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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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Letters to the Editor 9/7/05
Error on the Wright
To the editor: Dan McGraw has an interesting take on the Wright Amendment (“Wolves and Sheepdogs,” Aug. 17, 2005), but I don’t think his argument holds water. Noting that airline fares have dropped in cities that have two airports, he concludes that competition between the airports caused it.
I don’t think there’s any evidence to support that conclusion. The competing parties are the airlines themselves, not the airports from which they fly. The controlling authorities of those cities are charged with making both airports successful, to serve the needs of the public. In making more gates available, it’s true that the cities were able to allow more airlines to bid for passengers, but the airports’ only role was in facilitating, since the airlines would compete anyway.
McGraw also says that the Wright Amendment debate is about reducing airfares, but I have to wonder. If Southwest Airlines announced that they were increasing all their fares by $300 on all their routes, would that mean the amendment should stay in place?
No, if Wright is to be repealed, it must be because the repeal makes sense. There should be a proven need for it, and proof that it would serve the public good for Dallas and the community (which in this case includes Fort Worth) , no matter how many airlines fly from Love and no matter how much they charge.
If Love did not exist today, and Southwest asked Dallas to build an airport for them because flying from D/FW did not fit their business model, would Dallas do it? And if they did, would they build it where Love Field is now? Somehow, I doubt it.
I think that it’s perfectly reasonable to say that Love and Meacham are for short hops, and D/FW is for longer hauls. There ought to be some way to enforce that — if it’s the Wright Amendment, then let’s leave it.
Greg Shirey
Fort Worth
Radical: Treatment
To the editor: I just finished up Betty Brink’s article, “Cancer Cell” (Aug. 24, 2005). I have been following Darlene Fortwendel’s story in the Evansville (Indiana) Courier and Press. It breaks my heart.
I worked on an oncology floor for years, and my mom died in 2000 of lung cancer. So I am familiar with treatments and testing. Outside of the prison system, people are treated for their cancer — even if it has been diagnosed as terminal. Most want treatment so they can spend more time with family. I know my mom sure did. She fought it for three and a half years, so she could spend every moment with her grandchildren.
I am writing because I want to know what I can do to help. My mom died with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren right by her side. It just sickens me that Darlene almost did not get that chance to have her family around her for the final moments — and it makes me even more ill knowing that there are so many others without such good fortune! Thanks for your help.
Jennifer Ladnier
Mount Vernon, Ind.
Editor’s note: The address for Warden Ginny Van Buren is FMC Carswell, Federal Medical Center, P. O. Box 27066, Fort Worth, TX 76127. For the Bureau of Prisons, write to Harley G. Lappin, Director, Bureau of Prisons, 320 First St. NW, Washington, DC 20534.
To the editor: Thank you for your excellent reporting on this critically important issue. Darlene Fortwendel, like many other non-violent criminals, should never have been in prison or in that hospital in the first place. People who commit crimes due to addiction need treatment for their mental and emotional disorders, not shackles and cruelty.
I wish Angie Garrett and those who stand behind her the very best in advocating change in the Bureau of Prisons regulations.
Toni McNulty
Associate director, Problem Gambling
Council of South Carolina
Rock Hill S.C.
’Til the Ink Runs Dry
To the editor: I am very concerned with the information you presented in your article “ ’Til Your Wells Run Dry” (June 29, 2005). I have written to area legislators and enclosed the article. My family and I really appreciate the fearless way that Fort Worth Weekly takes on the unpopular issues and makes us all aware of them. Keep up the good work!
Carol Misfeldt
Fort Worth
No Protest Prodigy
To the editor: My sincere thanks to the editor for Pablo Lastra’s article (“Protest Jazz,” Aug. 24, 2005) regarding my politically-charged c.d. project, which will be released Sept. 25 at Arts 5th Avenue. I must correct two misstatements in the opening paragraph. First, I was not a prodigy. And second, my brother and I played in Texas swing bands during the 1960s following our parents’ country music activities of the 1930s and 1940s.
I truly appreciate Pablo’s straightforward and insightful account of my recent political actions, which include my latest recording, Love’s Bitter Rage.
Jhon Kahsen (Johnny Case)
Fort Worth
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