Letters to the Editor — Defending Texas, disabled veterans, abortion, housing market, Starbucks
Enjoy your liberal neighbors
Re: “Texas, what’s up?” from Brant Weatherford, Monday Letters.
My suggestion to the letter writer who asks, “Texas, what’s going on?” is to put down roots in Texas and move into your “colorful little northeastern cottage” and enjoy all of your liberal neighbors. We’re fine in Texas!
Colleen Pruitt, Dallas
That’s going on in Texas
Weatherford says he has no answer to his overseas neighbors when they ask him, “What’s going on in Texas?”
Here’s what’s going on: We have a governor who cares more about adult personal freedoms than the safety of all Texans. We have legislators who are more concerned with who plays on which high school sports team or uses which toilet than repairing and properly funding our failing child protection service to take care of the babies and children that no one wants.
We have senators who are more concerned with #freebritney than with immigrants. Unfortunately, the great state of Texas is a real mess.
Tina Sanchez, Dallas / Pleasant Grove
A one-star state
Unfortunately, Texas is losing democracy and voting rights as it wants to remain a “Lone” Star State instead of a “Five” Star State.
Sue Owens, North Dallas
Everyone is moving to Texas
Re: “Rivals don’t have to be enemies – this is what the US can learn from the opposing political models of Texas and California,” by Kenneth P. Miller, Sunday Opinion.
I liked Miller’s article on Texas and California, which is enlightening in its comparison of the pros and cons of each state’s political landscape. But you can analyze all the statistics and forecasts in the world, and at the end of the day there is one singular factor that “trumps” all others: where are people moving? And the state preferred by individuals and businesses and where people are flocking to is Texas.
California, on the other hand, is where people flee. A similar comparison could be made to New York and Illinois, as we see tens of thousands leave a blue state and move into a red one.
In short, these four states show us most clearly that progressive policies, with their excessive regulations and higher taxes, make people “blue” and stop being “blue” when they achieve their preferred goal by “right on red” ” travel. Case closed.
Bruce Davidson, Carrollton
Disabled veteran receives posters
Subject: “A Blow to Disabled Veterans,” by Charles Barnes, letters October 15.
I, too, am a disabled veteran and have DV number plates.
When I got the email from the Veterans Administration announcing the change to Texas Veterans, I took it and the letter the VA sends to the Collin County Tax Office each year with my disability veteran status and assessment Bloomdale Road sends.
The person who helped me took the VA email to a manager who confirmed that the change could be implemented immediately by issuing me a set of two International Symbol of Access (ISA) posters. I could keep one sign in my own vehicle and use the other sign whenever I was in someone else’s vehicle. These posters will expire in September 2025 and will then be extended at my request.
She also told me that starting January 1, 2022, I could request new license plates that would contain both the DV designation and the ISA symbol. There are no fees for these new plates. No medical document is required as the VA letter is sufficient evidence of the disability.
The whole process was completed with courtesy and respect and I was at the door within 10 minutes with both of my posters.
I hope this helps Mr. Barnes and others.
Mary Seabol, Plano
HIPAA violations are expensive
I take no position, either for or against the new abortion ban in Texas. I just want to exude a little logic and common sense. I know anyone with a law degree will say this is too oversimplified, but I’ve always been a sucker for common sense.
If a person files an abortion lawsuit against a woman as required by Senate Law 8, then that person has likely accessed that woman’s privileged health information without her written consent. This is a clear violation of HIPAA.
Violations of this law are enforced by the federal government, and willful violations of HIPAA will result in a fine of $ 50,000 per violation. These cases would be heard in a federal court, not a state. Logic seems to argue that spending $ 50,000 to make $ 10,000 is a bad choice. hipaajournal.com/was-happens-if-you-break-hipaa-rules/
Tim Barnett, Waxahachie
Circle of home buying companies
One day a few weeks ago, I received four unsolicited calls from companies trying to buy my house. I keep telling them the house is not for sale and that I should cross my phone number off their list. After such a conversation, another representative from the same company called. I asked which company they represent and where they are located. Two claim to be in Dallas, one in Austin and one in New Jersey.
Perhaps our ever-vigilant attorney general can investigate these investment vultures that are helping to destroy the Texas real estate market.
James Francis, Carrollton
Where are coffee competitors?
It seems strange to me. If you want a hamburger, you have McDonald’s, Burger King, Jack in the Box, and Wendy’s, plus tons of local restaurants selling them.
If you want chicken, you have Kentucky Fried, Church’s, Popeye’s, and many other options. For tacos there is Taco Bell and Taco Bueno, Fuzzy’s etc. Pizza? Too many to list.
Presumably, all of these companies make good money despite all the competition.
But where do you go when you want to have an expensive coffee? Starbucks, period. (Though a few independent coffee shops have popped up.) There is a Starbucks in almost every mall, roughly every grocery store, and Target stores as well.
Why does this company have almost no competition?
John Vehon, Dallas
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