National anthem; Bedford taxes; Ezekiel Elliott; texting/driving; third party
National anthem
When I’m at a football game or similar, I stand with my hand over my heart and sing the anthem out loud with full voice.
But the same freedom I celebrate is why I respect the right of others to not stand, sing, or pledge allegiance.
I despise when somebody burns an American flag or when a hate group marches with its vulgar signs, but I’m glad I live in a country where they can do it without being arrested or worse.
Because free speech doesn’t protect one from being shunned or financially punished by peers or fans, it often makes me respect those who take the risk of speaking up for what they think is right, even when I think they’re wrong.
Jack Bowen, Fort Worth
Bedford taxes
A substantial increase in property evaluations by the Tarrant Appraisal District has generated a revenue windfall for taxing entities within the district. Many of Bedford’s neighboring cities are considering a property tax rate reduction, which would return a part of this windfall to their taxpayers.
The council in Bedford is considering keeping the city’s tax rate as is, thereby confiscating the revenue increase windfall to satisfy a liberal spending appetite.
Many of Bedford’s Citizens for Responsive Government are saying it may be time for another property tax rollback.
Bob Stewart, Bedford
Ezekiel Elliott
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott openly visited a marijuana shop in Seattle (where it is legal) because he was curious, and he was chastised.
He’s young, still new to the intense public scrutiny he is under, and made a mistake for which he has apologized.
Other players, many of them married, openly visit so-called “gentlemen’s clubs,” which I believe serve alcohol (also legal) and feature scantily clad dancers.
I don’t understand the difference.
Roberta A. Hill, Southlake
Texting/driving
Common sense should override any law about texting while driving.
We have laws against speeding, laws against drunk driving, laws against driving without a license, etc.
Ignorant people are not going to listen.
Every day I read about some drunken driver killing someone, people getting killed due to texting while driving, people on our highways driving 20-40 miles over the speed limit, etc.
What we need is enforcement. As long as we have lawyers and judges who don't enforce the laws, laws are meaningless.
Joe Martinez, Arlington
A recent article on the surge of road deaths failed to mention the number due to talking or texting while driving.
I was nearly hit head-on once and was run out of my lane another time, and another driver ran a stop sign, all in one week. All of these drivers were on the phone, or texting.
Is it that important that you would rather risk other lives than wait? Put the phone down or pull off the road.
Or people like myself will start driving more defensively, before you look up.
Becki Hutchison,
North Richland Hills
Third party
Unreasonable taxation, a national debt approaching $20 trillion and bankrupt cities prove we cannot afford to do everything.
Pandering politicians of both parties play on emotions to buy votes.
Whether or not you believe as I do that Hillary Clinton is a liar or should be indicted, do not vote for more of the same.
Whether or not you believe as I do that Donald Trump is a dangerous, narcissistic fool, do not vote for this kind of change.
Vote for one of the third-party candidates, and vote conservative in the down-ticket races.
Gary Johnson, Fort Worth
This story was originally published September 2, 2016 at 6:31 PM with the headline "National anthem; Bedford taxes; Ezekiel Elliott; texting/driving; third party."