If Fort Worth schools suppress honest sex ed, then internet porn will teach your kids | Opinion
Parents won’t do it alone
In her Jan. 26 commentary, “Fort Worth ISD must listen to parents, follow law on sex ed,” (11A) state Board of Education member Pat Hardy discussed sex education in Fort Worth schools. In 1981, a group of parents asked me to educate their seventh- and eighth-graders about human sexuality. With parents in the back of the room, I introduced myself with my name and credentials, and invited the young people to write their questions or concerns on index cards.
I read every question. The students were serious. The parents were horrified, embarrassed and disturbed.
Parents teach informally daily by what they say and do — and also by what they don’t say and don’t do. One talk about sex is inadequate to respond to all of their children’s developing needs. Teachers teach formally. If adults are silent, what do teenagers do? They turn to social media, peers and pornography.
Silence breeds teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, depression and suicide.
- Rita Cotterly, Fort Worth
Congress, this is yours to fix
I read with disappointment the Jan. 29 story “Online system to seek asylum in US is quickly overwhelmed” about the “failed” online application system implemented by the Biden administration, designed to allow would-be asylum-seekers to apply for amnesty hearings online without coming through U.S. Customs. So many applied that it crashed the system.
Our asylum laws date back 50 years. Why can’t our new GOP-controlled House design new immigration laws? While Republicans are at it, why not do something about our severe nursing shortages, labor shortages, health care deficiencies, public education systems and the national debt?
Rather than constantly pointing fingers at the left, isn’t it time for GOP leaders to help Americans?
- Owen Daniel, Fort Worth
Neglected, abused babies
In her Jan. 29 column, “Abortion ban meant more babies born, but law needs fixing,” (5C) Nicole Russell states that more babies being born after Texas’ abortion ban is good. She also properly suggests that the law needs clarification.
I wish it were always that simple. Whether because of restrictions on abortions or innumerable other causes, not all babies are wanted and live in secure and loving environments. Poverty, homelessness and child abuse and neglect are too common. A full third of the 15,000 homeless children in Tarrant County are younger than 6, according to a 2019 report.
We should emphasize policies that reduce unwanted pregnancies and provide the basic needs of all children: housing, food, safe environments and medical care.
- Elaine Klos, Fort Worth
Make police clearly visible
Bravo to Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes for condemning the beating death of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers. (Jan. 29, 7A, “Police chiefs in Tarrant County condemn Tyre Nichols beating”) But why does Noakes promote a culture in his own department that allows for secretive police units?
I see more unmarked police cars with faint background lettering than I do clearly marked police vehicles that should be on the streets using their high visibility to deter crime.
If the officer who shot Atatiana Jefferson had just announced he was a police officer, instead of sneaking around and creating a deadly situation, she would still be here today. If an unmarked black SUV similar to what drug dealers drive tries to pull me over, I am not going to stop. It could be impostors or drug dealers.
Police officers should be visible, and they should members of the community that pays them.
- Dave Bodden, Fort Worth
GOP charting the right course
The Star-Telegram Editorial Board is confusing the reality behind the Texas Republicans’ demand for GOP House committee leaders. (Jan. 29, 4C, “What GOP fight on House panels is really about”) Power is required to legislate policy and ideology. State Republican Party Chairman Matt Rinaldi has made this a priority, because any legislation can be stymied if a committee chairperson is not on board.
It’s an exaggeration to say that the “state GOP itself is becoming isolated and irrelevant.” The 2022 election proves the opposite. And the “traditional purpose of parties” is not just to raise money and help candidates get elected. Parties also define ideologies that unite people behind candidates. Why else would parties write platforms?
Finally, “steering a center-right path” is meaningless today. “Center” is so far left from what it was 150 years ago, it would no longer be recognized. The Constitution has not moved as the standard for the right.
- Mark Carter, Benbrook
