Cruz on Ex-Im Bank; fixing schools; tackling weeds; let seniors play; social tension

Cruz on Ex-Im Bank

Your suggestion that Ted Cruz’s objection to the Export-Import Bank would hurt Texas is unfounded. (“Cruz should answer Ex-Im questions,” Wednesday)

General Electric is a multibillion-dollar corporation. Why should my tax dollars, either local or federal, finance a private corporation?

General Electric has plenty of money to expand. The American public has grown tired of financing Wall Street.

General Electric, with its “take my dollies elsewhere” attitude, tried to blackmail the taxpayers of Texas.

I applaud Cruz and Texas for standing up to them.

— Carol Guarnieri, Fort Worth

Fixing schools

The story, “State asks that suit on school funding be dismissed,” could be condensed to:

“Texas legislators and elected officials say we aren’t going to spend a dime or make meaningful reforms to improve public schools in Texas so don’t waste our time with lawsuits.”

— Gene and Kathleen Walker,

Fort Worth

Tackling weeds

Neil Sperry is correct that now is the time to apply pre-emergent for weeds. Chemicals are always bad for the lawn.

Corn gluten meal is a good pre-emergent. But for an established lawn, 20 percent horticultural vinegar or other liquid organic products that can be applied with a sprayer are much better.

Corn gluten meal is excellent for a new lawn and most importantly is safe for a new lawn.

Chemicals applied to any lawn are too strong in nitrogen and can adversely affect the alkaline balance of the soil.

— Marilyn Gabler, Fort Worth

Let seniors play

It’s football time again, but for many seniors at Fossil Ridge High School this season will not include playing time.

Senior year is supposed to be made of memories, but the second- and third-string players will have nothing but memories of sitting on the bench.

This was clearly proven in a recent game against Tyler Lee, when Ridge was up by four touchdowns yet the same players took the field while the others just paced the sideline, hoping to get even one chance to play under the lights at KISD stadium.

Many parents sit hoping to enjoy the pleasure of watching their son play his last-ever season of high school football only to leave mad, disgusted and upset.

It’s time to let the seniors have their time to shine on the varsity field and let the underclassmen wait their turn.

Give seniors what they deserve.

— Lynn Johns, Keller

Social tension

The Harris County district attorney said she does not believe the “Black Lives Matter” movement contributed to the deputy’s death in Houston.

I agree there is no direct relationship.

But the psychological environment and climate created by that movement and many individuals’ statements and actions have led to where we are now in our society.

How many times have you ever heard President Obama give a positive and uplifting speech about our country or the police?

The psychological environment that President Obama has created with others has led to a situation where individuals who are somewhat unstable to begin with can be pushed over the edge.

— Wayne Duke, Arlington

This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Cruz on Ex-Im Bank; fixing schools; tackling weeds; let seniors play; social tension."