Dewhurst lie about Patrick will cost him
Re: April 20 PolitiFact Texas Column, “Patrick name change not related to bankruptcy.”
The age-old political ploy to publish a lie about your opponent, knowing full well it is a lie, can have the opposite effect on voters. Yes, some people will read the lie and never hear the truth, possibly leading them to vote against the “lied about” party. However, many voters are more involved in the process today, and they will dig a little further when a really “out there” claim is made. The bottom line: the teller of the lie is the liar. Shame on you, Mr. Dewhurst! Your big fat one just lost you a supporter and gained one for Mr. Patrick!
SUSAN CHAMPAGNE-MILLER, CEDAR PARK
Desert landscaping is long overdue here
Re: April 23 article, “Appropriate landscaping can help us save our water.”
I am so pleased to see Tom Hegemier’s commentary. With large developments going in all over Austin and the surrounding areas (where every house built seems to have the usual turf-grass sodded lawns with sprinkler systems installed), I began to get concerned that builders were not aware of the fact that we are in a serious drought. It is past time to start thinking outside the “landscaping box,” and surprising that such an environmentally progressive area is not already implementing desperately needed changes. We may need to borrow landscaping ideas from our friends in New Mexico and Arizona!
PATRICIA HEARNE, LEANDER
Safer rules needed for chemical businesses
Re: April 23 article, “Safety panel presents findings on West blast.”
Although disaster preparedness and first-responder training is incredibly important, Texas should move more toward disaster prevention by requiring facilities that store, transport, use or manufacture hazardous chemicals are using inherently safer technologies. Public support is on the side of common sense: In October 2013, a national poll by Lake Research Partners showed that a majority of likely Democrat and Republican voters agreed that “the federal government should require chemical facilities to use safer chemicals and processes” when they are effective, available and affordable. Many hazardous chemicals have safer alternatives that can eliminate or greatly reduce the potential for injury or death. In fact, hundreds of facilities have already switched to safer chemicals and processes — like the Clorox Company in their Houston plant. Should we only be preparing for the next disaster, or doing what we can to prevent it?
SARA SMITH, AUSTIN
Is jail cell too hot? Don’t commit crime
Re: April 23 article, “UT report: Prison heat a violation of rights.”
We recently read your article and truly have an issue. First and foremost, what part of “prison” do people not understand? You break the “law of the land”, you go to prison. Why should we the taxpayers make your life comfortable while there? Don’t we pay enough to provide you with a bed, shower, food and oh yeah, lest we forget, you get free medical and access to training and schooling if you want and all on we the taxpayers’ nickel. So if you break the law, do your time and stop crying. Don’t break the law, live at home and pay your own way!
R. L. SANDY COOPER, GEORGETOWN
Speak Your Mind