Happiness for Catholics
Re: “What’s your interest in the next pope? Conclave is more than a celebrity gossip story; it’s all about Peter,” by Joshua Whitfield, Tuesday Opinion.
As a non-Catholic, Whitfield wants to know why I’m interested in the election of the next Pope. He’s absolutely right in suggesting that I don’t have a complete understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church or the Petrine ministry.
What I do know is that when Pope Leo XIV walked out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, I wept with happiness for all Catholics everywhere.
Ann Marron Clark, University Park
Hope for Pope Leo XIV
I believe the new pope must be a man of immense courage in this God-forsaken world. I pray that he will follow and expand on the wonderful example of Pope Francis in terms of showing love to all people, no matter their class, religion or their differences.
Pope Francis epitomized what Jesus asked his followers to do: Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with their God — Micah 6:8. I believe that this is the philosophy of many global religions, not just Christians.
My hope is that Pope Leo XIV would push the envelope further to be a visionary for what the world needs now. He should be a man of great character and influence in espousing the idea that the full message of the Gospel has been hijacked and twisted by our superficial desires to satisfy immediate needs and to grab political power in the world. The very antithesis of what Jesus preached! “One cannot serve two masters,” the Apostle Matthew noted.
As Whitfield wrote in his excellent column, the pope must fulfill his Petrine vows for the sake of all God’s children.
Bridget de Bruyn, Dallas
Happy Mother’s Day
Today, we give thanks to all the mothers and mother-figures in our lives whom we love so much. They are the ones who blessed us with a total sense of what it means to be family.
Happy Mother’s Day, America.
Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach, Fla.
November elections only
If you want a better voter turnout, have all elections in November when national elections take place. It’s also cost-effective.
Arnie Diamond, Frisco
Are RINOs liberal?
Re: “What goes into choosing which letters get printed?” by Stephen Buckley, Wednesday Opinion.
I found Buckley’s column regarding the process utilized by your newspaper to select letters to be published in the Opinion section interesting, particularly the comments that 90% of letters submitted are from liberals and that The News would “love” to have more letter submissions from conservative readers.
Have you considered the possibility that a much larger percentage of the submittals are actually from conservatives who find themselves abandoned by the Republican Party? Glenn Rogers’ column in the May 4 edition describes his criteria for a RINO — Republican in Name Only, which I agree with. Are RINOs liberals, or have the goal posts been moved?
Clayton Devin, East Dallas
DISD and open doors
While teaching at Sunset High School years ago, a 12th grade student ran from my room after receiving a text message about a fight on campus. When he returned, I explained that he must not leave the room without permission.
The student responded that regardless of my rules, he would leave anytime when called by his “brothers.” In other words, the dictates of the gang were more important than my class.
This was a good student who never gave me trouble otherwise, and this is why Dallas ISD’s ramped-up penalty structure will not prevent open doors.
Mary Ellen Young, Duncanville
Ensure food access
Re: “Dallas has power to fix food deserts — Use grocery store incentives, co-ops and transportation to fulfill a basic need," by Peter Johnson, May 4 Opinion.
As a proud Dallas resident who often praises the city’s thriving economy and philanthropic character, I find it disheartening and distressing to learn about the existence of food deserts in our community, notably impacting areas like South Dallas and Oak Cliff. The adverse effects on the well-being of our neighbors due to limited access to fresh and nutritious food are both embarrassing and heartbreaking.
Amid the overwhelming landscape of national politics, it is vital for us as Dallas residents to actively engage with our members of Congress and urge them to address issues that directly affect our community.
I urge readers to contact their congressional members, voice their support for strengthening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, in the upcoming Farm Bill, and oppose any detrimental policy changes that could undermine the program’s effectiveness in ensuring food security for all.
Let us stand together as Dallas residents to support the well-being of our community and promote equity in access to nutritious food for all.
Bukekile Dube, Dallas/Midway Hollow
A graduate’s fears
I‘m 17, about to graduate high school and, like a lot of people my age, I’m scared about the future. I’ve worked hard to get into college, but with the way things are going — rising costs, political division and a shaky economy — it’s hard to stay hopeful. It feels like everything is getting more expensive, and the idea of being financially stable one day seems less and less realistic.
What worries me even more is the behavior of our current president. The way he speaks, how he handles problems and the way he seems to ignore young people’s concerns — it’s frustrating. I’m not expecting miracles, but I do want a leader who brings people together and focuses on building a future we can all be part of.
Right now, it feels like my generation is being left behind in all the noise. I just want a chance to grow up in a country where I can succeed without drowning in debt or fear.
I hope the people in power start thinking about what kind of world they’re leaving us.
Daisy Capetillo, Dallas