In the recent death of football player Cam’ron Matthews in Alto, it was reported that his death may not have been football-related, since it was an aneurism. An aneurism is a ruptured blood vessel, typically at a weak spot. While there may be a hereditary influence, the literature indicates it can result from a traumatic injury such as a football injury.

I know the school, the coach and the community at large are heartbroken over the loss of this fine young man.

Over the last 20 years, an average of 12 high school and college football players die each year. In the South, there have been 38 heat-related deaths in 20 years. Deaths are not the whole story. There are also permanent injuries to the brain, joints and spine. Half of football players incur some kind of injury per year.

Until we lose our fascination with this last “gladiator” contact sport, we must do everything possible to reduce these injuries. For example, all summer workouts should take place before 10 a.m. Improved helmets that reduce concussions should be required.

Bill Bellenfant

Whitehouse

 

BROOKSHIRE’S

I have been saddened by recent reports of a possible sale of Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC). As a firm believer in our capitalist system, BGC is free to do what they think is best for them, both personally and professionally. My sadness is for the various communities which they serve. As a 77 year old who was born and raised in East Texas – but who lived in eight other states before returning to East Texas 36 years ago – I can say I’ve never seen a corporation so imbedded and supportive of the communities in which they have stores. Their help and support of local causes should be the goal of all corporate citizens.

While there are many stars in the BGC crown, the brightest by far is their sponsorship several times a year of taking a plane load of WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the WWII Memorial and other sights all at their expense.

All vets are very appreciative of BGC’s doing this.

Whether BGC sells their business and closes their doors or not, one thing is certain – East Texas is a better place because of the involvement of BGC.

Stephen Thompson

Tyler

UNEMPLOYMENT

In August, Donald Trump told Time magazine, “You have 90 million people that aren’t working. Ninety-three million to be exact. If you start adding it up, our real unemployment rate is 42 percent.”

Hold on. As many suggest, if you assume all those folks want jobs and are trying to get them, then Trump is right. But that is not an accurate depiction of who those 90 million non-workers really are. About 41 million Americans don’t work because they’re retired. An additional 15 million say they’re not in the labor force because they’re in school (many work part-time). Those who are looking for work and can’t find any are classified as in the labor force, but unemployed.

So, there are more young people who aren’t in the labor force because they’re in school. There are more retirees. But the notion that 93 million Americans “aren’t working” just isn’t right. This does not in any way diminish concerns about unemployment, merely its exaggeration by some.

Dr. Donald E. Fischer

Tyler

 

TYLER CIVIC THEATRE

As a long-time actress at the Tyler Civic Theater, I had the privilege of working first with director Al Gilliam, and then with director John Woods, who directed for many years after we lost Al. I would just like to credit John for being a great director and I know I speak for lots of other TCT people who worked with him on the productions.

Merry Lu Gentry

Tyler