Letters to the Editor – Biden’s speech, Bally Sports, Texas surplus; jury duty

Does GOP want solutions?
Re: “‘We’re not finished yet’ — Biden touts nation’s resilience in bid to reassure Americans,” Wednesday news story.
I thought this front-page analysis was quite fair and accurate, but I was struck by a few things. First, the 60%-plus of Americans who think Biden has done little or nothing clearly are uninformed. The list of accomplishments is undeniable.
Second, do the constituents of Marjorie Taylor Greene and other “firebrands” really want to be represented by boorish and vulgar representatives with no respect for our institutions? Joe Wilson’s calling the president a liar seems to have opened the door to ever disrespectful behavior.
Lastly, the partisan GOP could not bring themselves to applaud a minimum tax on billionaires, a pay raise for teachers, restoration of the child tax credit, a ban on military-style weapons, lower drug costs or the president’s plea to work cooperatively on border solutions.
It seems pretty clear to me that Republicans in general do not want to solve these problems. What continues to amaze me is the lack of understanding of the issues and the penchant to just complain without offering solutions.
Robert L. Barrese, Dallas
Disrespect during speech childish
Gladly, I no longer consider myself a Republican. The disrespect shown for the office of president during the State of the Union speech was not only uncalled for but childish misbehavior by people elected to run this country. The president should have paused until the loud politicians were removed from the chamber.
The speaker of the house was no better. Instead of listening to the speech, he often seemed to be taking a nap. They should at least be censured for their actions.
Howard Block, Irving
Bally took teams from fans
Re: “Looming crisis — Bally Sports’ financial woes could have impact on favorite teams, but not you, at least not yet,” Wednesday SportsDay story.
Two or more years ago, Bally cut off all streaming services access to its content except for AT&T’s DirecTV Stream? I refused to be forced to switch.
I do not understand how the owners of the Mavs, Stars and Rangers let that happen. To add to the misery, Bally doesn’t have a streaming app either. Neither I nor my grandkids have gotten to know the greatness of Luka Dončić or the new look of the Rangers and Stars.
I suspect that Bally’s financial woes are partially because they cut off streamers and missed out on the revenue that streamers would provide. Good riddance.
Russell Cowen, South Irving
Texans could use energy break
Re: “Will lawmakers use surplus to fix ills? In Q&A, 2 budget experts weigh in on state’s unexpected windfall,” Monday news story.
I found this story on the Texas Budget surplus to be extremely well-written. Exploring the various uses that the Texas Legislature is considering was very informative, and the focus on property taxes caught my eye.
As a homeowner, I can certainly vouch that they are quite high, but I also understand a reduction does not help renters. I would propose that in addition or instead of some of the ideas written about, there would be a check sent as an energy cost assist to every taxpayer on the books. Since a lot of this revenue income comes from our state’s oil and gas production, it would make sense to help citizens across the board, like what the state of Alaska does.
Sure, food costs are high, but we can all cut back. But heating our abodes, and cooling them, and driving are pretty imperative.
Anton Skell, Plano
All energy sources not equal
Re: “Texas should treat all energy sources equally — A technology agnostic approach is best for staying an industry leader, serving consumers,” by Judd Messer, Feb. 3 Opinion.
Hey, Judd, come talk to me when solar or wind can get a Boeing 777 off the ground. All energy sources are not equal.
Rick Atkinson, McKinney
Improve jury duty comfort
Last summer, the judge thanked us profusely for complying with our summons for jury duty in Dallas County Petit Court as many people don’t bother to show up. Here are a few suggestions for Dallas County to help improve turnout for jury duty:
Make it comfortable. During last summer’s heat wave, we sat around in a very warm room for about three hours because the air conditioner was not working. They did provide one fan for the large room with about 50 people. Thanks?
When we were dismissed, we were not allowed to leave by the front door even though the area was empty. We had to take a back door, further from the parking garage. This was at the peak temperature of the day so this was not appreciated.
Finally, the invoice date for my $6 juror pay was Oct 24. I received the check just before Christmas for my July 7 jury duty. I’m fortunate that I could pay $14 for parking. Not everyone can.
It might help if Dallas County would treat potential jurors as citizens who are actually volunteering their time. Appreciate us instead of treating us like we have no choice. It takes so little to make a difference.
Lynn Lawrance, Dallas
Newspaper delivery appreciated
I would like to express my thanks and kudos to my newspaper delivery person. The carrier does an amazing job. My paper is on time and delivered even when the weather isn’t very good for driving like our recent icy weather.
I would like my carrier to know that the work is appreciated and I’m grateful that I can have a newspaper to read each day. Thanks again!
Dale Boehnke, McKinney
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