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Opinion

Criticism of Cecile Richards, praise for Planned Parenthood, support for Julie Marburger, worries about Ford Center in Frisco, deciphering Snoopy

Readers don't like the article on Cecile Richards; another appreciates Planned Parenthood heading to West Texas; some comment on the plight of teachers and blame parents for no discipline; and others accuse DMN of bias and support Trump.

Richards' parenting advice unwanted

Re: "Raising troublemakers — Cecile Richards, the outgoing president of Planned Parenthood, shares 10 lessons for bringing up happy, independent children," Sunday Points.

It's finally happened. The Dallas Morning News editorial board has lost its collective mind! All credibility is gone. In your three-page spread on her Cecile Richards' book, you are now suggesting to your readers that we take parenting advice from her. This is the woman who as president of Planned Parenthood has made a living off of the killing children in the womb. Can't imagine what the "discipline" chapter of her book might say! Wow!

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Tish Grijalva, Coppell

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Planned Parenthood gift applauded

Re: "Planned Parenthood receives $9 million gift to open new clinics," March 29 Metro & state story.

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As a born and raised Texan and advocate for sexual and reproductive health, I was overjoyed to read of the plans to open Planned Parenthood clinics in West Texas. This news comes at a critical time for Texas women's health given the state's closure of many PP clinics across the state.

Although it is not confirmed whether these new facilities will provide abortions, pro-life Texans must recognize that PP provides health services far beyond that of abortions, including contraception, cancer screenings and general health education.

When the state closed PPs in West Texas in 2013, they stripped people, especially those with low incomes, of access to these necessary health services and left them with the burden of traveling long distances, sometimes even across state and county lines, to receive care that meets their health needs.

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With these new facilities, residents of this region will have greater access to essential health services as well as the opportunity to live healthier lives. Though there is still much progress to be made regarding access to sexual and reproductive care in Texas, the opening of these facilities is a step in the right direction.

Mallory Bersi, Denton

Teacher stands up to parents

Re: "Fed up with parents, teacher quits — She's frustrated so many are 'coddling and enabling' children," Wednesday Metro & State story.

Please give Julie Marburger my congratulations for her stand regarding student/parent behavior. Public school administrations caved in to parents several years ago regarding disciplinary issues, and as the Bible says, you reap what you sow. Public schools need to cultivate teachers like Marburger and not allow them to be bullied and driven from the classroom.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Mike Northcutt, Frisco 

Oklahoma governor insults teachers

Re: "Fallin: Striking teachers like a kid who 'wants a better car,'" April 5 news story.

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I'm not a resident of Oklahoma but am appalled at Gov. Mary Fallin's comparison of teachers striking for better pay and better schools to a teenager wanting a better car. Fallin is wasting Oklahoma taxpayers' money when she does not advocate for and support better schools and salaries for the educators in her state. She probably does not feel her salary is too high, but are Oklahoma residents getting their money's worth from her?

Many Oklahoma teachers are looking for jobs in Texas. Oklahoma students are being short-changed, and Oklahoma is losing out.

Phyllis Vaughn, Sherman

A 'God-given right'?

Re: "O'Rourke the dangerous choice," by Gail Coleman, Friday Letters.

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The writer refers to her "God-given right" to own and carry guns. I was curious — exactly how, where and when did God confer this right to ownership and usage of guns? I fail to find reference to this sanction in any version of the Bible I have read, nor do I find it in any scholarly theological writings.

The dictionary defines "fetish" as "any object, idea, etc., eliciting unquestioning reverence, respect or devotion." Ms. Coleman should not confuse her gun fetish for Divine approval.

Harry O. Davis, Far North Dallas

More to like about Trump than hate 

There are plenty of things I hate about our president of the United States — his belittling of others and inciteful rhetoric; his marital infidelity; his caving in on the budget; and mostly, I hate the unprecedented main stream media's incessant attacks on his character, management style and policy.

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And then there are the things that I love about President Donald Trump — his dedication to keeping his campaign promises; his resolve to strengthen our borders, especially as it related to blocking illegal drugs; his attempts to get our NATO partners to pay their fair share and to level the playing field in trade with other countries; his attempts to root out career bureaucrats who use their roles to promote political ideology; and mostly, I love that he is a businessman who rarely considers what is politically correct before speaking his mind, rescinding rules and creating executive orders.

Many did not like the personalities of Winston Churchill or Douglas MacArthur, but they were the right people for the job at a time when our countries faced their darkest hours. Our POTUS will likely not survive the 2020 elections, but at least for this short period of time, maybe he will inspire others to do the right thing.

Douglas C. Hartman, Heath

Something to hide?

An honest and ethical president would want the Mueller investigations to continue until the end in order to prove his innocence instead of constantly hampering them. What is he trying to hide?

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Judy Winkler, Richardson

Don't privatize VA, improve it 

President Donald Trump should take off from his golf courses and spend a few mornings at a VA Clinic or Hospital, talking to veterans and asking them how they are doing and their opinions. I have used VA medical for years. especially before my Medicare, and found the doctors and staff very professional and caring, and the wait times no different from a private facility, and certainly better than for my dermatologist, who left me in his examining room while he went to lunch. Please, don't privatize — just improve.

Herman I. Morris, Plano

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Turf pellets worry grandfather

On April 7, my family and I toured the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco. While on the 50-yard line, I poked my index finger into the artificial turf and dug up 10 tiny, black pellets. These pellets are made from discarded automobile tires. When players hit the turf, the pellets can enter the body through the mouth, nose or ears.

I've seen many reports questioning the safety of these pellets. I would not encourage my grandkids to play on this football field.

Juan Paz Peña, Plano

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Still knows shorthand

Regarding the Peanuts comic strip that ran Sunday, it's been 28 years since I took shorthand (and got paid for it), but I'm happy to know that I can still read the words Snoopy dictated to Woodstock: "Your recent repairs to the roof of my dwelling were quite inadequate."

And, no, I didn't Google it!

Tommie C. Miller, DeSoto