Letters to the Editor - Hush money trial, Tarrant County sheriff, gender ideology (2024)

Some other wins

Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. To be sure, it is a sad day because American democracy has been indelibly tarnished. However, the silver lining to this episode in our history was affirmed in the sacred belief that no person is above the law.

This trial also gave the voice of credibility back to a woman named Stephanie Clifford (Stormy Daniels). She was the woman whom pundits referred to as a bimbo, and whom Trump called “horseface.”

Finally, it was a day when a habitual liar named Michael Cohen could now stand a little taller after destroying his earlier life through blind ambition and lies.

It was a good day for those who worry that the rule of law does not apply to all Americans. Twelve citizen jurors who were paid a mere $40 per day proved otherwise.

Andrew L. Norton, Mesquite

Waiting for correction

One could empty Roget’s Thesaurus of all the synonyms for the word “travesty” but that would still understate the significance of what happened in New York Thursday and the blow this verdict has inflicted upon American jurisprudence. But, perennial optimist that I am, I have faith that the system will correct this error, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Greg Polito, North Dallas

Where this kind of voting leads

Re: $1.2M lawsuit approved — Newborn’s death after jail birth spurs county’s largest settlement; judge to rule next,” Wednesday Metro & Business story.

Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn needs to resign immediately.

Tarrant has had 64 deaths in the county jail from 2016 to May 2024. And on Monday there was yet another inmate death, likely because of the substandard health care on Waybourn’s watch.

And after Waybourn initially fired two jailers involved in one of the deaths, he had to put them on administrative leave because he didn’t follow civil service rules.

This is what happens when voters pull the lever for someone only because he has an R by his name rather than considering if someone is competent and can handle the job.

Waybourn, a former police chief of tiny Dalworthington Gardens, is in way over his head and unqualified to oversee a large law enforcement agency like the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department.

Perhaps if he spent less time appearing in ads for Donald Trump (2020 election) and more time understanding civil service rules and the responsibility to care for inmates he could at least be competent instead of being a costly embarrassment for Tarrant County.

Bernard Diemer, Saginaw

Disappointed in medical group

Re: “Let’s put medicine over activism — It’s been rejected by Texas Medical Association, which chose gender ideology over evidence-based care,” by Duren Michael Ready, May 26 Opinion.

I share Dr. Ready’s disappointment with the Texas Medical Association. Medical gender transition carries a high liability risk. Over the past two years, malpractice lawsuits from detransitioners have escalated. Their core argument is that they were never given the option of watchful waiting and/or appropriate therapy for underlying mental conditions. Instead, practitioners pushed for medical transition as the only treatment option.

Subsequently, the plaintiffs grew out of gender dysphoria and regretted the permanent damages. Notably, the American Academy of Pediatrics was sued for its continued support of medical gender transition despite evidence showing that watchful waiting is viable and safer.

Lawsuits can destroy the credibility of physicians and medical associations. The Texas Medical Association might do better supporting an evidence-based approach to gender dysphoria instead of promoting medical transition as the preferred or sole option.

Jillian Bi, M.D., Plano

Sunlight can help

Self-censoring by physicians should ignite warning sirens within the Texas Medical Association. When growing evidence does not align with clinical practices, physicians must ask hard questions. I applaud the columnist for two profoundly simple resolutions championing open discourse and healthy treatment alternatives including “watchful waiting” for this growing subset of distressed young people.

Given the lack of credible evidence to support so-called “gender-affirming care” for this vulnerable population, Europe has decidedly pivoted away from puberty blockers and hormones, as referenced by England’s Cass Report. The U.S. pediatric sex trait modification industry is being called into sharp focus by clinicians, psychotherapists, researchers and organizations including Do No Harm, Genspect and others.

This is not the first time medicine has taken a wrong turn, and it won’t be the last. I am optimistic that sunlight and a sobering wake-up call can allow for correction. These two resolutions would have strengthened the organization while clarity is being brought to bear.

It is not too late to hit pause, step back and pivot. TMA’s credibility is worth defending, but protecting our children from harm is paramount.

Laura Haygood, M.D., Tyler

Lots of confusion

As a senior citizen and certified “old guy,” I sometimes have trouble keeping up with changes to the laws in our state. I’m trying to make sense of the recent goings-on in Austin. I understand that I have the right to open-carry my weapons — Gov. Greg Abbott made sure that right was given to me.

But based on his recent pardon of a convicted killer, it seems that anyone who feels threatened by my presence has the right to shoot me. As long as you “stand your ground,” even if it is right in front of my own house, you can fire at will, knowing that our governor will set you free.

Oddly enough, it doesn’t matter that a jury of your peers finds you guilty of murder. It doesn’t matter that you post racist threats online. It doesn’t matter that you post that you were looking to shoot people and would travel to Austin to do so.

If anyone exercising their right to open-carry looks scary to you, it is open season. Boy, keeping track of laws in Texas is confusing. And terrifying. On many levels.

John R. Dorgan, Flower Mound

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