Finally, Benbrook Lake road is closed to dangerous bicyclists. Listen to the public | Opinion
Army Corps needs to listen up
I am pleased to see the Benbrook Lake road closure to cyclists and runners is getting media attention. (July 24, 1A, “Road at Benbrook Lake to close to cyclists, joggers”) I hope the news will increase communication among the Fort Worth District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the public.
The initial public communication from the Army Corps was light on details, and the news story at least elicited a quote from a Corps spokesperson detailing “388 safety infractions.” This story also referred to a public petition that has seen a spike in signatures since publication.
It appears that this news story has helped people find and raise their voices.
- Stephen Kudlaty, Houston
Trans kids aren’t disposable
The Legislature has passed a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youths. They make up a tiny part of Texas kids, but thanks to bullying, a disproportionate of those at risk for suicide. Medical treatments are sometimes required to resolve their issues.
Are our legislators scared of losing an election or just ignorant about what sometimes happens in the delivery room? Either way, this is mean-spirited. Trans youths are loved and valued. Texas does not have any throwaway kids, but we have legislators who need to be replaced.
- Loveta Eastes, Fort Worth
Black kids need better schools
Regarding Ronell Smith’s July 16 commentary “Affirmative action was past its prime. How we can help Black students now” (5C) on the Supreme Court striking down affirmative action: Black people do not need this racist law. What is hurting the poor Black community is the lack of solid schools, as Smith pointed out. What he didn’t point out is who runs the schools in poor Black neighborhoods. The schools are run by Democrats, and it appears they don’t want to educate children.
We can’t fix the problem until we are able to say what it is and how to fix it.
- Gene Tignor, Emory
I blame the migrants for it
I have lived in Texas all of my life. I am getting sick and tired of people whining about how those who enter the country illegally are treated. They have no right to be here unless they go through the proper procedures.
The people of Texas are tired of footing the bill for their illegal acts. The parents of migrant children put them at risk. We do not deserve to be vilified because we want the borders under control. If it were up to me, I would shut the whole border down until control is regained.
- Bobby Hale, Bellevue
Immigration system is outdated
These never-ending political battles over immigration have become yet another sad tale of the decline of a once great nation. Our country was founded on the idea of legal immigration: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” And yet that simple idea has been one our greatest embarrassments.
The immigration system has not worked properly for decades. Applicants have been made to wait years, sometimes decades, for applications to yield citizenship.
Our government spends our tax dollars, ad nauseum, but we can’t seem to repair a broken system. Illegal immigration is not the root of this problem — it is the government’s unwillingness to solve the problem by creating an immigration system for the 21st century.
- Kenneth C. Werner, Arlington
