Free online speech

Why were all the online comments pulled from the story, “Two Waco ISD school board candidates address issues Monday night”? Without a doubt, there were some comments that were completely out of line, particularly the ones with racial slurs. I know that I reported some of those comments.

Moreover, it looks like you have pulled all comments from all Trib online stories. Was this so that you could claim a general systemwide failure and still protect Waco ISD administrators from negative comments?

Shame on the Trib for censoring free speech.

Susie Graddy

Waco

Smoking regulations

I moved to Texas a few months ago and am astonished at the number of people who smoke in public places . While some might enjoy tobacco, many of us do not. So what is the Waco City Council going to do about this problem?

Secondhand smoke is full of toxins and bad for the body.

The city should get tougher on this, especially forbidding smoking within 20 feet of a building entrance.

Rafael Deliz Aguirre

Waco

Founding Fathers

In response to John Cooper’s March 30 letter, I wonder how he actually knows what the Founding Fathers had in mind when our country was being formed. I was taught — according to the First Amendment — citizens are not required to believe in any one religion.

Personally, I’m more concerned with the behavior of Tea Party members prior to the vote on the health care bill in Washington. Were the people spitting and yelling racist slurs really Christians? Did that make Lady Liberty weep?

Karen Bell

Hewitt

Art scholarships

Dozens of area high school student artists on March 22 participated in Waco’s Top Young Artist of the Year scholarship competition at the Art Center of Waco. This was the third year the group gave out money to local aspiring artists.

Thanks go to Lance Magid and his family for organizing this event. It’s wonderful when people recognize the needs and talents of artists.

Although this was the last year that I was able to compete, I am glad that young artists in Central Texas can earn scholarships — just like those offered to athletes.

Congratulations to all the artists. Keep your passion for the arts high.

Jack Stanley

China Spring

Car insurance — Yes

Thanks for running my March 31 letter, “Health care response.” However, it read as if I don’t have insurance on my car. I do have insurance on my $2,000 automobile. I don’t have health insurance because I can’t afford it. It’s ironic that people are required to carry insurance on automobiles but not have it on a body that cannot be replaced at any cost.

Pat Hall

Waco

Save the Hippodrome

I don’t have the funds to turn around the Hippodrome Theatre, but I’m hoping someone else does. Please save this historic building.

Maybe Baylor wants to use it for performances?

Travis Simon

Waco