Military honors for real

Regarding "Soldier's sacrifice garners top honor, 64 years later" (Page A1, Monday), whether it's the result of genetic predisposition or exposure to decades of the self-serving federal, state, and local body politic, my initial reaction after reading the article was that the Obama administration was simply throwing a bone to the right who oppose cutbacks in military spending.

A second more compassionate read allowed me to see Master Sgt. Michael Pena for the hero he no doubt was.

Maybe I'm right about the Obama bone. The again, maybe he was simply doing the right thing.

Clyde Miner, Friendswood


Making a living

Regarding "More college sports automony: Will the rich be getting richer? (Page A1, Sunday), there is no NCAA rule that prohibits student-athletes from getting a job. None.

Catherine Harper, posted on


Judging public projects

Regarding "Not all public projects are a waste of taxpayer money" (Page B7, Thursday), Bill King's attempt to defend government-funded megaprojects like the IKE dike fails to impress. If Rice University soothsayers are to be believed, a rare IKE-type storm could do $100 billion in damage or about 10 times the $10 billion cost to build the dike. Who are the most likely parties to reap the most financial benefits of said project? The ship channel industries and property insurance companies will be the major beneficiaries.

If the economics are so compelling, why are not these entities willing to fund the project instead of piling debt on the already over-burdened and over-leveraged taxpayers.

David Hutzelman, Houston


Fix home values

Regarding "County: Property taxes on way up" (Page B1, March 11), a fixed tax rate based on the purchase price of the home would be a better system. Homeowners would better manage the payments, and seniors would be able to keep their homes. I think the county can better generate revenues from sales tax on other items and leave homes at a fixed percentage. After protesting my taxes on several tax years, I found it a total waste of time.

George Prat, posted on