Stop pandering, Patrick
Laws to benefit all
Regarding “Patrick rolls out series of upcoming red meat priorities,” (A7, Feb. 25): Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says that the Legislature will focus this term on abortion restrictions, transgender issues and gun rights — all hot button issues for his base. This would be merely comical if we had not just gone through a serious, destructive and costly winter storm. The storm showed us how desperately Texas needs good laws to regulate our power companies. Such laws would benefit all of us, not just pander to a few. I fear we won’t get them. William Nelson, Houston
If Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick succeeds in his effort to require the playing of the StarSpangled Banner before sports events, I fear it will prompt more people to remain seated, if only to show their disgust of him personally and his politicization of the matter. There is no more reason to play the anthem at a sporting event than to play it at the ballet or opera. The practice started in a time of war when baseball players were being drafted. Perhaps people would show more respect for the flag and the anthem if its playing were reserved for patriotic events that represent our country such as July Fourth, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Inauguration Day, services for fallen soldiers and so forth and not played at every sporting event. My guess is that more players are going to kneel or not stand and some fans will stay seated in sympathy. Not playing it would help avoid an escalation of tensions being associated with sports. Why aggravate the problem and hurt sports? Sarah Frates, Houston
Poor plumbing practices
Regarding “Abbott vows ERCOT ‘overhaul,’” (A3, Feb. 25): While the call to action over the Texas power grid is vital, I hope that another issue is addressed with equal passion. The most long-lasting and costly issue impacting many Houstonians is a direct result of poor plumbing practices. Approximately once a decade, Houston has a hard enough freeze to burst pipes. This happens even without a power outage. How can people in the northern states endure negative 40-degree temperatures without a problem, while we have burst pipes when it dips below 20 degrees? I believe the answer is plumbing standards and building codes. Building it right the first time may cost a little more up front, but it saves the cost and inconvenience of emergency repairs or replacement of plumbing, ceilings, walls, carpet and furniture during the entire life of the house. I hope that along with reviewing the winterization requirements of our power plants we can review the requirements for our homes.
Gary Boismier, Houston
BIBLE VERSE
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Proverbs 13:20