Instrument of truth Reassess donations

Re: “Fourth estate a shield as democracy attacked,” Other Views, Wednesday:

I applaud the publication of this op-ed by Rafael Castillo. Throughout the history of the United States, newspapers have cast light on all types of problems and issues. Without their work, solutions would have taken longer or not happened at all. Therefore, the fourth estate is vital to our democracy.

I agree that reading “1984” is a good idea. I would add “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century,” in which Yale historian Timothy Snyder recommends that we choose an institution that supports democracy and actively support it. I have chosen newspapers. I subscribe to the San Antonio Express-News and will continue to do so.

Mary Esther Escobedo

Re: “‘Absolute saint’ works tirelessly for homeless,” San Antonio Stories, Jan. 4:

I found Vincent Davis’ profile of Dianne Talbert, executive director of Communities Under the Bridge, to be moving. In particular, it moved me to double-check my charitable giving in light of Talbert’s exemplary life of service.

Am I donating to groups that pass along the bulk of my donation to those whom they serve? Am I donating to groups that will do the most good for the most people? Might I be able to donate in other ways, like work hours, expertise or care packages at stoplights? And, most importantly, am I giving enough?

I thank Talbert for her inspiration, and I thank Davis for writing about her. What better task for a new year than to think long and hard about how we can do more to help others?

Deborah McNabb