This reader has an idea of how to get immigration officers to unmask all on their own.
AFP via Getty
Drop ‘em
I know how to get Immigration and Customs Enforcements agents to remove their masks immediately without presidential intervention, congressional hearings, oversights, bills or new laws.
Just tell the agents they have to wear masks to keep from spreading or contracting COVID-19.
Masks will be lying on the ground everywhere.
– Jay Fuller, Richland Hills
Rising up
Thank you for sharing the story of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw students walking out to protest ICE overreach. (Feb. 9, star-telegram.com, “Eagle Mountain-Saginaw students say admin changed ICE walkout rules, discipline”) Like them, I celebrate the opportunity we have in this nation to make friends with those who neither look like nor speak as we do.
At the Fort Worth medical centers, where I work as a chaplain, the people I meet represent the true and beautiful diversity of Texas. What a privilege it is to serve them.
How sad when we turn away from our shared heritage and turn back our progress toward inclusion and justice. And how brave are our Texas students who rise up for unity and friendship?
– The Rev. Susan Feurzeig, Fort Worth
Not Crockett
Do Democrats really want to win in Texas? Party members’ reactions to the U.S. Senate primary pitting Jasmine Crockett against James Talarico prompted an Atlantic writer to describe Democrats’ actions as “circular-firing-squad behavior.”
The feisty Crockett has real appeal within her party. But she repeatedly voices statements offensive to the state’s conservative majority that just beg for use in attack ads against her.
I like Crockett. But Talarico — a legitimate follower of the biblical Jesus who has proved his political bona fides in the Legislature — presents a message that is much more likely to find favor with Texas voters who have grown disenchanted with the Donald Trump agenda and the harm it does to everyday people.
– Robert Joel Vann, Fort Worth
Positive voice
The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a shining example of how to bring about change in a nonviolent, positive way. (Feb. 18, 7A, “Jesse Jackson, 1941-2026; Influential civil rights icon twice sought presidency”) During his two presidential campaigns, he argued to cut the Pentagon budget while expanding spending for education, housing and health care . It’s an example of promoting what he stood for, rather than railing against something.
Jackson demonstrated how to stand up for what we want and make a plan to achieve it.
He demonstrated this many times and indeed helped bring about positive change in the world. He has been called the “conscience of the nation” and the “great unifier” because he challenged America to be inclusive and establish priorities for the benefit of all.
Jackson implored us to “keep hope alive” and demonstrate respect for all, and through that, he promoted a progressive vision for America. He will be missed.
– Leonard Ellis, Arlington
Not for us
Our mayor and City Council have prioritized tourism, not the needs of the residents of Fort Worth, in recent years. We’ve spent on Stockyards improvements and revamping the convention center and Dickies Arena, all going to special interests.
– Irene Kjornes, Fort Worth