There’s more to trail network
Re: “Trails offer more than greenery — Runners, casual strollers can enjoy these paths,” Saturday Metro & Business story.
It’s great seeing Dallas’ segments of the regional trail network (Veloweb) that’s been developing since 1996. But the reporter fell short — not only with the Northaven Trail bridge over Central, but absent entirely the Trinity Strand Trail, an interconnected system along the Trinity River that will soon connect through Irving, Grand Prairie and Arlington to Fort Worth and beyond, with rail transit access for those seeking intermodal travel.
In his early days building his warehouse empire along the original channel of the Trinity, Trammell Crow was said to have often told his family during Sunday outings that the Old Meanders should become a linear park.
Working with generous donors, agencies and volunteers led by knowledgeable consultants, we accomplished his wish by advocating for and constructing pathways throughout the Design District, Market Center, Old Industrial and Medical districts.
Opinion
Nearly 25 years later, we still aim to connect to Pegasus Park along Irving Boulevard. We know Crow, a key contributor to creating the Katy Trail, would be proud of our continued efforts.
There’s a much larger trail system network story to tell. The members of our board encourage The Dallas Morning News to stay curious and keep expanding on this story.
Mike Kutner, Dallas
President and chairman, Friends of the Trinity Strand Trail
Jenkins protects us
Re: “Jenkins files for reelection — County judge seeks fifth term; no primary challenger in race yet,” Tuesday Metro & Business story.
I’m glad that Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins is running for reelection. Our top state leaders, namely Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott, are firmly in the thrall of President Donald Trump, unlike Jenkins.
Jenkins is a smart, ethical and effective pragmatist, who puts politics aside and serves all of our residents well. When the Dallas mayor fails to step up (notably during the pandemic, but there are many other instances), Jenkins is dependably there to protect us.
We live in troubled political times in our state and country, but we can be proud of both our Dallas County judge and the sensible citizens who have put him in office four times.
Mary Barnes, Dallas
Condemn pardon abuse
Re: “Don’t ignore egregious abuse of presidential pardons — Former U.S. attorney says Trump’s record and vindictive prosecutions undermine justice,” by Sarah Saldaña, Sunday Opinion.
The author describes in moderate detail how the Northern District of Texas Federal Justice Department worked. That is until President Donald Trump upended things. The abuse of the Justice Department by some presidents is known and must be condemned as Saldaña has.
Our democracy is under attack with Trump’s abuse of pardons and, like ornery stallions, must be corralled.
I received notice this week from a financial adviser that Trump had pardoned a man who was arrested for stealing money from the investment fund he was heading. Over $1 billion was at risk when his activity was spotted. After a full trial, he was sentenced to time in prison and a financial penalty. This was a nationwide investment, and many people have been hurt. Trump pardoned him after less than two weeks in prison. The White House press secretary called it a “weaponization of justice from the previous administration.”
One might think Sen. John Cornyn would speak up as a former member and leader of the Texas Supreme Court.
Marvin Noble, Dallas
Abortion bans killing women
As a proud eighth-generation Texan, I know the importance of being able to receive comprehensive reproductive and maternal health care in my home state. I was forced to travel over 12 hours to Colorado to receive an abortion two separate times to end wanted pregnancies due to fatal fetal abnormalities. Because of abortion laws in Texas, thousands of patients just like me are frequently forced to travel out of state to get essential care.
This week, Texas Republicans’ latest attack on abortion takes effect statewide, targeting abortion medication and encouraging private citizens to continue the bounty hunt on patients and physicians across Texas who receive or provide care.
Today, I’m pregnant! I’m excited but terrified. These anti-abortion laws are making pregnancy more dangerous for myself and all Texans. The deadly impact of abortion bans on women seeking lifesaving medical care can’t be ignored. ProPublica recently reported on the preventable death of Texas mother, Tierra Walker, who lost her life as a result of the state’s extreme abortion ban.
Abortion bans are killing women. We deserve elected officials who will listen to everyday stories like mine and Tierra’s to ensure comprehensive abortion care is accessible for anyone who needs it.
Megan Bond, Aledo
What are they teaching?
With an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and a graduate degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, I continue to be amazed by articles in The Dallas Morning News where college courses taught race and/or gender as part of the curriculum.
When I went to school, I took courses in math, chemistry, English, accounting, finance, et al., and in those courses, I learned about math, chemistry, English, accounting and finance.
What sort of college courses even discuss race, gender, etc.? Whatever they are, I did not take them, and I have somehow managed to live a meaningful life.
Rick Williams, Garland
DART turnstiles the answer
I am so tired of reading about the problems with DART (funding, cleanliness, homeless). It seems there has always been a simple solution. Barriers with turnstiles where a ticket must be inserted in order to reach the boarding area. Tickets bought may provide a surprising source of revenue and help to keep trains safer and cleaner. Could it really be that easy?
Sarah Bock, Plano