Dialogue

Letters to the Editors

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BACK TO THE WELL

Great article on the most important topic the Lege is ignoring this year (“Silent Springs,” May 15). We’ve had to be careful with our well for years now during the droughts. We notice the drop in level earlier and earlier every year. If everyone had this situation, they’d be a lot more careful with their water usage. So many folks just turn on the tap and turn off their brains. But the real culprit is unregulated development. Wimberley is the canary in the coal mine.

Louie BondPosted at www.texasobserver.org

Thank you for bringing attention to this. Please note that the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association offers opportunities for concerned ­citizens to join in the water conservation battle. To receive updates, go to VisitWimberley.com/water/.

Marilyn GriffinPosted at www.texasobserver.org

STREET SMARTS

Joe Ely, you’ve done it again (“Free and Homeless,” May 15). This is such a moving description of how we’ve lost our way. Thank you for always reminding us of the “lost” among us, and for your humanity.

Betsy MoonPosted at www.texasobserver.org

WALKING TALL

I’ve known Bob Burleson since Temple High School (“Wild Man,” May 15). We shared many experiences over the years in Texas archeology, and I was an audience numerous times to his picking and singing at the Texas Archeological Society field schools and annual meetings. In 1970 I directed the Texas Archeological Society field school in the first archaeological investigations of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park; Bob carried his daughter Clair (then 1 year old) in his backpack while touring McKittrick Canyon and the east side of El Capitan, gathering information to help make his case to preserve the park as wilderness.

Harry J. Shafer Posted at www.texasobserver.org

My only contact with Bob was on a couple of goose hunts. That picture of him with his guitar sure brings back some fond memories. Very nice article.

Herb Stark Posted at www.texasobserver.org

I am privileged to have known Bob and worked with him, usually on ­opposite sides of legal issues, but he was a true friend, always there to lend support and encouragement. We had some great bird hunts together along the way. What a guy: one of the best lawyers, outdoorsmen, conservationists, hunters, dog lovers, and friends a person could have.

Don Busby Posted at www.texasobserver.org

NOT SO USURIOUS

“The Perils of Payday” (May 1) alleges that payday lenders trap consumers in a cycle of unpayable debt. This ­allegation is not valid. Any customer who cannot pay back a loan when due has the option of repaying the loan over a period of additional weeks. This option is provided to customers for any reason and at no additional cost. The article suggests that payday loan interest rates are exorbitant, but consider other forms of loans: $100 payday advance=$15; overdraft protection=$29; credit card late fee=$37; $100 offshore Internet payday loan=$25; bounced check and NSF-merchant fee=$56. Payday lenders give consumers a choice and the ability to get the money they need to live from paycheck to paycheck, which the woman in the article required.

Tommy MooreExecutive Vice PresidentCommunity Financial Services Assoc.Alexandria, Va.

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