I’m a pastor. Everyone sees through Greg Abbott’s religious school voucher charade | Opinion
We see the truth on ESAs
As a Lutheran pastor, I believe the church should say something about what’s happening in the public sphere, but the gall of certain religious leaders who encourage a blending of church and state only when it benefits them should be alarming to all.
If empowering parents through educational savings accounts, or ESAs, was truly the goal of Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent visit to Nolan Catholic High School, (April 20, 1A, “Gov. Abbott pushes school vouchers in Fort Worth stop”) I ask: Why make this pitch at a private school? Why not at a public school? Perhaps that would have made it glaringly obvious that Abbott is actively campaigning for children to leave the public schools on which he has so much impact.
Abbott’s ESA campaign should be an embarrassment to him, but we have looked the other way because of possible free money. The church should be above this kind of soul-selling, but here we are.
- Kristin Klade, Fort Worth
No confidence in election denier
So Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare does not rule out hiring an elections administrator who questioned the 2020 election. (April 26, 1A, “Judge: In elections chief hunt, 2020 doubts aren’t ‘disqualifier’”)
What? He’s willing to hire a person who believes in falsehoods? In my book, no such administrator should serve in a capacity that requires integrity and the confidence of the people.
- Dora Gonzales, Arlington
Blocking Texans’ will on guns
Why can’t we vote on 21 for 21?
At a recent Texas House hearing, families of Uvalde’s 21 victims and others voiced their support to raise the age to 21 to purchase an assault rifle like the one used in the mass shooting. Some people waited until 2 a.m. to testify.
The committee’s chairman, state Rep. Ryan Guillen, has not proceeded to move the bill out of the committee, even though big majorities of Texans want to raise the purchase age. (May 2, 8A, “Why can’t Texas GOP put guns in school safety debate?”)
Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action to prevent future mass shootings.
- Glenn Javens, Southlake
Why Republicans love Trump
Ryan Rusak’s April 30 column was mostly correct in its assumptions about Donald Trump’s governing ability. (4C, “To fix Biden messes, GOP needs someone who can truly govern. That’s not Trump”) So, why is Trump leading in the GOP polls?
Trump is crude in his methods and not politically astute, but he is a fighter against the political elite. The support he gets is a reflection of the public anger against bureaucratic and dictatorial policies. Many are tired of being told what type of car they can drive, as well as and policies that are ballooning the federal government and the costs associated with them.
Anger is also palpable over a government that refuses to protect our borders. Our economy is souring with government-fueled inflation, but the government answer is more spending and a level of debt that isn’t sustainable.
When another candidate can understand this anger and propose rational solutions, his or her star will rise above Trump’s.
- Kenneth M. Sapp, Granbury
It’s just an issue of women’s rights
It’s a sad day for women in Fort Worth when their congressman, Rep. Marc Veasey, voted against a bill banning transgender students from competing on girls sports teams at schools. Women have fought hard for their rights and Title IX privileges. Veasey discriminates against Tarrant County girls by tilting sports fields. Our daughters, granddaughters, sisters and nieces should be able to compete equally and fairly.
- Ray Harris, Fort Worth
Teacher led the way for culture
The April 30 Star-Telegram lists an obituary notice for Gerald Liepert. (20A) During his time as the German teacher at Southwest High School, Mr. Liepert organized an exchange program with a school in Rudesheim, Germany, led by Helmut Strotjohann. For many years, these teachers encouraged their students to live with another family and immerse themselves in another language and culture. Two of my sons were fortunate to be a part of it, and four times we welcomed a German student into our home.
Exchange programs seem to have become a thing of the past. I hate to think that one reason is just a lack of interest. Our sons learned that the world is much larger than Fort Worth.
Many thanks, Mr. Liepert, for opening students’ minds to a larger world. And thanks to all teachers who have done the same.
- Diane C. Etzel, Fort Worth
