us that the tone we use when we speak can have consequences.
We live in a time when clicks generate followers, cash and power. The reward depends on what group you’re entertaining.
The common theme not mentioned is that change always starts at the top. I was surprised and concerned that none of the commentaries mentioned the president’s response to the assassination. This is a time when we cannot afford to be afraid. We must stand up and realize the importance of electing leaders with grace and forgiveness.
- Charlie Stewart, North Richland Hills
Enough division
Why did Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker need to call out City Council member Elizabeth Beck for posting about Charlie Kirk’s comments? (Sept. 12, star-telegram.com, “Fort Worth mayor condemns City Council member over Charlie Kirk post”) After all, Parker didn’t condemn President Donald Trump for his divisive comments about the killing. Her categorization of Beck as “leftist” further divides and inflames our country and community.
- Bob Scott, Colleyville
Not condoning
I am a Christian, parent and Democrat who is devastated by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Fort Worth City Council member Elizabeth Beck pointed out the sad irony of Kirk’s own words and his manner of death. Kirk said in 2023: “It’s worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment,” just as we must accept traffic deaths to have our transportation systems. Beck did not offer words of regret or condolence, but the post did not “essentially” condone violence, as Mayor Mattie Parker stated.
Tarrant County Republican Chairman Bo French has no standing to call for Beck to be removed from office. Let’s work on unity, not accusations, starting at the top with President Donald Trump.
- Martha J. Dowling, Fort Worth
Education crisis
America’s education system is in crisis. Our students rank 26th in math and 10th in science in the world, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, despite the average expenditure of more than $18,000 per student per year. Reading scores have hit a 30-year low, and nearly half of students struggle with basic math. High-poverty schools face severe teacher shortages and outdated resources, while achievement gaps and inequities continue to widen.
This isn’t just about schools — it’s about our future workforce, economy and national stability. We must fund schools equitably, pay teachers competitively and reduce over-testing. Every child deserves access to a world-class education.
Parents, educators and policymakers must act now. The world won’t wait for us to catch up.
- Brian Scott Angerer, Garland
Stay alert near rails
Each day in Fort Worth, trains move goods, fuel, and agricultural products across our region and the country. With that vital service comes shared responsibility, making rail safety a top priority near tracks and crossings.
During Rail Safety Week (Sept. 15–21), we’re reminded that awareness saves lives. Trains can’t swerve, and even with emergency braking, it can take up to 18 football fields to stop. Most incidents at crossings or along tracks are preventable.
As one of the largest rail hubs in the nation and part of the traffic-heavy DFW region, Fort Worth understands the need for strong safety infrastructure. The Texas Legislature allocated $250 million this year for grade separation projects, and our region has received key federal safety grants in recent years. But infrastructure only goes so far. It takes all of us:
- Obey crossing signals;
- Never walk on tracks;
- Always approach crossings with caution.
Let’s keep Fort Worth safe, on both roads and rails.
- Robert Alldredge, assistant chief, Fort Worth Police Department