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 [email protected]. Thanks for your patience.

Dear Editor,
    Your article "Point Austin: Slamming the Golden Door" [News, Jan. 27] reported "As Doggett points out, Austin and Travis County are not even 'sanctuary cities' ...," yet in direct opposition to this claim, on p.10 under “Civics 101,” an "Austin Sanctuary Network Benefit" was featured. Also, the "Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me" quote on p.10 in your News lead article disregards the fact that right alongside the Statute of Liberty which depicts that reference on its pedestal sits Ellis Island, which very explicitly served as a "door" which could be slammed shut on immigrants for any number of reasons – disease, ethnic/nationality group exclusions, rejection of political extremists, or any other restrictions enacted by the U.S. Congress. The concept of "immigration" found in the U.S. Constitution implies a process to become a naturalized citizen, not a green light for anyone to open the "door" to our country whenever, however, and for whomever they feel warrants admission. Would this be appropriate for entry into your own home? Victims of home invasions are due protection under the law, not recrimination from society because they won't embrace their attacker(s) or won't accept a sheriff's redefinition of how to conduct law enforcement in defense of an entirely legal citizen's rights to life, liberty, property, a peaceable environment (which all fall under the banner of "the pursuit of happiness"), etc.

   [Michael King responds: Sheriff Sally Hernandez has not "redefined" law enforcement; as Mayor Adler pointed out in his State of the City address, the Sheriff "follows all federal and state laws … and turns over everyone to the federal government that the law requires her to turn over." The comparison of refugees from war and economic devastation – protected under all relevant international laws, and historically welcomed to the U.S. – to home invaders, is not worthy of a response.]

Dear Editor,
    Within two weeks, President Trump has already demonstrated his incompatibility with the Presidency. Questions abound regarding his competence, temperament, and conflicts of interest, but above all, his disregard for the Constitution is a cause for alarm.
    The president has outright ignored the checks and balances that exist between the branches of our government, and an executive branch left unchecked has enormous consequences for all Americans. If you’re still not convinced, consider that the president has elevated Steve Bannon, who has no relevant experience, to the National Security Council, which is a reckless sign of disrespect to the American military, and makes us less safe.
    I call upon all Texans to fulfill your civic duty and demand that Senators Cruz and Cornyn, and all of our representatives, stand up for our state and our nation and call for the president’s removal from office before it is too late.

Dear Editor,
    On Sunday, Jan. 29, my friend Nancy and I went to learn about the demonstration that [took] place on Tuesday in support of Muslims. To further support the cause, we purchased T-shirts that say "I stand with my Muslim neighbors." We enthusiastically put on our new shirts and went off to dine at Dimassi's, a restaurant that serves delicious Middle Eastern food buffet-style. Much to our surprise, when we went to pay for our meals the cashier told us that our food had been paid for by a young Muslim couple! Not only did they pay for our meal, but they left us a note on a napkin, stating "Thank you for your human decency," with a little heart added to the message. Needless to say, we were overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity. What a wonderful world this would be if we didn't have to wear a T-shirt for people to know that we stand with them in a spirit of love and support! And that ALL people, regardless of their religious beliefs, are welcomed and respected in the USA!!! Until that day arrives, I will be wearing my shirt as often as possible to tell the world I do not fear Muslims!!

Dear Editor,
    I'm utterly opposed to any government being given the power to execute citizens, but the headline in your Greg Abbott Death Watch column, "A Death Sentence for $1.25," [News, Jan. 27] is wildly misleading.
    Here's the actual reason in the article as to why John Henry Ramirez is scheduled to be executed on Feb. 2: "Ramirez attacked the store clerk with one accomplice, beating him, and stabbing him 29 times."
    I assume you'd like to portray Governor Abbott as a heartless bastard who kills people for petty crimes such as stealing pocket change, but next time, could you try to come up with a more nuanced and accurate headline, such as "A Death Sentence for Murdering an Innocent Citizen by Stabbing Him 29 Times”? If you would then like to make the case that a coldblooded execution sanctioned by the governor, rather than life in prison without parole, is arguably just as horrifying and merciless as the stabbing – then you'd be making a fair and reasoned argument that I could agree with.

   [News Editor Chase Hoffberger responds: Murder is only punishable by death in Texas if the assailant is convicted of capital murder. There are a number of statutes in Texas that raise the level of murder to capital. Ramirez was indicted on capital murder charges because he was believed to have committed a robbery during the killing. At the conclusion of his trial, he was found to have robbed Pedro Castro of $1.25. Without that detail, he would not have been sentenced to death.]