Pulling SNAP is political cruelty
Re: “Hunger waits if families lose benefits — Pantries, food banks brace for bigger demand,” Monday news story.
As SNAP funding expires, nearly 42 million Americans face hunger — not due to scarcity, but political choice. House Speaker Mike Johnson claims $5 billion in contingency funds are “not legally available,” yet 214 lawmakers disagree, calling this inaction a “gross dereliction of responsibility.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Trump loyalist Brooke Rollins, refuses to act, despite clear authority.
This isn’t fiscal prudence — it’s political cruelty. Hunger is being weaponized to force ideological concessions, echoing authoritarian regimes that use deprivation to suppress dissent. Families shouldn’t have to choose between feeding their children or themselves because leaders refuse to act.
Delaying food assistance isn’t a budget issue — it’s a moral failure. Americans deserve a government that protects, not punishes, its most vulnerable.
Opinion
Brian Scott Angerer, Garland
Leave Discovery in D.C.
Re: “A Texas-sized fight for Discovery’s future — Feud over orbiter draws in lawmakers, experts, astronauts,” Sunday news story.
At a time when people in Texas are struggling to make ends meet, Republican lawmakers are pushing the idea of moving the space shuttle Discovery from D.C to Houston at an exorbitant price ranging from $120 million to $150 million.
It is estimated that the 1,300-mile trip would have an adverse effect on the shuttle, permanently damaging its historical significance.
During a recent trip to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, my wife and I were extremely impressed by the shuttle and the special hangar to accommodate the vehicle, along with the complementary exhibits.
Instead of spending $150 million on this ridiculous notion, let’s focus on the important issues plaguing our state, such as food insecurity, affordable housing and health care.
Richard S. Gaca, Keller
Vote for RISD bonds
Re: “Invest in every child with bond vote — Richardson ISD schools shape the community we want to have,” by Matt Jacob, Monday Opinion.
I have recently seen a couple of negative letters to the editor urging voters to vote “no” on the Richardson ISD bonds to improve schools, and specifically against Proposition A.
So I was very pleased to read the positive column from Jacob explaining why it is very important for all three propositions (A, B, and C) to pass. The district has been very transparent about exactly how the money will be spent. It is on its website.
As Jacob states, a great deal of time, effort and thought went into these proposals. Richardson is an inner ring suburb, and its schools are aging. They desperately need major updates, maintenance and new construction — not to mention the new safety requirements now mandated by the state.
RISD has always been known for excellent schools, so I strongly urge Richardson voters to vote “yes” for all three propositions on the ballot to keep their schools among the best. This would be a “win-win” because better schools attract homebuyers and new businesses.
Kimberly Mercer, Richardson
Follow the downtown exodus
AT&T, the largest employer in downtown Dallas, and 37th on the Fortune 500 list, is searching for a new headquarters location and — surprise — downtown Dallas apparently isn’t on the list.
Uh-oh. The loss of AT&T, which occupies 2 million square feet of office space with 6,000 employees in the Dallas central business district, would be devastating.
It would tower over other recent corporate departures, perhaps even ringing the bell for further corporate exodus. The loss of AT&T may result in a 30% drop in property values.
But have no fear, “Dallas leaders have pledged they will work to keep AT&T in the city.” The proverbial kiss of death.
How’d that work for Neiman Marcus? Comerica Bank? The law firm K&L Gates, and other large corporate departures? We bungled luring the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, and now stand to lose the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars.
This moment has been coming for years. And yet, what has the city of Dallas done to improve the safety, security and upkeep of downtown Dallas? Nothing. Look at the failure that is Fair Park.
Downtown Dallas will soon be Dallas in name only. Want to see what it could have been? Go to Arlington, Frisco and Plano.
Guy Mercurio, Dallas
Vote against Prop 15
I strongly disagree with your recommendation to vote for Proposition 15, the constitutional amendment regarding parental rights. It is hard to argue against parental rights, and that’s not my concern.
I’m arguing for the rights of the child and the greater society. The final version of the amendment is one paragraph, just affirming the parent’s rights. An earlier version of the amendment had a provision for governmental interference when “essential to further a compelling governmental interest.”
There is no such protection in the final version of the amendment. The rights of the parents are absolute, there is no provision for protecting the rights of the child. I urge you to look further at the wording of the amendment and reconsider your recommendation.
Beverly Patrick, Dallas
Rossini to the rescue
Re: “Who’s to blame when a gang hangs out at a store?” by Robert Wilonsky, Sept. 17 Opinion.
My local Fort Worth 7-Eleven plays opera music on the outdoor speakers at high volume. It seems to keep loiterers away.
Yvonne Rubenstein, Fort Worth