Letters “Wile is another breed of animal. The kind of guy we could all do without.”

Uncharitable Response

IN RESPONSE TO KIMBERLY GOAD’S RECENT article regarding the Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show, we believe it is important to note that D Magazine did not reference the purpose of the Crystal Charity, nor the tremendous impact the organization has had on the lives of children in Dallas County.

More than $33 million has been raised for children at risk since the organization’s inception in 1952. We are especially pleased to accept this year’s challenge of raising $2.9 million for six very worthwhile beneficiaries.

It is unfortunate thai Ms. Goad’s article focused on the challenges that some of the organization’s more generous donors have faced. We sincerely believe the quality of life in Dallas has been greatly enhanced for children from all walks of life due to the overwhelming generosity of such philanthropists.

BECKY BRIGHT, CHAIRMAN

1999 Crystal Charity Ball Committee



I BURN WITH SHAME THAT D MaGAZINE WOULD publish such a small-minded, unfair article. What’s next? Pouncing on the golf tournaments that raise millions for local charities? Or perhaps the I OK runs? This magazine could really have some fun with luncheons that raise funds for charities… no doubt an opportunity to offend your entire readership.

JULIE THOMAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Volunteer Center of Dallas County



Don’t you think that conviction on Angie Barrett is a little remote to be bringing it up 13 years later at the height of the charity season, in light of all the charity work she and Bill do?

DAVID ALEXANDER

Dallas



WHY DO YOU FEEL IT TAKES NEGATIVE ARTICLES to sell your magazine? Let us do our job, and you try to find positive ways to get publicity. Shame on you!

SUSAN D. KAMINSKY

Dallas

Stirring Up Trouble on the Lake

I JUST FINISHED YOUR ARTICLE ON LOE’S Highport and thought it was wonderful. I grew up going to Texoma, where my parents kept a boat. I found Big D to be a larger-than-life, affable huckster. The kind of guy you knew might take you for a little something, but you didn’t really mind because it was worth the ride.

Big D wasn’t above hiding the occasional indiscretion from this writer’s parents, which saved my behind on more than one occasion, and if he added a little something to the bill for his trouble, well, that’s the barter system.

I’d sure rather deal with Big D than John Wile. At least with him you knew that the worst that might happen was a little fleecing, a north Texas razor burn. Wile is a another breed of animal. The kind of guy we could all do without.

JONATHAN WAYNE

Dallas



GLENNA WHITLEY BOUGHT INTO A PR CAMpaign orchestrated by DeWitte Loe III and a legal team that would make O.J. and his accountant blush. I was there when all this happened, talking and listening to both parties. You owe John Wile a huge apology.. You can find him in Dallas or in Ft. Lauderdale, enjoying life.

Big “D,” Babo, and son Blume were quite easily convicted by a jury of their peers in three separate trials for insurance fraud, money laundering, mail fraud, income tax evasion, and making false reports to the Corps of Engineers. In addition, they were ordered to repay us (the people who pay their taxes) $ 14,000.000. They also had to forfeit their million dollar-plus home in Florida and the lease on the marina. Even their multi-million dollar “dream team” could not supply enough “spin” to save them from lengthy federal prison terms. Doesn’t that tell you anything?

CHARLES JAMES PELTON

Dallas, Texas

Grading Our Schools Coverage

I WAS DISGUSTED, THOUGH NOT SURPRISED, BY your September 1999 cover. Your magazine covers are notorious for sexualizing even the most innocuous of topics-from politics to fine dining-but I find it repugnant that you would stoop so low as to use a pubescent girl’s come-hither stare to sell a story on private schools.

RACHEL DONIHOO

McKinney



WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR REPORTER? THERE was no mention of Fairhill School on Preston Road in your last issue! It is the best private school for learning disabled kids, bar none, and it got missed!

DR GERALD P. KOZLOWSKI

Behavioral Medicine Foundation



I HAVE BEEN EVALUATING SCHOOL-AGED CHILdren and offering guidance for school placement for over 20 years, and feel like 1 know the market fairly well. Some of the omissions in your recent private schools article included St. Alcuin Montessori, Highland Park Presbyterian Day School, Meadowbrook School, Hillcrest Academy, and Covenant Christian, just to name a few. In terms of quality specialized schools, the author forgot several, including Preston Hollow Presbyterian Day School, Oak Hill Academy, and the Hillier School.

I would hope mere would be some systematic means of coming up with “the best” schools rather than just by name recognition or word of mouth. That’s me least you owe your readers and the hard-working teachers and administrators at all the good schools in the Dallas area.

ROBERT B. HAMPTON, PH. D.

Associate Professor of Psychology, SMU



EDITOR’S NOTE: We received dozens of letters about our Private Schools story. Some noted omissions (Fairhill has a very loyal following), others offered praise. Look for a complete listing of Dallas private schools on our website, www.dmagazine.com, soon.