Column gets it right

I have read local newspapers since I was a paperboy in McGregor in 1956, including the morning editions of the Waco News-Tribune and the afternoon Waco Times-Herald. In the past 54 years, I have never read a local editorial or column that I agreed with more than Clifton Robinson’s common- sense May 30 column, “The decadence of nations.”

He absolutely nailed each segment he discussed.

I must confess, however, that when the article began with a reference to travelling in Greece with one of the top five living liberals in the world — our friend Bernard Rapoport — I did not foresee the absolute truth and substance of the rest of the article.

Keep up the great writing!

Citizens, take to heart his wise and timely words. Vote the spendthrifts out of office in November.

Remember: When your out-go exceeds your in-flow, your upkeep is your downfall.

John R. Cawthron Sr.

McGregor

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Clifton Robinson’s commentary last Sunday is probably the most insightful thing to appear on the editorial page in the past 30 years.

Tom Flowers

Waco

Protest tax appraisals

Residents of Eagle Canyon Estates in China Spring should check their tax appraisals carefully. It seems that a phenomenon has occurred in this area. While home appraisal values declined in 2009, the value of land has increased between 40 percent to 60 percent.

Land values in all of the neighboring subdivisions have miraculously remained unchanged, according to the taxing district’s website. My bet is the district is hoping that homeowners won’t look at the separate values of land and home and will be satisfied to see that overall values went up by a smaller margin. But the land is being overvalued.

Every taxpayer in this area should be protesting his or her appraisal. Mine went up more than 40 percent — and, yes, I’m protesting.

Michael Parrish

China Spring

Lions Park hours

I grew up in Waco and visit often to see my parents. So I was delighted to read the May 30 Trib article about the renovations and reopening of Lions Park. My 6-year-old son loves to go there. As a child, I often went there.

I was excited to take him this past Memorial Day weekend, but when we went, there was no sign listing the hours of operation. The article didn’t mention it, either.

We went twice, and it remained closed. They spent $60,000 to renovate the park. Can’t they spend some more money to erect a sign stating the hours?

Rebecca Clukey

Allen

Veterans forgotten

I am shocked and saddened that the May 30 Parade magazine, included in the Trib, did not honor our veterans on the front page.

An article on a new Harry Potter Florida theme park was on the cover. The only article on veterans was buried well inside.

To have Harry Potter on the front page is an insult to every man and woman who gave their lives for this country.

Rosemary Stovall

Waco