OPINION

Re: "Bataille's surprise exit forces UNT to pay big -- Deal gives president $723,000 for contract, option to work in Denton," Saturday news story.

University of North Texas President Gretchen Bataille resigns because she apparently can't get along with the administration, but receives $723,000 for the remainder of her contract and has the opportunity to collect $289,000 more in the 2010-11 school year for research and teaching.

No wonder UNT needs to raise tuition.

I'm a little nonplussed about the newest version of Alice in Wonderland; Tim Burton is not known for kiddy fare. Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter looks like Ronald McDonald on acid.

The problem is that Mad Hatter's disease was a real workplace safety issue during the 19th century. While miners got black lung disease from prolonged exposure to coal dust and millers got white lung disease from flour, hat makers got Mad Hatters from prolonged exposure to mercury, used to turn fur into felt. This heavy metal would build up in their systems, causing trembling, loss of coordination, slurred speech, loosening of teeth, memory loss, depression, irritability and anxiety.

What will kiddy fantasy stories use next: characters with PTSD?

Texas has traffic laws ranging from prohibitions for driving while intoxicated to driving without automobile insurance, and these laws should be obeyed. If they were, no one would face fines and surcharges for infractions.

However, people do violate the law, often causing serious accidents that harm innocent people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hospitals receive the injured and strive to not only save lives, but restore health to injured people.

Since 2003, when the Legislature created the Driver Responsibility Program to provide funds to offset uncompensated trauma care, some 60 Texas hospitals have become designated trauma centers. The program collects about $125 million per year, while designated trauma facilities reported $200 million in uncompensated trauma care in 2008.

If everyone who owes fines and surcharges paid, and if the Legislature appropriated the total amount collected in the Trauma and EMS accounts, trauma capacity would increase to keep pace with the growing population, and prevention efforts could increase.

Eliminating the Driver Responsibility Program would be a mistake. If modifications to the current system are warranted, let's collaboratively implement the changes rather than scrap the Drive Responsibility Program.

Texas needs a stable source of funding to support the statewide trauma system. If not this program, then what?

The pretty and unexpected snowfall Friday turned quickly into a nightmare. Oncor makes millions of dollars from its customers but can't find a way to communicate the most basic information, leaving thousands of us in the dark, literally and figuratively. If, after hours of dialing and waiting, a human being actually took the call, that person took rudeness to a new level. We, fortunately, had friends who took us in, but I now resent the exorbitant bills from Oncor more than ever. And they have the nerve to blame homeowners who don't want their trees trimmed.

And I had an epiphany -- if we were that miserable after three days of no heat, what about all the people who are living that way because they can't afford to pay their bills? No one should have to live like that, but I'm afraid there are thousands who do.

I applaud the generosity of the American people who open their wallets time and time again for disasters in other countries, but I'm wondering if there isn't a way to take care of our own.

Re: "Down with the people -- Don't blame politicians for political, economic crises, says Jacob Weisberg," Sunday Points.

One year ago, 59 percent of the American public liked the stimulus plan, according to Gallup. A few months later, with the economy still deeply mired in recession, a majority said President Barack Obama was spending too much money on it.

The true political views of the public can't be measured with a poll. It requires more than a yes or no, fill-in-the-bubble or 30-second answer.

Much has been made of Sarah Palin's lack of understanding of world affairs and government policy. She is a genius compared to the average man on the street. Yet he is supposed to lead to correct policies based on polls of how he feels. The once-informed public read newspapers, watched the evening news, and discussed politics.

Today, they can't tell who is the secretary of defense or state. But they can name the most recent American Idol and who "danced with the stars" with ease.

Re: "Medina slips up with remark -- Campaign takes a hit when 9/11 conspiracy not instantly rejected," last Friday news story.

I can't see how Debra Medina's answer to Glenn Beck could be construed as a slipup.

Asked if the American government had any involvement in the destruction of the World Trade Center, she answered, "I think some very good questions have been raised in that regard," and, "I've not taken a position."

That's probably as good an answer as I would have given, since I believe that every informed citizen should question everything that the government does, be it local, state or national.

Debra Medina is the only candidate who is truly informed on the issues facing us Texans, and the only one talking about those issues instead of slinging mud.

If people will just listen to what all of these candidates are saying, and compare them to their own values, Debra Medina will be the next governor.

... but rivals will vie for votes

Debra Medina's nomination chances just crashed and burned. When Glenn Beck starts distancing himself from your comments, you are really out there.

Next, Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison scramble for Medina's lost votes.

As a Dallasite who makes my living in the hospitality industry, I was happy for the business that the NBA brought to Dallas this past week.

But the NBA needs to put these guys through a class on some basics. Some of the behavior was appalling, and let's not even talk about the gratuities. Some of these guys are making seven-figure incomes and don't know how to read a menu, order, act in a restaurant or tip. And could they please leave the prostitutes at home next time?

Re: "Texas' looming traffic woes -- State leaders must deal with bad transportation situation, say Sens. John Carona and Kirk Watson," Wednesday Viewpoints.

Carona and Watson appropriately point out that our state is "doing nothing" about transportation. While we agree, we wonder why there is no mention of passenger trains. Amtrak continues to be underused and underfunded. Freight trains dominate and have priority on the tracks, slowing Amtrak trains to a crawl.

However, if we cleared the way for passenger trains on existing tracks, we could be going to Austin, for example, for relaxed, convenient business day trips at a speed that approximates that of the nightmarish drive down Interstate 35. This is something we could be enjoying in a very short time.

Re: "Hidden costs of ticket surcharges," by Hugh Lucas, Feb. 10 Letters.

Thank you for your coverage of the Driver Responsibility Program. I have great concerns about the program and would like to clarify comments found in the resulting letters to the editor.

The program has been plagued with problems, most notably compliance issues. The Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security, which I chair, has been studying the program and looking for ways to fix it.

In the committee's 2008 interim report to the 81st Legislature, we recommended that the indigent program be evaluated, and if compliance levels had not increased, we recommended eliminating the program.

I co-authored Senate Bill 896 by Sen. Eliot Shapleigh. The bill as filed would have eliminated the program, but it was met by strong opposition from the hospital, trauma and EMS community that pointed to a possible loss of $84 million from EMS/trauma funds. The trauma and EMS community also have to bear the burden of uninsured and reckless drivers.

We altered the language to modify the program, and while it passed the Senate, it never got a hearing in the House.

Our committee has once again been charged with studying the DRP during the 81st interim. This program is clearly not working as is. If we cannot find a way to make the DRP a solution to the problem of uninsured and reckless drivers, rather than a problem in itself, we need to eliminate it. We do not need an extra problem.

Over the last several months, The Dallas Morning News has published several articles concerning the Dallas County constables and the Dallas County government.

When will the citizens of Dallas County get enough of this mess and vote in new officials in the county? One of the taxpayers' concerns is the Dallas County constables' continuing expansion of their duties in taking on more traditional police work. They are now encroaching upon territory that is normally under the control of local police forces.

This, among other factors, creates friction between them and the police forces in those cities. There is little oversight to their activities. This has turned into a money-making racket for the county. It is time to do away with the office of constable and turn their duties over to the sheriff's department. This would certainly save the county money.

Re: "We Recommend -- Simmons in GOP bid for Supreme Court, Place 3," Monday Editorials.

The Dallas Morning News' recommendation of Rebecca Simmons may be well-meaning, but the reasons given ring hollow. The News cites as evidence of the writing skills needed Simmons' law review writings and "hundreds of opinions" at the appellate court, yet you overlook Dallas Court of Appeals Justice Jim Moseley, who has written more appellate positions (well over 1,000) and has more appellate judicial experience than all the other candidates combined.

He has a scholarly pedigree, including membership in the prestigious American Law Institute, and his numerous writing credits include a recurring column for lawyers and judges on improving writing skills.

As far as your reasons that she "would come to this bench with the mind-set a strong jurist needs," I read both Moseley's and Simmons' responses to the editorial board's questions, and I was more impressed by Moseley's firm adherence to a philosophy of judicial restraint. Unlike his opponents, Moseley has been an appellate judge since 1996.

As a practicing attorney and voter, I want our Supreme Court to be comprised of the best, most experienced judges who will refrain from "legislating from the bench." Moseley fits that description perfectly, and that's why he gets my vote.

Is it the Texas State Board of Education's purview to claim ours is a Christian nation by altering social studies and adding doubt to the science TEKS based on young-earth creationism? What would Catholics say about this? Isn't it fair to say that because Christians are so diverse, it would be impossible to create an ecumenical public education? At the least, it would require a conversation in the open among countless denominations.

Centuries ago, two people in Europe made invaluable contributions to the way modern people think and act: Galileo Galilei and René Descartes. Through their endeavors of mind, they gave us the means to look for ourselves and search for truth outside those claiming moral authority.

If they had buckled, perhaps there would be no trips to the moon nor the passage in the Declaration of Independence about self-evident truths. The more important history to teach our children is that this struggle between faith and logic is very old. And it is fought anew with each awakening mind.

Morality, on the other hand, can be fought with very little clarity and very little real consensus -- and often has the effect of extinguishing the embers of a curious mind.

We lost our power at 9 a.m. Thursday until noon. Then, over four hours, we lost it two more times. Then, at about 9 p.m. Thursday, it went out yet again until 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The burning question for all of us was when we could expect our power to come back on. Isn't there an app for that?

Re: "Examining evolution," by Vincent P. Cirillo, Friday Letters.

Cirillo believes that the "theory" of evolution should be taught in the science classroom because it is based on scientific fact. He claims creationism has no scientific basis.

He should understand there is significantly more science to bolster the theory of creationism than the theory of evolution. I would recommend The Wonder of the World by Roy Abraham Varghese to those who don't believe there is hard science to support this theory.

On the other hand, some believe they evolved from a lower form of life, while others believe they were created by a higher form of life.

Can't both be right? It would explain everything.

Re: "The great slob-down of America -- We've been casualized, and it's not a pretty sight, bemoans Froma Harrop," Saturday Viewpoints.

I thought that I was the only one who wanted to send President Barack Obama a tie. Harrop was on target citing George Washington's Rules Of Civility & Behavior in Company and Conversation. It does start at the top.

Let's restore some dignity to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I hope her column will be read there, and Obama will wear the tie I am going to buy at the mall and mail to him.

Along with the estimated three billion people watching the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, I learned of the tragic death of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the Georgian luger. I was saddened as I heard about his rising talent, the impact on his teammates and the Olympic community, and his age (21).

After 9/11, The New York Times ran 200-word profiles on every single one of the World Trade Center victims. After reading just one, I couldn't face reading a second.

In Haiti, every single earthquake victim had dreams, friends, family, a story and a name. We'll never hear about them.

But it's worth pausing to imagine the tragedy of Kumaritashvili times 230,000 and counting. I can't get my head around that kind of number. I can't get my heart around it either.

All of the people who complained about Oncor's tree trimming probably wish the company had done a better job in their now-out-of-power neighborhoods.

As long as I can remember, mail has always been delivered, and I am 75 years old.

When I was a little girl living in a rural Texas town, and winter weather was much more severe than now, the mail was always delivered. I now live in DeSoto, and when the big 2010 snow hit, we did not receive mail for two days.

Yet, on a recent evening, I saw a television news clip about a florist who had made extraordinary efforts to get Valentine's flowers sent. Roses can be delivered, but our U.S. Postal Service can't deliver the mail.

What's wrong with this country?

Re: "Don't flash pricey jewelry," by Tye Thomas, Sunday Letters.

I pondered for a bit on the insistence that the lady who was robbed of her lovely ring had it coming for wearing such a bauble to the store -- or anywhere at all, one assumes.

How dare we have possessions, items that might be coveted by another, homes that we can pay for, a car that someone else may desire. To wear jewelry or nice clothes is insensitive in the extreme, and such a person has no right to peace or safety.

It would be interesting to know if the gentleman feels the same way about his own belongings or those of his family.

Apparently the 100,000 fans who came to Dallas-Fort Worth for the All-Star game this weekend must not know that we are in a recession. They had lots of money to spend.

Another thought. When all is said and done, what will the game's carbon footprint have been?

Re: "Snow or no, NBA event means buckets of money -- Weather's damper on estimated $152 million bonanza not clear yet," Saturday news story.

Time and time again, professional sporting events are purported to contribute millions of dollars to a local economy. This story quotes Mavericks president Terdema Ussery, who states that the All-Star game in Dallas will have a great effect because "it has to." The argument that an event simply has to have a great economic effect is not evidence that it will.

According to authors Robert Baade and Victor Matheson, the primary shortcoming of economic impact analysis is not with the spending information for those in Dallas this weekend, but with the lack of information on the spending behavior of those local residents who are crowded out of their favorite activities.

As a test, did you try to get a reservation at your favorite restaurant this weekend? I wonder if a visitor to the Dallas area got your seat. If the visitor can go to a favorite restaurant, but not the local resident who otherwise would, how can one claim any additional economic impact?

As a Ph.D. student at UTD, I wrote a dissertation, "A Game of Millions: Professional Sports Facilities and the Media's Influence on the Agenda Setting Process," which addresses the media's position as a supplier of incomplete economic information.

1 Now I love Big D -- My attitude was all wrong when I moved to the area to live. It created bad vibes, although I tried to put up a good front. Then, reading The Dallas Morning News, I found my problems insignificant in comparison to many not so blessed as I.

Having been a motivational speaker, I decided to use my own advice: change my attitude, make constructive choices and live with what I couldn't change.

I hated the impersonal relationship with my new doctor, so I wrote her a letter, telling her I would have my questions ready so we'd have time to fully understand my problems. At the church, I volunteered to work and was soon involved, thereby integrating into the church family.

I made a concerted effort to communicate pleasantly with business people, especially those with ethnic accents whom I didn't always understand. Last, I spoke pleasantly to neighbors. Soon we became more friendly.

In other words, I took responsibility for my actions, and it has paid off big time. People respond well to kindness.

The metroplex, in its diversity, is a fabulous place to call home. I truly love it here now.

2 French Club spearheads drive for Haiti -- Re: "Students at Plano East: Donating for Haiti," Feb. 1 Three Cheers.

The paragraph about Plano East's French Club, Le Cercle Français, reported that the group raised $130 in two days for the Haitian disaster.

Well, I'm proud to say that Le Cercle made it up to nearly $600 within the next two days, thanks to the generous help of French Club members and the general student body alike; we received donations from the students ranging from a handful or two of pennies to $20 bills. Our funds ending up being sent to Médicines Sans Frontiéres, Doctors Without Borders, an organization chosen through an online poll for the benefactors, with a small side donation made to UNICEF. Tuesday, the French Club has plans to start a month-long toy drive to send stuffed animals to ill children in the hospital.

One of the most important things to Le Cercle Français is learning about French culture through first-hand experience. We know that Europeans are a lot closer to one another geographically than Americans are to anyone else, and that makes international crises harder for them to ignore. Therefore, the French Club tries to be aware of not only what's going on here in our own school but with people in our community, as well as in our whole world.

3 A soldier's heart -- Flying with a little baby girl (she's 11 months now!) is a whole new experience. It's challenging, and you never know how the flight is going to go.

We recently flew from Dallas to California, and it was going to be a three-hour trip. However, as we boarded, something happened that made me relax. While standing in first class, waiting to file on through the plane, we paused near a soldier sitting in the first row.

While waiting, he smiled and talked to my little girl, and she laughed at him. I thanked him for everything he is doing for our country and for making me a proud American.

His response brought tears to my eyes. He looked right at my daughter and said, "Everything we do, we do it for you." Something to think about -- they are fighting for our children's future.

It was truly a wonderful moment.

If we do not act now while health care reform is on the agenda, we soon will have to make a choice between paying our increasing premiums or paying for food, clothing and shelter.

Small companies can no longer afford to offer insurance to their employees, because the premiums are way too high. Not everyone can work for large companies that get better rates from insurance companies. Individual insurance is expensive, especially for individuals between 40 and 64 years old.

Insurance companies should not be able to take advantage with pre-existing conditions and less coverage for individuals at outrageous prices. Taxpayers are paying for all the emergency room visits by citizens who do not have health coverage. The system is broken for the insured but really paying off for the insurance companies.

Care worth the cost

As a board-certified hospital chaplain married to a breast cancer surgeon, I would like to encourage our congressional leaders to stop sniping at one another and begin to roll up their sleeves and work together to accomplish substantial health care reform now.

I have witnessed numerous times medical and financial situations that would and should be preventable -- but for a lack of insurance.

I strongly encourage those who fear change to look at who stands to gain and who stands to lose with that change. My best assessment is that 30 million more people can gain access to insurance for chronic conditions, which will save lives. This seems worth the cost to me -- especially in a time of fiscal recession.

Not about health or care

Re: "We need one Republican," by AliceAnne Ebinger, last Sunday letters.

President Barack Obama, a Democrat, has had a Congress controlled by Democrats since the day he was sworn in.

Republicans could do nothing to stop health care or any other legislation. The Dems had to bribe Democratic senators from Louisiana and Nebraska to try to get the votes they needed to pass health care.

What does Ebinger mean when she says that we need one more Republican to demonstrate compassion to pass health care reform? Get a grip, it ain't about health, and it ain't about care.

All this hyperventilating about Wall Street bonuses is bogus populism aimed at the appearance of being concerned about wasting taxpayer dollars.

If anyone is really concerned about wasting our money, Wall Street is a smoke screen intended to hide what Washington is doing to us and our future. The Wall Street "waste" is a pimple on the behind compared to what our politicians are doing.

Ad distorts Obama plan

I saw a new ad by the Committee for Truth in Politics and thought for a minute that I had been transported to DC Comics' Bizarro World, where up is down and black is white.

The commercial seems to attack President Barack Obama's plan to rein in the big banks, end abusive practices by the credit card and mortgage industry and ensure that taxpayers will never again have to bail out Wall Street.

But that is not the impression the ad gives, and because reforming our financial system can get technical, it's also ripe for distortion. It is too easy to make false claims about what's actually in the legislation. That's why it's so important to separate what the reforms will really do from the upside-down claims protecting the interests of the industry the legislation is designed to regulate.

Real financial reform will protect working families and small business by reining in the greedy, reckless behavior of big banks on Wall Street. Reform will crack down on the abuses by credit card companies and mortgage lenders. Financial reform will hold Wall Street accountable and prevent another financial crisis like this one, which has led to millions of Americans losing their jobs. And that's the truth in the politics of financial reform.

Our debt is a millstone

The ongoing hearings in the House grilling Ben Bernanke and Timothy Geithner have not addressed a key fact in the financial crisis. We are a huge debtor nation.

Our creditors, including China, Japan and OPEC, have a major stake in our economy. I would like to know how much influence they exerted in having the taxpayers back up the banking system in September 2008. Had the system been allowed to fail, we would likely be cut off from access to Chinese goods and OPEC oil.

This debt is a direct threat to our sovereignty. The sooner we take back our country and become a creditor nation, the better off we'll be.

Blame the rule-makers

Limiting executive bonuses to punish banks for the poor state of the economy is like giving an aspirin to a cancer and expecting the patient to heal.

We can't blame the bankers for our economy, because they were only playing by the rules of a free-market economy. Instead, I blame the lawmakers who set the rules.

Regrettably, the conservative Supreme Court recently ruled that there should be no limit to the amount that Wall Street fat cats can donate to the campaigns of conservative politicians who are supposedly seeking to curb the excesses of Wall Street. The irony should be obvious.

Republicans like to call for fiscal conservatism and free markets, but this fiscal conservative thinks that W's free markets were actually more akin to a lawless black market.

I would tell politicians the same thing I tell my children: Rules make the game fair and fun for everyone, even the losers.

Small business tax breaks

To fix the economy, we need specific answers, not rhetoric. We need to reduce the costs the government imposes on businesses and simplify the process of reinvesting capital.

The government can help by giving businesses tax breaks and incentives to stimulate capital equipment purchases. The tax breaks make it easier for businesses to acquire equipment. When small businesses can immediately write off percentages of capital expenditures, they generate capital through reduced costs.

Businesses with increased capital stimulate the economy and create job growth. Both sellers and buyers of capital equipment can inject life into a sluggish manufacturing sector. And the nation can begin to regain a powerful competitive position in the global market. We can return to being producers, not just consumers.

Tax incentives have been talked about recently, but nothing substantial has been done. Too often, incentive programs expire before we see results. When we make our tax system simpler on small businesses, we make competition a focal point. Let's put America back to work.

Re: "Perry's Achilles heel," by Hugh T. Lefler Jr., Monday Letters.

Does Lefler really not know what position God has on abortion? Is he unaware of deaths from "safe, legal abortions"?

And last, I guess I have totally missed Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's 17-year effort "to make abortions unnecessary."

Abortion is the deliberate destruction of a living human and has no place in a civilized society. Period. Pregnant women in crisis need our love and support. They deserve better than abortion.

I support right to choose

I was really mad that the ad featuring Tim Tebow's mother would be on TV Super Bowl Sunday. I feel strongly about freedom of choice.

My aunt, whom I loved deeply, had chosen to have an abortion in 1934 -- I learned later -- and almost died. She should have had the right to medical assistance then, as well as every woman today, to have the freedom if she chooses such a decision. I am pro-choice and stand up for the woman's right to any choice.

Put priorities in order

Let's be real honest here. All this rhetoric about the Tim Tebow Super Bowl ad is beyond confusing. All of the naysayers are telling us that we do not need to view such controversial ads during a fun time like the Super Bowl.

So let's bring on the Clydesdales and partially clad women and say to our children: "America is about booze and sex, but whatever you do, don't you dare talk about preserving life."

Detractors should apologize

Every journalist, columnist and blogger who published negative comments directed toward Tim Tebow, Pam Tebow, Focus on the Family and CBS should apologize for his or her statements.

The airing of the commercial that was preemptively assumed to be controversial has proved all of the inflammatory language and criticism to be unfounded.

Likewise, all those involved in the production and airing of the commercial should be acknowledged as having been honest in their representation of the commercial before it aired.

I am so sick of the constant criticism of the president's handling of the Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's case. The Republicans accuse the president of appearing weak to the terrorists, when what makes us appear weak is the constant whining and divisive behavior of the Republicans.

We must present a united front to fight terrorism. Sarah Palin, in her criticism of President Barack Obama's handling of the Christmas Day bomber, also criticizes her own party, who dealt with Richard Reid, the shoe bomber, in the criminal courts, where he was read his Miranda rights.

What empowers the terrorists is stupidity and ignorance and divisiveness, and Palin has revealed those qualities to us all, in the palm of her hand.

Re: Photo with "Palin pulls in crowd for Perry -- 8,000 turn out and cheer former VP candidate's anti-Washington message," Monday news story.

The picture of Gov. Rick Perry and Sarah Palin was what you might call priceless, or maybe "a picture worth a thousand words." Words, indeed.

The notes you see on Palin's left hand used to be called "crib notes" when I was in grade school, and if I were caught, I would be accused of cheating. But then I wasn't trying to impress the elite tea party pols, was I?

Medina is a clear choice

Even though I always leave many spots blank on the ballot, I've typically had to hold my nose when I vote. There just haven't been that many solid-thinking, ideologically grounded people throwing their hats into the political ring.

But the more I hear from Debra Medina, the more I'm certain that I'll be proud to vote for her and glad that I did. Any self-professed "conservative" who votes for anybody else has some "'splainin'." to do.

Why does the half-term governor of Alaska keep talking and actually saying nothing? Perhaps because she is not past her high-school mentality of writing a cheat sheet on the palm of her hand, not knowing it is worse than using a TeleprompTer. She criticized the president for aiding himself with that device.

At least he is tech-savvy. Students know if they do palm cheating, they have to keep their fist closed -- as well as their mouths.

Will tea party help Democrats?

Re: "Defining tea parties -- Mark Davis takes a moment and sets the record straight on what this movement is -- and what it isn't," Wednesday Viewpoints.

Davis' column said almost nothing. In trying to define what the tea party is, he spent lots of time telling us what it is not, and then managed to say almost nothing about what it is.

According to Davis, tea party members are not a small third party composed of extremists, anti-taxers or social conservative lunatics with delusions of becoming a major party. He has already cast them as a major splinter party of freedom-loving Americans dedicated to a strong and limited government.

Pardon me, but is that not what the Libertarian Party generally stands for? The tea party movement has yet to establish itself and is still struggling to find its way.

Yet without some sort of charismatic leader pushing a coherent message, the most the new tea party can hope for is to ensure that Democrats will win the next election by spitting the Republican vote.

Tea partiers frighten me

Re: "Defining tea parties -- While this movement is flaring up it needs an agenda, otherwise it runs the risk of flaming out, says Dick Polman," and, "Mark Davis takes a moment and sets the record straight on what this movement is -- and what it isn't," and, "Tea parties just the latest in the high cost of freedom -- Americans have always had a distrust for government, authority, says Gregory Rodriguez," Wednesday Viewpoints.

I have to agree with much of Polman's and Rodriquez's points of view on the tea party movement. But Davis' column was typical Mark Davis rhetoric. I'm afraid I must disagree totally with his vision of a group of genteel, Kum-Ba-Ya singing advocates of anti-extremists.

After viewing firsthand a large contingent of tea partiers in Washington, D.C., I have to say these people were nothing if not frightening. They were so loud and disruptive that the Capitol was shut down to visitors temporarily; therefore depriving my 13-year-old granddaughter of a much-anticipated visit. Their signs were vicious, their chants angry and very frightening.

When a large group descended to the Metro as I was coming up to street level, I felt extreme unease. These people don't represent me and certainly not anything I believe in.

Let's hope that sanity soon regains control, and people will remember that in our country we can disagree, and it's all right. Extremists of all kinds are the ones to be feared and mistrusted, and their behavior was extremist.

Medina's lesser funding a plus

Not a single vote has been cast in the Republican primary. No matter -- corporate media keep telling us that Debra Medina can't compete because, unlike her wealthy opponents, she doesn't have a multimillion-dollar campaign war chest.

I disagree. I see this as a good thing for Medina. When our governor is not in the pockets of the political elite and other special interest groups, we Texans win.

When words become political

My 50-year-old sister is an acondroplastic dwarf, and I learned relatively early in life that deriding friends, acquaintances, business associates, strangers for their innocent and unknowing use of the word "midget," a derogatory term used in describing persons of short stature, caused only unnecessary embarrassment for my friends, me and my sister.

Sarah Palin is new in the realm of "family of the handicapped," but it appears she has a few things to learn. Palin's attempt to use her handicapped child for political gain is far more egregious than those that inadvertently spoke of a "retard."

Re: "But one of honor," by Jerry E. Deal, Wednesday Letters.

In Deal's letter regarding "don't ask,don't tell," he attacked Adm. Mike Mullen's honor and explained the tight quarters of Navy ships.

Deal left it for the reader to imagine the supposed horrors of gay sailors in those quarters.

This fear of serving with gays is not honor. It's ignorance and exactly the sort of ignorance pandered to by this bankrupt law for too many years. I guarantee Mr. Deal served with gay sailors every day of his career.

I served as an Army officer and was one of countless gay service members who left voluntarily, because I could not live with the integrity compromises required of the gay ban.

I can't think of a better argument for repeal than Deal's letter.

I have worked in public education 43 years. It has been fulfilling and rewarding, although I have not earned much money.

Being in the autumn of my years, I was looking forward to some degree of peace. I have been a productive citizen, lived by the rules and paid taxes.

Now, I have two worries: Will Gov. Rick Perry get his hands on my retirement money, and will I have to go to Hooters for a breast exam and to Rotor Rooter for my next colonoscopy?

These are the questions that I ponder.

Re: "Medina slips up with remark -- Campaign takes a hit when 9/11 conspiracy not instantly rejected," Friday news story.

Debra Medina didn't immediately dismiss a theory that the Bush administration played a role in the 9/11 attacks.

Maybe this will help Medina in the polls. Just who out there really trusts our government? They lied to us in the Warren Report, they lied to us about the reason to go to Vietnam and, more recently, they lied to us about having to go into Iraq to find weapons.

Is the possibility that we had a role in 9/11 to go to war for oil a possibility? It's at the very least, possible. Maybe people will be more open to this in 20 years.

Re: "Palin's populist pitch -- Her message -- and delivery -- are spot on and reminiscent of successful past campaigns, says David Broder," Thursday Viewpoints.

I do not believe Sarah Palin will be the Republican nominee for president in 2012. Her enemies are numerous and well-organized. But she continues to play an important role in carrying the message of the common people. We need her and her unrestrained voice.

President Barack Obama's supporters are having great fun ridiculing her for writing reminder words on her palm when speaking at the recent tea party convention. At her next speech opportunity, she should write the same words on her palm, then hold it up to the audience and say, "See. Here is my TeleprompTer, and I wrote it myself, instead of having a scriptwriter do it for me."

I've lived in Lake Highlands for more than 30 years and have followed all of the many changing rules regarding trash pickup. My alley has easy access for garbage pickup, but now I have to figure out a way to get it to the front.

Our garages have easy access in back for everyone on this alley, making it easy to get the garbage cans out on pickup day. My elderly neighbor across from me will not be able to manage the incline to get her can to the front, so I will help her. When did taxpaying homeowners lose our right to put out the trash in the back where it belongs?

I'm proud to support grassroots candidates like Cathy Penn. I have always found her to be a person of integrity and common sense. These attributes, in combination with her education and experience, make her uniquely qualified for the position of justice of the peace.

She would perform the duties of this position with clarity, conviction and adherence to the highest standards. Trust that she is more interested in doing what's right instead of "playing politics."

Read on for readers' letters about candidates in Collin County.

About a half a mile from the dog park near White Rock Lake, a police officer was giving two tickets to people who were out with their dogs. The dogs were being allowed to run free without a leash.

Why would someone so close to the dog park allow their dogs to run about without a leash when they could go just a short way and let their dogs run in over an acre of fenced-in turf?

And those prominently posted signs at the lake saying "Dogs Must be on a Leash," well, aren't they more of a suggestion? And if a dog chooses to not return home after being allowed to run free, it could find a nice open field to run about, chasing rabbits, searching for food, drinking puddle water and avoiding those pesky annual vaccinations at the vet's or taking those monthly heartworm pills.

The dog probably doesn't even like to get a shot. I know I don't.

And if the dog does run away, it just allows the humans the opportunity to get another dog and give it a home.

So pay those fines with pride and a bit of chin-up defiance, letting everyone know you are just showing your pioneer spirit when dogs could run free, loving the great outdoors.

And don't even get me started on those Bob Barker-Drew Carey types calling for spaying and neutering pets.

Remember, those excess kittens and pups from unplanned litters help keep our animal shelters in business.

Do we as voters in House District 105 need any evidence other than the fundraising of the three candidates to clearly see who the people's choice ought to be in this race?

I have long fought for single-member districts in Irving city elections for this reason: Elections should not be about who has the most money. Elections should be about who has the best ideas, is the most ferverent about the needs of the people whom he or she will represent while in office and who will serve the people honestly and with integrity.

In this race, it is clear that Kim Limberg is the people's candidate. She does not have a lot of money, but she cares the most and will serve our district with the most passion and sincerity.

In a choice between Linda Harper-Brown, Loretta Haldenwang and Kim Limberg, give me Limberg any day.

Re: "Video shows North Dallas mugging, theft of $90,000 ring," dallasnews.com.

Two years ago, I was robbed at gunpoint and the assailant took my jewelry and wallet. In retrospect, I could have avoided that incident if I would have practiced some simple habits: don't wear expensive (or expensive-looking) jewelry and don't flash large amounts of cash.

If you exceed the speed limit, expect to get a citation. If you eat foods high in fat, expect to gain weight. And if you wear a $90,000 diamond ring to the grocery store, expect that someone will commit violence to take it.

During the past decade, conservative Don McLeroy's leadership has influenced the Texas State Board of Education.

In January, Education Week issued its annual "Quality Counts" report. Texas received a perfect score of 100 for curriculum development. This recognition elevates the Texas SBOE to the top six curriculum developers among U. S. states.

For SBOE conservatives, this recognition has not come easily. In developing curriculum for every subject, they overcame the shrill opposition of education establishment leftists and lobbyists.

They rejected educators' demands to frighten children with myths of an environmental holocaust. They prevented censorship of discussion that challenges evolution theory. They rejected bad ideas: Reformed math, whole-language reading and Planned Parenthood's anything-goes sex education curriculum.

In U.S. history, they support teaching America's heritage rather than social manipulation of our kids' basic values.

A principled McLeroy has led the charge in these efforts. By contrast, his primary opponent lacks passion to fight against the left's culture war.

Rather, lobbyist Thomas Ratliff favors a go-along-to-get-along approach, even with educators who have political agendas that conflict with Texas' mainstream values.

Re: "Ups, downs of snow business -- Federal shutdown is costing you a cool $100 million a day," Thursday news story.

I worked for the federal government for 22 years in and near Washington, D.C. Nearly every time we had a "snow day" or two, someone would write an article saying that the government was losing millions of dollars.

The Office of Personnel Management should know better than to perpetuate this fiction. Except for a few items of relatively small impact, such as missed contract dates, late delivery penalties, and overtime or special pay for essential employees who work extra time to cover for colleagues who simply cannot get to work, federal employees make up all their work by working faster, coming in early, skipping breaks, shortening lunch periods, and staying late, all without additional pay.

Anyone who thinks otherwise should see for themselves by visiting a few of the thousands of federal offices, where dedicated people "work the job, not the clock."

... but I see some humor here

Productivity in Washington, D.C. Now there's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one.

Re: "Fundraising deal raises questions -- Chief defends his work for group, but former director knew of none," Feb. 6 news story.

Raymund Paredes, commissioner of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, has done the Lord's work at one of the most difficult positions in Texas.

In addition to his work with the board, he is being fairly and legally compensated by a nonprofit group whose goal is to enroll more students in college and provide scholarships to students who show academic promise. The business community depends on the education community to prepare students to become productive members of society and enter the workforce.

To date, Paredes' work on these issues has been above reproach, and inferences to the contrary, direct or indirect, are inaccurate and mean-spirited.

Re: "Medicaid fees may be trimmed to help balance Texas budget," dallasnews.com.

Stephanie Goodman, a spokeswoman for the Health and Human Services Commission, said of her boss' plan: "It spreads the pain over a much broader area." This is the saddest statement on the priorities of this state.

What are the corporations and the big money men giving up? It should shame and embarrass every Texan to know that the land that was fought for at the Alamo has such little respect for its citizens.

Re: "Medicaid fees may be reduced -- $304 million in proposed cuts could undo progress, advocates for needy say," Thursday news story.

This story is a grim reminder to facility, front-line care staffer and patient alike that the combination of federal Medicare cuts made in 2009 -- and state Medicaid cuts now being considered -- will have a direct, negative impact on resident care and the local job base.

We believe that before we engage in discussions about cutting Texas seniors' key Medicaid-financed programs, we must absolutely look first at the fact facilities are already dealing with a state and federal funding environment that squeezes their collective ability to recruit and retain high-quality direct-care staff.

Ultimately, that affects ongoing quality improvement efforts and patient care itself. A full 80 to 85 percent of Texas' nursing home residents are dependent upon federal and state programs that have already been cut -- or are now being examined for cuts in Austin. This double whammy on facilities and their residents is a truly ominous policy development that merits enormous scrutiny from federal, state and local officeholder alike. The very livelihoods of our state's most vulnerable citizens are on the line.

Re: "Charlie Wilson -- Congressman was a colorful, consequential leader," Friday Editorials.

Thank you for your comments on Rep. Charlie Wilson. He loved America, Texas and people in general. Unlike the "PC generation" of today, he was special. We need more Charlie Wilsons.

Re: "The pain of a 'false positive' -- When considering tests, don't discount listening to your body, says Jennifer Nagorka," Monday Viewpoints.

If my wife or any of the other women in my family has a suspicious spot in her breast, I want her to know about it. I want her to get it checked. And if it is cancer, I want her to get it treated.

Re: "We recommend -- Muns in GOP primary for Collin County judge," Thursday Editorials.

Collin County Judge Keith Self has basically made the county's checkbook available for citizens to see the county budget, providing accountability and transparency.

The Dallas Morning News, however, did not recommend Self because it feels that Self does not shy away from publicly taking unpopular positions. This is exactly what voters expected: a principled leader who would work to ensure that no tax dollars are wasted.

During these times of reduced tax receipts, it is crucial that our elected officials do not shy away from working to ensure that tax dollars are only spent on essential projects. I want a representative who will be frugal and not shrink from difficult choices.

I do not mind that Self "butts heads" with people who disagree with him when he is working in the best interest of Collin County citizens. The News' recommendation for Muns states that "he would hold the line on taxes and spending." The question is: Would he hold the line when it is unpopular with representatives in Austin or with his own constituents?

Judge Self has proved himself to be willing to speak the truth in difficult circumstances, and Collin County needs his principled and realistic fiscal leadership.

Re: "We need 'don't ask, don't tell'," by Richard E. Carey, Thursday Letters.

I have a question for retired Marine Carey: What do you do about heterosexual men who are sexually aggressive? This is a problem the military has yet to confront.

I experienced problems years ago as a teenage dependent living in Japan. Later there was the "tailhook" scandal. Currently, rape and harassment of females by their male compatriots is a major problem, so that many women don't even bother reporting incidents, knowing there will be no justice for them.

Surely, heterosexual men cause far more problems then homosexual men. Let's not discriminate.

Everyone is looking to make some big money when the Super Bowl rolls into the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Meanwhile, expect the FFA and 4-H kids for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

All school districts that take FFA 4-H exhibitors who will be showing are going to dig a lot deeper into their pockets to pay for hotel rooms that have doubled in price since the 2010 stock show.

The Super Bowl is a one-time thing; the stock show familes are regulars every year. Every school district that has livestock exhibitors from 75 miles to 350 miles away will need hotel rooms.

I just wish some hotel chain or chains would step up and say, We am not raising our prices -- the stock show familes are regulars. They don't tear up rooms, they leave early from the rooms and come back late, and they take care of their business.

But I forgot. Who would help out FFA or 4-H kids, so they do not have to dig so deep into their pockets.

Re: "A case for space-based solar power -- Pamela James wants more attention on this novel approach to energy crisis," last Saturday Viewpoints.

James may be a science teacher, but I don't think it is helpful (or accurate) to use phrases such as "littering our landscape with nuclear runoff," or "barrels of radioactive waste stored in their back yard" (that would be a ridiculous waste of a valuable resource, among other considerations).

Nuclear power plants store used fuel rods in cooling ponds at the plant until such time as they can be reprocessed to near full power. This is a technique used around the world. Lumping emission-free nuclear power with oil and gas is also misleading.

I assume she is implying the use of powerful solar-powered geo-synchronous microwave generators focused on Earth. Implicit there is a means of keeping airliners from flying into the beams. Perhaps controlling the frequencies used would remove the danger of damage, but that could be tricky considering the power levels involved.

Quibbles aside, I agree that finding a way to use solar power from space would be a valuable contribution to our society.

Re: "Hidden costs of ticket surcharges," by Hugh Lucas, Wednesday Letters.

Lucas doesn't mention what traffic offenses he is referring to in his letter, but most likely, many are driving without insurance or even with DWIs.

Maybe this is a little old-fashioned, but here's a novel idea: How about keeping auto insurance in force and not drinking and driving? Problem solved.

As we look at the world today, Greece is bankrupt, Europe is in financial trouble and America is heading for deep financial trouble

The Medicare and Social Security "entitlement" programs make up a substantial portion of the annual budget. The interest on the national debt, $383 billion in fiscal 2009, will grow when interest rates go back to normal.

At this time, America needs a government that can do "tough things." Congress must not try to buy its reelection with another "entitlement" program. It needs to reduce spending and step up to solving the insolvency of Social Security and Medicare.

Re: "Hidden costs of ticket surcharges," by Hugh Lucas, Wednesday Letters.
The Dallas Morning News has reported that drivers owe the Texas Driver Responsibility Program a billon dollars.
I wrote to state Sen. John Carona asking for a rebate for the people who paid their fines in full. He assured me that this program is a good, fair one.
It's a bad law, and the people of this state need to act to get it repealed. If it was designed to raise revenue, it failed. If it was designed to make our roads safer, it really failed.

Re: "A win for science -- Cutting manned space is actually a boon for NASA's potential discoveries, says Steven Weinberg," Monday Viewpoints.
With humans, you have a greater chance of obtaining scientific information:

• If Apollo 11 had been unmanned, it would have crashed into West crater and history would be without the first moon walk and two of the greatest quotes of all time.


• If Apollo 15 had been unmanned, a rover probably would not have been able to discover the Genesis rock, a piece of the original lunar crust.


• If the Mars polar lander had had an astronaut on board, he would have not allowed the computer to shut down the engine early, thus avoiding the crash.

Re: "Two discouraging snapshots of society," by Steve Blow, Sunday Metro column.
We used to live in a very disciplined society. No more. We now live in a society that values feel-good, quick fixes for everything. Parents do not spend enough time with their children, children do not spend enough time on homework, and teachers and coaches are not given the right to reprimand students.
Children and their parents spend time in front of screens all day rather than with books. Little time is spent in physical activity. Junk food and other unhealthy foods are eaten, rather than small-portioned nutritious meals. Americans jump into marriages carelessly and get out of those marriages in an equally careless manner.
All of this is worse in America than in Europe and Asia. It is worse in the Southwest than in the Northeast, where "old school" approaches still prevail for the most part.

Re: "We Recommend -- Friedman in Dem primary for ag commissioner," Tuesday Editorials.
This endorsement reflects the editorial board's empathy for all the calves born each year in Texas.
I was convinced of Kinky's credentials for this position some weeks ago while reading another issue of The Dallas Morning News. That story shared with us Kinky's agricultural program of "No Cow Left Behind." Having some exposure to agriculture, I found this was the hook.
Step back from the pasture and see the unfair eventualities for those calves. We see steers that are pampered by dieticians, beauty operators, and loving and committed ranchers.
The time and money that is spent bathing, brushing and blow-drying those steers in preparation for a parade at the Will Rogers Coliseum is over the top.
Contrast that to the little heifer surviving on mesquite twigs on some unfertile hill somewhere on the frontier west of Fort Worth. That little heifer with burrs on her legs and flies buzzing about will struggle to grow up, much less meet her potential.
With Kinky at the reins, this gap will be closed. How could any person out there not hitch up for this Texan, this rancher, this man?

Re: "Reconsider evolution position," by Charles Luedeker, Sunday Letters.
Opponents of evolution use one of two tactics: reduce evolution to a religion or elevate religion to a science.
Luedeker uses the former approach. Declaring evolution is not science, he equates it with creationism, which is clearly religion. By that argument, neither should be taught in the science classroom, not both.
However, acknowledging that religious theories do not belong in the science classroom advances the debate about what does belong in the science classroom.
The decision of whether evolution should be taught as science, therefore, depends on a distinction between science and religious dogma.
Evolutionists invoke the natural processes of natural selection and genetic drift as the major mechanisms of evolution; creationists invoke supernatural selection and divine intervention.
One is science; the other is religious dogma. One belongs in the science classroom; the other does not.
This is, and has always been, the distinction between evolution and creationism: There is no need for reconsideration of the position of evolution.

Re: "Texas' looming traffic woes -- State leaders must deal with bad transportation situation, say Sens. John Carona and Kirk Watson," Wednesday Viewpoints.
It is refreshing to see this op-ed about our traffic dilemma and the failure of our elected leaders to begin grappling with the problem.
Tolling every new traffic lane in Texas is not a solution.
Reorganizing the highway bureaucracy and/or ending gas tax diversions will only bring marginal relief compared to the funds needed.
If Texans want to address our increasing traffic gridlock, they must start listening to statesmen like Carona and Watson -- leaders who are telling it like it is -- rather than buying the simplistic solutions being put forward by those leaders who are not willing to honestly address our growing gridlock crisis.

Re: "I blame scare tactic, unions," by Karen Barth, Sunday Letters.

The problems with the faulty Toyota accelerator were known worldwide before President Barack Obama took office. But in their hatred, many blame him.

Even the head of Toyota took blame for not responding sooner, but not before Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood took Toyota to task for allowing people to drive unsafe cars -- even though Toyota knew the cars had problems. Toyota corrected the problem on later models but did not bother with cars that people had already purchased.

Toyota's first reaction was to tell owners to take their front mat out. You may be fine with paying full price for and driving faulty cars as long as they are Japanese and not American, but if you are behind me and your accelerator sticks, you will be involving my family and me in your decision. You may be willing to lose your life over a faulty accelerator, but we are not.

The presidential initiative to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays in the military is a moronic step taken for political gain only.

Those top officials in the military chain who are appointed at the will of the president should not be classed as the "military authorities" endorsing repeal as heralded by the ultra-liberal media. Congress should seek the advice of battle-tested troops and commanders.

In my 38-year military career, I had the opportunity to command nine major units. Not all were combat units, and there were probably some closet gays performing admirably. However, in those cases where gay individuals became openly aggressive in their sexual desires, the action to rid, replace and discharge was required, even demanded, by their fellow Marines and commanders in order to maintain peace and unit integrity.

The premise that excluding openly gay people from enlisting will have a deleterious effect on our hard-pressed military is unfounded, even trite. Our recruiters have responded and are making their goals, and there is no shortage of volunteers.

If Washington feels our military is too hard-pressed, the solution is to expand the numbers as necessary. But let's not fix something that isn't broken.

Re: "Move to enrich uranium angers West -- Leader sows confusion by also indicating acceptance of U.N. nuclear fuel plan," Monday news story.

The West's anger at Iran's nuclear program is irrational and hypocritical. Iran has consistently said its nuclear program is for non-military purposes, such as electric power generation and medical treatment.

The West has not produced any credible evidence to contradict Iran's stated purpose, so the West's fear that Iran is developing nuclear weapons is irrational.

Even if Iran were to be developing nuclear weapons, it would be hypocritical of the West to oppose that, because the West has thousands of nuclear warheads and one of the Western powers is the only country that has, in the past, used nuclear weapons in war.

Iran shouldn't have to forfeit its inalienable right to develop and use nuclear technology simply because of the West's paranoia.

I am eagerly anticipating what old dude, has-been halftime show the NFL has planned for the next Super Bowl.

They've done the Stones, McCartney, Springstein and the Who. Maybe Rod Stewart can jam with the Bee Gees in 2011.

Re: "What is choice really about?" by Anita Goodspeed, Friday Letters.

What Goodspeed misses completely is that CBS went against its own policy by allowing the Focus on the Family ad. It was a kind of hypocrisy.

In 2004, CBS rejected a United Church of Christ ad for the Super Bowl. CBS gave no reason other than it wouldn't air "advocacy ads." It was thought that it was because this church is for equality for all Americans, i.e., gay marriage.

The content of these ads will be argued until we all die -- and then some. But the real point here is, and I am not a football fan, that the Super Bowl is supposed to be a time when people can forget the problems of life and just have three or four hours of good times.

It is not a time to air such controversial subjects -- unless we want something like Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction every year.

... and not a political decision

The objection to the CBS decision to run the Tebow story to a Super Bowl audience is not about Ms. Tebow's choice, but about the ad encouraging women to go against the medical advice of trained doctors.

Ms. Tebow apparently dodged a bullet in this case, but, knowing the odds, based on the right information, is part of making an important medical choice by the patient -- and not by some politician.

Nobody wants to lay any portion of blame on drivers of runaway Toyotas. However, how many of the crashes and resulting deaths might have been prevented had the drivers of these cars simply pushed the gear shift one notch up into neutral?

Stories I've read and heard about drivers standing on the brakes, unable to stop, make me crazy. Simply putting the car into neutral will disengage the drive wheels and return control of the car to the driver.

Re: "Remember Audi was cleared," by Roy Jenkins, Sunday Letters.

Jenkins complained that a 2009 Chevrolet has needed much service, and the dealership wasn't accommodating about the repairs.

I own a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with about 31,000 miles on it. I would guess that the 2009 Chevy might have less than 15,000 miles. My Malibu has never been in the shop except for scheduled maintenance. It handles like a dream and gets good gas mileage.

I have owned a Cadillac and a Datsun Z, but this is the best car I have ever had. The service has been excellent.

We and our readers treasure the letters that remind us that there are things about life in North Texas worth savoring. You know, the kind of letters that point to events and people who are making a positive change in the lives of others. The ones that trumpet simple acts that have profound meaning. That tell positive stories our readers haven't heard before.

That's why we publish Three Cheers, a collection of positive letters that offer more reason for hope than despair. This feature runs on Mondays and includes the three best examples of letters that inspire readers to think and act positively.

Consider this your invitation to share your own timely, positive letter. Send it to "Three Cheers" at letters@dallasnews.com. And maybe you'll see it spotlighted on Monday ...

Re: "White, Shami spar on death penalty, gas tax -- Ex-Houston mayor stakes out more conservative positions," Tuesday news story.

Monday night's Democratic primary debate was a breath of fresh air. We, as voters, deserve more than the contentious discourse that has, unfortunately, become the hallmark of our political system over the past two decades.

All we really want is a sincere discussion of the issues and some thoughtful ideas on how to solve our problems.

That is what we got from Bill White and Farouk Shami. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter whether you agreed with what either candidate had to say. At least you got to hear them without the cacophony and vitriolic rhetoric that has infected and distorted other debates. This became excruciatingly clear later in the evening, when we had to suffer through all of the negative political ads permeating popular television channels.

Now that White and Shami have raised the bar, we'd like to see if Rick Perry, Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina can rise to the challenge or if they will only continue to wallow in the mud.

Re: "Obama's down time," by Joan McGeachy, Sunday Letters.

I could not help but smile when I read the letter by McGeachy regarding President Barack Obama's down time. Does she remember how much "down time" President George W. Bush took while he was in office?

Obama cannot possibly make a correct move, according to the far right. If he worked 100 percent of the time and was away from his family, they would say he has no "family values."

Re: "Gardening guru to lose longtime radio show -- KRLD ends ties with Neil Sperry, whose last program will air July 4," Friday news story.

CBS has done it again. It used to be that CBS, along with NBC, was a powerhouse in the broadcasting industry. The reason, of course, was that they provided content that the listening public wanted to hear.

Now all that's changed, and CBS wonders why they're losing listeners. Brian Purdy (who is no relation to me), senior vice president and market manager for CBS Radio Dallas-Fort Worth, remarks that it was a very difficult business decision. I'll bet it was. Sperry is and has been a leader in Dallas-Fort Worth gardening for 30 years.

Re: "Shameful Public Policy -- Traffic ticket surcharge is riddled with mistakes," Sunday Editorials.

Visit the Crowley Courts Building. The large majority of defendants charged with driving offenses are indigent or nearly indigent.

First-time offenders receive long probations with rigid conditions, which require substantial fines, court costs, probation fees, counseling fees, alcohol testing fees, vehicle operating fees, etc.

Many lose their jobs due to the strict probation requirements. By adding surcharges, we are punishing the spouses and children, who could surely use the money. Then the defendant who can't pay the surcharge gets arrested and put in jail for driving with a suspended license, and the cycle continues.

We surely need to punish the offender, but the punitive surcharges should be abolished.

Re: "Two discouraging snapshots of society," by Steve Blow, Sunday Metro column.

Blow wrote a column about the lack of qualified recruits for the job of Dallas County deputy sheriff.

Five folks out of 206 applicants made it. I qualified for and survived 31 years on the Dallas Police Department.

If I could, I would not apply to be a deputy now. The pay is low. The benefits are almost nonexistent. The hours are horrible, and the politics are unbearable.

Why would any clean-cut, honorable, moral person try to take such a job? Any fire department is more directly into saving lives. Any hospital or social program is more into bettering life for people.

Anyone out there want respect for what they do? Read the paper: Police officers charged with intoxication. Constables charged with misuse of office. It goes on and on.

I know that the news media tries to show what is unusual and shocking, but when it is done too often, the weight of society begins to swing away from respect and admiration to that of disgust and denial.

Look what just a few stories about our military men did to enlistments. I have no idea what to do about this problem. Do you?

It makes no more sense to kick gay soldiers out of the service than left-handed ones.

One does not decide to be gay -- no more than one decides to be left-handed. That is a choice that you are born with.

The only choice involved is to try to be something you are not. Many gay people try very hard to be straight because that is what most people are.

Just as some southpaws try to bat, throw and pitch right-handed, because that is what most people are. Of course, some southpaws learn to go both ways, but the fact remains that they have a strong inclination to be one way or the other.

Discharge from the military should be based on misconduct, not on the basis of one's sexual orientation.

As long as the soldier, be he or she gay, straight, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, conservative, liberal, left- or right-handed, submits to the command structure and defends the Constitution, he or she should be allowed to serve.

... but one of honor

Before taking a position on the elimination of "don't ask, don't tell," self-appointed military experts should visit a Navy destroyer or fast attack submarine.

Spend a few days living in the crew's berthing compartment, sleeping head to toe. Get dressed while bumping into other sailors also trying to pull up their pants. Take a quick shower in a small stall with a clear plastic curtain while a room full of your towel-wrapped buddies brush their teeth, shave and await their turn in the "rain locker."

The chairman of the joint chiefs, Adm. Mike Mullen, says his views on gays serving openly now mirror those of the secretary of defense and the president. When Mullen was a young ensign just starting his career in the Navy, I was a chief petty officer on a cruiser in the Atlantic fleet. Had he been in need of advice, he likely would have come to someone like me. Were he to seek my advice today, I would tell him to speak the truth and resign.

The elimination of "don't ask, don't tell" is a mistake. An officer's honor has far more value than his position, and it is inexcusable to sacrifice the former to maintain the latter.

Re: "Rock Bottom -- Juárez massacre is Mexico's wake-up call," Sunday Editorials.

I read The Dallas Morning News editorial with customary attention, given The News' nuanced and objective understanding of the dynamics of the bilateral relationship with Mexico. I must underscore, however, my concern and surprise as I read through the last sentence: Mexico needs to "get serious about its drug problem"? "Its" problem?

I have always emphasized that finger-pointing and mutual recrimination have never served any of our two nations well; and that for every pundit in the U.S. who says that Mexico is the springboard for the drugs coming into the U.S., there is another Mexican pundit stating that if Mexico is the springboard, then the U.S. is the swimming pool!

The challenge in Ciudad Juárez or in Tijuana can only be dealt with by taking on the safe houses, laundering operations and businesses of the drug traffickers in El Paso and San Diego, and that is what our two governments are precisely starting to do. The only way to roll back drug syndicates operating on both sides of our common border is by understanding the symbiotic connections between demand and supply and by working together.

At the end of the day, there is one simple truth: We must stop being accomplices to failure and become partners in success.

What a magical time -- living in an apartment in the '70s and early '80s -- hearing cheers all over the complex when there was a touchdown, no cars on the freeways during game time and the mood of the entire city on Monday reflected whether the Cowboys won or lost.

I don't think that very personal connection will ever be repeated. Thank you, guys, for such a special time in my life. You truly were America's Team.

Re: " 'Fulfilling a dream,' Smith goes in -- NFL's all-time rushing leader is last of Cowboys' 'Triplets'; he calls it closure for dad," Sunday news story.

Emmitt Smith is, again, a picture of gratitude and humility. With tears (real men still cry) in response to being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Emmitt doesn't disappoint us. What a guy! And, what a role model he is for us, our children and grandchildren.

He was consistent, committed and dedicated to "the star," the fans and his family. It is obvious that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Emmitt's father gave up his college career (he was a running back, too), to take care of his sick mother. What a guy, he is, too!

As Emmitt shared, he was living his father's dream, fulfilling his dream and fulfilling God's purpose for him. And, then, he gets to share this honor with fellow Super Bowl player (three times for both and Super Bowl MVPs) and special friend Jerry Rice.

Both are humble, thankful and cry. And, who says real men can't dance, too?

The current weather in Washington, D.C., is the perfect metaphor for politics as usual: a huge snow job.

Re: "Obama's down time," by Joan McGeachy, Sunday Letters.

I'm sorry that McGeachy's husband had to work during the Super Bowl, but it's unfair of her to malign President Barack Obama for taking time to spend with his family. A lot of people would argue that the perks of being the president are far outweighed by the disadvantages -- constant criticism and pressure, snippy letters to the editor -- but at least after years of campaigning away from your family, you finally get to work at home once in a while.

Of course, Obama could burn himself out like Jimmy Carter, or take three-week vacations like W., but I hope he may have a more effective way of doing things. Every time Obama says: I won't rest until this gets done, I want to tell him, please do.

We want a president who is refreshed, who spends time with his family and who manages his time wisely. If he can do that, he can run the country and still take time to watch the Super Bowl.

Re: "AG may decide dispute with DA -- Commissioners want Abbott's opinion in legal representation standoff," Saturday news story.

Even bad politics are local. Since the county commissioners are supposedly community leaders, they inspired me to request the attorney general to rule on the legality of paying my property taxes to the Dallas County Appraisal District.

Seems like a conflict of interest in much the same vein that the commissioners find it to be a conflict of interest to use the district attorney, and instead have gone out and purchased at taxpayers' expense legal advice taxpayers have already paid for in the job of DA.

At the least, Dallas County taxpayers should receive a "county commissioner bad politics" discount.

Re: "A Troubling Misstep -- Watkins' use of secret testimony went too far," Friday Editorials.

There are three legal reasons why Watkins' use of grand jury testimony in support of his application for an injunction was permissible: First, confidential matters can be filed under seal and looked at by the judge in his chambers and need not ever be revealed to the public; and, a judge can order counsel, under penalty of contempt of court, to not reveal the confidential information.

Second, a person can go into the grand jury and testify and come right back out and state to reporters what they testified about. So, former FBI agent Danny Defenbaugh could have testified, publicly and without restraint, on the record in the civil court where Watkins was attempting to get the injunction against the county commissioner. In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Butterworth vs. Smith that a grand jury witness has a First Amendment right to publicly disclose his grand jury testimony.

Third, even the unnamed "legal scholars" that The Dallas Morning News references apparently stated that they "are not convinced that statutes permit" Watkins' use of Defenbaugh's grand jury testimony. That means they are not sure whether the law prohibits what Watkins did.

Three Cheers is a weekly collection of upbeat letters that inspire readers to think and act positively. Share your own timely story or observation by sending it to "Three Cheers" at letters@dallasnews.com.

1.My 13th birthday: A gift for Haiti -- This February, I am turning 13. For my birthday this year, instead of just getting gifts for myself, I wanted to give something, too.

I feel that turning 13 should symbolize that we are responsible and caring for ourselves and others. We are not little kids any more. We are old enough and mature enough to understand that the world does not revolve around us.

We should stop a moment and look around at all the things we could do to help others. They don't have to be big or spectacular. They can just be little things that add up to a huge difference.

So, I am asking those who turn 13 this year to donate $13 to the Red Cross in support of Haiti. (Or anyone who is already 13 could donate, too.)

I know $13 does not sound like much, but if we get 300 13-year-olds (that's how many seventh-graders are in my school -- just one school) to donate, then we will have $3,900 already. Every little bit counts, and I know that the people of Haiti will appreciate everything we can do to help.

Kudos are in order for the Duncanville citizen who donated funds to pay the costly tuition for horse therapy for Alexis Diaz.

Although this person went out of his or her way to remain anonymous, he or she has touched lives beyond just those of Alexis and her family. May this kind-hearted gesture inspire more anonymous acts of this sort.

3.Haiti: U.S. has orphans, too -- Re: "Americans ready to pitch in against calamity -- We unite in times of crisis: That's our strong point, says Mary Spear of Dallas," last Sunday Community Voices column.

It has been heart-warming to see the outpouring of help to Haiti by Americans, especially to the orphans. However, prospective parents wouldn't even need to charter a plane, because orphans are right here in our neighborhood.

I wish the media would spotlight our orphans' plights.

Re: "Obama's banking proposals a good first step -- We can't allow banks to hold country hostage again, says Joseph Stiglitz," Thursday Viewpoints.

Having spent years working with CEOs and investment bankers, I agree with Stiglitz that the banking proposals don't go far enough.

The smartest MBA graduates usually head for Wall Street, and not, unfortunately, to federal regulators or commercial banks. They're always going to be a step ahead of their watchdogs and their competition, and they learn on the job how to manipulate CEOs and boards of directors.

It's not just the size of both kinds of banks that is the inherent problem; it is the waste caused by employing more talent than will ever be needed just to maintain the vital capital formation function.

This leads to bonus-focused mischief: deals for the sake of fees, with no risk to the banks and insanely intricate trading schemes that do nothing to create value. How many ego-based megamergers actually end up creating intrinsic worth vs. how many turn out to be colossal failures?

The investment bankers always make their fees, golden parachutes remove any real penalty for failure for upper management, and every possible job is outsourced overseas rather than investing the effort to make domestic employees more efficient.

If the forecast holds, the streets of Dallas will remain slick with rainwater over these next few days. Those bustling around the city under their umbrellas are more likely to be concerned about staying warm and dry than about what that rainwater is washing into our treasured waterways.

When rain showers hit Texas, they flow over the land and wash trash, chemicals and solid waste off of the streets and into our rivers, lakes and streams. According to Environmental Protection Agency data, 44 to 56 percent of Dallas County's surface drinking water comes from streams that are not protected under the Clean Water Restoration Act. That means that there are no measures that are legally required to protect those streams from polluted storm water.

Congress must pass the Clean Water Restoration Act that extends protection to all of our waterways. Then when it rains, the people of Dallas can worry less about dirty drinking water and more about keeping their socks dry.

Every human being has his or her own unique relationship with God, and Rick Perry can't tell us what position God wants us to take on abortion. No one, even the most zealous social conservative, can put God in a small box.

I am old enough to remember what it was like before abortions were legal. During my medical training, I helped care for five women who were so sick and injured from "criminal" abortions that we were unable to save their lives. One was the mother of five. She and her husband decided they couldn't afford a sixth child, so she had an unsafe abortion and left her five children without their mother.

We don't need to outlaw safe abortions, as Rick Perry wants to do; we need to make abortions unnecessary, as Kay Bailey Hutchinson is trying to do.

Re: "Military presence still needed," by Wayne Fournier, Thursday Letters.

Eliminating religious bigotry is a whack-a-mole project. Just when you think you've nailed the last one, another of those nasty rascals pops up to ruin your lawn.

The latest mole comes courtesy of Fournier, who actually disses Mohandas Gandhi's brand of nonviolent resistance because Gandhi wasn't, well, Christian. You'd think the most relevant conclusions you could draw from peaceful movements the world over are that they span many cultures and religions, they're effective and humanity is better off for them.

But no, that's not enough for Fournier, who, in classic my-daddy-can-whup-your-daddy fashion, goes on to proclaim that Jesus was somehow better than Gandhi.

This subject could lead us to more discussion but, alas, there are so many more moles to whack.

We just received notices in our neighborhood that trash cans have to be set out at the front curb instead of the alley. First, we have to haul the darn things around the block -- none of our fencing was built to admit those monster bins. Then we have to find a new space to stash them. This will make our neighborhood look like a ghetto. Also, our many elderly citizens won't be able to haul those bins around.

Dallas spends money on high-profile items, but they don't spend money on the everyday things.

I attended the debates for Republican candidates in Denton County. It was interesting and illuminating.

County Court at Law No. 1, the juvenile court, is a specialty court hearing juvenile cases. One would expect a sitting judge to be at least board-certified in juvenile law, meaning one is an expert in this area.

Only one candidate holds this certification. She is Kim McCary, who has been a municipal judge for a long time.

And to seal the deal, the first question asked was: "Do you think it is important for a judge to have trial experience as a lawyer and why?" Kim McCary gave a good answer to this question, and the other three candidates droned on about their own trial experience, which didn't answer the question.

So, if you can't pay that much attention in a debate, how do I know you'll pay better attention on the bench? I was already voting for McCary, but this really cemented my resolution.

Decisions are made by those who show up, so show up and vote.

As a Rockwall citizen for almost 30 years, I have seen many changes in our county.

One change is the rate at which our taxes are increasing. It is important to vote in a county judge who is willing to use discernment in keeping our taxes low, uses good judgment and cares about the concerns of the citizens. The best candidate is Ken Jones.

Some of you may remember that I ran against John Roach Jr. when he first sought election to the 296th Judicial District Court. He won, I lost.

In the beginning, I did not want to like him as a judge. I wanted validation that I would have made the better judge. I learned, however, that Roach brought a style to the bench that was his own.

Roach is a serious and thoughtful judge who shows a great deal of concern for the well-being of children. I have not always agreed with his rulings; he has ruled against my client on numerous occasions. However, I have never felt he did so for any reason other than an honest desire to do what is best for the family.

I am an attorney who handles many divorce and custody cases, I know how important it is to the parents and children to have judges who are as thoughtful in their decisions as Roach.

Just as I campaigned four years ago that Roach should not be elected because of his father, I now urge the voters of Collin County to judge the son on his own record, and not that of his father, when deciding how to vote in the upcoming election. We need good judges in Collin County, and Judge Roach is one of them already.

Re: "EPA to boost ethanol usage -- Revised fuel standard 'unlocks the door' for producers of biofuel," Thursday news story.

The U.S. produces about 100 million barrels of ethanol a year, and, since it takes about seven barrels of oil to produce eight barrels of ethanol, the U.S. is wasting many of those barrels of oil each year on ethanol.

We need to cease production of ethanol in the U.S. and eliminate the tariff on ethanol from Brazil, where ethanol is produced more efficiently from sugar cane. We are not talking about a paltry sum.

The Obama administration's call for more ethanol is as disastrous as it will be detrimental to the environment and will result in greater costs to the public for oil, gasoline, diesel and food.

Land sakes, what's happening to our funny pages? The comics section in the family newspaper has served as the last bastion for preservation of American family values and suitable reading for the kids.

Now we find a lead character in "Judge Parker" openly shacking up with her new-found boyfriend. What would Mary Worth say?

What a shame. Another one bites the dust in the City Hall corruption scandal, with Terri Hodge's resignation.

She wasn't fighting for her constituents. She was busy planning the remodel of her home instead with her illegal cash flow.

Then, when queried by the media, political leaders such as Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson have the audacity to say that Hodge was a good representative.

Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins was bold enough to back Hodge opponent Eric Johnson from the beginning.

It's time more leaders stepped up to the plate to condemn Hodge's actions instead of being mum on the subject.

Re: "We Recommend -- Miller for State Board of Education's District 12," Wednesday Editorials.

Why is the State Board of Education opposed to students learning to make decisions when presented with two opposing views? The board has decided that the theory of evolution should be taught as science in Texas schools. It is not science. Math and chemistry are sciences. They can be proved.

The creation of the universe and all living things -- humans, animals,birds and fish -- cannot be proved either. So this should put it on the same footing as the evolution theory in the classroom for discussion.

The Dallas Morning News recommended Geraldine Miller for the State Board of Education's District 12 for her stand on not allowing weaknesses in the evolution theory to be presented. Both The News and Miller need to reconsider their position.

Re: "Composer-pianist Hamlisch will be DSO pops conductor," Wednesday GuideDaily.

It is refreshing to know that Marvin Hamlisch is coming to bring dance on stage with DSO, and real B'way voices for his Pops, a refreshing step up from the idolization of microphone-dependent wannabes in our society.

But for the classical series: Helmuth Rilling is among the greats -- but, DSO board, is this the best allocation of resources, asking him to bring his Messiah to a metroplex with more excellent -- and authentic -- Messiahs than you can shake a stick at?

He could offer so much more. Jaap van Zweden has certainly played a more varied repertory at the Concertgebouw than he's offering us here, to an orchestra and public that have been deprived of John Adams, Béla Bartók, Lutoslawsky, Martinu, Poulenc, Schoenberg and Messiaen, to name a few.

We have a Dallas Arts District and an AT&T Performing Arts Center -- until we decide to pull them together -- as the great architecture of the beginning of a century, but much too much concentration on the Top 50 18th and 19th centuries in orchestral music.

And we expect to attract a younger audience? Oh, dear.

This week the Texas Department of Transportation and the North Texas Tollway Authority have been reminded that soggy dirt slides downhill. Imagine that. I can hardly wait to drive on a toll road built atop a Trinity River levee.

Re: "Group names endangered sites -- Drive-in, San Jacinto Battleground on list of threatened locations," Friday news story.

As a young child in Houston, I took occasional family trips to drive-in movies. We kept the car windows open while the movie aired, and mosquitoes tried to eat up everyone.

And during many of my visits to the Brazos Drive-In near Granbury in the mid-1970s to watch Blazing Saddles and other shoot-'em-up westerns, I discovered that many people drove to the theater in their pickup trucks and sat on folding chairs in the back of the truck. These trucks also often had a large ice chest filled with cans of Lone Star.

In the more violent movies, when a gun battle would begin on the screen, many "cowboys" in their pickups would pull out pistols, shotguns, and/or rifles and fire at the screen.

I witnessed this several times at the Brazos Drive-In, where no one was injured.

Watching the Today Show interview with Michelle Obama recently, I saw the First Lady gush about how her husband was usually at home by 6:30 p.m. for dinner.

She also talked about how they were able to make the children's games and events. Good for them.

But isn't her husband supposed to be running the country? My husband runs a company. In today's economy, he works constantly. His children rarely see him. But we all understand his responsibility to his employees and stockholders, especially right now. Where is the presidents sense of urgency and work ethic? I hope President Barack Obama enjoys the Super Bowl this weekend -- my husband will be working.

What to do when accelerator sticks
I don't understand why drivers of cars with accelerator problems aren't being told about shifting their transmission into neutral when they experience their cars accelerating out of control.
I have experienced my accelerator getting stuck in the past and have found that by shifting the transmission into neutral, I am able to use my brake and pull over to the side of the street or highway. This may not prevent an accident, but at least you will be able to prevent a high-speed accident.

I blame scare tactics, unions
I didn't think it would take the government very long to try to halt Toyota or Honda sales. I'd be willing to bet the Transportation Department got its marching orders from the White House.
These two car companies still make the most reliable vehicles in the world, and I will continue to buy from them. Hopefully, President Barack Obama's scare tactics will fail once more. His support of the unions is disgusting.
Why do you suppose so many products we use are made overseas? The unions have priced themselves right out of the market.

I'll buy Toyota again
It's obvious there is a problem with some Toyota models. It's also obvious that some folks and companies, irritated with or envious of Toyota's success for so many years, are all over this problem, pointing fingers and saying See? See? I have been a Toyota loyalist for more than 30 years.
My family has owned a dozen different Toyota models, accumulating an estimated 1.2 million miles. I would buy any of the Toyota models on the recall list before I would touch anything from GM. This is based on my own experience with GM vehicles as well as that of friends and co-workers.
Toyota will get through this trying period and return to its first-place position again. And no, I don't work for the company or any of the dealers. I've just had great luck with their products.

Toyota ignored an obvious problem
Toyota has been ignoring the problem for months, and with a high-profile disastrous 911 call from a police officer with his wife, child, and relative in the Lexus with him, Toyota now finds it the right time to ask for a recall.
How dare they ignore the obvious? Does Japan just not get it or are American lives more dispensable than Japanese lives? We, as Americans, know what the rest of the world thinks of us, regardless of how low President Barack Obama can bow.

Remember Audi was cleared
Re: "Official adds to Toyota owner angst -- Transportation chief clarifies 'don't drive it' remark, says he meant only to urge fast repairs," Thursday news story.
The irony is that the government bailed out, and now owns a part of, GM. My 2009 Chevy has been in the shop for nine unscheduled trips to two different dealerships, and they are still unable to fix the problem. The first dealership eventually told me to take it somewhere else.
I would rather take a chance on a possible unintended acceleration that required one trip to the dealership to fix than the nine wasted trips I have endured.
Before we rush to judgment on Toyota, let's remember the media's hatchet job on Audi for the same problem back in the '80s, in which Audi was later exonerated.

I'm tired of 'lemon' testimonials
Re: "But I like its quality products," by Linda Jensen, Tuesday Letters.
I've about had it with the stories about past American lemons. Yes, we all know that in the past, American cars were built with dubious quality.
I'm tired of hearing the tales that always start with, "Back in 1976, I owned a T-Bird that was nothing but trouble."
Do you really want to hear my story about the Honda Accord I had that needed an engine rebuild at 26,000 miles? Or my four-wheel drive Subaru that needed a new transfer case, because I had the gall to drive it on a dirt road? How about my Ford Mustang that had a quarter-million faultless miles on it when I traded for a new one? I'll bet you don't.
The fact of the matter is that, right now in 2010, American cars are the equal of Japanese products in quality and reliability. I don't say this off the cuff. Just check J.D. Power and Associates for their latest polling results.
For all the rest of the Japanese car-buying Americans out there, as much as you console yourselves that most of these cars are built in the U.S., the profits are going back to Japan. That's not helping America too much, is it?

Pro-life -- or not?
Re: Talking Points, last Sunday Points.
Some people who decry government intervention on most levels seem perfectly comfortable allowing the government's presence in the most private and personal area of reproduction.
South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer's comment helps clarify how those people justify the seemingly conflicting roles. Be pro-life before a birth, then allow the child to be denied sustenance to maintain life afterward.
Let them eat cake, perhaps? No, not even that; nothing at all is the key to control.

Roeder as hero
Thank you for pointing out Scott Roeder's defense claim for killing abortionist George Tiller.
Suffice to say, Roeder has saved the lives of many children.

Irresponsible mothers ...
Re: "Sterilizing the poor -- A mother of nine on welfare is sparking a debate over reproductive rights, says Constantino Diaz-Duran," last Sunday Points.
When a person's actions infringe upon the rights of another, the offender forfeits some of his own rights as punishment.
For example, someone convicted of molesting a child loses the right to work in an environment that involves children. Someone who continues to have children who can only be supported by welfare forces taxpayers to provide for her irresponsibility.
As a result, the woman either forfeits her right for further children, more welfare or her right to welfare.

... need to have limits
I don't believe in sterilization without consent.
I do believe in rules that limit the number of children you can have while accepting welfare or government money. Those parents are taking our tax money. We have the right to set limits. That is being reasonable, not showing disdain for women's rights.
As for the mother stating, "I'm trying to teach [my children] the right way to be," you cannot tell children "the right way to be." Children learn by example, and she is not setting the correct example by depending on government welfare while continuing to birth children, no matter if it's by one daddy or nine.
All you have to do is go into welfare-dependent neighborhoods and see the second, third and sometimes earlier generations of welfare participants.
That is why hard-working taxpayers who do not depend on the government are angry.

... and we have rights, too
Professor Linda Fentiman implies that it is unacceptable to believe the poor do not have the same reproductive rights as others. However, it is perfectly acceptable to believe the poor do not have the same reproductive responsibilities as others.
Tessa Savicki does not mind infringing upon my rights to the monetary fruits of my labor by appropriating them as taxes to pay for her children, and Fentiman supports this. Apparently their concern for the rights of individuals does not extend to me.

Re: "Craving green guilt -- Steven Asma analyzes environmentalism as the new religion," last Sunday Points.
Environmentalism stems from simple math. The earth does not have an infinite supply of natural materials that we can endlessly extract, use for a short time, then bury or burn without running out and without dire consequences.
Asma seems to feel that, while environmentalists' concerns are valid, let's not get all fundamentalist and have a come-to-Jesus meeting about solving the problem.
Also, let's stop dropping the big guilt trip on us. I don't agree with making small transitional changes, because we just don't have the time. We are adding over 70 million people to this planet every year. Developing countries want, and are now capable of buying, the lifestyle we take for granted.
If we do not fully embrace sustainability practices soon, the Earth will pass tipping points this century that will result in widespread suffering and extinctions. Environmentalism is not some New Testament judgment day religious belief. Rather, it is based on obvious mathematical certainties.
Environmentalism may have the feel of a religion, but religion does not deal in provable facts. Environmentalism does.

We need one Republican
Cannot one Republican demonstrate compassion for fellow Americans who need a helping hand -- and work to pass health care reform instead of putting the party politics of obstruction first?
This is a humanitarian need at present and should not be looked at through the lens of partisanship.

Think small changes
Health care reform, where reform is truly needed, can be accomplished with much smaller changes.
For example, to make it easier to pay for health care, let all health care costs, including insurance premiums, be tax-deductible, regardless of whether one itemizes deductions, and with no minimum percent of income threshold.
Let the deduction be available no matter whose health care costs the taxpayer pays. I am sure that many people would rather help those in need than pay taxes.

Let states decide on tort reform
I'm suspicious of all these liberal Republicans and their Tea Party buddies. Ask them about a compromise on health care and they immediately start talking about national tort reform.
We already passed tort reform in Texas to reduce the number of health care dollars that are wasted on frivolous law suits. But these bleeding hearts won't let the other states decide for themselves if they want the same solution.
I guess they think that the only good decisions are the ones made in Washington, D.C.

Don't discount Medina
Re: "Vision Quest Unfulfilled -- GOP front-runners still need to make case," Saturday Editorials.
The Dallas Morning News is quick to dismiss Debra Medina's position of eliminating property taxes, instead raising revenue from a higher sales tax, as an undue burden on the poor.
Why is it that we never truly own our property, anyway? Even if you have paid off your home, if you cannot pay your property taxes, you will lose it. Who is less likely to be able to afford an increase in property taxes -- a wealthy person or a poor person?
Property taxes are imposed, while a sales tax is voluntary -- you decide if you want to buy a product or service. Who typically consumes more, an affluent person or a poor person? The affluent would still pay more in taxes.
If landlords didn't have to build the cost of property taxes into their rent, they could lower the price. Others would follow suit to stay competitive. This would free up more money for discretionary spending. Who usually rents rather than owns?
The biggest risk I see is defeat from the other career politicians who would oppose more guaranteed revenue and loss of power over the people. Let's not be so quick to count Medina out.

Candidates should care
I have previously campaigned for both Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Rick Perry, but now I wouldn't vote for either one.
Most of what I've heard is Perry and Hutchison lambasting each other. I'm not registering much concern for voters' issues from either of them.
We the people are weary of candidates criticizing each other so they can get or keep their "in" on the Hill without really caring what happens to the rest of us. Where's the candidate who loves America enough to stump for the return of public respect and dignity in our land?

U.S. issues more important
I have always been a strong supporter of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, and I still am, but I cannot understand why she would give up a seat in the Senate to run for governor. The issues on the national level are much more important than the ones here in Texas.
Furthermore, Gov. Rick Perry has done an outstanding job as governor of our state. Our economy is the envy of the rest of the Union. All Hutchison is doing is dividing the Republican Party and forcing the governor to use valuable financial resources that should be used instead to defeat the Democratic nominee in November.

Let's work together
An innovative process for resolving disputes and solving problems is being used in our country and worldwide. It's called collaborative law. In this process, problems are placed in the center of the table, and parties attack the problem instead of attacking each other.
In the current race for governor, wouldn't it be refreshing if the candidates would put the problems facing their fellow Texans (the budget deficit, unemployment, education, transportation, water resources, etc.) in the center of the table and attack problems, rather than continually attacking each other. Collaborative problem-solving inevitably leads to creative solutions.

Auditor should check fund
Perry's official Web site for his Texas Enterprise Fund omits any mention of the amounts distributed but does claim 54,000 jobs created since 2003. Texans for Public Justice charges that more than a third of these jobs are still just pledges.
An aide to state Auditor John Keel advised The Dallas Morning News that the fund has not been audited and suggested doing so would "depend on legislative interest." If Keel waits for marching orders from Joe Strauss and David Dewhurst, Keel isn't doing his job.
The state auditor is supposed to focus on the highest risk areas and perform ongoing risk assessments. The Legislative Audit Committee approves the auditor's annual audit plan but doesn't create it. Common sense suggests the fund is high-risk, based on the $363 million distributed to date, likelihood of conflicts of interest in awarding money, and chances of failure to create and maintain jobs.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson's call for an "independent" audit of the enterprise fund reflects her ignorance of government operations. Keel is technically not independent, but there is no need to hire an outside CPA firm that would actually be independent. Texas can't afford to have crony capitalists like Rick Perry holding public office.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has lobbied to change our state driving laws for underage drunken driving. These laws are now destroying teens' lives instead of helping them.

The laws in Texas now state that if you are charged with an underage DWI, license suspension, probation, community service, fines and a felony charge are mandatory. Deferred adjudication is no longer an option. For teens, one bad decision results in a lifetime of punishment.

On every application they fill out, these teens will have to put the felony charge, essentially ruining any chance of getting into a good college -- or any college at all -- or getting a good job. They are not even allowed to apply for some jobs.

Deferred adjudication would have given teens a chance to grow up and accept what they had done, and, by completing probation, community service, paying the fines and staying out of trouble, they could have the felony charge taken off their record.

We need to stand up for our children. We need to give back to our teens the incentive to take responsibility for their choices and learn from them, not let it be a life sentence for a first-time offense.

Re: "Obama budget hit from both sides -- Some proposed cuts upset Democrats; GOP wants deficits addressed sooner," Wednesday news story.

The Obama administration is killing the initiative to put man back on the moon by 2020.

Its "bold new initiative" for NASA is tantamount to turning our back on U.S.-sponsored manned space flight. It is egregious, short-sighted mismanagement of our nation's space policy.

By killing the Constellation program, it is ruining our near-term prospects for a U.S. government-operated means of putting men and women on the International Space Station. We will instead be relying on Russia, the sole remaining nation with astronaut delivery capability, to be our taxi service.

Like most everything else President Barack Obama has done in office, his "bold, new initiative" for NASA is a disaster in the making. We are now spectators in the space race, while Russia, China, India and Japan overtake us with both the will and capital to reach for the stars. In the U.S., we'll continue to reach into our pockets.

We've been to the moon already

I was one of the millions worldwide who watched in awe as our astronauts landed on the moon for the first time. For some years, I continued to be avidly interested in our space program.

I don't question the experiments going on at the space station, as I don't know enough about them. I do question spending billions of dollars to go back to the moon. Been there, done that.

That money could be put to better use on domestic programs, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment or a host of other items. I believe another moon shot would be a waste of taxpayer money.