Every State Fair of Texas attendee is at risk — because smoking is still A-OK there | Opinion

Smoking at the fair not safe

The operators of the State Fair of Texas claim they are doing everything possible to protect the safety of patrons. If that’s true, smoking would be prohibited on the fairgrounds, without exception.

When I recently contacted the fair operations department, though, I was told that there are no restrictions on outdoor smoking at the fairgrounds.

Toxic tobacco smoke kills 65,000 innocent Americans every year. If the State Fair has any real interest in protecting all patrons, it will immediately prohibit all smoking — indoors or out.

- David Fusco, Arlington

Morality should be our highest ideal

Lord Acton famously said, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” We have seen American politicians corrupted by their power. Fortunately, the Constitution provides checks and balances so that one person cannot have absolute power as a dictator. Unfortunately, we have also seen indications that some politicians would love to become de facto dictators in America.

When powerful politicians say that you should trust them and their cronies but not multiple agencies given constitutional responsibility to monitor them, realize that such politicians are dictator wannabes, not public servants. Power is less likely to corrupt when we elect candidates with a good history of personal morality.

Truly moral people cannot be bought, and they are more likely to make correct decisions about a variety of issues.

- Mike Morris, Fort Worth

Americans need to broaden views

I’ve had this radical thought for some time now of dividing America into conservative states with conservative values and liberal states with liberal values. You could just move to the state that aligned with your values. I’ve also always believed that we are not really divided by race, gender, nationality or any other outward sign, but rather by our values and beliefs.

I’m not sure what the answer is, other than a mandatory service program for two years for every young person in the U.S. to experience other people and develop discipline.

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that many people describe those in the opposing party as more “closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent.” That sounds to me like opposite perspectives and fear of “the other side.”

- Bill Murray, Keller

Biden keeps racking up the wins

While a blustery Donald Trump dominates social media, President Joe Biden has quietly brought real change. Despite a quarreling Congress with poor leadership, Biden has secured lower drug prices under Medicare. Employment is at the highest level in decades. His legislation is bringing infrastructure and jobs. As the popularity of these efforts grow, some lawmakers are taking credit when they did not support the legislation.

Meanwhile, Republicans focus their microscope on Hunter Biden and try to corral their rowdy gang in the House, while a criminally indicted Trump continues to push lies. It’s a real show.

- Loveta Eastes, Fort Worth

School choice is the fix we need

The thought of having to send a child to an underperforming school, full of disruptive students and with bad teachers in an unsafe environment, is a nightmare to caring parents.

The simple concept of picking a school that meets your child’s needs is paramount. School choice is an equalizer. It would expedite improved performance at all schools. Families could vote with their feet and escape bad schools without moving.

Opponents fear the demise of public schools. Poor performers will get smaller, and better performing schools will grow. Over time, better schools will emerge.

The privilege of education will be the focus again. It is one of the most important things we can do for any child. It is the greatest equalizer.

- Frank M. Wagnon, Southlake