Jade Helm 15l; yes to anthem; uses for sidewalks; rule of law

Jade Helm 15

I feel left out that the Texas State Guard never tried to monitor me while I was on active duty in II Corps, Republic of Vietnam.

I’m sure I could have found a spare rack for them so they didn’t have to sleep on the ground.

Is the governor going to get the State Guard to report on what it saw during Operation Jade Helm 15? I didn’t think so.

How about a report on what the State Guard did? I didn’t think so.

Surely Gov. Greg Abbott paid these guys out of his own pocket. I didn’t think so.

— W. Harold “Mac” McKinzie Jr., Arlington

Yes to anthem

In this time of peril, we are in need of the unity represented in our national anthem (See: “Fort Worth Symphony stands up for the anthem,” Sept. 11)

The anthem is the deepest and truest expression of our fundamental patriotic sentiment. It’s a symbol of our respect for those who sacrificed so we have the freedom to listen to Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Otherwise, our country could be among those having antiquities destroyed and the cultural arts banned.

This isn’t about pomp and circumstance. It’s about being a united body of Americans who respect and proudly show gratitude to those who have served and are now serving.

The idea that we should not play the national anthem because someone in the audience might not be American is inflammatory.

The national anthem is the perfect prelude in any setting, reminding us of our heritage and the regard we have for our country.

May the tingling chill down my spine and the swelling of my heart continue as conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya and the wonderful Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra launch each concert with The Star-Spangled Banner.

— Shelly Harper-Young, Fort Worth

Uses for sidewalks

In response to two recent letters decrying the laying of a sidewalk on West Vickery Boulevard between Hulen Street and Clover Lane, here are some possible uses:

1. Completion of a training loop for athletes from Arlington Heights High School.

2. Exciting bird watching along the Chisholm Trail Parkway: Chisholm sparrow (Passerculus chisholmensis) and the parkway pigeon (Columba livia).

3. Scenic view featuring miles of railroad tracks and hundreds of gorgeous rail cars.

4. Biking/hiking trails, with eventual connection to Trinity Park. Maybe their very own pedestrian bridge over South University Drive.

For what else could one wish to spend their hard-earned tax dollars?

— Winston Barney, Fort Worth

Rule of law

It’s true that Latinos and conservative Republicans share many of the same values — family, hard work. etc.

The difference is that conservative Republicans also believe in the rule of law, and if people are here illegally, they are violating the law.

This country cannot continue to absorb everyone from Latin America, Mexico and refugees from the Middle East.

If Latinos continue to vote en masse for Democrats, they will end up with a country like the ones they came from.

— Clista Hancock, Arlington

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Jade Helm 15l; yes to anthem; uses for sidewalks; rule of law."