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,
    Americans today can’t think straight.
    For example, should Joe Biden run or step aside? People don’t seem to understand that older age not only brings memory slowness and bodily frailty, but important wisdom benefits. When Joseph Biden goes to work every day, he organizes solutions to problems, whereas Donald Trump merely orders them. That’s the difference between some semblance of democracy and a full-blown autocracy.
   Lack of maturity has become a big problem in America. Consider Millennial and Gen Z men. They show their patriotism by performing in rodeos and buying guns rather than showing up to public meetings and providing input. Young women believe that freeing the nipple and trolling others on social media is their big contribution to democracy rather than voting and participating in government.
    Consider what a little age can do. Recently, a 45-year-old porn star schooled both young and old politicians of both political parties on the difference between right and wrong. In her TV interview with Rachel Maddow after the hush-money trial, Stormy Daniels addressed an issue by announcing, “That’s just not right!” When was the last time you heard a politician say such a thing?

Dear Editor,
    I read the “Tom Tomorrow” cartoon in the July 4 issue of the Chronicle ["This Modern World," Comics]. It sickened me because it perfectly illustrated how too many people actually feel.
   We need to STOP this self-defeating nonsense of whining that Trump could bring down American democracy. He loves hearing that. He wants desperately to believe he is so powerful he could ruin this country. Stop feeding his monstrous ego.
    In his real nature, Der Wankenfuhrer is an incompetent windbag who can’t bring down his own trousers without help. He’s dangerous only because he has a pack of jackals who feed on his idiotic ranting, and too many people spend their time pearl-clutching instead of doing what is needed – fighting. Der Wankenfuhrer can’t do any harm if we the people don’t let him.
    Our forebears were proud of risking their lives to stop fascism in Europe, and too many of us now won’t even risk time and money to stop fascism right here. If you really care about American democracy, stop whining and start fighting!

Dear Editor,
    Education is a fundamental right, yet countless children around the world are deprived of quality education. In Austin, we are fortunate to have access to excellent schools and dedicated teachers, but it's crucial to recognize that many children globally do not share this privilege.
    Supporting initiatives like the READ Act (Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development Act) is essential. This legislation aims to ensure that children worldwide receive quality education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to build better futures. As Austinites, we can play a significant role in advocating for this cause.
    When I began volunteering with the Borgen Project, I learned how powerful advocacy can be in shaping policy. By working with U.S. congressional leaders, the Borgen Project supports the approval of legislation that promotes global education. While it's heartening to see Austinites value education in our local schools, we need to extend this commitment to children everywhere.
    By supporting the READ Act and other similar initiatives, we embody the inclusive and forward-thinking spirit of Austin. Let's ensure that our dedication to education extends beyond our city's borders, enabling children around the world to access the quality education they deserve. Taking action now can create a ripple effect of positive change for generations to come.

Dear Editor,
    Good for my November opponent for recognizing both that a) Trump remains disastrous for the country, and b) Biden, burdened by old age, should withdraw ["Headlines: Biden's Bust," News, July 5].
    Rep. [Lloyd] Doggett, if he were self-aware when he was asking Biden to withdraw, would surely have recognized that the age question might apply to him too, and that a quarter-century in office ought to provide a sufficient number of rubber-stamping votes to last a lifetime. I call on him to bow out now letting voters pick a fresh face.
    Another suggestion in this regard is to amend the Constitution to disqualify anyone older than 75 from running for the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate or the presidency. Do I need to list the luminaries from whom we would have been spared, had this been an existing disqualifying requirement?

Dear Editor,
    We at Thank You Life commend your coverage of the transformative potential of psychedelics for veterans suffering from PTSD ["The Psychedelic Renaissance and the Veterans Leading the Charge," News, July 5]. Your article highlights the crucial need for alternative treatments, like psychedelic therapy, that offer profound healing.
    Our mission aligns with this vision. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we provide financial support to ensure access to ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for those who cannot afford it. By collaborating with over 80 KAP clinics around the country, we aim to bring these life-changing therapies to underserved communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, promoting mental health equity.
    Psychedelic therapy has shown remarkable results in treating PTSD, depression, and anxiety, particularly among veterans. The stigma surrounding these treatments is gradually diminishing as more research and success stories emerge. Ensuring that veterans and other underserved populations can access these therapies without financial barriers is imperative for a more equitable healthcare system.
    Your piece underscores the urgency of making these treatments accessible in the U.S., eliminating the need for veterans to seek help abroad. By fostering a supportive environment for psychedelic therapy, we can address mental health challenges more effectively and compassionately. The benefits of KAP are not only immediate but also long-lasting, offering hope and recovery for those who have often exhausted other treatment options.
    Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue and advocating for the well-being of our veterans. With continued awareness and support, we can collectively contribute to a more compassionate and effective mental health care system. We appreciate your commitment to highlighting such transformative issues and look forward to a future where these therapies are widely accepted and accessible to all who need them.