Letters to the Editor — Criminal justice data, Texas Democrats, masks

Criminal justice data is key

Re: “Justice For All – Revive Dallas County Database to Identify Crime Risks, Improve Bail Systems,” Monday Editorials.

The editorial team rightly focuses on the accurate collection and dissemination of data that is vital to the operation of an effective criminal justice system. This is not just an issue in local courts and prisons. Systems designed to gather information about gun violence remain limited, opaque, and not calibrated or shared between local, state, and state governments.

Without access to objective data, policymakers struggle to develop constitutional and effective policies that can reduce the number of deaths and injuries from firearms, whether from accidents, suicides or violent crimes.

The recent surge in gunfights should underscore the need for a fully functional weapons data infrastructure. A recent report from Health Management Associates puts the cost of repairing and upgrading these systems to less than $ 160 million over five years and less than $ 480 million to fund the necessary research a period of five years.

As Democrats and Republicans debate the upcoming infrastructure laws, we must remember the need to improve our nation’s criminal justice data infrastructure.

Asheley Van Ness, New York City

Director of Criminal Justice, Arnold Ventures

Think of a strike as a strike

Everywhere I read about people’s reactions to the Texas Democrats’ strike, I see the same old discussion points: Legislators quit their jobs to take a taxpayer-funded vacation. Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, I haven’t seen this comparison, which I think fits a lot better: The Texas Democrats are on strike.

If you quit your job, you don’t care what happens there, but on strike you actively protest against your poor working conditions and try to gain outside support for your cause. That is exactly what the Texas Democrats are doing in Washington. Think about it – they are being forced to make laws they find morally obnoxious, and their “boss” (Governor Greg Abbott) cut them (and their employees) ‘pay for refusing to do so. Sounds like a good reason to go on strike to me, but I don’t expect most people who live in Texas to have the “right to work” understand that.

James Urech, Plano

Don’t feel like working with others

Subject: “Back in Austin, Changes Wanted – Rep. Harold Dutton Seeks Concessions on GOP Voting Bill,” News Report, July 21.

In a real democracy, the minority must respect the will of the majority. I am shocked that there are actually politicians in our country who would willingly and immaturely dumb down our political process because they do not accept the will of the majority and are not prepared to work with politicians from the “other” side (s).

Not only is this unprofessional and illegal, but it is also very dangerous for our struggling nation. Kudos to moderate politicians on either side for understanding this and trying to fulfill their constitutionally mandated duties as elected officials and who understand the spirit of compromise. In the words of Abraham Lincoln: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Michael Right, Henderson, New.

Saving the planet requires sacrifice

Despite all of the billionaire space travel coverage, I still have unanswered questions. With the west coast on fire, I would like to know how much fossil fuel these people have put into space and what kind of carbon footprint has been created. It’s easy to say “We will fix the earth” when there are no tax limits on consumption.

If we are to save the planet, all rich, poor and in between must consider what they are willing to give up in order to make the planet livable for future generations.

Cynthia stick, garland

Abbott has no shame

Despite concerns from medical experts, Governor Greg Abbott is doubling. Texas will not have a mask mandate for campus, although that stance is contrary to what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Academy of Pediatrics have been calling for.

This action proves without a doubt that Abbott has no shame. He plays his political base at the expense of teachers and students who may be sick.

I would love to see Abbott stop advertising and do the job he has now. If he does this well, he will likely be re-elected. A mask mandate is needed to protect everyone. Governor Abbott, do the right thing and give a mask mandate.

Katherine Creech, garland

Can’t wait to vote

I am 81 years old and have long been reading the Dallas Morning News. I’ve never been so excited to choose this voting cycle. I think Attorney General Ken Paxton was a shame on his state and his profession.

Don Karns, University Park

Inoculating a gift from God

Subject: “Over 125 Church Camps Have COVID-19” July 7 Metro & Business History.

This article is about a Clear Creek Community Church pastor who reported that 125 of his parishioners, including many children, contracted COVID-19 after a recent ministry. This makes me wonder why so many religious leaders continue to deny the existence, or at least the danger, of the coronavirus? Instead, they could praise God for giving scientists the opportunity to develop a vaccine and then encourage their flocks to use the life-saving gift the Lord has given us. In fact, God gave his people the vaccine, so aren’t they defying God by refusing to accept this gift?

So who loves God more and is more faithful to His teachings – those who welcome his benevolence or those who would deny it? The only question is.

Michael Mills, Irving

Where individual freedom ends

Governor Greg Abbott, what do you fail to understand about the Delta Tribe and the Infectiousness of COVID-19? Their refusal to mandate masks in schools puts not only our children at risk, but also those who come into contact with these children, whether or not the children show signs of active disease.

The freedom of one ends where the freedom of the other begins.

Heather Kupersztoch, Far North Dallas

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