LETTERS

MORE THAN A MODEL



YOUR CASUAL REFERENCE to my agency in the article “Blonde Ambition” [September] was totally incorrect and demeaning. I have never tried to challenge Kim Dawson as a modeling agency. Instead, I own a talent agency and I have reigned for many years as the actor’s agent. I handle people who walk and talk at the same time. They do not have to be any special height, size or look; rather, they must be able to act. Usually they are the character actors, but some are pretty people who want to be more than mannequins. You may not see many of my people modeling fashions, but you do see and hear them on stage, in motion pictures, in still photographs (such as numerous D Magazine covers), in radio and TV commercials and anywhere else where talent is a requirement.

Joy Wyse

The Joy Wyse Agency

Dallas



ABORTION: A RIGHT TO CHOOSE?

I READ WITH interest Chris Tucker’s column concerning abortion [“Insights,” September]. While I, myself, am very much opposed to abortion and do indeed consider it murder, I do agree in some respects with his views. For example, I do not believe that all the methods being used by pro-life activists across the country are good. However, some of his statements seem to be not thought through as well. He seems to be saying that those who are opposed to abortion should just realize that not everyone sees things as they do and should just “live and let live.” But I think Tucker doesn’t understand that this is not just any issue. If a person really believes that abortion is murder, he cannot just idly stand by and let women murder their babies! He must act to try to stop the killing! To do otherwise would be to defile his own conscience!

Also, as to the concluding statement that it is a child’s right to be born into a home where he is loved and wanted-I totally agree. But this is totally irrelevant to the abortion issue. (It is estimated that approximately 700,000 couples a year in the U.S. want to adopt infants and only 100,000 will be able to because there are no infants available.) I realize that the decision to put one’s child up for adoption must be an agonizing one! But, is it any less agonizing to decide to snuff out the life of your own child and have to live with that knowledge for the rest of your life?! Just a little while ago, I looked in on my eight-month-old adopted son. He was sleeping peacefully. Many, many times I look at him and am so grateful that his natural mother (who was 17 and unmarried) made the decision to let him live. I know for sure that he is wanted and loved and that he is a “blessing and not a burden.” We thank God for this precious little life!

Paula Wiggins

Mesquite



THANK YOU FOR the excellent “Insights” column in the September issue of D. Reactionary political forces masquerading as concerned Christians are attacking freedoms protected by the U.S. Constitution on many fronts. Freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of (and from) religion and freedom of all citizens to make their own moral decisions were guaranteed by our founding fathers. The actions of these power-hungry would-be Ayatollahs should serve to underline the dangers for all sane, freedom-loving Americans.

Harold Pace

Arlington



CHRIS TUCKER’S COLUMN about abortion protesters was excellent. I appreciate reading the viewpoints of someone who can take a reasoned approach to the real issue here-which is the civil rights of women who make a difficult decision.

I sadly suspect, though, that D will get a heap of abuse from those who oppose a woman’s right to choose, many of whom will find some way to misread and misinterpret your cogent arguments. And from those who agree, you’ll get a trickling of support. I guess in a sense you’re preaching to the converted.

Vicky Bowles

Dallas



KUDOS FROM WACO



LOVED YOUR “War in Waco” article by Carlton Stowers [October]. We not only honk at Channel 8 stickers but we boycott that station altogether in my house! Channel 8 is just another of the buzzards who are circling Vic Feazell since they think that they have ruined him-ha! He is stronger than ever in the hearts of the people of Waco. He was right and remains so. Channel 8 may think it is in good company with the Rangers and the Waco police department, but it is not. The people of Waco know the real story and resent a put-up job by Channel 8.

Charles Duncan, stay home.

Edward Burleson

Waco



BACK ON THE TRACK: THE CHAMBER REPLIES



RE: YOUR “Thumbs Down” citation, “Chamber: De-Rail De-Plan?” that appeared in the September issue of D Magazine [“Inside Dallas/Fort Worth”]: Apparently your editorial staff has made certain assumptions from the various articles that appeared in the local newspapers during August 1985. On July 23, 1985, I wrote to Walter Humann, chairman of the North Central Task Force, concerning the then preliminary decision by the DART Board regarding potential uses of the North Central corridor, “in light of a projected financial shortfall in excess of $1.3 billion.” I also requested, in view of these financial deficits which were projected by the DART staff, that all possible alternatives should be considered. The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce has, in fact, been in contact during much of the last year with officials at the local, regional and state levels regarding the statewide study of the MKT rights-of-way now under way.

Our Board of Directors meeting on August 15, 1985 was attended by Humann, Mayor A. Starke Taylor Jr. and nationally recognized transportation experts. As a result of that meeting and the cost assurances received therein, our Board endorsed the North Central Expressway Task Force Consensus Plan, which called for the tunnel concept in conjunction with the DART Service Line. This endorsement called for fiscal responsibility by the DART Board, with costs predetermined prior to construction. On August 27, 1985, the DART Board also adopted the Consensus Plan, and at the same time agreed that costs should be confirmed and approved by a two-thirds vote of the DART Board prior to implementation of the plan.

Stephen A. Coke

Chairman of the Board

North Dallas Chamber of Commerce

KEY TO SUCCESS



I AM WRITING to you about your article in the September issue of D Magazine, titled “Rx for Profits” by Katherine Dinsdale. Firstly, I would like to compliment Dinsdale on an interesting article depicting the ever-changing consumer habits as they relate to the medical and dental professions. However, Dinsdale described a much different Dr. Charles B. Key (“The Lemmon Avenue Eye Doctor”) than I know. I am a certified registered nurse-anesthetist employed by Dr. Key. By virtue of my employment, I am admittedly biased, but I also am a first-hand witness to one of the most caring practices in Texas.

On surgery days, Dr. Key is the first to arrive. He is the sole cataract surgeon at the Cataract Surgery Center and performs all cataract surgeries himself. It is Dr. Key’s calming voice that greets each patient at the beginning of his surgery and soothes him through the entire procedure. Of course, myself and others assist Dr. Key in patient preparation and recovery, but it is Dr. Key who performs all cataract removals and lens implants, contrary to the article’s inferences [sic].

Our patients are always surprised and pleased to receive their fruit baskets or flowers with a scripture message from Dr. Key, but it is ludicrous to imply that the many patients seen in our clinic are gullible enough to seek out delicate eye surgery and eye care in order that they may receive a nectarine and a posey.

Sandra Ellington, C.R.N.A.

Cataract Surgery Center, P. A.

Dallas



DEFINING THE PROBLEM



I WANT TO thank you for the article entitled “Cutbacks Leave Retarded Caught in a Crunch.”[“Inside Dallas/Fort Worth,” September] Any attention that the press and other media can give this topic helps raise public awareness and sow the seeds of responsibility.

There are several inaccuracies in the editorial, but I will choose only one to chide you about. The word “patient” refers to someone who is ill. In the Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, Dr. Craft has responsibility for services to the mentally ill (patients) and to another group of clients, the mentally retarded. Persons with mental retardation are not called patients unless, like you and me, they show up at a doctor’s office or hospital. Only through constant repetition in the media will the general public begin to understand the difference between mental illness and mental retardation. To be retarded simply means to be slower in development than the so-called normal population.

Eileen Bruni

Executive Director

Association for Retarded Citizens

Dallas



OH-OH

SINCE WHEN HAS D Magazine taken on a format similar to the National Enquirer? Your Hearsay section is just that- HEARSAY! I have been a subscriber of yours for years. You have informed me about everything from politics to restaurants. Surely you should know your readers are a lot more sophisticated than you give us credit for being. Why don’t you leave the “garbage” where it belongs? It’s amazing how one article could turn me off. I’m not sure I’ll ever read you again-o!

Pamela Leonard

Dallas



DON’T KNOW where you get your info, but there is no drift-o. Our little boy is our paradise-o.

Patti, Sam and Shannon Wynne

Dallas



ADOPT-A-SCHOOL:

A JOINT EFFORT

THE DALLAS CHAMBER very much appreciates D Magazine’s “Thumbs Up” citation in the August issue. You properly noted that The Dallas Chamber received the prestigious Presidential Citation for Private Sector Initiatives for two of its community programs. This award was all the more meaningful because of the chamber’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all of our citizens.

We simply want to note that one of the two programs for which we were cited-the Adopt-A-School-has been an active program for a number of years and involves a large number of school officials, business leaders, volunteers and Dallas Chamber staff. Therefore, when we accepted the Presidential Citation, we clearly did so on behalf of all those who have worked so tirelessly on these programs.

John R. Johnson

Chairman of the Board

Forrest Smith

President

The Dallas Chamber



A MID-CITY AND PROUD OF IT

YOU’VE DONE IT once again. In “Communal Knowledge-Getting to Know Your Neighborhood” [July], you listed the following positive statements about:

Arlington-“will be larger than FW”

Bedford-“emphasis on families and schools”

Colleyville:”most affluent Mid-Cities area”

DeSoto-“professionals have discovered rolling hills”

Garland-“a city unto itself”

Grapevine-“rural community but a resort”

Hurst-“the matron of the Mid-Cities”

Irving-“home of Texas Stadium”

Lancaster-“family oriented”

Las Colinas-“the population swells”

Lewisville- ’country living”

McKinney-“outlet Stores”

Piano-“a self-sufficient city”

Richardson-“one of the best school systems”

Richland Hills-“the boom has hit”

Rockwall-“a buffer against big city living”

Rowlett-“a commuter haven”

But with Grand Prairie you say “although it’s only 20 minutes from both Dallas and Fort Worth, this growing community does not like to be called a part of the Mid-Cities.” This is the most editorializing statement I’ve ever read.

We have a Texas state representative, a major Dallas newspaper sportswriter, three or more Trammell Crow developments, Lincoln Properties, Avanti Furs, a huge new office complex, Riverside, all the major national homebuilders, recreational facilities, major banks, coordinated community services and organizations and much more. Who are you to say this?

We have at present, a very progressive mayor, city council and Chamber of Commerce working very hard to change this negative image that is so unjustly given us. We have the same feelings about our city as all of those listed above, but yet you single Grand Prairie out as the only negative one. Please tell me and my community why. It is exactly this sort of bad publicity we are trying to change.

Marilyn Neely

Grand Prairie



We intended to stress Grand Prairie’s growing sense of itself as an independent community. Sorry if you thought we were “negative.”