What’s Good for the Goose…
Dear Editor,
Since Gov. Greg Abbott reacted so quickly to allegations of sexual misconduct against Cesar Chavez, he should preemptively declare that Texas will never declare a holiday, build a statue, or name a single street, highway, or airport in honor of Donald Trump [“Austin Processes Cesar Chavez Abuse Accounts,” News, March 27].
Let us commend Abbott for believing Dolores Huerta and other women who came forward even though, unlike Trump, Chavez was never brought to trial for sexual abuse.
Trump has not only been accused of rape, kissing and groping without consent, and walking in on naked pageant contestants, he has publicly admitted to some of this behavior. In a 2005 interview, Trump told Howard Stern’s radio show that he “got away with going backstage when the contestants were naked” at beauty pageants. And who can forget his October 2016 declaration, falsely dismissed as locker room talk, that when “you’re a star… you can do anything… grab ’em by the pussy.”
“There’s no reason to have a day honoring him, to have streets or whatever honoring him, because of his past conduct,” Abbott said of Chavez. He could say the same of Trump. May Abbott have the civility, the leadership, and the guts to do so.
Barbara Chiarello
Viva La Causa
Dear Editor,
“There’s other ways we can continue to uplift the movement, the cause, and recommit to action that still honors what was achieved, because it was a collective achievement.” I greatly appreciate these words by Vanessa Fuentes in your article on Cesar Chavez [“Austin Processes Cesar Chavez Abuse Accounts,” News, March 27]. The Farmworker Movement wasn’t just one man; it was massive, involving tens of thousands of farmworkers, students, staff, volunteers, etc. across the nation who believed in “La Causa” to build a union that would finally provide dignity and justice for the workers. I was just one of the multitudes. We need to continue focusing on our communities and workers and not on one person who was accused of wrongdoing. If there must be a decision on the changing of the street name, it should include those of us who remember it as East First Street, which is what I still call it.
Anita Quintanilla
The Beat Goes On
Dear Editor,
Last week’s Luv Doc Column was quite out of line [“The Luv Doc: Lo-Fi Beats,” Columns, March 27]. The Luv Doc’s claim that he wouldn’t draw a distinction between the anemic banality of “Lo-Fi Beats” and the human-powered “distant drum circles” of Barking Springs is unacceptable. The drum circle under the tree on Sundays is a hallowed Austin institution. It should not be conflated on any level with the most mind-numbing internet music export. In an ever-increasing age of lame in Austin, even if you don’t like it, you must respect the institution, one of the few, last bastions against the tide of homogeneity in town.
William Bass
The Luv Doc responds: Respect given. Furthermore, it should be noted that when you are at Zilker, you are on the drum circler’s home turf. The same cannot currently be said of mimes or mariachis, whose artistry also deserves our respect.
Cross Words
Dear Editor,
Ahem! Where should I begin? [Re: “Crossing Swords,” Feedback, March 27.] I also am loath as the next guy (by the way, who is the next guy? Is it Mr. Smith?) but I need to clarify a few things: 1) I believe I showed the correct amount of enthusiasm for the puzzles. 2) My calling out to Mr. Smith was just a rhetorical device to gain attention. I actually have no interest in Mr. Smith or his whereabouts. 3) I came to Austin with my band in 1973 to pursue a career in music. That move proved to be very successful in the long run. My moniker (Captain Billy) came with me. (This is another story.) I’m sure there are many “Captain Billy”s throughout the country but I was the one who moved to Austin in the early Seventies. In fact to this day there are many people who only know me by this name. This defines my target audience.
As for Mr. Smith, it is okay with me if he happens to be stuck in the fog at the former Mueller Airport.
Captain Billy
United We Stand
Dear Editor,
At a time when domestic issues dominate the national conversation, global poverty can feel distant. However, it remains one of the most urgent challenges facing our world today. Millions of people still lack access to basic necessities like clean water, education, and health care – needs that many of us take for granted.
Foreign aid, which makes up less than 1% of the U.S. federal budget, plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. These investments support programs that improve health outcomes, expand access to education and promote economic growth in developing countries. In turn, this fosters global stability and strengthens international partnerships.
Reducing global poverty is not only a humanitarian effort – it also benefits the United States by promoting economic opportunities and enhancing national security. When communities are more stable and self-sufficient, the world becomes safer and more interconnected.
It is important that we continue to raise awareness and encourage policymakers to support effective foreign aid programs. Even small actions, such as contacting elected officials, can help bring attention to this critical issue.
Thomas Jans
Save It
Dear Editor,
With the SAVE Act being debated in the Senate, once again we are hearing unfounded fears about nonexistent fraud. Those proposing we return to the “good old days” of requiring in-person voting on Election Day often offer what they purport to be a logical question: “What is wrong with voting in person and confirming your identity?”
What’s wrong is that voting in person is difficult, even impossible, for many eligible voters whose right to vote is just as important as those who like to vote in person.
Public confidence in elections, including mail-in voting, is important. However, we should start with facts, not fear. Learn what safeguards are already in place and are responsible for almost nonexistent fraud currently.
After the 2020 election, bipartisan elections officials and more than 60 courts found almost no fraud, and all 50 states certified the results. Some will never be satisfied, but it’s not right to eliminate a safe, secure, and accessible way of voting upon which many rely to assuage the fears of those who won’t accept the facts.
Cathy Murphree
This article appears in April 3 • 2026.