Fear of government; immigration; already great

James Mitchell, an Abraham Lincoln look-alike, interacts with members of the audience before an election rally by Republican vice presidential candidate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. Nati Harnik AP

Fear of government

I grew up on a farm in West Texas.

Patriotism, honor, integrity and religion kept our eyes and minds on the greatness of our nation. We learned responsibility and self-reliance. We were confident, and we anticipated healthy, successful lives. We respected our government.

Where now is our nation’s pride — in country, self-reliance, integrity, spiritual knowledge, our educational system?

It’s difficult listening to presidential candidates make their promises, because they don’t seem to have the ability to make any changes or reduce our fear of radical Islam.

I’m not in fear of radical Islam or the Islamic State. I’m afraid of our government.

Don Phillips, Fort Worth

Already Great

Politicians say they want to make America great again.

America is already great.

In most instances, through hard work, we are living the American dream. Inflation is stagnant, unemployment is low, new cars are on our streets and in parking garages. Restaurants are full. Our citizens are able to maintain a good standard of living.

We’re free to worship where, when and how we please, educate our children and to receive quality medical care.

Let’s not fall for the idea that we can’t solve our problems.

Instead, let’s work together to appreciate the United States of America that we and our forefathers have made and ask our leaders to continue to address the many decisions they must make each day.

Corrine Jacobson,

Fort Worth

Immigration

All the wonderful stories about immigrants are uplifting and heart-warming. But given the world situation, they’re not applicable now.

A pause in immigration is long overdue. The most pressing reason is national security, and to allow for assimilation.

It does not show a lack of compassion, nor is it selfish, to be realistic in setting immigration policy by seriously taking into account world and domestic conditions in perilous times.

To do otherwise is to consign our brains to the nearest trash can.

Harlan Wensel, Fort Worth

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Fear of government; immigration; already great."