Unimpressed with economy
The numbers
Regarding “Thursday letters,” (A12, Feb. 7): During the first three years of President Donald Trump, the economy created 193,000 jobs per month. During the last three years of President Barack Obama, it created 225,000 jobs. As for the deficit, under Trump it ballooned by 40 percent. Under Obama it fell by 50 percent. Trump’s economy is creating fewer jobs and larger deficits than Obama’s. This is unwelcome news for those in Trump’s spell. But for those of us who deal in fact, as opposed to fantasy, there’s no reason to be impressed with Trump’s economic performance. Mike Collier, Kingwood
Balloon memorials
Regarding “Officials got tip from driver before tragedy,” (A1, Feb. 8): This was a tragic event, but what is the point of putting a bunch of balloons there? Balloons are non-decomposing litter, and their remnants kill a lot of wildlife. The city should ban balloon memorials as well as celebratory balloon releases. Monica Perin, Sugar Land
Politics today
I am so grateful that my Dad died 10 years ago and did not live to see the state of politics today. Dad absolutely loved politics for all of his adult life. He always carried around a couple of newspapers and would never think of missing the evening news. He was active in local politics and even served a term as mayor of our town. He was an alternate delegate to a political convention. He also had many good friends with totally opposite political views and convictions. He loved nothing more than a good old-fashioned debate with his friends. There was always laughter and respect, but that was then and this is now. Times have certainly changed. Dad’s love of politics was never passed on to this daughter. However, I do try and get my news from multiple sources and stay informed. I also stay out of political discussions, but vote regularly. Sadly, I believe that politics today is nothing more than a necessary evil in a democracy. I think my Dad would be heartbroken. I know I am. Betty Martin, Houston
Alamo Drafthouse
Regarding “Thumbs up, down,” (A15, Feb. 8): Shame on the Houston Chronicle for discounting League City’s opportunity for a new movie venue. Just because Alamo Drafthouse selected another location outside of the 610 Loop doesn’t merit a thumbs down. The Heights and Montrose areas already have enough of a lock on your trendy/hip lists. Thumbs up to Alamo Drafthouse for tossing at least one entertainment crumb to League City for which we suburbanites will not need to drive in the Loop. Scott Grell, League City