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,
    I was disappointed to see less than half the normal content in the “News of the Weird” this week [March 27]. If it was y'all who edited it down, please don't. That stuff is the main reason I pick up your paper.

Dear Editor,
    As someone who has transitioned to an advocacy role for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) after seven years of direct service, I was shocked and saddened that the voice of people with IDD was completely absent in Mary Tuma’s “Sun to Set on Severely Disabled Patients,” [News, Aug. 15, 2014] "Evicted and Helpless," [News, Sept. 19, 2014] and the recent “Senate Votes to Close Austin State Supported Living Center” [News, April 17]. Ms. Tuma’s language mirrors an unfortunate trend. Once again, some guardian’s emotional but often misguided or outright false statements are sensationalized, while the wishes of people with disabilities are muted and other parents, state evaluators, and disability rights groups are ignored.
    There are over 100,000 Texans with IDD currently on the waiting list for community-based services; the average wait time is 13 years. Only 3,443 folks live in SSLCs statewide. It costs approximately $113,000 a year more to house someone in a SSLC than in the community with the same degree of disability and need for care. Eight times as many people with the most complex medical needs live in the community than in SSLCs. In fact, only 16 people with the most complex medical needs live in SSLCs statewide. Everyday, over 100,000 people with all levels of disability and their guardians choose to pay out of pocket, forgo crucial therapies, limit their work options, and tolerate problematic living situations, rather than move into a SSLC. The structure for all to live in the community is there; all that is missing is the funding.
    Perhaps most egregious is the glossing over of the issues that have plagued the Austin SSLC. Independent Department of Justice settlement monitors found that in 2014, staff overused restraints, used illegal restraints, used psychotropic medications in place of treatment programs, failed to ensure that people received needed psychological services, failed to adequately inform residents and families of community options, failed to inform families of serious incidents, failed to ensure mealtime practices did not pose undue risk to residents, and failed to ensure current, generally accepted nursing practices. There are over 100 more noncompliance issues.
    Every single person with a disability who testified at the recent Capitol hearings, including previous SSLC residents, testified in support of closure. The people who will be most affected are shouting for community choice. My sincere hope is that the Chronicle will strive to hear all voices in the future.

Dear Editor,
    Did you ever get a tune in your head that just wouldn't go away? Everyone has; it's called, among other things, an "earworm." I have spent the better part of a day with the Sir Douglas Quintet's version of "Shakin' All Over" in my head. But the funny part is: The song never existed. That can't be true, can it? I have searched reams of screens on the Internet, and have come up empty. I have listened to a thousand previews, thinking perhaps someone else did the song I am hearing in my head. That ain't it.
   I am sure if such a cut did or does exist someone in Austin has the record, and can tell me I'm not just wishin' it so.

Dear Editor,
    I was thrilled to read such an in-depth article by Caitlin Greenwood about the Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria, recognizing its history, Clara Driscoll, and the great work we’re doing now to build a contemporary art sculpture park in nature [“Glorious Renewal,” Arts, March 27].
    I would like to add kudos to past Austin Museum of Art trustees and staff who, between 1999 and 2008, led historic preservation efforts raising nearly $4 million from individuals, families, foundations, the city of Austin, and national government agencies to expand the Art School and preserve the Driscoll Villa, surrounding formal gardens, and the historic gatehouse at Laguna Gloria. These significant efforts led to preservation awards from regional historical societies and a national landscape award for the restoration of the two-acre garden surrounding the Villa. With these historic areas having been so well cared for and preserved – along with recent, arduous efforts by our staff and board to address invasive species and other ecological issues throughout the 14-acre, wooded site on Lake Austin – Laguna Gloria is now primed for its next chapter as the Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria, including the historic Driscoll Villa and Gatehouse, the Art School, and the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park.
    Having worked at Laguna Gloria for more than 40 years, I feel privileged to participate in this time of exciting growth at the museum, as it flourishes under Louis Grachos’ thoughtful leadership. I believe adamantly that Laguna Gloria has never been better poised for success as an art museum, an art school, and an art-in-nature experience.

Dear Editor,
    Since when is it ethical to advertise eating people's pets [“March Hares,” Food, March 27]? Rabbits are the third most popular pet in people's homes in this country. How would you like to see your dog or cat as a recipe? Go to Korea and check it out. You are insulting pet owners, pet rescues, humane societies, pet stores, and any little child that has ever had a pet rabbit. How insensitive you are. You write stupid recipes that are unethical. Get off the stupid bandwagon and really consider to stop advertising pets as recipes. I've been a pet owner of rabbits for 20 years and my Californian Kringle could be on that plate. Stop this crap! I'm so sick of people like you doing stupid, insensitive things. In fact, you haven't noticed it is close to Easter! How well do you think this is going to be received? Insensitive asshole!