The case for online school
Protecting our children
Regarding “HISD to stay online-only for first 6 weeks,” (A1, July 16): As a hospital nurse in the Houston area, and as the mother of two children who have benefited from full-time online learning, I feel strongly that our state needs to invest in virtual education during this unprecedented pandemic.
If you could see the toll this virus has taken on our health care workers, not to mention the harm it has done to patients in the Houston area, then there is no question we need to protect our children, their teachers and all the employees of local schools.
This is a deadly disease that preys on the frail and elderly. But not even the young and healthy are immune. Sending children back to school, and creating petri dishes of infection, is the wrong answer. And schools know this, with many of them suspending in-person learning for the first weeks of the year.
The technology exists to teach children virtually. The state simply needs to make it available to our more than 5 million schoolchildren. They should waive the moratorium on full-time online schools, allow districts to contract with innovative providers, and ensure remote learning is engaging so children can continue to learn, even from the comfort of home. It has worked for my two daughters, and it can work for millions of Texas students during these unprecedented times. Lora Stegner, Houston
Senate race
Regarding “Senate race pits irreverent, incumbent,” (A1, July 16): In my mind the Democratic runoff for challenger to Sen. John Cornyn was not a win/lose between MJ Hegar and Royce West but a win for the Democratic party. That there was a runoff at all says to me we had two strong candidates to choose from. How bad can that be? Yes, West lost, but it was a good and fair contest. West is an experienced legislator, Hegar is up and coming. But now, as a Joe Citizen voter, I want West and Hegar to set aside the election, combine forces like never before, go after and win the real challenge — Cornyn. After that, let’s go take another shot at Sen. Ted Cruz’s seat. (Are you listening, Beto?) It’s time to restore common sense, humanity, decency and the equal and fair application of law to all citizens by our governments locally, statewide and especially in Washington. Robert B. Mack, Humble
Face masks
Regarding “Americans continue to squabble over wearing face masks,” (A7, July 17): You can’t kid me — the governor of Georgia is clearly angling to be the next lieutenant governor of Texas. Clyde Peterson, Houston
BIBLE VERSE
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. Proverbs 27:23-24