Letters to the Editor – Mental Health Services, Constitution, Housing, Semiconductors

Where do we live, again?

Re: “Woman cycling through courthouse: Suspected of shooting ‘perfect example’ of mental health care waiting list issues,” Wednesday news.

I was surprised to read the following paragraphs from the above story: “The waiting list for state psychiatric hospitals is nearly 2,500 people, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. More than 950 people are waiting for maximum-security beds, and more than 1,500 are in line for non-maximum spaces, according to state data.

“On average, people spent about 511 days on the maximum security waiting list and 232 days waiting for non-maximum beds, based on figures from September 2021 to June 2022. The wait in Dallas County may be more long”.

Texas sounds like a developing country in mental health care. What is so incredibly difficult about building more hospitals and hiring the right staff for them? It’s a common sense solution, but one that seemingly eludes the current Republican leadership.

The same problem seems to exist in the search for appropriate homes and facilities for our foster care system, where some 47,000 children are without fixed places. And then we look at our state prison population, where apparently there is no air conditioning. Torturing someone, regardless of rehab?

James R. Bridges, Destiny

It seems obvious, but…

Re: “Constitution 101 should be required: Rep. Cheney has the right idea: Every freshman member of Congress needs a class like this,” editorial Jul 24.

Shouldn’t any candidate, before being able to run for elected office, have to demonstrate some basic knowledge of the Constitution? This shouldn’t apply to voting (we’ve seen the consequences of that in our country’s recent history), but our representatives and senators in Washington, who bring in six-figure salaries and pretty good pensions and healthcare packages, should be able to remember the three branches of government and list the first ten amendments to the Bill of Rights.

If you have to take a class after you’ve been chosen, then it’s already too late. But if there’s something to be done, like a class or crash course, just ask them to watch Schoolhouse Rock’s I’m just a bill.

Martin Friedenthal, The Colony

They probably know more than us.

Though never my favorite as a teenager in the ’50s, civics, history, and government classes provided at least an introduction to the basics of our Constitution and state and local laws. However, I continue to be humbled by the knowledge required for an application for citizenship in the United States. It seems that many of us take citizenship for granted.

Perhaps there is a lesson for all of us from the newest members of our nation. A copy of the United States Constitution is cheap and easy to order!

Marye Davis, North Arlington

It’s not just a Dallas problem

Re: “Elevate Housing Policies,” by Ellen Magnis, July 18 Letters.

Dallas morning news has printed stories, editorials, and readers’ letters on the housing problems facing low-income and displaced residents in older communities. responding to a News story about converting downtown office space into luxury housing, Magnis asserts the need for city leaders to rethink housing policies to address homelessness and affordable housing options for residents of low income. Yes, the city of Dallas has its problems in this space. However, it is time for suburban cities to step up rather than reframe the problem as a Dallas problem.

Suburbs experiencing strong job growth, particularly those in Collin and Denton counties, tend to choose employers outside of Dallas while being slow to offer affordable housing options. If suburban cities use state and federal dollars to fund municipal projects and programs, then their feet must be kept steady to incentivize and implement clearly stated affordable housing policies with teeth tied to their regulatory tools.

For all their boasting, suburban cities have a responsibility to take on the problem of affordability for low-income residents, as it is a regional problem.

Robert L. Prejean, Dallas/Oak Lawn

Invest in semiconductors made in the USA.

Re: “It was a U-turn for IT at Sherman: Company went from phasing out plant to adding more”, Jul 17 Business Story.

This story effectively demonstrates how investment in a strong domestic semiconductor industry is critical to the economy at the local, state and national levels. Boosting domestic chip production will create many high-skill jobs and bolster America’s technological leadership, economic prosperity, and national security.

The demand for chips is increasing considerably. To support this critical industry, Congress has just passed legislation that includes CHIPS Act investments in chip production and innovation, and an investment tax credit for semiconductor manufacturing and design. The demand for chips is increasing considerably.

Sherman is a great example of what could be happening across Texas and the rest of the country, but it can’t happen without federal investments to level the global playing field. America’s future depends on semiconductors.

John Neuffer, Washington, D.C.

President and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association

Is this spending wise?

Re: “Texas Sues Fed: State Says Biden’s Emergency Abortion Guidance Is Illegal,” Jul 15 Metro & Business story.

Has anyone calculated how much money our Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has cost our state in frivolous lawsuits? We could take care of foster children and so many other critical needs with those funds. Oh, but foster children are outside the womb!

This story says: “The attorney general filed a lawsuit this month challenging the administration’s assertion that hospitals must provide abortions for medical emergencies.” So let the women suffer and die, but save that fetus! It is hard to believe that this man claims to be a Christian. Remember to vote in November!

Carol McNatt, Athens

At least we’re not being bitten.

People should stop complaining about the heat as we can’t do anything about it. We should at least be thankful that mosquitoes haven’t bothered us so far this summer.

Donald Reichert, Garland

We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. Check the guidelines and send your letter here.