Free speech often stifled
Re: “Texas abandons definition of university — When topics are forbidden or avoided for fear of reprisal, critical thinking is lost,” by Jacob Beck, Sunday Opinion.
The point of this essay is that some educational institutions in Texas have restricted certain topics such as praising fascism or discussing transgenderism and such. Beck doesn’t discuss the fact that this has happened in many, many universities across the nation already.
There have been a significant number of instances where left-wing students or professors had not allowed conservative groups or religious organizations from presenting material supporting their agenda because these students and professors want to shut down free speech. Or at least, speech they don’t agree with.
This likewise is abandoning the concept of university. But maybe Beck thinks that’s OK.
Opinion
Bob Jenkins, Plano
What college is for
I could not agree more with Beck’s opinion piece. “A university education should be an education in critical thinking” is spot on.
When he was old enough, my father dropped out of high school to join the war effort in 1945. Approximately 16 million other Americans did the same to preserve our freedoms, including freedom of speech.
After an honorable discharge, he went to Austin and earned his undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Texas. A true academic in every sense of the word, he felt that college was a place to gain an education and to share ideas and concepts with interesting people.
Were he alive today, he would be appalled to see dogmatic politicians deciding what topics can and cannot be discussed on college campuses.
Jaime Vela, Denton
We will keep going
Re: “A Toast to Those Deserving Thanks — So many help make our lives richer in North Texas,” Thursday editorial.
Thank you for this “Toast to Those Deserving Thanks” editorial. I read it with pleasure Thanksgiving morning and, as I’m sure many other readers did, thought of an additional long list of more people, places and things for which I am thankful.
In these divisive and uncertain times for so many, it’s helpful to stop and think about everything good. Big and small, it all adds up to helping us remember why we keep going. And we will keep going!
Sara Miskimins, Dallas/Lake Highlands
Willow Bend great for Stars
I am writing to express my support for the idea of relocating the Dallas Stars to the Shops at Willow Bend area in Plano. I believe this proposal has significant merit and should be discussed more thoroughly with the public and relevant stakeholders.
The Willow Bend area is a safe and strategically accessible location, positioned near both the North Dallas Tollway and the Bush Turnpike. Its proximity to the Stars’ practice facility in Frisco and its corporate offices makes it an especially practical choice. The surrounding community offers numerous dining options within walking distance, as well as convenient access to public transportation through local bus routes.
A new facility at Willow Bend could also serve as a multipurpose venue that benefits more than just hockey fans. It would offer North Texas Performing Arts a continued space for their programs and create a versatile environment for concerts, community events and other performances. This type of venue would strengthen community engagement and provide residents with a wider range of activities and cultural opportunities.
Moreover, the development of such a facility would generate additional revenue for the city of Plano through increased tourism, event attendance and local business activity.
In comparison, the current American Airlines Center requires substantial investments to address ongoing maintenance and modernization needs. A new, state-of-the-art facility in Plano would offer updated amenities and long-term value for both the team and the community.
For these reasons, I believe the relocation of the Dallas Stars to the Willow Bend area is a forward-thinking proposal that warrants serious consideration and broader public discussion.
Tyler Miller, Plano
Don’t look the other way
Re: “How can we allow ICE’s actions?” by John R. Dorgan, Nov. 18 Letters, and “Violent confrontations,” by Ken Ashby, Thursday Letters.
I was emotionally moved by this letter from Dorgan describing his experiences with ICE in Chicago. From their unlawful searches and seizures to the removal of some of our basic rights as American citizens, I consider this to be one of the darkest times in our history.
I didn’t see how anyone could defend their actions. Boy, was I wrong! Another missive printed in this space asked why people can’t apply lawfully and described a violent act committed by an “unvetted” immigrant, whatever that is.
While this event was tragic, it is merely anecdotal. One could find such isolated events to paint any minority group with a broad brush. But the fact is that statistically, both documented and undocumented immigrants commit crimes at a much lesser rate than the general populace.
That author may not be aware that those who have applied lawfully and followed the rules now face the same fate as those here illegally. Many innocent people, including American citizens, are getting caught in ICE’s dragnet.
Three-quarters of those taken by ICE have no criminal record. I, for one, appreciate Dorgan shining a light on an issue that can’t be solved by looking the other way.
Ted Felinski, Lewisville
Film industry fails local firms
The Texas Film Commission is failing local business. My son owns a catering company in the Austin area and says most, if not all, the major filmmakers bring in out-of-town actors, crew members and their own catering companies. One large catering company in Austin has six mobile kitchens and five of them are sitting idle.
The commission is offering tax shelters in order to help the local movie companies earn a decent living. How can the locals compete when the cards are stacked against them?
Robert Duncan, Plano