Resist the urge to intervene
The rise in the civilian death toll in Afghanistan is tragic and I unfortunately fully expect the Taliban’s reign of terror to return once they take control of the country. Women will be brutally oppressed, rights will be suppressed and the quality of life of all Afghans will drop sharply.
All in all, the US must resist the urge to intervene. Russia spent 14 years fighting a losing battle. The US has spent another 20 years fighting to a standstill while propping up a corrupt government and a weak military. The idea that we would ever force anti-government forces into a ceasefire is ridiculous. Equally far-fetched was the idea that a foreign power would impose a stable regime on a country with military power.
Until the Afghan people unite and fight the oppression of the Taliban and Islamic states and question the culture of the corrupt government, they are doomed to misery. I assume the stories and pictures will be terrifying. It will be difficult not to get involved again, but for a country to thrive, you have to stand on your own two feet. It is time for us to let Afghanistan try.
George Francis, Dallas / Lochwood
Fix help distribution
Re: “CDC Issues New Eviction Ban – After Moratorium Expires, White House Reverses Course After Harsh Criticism,” On The News Wednesday.
I understand the tenants who do not want to be put out on the street. I understand the landlords who still have to pay their bills. And I understand the community in general that no longer wants COVID-19.
I don’t sympathize with a government that has spent less than 7% of the money available to help all of the above ($ 3 billion out of $ 45 billion). Nor do I sympathize with a government that uses such labyrinthine methods that neither tenants nor landlords understand how to use them. This is a state and local issue that can and should be resolved quickly.
Stephen W. McCluer, Far North Dallas
Adjustment for inflation for everyone
Subject: “No Inflation Adjustment Here,” by Bob Crawford, Aug 2nd.
I totally agree with Crawford about a lack of fairness to state pensioners when the Texas legislature approves an inflation-adjusted retirement plan for Texas teachers only.
I have been with Dallas County since March 1986 and have completed pension entitlements. Knowing that my pension will not adjust for inflation, I keep working, which gives my account more money. This is to compensate for the expected devaluation of my monthly pension after my retirement.
If Texas decides to add an inflation hike to the Texas Teachers’ Retirement Plan, that should also be added to the Dallas County’s Pension Plan. Dallas County is in the Texas District & Retirement System, also a statewide plan.
If an increase in inflation is permissible, it should be mandatory for the member states to comply. District employees like me work in high risk environments (prisons), on weekends, nights, holidays, etc. An inflation-adjusted pension would help offset years of loyalty to make our district safer. As a Texas taxpayer, why should I pay for the inflation hike on a Texas teacher’s retirement plan if I am not getting one from my statewide plan?
Janet Lusk, Far North Dallas
IRS unavailable
Subject: “IRS Delays Put Millions In A Cliff,” by Michelle Singletary, Aug. 1 Business Column.
Michelle Singletary’s column on the Internal Revenue Service was a fair assessment of the IRS problems regarding late childcare payments, but she barely addressed the real problem – those of us waiting for our refunds. It has now been three months since I submitted electronically for the first time. I did this because we were reimbursed a substantial sum once in over 20 years. Of course, that wasn’t the whole subject. My wife never received the second or third stimulus payment, so another $ 2,000 went down the rabbit hole.
Singletary is right – it is impossible to contact the IRS in any way. There’s no point in contacting your senators or representatives, I’ve tried Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz of Texas, even US MP Van Taylor, R-Plano, and the answer is Grilling. Too busy to overthrow the government I think.
In reality, the problem is mainly one thing. For the past 40 years, Republicans have changed the IRS’s unwieldy rules and budget cuts to allow businesses and billionaires to avoid taxes. Do you need proof? Watch as the 45th ex-president dragged out his “audit” myth to hide his returns.
Charles Elkins, Plano
Wrong is right with us
Subject: “Even the disciples said, ‘Teach us to pray’ – Four Truths Can Help Us Have More Time with God,” by JD Greear, Aug. 1 statement.
Prayer is talking to ourselves. In this way we reduce fears, awaken hopes, confirm beliefs, build trust, reduce stress, overcome feelings of guilt, shame and insecurity, and alleviate grief and loss.
Millennia of prayer doesn’t seem to have had much influence outside of our personal realm. Pollutants are still poisoning the earth. Thieves, from small to church to corporate, continue to lie and steal. Inequality festers. Compassion did not conquer cruelty. Knowledge did not suppress superstition and ignorance. Technology divided us, not united. Love didn’t drive out hate.
It is our responsibility, not the responsibility of God, to redress the injustices we have created and continue to do.
Ed Soph, Denton
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