Letters to the Editor 11.05.17

WHAT HAPPENED?

What happened to the Democratic Party I knew in 1941?

I was 8 years old when I first heard the voice of President Roosevelt on our large Philco radio. He always addressed us as “My Friends” in his fireside chats. My uncles were in the service and we never missed his “chats.”

My father died in 1940 from pneumonia so I knew how war was, deadly. When FDR died, my family was in mourning for someone whom we loved and trusted. President Truman brought us to victory and in 1948 gave us Israel as a nation.

Fast forward: 1963, President Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

I don’t see any of these dear men in the party today. There is so much bitterness in their voices.

The international Fellowship of Christian and Jews is mourning the death of its founder Rabbi Eckstein. Please pray for his family and those who will carry on his ministry to the survivors of the holocaust.

Ann Mitchell, Tyler

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

Freedom means the press — the arms and legs of freedom brought to your door, your street, your town and your country. The price is a small one for liberty of mind and body endangered and encroached upon. It needs benefactors. There is no service more deserving of your money than the mind-free press. Pour your money into preserving the Walter Williamses and paragons of freedom of voices heard, only in the press, only in our country. For now.

Trust fund your money into its arms — for tomorrow.

Mary Wood, Tyler

DON’T GO ALONE

Parks, like churches, are places where one should feel and be safe. However, we know it’s not the case. Safety takes a certain amount of precaution and preparation. The city of Tyler Parks Department has provided many facilities to accommodate the recreational needs for its citizens and visitors while trying to provide a safe environment for all. Tyler has an excellent police department. However, one should prepare oneself by not allowing a vulnerable situation to exit.

It’s vitally important not to be alone in any park. As in a church, the only ones around are the first responders before police can respond. A good rule to remember is, “Good guys don’t win; only prepared good guys win.” “Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst.” Never take anything for granted.

Always be mindful of your surroundings. Travel in pairs or more. Keep cell phones handy with quick dial 911. Learn your location along the trails or parks. Report to police any suspicious persons or activity.

Serving 31 years in the Parks Department has been a great journey. I hope I’ve properly shown the tokens of friendship and brotherly love toward all whom I had control with.

Tyler, you are truly a wonderful place to live.

Connie Luther, Tyler

BAD DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Tyler Planning and Zoning Commission is on the verge of approving a very bad development plan at their April 2, 1:30 p.m. meeting. Genecov’s 318 acre development, case # PD18-033, adjoins some of Tyler’s most prestigious neighborhoods such as Hollytree, Holly Heights and Oak Hollow. The current plan will likely adversely affect values of hundreds of existing homes. This proposed zoning would allow future apartments fronting on South Hollytree Drive and adjoining the new “Legacy Trail.”

The proposed zoning will destroy the most scenic part of Tyler’s Legacy Trail. Tyler has spent taxpayer money building this lovely bike and walking trail, and the most scenic part needs to be protected with a greenbelt in this development or the trail will become just be a wide city sidewalk, not a scenic Legacy Trail.

If this zoning proposal is approved and then passed by the Tyler City Council, it will likely cause political turmoil. Let’s all hope that does not happen.

Harry Bergman, Tyler

UPHOLD HUMAN LIFE

My family and I are watching the debate rage on whether or not a baby who miraculously survives an attempted abortion can even be given medical care. It appears to us as Christians that the country has gone over the edge on this issue. People in New York City celebrate the death of the unborn by lighting up a prominent building in pink to recognize women’s rights to “health care.” Here in Texas, HB 16 would require doctors to care for a baby that survived an abortion procedure, which seems to be at very minimum the human thing to do. Yet it is controversial, and a group of female state representatives refused to sign it because it “offends” women and “restricts women’s access to health care.”

Let me ask you, how is it “women’s health care” to allow a living baby to die? What difference does it make to the health of a woman if the baby that she did not want is alive or dead? And in the states that are pushing hard now for a woman to be able to choose to have her baby that is born alive to be killed, how can anyone with a straight face even pretend that is a matter of the woman’s health? If a woman has carried a baby to full term, enduring everything that goes with a pregnancy, how can it be claimed that killing that baby at the point of birth has anything to do with her health?

 We must repent of the blood of these murdered babies if we want to see blessing on our country. Don’t be fooled. Do your own thinking. And vote for leaders who will uphold human life at every stage.

Adethia Rudd, Tyler

SQUARE DANCING STORY

The Friday, March 15, 2019, article on square dancing was great to see on the front page. Lots of great memories for me, being a square dancer for over 45 years with my husband, Bill. I still keep up with many of our square dance friends. Special thanks to Chelsea Purgahn and Betty Waters for the photographs and article. Really made my day.

Doris Barner, Hideaway

I loved the wonderful article about the Mineola Railers Square Dance Club. We dance with them when we get a chance and they are truly the best clubs in the area. Even if you don’t square dance, visiting them is fun.

Thanks so much!

Rita Rushing,  Fairfield

It’s wonderful to see such a joyous, fun article right on the front page! Thank you for such a nice article!

We travel all over Northeast Texas and welcome all new and returning dancers wherever they may be. I think your article reminds people how much of a fun and healthy exercise square dancing is. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

John and Karen Gatherer, Mount Pleasant