I remember when Fort Worth Catholics had a loving community and not a bullying bishop | Opinion
Bishop Olson is embarrassing
Bishop Michael Olson is embarrassing all of us Catholics these days with his ongoing feud with the Arlington nuns. (Aug. 22, 1A, “Fort Worth bishop threatens censure of nuns”) Surely there was a better way to handle the situation.
Since he got here, Olson has driven off priests he was jealous of or didn’t like, from parish priests to college chaplains to the administration of Nolan Catholic High School. He got rid of many programs he didn’t like.
It’s his way or the highway.
Once upon a time, the Fort Worth diocese was a loving Christian community that cared about its parishioners and had bishops who weren’t bullies. Olson needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
- Tom McCraw, Fort Worth
Country must come first
Here is the most important highlight of the first Republican presidential primary debate: The candidates were asked to raise their hands if they would support Donald Trump as the Republican nominee if he were convicted of a crime. Six of the eight indicated Trump would have their support. (Aug. 25, 12A, “GOP candidates vie for attention at 1st debate”)
Trump faces four indictments with a total of 91 criminal counts. These are serious charges, including alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and violations of the Espionage Act. Yet these candidates said they would support him for president, even if he is convicted.
For me, when they raised their hands, these six disqualified themselves for further consideration. Only Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson passed.
- Michael Young, Laguna Vista
My debate vote goes to Nikki Haley
Nikki Haley had the winning message in the Republican presidential debate Wednesday night. Her ideas on abortion are correct, providing a reasonable period of time. She stands up for this country’s effort in Ukraine. We can’t stand by and let Europe be overrun like in World War II. This would also force China to change its ways.
Haley tells it like it is.
- Bob Wright, La Vernia
Fix Tarrant appraisal tech
The Star-Telegram’s Jess Hardin has contributed great reporting about the Tarrant Appraisal District’s technological issues. (Aug. 22, 1A, “Tarrant Appraisal IT official suspended after comments”)
I tried early in the year to file my protest about my home’s appraisal online but was unable to access the county’s website.
As a senior citizen living on a fixed income, I chose the old-fashioned way and wrote a letter instead. Within a few days, I received a reply in the mail saying my appraisal had been significantly reduced.
The Texas Legislature should step in and clean house in the appraisal district from top to bottom.
- Shirley D. Wiley, White Settlement
Why ‘Rich Men’ song has power
Oliver Anthony’s country song “Rich Men North of Richmond” resonates in my heart. (Aug. 24, 11A, “Washington deserves the scorn of ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’”) I think it’s because government officials used to tax the rich and give to the poor to get elected or reelected to positions of power, influence and prosperity. Now government officials tax the poor to give to the lazy for the same reasons. The principle hasn’t changed, just the victims.
It also resonates because it points out that the government wants to “know what you think, know what you do” and achieve “total control.” This song puts those rich men north of Richmond on notice that Americans might justly rise up first.
- Russell Rice, Fort Worth
