In her campaign literature, Mayra Flores tells us she co-sponsored two bills. Saying she “co-sponsors” sounds more important than merely saying she supports House Resolution 1380, The Permanent Tax Relief for Working Families Act, and House Resolution 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act.
Both Democrats and Republicans support H.R. 1380, and both parties want energy independence from Russia. How to acquire our independence is where the two parties differ. Republicans want more oil drilling and more coal digging. Democrats want to invest in cleaner sources of energy, like solar and wind.
Among the billions of dead rocks in the universe, our beautiful blue planet stands alone with breathtaking landscapes teeming with wildlife and colorful vegetation. And, of course, us humans.
Unfortunately, evidence indicates that the most intelligent animal on this planet has been neglectful when it comes to keeping it clean. Continuing to depend on oil and coal for our energy is what contributes to the pollution. We might be a long way from fossil fuel fumes becoming so thick that they will choke the life out of all living things on Earth, but the probability is there. If we make a serious effort to curtail it now and we succeed, you can bet your old Army brown boots that future generations will greatly appreciate it.
If we ignore the warnings and the worst happens and all species of plants and animals vanish, a tattered and gloomy Mother Earth will nevertheless survive. Within a couple thousand years or so she will do her thing again: cleanse herself, breathe again and start anew. Perhaps even reinvent a more caring and more intelligent human being.
Is this what we want? Aren’t we smart enough to care for our one and only home in this vast galaxy? Aren’t we smart enough to keep Earth’s air and waters pristine clean?
Who’s listening? Who’s going to lead? Certainly not Republicans! They love fossil fuels!
Italo J. Zarate
Brownsville
Events
praised
Bravo to The Texas Tribune and moderator CEO Evan Smith for two recent RGV events. The first occurred at UTRGV Brownsville, Higher Education: Serving Hispanic Students in Texas. Among the panelists were UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey and former UT-Brownsville President Dr. Juliet Garcia, who recently was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The second event was at DHRConferenceCenter in Edinburg, and its panelists included state Sen. Chuy Hinojosa and state Reps. Oscar Longoria and Armando Martinez. The diverse topics were abortion, gun rights, health, education and teachers’ retirement. Toward the conclusion of both events questions were allowed from the audience participants, which produced a lively question-and-answer period.
The second event disclosed something exceedingly important: When representatives of our government show up to answer questions and share their thoughts and experiences with constituents and those who are not, government works for all the people.
Diane Teter
Edinburg
