Fussbudgets: I read the article about Hooters here in Arlington and just cannot figure out what is all the fuss ("Repressed," by Paul Kix, June 3). There are everyday people who go there, and the food is great! I saw no lewd activities or anything that was inappropriate. The waitresses there were friendly, and yes, they are great-looking.
The Partnership for Community Values needs to get a grip. I live not too far from Baby Dolls, and you don't see the PCV out there bitching. I'll bet if these people came clean about themselves, their "holier than thou" attitude would be laughed at. Well, they are being laughed at because of their outdated mentality. I don't drink alcohol, but no one else should be denied the right to consume alcoholic beverages. These people bitched in court wearing shirts reading "Protect Our Children," involving Hooters. What about parents who starve or kill a child? Where are these people when it comes to that? It's a restaurant, nothing more or nothing less. Get a life!
Eric Bingham
Arlington
Same Old, Same Old
Say that again: Well, it looks like it's déjà vu all over again. Did we not go through this same scenario with Perot Jr. and Hicks when they threatened to take their marbles and go elsewhere because the city was unwilling to give them everything they wanted (Buzz, by Robert Wilonsky, June 10)? Then, our astute city manager (who just happened to go to work for Hicks shortly after the deal went through) caved, and the city ended up not only giving them the farm but the mineral and water rights as well. What do you wanna bet that the city, or county, whichever, miraculously comes up with a deal at the last minute that looks very much like the one the Cowboys have proposed, it is put to the voters, and the vote brokers in the southern sector manage to squeak out a victory for one more richer-than-he-needs-to-be sports team owner?
I was listening to the news about the new professional hockey team we have just acquired, and the speaker commented that Dallas is such a great sports city. I guess that's why we don't seem to care so much about other quality-of-life issues. As long as we have some overpaid athlete to focus on and cheer for we won't notice such minor inconveniences as horrible streets, a crumbling infrastructure, understaffed and underpaid police and fire departments, a completely dysfunctional school system and the highest crime rate in the nation. As long as we can be kept inside, lulled into a stupor watching some sporting event, we can be kept oblivious to life outside our cocoons.
Martha McSweeney
Dallas
Real Mormons
Confused: I'm sure you may have received much feedback from this article ("The Polygamists Are Coming!," by John MacCormack, May 20). My great-grandfather joined the Mormon Church in Bern, Switzerland, back in 1885, and it has now grown to be the fifth-largest church in the world. Be more careful next time when you talk about someone's faith. This article has created a lot of confusion about Mormons. Honestly, who practices polygamy these days? I know of no one. They don't even come close to what we believe in. Not even close. So we will get touchy when we are mentioned with them. People can do what they want--that's how I feel--but I just wanted to voice my opinion and let you know I now have to clear up misperceptions with my friends, and it's kind of annoying.
Steven Schwendiman
Dallas
Policing the Police
Bad ol' boys: I can identify with this story ("Clueless," by Glenna Whitley, June 10)! My uncle was brutally murdered and mutilated several years ago. Our ordeal was with the Mexican government. It's heartbreaking to learn of a loved one's death and twice as difficult when authorities thwart justice either by negligence or malice.
Not being native to Texas, I have no nostalgic feelings for Texas Rangers. They should do their job to the best of their ability and not be rewarded with promotions! Just being a "good ol' boy" doesn't make things right. It's a shame that taxpayers and families of the slain have to remind investigators to do their jobs.
These parents were probably the best resource this Ranger had, and he managed to alienate himself. I hope for this family and for the community that this case can eventually be solved.
Stephanie Kennon
Via e-mail
Cruel joke: I don't know what to say, other than I'm enraged that Texas law enforcement is an absolute joke. I'm also surprised this isn't being given the media attention it needs. Something needs to be done, not just about this poor man's son, but with all our state's law enforcement agencies, including our own DPD and DPS. That a law enforcement agency would actually need to "lawyer up" because they need protection against their own ineptness is astonishing. As a reader, I have a couple of questions: Why isn't the FBI involved in this? Why don't we have our own CSI unit? Why isn't a college degree required for law enforcement? Who pays for the Rangers' salary? When are we, citizens of Texas, going to reach the boiling point and say, "Enough, goddammit!"
We need to demand accountability from our law enforcement. This is just one more in a long list of stories (I have one of my own) that portray our law enforcement as a bunch of individuals getting free rides all the way to their retirement, courtesy of your local taxpayer. I had a detective from auto theft tell me not to bother the police department if anything else came up. For all the good it would do, I think his suggestion is actually good advice.
Reuben L. Owens
Via e-mail
