Letters – Hive Bakery, teachers, elephants, citations, public transit

Re: “Baker who sparked a MAGA uproar — Hive Bakery owner’s liberal views drew backlash; she says she won’t back down,” July 14 Metro & Business story. 

I enjoyed your story about Hive Bakery in Flower Mound. I respect those who have the guts to speak their mind openly, even if I don’t agree with them. Although her choice of words often crosses the line, I applaud her for taking a stand, despite physical threats from internet bullies and trolls. 

It is interesting that the MAGA world took offense at her labeling them a cult. A quick trip to AI tells us that there are three core characteristics of a cult. First, an authoritarian, charismatic leader who claims superior knowledge and expects unquestionable loyalty and obedience.  

Second, the group manipulates members through fear, guilt or isolation, stripping away their critical thinking ability. Third, the group portrays themselves as the sole source of truth, with an “us vs. them” mentality. Outsiders are viewed as wrong, evil or threatening. 

Sound familiar? I think any honest reflection of the group in question would lead one to conclude that this baker is one smart cookie. 

Kerry Mayer, Lewisville 

Re: “Long Overdue Revamp — Texas will teach history chronologically beginning in 2030,” Thursday editorial. 

In response to this editorial, I am concerned about the new curriculum that was written without significant teacher involvement for the following reasons: 1. The changes are too centered on the Western world and Christianity, and deliberately leave out essential Black voices, Hispanic voices, indigenous voices and other religious voices. 

2. The curriculum downplays certain moments in history or even omit things like Japanese-American internment camps during World War II or certain parts of the Civil Rights Movement. 

Let’s involve teachers in the process of designing the curriculum and the reading lists, and make them religion neutral to help kids learn and grow. 

David Troiano, Highland Village 

Re “The elephant in the room,” by Elena C. Hines, Thursday Letters. 

Yes, Ms. Hines, I am every bit as offended as you by the depraved showboating of a wild and noble animal by the Republican Party. Hopefully in November, we will speak in one voice to end these craven displays of ego by the party of President Donald Trump. It long ago forfeited any claim to being the party of Lincoln.  

Sally Sumner, Carrollton 

I was also deeply offended that the Texas GOP brought an elephant to its convention for photo ops with Gov. Greg Abbott. Not only was $25,000 wasted on this spectacle, but, more importantly, the inhumane treatment of such a magnificent animal for entertainment is beyond my comprehension. 

Until more people understand what these animals endure and quit supporting such, this will continue. Elephants, dolphins, orcas, camels and other animals used for photo ops or do tricks are taken from their natural environments (or bred into captivity), transported long distances, deprived of their freedom and separated from their families that are essential to their well-being. Over time, they experience declining physical health and significant emotional distress. 

In the wild, elephants may travel dozens of miles each day, while dolphins and orcas swim vast distances in complex family groups. These animals are highly intelligent, social beings whose lives cannot be replicated in captivity or reduced to props for photographs. 

One of our nation’s greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, was known for his compassion toward animals and his willingness to intervene when he saw them suffering. May we strive to follow his example by treating all living creatures with the respect, dignity and compassion they deserve. 

Sharon Scott, McKinney 

Dallas, we are told, faces a budget crisis of historic proportions. Libraries close early. Potholes multiply. Code enforcement is a rumor. The citizenry is asked to lower its expectations and tighten its belt. 

One city employee, however, has received no such memo. 

An officer has been stationed at the intersection of White Rock Road and Winsted Drive in East Dallas, where he issues stop-sign citations with an industry that would shame a 19th-century piece worker.  

Residents report dozens per day. One can only conclude that the city of Dallas, having exhausted conventional options, has elected to close its $31 million budget gap through the aggressive monetization of rolling stops in a quiet residential neighborhood. 

It is, one must admit, a novel fiscal strategy. The residents of East Dallas, for their part, are grateful to be of service. 

One imagines the bond rating agencies are watching with interest. 

Robert B. Gilbreath, Dallas/Lakewood 

It looks like both the Mavs and the Stars are going through with plans to abandon the American Airlines Center and move north. By moving out of Victory Park, they are leaving a high-capacity transit hub behind. 

I don’t think either team’s management understands how many of their fans use public transit to get to games. They should; it’s a lot. 

Now that planning for the new arenas is underway, both teams should be thinking about how to replace the benefits of the Victory station. Obviously, there’s never going to be a rail connection to either arena, but something like “bus rapid transit” should be possible. In particular, the two arena sites should include facilities for high-capacity bus stations. 

In addition, express buses from the Trinity Mills, CityLine and Market Center DART stations would provide parking and quick access to the George Bush and North tollways and Willow Bend.  

Similar facilities at the Royal Lane and Interstate 635 would provide access to the Mavs’ Valley View site. If this is done, consideration should be given to moving the TRE station from the Victory station to Market Center.  

Cities could also facilitate this, for example, marking the right lane of Midway Road as “Buses only when flashing.” 

Brian MacKay, Coppell