It’s called “One Riot, One Ranger.” And the riot it refers to was a mob trying to keep Black students from going to school in 1956.
Ron T. Ennis
Star-Telegram
No context
The Texas Rangers proudly erected the statue “One Riot, One Ranger,” which was rightly removed from Dallas Love Field Airport in 2020, in the left-field concourse of Globe Life Field. (March 6, star-telegram.com, “NAACP expresses ‘deep disappointment’ with controversial Texas Rangers statue”)
I find the statue’s name ironic, because the law enforcement agent it allegedly depicts, Rangers Capt. Jay Banks, failed to disperse a segregationist riot that formed to prevent Black students from attending school with their white peers in 1956.
Honoring this savior of segregation isn’t “history.” It is a distorted hagiography. Until the statue is relegated to a basement or museum where proper context can be established, I won’t be giving the Rangers any of my money, and I suggest you don’t, either.
– Brandon Cooper, Fort Worth
Zero respect
Only those in full military uniforms do not remove their hats for a solemn occasion such as the dignified transfer or deceased soldiers. President Donald Trump, the elected leader of the military, wearing a baseball cap during such a ceremony at Dover Air Force Base was an absolute dishonor to those service members and their families.
– MaryLou Froh, Fort Worth
A real leader
The recent news story calling Reza Pahlavi a “preeminent” transitional Iranian leader misrepresents political reality. (March 8, 12A, ”Exiled Iranian crown prince to speak at CPAC in Grapevine”) Pahlavi has had little connection to Iran since his father’s dictatorship was overthrown in 1979.
Many protesters risking their lives today reject all forms of dictatorship. Pahlavi’s transitional plan lacks meaningful Iranian public endorsement.
Organized democratic alternatives have existed for decades. The National Council of Resistance of Iran advocates for a democratic republic. Its leader, Maryam Rajavi, has presented a plan for free elections and gender equality.
Portraying Pahlavi as the central figure ignores the organized movement that has worked toward a secular, democratic Iran for decades.
– Homeira Hesami, Carrollton
War of choice
Donald Trump initiated a major military attack against Iran without the approval of the American people and their representatives in Congress. Trump’s claims of an imminent threat are hollow.
Iran does not have the means to directly attack the United States, nor the capability to produce a nuclear weapon. Regime change is not the United States’ choice to make. That decision rests solely with the Iranian people.
This is the second time this century a Republican president has started a war in the Middle East based on unproven claims. American lives and dollars will be needlessly lost.
– Jeff Horton, Keller
True alignment
I once told myself: “When I have children, I’ll simply hire a nanny.” At 30, I was newly married and professionally fulfilled, and my identity felt anchored in independence and achievement. Pregnancy changed that, and my sense of purpose shifted swiftly and unmistakably.
Across history, women’s roles have evolved alongside hard-won rights, yet one constant remains: a woman’s capacity to nurture life. Biology affirms it; faith deepens it. The prophet Muhammad taught, “Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers,” underscoring the moral and spiritual influence women carry across generations.
Stepping away from my career was not retreat, but alignment, supported by faith, partnership and choice. In time, I returned with intention.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, consider that empowerment is not choosing one path over another. It is honoring the season you are called to walk that path.
– Angelina Rohanna Tucker, Granbury