Examining migrant issues

Beto on the border

Regarding “Beto O’Rourke: Members of Guard should not be political pawns,” ( Jan. 2), I find it interesting that Beto O’Rourke finds numerous reasons to criticize Gov. Greg Abbott’s deployment of the National Guard in order to support those charged with enforcing the sanctity of our national border. However, nowhere in his comments does he even acknowledge that we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis where human traffickers and drug cartels are feeding unprecedented numbers of illegal migrants and huge amounts of deadly drugs into our country. Jim Robertson, Houston

While Beto O’Rourke may be correct in pointing out issues with the deployment of the Texas National Guard to the border, he fails to recognize the need for such a deployment is the direct result of the failed border policies of Beto himself and many of his Democratic allies, including the current occupant of the White House. Beto himself said, “We don’t need any walls,” that would be built “to solve a problem we don’t have” and “I’d take down that wall.” Where do policies like that take us? I think we can clearly see where such policies are taking us when you look at what is happening on our southern border.

Come November, the voters of Texas will have a clear choice. The can choose the young, hip guy whose failed policies mirror those of the disastrous Biden administration or they can choose to stay with the one they know who has continued conservative policies that have people freely coming to Texas while fleeing areas ruined by years of failed Democratic policies that Beto himself endorses and would seek to implement here. Choose wisely! Tim Graney, Katy

Abbott and COVID

Regarding “Editorial: Finally, he gets it. Abbott taps Biden to slow Texas omicron surge,” ( Jan. 4): Gov. Greg Abbott called on the federal government to send to Texas another shipment of therapies to treat coronavirus patients. While he and Attorney General Ken Paxton work 24/7 pursuing legal battles with the Biden administration to obstruct perfectly reasonable vaccine mandates and masking rules that protect all of us, Abbott pleads

for Biden to come to his rescue when the virus rages out of control as it is sure to do with Abbott’s laissez-faire leadership on coronavirus mitigation. That kind of duplicitous dealing takes unmitigated gall, even for a groveling Trump sycophant. I think the solution to the shortage of effective COVID medications is a rationing protocol: (1) fully vaccinated patients will have access to such therapeutics, and (2) Texans that follow Abbott and Paxton down the yellow brick road of denial will receive a gallon of Clorox and all the Ivermectin tablets they request. Those traveling that road will be roundworm-free in no time and happy as clams; and, of course, free. Patrick J. Killman, Spring

Preschool teachers, degrees

Regarding “Opinion: Why require college degrees for preschool teachers?” (Dec. 29): Of course, kind, loving, encouraging people without college degrees can be wonderful caregivers for young children. Someone who values children, not as miniatures who are moving toward adulthood, but as humans already worthy of respect, concern and support, makes a profound difference in that child's life. Over the years, I've had wonderful coworkers, degreed or not, who did exactly that. However, in addition to the love and validation all classroom staff can offer, young children need people who are professionally educated, who take courses in child development — the social, emotional and cognitive growth of our population aged 5 and younger. Curriculum planning, behavioral guidance and a solid grasp of physical growth are all vital aspects of an early childhood degree.

Yes, employing a degreed teacher is more expensive. Actually, any childcare worker should participate in yearly training and attend continuing education

classes and receive higher compensation accordingly. Other countries support that. Countries less wealthy than this one. Countries that understand the value of helping all children grow and flourish. One day we will be gone and our country will depend on a new generation. It is our responsibility, and should be our desire, to do all we can now to give those who follow us every tool possible to be successful in every aspect of their lives. Investment in human beings tells a community's story. Even with the wealth and power this community has accrued, I must wonder what ours will be. Carol Godell, Spring

Charging stations

Regarding “Tomlinson: Why the world will need more oil as consumers buy more electric cars,” ( Jan. 5): We were seriously considering the Tesla SUV in 2017 for our newest vehicle purchase, but knowing we had some road trips planned in our retirement opted for a Toyota Highlander Hybrid instead after plotting out where charging stations existed along our planned route. We love our hybrid and have already taken it on a couple of those trips, but it cost nearly what the Tesla would have been along with a quick charging system installation in our garage, not to mention what we paid for gas on the trips. Too bad the infrastructure now planned wasn’t available in 2017 or we’d be driving all electric now with zero emissions and no gasoline costs at all. David Kelly, Spring

BIBLE VERSE

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:9