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,
    It should come as no surprise that one of the most important election years for Texas coincides with the some of the hottest temperatures recorded in history. This election will determine how we approach the climate crisis and whether we develop meaningful bipartisan solutions or embrace Trumpian tactics of denial and, for the large part, silence. The Chronicle recently posted a summation of top stories from [2019, “Never a Slow News Day,” News, Dec. 20, 2019], pointing out the seriousness of homelessness relief to political scandals. One of these topics in this article that should come as no surprise is the appearance of blue-green algae in much of Lady Bird Lake this past summer, a consequence of intense summer heat that posed fatal threats to dogs around the city. This, however, is only a glimpse into the future of our state if no action is taken in government to course-correct climate change. Representatives like Chip Roy, Pete Olson, John Carter, and two dozen other incumbents will have to prove themselves qualified to attack this issue in the next election or risk losing their seat.
    Texas is a changing state. Young people are moving here every day, young people who understand the seriousness of climate change and will vote based on this issue. If these incumbents, being primarily Republican, cannot speak to this demographic, they may lose in 2020. The good news is bipartisan solutions exist in Congress today. The Center on Global Energy Policy recently released a review of seven carbon tax proposals introduced to Congress in 2018-2019. One of these policies, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, has been co-sponsored in Congress by Francis Rooney (R-Fla.) as a capitalist-friendly approach to mitigating the climate crisis. If you have not heard about the carbon tax and dividend proposal and would like to learn more, please visit Citizens’ Climate Lobby online for more information. Thank you for taking time to read this response.

Dear Editor,
    Hello! I just read your article on the top 10 best cups of tea in Austin [Daily Food, Dec. 19] and was surprised that Guan Yin Tea House was not included. They specialize in Chinese-style tea and the majority of it is sourced directly from the farmers in China. It also serves as a community space, holding various events ranging from art shows to dance parties. Very unique place with a story and definitely should have been included in the list. No ill feelings toward the article or author, just a note for future reference and as a personal recommendation!

Dear Editor,
    I really appreciate and enjoy the Luv Doc, but last week he misinformed your readers ["Luv Doc: Top 10 Things in Austin That Will Ruin Your Relationship," Dec. 20]. Shelly (correct spelling) will in fact take your gal’s digits, but he is in actuality a nonagenarian.

Dear Editor,
    Most every health care provider and family attorney will encourage people to sign a [do-not-resuscitate order] as a part of planning for their future. The decision to not resuscitate is then made from a thoughtful and rational perspective after careful consideration of all other options, rather than this decision being made in an emotional state or in haste, or by some detached family member.
    The DNR also takes the guesswork out of the decision, giving clear instructions to professionals and family members whose judgment might otherwise be clouded and irrational if the decision were left for them closer to the end of life. This also prevents a less-involved family member from rushing in at the last minute and demanding that everything be done and no expense be spared to save Aunt Metz or Uncle Pease.
    The Austin ISD and its board of trustees should be commended for following the directive of those who have worked on budget solutions and enrollment issues for years. Like all endings, people will be sad. But emotion and endless pandering should not dictate sound public policy.
    AISD has made many attempts to increase student enrollment, even taking the extreme step of recruiting students from outside Austin's property tax boundaries. These measures have failed to fill enough seats in these schools to justify keeping their doors open. The decision to close these four schools (and hopefully at least four more in the near future) also means freeing up resources for other schools, primarily the schools where former students from these schools will come. This is clearly a WIN-WIN for everyone, except those who have no concern with budget constraints or might have some unrealistic belief that if we keep Uncle Pease on a ventilator long enough, his condition will improve.
    Pulling the plug is the best decision for all concerned.