Sound advice

Re: “’One language, many realities,’ — When words become politicized, we lose real meaning,” by Rudolph Bush, Sunday Opinion.

Bush argues that the way we use words is at the center of our political struggles. Language is now being used as a kind of political or cultural signaling. I agree. Evaluating what is said requires more than just listening to the words. It requires understanding their nuances.

As a lawyer who practiced for over 45 years, I appreciate the value of the shared meaning of words. Though retired, I still like to ask speakers questions about complex issues. Like Bush, what I am really trying to determine is whether they have any depth of understanding about the complexity of the matter or if they are just offering a slogan. Are they appealing to my reason or are they just playing me?

Bush points out that words have become a battlefield. We need to evaluate not only the words that others use but also our own words. Do they appeal to reason or just emotion?

Bush’s opinion offers sound advice on how to deal with the political rhetoric of the 2024 elections.

Raymond J. Termini, Dallas/Turtle Creek

Our streets are dangerous

Re: “Dallas struggles to lower fatalities — Staffing hinders goal of cutting speed-related deaths, police chief says,” Friday news story.

The recent six-car accident in Dallas points out how dangerous our city streets have become. Excessive speed and disregard for others’ lives and property have become quite normalized.

The Dallas North Tollway and Central Expressway, in addition to city surface streets like Preston Road and Northwest Highway, are largely unpatrolled and many drivers travel way too fast.

The real danger is the reckless drivers who speed and swerve in and out of traffic with no regard for others. Their vehicles are often uninsured. The rest of the driving public pays for this in increased insurance costs.

Drivers are also constantly running red lights, putting others at risk. Plus, increased traffic congestion contributes to these safety concerns.

Public safety should be a top priority of our city leaders. Taxpaying citizens have a right to expect basic levels of safety while driving. Increased enforcement of existing laws would go a long way to improving the situation. Recently, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia was quoted as saying he had 29 officers on traffic patrol for the entire city of Dallas. That seems shockingly low for a city of 384 square miles.

Betsy Morton, North Dallas

Let’s define ‘populism’

Re: “Kennedy the populist candidate,” by Randolph Severson, Saturday Letters.

I read Severson’s opinion and wondered which dictionary he used to obtain his definition of “populism.” He expounds on why he believes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the best candidate for president but uses a definition of populism that is far from reality as the basis for his reasoning.

According to Merriam-Webster, a populist is a member of a political party “claiming” to represent the common people. It doesn’t mention anything about a populist actually believing in the dignity and worth of the common person or his/her issues. That has been the ruse of using the populism moniker all along. It has been a means to a political end regardless of actual beliefs.

Personally, if I was to promote a political candidate, I would not use a term that is associated with other famous and infamous political figures. Whereby there may be a few examples of someone truly concerned for the common man, more often than not, it is the other way around. Please remember that Huey P. Long, Hugo Chávez, Juan Perón and Donald Trump were or are all populist candidates.

Bill Hudman, Plano

Little family resemblance

The 1968 election was the first one in which I was eligible to vote, and I supported Robert F. Kennedy. When he was murdered, I was devastated. I still have his picture on my wall. Kennedy was shot at the Ambassador Hotel by Sirhan Sirhan. Roosevelt Grier, a former pro football tackle who was acting as a bodyguard for Kennedy, immediately grabbed Sirhan and seized his gun. Sirhan, who was from the Middle East, said “I did it for my country.” He was tried and convicted and given the death penalty, which was later commuted to life imprisonment.

Now Robert Kennedy Jr. says Sirhan is innocent and should be paroled. Most of the family of RFK Jr. totally disagree and are appalled.

RJK Jr. is not a populist. He is an anti-vaxxer and delusional conspiracy theorist who says because of what he knows our government “may try to kill him.” He is nothing like his father.

Crawford Long, Waco

Funny, but …

Re: “Literally Anybody Else runs — Fed-up teacher makes name for himself as ballot protest,” March 27 Metro & Business story.

Votes for “Literally Anybody Else” could get Donald Trump elected. That’s truly frightening!

Bill R. Betzen, Dallas/Oak Cliff

Drink responsibly, y’all

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to think about your alcohol consumption to ensure you are enjoying alcohol responsibly and in moderation. According to the dietary guidelines for Americans, this means limiting alcohol to two drinks or less a day for men and one drink or less for women.

While any alcohol abuse is too much, the good news is federal data indicate harmful drinking in the U.S. is declining. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows binge drinking among adults ages 21 and older decreased 11% from 2018 to 2022, and 9 out of 10 (89%) say they drink the same amount or less than they did pre-pandemic.

Adults who choose to drink should commit to mindful drinking year-round. There are some people who should not drink alcohol at all, and talking with health care providers can help determine what is best, based on individual factors and family history.

Amanda Berger, Washington, D.C.

Vice president, Science and Health, Distilled Spirits Council

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