Convention reflections
Democrats take the stage
Regarding “The Democratic convention is missing Latino, Texas voices. That’s a mistake.” (A13, Aug 18): In both editorial and news content, the Chronicle charged the Democratic National Convention with snubbing Texans as well as Latinos. How could you have missed the convention’s emcee, the lovely Eva Longoria Bastón? She was far more than window dressing. She did an excellent job — and she bragged more than once that she was a Texan, a ninth-generation Texan! Cheryl Bolen, Houston
Regarding “Biden brings broad coalition” (A1, Aug. 18): The Chronicle’s placid description of the opening night of the convention does not do the program justice. I’m an independent, but I must say if last night is any indication of what’s to come, hold on to your hats. What a production! Great speakers, interviews with ordinary people, excellent discussions of major issues, music. It had to be the most exciting program on TV Monday night. Much more interesting than an opening night in a convention hall in previous years. The best thing was that they really defined who and what Biden is. He’s been in public life for over 45 years, but how many of us really knew him? Now I feel that I do, with his speech yet to come. Ray Lawrence, Houston
Regarding “Harris is a moderate? That’s not even close” (Aug. 16, A25): While being presented by her party as a moderate, Kamala Harris’ record reflects just the opposite. It was enlightening to read Marc Thiessen’s thoughtful perspective on the possibility that Joe Biden, with decades on the government payroll and appearing to be a centrist, has been selected as a nonthreatening “Trojan horse” candidate who could easily be manipulated by the more radical elements of his party. I am glad that the Chronicle allows such viewpoints to be printed since most of the opinion articles seem to lean in the opposite direction. Thank you. Jo Brown, Houston
A trusted profession
Regarding “Longtime member of Houston police oversight board resigns, saying group provides little scrutiny” (A1, Aug. 18): If police departments in Houston and nationwide want to earn the confidence of the public, they should look to America’s most trusted profession — nursing.
Nurses are consistently rated America’s most trusted profession because we value and prioritize that trust above our own interests. Nurses in Texas are required by law to report other nurses that endanger the public. We answer to immediate supervisors, peer review, hospital quality metrics, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, accrediting bodies and more. Nurses who violate the public’s trust risk being named in a widely read, quarterly journal. We welcome oversight because we exist to protect our community. Lives depend on our excellence and our integrity.
Houston police should also welcome independent oversight. The residents of Houston are expressing through protests and comments that they do not have faith in the police. Houston police must open themselves up to scrutiny and prove that they are behaving in a way that prioritizes the well-being of the public — especially those who are most vulnerable. Houston needs a robust, independent public review body with subpoena power that is beholden to the people. Trust me, I’m a nurse. Molly Cook, Houston