Supreme Court justices concerning
I don’t know about you, but I became gravely concerned for our democracy when it was revealed that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ wife, Virginia, was in direct contact with the White House in and around the failed Jan. 6 insurrection. Justice Thomas subsequently claimed a lack of knowledge of his wife’s activities. I’m even more concerned now since Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito holds his wife responsible for flying on their front lawn in the days following Jan. 6 a symbol of the Stop the Steal movement — an upside-down U.S. flag.
Are both justices, sitting on the highest court in the land, unaware of and/or unconcerned with their wives behavior? It’s not surprising when I think about it. They seem to be oblivious to Lady Liberty and Lady Justice.
I served my country in the Army and took an oath to both, as represented by our Constitution. If only Thomas and Alito did the same — in deed, not just word. It’s way past time both men recused themselves from any and all cases connected to the former president. It’s a travesty if they don’t. No wonder I’m gravely concerned for our democracy.
Michael Anthony, Carrollton
Pay on time
Re: “Texas slow to adopt toll relief — Other states that lead nation in tollway miles set examples for amnesty,” Tuesday news story.
Paying your tolls is no different than paying your student loan. Both are your obligations. Don’t like the added fees, pay your bill on time. Don’t like the toll fees, don’t use the toll roads. Pretty simple.
Ken Markwitz, Mansfield
Higher gas tax is wrong route
Re: “Gas tax vs. toll fees,” by Richard Bach, Wednesday Letters.
I agree that paying toll fees is a pain. But, the suggestion that toll road fees should be paid by those who don’t use them through higher gasoline taxes is basically unfair. There are numerous people, and many of them are retired, who seldom, if ever, use toll roads.
I suggest having higher taxes on gas to pay for toll fees is in the same category of taxpayers paying for college loans that they did not take out. Gasoline prices are high enough and adding insult to injury is not a positive.
Don Skaggs, Garland
Grateful for toll roads
I am glad for the toll roads. New roads went up sooner and congestion has eased. I do not use them. I did when work paid for them. I suspect most of the users can afford it or work pays for it. Either way it takes congestion off the lanes I use.
These new roads would still be in the planning stages waiting for highway funds. Let the people and companies that use them pay for them. Think of the millions of Texans across the state who do not use them at all. Why should they pay for them?
I remember when the old Dallas/Fort Worth Turnpike went toll free. It was marked as a good day for all Texans, not just the wealthy. All they did was give the wealthy a free ride and put it on the backs of all Texans. Genius political move. This is what you are asking for.
Frank Wagnon, Southlake
3 embarrassments in House
Re: “Crockett embraces internet fame after Greene spat — Dallas Democrat plans to release shirts bearing catchphrase comeback,” Wednesday news story.
Really? This story celebrates Jasmine Crockett’s internet fame for being part of one of the most embarrassing spectacles that I have ever seen on the floor of Congress. Marjorie Taylor Greene started it and was just as embarrassing.
And Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also had to chime in, “Oh, baby girl.” Again, really?
Sen. John Fetterman had it right. The Jerry Springer Show deserves an apology for anyone comparing this debacle to a Springer segment.
Why in the world would anyone vote for any of these three embarrassments?
Russell Cowen, Irving
Cowboys general manager not focused
The Texas Rangers have a championship in the trophy case less than a year old, the Stars and Mavs are in the conference playoffs. What do these teams have in common? A great general manager who is dedicated to acquiring the best players they can find for their prospective teams. No promoting boxing matches, rodeos, concerts, soda pop, beer, monster trucks or reality shows, just building the best team they put together — that’s all, period!
Do you think the current Cowboys general manager can name his starting lineup for this year? Much less trade for prospects on other teams or future draft choices. Until the general manager job for the Cowboys goes to a truly dedicated football expert, they will not see a conference championship game.
Barton Clemmer, Grand Prairie
Let horse carriages run
Re: “Hold Your Horses, Dallas — Don’t hobble a small business with a carriage ban without proof of animal mistreatment,” May 15 editorial.
Tour companies have been in operation in the West End Historic District before Dallas even promoted tourism. North Star Carriage is the only “horse and buggy” operation in this area.
How about instead of hobbling this small business in one of the largest and most visited historic districts in Dallas, the city of Dallas and Dallas County, their boards and committees and taxpayer-subsidized museums work with this business and other tour companies to help provide a more inviting district to visit?
I’m embarrassed at how the city of Dallas and Dallas County treat front-line tourist operators that do business in that district. There are no public restrooms, and homeless people sleeping in the plazas and burdening local businesses are still issues.
But sure, let’s go after North Star Carriage, a company struggling post-COVID to rebound because it uses live animals to drive its carriages and slows down some traffic in the West End.
Preston Richards, Whitney
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