Letters to the Editor – Biographies, Abbott’s politics, extreme heat in Texas

What are they reading?

Re: “What are candidates reading? Journalists should find where prospective leaders get their senses of history, humility,” by William McKenzie, Sunday Opinion.

While visiting the Truman Library in Independence, Mo., recently I saw this saying proudly etched into the wall: ”Readers of good books, particularly books of biography and history, are preparing themselves for leadership. Not all readers become leaders, but all leaders must be readers.”

The voting public would be well served if all presidential candidates would submit a list of the memorable books they have read.

Sue Owens, Dallas

Disappointed in Abbott

Re: “Abbott backs Trump’s bid — Endorsement comes as ex-president touts border policy plans,” Monday news story.

I was disappointed to learn that Gov. Greg Abbott endorsed former President Donald Trump. After all, the GOP has a field of candidates who also support the governor’s immigration policies.

Gov. Abbott, I am shocked and disappointed that you would stoop that low. Texans deserve better, and I would hope that you rethink your endorsement. After all, people are judged by whom they claim as their friends.

Andrew Norton, Mesquite

He didn’t do it before?

I have to laugh. Gov. Greg Abbott evidently doesn’t remember history. He said we need a president who is going to secure our border. Abbott seems to be forgetting Donald Trump was president for four years and he didn’t secure the border then. What makes him think a new term would be any different?

Michael Bulkeley, Richardson

Think about the ramifications

Gov. Greg Abbott’s publicly declaring his endorsement of Trump of course comes as no surprise. Like all the leaders of this once-great state, his decisions are based on what he feels will most directly sustain and even bolster his current position.

So, it is to the other hundreds of thousands of Trump supporters that I would direct my thoughts. I hope you have read what his plans are for 2024 if re-elected. And for those of you who can, I would suggest you read the late Madeleine Albright’s book, Fascism: A Warning. And vote carefully.

Paul G. Hill, Garland

Oaths were violated

Re: “Exodus From Washington — Burgess and Granger knew how to behave in Congress; will their replacements?” Sunday editorial.

This editorial about the departure of two North Texas members of Congress ignored the elephant in the room regarding Rep. Michael Burgess: He was one of the 17 members of Congress who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election. Media reports indicate that Rep. Kay Granger was out sick for that vote.

In short, Burgess (and 16 others from Texas) violated his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. I have no doubt that this support of the lie that the election was stolen additionally encouraged the Jan. 6 insurrection.

For years I fully supported Burgess, who was my representative before redistricting. However, his totally partisan vote was a bridge too far for me. He put party over country at that time.

Since then, the peaceful transition of power that our republic has enjoyed is now in question; and without it, we are just a dictatorship waiting to happen.

Carl Rusnok, Keller

Ret. Cmdr., U.S. Navy

No, Texas isn’t helpless

“It’s Not Just The Heat, It’s The Economy — Extreme temperatures present new challenges to productivity in Texas,” Monday editorial.

Your editorial correctly points out the economic costs of a warming Texas, but when you state that “Texas can’t do much about the weather,” your editorial board ignores Texas’ outsize contribution to carbon emissions because of our state’s fossil fuel production. If the Legislature and Railroad Commission would do their jobs and effectively regulate that industry, our state could indeed “do much about the weather,” perhaps more than any other entity on the planet.

Drastically reduced emissions would slow the rate of warming significantly, making our state (and, not insignificantly, the whole planet) more livable and prosperous for all of us.

Amy Boardman Hunt, North Dallas

Victims of petulance

Once again, Gov. Greg Abbott’s petulance and obstinacy are on full display with the latest failure of his voucher proposal. There is no doubt that he is one of the most popular Texas governors, but there comes a time when a leader should listen to the voices of the people expressed through their elected representatives.

Aside from the expense of special sessions, the real victims of this stubbornness are public school teachers, who have been denied a deserved pay raise and resulting in many leaving to the detriment of the public school system.

William F. Sanderson Jr., Dallas/Lakewood

Let Texans vote on school funding

Re: “Fully fund public schools,” by Harriet Blake; and “Let voters decide this,” by Keith Jones, Nov. 19 Letters.

I agree with Blake as well as Jones that our public schools and teachers could flourish if properly funded. So, Gov. Greg Abbott, give us a say on these vouchers. I believe most Texans will not support giving their tax money to anyone in private schools. Dig into those billions in the treasury and fund our public schools properly, please!

Vicki McManus, Plano

We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at [email protected]