Politics takes center stage
Give him time
Regarding “Trump vowed he would shrink trade gap, but it keeps growing” (Business, Nov. 6):
I would offer that at least he is trying, which no president has done for the last 40-plus years.
I hardly remember even hearing about the trade gap until President Trump exposed it, that and, that the USA pays way more than our share of security organizations we belong to.
Let’s give him another four years to get it done. Linda C. Schneider, Houston
Dogfight to come
Regarding “Republicans push for whistleblower’s identity, agenda” (Nation/ World Nov 7): Really, why are the Republicans so hysterical about the whistleblower’s identity? The cat is out of the bag, Who let it out, and what their motive was is irrelevant. D.R. Wiemer, Houston
Handling the homeless
Regarding “Incredible photos show Abbott-ordered cleanups of homeless camps in Texas” (Chron.com, Nov. 7): I’m in Houston and office near Richmond and 59 and I saw this kind of cleanup last week — the sidewalk under the overpass had been cleared and just huge trash bags bundled up and the walkway was clear — but the homeless remain.
This is a systemic crisis in America — in every large city— and no politicians are talking about viable solutions. Debra Gardner, posted via Facebook
Moral courage
Regarding “I quit DHS because of one person: Trump” (Outlook, Nov. 7): I read Travis Olsen’s essay with a sinking heart. We should all feel saddened that a person of his caliber has decided to leave government service because of serious moral qualms about this administration’s Department of Homeland Security policies.
Olsen clearly articulates our need for immigration law reform, including national security and safety issues. But he also observes that targeting the most vulnerable at our borders, using an enforcement agenda largely devoid of humane considerations, is indecent and contradicts the very principles our country stands upon.
I salute Olsen for his moral courage in refusing to be part of this compromised agenda and thank him for sharing his story. It gives us all much to ponder. Sylvia Sullivan Villarreal, Houston
Medical pipe dream
Both Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren advocate Medicare for All with private health insurance being banned. This is a bad idea for several good reasons.
There are 156 million Americans who have private health insurance and are probably happy with their services.
Making Medicare a monopoly for health care would eliminate competition that could bring better service at lower prices. People should always have a choice about health plans, and which doctor and hospital they prefer. In short, competition is good; monopolies are bad. Jimmy Dunne, Houston