Help the Space Force lift off
Golden opportunity
Regarding “Space Force will start small but let Trump claim big win,” (A25, Dec. 22): Houston has a golden opportunity to take the lead in planning and developing long-term growth as a center for the new Space Force branch of the armed forces. We have Johnson Space Center and NASA, various universities to provide STEM graduates and Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base for resources. There are ample coastal areas to develop and provide launch and recovery sites. Our infrastructure is robust and in place to provide rapid development. I suggest our representatives and economic development boards at the city, county, region and state level prioritize efforts to meet the needs of the Space Force.
Study HISD’s problems
Regarding “HISD at a crossroads: A four-part series by the Editorial Board,” (A13, Dec. 26): There is a need for a clear definition of the problems faced by HISD and other school districts and determination of the requirements for solving the problems and producing quality education results for all student situations. Then a detailed overall plan with the costs associated with those requirements can be developed, and the public will be better informed. Most of the focus seems to be on the school board and the so-called failing schools while essentially all schools in HISD have many of the same student situations. Let’s really understand the problem and not just generalize.
Confidence in Boeing
Regarding “Boeing CEO pushed out amid crisis” (Page A1, Dec. 24): Boeing is seeking a way to regain the public’s confidence in the 737 Max. When I was in the Navy, I was a pilot, and eventually, a squadron test pilot. The Navy had a simple system. Key maintenance men were paid flight pay to fly on aircraft with the test pilot. This resulted in building morale for the troops, confidence from the pilots and collaboration from all parties. Boeing could take a page from the naval aviation playbook. High-level Boeing officials, everyone who is a vice president or higher, could have in their job description that they must fly once every two weeks on a scheduled airliner using a 737 Max for that route. A computer could book the flights so that all the airlines and a significant set of routes would be covered. Boeing will get street cred from the flying public. A hesitant flyer could be handed a compilation of all the flights that the Boeing CEO and his circle of senior buddies took in the past month.
James A. Babb, Friendswood