For the good of Texas and the Democrats, Colin Allred needs to bow out | Opinion
For unity
As a former State Democratic Executive Committee member representing parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties in the 1990s, I think we need unity in the race for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination.
Many Texas voters are asking Colin Allred to drop out of the race in the name of unity. He has demonstrated that he cannot win a statewide race . James Talarico has proved that he can flip a Republican district, and he has grassroots support all over Texas.
For unity in the Democratic Party, Colin Allred should withdraw.
- Mario Casarez, Dallas
Priorities
A good citizen is willing to speak the truth to someone he helped bring to power. President Donald Trump is the predominant example. He is willing to sell out Ukraine, which has borne the brunt of four years of trying to stop the madman Vladimir Putin. He appears ready to attack Venezuela, which is doing us little harm. He sends Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and National Guardsmen to American cities to hunt down immigrants who are community pillars.
And he’s tearing down the White House East Wing for a glitzy, $300 million ballroom. Feed the poor, anyone?
- Thomas F. Harkins Jr., Fort Worth
Peace, harmony
Imagine if a group that you closely identify with was suddenly declared a terrorist organization. Gov. Greg Abbott has done that with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, claiming it has direct connections with Hamas. (Nov. 18, star-telegram.com, “Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says 2 Islamic organizations are foreign terror groups”)
As an American Muslim, I am upset to see such an accusation without evidence. Our religion promotes peace and harmony as much as any other faith.
Terrorist organizations deserve no respect. Although I do not always agree with CAIR, it deserves to be treated as innocent until proven guilty. The due process that the Constitution guarantees every person in this country makes me proud to call myself an American.
I hope Texas can be a champion of constitutional rights rather than an opponent.
- Ather Ahmed Rehan, Wichita Falls
Free to run
Ryan Rusak calls California U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa’s decision to run in Texas “pathetic.” (Dec. 3, star-telegram.com, “Congressman hopes to shake California blues by … running in Texas?”) But as a military veteran who swore an oath to the Constitution, I see it differently. Issa is exercising his constitutional right to seek office where the law permits. If voters disagree, they can reject him at the ballot box. That’s how our system works.
The Constitution sets clear requirements for House members: 25 years old, seven years a citizen and an inhabitant of the state when elected. The founders designed Congress to represent the people’s will, not to create hereditary fiefdoms where only “locals” can serve.
Rusak invokes Sam Houston, who represented Tennessee before Texas. Exactly right. Our republic has always allowed Americans to move freely and serve where voters choose them. More than two decades of congressional experience matters. Let the voters decide.
- Will McCutcheon, Richland Hills
Why socialism?
Education will not solve the loss of confidence in capitalism. We should ask why 18-to-29-year-olds view socialism favorably.
American capitalism is not working for the everyday American. Republicans point to regulation as the death knell of the free market. But in the last 50 years, the middle class has shrunk while the government has made it difficult for labor to organize. The government eliminates regulations that impede the wealthy and creates regulations that hurt the working class.
Why is the minimum wage still $7.25 an hour? Why do families file bankruptcy over medical debt? Why is housing unaffordable?
It is a sad state of affairs when an American is willing to work but cannot pay the bills. Perhaps knowing you will fail before you start is why socialism sounds favorable.
- Charlie Stewart, North Richland Hills
This story was originally published December 7, 2025 at 5:09 AM.