Fundraising texts
On July 20, I made a contribution to the James Talarico senatorial campaign through a text solicitation. Beginning the following day, I began receiving an unprecedented volume of Republican fundraising texts from numerous phone numbers and organizations, many of them marked GOP.
Many used urgent or coercive language, and I have preserved the messages. They often falsely claim they come from a Republicans.
Article continues below this ad
I am seeking to understand how my number entered this fundraising network, and what, if anything, can be done to stop the texts. This phenomenon has taken over my phone. I can screen out texts in my contact list, but this means that many other legitimate texts get missed.
I can’t be the only person that has been targeted in this matter. Are there others, and should this be shared with the public?
Don’t drink and drive campaign
Re: “CBS sidelines Romo — Former Cowboy on leave ‘until further notice’ following arrest,” Saturday SportsDay story.
Article continues below this ad
In my youth, I was a reckless drinker with my share of embarrassing public incidents. I only escaped two DUIs in my 1978 Z-28 Camaro 4-speed because two different police officers showed me mercy.
Years later, I spent three sober years owning and operating a bar and liquor store, witnessing the heartbreaking realities of alcohol abuse firsthand. This dual perspective shapes how I view CBS Sports’ recent decision to indefinitely suspend former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo following his DUI arrest.
While his actions were dangerous, an indefinite suspension feels overly harsh. CBS should reinstate him soon and use a fraction of its massive alcohol advertising revenue to fund a meaningful “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign.
Mike Sawyer, Denver, Colo.
Housing vouchers needed
Re: “Housing costs squeeze renters — Survey shows some Texans are considering moving as affordability concerns grow,” July 25 news story.
Article continues below this ad
As a Dallas resident and community advocate, I read with concern that nearly 1 in 5 Texans are considering leaving the state due to rising housing costs. This isn’t just a headline — it’s a crisis reshaping families’ futures. Texas’s economic rise over the past two decades has been fueled by an unmatched draw: affordability. Millions of workers and businesses relocated here from higher-cost states, building one of the nation’s strongest economies on the promise of a livable cost of living. Expanding federal housing voucher programs would protect this advantage, helping working families, veterans and essential workers stay rooted here rather than seeking affordability elsewhere. I urge Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn to prioritize housing voucher funding. Texas’ economic future depends on it.
Bukekile Dube, Dallas/Turtle Creek
LBJ’s legislation
Re: “The civil rights victories we often forget,” by Peter Johnson, Friday Opinion.
The photo that ran with Johnson’s column of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the act that created Medicare and Medicaid was a startling reminder of just how different the political scene is today. Seated by the president is former President Harry S. Truman witnessing the signature at the formal ceremony in Missouri. Standing behind the men looking congenial are the first ladies and Johnson’s vice president, Hubert Humphrey.
Article continues below this ad
In more recent years, there have been few settings that included former personages with the current officeholder, especially to put into law legislation passed by Congress in support of programs to help American citizens. Certainly, there has been nothing that gave recognition or awareness to anyone previously serving in the White House or to acknowledge those who may have been involved with proposed programs or legislation.
While one may question aspects of LBJ’s presidency, the remarkable effects of his legislative program have been immense and long-lasting.
V. C. Patterson, Carrollton
Mourning Carrollton soldier
I vividly remember the Vietnam conflict. At the beginning of the war, there was no draft. The draft was activated, and I have memories of deaths of friends. The impact of the experience on those who served is with me to this day
Article continues below this ad
My youngest son served eight years in the U.S. Navy. He signed his enlistment papers on Sept. 10, 2001. During this time, he was deployed five times to the Persian Gulf. He is the only member of our families of his generation who has served in the military
Between my husband and me at the present time, we have a total of 14 great nephews or grandsons who are/or will be of draft age. It terrifies me to hear rumors that the draft might be reinstated
I feel for the family of Pvt. Isabella Gonzales. She volunteered for the service. May her family and friends find peace
Thank you, Isabella Gonzales. May you be one of our few sacrifices
Pat Altschuler, North Dallas
Article continues below this ad
Distribute funds impartially
Re: “Trump administration admits grants for clean energy were canceled based on politics,” online story.
Federal grants should be awarded fairly and according to the law, not based on which presidential candidate a state supported. Americans in every state pay federal taxes and deserve an equal opportunity to benefit from programs that strengthen our energy system, create jobs, and help keep electricity affordable.
When funding is canceled or withheld for political reasons, it is communities, businesses and families who bear the consequences.
Letters to the EditorSubmit a letter to the editor
We want to hear from you.
Grant decisions should be based on objective standards such as need, project quality, cost-effectiveness and public benefit. Those criteria should apply equally whether a state is red, blue or purple.
Our democracy works best when public remericans, and they should be invested where they deliver the greatest benefit. Period.
Andrea Christgau, Keller
