The Monitor View

Tragedy in Texas

The stress of war takes a tragic toll among the overextended U.S. military.

Carlos Rodriguez

Thursday’s shootings at Fort Hood shocked many people who might not have previously thought about just what the ongoing war is doing to the young men and women we keep sending into battle. Nearly 4,400 of them have died in Iraq and... Full story

Safety first

It can take time before effects of drugs are known

Carlos Rodriguez

It’s becoming rare to sit through an entire television program without seeing at least one commercial advertisement that’s trying to convince you to get a prescription for some new medicine. The Associated Press reports that drug... Full story

Hardly A Peep

Where is debate over constitution changes?

Some of the proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution have received little comment or opposition. In at least one case the matter has become routine. Perhaps people have become too accustomed to government being involved in matters that... Full story

Editorial: Value protection

Constitutional amendments would help property owners

As expected, turnout so far has been light in early voting for the 11 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. That is unfortunate, because more than half of the proposals would directly affect homeowners’ property tax bill. Live voting... Full story

Heroic deeds

As we mourn another loss in Iraq, pledge to make peace their legacy.

Carlos Rodriguez

The Rio Grande Valley once again mourns the loss of one of our own to the hell that is war. Alton native Bradley Espinoza was killed Monday when an explosive hit his vehicle at Qayyarah West, Iraq — the military calls it Q-West. He was in his... Full story

Simpler For Vets

On PTSD, VA should trust own doctors

Most people would agree that going to war is of itself a stressful prospect for any rational person. Just ask any of the hundreds of Rio Grande Valley veterans and their families who have fought in wars from Normandy to Takrit over the past... Full story

Con the Roads

Social services drain highway repair funds

Highway construction on U.S. highways 77 and 83 has been a fact of life in the Rio Grande Valley for the better part of two decades. And yet with those constant upgrades, the Rio Grande Valley’s roadways as a whole have been deteriorating... Full story

Flu shot in flux

Parents right to doubt panic on H1N1

The nation’s health czar has spoken: All Americans must take the swine flu vaccine. We do have a right, however, to say that we’ll be the judge of that. But whatever decision people make, it’s important that it be made with as... Full story

Stop the Killing

Flawed execution process too risky

It’s time for another review of the death penalty, and the growing evidence that we can’t do it well enough to justify continued use. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has delayed two planned executions pending a new review of the process. The... Full story

The U.S. government is right to monitor agencies that receive federal funding

The scandal surrounding ACORN has led to a review of tax-exempt organizations that could extend to Valley Interfaith and similar groups. And it should; in fact, such reviews should be routine for all such groups. The Treasury Department’s... Full story

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