Land office bullies; sidewalks and health; Muslim president?;women’s health

Land office bullies

As a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, I am deeply hurt by the bullying of the General Land Office against my organization. (See Sunday news story, “Familiar faces rise in Bush’s ‘reboot’ of land office.”)

For more than 100 years, our mission has been to preserve Texas history. Now, although we are a volunteer organization, we are faced with raising money to pay attorneys to fight a state office that is out of line.

As a concerned citizen, I am appalled by the methods the General Land Office is using to try to confiscate Daughters of the Republic of Texas property.

This is an example of government overstepping the legal boundaries against its citizens.

Who pays for their attorneys? You and me, the taxpayers.

— Gina Mundy, Austin

Like his famous presidential uncle, Land Commissioner George P. Bush hires employees based on favoritism, not expertise.

Instead of letting the free market provide a strong group of job candidates with expertise in land and resource management, Bush hired campaign staffers and friends.

Crony capitalism is alive and well at the General Land Office. Heck of a job, Bushie.

— Fred Gregory, Arlington

Sidewalks and health

Some letter writers have questioned the wisdom of building another sidewalk in Fort Worth.

The purpose is to make it easier to be healthy.

I returned from a vacation in a place where we didn’t even need a car. Walking and bike paths were everywhere.

I’d like to get a bike now. But, as my neighbor said, “We are not yet a bike-friendly city.”

I am glad to see more sidewalks being built.

I hope Mayor Betsy Price will continue to push to make it easier for Fort Worth residents to exercise as we simply go about our daily lives, and live healthier.

— Janet Crowell, Fort Worth

Muslim president?

When Republican presidential candidates were asked their thoughts on a Muslim becoming president on NBC’s Meet the Press, most tap-danced around the answer.

Ben Carson gave the only honest answer, one that a majority of Americans would have given.

No president from Washington to Obama has ever suggested that they represent “all Americans of all faiths and backgrounds.” All had political enemies and certainly were never elected by acclamation.

This question was intended to be inflammatory, and I’m certain that it will be submitted in identical form to the Democratic candidates when they appear on Meet The Press. And then you will witness their finest Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire impersonations.

— Charles R. Glass, Arlington

Women’s health

We need more healthcare providers in most areas of the state, serving all the medical needs of Texans.

This includes crucial preventative care like breast and cervical cancer screenings. By cutting funding for Planned Parenthood and for Breast and Cervical Cancer Services, Texas has willfully created yet another hole in the healthcare safety net.

This crisis facing Texas women is not just about the women who relied on these programs — it’s the combined effect of numerous bad policies that have worked together to systematically deny access to medical care to Texas women in need.

— William Oglesby, Arlington

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Land office bullies; sidewalks and health; Muslim president?;women’s health."