Letters to the Editor — Religion, Drunk Driving, MAGA, Melting Pot, Electricity

Timeless values

Re: “Methodists split in slow motion – Denomination fractures in debates over sexuality, theology”, Sunday article.

As a convert to Judaism from Christianity, I gained some degree of clarity and understanding of biblical historical views. No wonder there is so much division and unhappiness. While religious scribes wrote on historical and philosophical topics for the ages, they had no idea what the future held.

Times have surely changed. If all religious denominations and various beliefs do not recognize each other and adapt, there will be no houses in which we will gather to celebrate our belief in a higher power. Where else can we learn to accept and treat each other and the planet? There are timeless values ​​to learn and use in our various prayer books.

I see places of worship evolving that might look very different in the future. The reality is that many of us still want a place to celebrate life’s gifts together and mourn our losses. The time has come for all religious institutions to wake up, not just our friends the Methodists.

Anne Davidoff, Plano

Favor the criminals

The recent deaths of 8-year-old Kaden Rainwater and Dallas police officer Jacob Arellano at the hands of allegedly intoxicated drivers (in Kaden’s case, the driver has a history of DWI convictions) exposed a justice system that seems to favor the criminals and not the victims.

These offenders voluntarily got into their vehicles after drinking alcohol and caused the death of these beautiful souls. I served on a jury in a DWI case several years ago. The evidence suggested the driver was guilty; however, one juror said he was unconvinced, so we ended up with a mistrial.

Prosecutors later said the defendant had a previous DUI conviction, but they weren’t allowed to share that information with the jury. Fortunately, this guy didn’t kill anyone.

Every day, more than 30 people in the United States die in drunk driving crashes, or one person every 45 minutes. Why shouldn’t these numbers generate as much awareness as gun violence?

Mike DavisDallas

Define “again”

I have tried to avoid politics, because it invites invective and insult on an unprecedented scale. It’s hard to stay in the middle. Self-righteous indignation, so ego-satisfying, seems to dominate the day.

I am a proud citizen of what I consider, despite the setbacks, to be a shining example of greatness for the rest of the world. The American storytelling is distinct and special. There were dark times: systemic exploitation of Native Americans just because they were here first, slavery, Jim Crow era, McCarthyism, Vietnam, Afghanistan. But the tapestry of America has always had a common thread of greatness. This gave us “the greatest generation”.

So what are MAGA members referring to when they say “Make America Great Still“When was that? Or is it just a tired campaign slogan used since 1940 to appeal to the unfortunate and disillusioned that, alas, must be many of our fellow citizens.

I don’t think the answer to our problems is an all-knowing, uncompromising messiah. We must try to let old grievances lose their sting and work together. I think America’s tribulations in the past were due to arrogance born of ignorance. I’m afraid the social order today is the opposite: ignorance born of arrogance.

Ted M. Moore, Dallas

Creating American Culture

Subject: “Slow and regulated migration wanted”, by Braeden Kayd Darden, letters of October 12.

I grew up in Chicagoland, which has wonderful ethnic neighborhoods created long ago when most European immigrants chose to live near other immigrants from the same area.

Visiting these neighborhoods allows you to see the amazing variety of cultures that, when mixed together, create the unique American culture. The adult immigrants cling tightly to the customs of the old country, but this is short-lived, as their children are rapidly Americanizing.

These kids still appreciate their heritage and retain a love for their foods and other traditions, but they’re definitely more American than foreign. There is no valid reason to assume that the new wave of immigrants will be any different. Older people will live with the limitations of not being fluent in English. Their children will help them cope as past generations have always done. Their chosen neighborhoods will offer Americans a window to experience non-European cultures.

Our immigrant ancestors tried to force Native Americans to assimilate. Fortunately, they failed and our culture was enriched by their failure.

Kenneth Mathias, Grande Prairie

Net billing for electricity

Subject: “Compensating Homeowners for Solar Power,” by Wayne Vale, October 8 letters.

The writer is there. Most Texas homeowners who generate solar and wind energy quickly realize that it’s a “use it or lose it” situation in Texas. Almost all power companies in Texas retain excess electricity generated by residents.

The solution: We need a statewide net metering requirement. Net metering means that any excess electricity you generate is banked by the utility company. So if you generate an extra 1000 watts, you can use it later, for example, the same evening or the next day. Most states are required to offer some sort of net metering. Not Texas.

Net metering has an added benefit – you don’t need a (very expensive $8,000+) lithium battery for backup power. The power company is your backup system. Lithium is lining up to be the next scarce resource, so it’s costly and expensive to use lithium batteries when net metering does the job.

I have net metering through my local provider, Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative. In the rare event that his system fails, I have a gasoline generator to run the refrigerator.

Net metering will encourage residential solar and wind generation, reduce the load on the grid and reduce carbon emissions. Everyone wins.

Richard JerniganMcKinney

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