Misplaced priorities
Regarding “Biden and Trump in Texas play political games over border security, immigration,” (March 1): Thanks to Chris Tomlinson for telling it like it is regarding (Gov. Greg) Abbott’s border obsession. It looks like any Republican leader who needs a little momentum can come grandstand at the Texas border. Abbott continues to play to his extreme audience even while he knows that only congressional action can make real change at our borders. He’s happy following the playbook of the Washington Republicans who cry for strong immigration policies only to reject them in favor of continuing a spectacle when they’re offered them. He’s wasting time and money.
Abbott’s obsession with the border and school vouchers are costing Texas taxpayers a fortune. He called four special legislative sessions to ram through school vouchers, which are essentially tax-funded religious education. He was defeated, swore vengeance on Republicans who supported their communities’ public schools, and left our public schools underfunded when we had surplus money.
Texas’ public institutions continue to crumble while our state leaders pursue the extreme positions of donors with deep pockets. It’s past time to start giving them the boot, beginning with those legislators and Supreme Court justices up for election who always favor very narrow religious views or the size of special interest donors’ pockets. Register, get informed and vote to keep our civic institutions strong for our communities.
Pegg y Sweeney, Houston
In a move that underscores misplaced priorities, Gov. (Greg) Abbott has once again demonstrated a concerning inconsistency in his approach to governance. Recently, Abbott rejected federal aid grants aimed at supporting the education and welfare of Texas children, all while doubling down on restrictive abortion policies. This decision reflects a troubling pattern of neglecting the needs of vulnerable Texans while prioritizing divisive political agendas.
At a time when many families are grappling with economic hardship exacerbated by low wages, such callous disregard for the wellbeing of children is unconscionable. Seems like he only wants to protect the unborn, but once they are here, he wants nothing to do with them!
Abbott seems more invested in advancing the ideological agenda of West Texas billionaires than in serving the best interests of the people he was elected to represent. Abbott and state lawmakers must reassess their priorities and refocus their efforts on addressing the real challenges facing Texas families. Stop wasting time and resources on divisive and harmful policies. Prioritize investments in education, health care and social services that will uplift communities and create a brighter future for all Texans. Anything less is a disservice to the people of Texas and a betrayal of the principles of good governance.
P. J. Bailey, Missouri City