Texas

Letters to the Editor — Domestic violence, contraceptives, judges, NTTA, cricket

Published

6 months ago

June 9, 2024

Letters to the Editor — Domestic violence, contraceptives, judges, NTTA, cricket

Expose abusive environments

Re: “Raised voices are better than closed fists — To stop domestic violence, all of us must speak up,” by John McCaa, June 2 Opinion.

As someone who has researched and written about domestic violence, I appreciate McCaa’s timely column. Despite the many books, articles and other means of educating the public, domestic violence not only remains a scourge, but is rising to new heights, putting partners, ex-partners and children at high risk for injury or death.

McCaa rightfully demonstrates the complexities and fear that victims and at-risk partners face every single day as they negotiate their daily lives and strategize to escape. Sadly, and ironically, the most dangerous time for an abused partner is when they leave or are caught trying to leave the relationship.

If an abusive partner is capable of murder, it is at this time that their abuse will most likely escalate to that point. Therefore, it is crucial that we, as a society, are vigilant, that we refuse to blame the victim and that we expose abusive environments as early as possible. Domestic violence is an indicator.

Marsha Prior, McKinney

Fight for birth control

Being a person of child-bearing age in Texas has become dangerous, thanks to the overturning of Roe. Justice Clarence Thomas remarked after this reversal that the landmark case Griswold vs. Connecticut (ensuring access to contraceptives) should also be revisited.

The Senate GOP just blocked the Right to Contraception Act, which aims to codify an essential human right. Yet the fight must continue. Everyone should contact his or her legislators or else watch our state suffer irreparable damage.

Not only can birth control medications and devices assist with family planning, but they also provide critical health care to patients with any number of diagnoses.

Griswold vs. Connecticut was at its core about the right to privacy between a woman and her doctor when talking about birth control. Privacy around family planning is a core fundamental human right, especially in light of the reduced options women now have for care. Without access to safe, effective birth control, Texans will drop out of the workforce in record numbers, and the number of Texans living in poverty will skyrocket.

Samantha Mitchell, North Dallas

Activist judges are back

It’s been many years since I’ve heard the term “activist judges” in the news. Must have only been used by conservatives referring to liberal justices. In our post-Obama period, perhaps it’s time to resurrect this term because decisions from the Texas Supreme Court, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court continually leave me incredulous.

Dwight Bartholomew, Northeast Dallas

Today’s Republicans

I have been a Republican voter, party member, precinct worker in two states and campaign contributor since 1956. I have suffered through Richard “I am not a crook” Nixon, Vice President Dan “Potatoe” Quayle and watched while our national “brain trust” saddled one of the most honorable men to serve our country with “Miz you betcha” from Alaska as his running mate, who (in my opinion) killed John McCain’s chance to be elected president.

Now, as I prepare to celebrate my 90th year on planet Earth next month, I contemplate (in awe and wonder) what this loyalty has wrought. I am being served by a governor who has, seemingly, declared war on women, whom he apparently considers too inept to determine for themselves what the best course of action is for their own well being.

The governor also appears to want our educational system to be accommodating for privileged white children. Don’t get me started on his solutions to foster care.

I am also blessed to be served by a chief law enforcer who is blameless and innocent of any wrongdoing. His cronies have voted on it, and assured me that it is so. There is a third member of this triumvirate, but I have no idea how he fits in.

Russell Marlett, Melissa

Still so few vote

Each election, whether local, state or national, brings a fresh sense of disheartenment. A small fraction of citizens is determining the fate of all of us. Most people simply don’t care. Writing letters to this paper encouraging these individuals to engage in the electoral process is like spitting into the wind.

These folks remain focused on their social media and the number of “likes” they receive for a recent post, while rule by minority becomes more and more entrenched in every area of our nation. Oh, well, I suppose one can say, “We’ve had a good run…”

Scott Kimball, McKinney

These are anxious times

So my doctor asked me if I was depressed or anxious during a wellness exam. I said, “Heck, yes. Take a look around.”

Barbara Bradford, Plano

Toll fees just a tax

Re: “NTTA overly harsh on drivers,” by Dave Lieber, June 2 Metro column.

I agree with Lieber’s column on the North Texas Tollway Authority. It is a great follow-up to The Dallas Morning News investigative series on the out-of-control toll roads in Texas.

I see that Lieber agrees with me that toll fees are a tax just by another name, as I mentioned in my letter to the editor that was published on May 22.

It is great to see Lieber has all North Texans backs as the Watchdog. Keep up the good work.

Richard Bach, Garland

Now for cricket rules

Re: “World Cup cricket comes to D-FW,” Wednesday Metro & Business photo package.

So, we are joining the World Stage for cricket. How about something in the SportsDay pages explaining the rules? Nice to know what I’m watching!

John Eggen, Wilmer

We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com

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Texas

TCU Volleyball Dominates Texas Tech on Senior Night

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

TCU Volleyball Dominates Texas Tech on Senior Night

A common theme for No. 22 TCU has been their complete dominance on their home floor this season. The Horned Frogs finished the year 14-1 at Schollmaier Arena. On Friday night, in front of over 3,000 fans, TCU swept Texas Tech (25-14, 26-24, 25-11).

The four seniors honored by TCU were Melanie Parra, Cecily Bramschreiber, Stephanie Young and Ashlyn Bourland. All four players found ways to contribute as Parra finished with 14 kills and seven digs. Bramschreiber filled up the stat sheet with four kills, four aces and seven digs. Both Young and Bourland got an ace.

Both teams traded points in the early going, but Bramschreiber sparked a 7-2 run to give the Frogs a 16-9 lead. TCU hit .417 in the first set and dominated the first set capped off by a Becca Kelley ace.

In set two, Texas Tech made things much closer jumping out to a 8-5 lead. A 4-0 run from TCU put them back in front. This set included multiple runs and it was Tech that got it to set point leading 24-22. TCU was able to end the set on a 4-0 run courtesy of kills from Jalyn Gibson and Parra paired with aces from Bramschreiber.

Trying to keeps things alive, TCU wasn’t met with much resistance from the Red Raiders in the third set. The Frogs kept up the pressure with multiple runs to build a massive 17-8 lead. Bourland picked up her first career ace and an attack error ended things.

It was a fun night for the seniors that played in front of the TCU crowd for the last time. The 14 wins at home tied the school record for most wins at home in a single season. They also picked up the most wins in a season since 2015. What Jason Williams has done for this program in such a short time has been remarkable to watch.

The Frogs move to 19-7 overall 11-5 in conference. They still are fifth in the Big 12 standings with two games to go. They will travel to Morgantown on Wednesday to take on West Virginia at 6 p.m. and then to Cincinnati on Friday at 1 p.m.

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Texas AG sues Dallas for decriminalizing marijuana

Published

11 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Texas AG sues Dallas for decriminalizing marijuana

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a lawsuit Thursday targeting the blue city of Dallas over a ballot measure that decriminalizes marijuana.

Paxton alleges that Proposition R, which “prohibits the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for marijuana possession or considering the odor of marijuana as probable cause for search or seizure,” violates state law.

The attorney general argues in the lawsuit that the ballot measure is preempted by Texas law, which criminalizes the possession and distribution of marijuana. Paxton also claims the Texas Constitution prohibits municipalities from adopting an ordinance that conflicts with laws enacted by the state legislature.

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court on November 01, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

“Cities cannot pick and choose which State laws they follow,” Paxton said in a statement. “The City of Dallas has no authority to override Texas drug laws or prohibit the police from enforcing them.”

Paxton called the ballot measure “a backdoor attempt to violate the Texas Constitution” and threatened to sue any other city that “tries to constrain police in this fashion.”

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A flower bud of marijuana. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

The lawsuit comes after interim Dallas Police Department Chief Michael Igo directed Dallas police officers not to enforce marijuana laws against those found to be in possession of less than 4 ounces.

Ground Game Texas, a progressive nonprofit group that campaigned in favor of the ballot measure, argued it would help “keep people out of jail for marijuana possession,” “reduce racially biased policing” and “save millions in public funding.”

TEXAS AG PAXTON FILES CRIMINAL REFERRAL AGAINST DOJ FROM ‘SUSPICIOUS DONATIONS’ THROUGH DEMOCRATIC GROUP

A mature marijuana plant begins to bloom under artificial lights at Loving Kindness Farms in Gardena, Calif., May 20, 2019. Paxton has sued the city of Dallas over a ballot measure that decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

“It’s unfortunate but not surprising that Attorney General Ken Paxton has apparently chosen to waste everyone’s time and money by filing yet another baseless lawsuit against marijuana decriminalization,” said Catina Voellinger, executive director for Ground Game Texas.

“Judges in Travis and Hays counties have already dismissed identical lawsuits filed there. The Dallas Freedom Act was overwhelmingly approved by 67% of voters — this is democracy in action.”

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Since January 2024, Paxton has filed lawsuits against five Texas cities that decriminalized marijuana possession, arguing these policies promote crime, drug abuse and violence.

Chris Pandolfo is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Send tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.

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Texas

Tre Johnson, Texas Longhorns Scrape Past Saint Joseph’s to Win Legends Classic

Published

19 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Tre Johnson, Texas Longhorns Scrape Past Saint Joseph’s to Win Legends Classic

The Texas Longhorns are heading back to Austin with some early-season tournament hardware in hand.

Tre Johnson battled through another poor shooting night but closed the game out for Texas once again, scoring a game-high 17 points to lead the Longhorns to a 67-58 win over Saint Joseph’s at the Legends Classic championship round in Brooklyn Friday night.

Transfer guard Julian Larry sparked the Longhorns late, scoring all 12 of his points in the second half. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points, four rebounds and four assists while Kadin Shedrick had 10 points and six rebounds.

The Hawks were led by Rasheer Fleming, who stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, 20 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and three steals. Xzayvier Brown added 15 points on 4 of 7 shooting.

The Longhorns jumped out to an 11-6 lead after seven early points from Kaluma. St. Joe’s started out cold from the field but controlled the game with hard-nosed defense and the occasional press while dominating the offensive glass. This was highlighted by a possession where the Hawks got four consecutive offensive rebounds but only scored one point as a result.

Johnson stayed aggressive on offense for Texas but was off on his shot and was impacted by the on-ball defense of St. Joe’s.

Mark, Pope and Johnson all hit a triple for Texas in about a two-minute span ahead of halftime to give the Longhorns their biggest lead at 32-26 but the Hawks responded with a free throw from Haskins 3-pointer from Brown before halftime to cut the lead to 32-30.

The defense from the Hawks ramped up even more, as the Longhorns were stuck in the mud on offense and had little to no ball movement. St. Joe’s was hardly much better, but its defense continued to set the tone and eventually swung the momentum.

Larry then hit back-to-back triples as the two teams traded buckets on five straight possessions. Consecutive dunks from Ajogbor and Fleming but the Hawks in front 50-46 with 8:25 to play, but Larry continued to take over. He hit 1,000 career points with a driving layup before finding Kaluma for a corner triple to put Texas back in front at 51-50.

It didn’t stop there for Larry, who found a cutting Shedrick for a dunk before diving on a loose ball down at the other end to secure possession for Texas, which had built a 55-52 lead with 3:13 left. The Longhorns used the momentum to put together an 8-0 run, which essentially sealed the win in a game where scoring felt hard to come by.

Johnson then closed the game out with six points in the final 4:11 of action, including a pullup jumper at the foul line to put Texas up 63-55 with 1:19 left.

Texas will host Delaware State on Nov. 29.

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