Don't ban books. Make them age-appropriate.

Regarding 'Dan Patrick's book ban isn't dumb. It's worse than that. | Opinion,' (Sept. 2): I do not agree with a ban on any book, no matter how offensive. I do, however, agree with age-appropriate introduction to sensitive topics. What I did not glean from this article is why the subject books cannot be moved from middle to high school libraries and required reading lists versus banning them outright. The books need to be available. The topics are relevant. Janet Riddle, Alvin Regarding 'Hiring burst of 162,000 jobs in August puts the focus squarely back on inflation in the US,' (Sept. 4): Donald Trump often says the U.S. economy is booming. The only problem is that the facts don't back him up. According to the Labor Department, 4.5 million jobs were added in 2022 during Biden's term, compared with just 716,000 during Trump's second term so far — nearly two years. That's a striking difference. No wonder scores of Republican lawmakers are skipping the Sept. 7-10 GOP midterm convention in Dallas. Their constituents know the economy isn't booming, so they don't want to be anywhere near Trump when he tries to make the case for his economic record. The numbers speak for themselves. Denny Freidenrich, California Regarding 'Who are the biggest donors backing Talarico and Paxton in the Texas Senate race? See the top 20.' (Aug. 17): In recent memory, this appears to be the most significant political race in Texas. The battle is generational as much as it is ideological. As I peruse through the list and see donations larger than most people's life savings, I ask one question: 'Is justice for sale?' That's the concern of the average Texan. As our political leaders battle it out in whatever way they can, we hope that in the theatrics of political warfare, the people's desire for justice and stable leadership does not take a back seat to the donors who reserve front-row tickets. I am reminded of a verse from the scripture of Islam, the Quran, which states: 'O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah (God), even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. Therefore follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do.' (Ch. 4, vs. 136) In political parties and campaigns, donors become like family: you rely on them, cater to them, vouch for them, perhaps even are controlled by them if the spotlight and power are too much to resist. I hope, as all do at the end of the day, that justice will not be bought and sold. Syed Adil Ahmad, Houston