Re: “Police ethics instructor looks at Nichols’ death — Officers went outside bounds of constitutional policing and respect for humanity,” by Gregory Smith, Friday Opinion.
A month after Nichols’ fatal beating, white neighbors of a young, unarmed Black man in Seattle stepped between their black neighbor and police officers who were pointing guns and shouting orders. Instantly, the situation de-escalated, and the officers left the scene. Our state senators are filing bills “designed to restrict the construction of renewable energy in Texas and encourage development of more fossil fuel power plants.” Even Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick weighs in with his statement that this will “balance fairness and the equity between renewable and thermal.”
Especially gnawing is that these legislative bills are introduced by Republicans who espouse a laissez-faire government — that a hands-off approach is best as businesses can regulate themselves. Plus, as energy consultant Doug Lewin said, “There’s nothing in there for consumers.” By some estimates, Texas is leaving $100 billion on the table over the next decade by its refusal. During this same decade, Texans will pay $36.2 billion in federal income taxes. Uncompensated care will cost Texas hospitals $55 billion over the next decade.