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,
    As a Barton Springs lover, I loved reading the Polar Plunge feature in your New Year’s issue! ["Why Austin Loves the Polar Bear Plunge," Arts, Dec. 27.] But after witnessing a potentially dangerous host of issues on New Year’s Day, I felt it irresponsible not to share my experience to bring awareness.
    I arrived at the springs around 11am, on my way in I noticed someone knocking on the first aid door and receiving no response. Other people stepped in to help them locate staff; though the entrance was unregulated and throughout my entire time there I did not see a single member of Barton Springs staff at all.
    On the way into the springs, I stopped to watch the new baby Egyptian geese sunbathe and ended up having to intervene when a small crowd of children cornered one of them on the stairs and even managed to flip it on its back while the mother squawked and wailed. With no staff present to regulate the very crowded flow of people coming in and out, the situation could’ve escalated to even be fatal to one of these babies.
    This was the busiest I have ever seen it on New Year’s Day, even compared to years past, and while it’s amazing to see so many people enjoying our beautiful Barton Springs, the Aquatics Department failed the springs and its patrons by having virtually no staff/lifeguards present on the busiest day of the year.

Dear Editor,
    Austin space is precious. In conjunction with reducing the lot size for building a house, the City Council must pass an ordinance that requires standing burials. Three adult caskets standing on end – four for children – could be buried in the footage now allocated for a single body. The space conserved by this civic realignment will significantly benefit large families over a hundred-year period. #12feetunder

Dear Editor,
    When I read the 2.5-star review of A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan movie, [I] thought I'd skip it. The reviewer called half the movie "pretty good karaoke." Our friends wanted to go, so I checked Rotten Tomatoes and the audience score was 96% so we went.
    Timothée Chalamet did a fantastic job playing and singing Dylan's songs, Edward Norton was really good as Pete Seeger, and we really enjoyed it. When it ended, the Violet Crown audience applauded. This movie was so fun!!

Dear Editor,
    Brant Bingamon's story was so good (and nauseating) ["Texas Continues Sending People to the Execution Chamber, Innocent or Not," News, Jan. 10].
    If individuals with the power to approve/deny executions would be charged for, e.g., premeditated murder, for refusing a trial of new evidence, then, personal cost might override political bloodthirst.
    Presumption of innocence (until proven guilty) is the alleged fundamental principle of the U.S. justice system. In America, doesn't any reasonable piece of new evidence legally indicate a new presumption of innocence (until proven guilty)?

Dear Editor,
    Hey, Brohams-
    For the SECOND year IN A ROW, The Stayres have NOT even been an option for whom to vote in ANY of the categories in your AMP [Austin Music Poll].
    While I’m sure all the contenders you’ve listed are fine bands and all, NONE are as foine as The mighty mighty Stayres- ask ANYbody!