Unoriginal thought

This City Council seems unable to have an original thought. Today’s article [Page 1A, April 16] on cellphone use in school zones seems to prove that. They appear ready to follow the big boys to the south like a herd of sheep. When questioned if there was a problem, the answer was, “This is about prevention.” Preventing what? If we do not have a problem, let’s not add another unneeded law.

Joe Mulroy said, “It’s for the safety of the children.”

Not really a good comment, as it seems the city attorney’s office made it clear this would cover only “a very limited time period.”

They only want to provide safety for the children from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m. on school days, not summertime, weekends or noon. You’re fine then; the children must be fair game.

If Denton wants to truly be “North of Ordinary” and protect the children, then pass a cellphone ban that is 24 hours a day, seven days a week and covers all communication devices. Holding the phone is not the problem.

I don’t think this council has what it takes to do that, so maybe it is time for a change.

If this council passes this copy of the big boys’ bill, and you don’t get out and vote for a change, please remember that the next time a child is hit by a car not in this “very limited time period” that you had a chance to possibly prevent it.

Robert Donnelly,

Denton

Alternative to torture

Brock C. Ostrander’s April 15 reply to David Johnson’s letter of April 7 on torture asks, “Would you rather Bush not do anything and pretend 9-11 didn’t happen?”

Actually, many citizens would rather Bush go after bin Laden! He also cites the Rev. Wright’s condemnation of the U.S. as a violation of the Ten Commandments and suggests that because other countries torture prisoners, we should.

On June 26, 2003, (U.N. International Day in Support of Victims of Torture), Bush said in a speech, “The United States is committed to the world-wide elimination of torture and we are leading this fight by example.” Bush did say this, but his administration still seeks to make illegal torture and wire-tapping an option.

One of the main reasons argued about why the U.S. should not torture is because we don’t want other countries to do it to our citizens. Also, the Geneva Conventions and international law prohibit torture, and Ostrander’s chosen candidate, McCain, is vehemently against it.

Mr. Ostrander confused the letter written by me [Letters, April 10] concerning the Rev. Wright with David Johnson’s letter on Bush.

My letter criticized the media focus on why Obama did not leave his church when he knew controversial things were said, as op­posed to the lack of comparative media coverage on still-practicing Catholics who had followed pervert priests, and followers of Pat Robertson who remained after he advocated the assassination of Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez.

By the way Mr. Ostrander, isn’t assassination still a violation of the Ten Com­mand­ments?

Ronald L. Johnson,

Denton

Barefoot Samaritans

This is to thank everyone involved in making the Bare Your Soles barefoot march to raise awareness of homelessness and unite the Denton community such a success. More than 92 pairs of shoes were collected to provide for the needy.

The student organization Seeds of Change did a great job organizing this year’s event, and food was provided by many local restaurants. The Sons of Thunder motorcycle club was well-represented, and Betty Kay marched the whole way.

The music,, provided by the entertainers, Lisa Horan, Darcy and Jet City Rotation, was lively, and the food was delicious, and welcome.

The Salvation Army gave out relief bags with toiletries, and the crowd was substantial.

 It was a pleasant, meaningful experience, and I am looking forward to next year’s march.

Shari Buhan,

Denton