Disappointed in selection

Latino power

Regarding “Houston Power Couples: These are the city’s 29 most powerful couples,” (Dec. 9): This article began with a quote from Marvin Gaye, and so I would also like to start with a Marvin Gaye quote from another memorable masterpiece of his: “What’s going on?” In a city that is, at 45 percent Latino, home to the largest urban Latino population in Texas, I was appalled by the absence of Latino “power couples” included on the Chronicle’s 29 most powerful couples in Houston. As an educator, activist and community organizer in Houston, I have met multiple Latino “power couples” who have worked for all Houstonians, not just the Latino community, in expanding educational opportunities, investing in small businesses, creating jobs and professional opportunities as well as expanding our growing arts community.

That the Chronicle decided not to include a single Latino couple is both insulting and disappointing. For years, Latinos have labored in the fields, constructed Houston highways, bridges and office buildings, cleaned those office buildings, taught in our schools and owned and managed businesses. Additionally, they have contributed philanthropically to community and worked to make Houston a first-class city. The Chronicle did a disservice to the Latino community and furthered the notion that we are invisible. Houston, we are not invisible — and we are here to stay. Johnny Solis III, Houston

I read with some amusement the article about the “power couples” in Houston. Other than what they do for highprofile charity, play baseball games, etc., I don’t really think about them as power couples. Maybe they donate a lot to charities, I don’t know. They certainly have a lot of money. But when I think about the power couples I know or am aware of, I think of middle-class and poorer families that struggle every day, hold their families together, make sure their children go to school and form the real basis of our city and country. I would like to honor the thousands of

families (including single-parent families) who hold the fabric of our city, state and country together. They are the real power couples. Tim Kavulla, Houston

Crenshaw needs to lead

Regarding “‘Grifters in our midst’: Rep. Dan Crenshaw slams GOP Freedom Caucus,” (Dec. 7): I was encouraged to read that a member of Congress finally came to the forefront and publicly called out members of his own party — those members who make bigotry, racism and violent posts aimed at people in the opposing party their primary contribution to the legislative process. Speaker of the House wannabe Kevin McCarthy can’t seem to be able to garner the courage to take action.

In the same article, it was discouraging to read that the congressman, Dan Crenshaw, refers to Jan. 6 as nothing more than “a political performance for a few opportunist politicians to give a five-minute speech.” Members of Congress take an oath to support and defend the Constitution. This oath is a serious commitment and a matter of honor. It seems, however, this oath has become nothing more than window dressing, not to be taken seriously. As long as Mr. Crenshaw and other political leaders continue to describe Jan. 6 as no big deal, they invite a repeat and violate their oath.

They must condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection for what it actually is — a failed violent attempt to overthrow the government and destroy the Constitution. P. Crane, Conroe

Regarding “Thumbs: Is Dan Crenshaw a maverick or menace to GOP?” (Dec. 10): Rep. Crenshaw could be the Southern

counterpart to Rep. Adam Kinzinger — a practical, commonsense legislator with a stellar war record. His patriotism cannot be questioned.

Instead, as the Chronicle rightly points out, he dithers between real leadership and fealty to a flawed, dangerous ex-president.

Rep. Crenshaw, we once again need your bravery. Do the right thing. Tell it like it is. Reasonable people will listen to you. Orlando N. Campos, Houston

Welcoming city

Scott Simon, host of the NPR Saturday show, owes the Houston area and its inhabitants an apology, in my opinion. In a segment that aired Dec. 11, Mr. Simon was interviewing Brakkton Booker from Politico about the exodus of Black families from historic areas within major cities in the U.S., resulting in changing demographics. All major cities are experiencing this migration, with the exception of Houston, which is seeing an influx of Black families to our city, according to Mr. Booker. Mr. Simon's response to this fact was “...compared to Chicago, the weather is better there — between hurricanes.” I like to think the influx of Black families to Houston is an indication our area is open and welcoming to individuals and families because opportunities exist here for all comers. It is not about the weather — it is about our city. Linda Kay Peterson, Cypress