Separate court?
TO THE EDITOR:
Recently I received a mailer from Craig Henry's campaign for Judge of Bowie County's Court at Law. Among other things, it indicates Mr. Henry wants to "Create a Veterans Court for better options for those who have served our country." "Better options" than what, for what?
Also, can a justice merely decree the existence of such a court? I would have guessed creation of any court would have to be authorized by State law, if not the State constitution.
I am rather more certain that this, and any other court would be funded by tax dollars. And I am very well satisfied that under our State and Federal constitutions, authority for assessment, collection, budgeting/allocation, and expenditure of taxes is reserved to the Legislative Branch-not the Judicial Branch. I find it curious that this wasn't taught to Mr. Henry at UT-as it was when I was student there.
Regardless, it seems discriminatory to have a separate court for anyone. Would they be held to different standards than I? And if not, why have a separate court?
Perhaps Mr. Henry will enlighten me, and the public at large.
Lawrence H.
"Larry" Head Jr.
Wake Village, Texas
Core Values?
TO THE EDITOR:
In today's paper Sat., Feb., 17, 2018, you publish your lofty "Statement of core values" as if it were true. Then on page 5C you feature an "AP" story headlined "A Look at Trump's Threat of a March 5 deadline for Dreamers". I have noticed in your paper you like to use "AP" stories with biased words and phrases. There are other words with less negative connotations but "AP" likes to use the biased and flammable words and phrases.
Let me define "threat" for you. Threat-a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done. Mr. Trump merely asked Congress to do their duty as to immigration, that is not a threat by any means. Clean up your act or relegate your self to the liberal MSM side of journalism.
Dick W. Pirkey Jr.
DeKalb, Texas
Inspiration
TO THE EDITOR:
You published a wonderful article titled "He's with the band" in your January 28 newspaper. I learned to play flute in one of Mr. Deese's first classes as a sixth-grader at Wake Village Elementary school, and I can affirm firsthand that 30+ years later, I am still enjoying the benefits of playing music that Mr. Deese gave to me. And it's completely true that the life skills band teaches played an important part in my college career with a band scholarship as well as patience and dedication as I developed a career as a pediatric dentist. Next month, I will have the privilege to join a citywide orchestra, playing flute, to produce a wonderful musical event for the city of Salem, Oregon, where my family and I now live. All because of a very dedicated band director who opened the wonderful world of music to me! I also know he inspired another member of my family, my brother Trey, as he became a band director and has been for many years also enjoying teaching music to the next generation. Thank you for highlighting an individual who has impacted so many-providing timeless memories and making opportunities possible through his dedication.
Leslee Singleton Huggins
Salem, Ore.