Anti-Muslim ‘Texas Family Project’ targets GOP state reps. That doesn’t help children | Opinion

Hateful rhetoric, not helping kids

In his Feb. 4 commentary “Why the flap over Swift? Because griping works in politics,” (1C) Bud Kennedy describes the complaining and resentment that are powerful tools in politics. It doesn’t matter if there is meaningful truth involved or solutions presented.

For example, I have received in the mail twice flyers from a group called the Texas Family Project. The nonsense accuses Republican state Rep. Stephanie Klick of siding with Muslims in her voting pattern.

This hateful rhetoric has nothing to do with Texas families. And if the group represented families, it would be seeking the best ways to educate all children, provide functional day care and ensure food security and safety for children and families.

The only way to have any impact on this trashy side of politics is to call it out. And Kennedy does his best to do this.

- Penny Baxter, North Richland Hills

How does Paxton pull it off?

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton clearly does not want to be deposed or testify under oath, (Feb. 7, 17A, “Justice delayed as court halts AG Paxton’s trial deposition”) and there can only be one reason: He would have to either incriminate himself or commit perjury. Any reasonable person would assume that his delaying tactics indicate that he is guilty of the charges against him.

His nefarious behavior is nothing new, but how was he so handily reelected? Do reasonable Texans buy that the Donald Trump “witch hunt” scenario applies to Paxton?

- Owen Daniel, Fort Worth

Caring for those most in need

Many thanks for the article Feb. 4 about Fort Worth’s street medicine team. (4A, “Help is on the way; Team of dedicated health care workers are a literal lifeline for Fort Worth’s unhoused population”) These professionals who choose to take their skill and training onto the streets are proof that there truly are angels among us.

I pray God continues to bless their work. Great story.

- Diane Etzel, Fort Worth

Texas will always be red

Regarding Ryan Rusak’s Feb. 4 column, “Texas at center of 2024 election even without being a swing state,” (4C) Texas is still significant to the national conversation.

Our abortion laws reflect the conservative values of many Texans, and it is because we cherish all life and believe there is value and potential in the children who are not given a chance to live. Busing migrants to sanctuary cities may seem controversial, but it sends a clear message that Texas is willing to take action when the federal government does not.

Sen. Ted Cruz has proved he will defend and protect the will of the majority of Texans. Rep. Colin Allred has not.

Texas will not turn blue. The Democratic Party is heavily influenced by progressives, and most people don’t like it. Texas will reaffirm its conservative values in the coming election.

- Elizabeth Thompson, Saginaw

Let the pros educate children

As a Fort Worth ISD mom, I’m writing to raise awareness about the threat religious extremist groups pose to our school district. While these groups divert attention from student outcomes and threaten board members, I am increasingly concerned about their efforts to ban books and curricula that represent people from diverse cultures, beliefs and sexual orientations, as so many Fort Worthians are.

Research shows that reading a variety of books leads students to higher reading scores, deeper engagement in school, reduced propensity for risky behavior and stronger connections with classmates and family. Please support teachers and librarians trained to decide which books are appropriate — without infringing on parents’ rights to limit access to books for their own children.

Please encourage board trustees to respect our families and adopt the policy proposals we have submitted to the district to reduce outside influence.

- Sabrina Ball, Fort Worth