Who’s out of touch?

Regarding the Feb. 20 letter to the editor by Charles Reed, former mayor of Waco: We now know that there are at least two other individuals in Waco who do not agree with the decision by Baylor University regents to appoint Ken Starr as Baylor’s next president. One is a banker, the other is Bernard Rapoport. Obviously, since Rapoport has been a major contributor to Bill Clinton’s political campaigns, you would expect him not to support the selection of Ken Starr.

I do not know Charles Reed’s reasons for opposing Ken Starr so violently in his letter, but apparently there must be something in his background that caused him to take such a strong position against the decision of Baylor regents.

I also do not know what Charles Reed’s political affiliation is, but I would have to guess that he is a very liberal Democrat based on his letter plus another he wrote asking that Doc Anderson be replaced by John Mabry as our state representative from Waco. He failed to mention in that letter that John Mabry is a liberal Democrat and a member of the same law firm as Jim Dunnam, another liberal Democrat who is our other state representative.

I can’t believe anyone would be in favor of having two liberal attorneys from the same law firm represent Waco and Central Texas in the state Legislature.

After reading Reed’s letter about Ken Starr, it is very obvious he’s the one out of touch with the board of regents, alumni, faculty and students at Baylor, as they have all voiced their support for Ken Starr as the next president of Baylor University.

As you know from reading the paper, the regents, the advisory committee and the faculty representatives have all unanimously supported the decision to name Starr our next president.

Joe E. Baxter Sr.

Waco

No surprises at summit

Expect a lot of letters stating that either Democrats or Republicans won the debate at the health care summit held this week at the Blair House. Actually, no one won the debate.

The same points come up again and again. I watched the entire process and, yes, I rooted for the Republicans. But I can’t say that more points were made by either side. And I know that President Obama countered each comment made by the Republicans.

So what’s next? Well, there may be several options, but I suspect the Democrats will go for budget reconciliation. It’s not a trick, but it is an option. Up until now it hasn’t been used on a bill of this size, scope and controversy. But that won’t stop the president.

All this will have serious implications for both sides. The most noticeable will show up during the mid-term elections in the House. How will people like U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, and others like him be affected?  Only time will tell.

However it comes out, you can be sure changes are coming.

Jim Skinner

Waco

Retaliate during elections

It is apparent that the Democrats are poised to use the reconciliation rule to vote on the health care reform bill.

Everyone who is opposed to this bill should make certain that their representatives are made aware that if they vote for the bill using this rule, you will vote against them in any upcoming election.

The rule is used rarely and should not be used to push something down the throats of so many people who do not want it.

The 2,400-page bill is loaded with government controls and earmarks. Health care will only get worse if this bill passes.

Thursday’s summit was a good example of how not to run a government, or a company for that matter.

Send e-mails, make phone calls, but make sure you voice is heard.

Ed Pierce

Waco

Closing of Hippodrome Theatre

The closing of the historic Hippodrome Theatre is tragic. The nonprofit group running it has had repeated problems, so I feel it’s time for it to open as a for-profit business. The cancellation of “Tuna Does Vegas” did not help the Hippodrome. However, it does not mean the total downfall of the operation. This is a venue that can open as a musical site, live stage or movie theater.

The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin is a very popular venue not only for first-run movies but classics also. I think Baylor University students would appreciate such a venue in Waco.

Farewell for now to a friend who served me in childhood as well as adulthood.

Stephanie Lambring

Waco

Weathermen got this one right

As I write this, large, fluffy snowflakes are drifting down outside my window and piling up on everything in sight. But even more amazing than the occurrence of snow in Central Texas last Tuesday — which was the third time by my count this winter — is the fact that our local weather forecasters told me it would snow over a week ago and it did!

They may miss a rain shower or two every now and then, but I think the quality and reliability of weather forecasting these days is worthy of praise. Keep doing a great job!

Lary L. Stokes

China Spring