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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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Small Minds
To the editor: I’d like to respond to Christopher Black’s comments regarding Taser victims. Regardless of the intelligence these people may or may not possess (he used “jackass” a few times), they do not deserve cruel and unusual punishment. If we allow it to happen in this situation, it could happen to anyone, deserving or not, no matter how silly the matter may seem.
Besides, I thought Tasers were to be used when a suspect has a weapon or when an officer otherwise feels someone’s personal safety is threatened. In none of the cases mentioned in the original article was this the case. Even if the officer thought Mr. Green was stuffing drugs down his throat, how does that indicate to the officer that his own life is in danger? Aren’t there other ways to apprehend suspects?
Maybe I’m naive. I certainly welcome a response from officers who’ve experienced this. But Mr. Black saying that stupid people are getting what they deserve is extremely small-minded.
Amanda C. Hand
Fort Worth
Voicing Thanks
To the editor: I really enjoyed Kristian Lin’s review of the McCammon voice competition, which I found on a young singers blog. I find his remarks right on target, though I have no special qualifications other than having listened to operas for 50 years.
I sorely miss Wayne Lee Gay (formerly of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram) and am delighted that someone else as knowledgeable as Gay is around.
Thank you for publishing this review.
Al Laureyns
Fort Worth
Casting Call
To the editor: Wow, what a story on the preacher in Kennedale (“Norwood in the Lions’ Den,” March 29, 2006). When is the movie coming out?
Ray Ecklund
Haltom City
Send in IHOP
To the editor: The Weekly’s star reporter Jeff Prince really gave us a history lesson with his Feb. 22, 2006, front-page article dubbed “Brightening a ’Burb.” Jeff covered every aspect of Haltom City and its politics, whether it be good, bad, or ugly.
The city has a repertoire of good ideas, but some of these will never bear fruit because of the 80-percent masonry requirement for new structures and businesses. Then there’s the churches, which dominate some of the city’s best real estate — hence, no taxes generated. So ultimately the city council is passing the buck to the taxpayers who aren’t exempt and declaring eminent domain on others to achieve their dreams.
Your article will generate a substantial amount of interest for this town, hopefully for some developer with big bucks and ideas to build anything from a Wal-Mart, Target or at least a national chain eatery such as an IHOP.
Pat Conley
Haltom City
To the editor: The Weekly cover story and exposé of the problems with Haltom City, “Brightening a ’Burb” was well documented and well written by Jeff Prince.
Having been a lifetime resident of the Fort Worth area, including part of that time in Haltom City, I have learned that the wheels of progress turn at different speeds depending on a city’s management makeup.
Since “cleaning house” happened at the police department and Haltom City voters ousted council members who weren’t contributing their worth, the city now has in place a management of continuity that is striving to maintain and continue their “Proud and Progressive” logo.
In retrospect, Haltom City has had its share of hubris and Peyton Place atmosphere, but with the current mayor and a dedicated council staff and city manager to lead it forward, success is inevitable.
Delbert Cantrell
Fort Worth
A Stunning Disclosure
To the editor: The Weekly’s, “A Stunning Toll” (March 8, 2006) was a literal “jolt” to read.
As the article shows, the police are utilizing these Tasers as their personal fashion accessory to use indiscriminately, an equal-opportunity equalizer. Many people in law enforcement are high-adrenaline type personalities, and the badge, gun, and power serve as the catalyst for seeking employment in these agencies. Now, with Tasers as the new toy in their arsenal, police departments will find it even easier to recruit potential new officers to “protect and serve.”
Your story also brings attention to the secrecy and circumvention surrounding the open records law and the reluctance of some officials to release the information to the public, often taking the pre-emptive strike to allow access only by charging an astronomical “fee.” That’s blackmail, and the Texas Legislature needs to investigate these practices.
Dee Taylor
Fort Worth
Vote for Terri
To the editor: I have read in your paper the last couple of weeks that two ladies were talking against Terri Moore for her representing Wirt Norris in his trial.
I always thought it was a lawyer’s responsibility to represent his or her client to the best extent possible. I worked many hours (every day) for the election of Terri last time and will again this time. Hopeful this time around it will be different.
As far as Terri doing a good job for Wirt Norris, which was wrong in the two ladies’ eyes, she also did a fine job for my son on his D.W.I. I know some people don’t agree, but Terri cannot please everyone.
But with all the problems the Republican party is having right now, we need to vote in a good Democrat. Go, Terri!
E. “Elmo” Vernia Jr.
Fort Worth
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