Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, long cautious in addressing corruption allegations against Attorney General Ken Paxton by his former aides, made a strong statement last week in support of him.
Regarding “Abbott, Patrick urge Texas Supreme Court to take up Paxton’s challenge to whistleblower law,” (April 26): This piece of news was so rich it made me sick to my stomach. I forced myself to read it because Ken Paxton seems to be protected by some sort of Teflon. With all the different accusations and lawsuits against him, one would think something would stick. Nevertheless, Paxton’s far-from-impeccable record of years of litigations apparently has inspired Lt. Gov. Patrick to endorse him and say, “Texans can’t find a more ardent defender of the people’s rights.” I ask, what people — other than his cronies?
Regarding “Hidalgo’s aides,” (May 1): I just read a letter to the editor from David Jones about his position on Judge Hidalgo’s aides being kept in their positions while being investigated. I immediately thought about Attorney General Paxton who was indicted 7 years ago and never tried and I just laughed and laughed.
Regarding “It's Teacher Appreciation Week. Here's what Houston teachers say they really want.” (May 2): You know, every year when teacher appreciation comes around, I see all these amazing gifts that teachers receive. Then I think about those of us who do the dirty work in education. The ones who work with students who experience significant behavioral challenges. We’re less likely to win a “teacher of the year” award or to be recognized for having superb changes in our data. There is no standardized test that measures how effective the behavior teacher has been in keeping the student everyone fears from tearing up the school.
These are the teachers who are implementing countless interventions to change a student’s thought pattern and build their problem-solving skills in the hopes that they won’t go out and turn their misunderstood disability into a life of crime. It’s always rewarding when a kid says, “Somebody came at me sideways today, but I walked away. I walked away because I remembered what you told me.”
When I decided to fulfill my purpose and become an adaptive behavior teacher, I knew the rewards I would receive would be worth so much more than monetary value. It was a difficult decision to join a profession that gets such a black eye in a capitalist country that measures value based on the ability to generate revenue. Yet, nothing compares to the comfort I can give a parent who feels their child’s path will inevitably lead through a courtroom and, if they are lucky, prison instead of the morgue. It’s not easy to do what we do but I just want you to know that you are appreciated way more than is shown.
Harold L. Runnels, Jr., Cypress
Regarding “Harris County says ‘tagdemic’ has cost it $80 million as lawmakers lament pace of fixes,” (April 26): I keep reading in the Chronicle that there is progress in getting rid of fake paper car license tags in Houston. And I keep seeing the same vehicle in my condo’s covered parking area, for three years now, with what seems like a new paper tag on it every so many months, and of course, no inspection sticker on the windshield. I once called in to the proper authority, the number on the tag on this car, and was told that number tag was issued to a completely different make and year of vehicle. So, it seems like they know, and nobody does anything. I am sure these folks could be a link to a fake paper tag seller, but no one does anything.
So don’t tell me the crackdown on fake paper tags is working, because I do not see the proof. Since this is a crime, how about the city institutes a call-in campaign with a small reward, like from some of that Crime Stoppers money? Just a suggestion that might move two things along: more fake paper tags off the streets, and more Crime Stoppers funds being distributed.
The continuing fiasco of paper license plates which has been festering for years with — until now — little to no action on the part of the Department of Motor Vehicles, can be easily explained: Pure incompetence. According to the Texas DMV website, "The nine-member Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) Board is appointed by the governor with the advice of the senate, who also designates one board member to serve as chair." Everything Governor Abbott touches seems to suffer.
Regarding “Texas man offers Elon Musk free land to move Twitter to Lone Star State,” (April 28): I am bemused by all the hand-wringing and angst by the left over Musk’s purchase of Twitter. Since when are they afraid of free speech? The real issue, of course, is they fear a Musk-owned Twitter will no longer serve as a propaganda vehicle for their agenda.
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