We’re at war with the virus, so we all must fight this enemy
Vaccine mandates
Regarding “Biden’s vaccine rules ignite instant, hot GOP opposition,” (Sept. 10): In response to Biden’s announcement, Rep. Dan Crenshaw tweeted that “mandates are cheap governance.” I’m glad to see that Dan Crenshaw is now concerned about “cheap governance.” I hope that he convinces his friends in the Texas Legislature to quit focusing on policing transgender persons’ bathroom choices, ensuring that teachers don’t talk about critical race theory and attacking tech companies over censorship. I look forward to hearing from the state and national Republican Party about how we can bring Texas into the 21st century with a functioning power grid, updated infrastructure and science-based approaches to public health that keep our economy growing for everyone's benefit.
John Baker, Houston
Conservatives are railing against Biden's vaccine mandate, but should they? In 2020, former President Trump said on national television that we were at war with this virus; not Biden, but Trump. In a war, it's “all hands on deck,” but currently we’re not doing that. Some citizens are actually aiding this “enemy” by refusing to wear a mask or by not getting vaccinated, claiming it’s their constitutional right to do so. If this were a war with bullets flying, you can rest assured that a Republican president and Congress would not hesitate to violate our civil freedoms to defend our nation, implementing a national military draft.
During the Vietnam War draft, some did refuse to serve when drafted, including a former president, but several million did not. Why did most of us serve when drafted? Because we saw it as a duty of being a U.S. citizen. But in 2021, all that matters is what the individual wants, rather than what our nation and neighbors need. Require a mask or vaccination — oh no, you can't violate our rights for that war. Around 47,434 American soldiers died during the 11-year Vietnam War. To date, the war against COVID, which has been going on for less than two years, has claimed at least 658,000 American lives. If any of us think we are not at war with this virus — think again — and think about what the death toll may be in another two years if we all don't start fighting this enemy.
Paul Pieri, Houston
After watching President Biden address the nation regarding his mask mandates, I’m sure he will manage the recent COVID surge with the same precision and aplomb as he did the Afghanistan troop withdrawal.
Bob Fowler, Point Blank
Zero-emission bus fleet
Regarding “Metro commits to zero emission bus fleet, but gives itself years to transition from diesel,” (Aug. 26): Last month, Houston Metro voted to begin purchasing only zero-emission buses by 2030. The Environmental Defense Fund applauds Metro’s bold decision to prioritize a healthier, safer and cleaner world for our kids.
The move to procure a zero-emission fleet is a necessary one in the self-proclaimed “energy capital of the world,” where a warming climate and extreme weather are now the norm. In the face of a hotter world, we cannot just turn our air conditioners up.
Electrifying buses is crucial for slashing harmful emissions from transportation, all while reducing costs. Houston has a persistent problem with unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, or smog. The switch to electric buses will not only address the tailpipe pollution that leads to poor air quality in Houston communities, it will also dramatically decrease those harmful ozone and smog pollutants from Metro’s buses.
Houston’s action demonstrates the leadership needed to deliver on a safer climate, healthier air and smarter cities. Mayors are especially suited to marshal resources and direct departments to take similarly urgent action, as Mayor Turner has done. Leaders in Houston are listening, and the time is ripe for organizations, grassroots groups and other community organizers with ideas to come to the table. The conversation must go bigger, so every decision leads us forward. There’s no time to waste.
Colin Leyden, Texas Political Director,
Environmental Defense Fund