Dems hiding the new Biden
Observations on convention
Regarding “Biden is nominated in virtual roll call,” (A1, Aug. 19): For two days I have heard why I shouldn’t vote for President Donald Trump, but I have heard little or nothing why I should vote for former Vice President Joe Biden. I was taught not to throw out the dirty water before I have a clean replacement. As long as I am not given many very good reasons for changing the presidency, I am staying with what I know is working for me. Gunter Frankel, Houston
The DNC did an excellent job of illustrating the pleasant nature of the Joe Biden of yesteryear. However, that is not the Joe Biden currently running for president. The former version does not exist anymore. Therein lies the challenge for the DNC — hide the new, advertise the old. Johnnie Rutledge, Brenham
Many of us, just like the Democratic Party for its convention, have moved into the virtual world during this time of COVID-19. While participating in these virtual experiences one frequently looks at the background scene of those who are appearing virtually. The wall of stacked firewood behind Sen. Bernie Sanders caught my attention when he spoke on Monday evening. I couldn’t help but wonder if he uses firewood that does not release carbon to heat his home. Alternatively, perhaps he realizes that if the Green New Deal is enacted and fracking is banned, he will need to resort to firewood as a heat source during the Vermont winter. Is he being hypocritical and burning all that firewood as a fuel source, or is he just stockpiling it and being well prepared should Joe Biden win the election? Jim Robertson, Houston
Back in school
Regarding “In-person classes will begin in phases,” (A2, Aug. 19): I’m outraged that local ISDs are willing to throw the dice and gamble with the health of our students and teachers, our children and spouses by ignoring CDC recommendations for safely returning to the school environment. What ever happened to our government officials vowing to “follow the science”? We’ve already seen what happened in North Carolina when they opened the university too soon without satisfying any of the benchmarks for doing so safely. David Kelly, Spring Regarding “In-person classes are crucial to universities,” (A21, Aug. 19): I read Robert Zaretsky’s piece and take issue with some of his statements. Most significantly, I believe he understates and underestimates the significant value of virtual online learning in the higher education setting and unfairly overstates the need for face-to-face interaction in higher education. To me, it seems a bit arrogant and unfair to the educators and colleges that truly provide quality online education today. For almost 14 years, I have taught as an adjunct professor at Lone Star College, which has a very strong and effective training program for online instructors. Without a doubt, there is effective learning going on there. In my classes, students engage views in a meaningful way, learn to think critically and write effectively. I am just one of many who achieve the same online. Joseph G. Soliz, Houston