LETTERS

Free speech and road rules

Free Assange

Regarding “Assange charged with conspiracy by U.S.” (Nation/World, Friday): The arrest of Julian Assange is an assault upon the First Amendment of the U.S Constitution. Assange, via his news site WikiLeaks, publishes information provided by whistle-blowers. The New York Times, Washington Post and other outlets have also published such sourced information.

Just two classic examples in the past have been the Pentagon Papers and information leading to the Watergate scandal.

No government has a right to maintain the secrecy of its illegal activities, corruption or war crimes such as the “collateral murder video” which Chelsea Manning provided to Assange.

All journalists should rise up in protest of Assange’s arrest, for it is meant to silence them and keep them in line even if they are provided with information of wrongdoing on the part of their government. If the U.S., Britain, Russia, China, etc., do not want to be tarnished by whistleblowers, then they should stop with the criminal activity.

Shaun Smith, Houston

Drive forward

Regarding “Outlook dims for electric vehicles” (Front page, Friday): In noting Trump is freezing automakers’ MPG requirements in 2020, the story quotes EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler: “There is growing evidence automakers cannot comply with the trajectory of (efficiency) standards. Standards need to be achievable.” I’m sick and tired of that same old company line being towed.

When we pushed for safer cars, Detroit said the public would never pay the added costs of seat belts and airbags.

Anti-lock braking systems? Same thing. Better bumpers and crash zones? Somehow we always manage to accept it while innovation and technology make it happen.

When it comes to mileage, however, that depends on how fickle we are as drivers, buying small and efficient when gas is high and loading up on trucks and SUVs when prices drop. If we’re truly going to tackle climate change and greenhouse gasses, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards must be enforced! Despite the hand-wringing by Detroit, it always seems to get done, and we’re better off for it!

David Kelly, Spring

Electric cars

I’m happy the president is restoring some freedom of choice in buying an automobile. Only one of the many articles I’ve read on electric vehicles mentions the enormous increase in generating capacity requirements to recharge them. Nor the amount of fossil fuels burned to supply the required capacity.

Internal combustion engines remain the most efficient power currently available for our transportation needs, despite all the propaganda touting battery power. Batteries have to be recharged, and for now, that means burning fossil fuels.

Bryant Reed, La Porte

Air problem

Regarding “‘The era of job-killing regulations is over’” (Front page, Thursday): When I saw the headline, I honestly felt nauseated.

What good are jobs if we are all sick from the polluted air and water?

What good are jobs if we don’t protect the planet’s resources so that future generations can survive here?

What is the matter with us that we cannot see beyond our own pocketbooks?

When you live in Houston, it doesn’t take scientific expertise to recognize a problem — all you have to do is look at the plume of black smoke in the air or the shine of jet fuel in the bayou to know that if we don’t have regulations, we’ll have a lot more to worry about than finding a job.

Joanna Friesen, Houston

Speedy appointment

The quick, slick action of three Democrat commissioners in rushing the appointment of Lesley Briones to a momentarily vacant post, not only riled Republican commissioners, it riled me, a Democrat who believes in open government and transparency.

Having practiced at the well respected firm of Vinson & Elkins where I once worked, Briones is obviously qualified. So what was the rush? Was there fear of a more qualified applicant stepping forward? There should have been public notice of the vacancy, an opportunity for interested individuals to apply, a time for public comment.

Commissioners Court is not a private club and the county judiciary is not (nor should it be) an insiders social organization like afraternity or sorority, playing with the public’s judicial system.

Talk about a rush to judgment!

Jim Greenwood, Houston

Lawmakers take note

Regarding “New Zealand’s new gun laws get final assent to take effect” (Chron.com, Thursday): Less than a month after the worst mass shooting in its country’s history, the government of New Zealand has taken action to ban the sale and ownership of assault weapons.

By comparison, it has been 20 years since the mass shooting in Columbine when 13 people were killed. Even though poll after poll shows that Americans are in favor of common-sense common sense gun reforms, America’s leaders fail to act on this issue.

While America’s leaders offer their “thoughts and prayers” after each shooting, the government of New Zealand has taken strong and decisive action.

The day of the shooting, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, promised that gun reforms would be made. A month later, she showed that she can deliver on her promises.

America’s leaders at the state and national level can and should learn from the example set by New Zealand.

Bill Meyer, Kingwood