We must conserve water

Re: “Greed, not need, is behind reservoir plan — Companies proposing lakes also build them; there are better water alternatives available,” by Justin Lannen, Sunday Opinion.

Thanks and thanks again to Lannen for a timely and necessary piece of writing about the water needs of North Texas. The inescapable observation of the author is that while “El Paso and San Diego are proving that sustainable water management is not only possible but effective, Texas clings to an outdated and exploitative model.”

So why can’t Dallas and North Texas conserve? Do we really need huge green lawns? Gardens which are reminiscent of New England?

Lannen clearly states “conservation is not just an alternative; it’s a responsibility.” How much property will have to be lost? How many families will have to lose their businesses? How much natural heritage? How much is enough?

Ellen Taylor Seldin, Dallas

Questions about Guyger case

Re: “Guyger should get a lawyer and sue Dallas — City should have provided for her defense in civil case she lost,” by Geoff J. Henley, Sunday Opinion.

The result of the lawsuit against Amber Guyger has left a really bad taste for me. Where is the justice in suing someone who has no income to hire counsel? Was it not enough that Guyger is paying for her mistake — and it was a mistake, there was no premeditation — with years of incarceration?

I have no problem with that, but to ruin the rest of her life with a judgment she will never be able to pay is just too much.

One more question. Where was the American Civil Liberties Union during this? Don’t they pride themselves in taking on any case no matter how unpopular it is? Perhaps they should step up and file an appeal.

Richard L. Williams, Dallas/Oak Cliff

Column reminds of favorite quote

Re: “Give thanks for old friends today — Those who ran with me in the past walk with me now,” by Talmage Boston, Thursday Opinion.

Boston’s column was very enjoyable, especially the quotes about friendships. My favorite quote about friends is from the movie Stand by Me. The narrator, while reflecting on his group of childhood friends, says, “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12. Jesus, does anyone?”

That pretty much held true for me. Maybe it does for a lot of people.

Fred R. Neary, Far North Dallas

A&M-Texas memories

Re: “A&M-Texas rivalry back where it belongs — Football, not politics, used to make Thanksgiving tense,” by Ryan Sanders, Nov. 24 Opinion.

As an Aggie wife with an Aggie husband, both of us enjoyed the column by Sanders. My husband and our granddaughter both graduated from Texas A&M in 1956 and 2006 respectively. They are both proud Aggies. But aren’t they all?

Our son-in-law and grandson are Longhorns. Years ago when they came to our home to watch the game (or should I say “the debacle”), both of them were relegated to the garage to watch the game on a very small TV set on top of a refrigerator.

Our grandson, who lives in Houston, just yesterday reminisced about the injustice they received. Being a very vocal Longhorn father, at least he did not curse before his son during the game.

To this day, unsportsmanlike conduct still exists. But Paw Paw still loves you, Hunter! But, after Saturday, not so much!

To all readers, my husband still says, Gig ‘Em!

Paula Dardaganian, Richardson

A disservice to students

The decision to emphasize the Bible in Texas school textbooks raises an important question: Are we preparing our children to succeed in a global economy? In an interconnected world, success stems from cultural competency — the ability to understand, respect and collaborate with diverse cultures and perspectives. As Texas emerges as an economic powerhouse, we must ask if our state is ready to be a global destination for recruiting and retaining talent.

While nations worldwide educate their students on multiple religions and traditions, Texas risks narrowing its focus to Christianity. This narrow approach does a disservice to our students, particularly in a state as diverse as ours. To compete on the world stage, our education system must reflect and celebrate this diversity.

My Hindu children attended an Episcopal school where a Jewish teacher taught a semester-long course on Islam. They explored its traditions, cultural practices and global influence. This experience not only enriched their worldview but also prepared them to connect and collaborate with people from all backgrounds — an essential skill in today’s economy.

Cultural inclusivity is the key to preparing our children for success.

Chanda Parbhoo, Dallas

Religion in public schools

I have lived in Texas since 1973 and found Texas values very productive. The current problem that I see is building programs that will benefit the people of Texas and be manageable. The U.S. Constitution talks about freedom of religion and freedom from religion. Texas is famous for its religion and its propagation. Little communities that struggle to have a school still have one or two churches.

Why, then, do our state leaders feel we need a religious curriculum to be taught in our schools? This is not only a violation of the separation of church and state, but they are sticking their nose into church business. We should cough up the money to make sure that we provide the very best education to Texas students and let the church see to the child’s religious education.

Texas churches, if you were doing a better job this would not be happening. Contact your legislator and make it clear what your church position is and tell your members what the church’s position is.

Goebel H. Vaughn, Plano

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