Opinion: Elections are the worst method of picking judges except for all the others – Houston Chronicle

Regarding Texas Chief Justice Hecht is a champion of judicial reform. Now hes Exhibit A. (July 30: The debate over the election of judges recalls Winston Churchills famous quote that democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others. When I began my service as a commissioner on the legislatively-created 2020 Commission for Judicial Selection, I was convinced we needed to change our system of electing judges. But, as we researched other methods and heard testimony about the alternatives, I concluded that while our system of electing judges is flawed, no other system is clearly better. And some are much worse. I also came to appreciate more fully the integrity of our Texas judges, regardless of how they are selected.

Also, the article mentions our Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, who has ably led our judiciary with integrity. It is worth noting that he is a proponent of changing our elective system. I respect that point of view which roughly half the members of the commission voted in favor of. Nonetheless, few disagree that determining the best method of selecting Texas judges raises many complex issues.

Lynn Liberato, Houston

Regarding They went to hell and back for us on Jan. 6. The least we can do is listen. (July 27): Listening to the voices of the four Capitol police officers recounting their painful memories of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol should be enough to bring us together, determined to understand how such a challenge to the foundations to our democracy could happen and committed to a united effort to assuring it does not happen again. As a first time guest in Houston, I am grateful to the Houston Chronicle for publishing such a timely and powerful editorial. You gave us access to four police officers who represent real life heroes and voiced a clarion call we should all heed.

Grant Revell, Mechanicsville, Va.

What occurred on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C. was awful. However, the riots across America in 2020 and the hostility toward so many of our patriotic people of all races, colors and genders was barbaric and dishonored our patriotic country. This is not just what people do or a myth. Every one of these violent demonstrations did occur and a great deal of harm to America resulted from the actions of those that have no regard for others, their properties and their values. Never again should riots be how we deal with the issues that our amazing nation encounters. Lets all take a breath and eloquently voice a protest in challenge of an issue going forward to illuminate a better and more just solution by we the people in a dignified and respectful manner.

Robert Petty, Houston

Democrats along with carefully selected Republicans who previously voted for Trumps impeachment are staging political theater which theyve labeled hearings. If the hearings were actually seeking answers to serious and lingering questions about exactly what happened and why, then I might support them, but whats actually going on is something else altogether. Were there some Trump supporters who broke the law by forcibly entering the Capitol building, damaging property and threatening people? Of course weve all seen the videos. So wed already established that there are some crazies who showed up at Trumps rally and then broke the law. Theyre being prosecuted for their crimes.

My humble suggestion is that Congress instead should spend its time and energy recognizing and addressing the concerns shared by the half of Americans who have supported Trumps America First agenda. Even if Congress succeeds in keeping Trump off the ballot in 2024, someone will take Trumps place to represent these Americans. The Trump movement is not a cult of personality as some clueless liberals continually chant, but rather its a wakening of a silent majority no longer silent. It will not go away even if Trump does.

Greg Groh, Houston

Despite loud protests and diversionary hype, the facts of the U.S. Capitol siege are under the microscope. Now, we must have the subpoena power of Congress require individuals to appear in person. Position them before the committee, in full view of the public and ask those questions that need answers. Play their videos, display their speeches and writings expressing a consistent viewpoint. Scan the army of attorneys at their side as they invoke their Fifth Amendment rights. Provide us all the opportunity to see and hear these witnesses, weigh what they are saying and when they refuse to speak up. That will speak volumes.

Cliff Boden, Humble

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Opinion: Elections are the worst method of picking judges except for all the others - Houston Chronicle