To drip or not to drip?
Regarding “Freeze exposes fragility of water systems,” (A1, April 18): Seems to me that one problem we always have during a freeze is too many people dripping their faucets. The city always tells folks not to do it, plumbers encourage people to do it, and the water pressure falls to near zero. Instead of begging people not to drip their faucets, what if the city supplied everyone with the tool to turn off their water at the meter and instructions on how to do it? That is a much better way to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze and burst, and it would preserve water pressure in the mains. Clearly what we have been doing doesn’t work. Let’s try something different.
Alan Jackson, Houston
The Big Lie
Regarding “The Big Lie,” (A15, April 18): Part I included reference to the Heritage Foundation and its failure to uncover massive voter fraud over the last 15 years, including ballots cast by mail. It is worth noting that this foundation is arguably the most respected conservative think tank in the U.S. If ever there was an organization that would eagerly publicize systemic voter fraud, it is Heritage. But nothing of that sort has been forthcoming. And in that same vein, ex-president Donald Trump’s attorney general, Bill Barr, concluded that an FBI investigation into 2020 widespread voter fraud also found none. The grim reality is that the Chronicle’s editorial board got it exactly right: Republicans in and out of government who are nurturing the “Big Lie” have sold out our country and democracy for the sole purpose of desperately clinging to their dwindling political power.
Marty Adams, Houston
Refreshing words
Regarding “Ex-President Bush weighs in on immigration” (A13, April 17): How refreshing it was to read the words of George W. Bush in the Houston Chronicle on the subject of immigration. How far the Republican Party has strayed from the compassionate empathy of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. and George W. Bush regarding immigration. He correctly stated that both parties are guilty of exploiting the issue though he didn’t state how he felt they did so. They do it to rally their respective bases.
I very much appreciated the stories the former president shared of immigrants’ successes and gratitude for the opportunities America afforded them. Many native-born Americans do not have this appreciation. Sadly, violence against those perceived to be immigrants is on the rise, most notably of late against Asian Americans. What has happened to this country? So much anger and so much hate.
Rob Hellyer, Houston
Thoughts on guns
Regarding “Texas House approves gun bill,” (A1, April 16): I own guns. I love guns. Here is the deal on guns. We need universal background checks on all purchases. No new assault weapons. If you own one, you keep it. That’s it!
PJ McEwan, Houston