4A Longview News-Journal, Tuesday, February 25, 2020 news-journal.com Was ’18 vote OpiniOn just one of Editorials are the opinion of the News-Journal editorial board, which is led those things? by Publisher Stephen N. McHaney, he number of registered Editor Richard Brack and voters in the state today — Editor Emeritus Phil Latham T16,211,198 — is about the size of the state’s entire population in 1990. TODAY’S BIBLE VERSE That Texas was making a turn from midcentury to modern, a tran- “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for sition captured in some ways by the and assurance about what we do not see.” race for — Hebrews 11:1 governor between Ann Richards, Other voices who was talking about Gift of hope “a New Texas,” New rule is good news for ROSS where Political bias on campus people victims of trafficking RAMSEY who weren’t recent Pew Research Berkeley, professor and white THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS Center survey found former Secretary of Labor and male could participate in poli- A that only half of Robert Reich chimed in to n Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott tics and business and culture on an American adults think say: “Think about this: Iowa granted a Christmas wish that has equal basis, and Clayton Williams, colleges and universities is 90.7% white. Iowa is now Obeen on our list for two years: a the Midland oilman who died last are having a positive effect the only state with a lifetime clear path to restoration for incarcerated week, whose appeal was to return on our nation. The leftward voting ban for people with victims of human trafficking. Texas to a nostalgic idea about the political bias, held by faculty a felony conviction. Black Abbott announced the creation of a good old days. members affiliated with the people make up 4% of Iowa’s customized clemency application for sur- The Texas we’re living in now Democratic Party, at most population but 26% of the vivors of trafficking and domestic abuse. has almost twice the population of institutions of higher edu- WALTER prison population. How is Under the new protocol, Texas inmates the Texas those two sought to gov- cation explains a lot of that WILLIAMS this representative of our will be allowed to cite their experience ern. Still, Texas politics then and disappointment. Professors electorate?” A Williams Col- Texas politics now have something as victims when requesting relief from Mitchell Langbert and Sean lege professor said he would in common: uncertainty. the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Stevens document this bias in “Partisan advocate for social justice to be included In 2020, the Republican hold on “Texas is committed to empowering Registration and Contributions of Facul- in math textbooks. Students at Wayne state government that began in the survivors of domestic abuse and human ty in Flagship Colleges.” State University no longer have to take a 1990s is beginning to shrink; in 2018, trafficking,” Abbott said. “And one of Langbert and Stevens conducted a new single math course to graduate; howev- Democrats snatched two congres- the surest signals of that goal is laying study of the political affiliation of 12,372 er, they may soon be required to take a sional seats from the GOP, along out a true path to redemption and resto- professors in the two leading private and diversity course. with a dozen seats in the Texas ration.” two leading public colleges in 31 states. Then there’s a question about loyalty House. On top of that, the Repub- We couldn’t agree more. On Christ- For party registration, they found a Dem- to our nation. Charles Lieber, former licans who swept into statewide mas Day 2018, we called for just such ocratic to Republican (D:R) ratio of 8.5:1, chairman of the Department of Chem- offices onw by tighter margins a program. Acknowledging that the which varied by rank of institution and istry and Chemical Biology at Harvard, than usual. The current election governor can’t grant clemency without a cycle is an acid test of sorts — to region. For donations to political candi- was arrested earlier this year on accu- recommendation from the parole board, determine whether 2018 was a sign dates (using the Federal Election Com- sations that he made a materially false, we wrote, “We therefore call on that that the pendulum is moving again, mission database), they found a D:R ratio fictitious and fraudulent statement seven-member board and state officials or whether it was just one of those of 95:1, with only 22 Republican donors, about work he did for a program run by to reassess the rules governing pardons things. compared with 2,081 Democratic donors. the Chinese government that seeks to and clemency in regard to victims of sex The most recent University of Several consistent findings have lure American talent to China. He was trafficking. We believe the board can Texas/Texas Tribune Poll found emerged from Langbert and Stevens’ paid $50,000 a month and up to $158,000 create a process for those convicted of more evidence of deep divisions study. The ratio of faculty who identify in living expenses for his work, which prostitution or drug-related crimes com- between Democratic and Republi- as or are registered as Democratic versus involved cultivating young teachers and mitted while they were being trafficked.” can voters on guns, immigration, Republican almost always favors the students, according to court documents. refugee resettlement, income And again, a few days after Christmas Democratic Party. Democratic professors According to the Department of Justice, equality, health care and public 2019, we called on Abbott to use the sym- outnumber their Republican counter- Lieber helped China “cultivate high-level education. And it revealed some bolic power of the holiday tradition of parts most in the humanities and social scientific talent in furtherance of China’s potential weaknesses at the top of granting clemency to achieve more than sciences, compared with the natural scientific development, economic pros- the Republican ticket. forgiveness for a handful of people, but sciences and engineering. The ratio is perity and national security.” Texans remain split when asked instead, “to use the power of clemency 42:1 in anthropology, 27:1 in sociology It’s not just Harvard professors. Newly whether President Donald Trump in the service of a grand and import- and 27:1 in English. In the social sciences, found court records reveal that Emory should be reelected, with 48% say- ant revolution against modern-day sex Democratic registered faculty outnumber University neuroscientist Li Xiao-Jiang ing they’ll vote for him again (40% slavery.” their Republican counterparts the least was fired in late 2019 after being charged said “definitely) and 52% saying The next week, the governor issued a in economics 3:1. The partisan political with lying about his own ties to China. Li they will not (including 47% who full pardon to Robbie Ann Hamilton, a slant is most extreme at the most highly was part of the same Chinese program as said “definitely not). In hypothet- trafficking victim who committed petty ical head-to-head matchups with rated institutions. Lieber. A jury found a University of Cal- offenses many years in the past, during a some of the Democrats seeking The leftist bias at our colleges and uni- ifornia, Los Angeles, professor guilty of time when she was addicted to drugs and their party’s nomination, Trump versities has many harmful effects. Let’s exporting stolen U.S. military technology trafficked. was in front every time. But not by look at a few. to China. Newsweek reported that he was It was the right thing to do and it sent much: His margins in those trial At University of California, Davis, convicted June 26 on 18 federal charges. a powerful message to help reframe how heats ranged from 2 to 5 percentage last month, a mathematics professor Meanwhile, NBC reported that federal Texans think about people caught in points — not the strong advantage a faced considerable backlash over her prosecutors say that University of Texas webs of abuse and oppression. sitting Republican president might opposition to the requirement for faculty professor Bo Mao attempted to steal U.S. We also support the manner in which expect in what has been a solid “diversity statements.” University of technology by using his position as a Republican state. Abbott is approaching these changes. California, San Diego, requires job professor to obtain access to protected It’s not all roses and chocolates Last summer, Abbott vetoed House Bill applicants to admit to the “barriers” circuitry and then handing it over to for the Democrats, either. In a U.S. 3078, which would have set up a new preventing women and minorities from the Chinese telecommunications giant, Senate race that has attracted a review panel outside of the parole board full participation in campus life. At Huawei. dozen contestants, MJ Hegar — the to process these kinds of applications. American University, a history professor The true tragedy is that so many Amer- best known candidate — remains Abbott said he lauded the effort but recently wrote a book in which he advo- icans are blind to the fact today’s colleges unknown to 69% of self-identified “adding a thick layer of bureaucracy” to cates repealing the Second Amendment. and universities pose a threat on several Democratic primary voters. Only the Board of Pardons and Paroles was A Rutgers University professor said, fronts to the well-being of our nation. 31% said they have heard of her, “not the way to help victims of human “Watching the Iowa Caucus is a sicken- — Walter E. Williams, a professor of economics at George and the numbers were worse for trafficking.” ing display of the over-representation Mason University, is a columnist with Creators Syndicate. her opponents in that primary. Not We agree that the existing parole of whiteness.” University of California, His column appears Tuesday. surprisingly, most Democrats said board is capable of hearing these they haven’t picked a candidate requests. The new clemency applica- in that race; pressed to say how tion will rightly include not only those WHERE TO WRITE they would vote if they had to, 28% Texans trafficked for sex but those traf- looked at the list and said “someone ficked for labor and those who commit- PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, White House, Austin, TX 78768-2910; (512) 463-0271. Local office: else,” and 6% refused to say what ted crimes while under the influence of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20500; 115 W. First St., Mount Pleasant, TX 75455 they’d do. an abusive partner. (202) 456-1111. Website: whitehouse.gov; contact STATE REP. TRAVIS CLARDY, P.O. Box 2910, Not everything was uncertain As always, we advise caution and pru- through form at whitehouse.gov/contact/ Austin, TX 78768-2910; (512) 463-0592. Local office: in the UT/TT Poll. Texans think property taxes are too high. Large dence. In 2018, we recommended a clem- U.S. SEN. JOHN CORNYN, 517 Hart Senate 202 East Pilar, Room 310, Nacogdoches, TX 75961; majorities of every subgroup — ency process that excludes anyone guilty Office Building, Washington DC 20510; (202) (936) 560-3982 Democrats, Republicans, women, of unlawful violence against others or 224-2934. Local office: Bank One Building, 100 E. GREGG COUNTY JUDGE BILL STOUDT, Gregg men, educated and not, and so on who has been a perpetrator as well as a Ferguson, Tyler, TX 75702. Website: cornyn.senate. County Courthouse, 101 E. Methvin St., Longview, — said criminal and mental health victim of trafficking. gov TX 75601. (903) 236-8420. Website: co.gregg.tx.us/ background checks should be The Board of Pardons and Paroles U.S. SEN. TED CRUZ, 284 Russell Senate Office county-judge required for all gun sales, including still has work to do in reviewing these Building, Washington, DC 20510; (202) 224-5922. GREGG COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, at gun shows and between private applications. Website: cruz.senate.gov find your county commissioner and other county parties. But for thousands of victims who have U.S. REP. LOUIE GOHMERT, 2440 Rayburn precinct officials at co.gregg.tx.us/commission- And if you accept the idea that been coerced, tricked, lied to and made House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; tele- ers-court the electorate isn’t unanimous, dependent by means of drugs, debt or phone: (202) 225-3035. Local office: 101 E. Methvin LONGVIEW MAYOR ANDY MACK, P.O. Box 1952, the viewpoints of Democrats and physical violence, Abbott’s actions here St., Longview, TX 75601; (903) 236-8597. Website: Longview, TX 75605. (903) 237-1021. Website: Republicans remain fairly certain are a gift and a reminder that leadership house.gov/gohmert longviewtexas.gov/2202/Mayor as well. A majority of Republicans, matters, progress is possible and hope U.S. REP. JOHN RATCLIFFE, 325 Cannon House LONGVIEW CITY COUNCIL, find your City for instance, list either border should burn brightly within us even as Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; telephone: Council representative at longviewtexas.gov/2198/ security or immigration as the we face tough challenges. (202) 225-6673. Local office: Texarkana College Mayor-and-Council most important problem facing the Health Science Building, 2600 North Robison KILGORE MAYOR RONNIE SPRADLIN, 815 N. state, following a pattern revealed Road, Suite 190, Texarkana, TX 75599; (903) 823- Kilgore St., Kilgore, TX 75662. (903) 984.5081. in earlier surveys. Democrats put What do you think? 3173. Website: ratcliffe.house.gov Email [email protected]. Website: city- political corruption/leadership at GOV. GREG ABBOTT, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, TX ofkilgore.com/government/city-council the top of the problem list, followed The Longview News-Journal believes a com- 78711-2428; Main switchboard: (512) 463-2000; As- KILGORE CITY COUNCIL, information at city- by health care. Some of those issues were munity is best served when a chorus of voices is sistance Hotline: (800) 843-5789; Opinion Hotline: ofkilgore.com/government/city-council heard. Just as a musical choir depends on differ- around in different forms when (800) 252-9600. Website: governor.state.tx.us GILMER MAYOR TIM MARSHALL, P.O. Box 67, Richards was beating Williams in ent voices of different tones, so does productive LT. GOV. DAN PATRICK, Box 12068, Capitol Gilmer, TX 75644. (903) 843-3585. discourse about the issues of the day. 1990. And that election clarified a Station, Austin, TX 78711; (512) 463-0001. Website: GILMER CITY COUNCIL, find your City Council lot of speculation about the state’s Share your thoughts with a letter to the editor. ltgov.state.tx.us member at gilmer-tx.com/elected-officials/ The guidelines are simple: changing politics. The 2020 elec- STATE SEN. BRYAN HUGHES, P.O. Box 12068, GLADEWATER MAYOR JOHN “J.D.” SHIPP, P.O. tions promise to do the same thing ■ Limit letters to one topic. Capitol Station, Austin, TX 78711; (512) 463-0101. Box 1725 Gladewater, TX 75647. (903) 845-2196 ■ Limit letters to 200 words or less. — to show whether Texas politics Local office: Gregg County Courthouse, Suite 301, GLADEWATER CITY COUNCIL, find members at are becoming more competitive, ■ Focus on issues, not personalities. Longview 75601; (903) 753-8137 cityofgladewater.com/city-council-2/ ■ We do not publish anonymous letters. or changing in some other way. To STATE REP. JAY DEAN, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, HALLSVILLE MAYOR JESSE CASEY, P.O. Box ■ We do not publish letters involving individual test, in short, whether 2018 was just TX 78768-2910; (512) 463-0750. Local office, 101 E. 899, Hallsville, TX 75650. (903) 668-2313. one of those things. disputes or business disputes. Mail: Letters, P.O. Box 1792, Longview, TX 75606 Methvin St., Suite 103, Longview, TX 75601; (903) HALLSVILLE CITY COUNCIL, find the mayor — Ross Ramsey is co-founder and executive Email: [email protected] 238-8452 pro-tem and aldermen at cityofhallsvilletx.com/ editor of The Texas Tribune. His column STATE REP. COLE HEFNER, P.O. Box 2910, hallsville-city-council/ appears Tuesday.