Investment in Human Potential
Dear Editor,
At once, Mr. Bingamon’s coverage of Austin’s proposed $6.6 billion budget raises an important question: What does it mean for a community to invest in its people? [“What Austin Is Prioritizing in Its Proposed $6.6 Billion Budget,” News, July 17] When city leaders debate upon funding matters, they inevitably make choices that – in many senses – reflect our collective priorities. This proposal would increase funding for the Austin Police Department, while cutting millions from social service contracts – many of which support our city’s most vulnerable residents.
Although this debate is local, its lesson extends far beyond Austin. Around the world, humanitarian aid and global health programs provide the same essential foundation that local social services do here at home. They help families access healthcare, keep children in school, combat preventable diseases, and create opportunities for people to break the cycle of poverty.
Too often, humanitarian assistance is perceived as unduly lenient. However, I contend just the opposite. It is an investment in human potential. Communities that have access to healthcare, nutrition, education, and economic opportunity are more resilient, more stable, and better equipped to carve their own future.
For decades, Austin has prided itself on being a compassionate, innovative city. That spirit should remind us that strong communities – whether here in Central Texas or halfway around the world – are created by investing in people. Ultimately, this budget is our moral compass. It reveals not only what we can afford, but what we choose to value. Now, I urge our leaders: May we never lose sight of the people – the true heart of Austin.
Sofia Castano
Luv Connection?
Dear LoveDoctor,
I read your advice to BumbleCee in the July 17 issue and wanted to respond [“The Luv Doc: The Romance Scene in Austin,” Columns]. Why, you may ask? Because I am a single female on the apps and thought some unsolicited rants from me instead of an older non-dating app male such as yourself could benefit this lonely man. To give some background, I am also very lonely, very anti-phone, very into Oxford commas, and very jaded about dating. Last summer I went all over America trying to date in other cities. And you know what I found? A big load of nothing, much like the president’s brain. Everywhere is the same. Men do not come up to women. I have tried every bar, gym, workout class, sport league, crafting thing (I even tried a woodworking class but only found nice lesbians), and grocery store to meet someone. Men don’t approach me. Granted, as my friends point out, I don’t approach them. As a strong woman and proud feminist, nothing would turn me on more than a man to walk over and ask me out. There is a 98% chance I say yes, no matter what he looks like, because he has the balls to do it, and that’s hot. (I am also into run-on sentences.)
And one more thought. Like BumbleCee, I do not like to message back and forth on the apps. I prefer 2-3 messages and then bam! I am always the one to ask them out. And you know what happens? Only ghosts know. One time a guy had the balls to say he was going to Columbia and would message back when he was in town. That was three months ago. How’s Columbia going, Reid?
Alas, before I rant as much as you (and you get paid for it) I just wanted to agree with BumbleCee, slap him on the shoulder, tell him he’s not alone, and that if he does see a blond girl with little to no makeup and the bitch face that should be studied, to come say hi. Or download Hinge instead of Bumble and find me.
Sincerely,
HingeHan
This article appears in July 24 • 2026.