You say

Travis County voters

are doing their part

Re: Feb. 3 letter to the editor, “What are you doing for change, Austin?”

If only Austin had the power over the entire state that you think we have.

We live in a county that has voted reliably for Democratic candidates year after year. You won’t find us voting for Ted Cruz, or for representatives who oppose voting and reproductive rights.

We regularly fight for progressive policies on behalf of the environment and our citizens, including those experiencing homelessness — and are just as regularly targeted for such conservative transgressions by the Republican state legislature. Indeed, in a breathtaking display of gerrymandering, Austin is currently divided among five — five — Congressional representatives, all but one of whom are Republican.

We know it’s frustrating, but don’t, as they say, hate us because we’re beautiful. We can be popular and keep fighting for the state we love.

Libba Letton, Austin

A pastor speculates

on Cruz's anguish

Dear Senator Cruz,

My heart is breaking for you right now. As a pastor, I can only imagine the turmoil you’re experiencing. I have had people sit in front of me, weeping with guilt because something they did, perhaps out of ignorance or carelessness, has had catastrophic consequences.

I can only imagine the shock when you heard that the insurrectionists said on the Senate floor, “I think Cruz would want us to do this, so I think we’re good.” The heaviness in your soul when you read that five people died, that murders of lawmakers were planned.

There is only one thing I know to be worse than the anguish of facing up to one’s grievous errors in judgment. To be so without morality that you refuse to see them.

I will continue praying for your soul.

The Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford, Round Rock

Fossil fuel workers can

be guaranteed incomes

Re: Jan. 29 article, "Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas is prepared to sue Biden administration over environmental regulations."

Gov. Abbott’s concern for fossil fuel workers doesn’t justify blocking action to phase out fossil fuels. Canada already has a program in place to retrain fossil fuel workers for an industry with a shining future — renewable energy.

If some fossil fuel workers don’t find jobs, they can simply be guaranteed an income in exchange for accepting fossil fuel phase-outs. A similar approach was applied when shipping containers threatened massive unemployment among longshoremen. They were guaranteed an income at much less cost than would have been incurred had they engaged in a prolonged strike.

Guaranteeing income to some fossil fuel workers, even if they can’t find jobs, will be far cheaper than continuing with the status quo and dealing with worsening floods, hurricanes and droughts resulting from global climate change.

Philip Russell, Austin

Suddenly, the GOP

is stingy with money

It has always been a source of dismay to me to watch how a Republican Congress can spend money like a drunken sailor when one of their own party is the president — think the tax cut under the Trump administration — but suddenly becomes stingy when a Democrat is in the White House.

Unfortunately, it’s fairly easy to understand the reasons for these two situations. The first situation, under Trump, was a tax cut to bloat the accounts of the wealthy. The second, under Biden, is to throw a lifeline to people hurting financially due to the pandemic disaster. I could see the standoff in Congress coming a mile away.

Ben Liles, Salado

Democracy survived

and is getting stronger

America and the world rejoiced as new leadership took over at the White House. Trump and his gang were run out of D.C. in disgrace.

Trump will forever be known as a loser. Democracy was challenged but survived and is moving forward stronger and better.

Trump's enablers must bear the consequences of the insurrection: leave public service.

The Capitol attack taught us reason does not always appeal to unreasonable people, that wisdom comes with respect and with respect comes honor.

The Biden inaugural speeches and concert were refreshing, and showed the world intelligent words can inspire us to reach across fences with words of respect demonstrating political fairness, civil unity and truth.

Paul Garza, Austin

Lawmakers don't grasp

that many are struggling

It is very sad to me that many of our representatives did not support an enhanced stimulus package for citizens. While they get a regular sizable paycheck and top-of-the-line health insurance, they seem to forget that millions of Americans do not have this luxury.

Many of us are struggling to pay our electric bills and buy food. Health care is a low priority for most of us. Thankfully a new president who understands the challenges of a car salesman or a teacher is now leading our nation. As usual, many legislators have begun to criticize and find fault with one thing or another again.

My regular UPS driver, who is Hispanic, epitomizes a truly kind and loving man. I would much rather have him in my circle of friends than the legislators who think they are better than most. When will they ever learn?

Karolyn Weiss, Bastrop

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: You say

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