Re: “Trump, Hegseth address military brass — At abruptly called meeting, president suggests using cities as training grounds,” Wednesday news story.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s lecture to the assembled senior military leadership demonstrated one thing very clearly — neither man should ever have been placed in a position of leadership over our military.
They both demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of the noble profession of arms and instead engaged in very poor political theatrics.
I applaud the senior officers and enlisted service members for their magnificent self-discipline and composure during this highly partisan and totally useless spectacle. Republicans, you own this!
Retired Lt. Col. Jerome J. Dittman, Mesquite
Gender-neutral physical standards nod
Though not a fan of Pete Hegseth, I can’t dismiss his call for gender-neutral physical standards. Artificial standards shouldn’t be set to exclude women. But if a long-standing requirement in the infantry involves lifting a wounded comrade to be carried on one’s shoulders to safety, then the standard should be met by all.
Ken Duble, Dallas/The Cedars
President Carter cared for all
Re: “What Jimmy Carter tried to warn us about — His 1980 debate with Reagan contained sharp, prescient insights,” by Dallas Cothrum, Wednesday Opinion.
Cothrum’s column about President Jimmy Carter reminded us of what a decent, unselfish and generous soul he was. He is not remembered as one of our greatest presidents, but as a person who deeply cared for his fellow man.
He was a president who represented all Americans, not just those who voted for him. He harbored no ill will toward his political opponents, as opposed to our current president who condemns anyone who disagrees with him and seeks retribution against them.
After Carter left office he spent the remainder of his life promoting human rights, and he took a physically active role in providing housing for those in need. His humanitarian efforts over the years resulted in his winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter didn’t have to promote himself or lobby to win the award. He earned it.
J.R. Krystinik, Dallas/Preston Hollow
Call for justice with Roberson
Re: “Roberson’s daughter died of abusive head trauma — Three pediatricians who reviewed Texas case say injuries are consistent with inflicted injuries,” by George Edwards, John M. Leventhal and Andrea G. Asnes, Sept. 26 Opinion.
This fantastic op-ed on the Robert Roberson III murder case was the most journalistically responsible and important piece The Dallas Morning News has printed all year.
The authors presented a thorough, professional and irrefutable recounting of the actual facts of the case, and true cause of the child’s death. Medical reports, autopsy, everything.
Roberson was not convicted of shaken baby syndrome. He was convicted of brutally beating the child to death. Period. About 90% of the painful, eye-opening information in the op-ed has not been relayed to us through TV news, the internet or social media in such a clear and concise manner.
It shows that what has been going on with the convicted murderer’s defenders is a completely unjustified circus, and an insult to our judicial system, prosecutors and jurors.
The murderer’s defenders only obfuscate, deflect and deceive. Stop this sideshow and let justice be served.
Dennis Roberson, Fort Worth
Editor’s note: The letter author is no relation to Robert Roberson III.
‘No shame’ in trying to correct error
It is believed that Texas has multiple levels of review and appeals to ensure fairness and justice in applying the death penalty. Yet, on Oct. 16, Texans may witness the death of an individual innocent of any crime.
Robert Roberson III, a 58-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, has been on death row since 2002 following his conviction for the debunked shaken baby hypothesis. The lead detective for the prosecution during the original trial believes new evidence proves Roberson is innocent. The detective has said “we made a mistake in this case” and has met with Roberson on death row to ask for forgiveness for his error.
The overwhelming medical and scientific evidence shows that his 2-year-old daughter died of undiagnosed viral pneumonia that progressed to septic shock.
Letters supporting clemency for Roberson have been submitted by individuals and groups, including nearly 100 bipartisan Texas lawmakers.
All Texans should encourage their state representative to support a new trial so that Roberson’s innocence claims will be justly considered. As the prosecution’s detective said, “There’s no shame in trying to correct that error now, but it would be shameful for Texas to execute an innocent man.”
David A. Nelson, Dallas
Congress should back foreign aid
Re: “High court allows freeze on foreign aid,” Sept. 27 news digest.
Many Americans fear our democracy is in danger when executive action can override Congress’ constitutional power of the purse. That fear is not misplaced, nor is it the final word.
Congress allocated funds for foreign aid because programs like the Global Fund save lives cost-effectively while embodying American values. When we freeze aid that vaccinates children and fights preventable diseases, we abandon both our global leadership and fiscal responsibility.
Democracy thrives on participation beyond voting. We elect people to Congress to represent us, and when they allocate funding for programs that save lives, that’s our will in action. When executive power overrides that, it’s not just a policy disagreement but executive overreach that threatens the foundations of our republic.
I urge readers to call their representatives in Congress. Email them. Make some noise. Tell them you expect them to defend their constitutional role and the commitments America has made. Our democracy remains strong when we, everyday citizens, ensure that every branch of government stays in its lane and does its job.
Bukekile Dube, Dallas/Midway Hollow