26-Jun-09

REFORM TCEQ

Thanks to Forrest Wilder for his article on Waste Control Specialists’ waste dump near Andrews (“Water, Water Everywhere,” June 12). Everyone expects the radioactive waste dump to go forward even with the TCEQ evidence regarding groundwater pollution. Let’s all remember that the TCEQ is up for sunshine review next session. Let’s gather all the evidence and be prepared. The willful indifference to human safety and ecological health is typical of TCEQ. The arrogance is overwhelming. Let’s reform the agency. It will not change on its own.

Fran SagePosted at www.texasobserver.org

BUSINESS, AS USUAL

Texas is growing commercially because it is “friendly to business” (“Dying to Build,” June 12). Businesses make political contributions (guess to which party?). “Guest workers” make few complaints and are replaceable. You don’t have to like it; that’s how it is.

Bob WaltonPosted at www.texasobserver.org

Shortest book in the world: Texas Workers’ Rights.

Sam DavisPosted at www.texasoberver.org

WELL READ

David Theis has “done it well,” both for Don Barthelme and for Tracy Daugherty (“The Donald,” May 29). This is a wonderful book review. I want to run out and buy the book immediately.

Sally LehrPosted at www.texasobserver.org

HOMESICK BLUES

I’ve been gone from Austin for 40 years, and I miss it every day (“Better Back When,” May 29). I left it once before to go into the Army, and when I came back it was even better. When I finally had to go away for what looks like forever, I got lost heading out of town. How psychological is that? Now I get an e-mail every Monday from an Austin Realtor; it allows me to ponder the possibilities. Thanks for a good article.

John IrsfeldPosted at www.texasobserver.org

I only met Bud Shrake on one occasion. It was a fine experience. This was a fine article about a fine writer and a fine time.

Bob MoncriefPosted at www.texasobserver.org

LIVE AND EARN

Big Blue is a corporate entity, doing what corporate entities do: organizing people who seek to maximize profits (“Offshoring Big Blue,” May 29). As such, the company is neither stupid nor traitorous, both of which are decidedly human attributes. If IBM violated a contract with New York, the state might sue—or at least learn from its experience. Thanks to Jim Hightower’s reporting, others might learn, too.

Ian Reid Posted at www.texasobserver.org

LEAVE THE TRINITY BE

Since this article, more bad news for the Trinity toll road (“If They Build It,” May 29). The city of Dallas will have to spend $29 million to test the levees. This will delay the toll road at least 20 more months. The current cost of the Trinity toll road is $200 million a mile. For the same $1.8 billion, DART is building 20 miles of light rail that parallels the road project.  The Trinity toll road should die just like any other government project that’s over-budget and impractical. The business community will pay the price, because now they will have to get flood insurance for all the buildings adjacent to the levees along the river. The Army Corps of Engineers has determined that the levees cannot protect against a 100-year flood. My advice: Leave the river alone and remember that it floods whenever it rains a great deal in a short period of time.

Stan Aten Posted at www.texasobserver.org