No Sympathy for Deserters|Dallas: A Great Place for Worship (And Titty Bars)

"Gimme Shelter," by Megan Feldman, March 12

Kids These Days

I picked up the Dallas Observer yesterday because of the artwork on the cover. I am a product of the 1960s and was a child when Vietnam was going on. The Vietnam War was something that was never discussed in history class while I was in school. As an adult, I see why now. I am opposed to the troops being over there [in Iraq]. Why are our men and women being killed? For what? Oil? Terrorists? No, it is some fat, old guys who are making a ton of money off this war!

This is not what actually pissed me off about your article. What did was Kim Rivera. Honey, you knew what you were getting into when you signed that contract with the Army. Did you think that they were going to let you sit around stateside on your fat ass while I pay for your housing, health insurance and education? You are like many others in this world today: You DO NOT accept any responsibility for your actions and the choices that you have made. I don't feel sorry for you at all. I think that you should be sent back here and thrown in jail for desertion. Grow up!!

Kate, Frisco

Here's the thing: These people have taken responsibility. They went UA (unauthorized absence) and fled the country. They will face the consequences. Of course they're lobbying for some understanding. Anybody would in their position.

The thing that boggles my mind is that just about everybody agrees what a huge mistake Iraq is. Everyone admits that we were lied to by our own government to get us in there.

But still these kids are supposed to follow what we've all pretty much concluded are unlawful orders to execute an unlawful war.

Huh?

Steven R, via dallasobserver.com

"Unconventional Sex," by Jim Schutze, March 19

Go with God

Maybe [Convention and Visitors Bureau President Phillip] Jones should modify his pitch to potential convention bookers to include something about how many great churches we have. Something along the lines of: "After a long day attending convention seminars, why not unwind by attending a religious service at one of our many, many, MANY fine churches. You can even have a nice cup of punch, or even coffee (if you are feeling really crazy) after the service! So come to Dallas! Where we make moral decisions for you so you don't have to!"

PTLMan from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com

I have always been an advocate for a red-light district in this city. Maybe on our very own Harry Hines. That'll fire up the economy in West Dallas.

Think of Oak Lawn (one of our most liberal quarters). OL was a ghetto. Nowadays it's become a very respectable and up-and-coming cool neighborhood. Always hosting risqué businesses.

I just heard last week that Salt Lake City establishments now can sell alcohol and call themselves bars instead of clubs. At this pace, next year, conventions may go to Salt Lake for being more liberal than Dallas.

Juan Valdes from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com

As a 25-year Dallas resident who's been a meeting planner for 30 years, I'd like to commend Phillip Jones on a job well done since he arrived in Dallas five years ago. He and the CVB do a great job of attracting conventions and meetings to Dallas by selling them on what makes Dallas a great place to live and visit—great shopping and dining and attractions like the Arts District.

I personally have booked more meetings in Dallas in the last five years than in the previous 10.

I'm a woman. Most of the people I work with in the industry are women. Speaking for myself, I'm not interested in booking a meeting in Dallas because of strip clubs.

I'm not the only person in the industry who recognizes Phillip's positive impact in Dallas. In the last few years, I've noticed mainstream magazines and trade publications mentioning Dallas more and more. I think we can attribute this attention to the positive change Phillip has brought.

Samantha from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com