Say yes to reality
Re: “Is the metaverse really a better option? Reality is imperfect and complex, yes, but it’s where our humanity lies,” by Gene Edward Veith, Thursday Opinion.
Because, for whatever reason, I read a newspaper from back to front, I was introduced to and intrigued by this op-ed about the metaverse craze. As a “senior” senior citizen, the metaverse is a mystery to me. I was, however, encouraged by author Veith’s pronouncement that, “Actual reality is multifactual and complex, as opposed to the cartoonlike metaverse and the simplistic reductionism of so much contemporary thought. We need a return to reality-based thinking.” Yes!
Also in Thursday’s paper was the story of the miraculous separation of the conjoined twin girls at Cook Children’s Medical Center. Surely the hand of God was with those of the 25 medical geniuses!
And then there was Pope Francis’ loving message to the world, which was so inspiring! Thank you, Dallas Morning News!
Anne R. Healy, Richardson
Overspending specifics, please
Re: “Restore faith and credit in U.S.,” by U.S. Rep. Keith Self, Jan. 22 Letters.
My first reaction after reading the freshman congressman’s letter was, “Where’s the beef?” In very dramatic fashion he assails the “out of control spending” that threatens the full faith and credit placed on the debt of our federal government. Like many politicians when they get on their soapbox, he is heavy on generalities and light on specific recommendations to help resolve the problem he identifies. If there is overspending, where would he cut back?
Social Security and federal health insurance programs, including Medicare? Together they represent 46% of the 2022 federal budget. Defense? It represents 13%. Programs that provide aid to families suffering hardship? That’s 11% of the budget. Benefits for veterans and federal employees (7%)? Interest on the federal debt (7%) and discretionary spending for all other domestic programs (14%) complete budget expenditures.
As a constituent of Congressman Self, I say to him, please get specific. Let us know where you would tighten the purse strings. Replace your generalities with proposed solutions. Give us some beef.
Fred R. Neary, Far North Dallas
Consider gambling’s family toll
Re: “Firm gears up for gambling push — Las Vegas Sands gives millions to lawmakers, hires dozens of lobbyists,” Wednesday news story.
As the proponents of legalized gambling make huge campaign contributions to our governor and state legislators, it’s reassuring that their votes and approval aren’t at all influenced by the acceptance of hundreds and thousands of dollars from the gaming industry. We are informed of the great jobs, tourism and prosperity to follow the approval of legalized gambling.
So far, the religious community appears to be silent. I haven’t heard a word about the crime, prostitution, drugs and family destruction that often accompany legal gambling. Although Dallas already has a problem with overpopulated jails and lack of jailers, fear not. I doubt anyone can stop this juggernaut but let me say the following.
I am a liberal who doesn’t drink, smoke, use drugs or gamble. My wife and I just celebrated our 58th anniversary. I just expect a tidal wave of problems to follow and it gives me no pleasure to be be proved right on this.
I don’t disapprove of gambling because I choose not to do so or because it may be considered a sin, but because many families can be wrecked. Will any funds be set aside to assist ruined families and addicts?
Jerry Frankel, Plano
Books tossed for one passage
Re: “McKinney ISD changes library review process — Specific passages may now be evaluated instead of entire book,” Thursday Metro & Business story.
This news is a win for a few extreme activists and loss for the community of McKinney. The new McKinney ISD library review process allows for the review and removal of books based on only an individual paragraph or passage. School board trustees have listened to a few activists and now less reading and critical thinking are required to challenge and remove books from public school library shelves.
The first book removed under the new revised policy, The Bluest Eye, won the Nobel Prize for literature. Both of my McKinney ISD-educated (now grown) children read this book during high school with my knowledge and approval. I reread it at the same time.
Parents must play an active role in what their children are reading and can certainly direct them to books that support their individual family’s interests and values. What individual parents and activists cannot do is mandate a reading list for the community as a whole. McKinney voters, please remember this during the next school board election.
Karen Miller, McKinney
I have come to expect little or no coverage of the U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team games. The Jan. 18 game with New Zealand did nothing to change this expectation. There was no coverage whatsoever leading up to the game and the only coverage afterward was a meager five-line paragraph in the “Briefs” section on Jan. 19.
In my research to ensure accuracy, I found that over 24 million people in the U.S. play in organized soccer leagues. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is a recognized soccer center for both fans and participants and contributes a large number of professional players, both men and women, internationally to the world of professional soccer.
Surely, the U.S. women’s team, as accomplished as they have been for years and continuing to be World Champion contenders, deserve more recognition by The Dallas Morning News and we, their fans, deserve more coverage by the media in general, and especially here in the D-FW area where the fan base is so huge.
Cecil L. Hale, Far North Dallas
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