The president we need

Re: “A Prayer For Inauguration Day — Trump’s second term cannot be like his first,” Monday editorial.

When The Dallas Morning News editorial board writes that “we need a president who can rise above the worst parts of our politics and culture,” truer words were never spoken. Unfortunately, we don’t have that president. Instead, we have Donald Trump, a man with a long history of appealing to the very worst parts of human nature.

Since it is a given based on his history that he will not rise to the occasion, my prayer is that those in positions to do so will do what they can to mitigate the damage he will cause to the nation and the world. That his successor, whoever that eventually may be, will be able to undo the worst of what Trump manages. And that Trump won’t permanently blight the soul and the spirit of America.

Tom Desmond, Plano

Pandemic derailed Trump

While I completely agree with most of your statements, there was one point I do disagree with and that is the admitted chaos of Trump’s administration was the cause of his defeat. I think the worldwide pandemic that completely derailed our economy was the main cause. Until that happened, our economy was booming with very low inflation.

There were no new wars and our borders were under control. Presidential elections are mainly about the state of the economy. Had there been no pandemic, I think Donald Trump would have easily won a second term.

Les Gregory, Frisco

Seeking mercy

As I watch President Donald Trump’s nationally televised rambling speech to his supporters at the Capitol that immediately followed the inauguration, the deeply furrowed brow of Vice President J.D. Vance, who was standing behind him, said everything. This man’s thinking is very concerning. This man’s focus is completely on himself. This is dragging on forever. This is just plain embarrassing.

In summary, we have elected a very small person to be the president of the United States. He can lead a country club, but he has no business leading this great country. I hope embarrassment is the most we have to suffer in the next four years, but I am inclined to plead for God to have mercy on us all.

Greg Redish, Dallas

Did promises ring true?

Along with a lot of you, I watched the inauguration of our 47th president. I listened to all the exalted promises that would lead to a “golden age” of America and representation for all Americans. Patriotism, nationalism and the reassurance that God was on our side and we on his were all on display.

It is my prayer and hope that it will be even partially so. I only have one question: Did it ring true?

Ted M. Moore, Dallas/Preston Hollow

It happened on King Day

It is the ultimate irony that the person who vows to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs was inaugurated as U.S. president on the very day dedicated to the memory of a person, Martin Luther King Jr., who fought and ultimately gave his life for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Ronald Briggs, Lake Texoma

Fund food programs

Re: “New Year, New Farm Bill? The incoming Congress must do better for farmers and hungry Americans,” Monday editorial.

Kudos to The Dallas Morning News for this editorial. This is a classic example of Congress kicking the can down the road. The farm bill, planned to be passed every five years, is two years past that deadline.

This farm bill covers many important areas besides those related to U.S. agriculture. Domestic programs such as SNAP (food stamps) provides food from U.S. sources for low-income families and offers food programs to feed children in school.

International programs such as Food for Peace Title II, which not only provides food from the U.S. in instances of famine, but also strengthens agricultural production in low-income countries to prevent famine from developing, is currently being attacked by the misleadingly titled, “American Farmers Feed the World Act.” This is intended to destroy Food for Peace by preventing funding of programs in these countries to improve their agricultural production and stave off famine conditions.

Since the farm bill has passed several deadlines, many of these programs have no funds. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, on the House Agriculture Committee has tried to correct these issues but has been thwarted by the politics of our time. Texas senators and representatives, support Crockett’s effort.

Martin G. White, Dallas/Turtle Creek

Something’s rotten

Re: “Residents put city on notice — Locals urge council to reappoint officials who overstayed term,” Saturday news story.

Over 400 years ago, William Shakespeare wrote, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” Well, that seems to apply to the modern-day city of Dallas. Devyani Chhetri noted in her front-page story that the chair of the Dallas Plan Commission has been on the commission since 2013, coming up to 12 years. But the city charter states that members of city commissions are limited to four two-year terms — a total of eight consecutive years.

In the same issue, Matt Bach wrote a letter to the editor noting that the Plan Commission member from District 11 does not live anywhere near the district she is supposed to represent.

Last summer, the Pepper Square Coalition addressed the Plan Commission with over 50 speakers opposed and two in favor and one of those two was the developer. A survey of over 1,000 residents had 92% opposed to the rezoning.

But, the Plan Commission approved the developer’s proposal and sent it to the City Council whose actions were delayed only by a temporary restraining order requested by the Pepper Square Coalition.

Yes, something is rotten in the city of Dallas.

Edward Stone, Far North Dallas

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