Gun laws and Galveston Bay

Easy driver

Regarding “Why I no longer get angry behind the wheel” (Opinion, Aug. 28): One of the great things about getting to be an older driver is that you just slow down. You are no longer in a hurry to get anywhere. Thus, there is little to no road rage syndrome — red face, heart palpitations, hyperventilation, hand gestures, lip moving, horn apocalypse.

I know it is sacrilegious for a native Texan to admit, but I often limit myself to only doing the speed limit on the inside right lane.

Walt Lind, Nassau Bay

Flagging potential misuse

Regarding “Abbott: No need for guns special session” (City/State, Aug. 17): The fact that Gov. Abbott’s decided not to call a meeting to enact red flag laws solidifies the notion of innocent until proven guilty. Preventative measures against school shootings and other violence should be enacted, but infringing on someone’s right in order to do so is wrong. Red Flag laws are a bad idea because they involve taking away someone’s legally owned firearms because of a “concerned family member.” This could be a jealous ex-wife attempting to cause problems for an ex-husband. It could even be her way of making it easier for her or someone else to hurt him.

The notion of innocent until proven guilty should be upheld in all situations. As it is within Abbott’s rights to not call a meeting, I support his decision.

Braxton Bond, Houston

Assault weapons

It seems there are gun enthusiasts in America who have an affinity for military-style assault rifles. There are also those who are against legislation that would prohibit private ownership of such weapons. For those who enjoy discharging them on the practice range, I would suggest enlisting in the Army or Marines and becoming a soldier. This would fulfill the warrior instinct that may be at the root of the attraction to military-style weapons.

There is nothing wrong with being a soldier/warrior. It is anoble profession and one that is necessary for the defense and security of our great nation. We will always hold these heroes in high esteem and are forever indebted to their service and ultimate sacrifice.

Can we all agree that combat activity should be confined to the military battlefield, not the streets of America? Allowing free public access to assault weapons makes it easy for dangerous people to obtain these devices and use them to commit mass murder.

G. Wayne Baggett, Friendswood

Protecting our waterways

Regarding “Water quality dips” (City/ State, Aug. 29): Thanks to the Houston Chronicle and Galveston Bay Foundation for encouraging civic engagement in reducing nutrients in upstream waters that flow into Galveston Bay. Sadly, it will take a lot more than watershed nutrient reduction to protect our precious bay.

To paraphrase Bob Stokes, GBF president, “it takes a long time to change direction when you’re steering a giant ocean liner.” We are never going to turn that ship around until the Houston Ship Channel industries make an honest effort to stop polluting our waters with hazardous chemicals that harm our coastal fisheries and kill marine life.

Anne Profilet, Houston