Attendees hold electric candles as they listen to remarks during a community vigil for remembrance at Rothko Chapel in Houston on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Rothko co-hosted the event with The Institute of Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Spiritual sanctuary
Regarding “The story behind Loro Piana’s ‘A Day in Houston’ ad campaign shot at the Menil and Rothko Chapel,” (July 8): I am shocked, saddened and disturbed by the commercialization of the Rothko Chapel by the current board and director.
This astonishing building and its purpose as a place of prayer, reflection and spiritual sanctuary have been completely prostituted by its handover to ordinary and cheap advertising. The Chapel is a place of solitude or religious ceremony, not as a background for the latest and passing fashion sales of clothing.
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Many others and I, who knew Dominique de Menil as she envisioned bringing this special sanctuary into existence, are both grieving and outraged by this development.
Garland Debner Pohl, Houston
Summer fun
Regarding “Indoor things to do with kids in Houston this summer,” (July 11): This article was great, but you left out one other awesome place to beat the heat: the Harris County Public Library. Their summer reading program, “Unearth a Story,” is filled with activities for children to participate in and they are free! It’s great for the whole family. Check it out.
Susan Greer, Harris County Friends of the Library
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Bill Archer’s legacy
Regarding “Former U.S. Rep. Bill Archer of Texas died on Saturday at 98,” (July 5): On July 8, while reading the Houston Chronicle, I was engulfed by a wave of nostalgia when I read of the death of Bill Archer, who was my Congressman for three decades. I deeply admired him for his commitment to serving our country.
During those years, I could always count on him to represent the opinions of his constituents and not just the position of his party. He believed in fiscal responsibility and held high ethical standards. He knew that in order for Congress to be effective, there must be bipartisan cooperation.
I also admired him for his communication skills. The letters I received from him in reply to my concerns were personally specific and signed by him in ink that still smears. They are special treasures. Now, when I write a letter to my congressman and senators, I rarely get a reply at all. Phone calls frequently end up in a voicemail box that is full.
Finally, I greatly admired the Archer Fellowship Program. In it, one junior from each of the public and private high schools in his congressional district was chosen to receive a totally paid week in Washington. My daughter, Elizabeth, was selected by her high school in March 1993, and that year, there were 24 other students. They were instilled with deep appreciation for the possibilities and promises of our beautiful nation, and I imagine they are all still productive citizens.
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Archer may have been one of a kind, but I hope not. I know I was truly blessed to have him represent me for three decades.
Susan Collins
Regarding “Thank you, Susan Collins, for standing up to ICE — and for Houstonians,” (July 15): I never fail to be dumbstruck by the naivety of the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board. The latest example is their ode to Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who the board holds up as a paragon of virtue for her call for ICE to cease with the non-urgent vehicle stops.
I spend a lot of time in Maine. Collins is up for re-election, and while the Maine Democrats are a hot mess, the GOP sees holding that seat as absolutely critical. The “stand” Collins has taken here is clearly about helping her with Maine voters, and I suspect that before taking this “principled stand,” she had it cleared by the White House and the GOP Senate leadership.
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The editorial board should understand that Texas is not Maine. If it were, then Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton would be joining with Collins in asking for this change in ICE policy. Instead, he and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, and even U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, remain silent, because that is the best place for them to be, given the politics of our state.
Collins is many things, but politically courageous, she is not. As for our senators, let’s just say they know their voters.
Where is the outrage?
Regarding “ICE agents killed a man in the street. Where is Houston’s outrage?,” (July 15):
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In terms of protest, several of us attended the one held at City Hall in the rain. It was sparsely attended. I was disappointed by the lack of organization. It was more like a pep rally. I expected speakers and a march, as we have had at No Kings protests. I also noticed no police presence.
We ALL need to come together in unison to see justice is done. I will do my part.