Letters to the Editor -Texas legislators, Sen. Ted Cruz, wokeness, free speech, Bill and Melinda Gates, – The Dallas Morning News

Whats going on in Austin?

What on earth is the matter with our legislators in Austin? They seem to be getting less rational every day. They supposedly stand for less government control in our lives and yet are constantly trying to inhibit womens health choices and now want to control what social studies teachers teach.

They dont want to recognize that good health practices and the availability of them keep all of us healthier. And now, they want anyone to be able to obtain a weapon of violence without bothering to learn how to use it, use it safely or register it with a license.

I used to count the Republicans as good people with just different points of view from me about ways to govern our society, but over the last few years, they just look like they are becoming uncaring, disrespectful people who are getting elected to seek revenge on voters or groups who dont agree with them. My boss used to have a sign on the wall in his office that read, No mans life, liberty or property are safe when the Legislature is in session. Amen.

Sammie Wester, Dallas

Sen. Ted Cruz announces he is done with woke corporations. He wont even take their money. The Texas Legislature wants woke discussions out of schools. U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R.-Calif., says woke has got to stop. School board races all over Dallas and Fort Worth decry wokeness.

What are all these people afraid of? What if we all got woke? What would we understand that threatens some people? Would we understand the dog whistles about immigration? Would we wonder why health care for everyone isnt on the front burner of public policy? Would we see how energy tycoons build on the cheap prices in deregulated markets and send the bill for faulty construction to the public? Would we see how crafty politicians trick us with race and hate? Might we come face to face with some uncomfortable truths? What might change?

We can know for sure that with Cruz, McCarthy and the Texas Legislature all up in arms, they are scared of something.

Scott Elphingstone, Dallas

Being woke seems to be the bugaboo du jour of the right, when it is indeed about the abhorrence of certain actions and the awareness of consequences. Many of us are woke, while others seem to be asleep at the wheel.

Kate French, Waxahachie

Re: Threats: crime or free speech? North Texan latest in court over posts encouraging violence against politicians, Monday news story.

Was it a crime or free speech when rap musicians produced songs celebrating the killing of cops? When U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D.-Calif., called for harassment of former President Donald Trumps Cabinet officials? When Senate leader Charles Schumer, D.-N.Y., threatened two Supreme Court justices? When comedian Kathy Griffin posed with a mock Trump decapitation?

It seems when Democrats threaten public officials it is free speech, but it is a crime for any ordinary citizen to threaten a Democrat.

Ken Ashby, Dallas

Re: Bill, Melinda Gates announce divorce Couples joint statement goes out to 57 million followers on Twitter, Tuesday Metro & Business story.

What sad news about the Gates marriage. They and their foundation have made such a monumental difference in the world saving lives and lifting people out of poverty.

As an advocate for ending global poverty, our local RESULTS group dissects their annual letter about the state of global health and gender equality issues. We always learn from it. The Dallas Morning News selection of Melinda Gates as the 2020 Texan of the Year was a well deserved recognition. Thank you!

The pandemic has set global health progress back decades. It has also made Americans realize the importance of investing, if not for moral reasons then for our national security. A pandemic knows no borders.

We can all ask Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to sign letters of support for robust funding for global maternal and child health, nutrition and education currently circulating in the Senate. Be inspired by the work of Bill and Melinda and make your voice heard.

Margaret Smith, Dallas/Turtle Creek

Re: Texas is keeping secrets about the winter electricity meltdown, by Dave Lieber, April 30 Metro & Business column.

Lieber does it once again! Please, please, Dave, run for governor!

Go back and read this column. Other states were affected by our winter fiasco: Minnesota, Arkansas and Oklahoma, and also part of Mexico. Believe it or not, no one has called for a true investigation.

Until Liebers revelations, we didnt know who all was in the room when the decision was made to keep the cap on, which crashed the system. Still no one knows what really happened only that a huge cover-up took place. Gov. Greg Abbott, his energy adviser Ryland Ramos and PUC chairwoman DeAnn Walker must be held accountable for what happened. And guess whos going to pay for their greed? We, the taxpayers, with add-on fees. Sit back and watch.

Judy Webster, Plano

I am 66 years old and marched for equal rights for myself as a woman in 1982. I am floored that my gender as well as people of color still do not receive equal wages. Forty years have gone by while we are still treated as lesser. Enough! It is well past time, and the Paycheck Fairness Act must be passed now.

I am disgusted at how many Republicans voted against it in the House. Its beyond time for change and if the Republican Party is going to survive, it will have to come into the 21st century. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz need to vote to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act of 2021.

Patty Walnick, Far North Dallas

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Letters to the Editor -Texas legislators, Sen. Ted Cruz, wokeness, free speech, Bill and Melinda Gates, - The Dallas Morning News