Regarding “The opinions you hate belong in the Houston Chronicle,” (July 27): Thank you to Evan Mintz for his article in the July 29 edition of the Chronicle. It does appear that today’s editorial consumer is hoping to only read articles and arguments that confirm their opinion and worldview.
As a 62-year-old Republican, I feel many of my party are unwilling to listen to attempts to persuade them to an alternate opinion. However, this characteristic is not exclusively a trait of conservative-thinking people; many of my college friends appear unable to even conceive that there is any justification for any of the conservative feelings regarding immigration and border control and law enforcement, among other issues. I believe the biggest problem in the political discourse these days centers around an inability to “disagree agreeably.”
Although I may disagree with many progressive opinions, I am glad to be informed of the basis and rationale for those opinions. I value the discussions I have had with my daughters as they have enlightened me on some topics on which I originally held a contrary opinion to what I do now. When politicians who change their minds are labeled as “wishy-washy” or as “flip-floppers,” or worse, “disloyal,” it makes me wonder, “why do we have political discourse at all?” Isn’t the whole point to try to convince the other side that they may want to consider a different viewpoint?
Chris Kohnhorst, The Woodlands
Mintz writes in the Houston Chronicle that his opinion pages are dedicated to “seeking out voices that reflected the full diversity of our city.”
I have seen almost no coverage of anything but those articles supporting the progressive approach. For example, I have read no fewer than 6 multi-page, sad stories about people here illegally who have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Very sad. And yet, they were here illegally.
I might believe that you were trying to be fair if you published even one multi-page life story of a rapist or murderer here illegally who was picked up and deported. Write up a front-page story on what they did in their home country, how they got here and what they did here. It should be very detailed, as the heart-string-pulling ones have been.
Armin Denise Porter, Houston
I agree with your opinion 100%. I am old school and read the printed edition every day. I do not engage in any social media because I dislike how the algorithms feed you only what you like and not necessarily what you should know. The trolls are horrible, also. There’s too much nastiness and no actual engagement with others.
I love Houston for its diversity. I may not agree with some of the opinions expressed in the Houston Chronicle — like Kenny Webster — but I respect you and the others in your group for offering different points of view. I also read the Texas Tribune every day, and I appreciate their well-balanced reporting.