Reader Lindell Singleton [Letters, September 7] must expect affirmative action to extend into a writer's mind. Not only does he chastise Jennifer Briggs' excellent, non-cliched observations regarding Nate Newton ["Secrets From Cowboys Camp," August 17], but then tries the old tired reverse psychology that is as stale as Molly Ivins' philosophy.
Singleton's attempt to make whitey feel guilty suggests he hopes the Observer will put only black males on the job to cover black athletes. He states that there must be a journalistic conspiracy against black athletes. Do you say, Mr. Singleton, that the black race cannot handle criticism?
Face the facts. Blacks are in the mainstream of society, and they will not only reap the rewards, but they must also take the other not-so-pleasant side of fame and fortune. If you want equality, there cannot be any sacred cows.
Jeffery Chern
Dallas
Morning sickness
As an avid rock music fan, especially of the local music scene, I was very glad to hear our local radio stations playing more Texas music and happy to see it recognized by listeners as well as local media ["Good Reception," August 31]. Robert Wilonsky was very precise in his research regarding what radio station played which local artists how many times a day.
However, I feel that an additional aspect of radio determines how dedicated a station is to its local market: the morning show. As a self-proclaimed "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as quick as I could" Texan, I for one could care less what an over-inflated babbler from New York has to say about anything, let alone his misconceived ideas about Texas and Texans.
Similarly, we now have another syndicated morning show by two country hicks out of North Carolina. Only KTXQ-102.1 has remained loyal to the goings-on of Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas by maintaining a local morning show--with people who live in the Metroplex and care about what's happening locally.
Cara R. Warner
Dallas
What Deep Ellum really needs
I am writing in reference to your "Hot Dish" in the July 27 issue spotlighting the Donut Lady & KJ's Koffee. I was surprised that the doughnuts got such a mediocre review. I actually go there and eat the doughnuts, and they are always really fresh and wonderful.
I was equally surprised and disappointed that there was no mention of the coffee, since it is one-half of the restaurant's concept and name.
What the Donut Lady and KJ's Koffee bring to Deep Ellum may not be on your list, but it is on mine. I think it is absolutely the best thing that could happen in Deep Ellum, primarily because it is a place that you know is always open. And it is certainly destined to be the information center of Deep Ellum. Besides that, the place is happening. It is homey. It is a funky mix of everyone that wants a place to hang out where the food is good and the place is clean and relaxed, and the doughnut lady is in the kitchen baking up fresh stuff and--icing on the cake--you are in the middle of Deep Ellum.
Cheryl Lynn Cooper
Dallas
Bop on the head
I have been trying to understand how someone with the limited experience of drummer Earl Harvin ["Of Two Worlds," August 3] could be accused of being the best jazz musician in Dallas, Denton or Fort Worth. If he doesn't appreciate Wynton Marsalis, or Roy Hargrove, why rush to the club to get an opportunity to share the bandstand with them? Have Marchel Ivery, Roger Boykin, Claude Johnson, W.A. Richardson, Tommie Hopkins, Dave Zoller, Rachella Parks and Bo Stewart all died and left the music to him?
Marjorie Crenshaw
Fort Worth