Backup plan dashed
Re: “Crockett’s trial balloon certain to crash — The Democrats’ version of Ken Paxton isn’t electable to Senate, but you’ll know her name,” by Ronell Smith, Dec. 14 Opinion.
As a moderate independent voter who typically votes for Republican candidates, I very much identified with the conclusions in Smith’s column. My backup plan if Ken Paxton were to win the Republican primary was to vote for Collin Allred if he were to be the Democrats’ nominee. Allred’s moderate positions make it plausible that he could beat the flawed Paxton with the help of moderates like me.
Unfortunately, my backup plan went out the window when Jasmine Crockett entered the senate race and pushed Allred out. She will not appeal to moderate independents and Republicans. Merry Christmas, Ken Paxton!
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Jack Gibson, North Dallas
RFK Jr.’s moves hurt kids
It did not take long for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to seek retribution against the physician groups, in particular the American Academy of Pediatrics, that have denounced his actions regarding vaccination and health care of our children.
By removing funding for seven federal grants, he will not punish the pediatricians directing the programs, but rather the children who receive the benefits associated with this funding, e.g., adolescent health and identifying children with autism.
The changes made by Health and Human Services under the leadership of Kennedy have the potential to make diseases not seen in children for years reappear and those that were infrequent, become common, e.g., infant hepatitis B, measles and Hemophilus influenza, all of which have high morbidity.
Like our national leadership, removal and/or intimidation are standard practice and the consequences are of no concern. The public, parents and grandparents plus others, must stand up and fight this ignorance and unscientific approach to children’s health care!
Charles R. Rosenfeld, Dallas
What letters don’t say
On the morning of Dec. 14 while reading the continued stream of anti-Trump letters in The Dallas Morning News Opinion pages, I wondered if perhaps your editors didn’t take note of the last presidential election. Because reading your selection of letters, one would think he barely won and has done nothing but harm since being elected.
So let me suggest a few topics that you never seem to touch on, for obvious reasons. You might discuss immigration and the changes since Donald Trump took office.
Perhaps you could address Iran’s nuclear capabilities, or perhaps gas prices. Or you could write about Middle East peace deals, which appear to have been brokered out of mid-air since we don’t hear much about how they came about.
You might want to address the amount of foreign investment with the new administration.
These are but a few of the subjects rarely seen in our still fine newspaper, but can you imagine if these had been Joe Biden successes? Stop the presses!
Bruce Davidson, Carrollton
‘Ugly American’ returns
Forty-five years ago, I started a 30-year career at a top financial firm. As a woman, I was a minority. There were maybe 5% to 10% women in the company, mostly in human resources.
I was the only woman in my department, or in a meeting, or on a business trip most of the time for the first 20 or so years. Then more women started joining the company.
In all those years, 99% of the men I worked with were kind, respectful and supportive. When a man inadvertently or purposefully was disrespectful, the respectful majority called on him to apologize for his behavior.
Therefore, I am floored when I read about the disrespectful behavior of our president to female reporters, politicians and professionals. He is the 1%. But more disturbing is that his peers are not calling out his offensive behavior.
It reflects badly on all Americans. The “ugly American” label is starting to make a comeback in America and abroad.
Elizabeth Knoop, Frisco
Look at it this way
Mexico has started attacking all boats headed from the U.S. in the direction of Mexico and killing all passengers. The government justifies the attacks by claiming that the boats are probably illegally carrying U.S. guns to gangs in Mexico. It is a “war on crime,” the Mexican president says. “We do not need to stop and search or interrogate; we just kill everyone in the name of safety.”
OK, this is fake news, but what if it were true?
Steve McCluer, Far North Dallas
Live and learn together
As one concerned with social justice since my youth (my heroes were Jacob Riis and Jane Addams, thus revealing my age!)‚ I appreciate Peter Johnson’s contributions to The Dallas Morning News Opinion section. How I wish I might enjoy a porch conversation with him.
My frustration continues because of the continuing lack of progress in our recognition of and improvement in our social relations in our beloved country. Yes, it worsens!
The MAGA movement is an abomination of our Christian faith. Its leaders have read the wrong message. Jesus the Christ teaches us to love all people. We can, indeed, live, love and learn together.
Anne R. Healy, Richardson
Still missing Luka
So Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson says she wants Donald Trump to run for a constitutionally unlawful third term — and even vows to contribute $250 million to the cause. As a Mavs fan, I wish she had put that same money toward extending Luka Doncic’s contract and keeping him here. And I bet Mark Cuban would agree.
Larry Postel, Dallas