LETTERS

Where Are The Female Divorce Attorneys?



With reference to your December article concerning the “top divorce lawyers in Dallas” [“With Friends Like These”], is it just coincidence that they were all men? Come on, D. Why don’t you interview just one or two female divorce lawyers? You might be surprised.

Kevin Best

Dallas



Your previous articles on divorce have always included Reba Rasor as one of the: leading divorce attorneys. A neighbor who is one of the heads of one of the largest law firms in Dallas polled his top executives, and they recommended Rasor in their list. In your past articles you have noted that Rasor. is known throughout the state for legal research and legal writing, which she taught at SMU. Your articles and my neighbor’s recommendation played a major role in my choice for an attorney.

Rasor is not only a brilliant attorney but she also knows how to make use of all possible avenues, including other attorneys, necessary for helping her clients. I feel she is definitely the top divorce attorney in Dallas, and I am sorry you omitted her in your article.

Patsy Reeves Cockrell

Dallas



Divorce System Is Anti-Fathers



Your December magazine with the articles about divorce, attorneys, judges, and custody was on the Whole Foods Grocery checkout stand when around the corner Billy Ross Sims was shooting his ex-wife and her boyfriend. Public attention might better have been focused if he had shot his divorce court judge.

There are supporters and protection groups for all kinds of minorities, but it would be difficult for you to name a minority group as large as fathers with a 90 percent discrimination rate. When there is a divorce the present system makes it virtually impossible for a father to remain anything close to a normal parent. Our city has spent millions lowering curbs for the handicapped, but what have we done for the children and their dads?

Bob Bagley

Dallas

Mack Vines: Accenting The Positive



Ruth Fitzgibbons is to be congratulated for her most timely and perceptive editorial, “Read My Lips: The Sky Is Not Falling” [December]. I believe the more astute of your readers will breathe a sigh of relief and say “Finally, someone to call it as it is.”

The police officers have been hired to do a job most of the complainers and accusers would never attempt. The complainers would not tolerate either the adverse conditions or the continual criticism. The toll is costly. Turnover in police ranks is just the tip of the iceberg. Many good citizens are disenchanted, and potential citizens are looking elsewhere.

One has to wonder: is Fitzgibbons one of the only rational individuals in Dallas in a position to exercise positive influence?

James L. Morris Sr.

Piano

Your December editorial dealing with coverage of the recent police shootings hit the nail on the head! The implications of the articles were far more compelling than the facts. I, for one, jumped to the conclusion the News was implying a cover-up. As you said, they really were indicting the lack of accountability in the police department. That made more sense as I read your editorial.

Chief Vines has come to grips with the problem of accountability, along with so many other community/police issues. As a change agent, he cannot wait to see which way the wind blows, or he risks being blown away by that wind! He has to make considered and courageous decisions that cannot please everyone in the department, or the minority community or the politicians. He needs more press acknowledgement of the positive moves he has been making to “chip away at the institutional arrogance that has pervaded the police department.” Chief Vines can “chip” alone for just so long!

Jack McNulty

Chairman, Dallas Mayor’s Advisory

Committee on Crime



What Makes Al Run?



I was dismayed that Glenna Whitley would write, in “Outdoor Theater From Hell” [December], that I may not run for reelection. It particularly upset me because I have made no official announcement as to whether I intend to run or not.

At this point I still have not made a firm decision about running again. However, I was hoping I would have the opportunity to reflect on the past year and a half to determine my accomplishments and to see if I reached the goals 1 set for myself. Since the statement in your article, the public, my friends, and supporters have all been surprised. I would have appreciated your discretion in printing such a committed statement about my future.

Al Gonzalez

City Councilman



The Needs Of The Elderly



I was saddened to read a very prominent hypothetical question in “An Unpaid Debt” (December]. The reader was asked, “Are symphony halls and ape habitats at the zoo more important than the elderly?”

All too often we treat the poor and senior citizens as though they have only physical” needs and are devoid of desiring to participate in cultural and educational activities. Everyone in our society should have the necessities of life, but they also should be able to enjoy a walk in the zoo or a symphonic concert. Our less fortunate citizens have the same capacity for joy and stimulation as others.

Warren J. Iliff, Director

Dallas Zoo



For Goodness’ Sakes



Thanks for the good news! Kudos to Jeff Posey and other D staff members who compiled the “Inside Dallas” section of the December issue. We all need good news as we look forward to 1989.

Terry Van Willson

Dallas



Is David Gold A Wimp?



It is unfortunate that the popularity of David Gold’s show may indicate that many listeners actually buy into his philosophy [“Captain Conservative.” January 1989]. No doubt Gold has command of some facts, as the article reports, but almost without exception these facts are carefully sorted or even obscured to prop up often untenable stances. Opponents are rarely overpowered by intellect and wit, but instead with Gold’s superficial vocal barrage. He has a nasty habit of disallowing the expression of thought contrary to his own and wimps out by countering with fragmented diatribe after evidently disconnecting the dissenting caller. It is in the end, of course. Gold’s show, and that apparently grants him certain self-indulgences and muscle flexing. Such is life.

Emma Moore Kelly

Dallas