Letters are posted as we receive them during the week, and before they are printed in the paper, so check back frequently to see new letters. If you'd like to send a letter to the editor, use this postmarks submission form, or email your letter directly to mail@austinchronicle.com. Thanks for your patience.

Dear Editor,
    Regarding Nick Barbaro's article "Poor Planning," [News, May 16]: In light of Austin's city staff's improper granting of permits resulting in the illegal construction of at least three developments, Mr. Barbaro asks,"Is there any reason to think we'll do better in the future?" Let the city deconstruct just one of these developments, and let the responsible staffers be prosecuted. Hence Mr. Barbaro would find two reasons to hope.
    The massive multi-story monstrosity recently completed on Barton Creek stands 30 feet from the hike and bike trail. Runoff from its expansive, impervious cover seems already to have washed a massive oak tree right into the water. The imposing enormity of this development, reported to have been illegally permitted, has destroyed the serenity of this formerly most pristine part of the entire park. If the City Council does the right thing, they will have it torn down immediately.
    The hike and bike trail should never have gone up for sale in the first place. Nor is there any honor in the retro-zoning cover-up by the Planning Commission.

Dear Editor,
    I read with interest your “Summer Fun” issue [May 16], and noticed that windsurfing, kite-surfing, and sailing were not included. Yes, all need water, and Lake Travis' water sports footprint may continue to shrink, but they have major advantages over waterskiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. For example: There is no power boat needed, no boat slip needed for windsurfing or kite-surfing, and no fuel and maintenance needed. Once on the water, there are no unhealthy smog-forming emissions or unwanted carbon emissions emitted that are causing lake levels to drop. There's just exhilaration, quiet, and fun.

   [Special Issues Editor Kate X Messer responds: Thanks so much for the heads up. Each year, we try to excavate new activities and trends to add to our lists for fun in the sun. It's tough to draw the line, but themes occur to keep space wrangled. Do check out our "Swells Across Texas" section: Many of the noted attractions, gear outlets, instruction providers, and resource listings do deal in gentler wind-propelled fun as well. Keep checking that section throughout the summer for expanded listings: austinchronicle.com/summer-fun/guide/2014. For wind sports specifically this year, I checked with a few lake denizens (who also prefer non-motorized fun), and we agreed that with Bob Wentz's boat ramp closed, this might not be the year to recommend. Hopefully, we'll get our lake levels back with the anticipated fall and winter rains, and next summer will be a different story.]

Dear Editor,
    Contrary to the experience of your reviewer, the audience immensely enjoyed the performance – including that by Aara Krumpe – judging from the enthusiastic applause [“The Sleeping Beauty,” Exhibitionism, May 16]. Obviously, the reviewer is entitled to her opinion, but using phrases like “Krumpe's plain ol' pas de chats” smell of condescension. Most of us, I would presume, do not attend ballet to have “legendary performers called to mind,” but try to be in the moment and enjoy it. If Jonelle Seitz (whose background in dance amounts to none, may I say) sets the bar so high for others, perhaps she would be better off just getting on a plane and watching the Bolshoi or the New York City Ballet? For the rest of us, we will continue to enjoy the great performances by Aara Krumpe, Jaime Lynn Witts, James Fuller, and many others right here in Austin.

Dear Editor,
    Can you imagine a world without net neutrality? The Federal Communications Commission has decided to advance a proposal that would create Internet fast lanes. This means that corporate Internet service providers (ISPs) get to decide which sites will be more accessible to the public and which sites are booted to the “slow lane.” Sites which can afford to pay the most or those with content most agreeable with corporate interest will most likely take priority over smaller, less mainstream competitors.
    A free and open Internet, providing us with equal access to all kinds of information is critically threatened now. Portals of communication are at risk of being shut. It is our job to speak up and protect the freedom of the Internet! The FCC is allowing 120 days (from March 15) of public comment before it makes its final decision on this plan that could demolish net neutrality.
    People of Austin, let our voices be heard! If you enjoy a free, nondiscriminatory Internet, I urge you to contact Chairman Wheeler of the FCC, or to contact your representative, and let them know you are opposed to the FCC’s plan. Better yet, urge them to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service. May our combined voices carry much weight.
    Austin Chronicle, please jump on board by helping spread the word.