Letters: Security Officers, Guy Reynolds, Equest, Sarah Sanders, Atmos, Foreign Election Interference

Courthouse guards deserve creditRe: "Police thwart attack — Gunman shot dead after opening fire outside courthouse," Tuesday news story.Federal Protective Service has had a program for 15-plus years where they utilize Proprietary Security Officers to guard the exterior and screen the entrants of federal buildings. These PSOs are not sworn law enforcement. They are the force that confronted and stopped that shooter. Many are veterans. All serve the public in a position of public trust. And are hoping to one day see their duties be in-sourced and federalized.Today's tragedy was brought to a quick end by guards who are often unappreciated and discounted. Please dig into the story. Get the three men's names that stopped the shooter and tell the public about them.Gary Russell, MelissaReynolds obituary was beautifulRe: "Photo editor had 'eye of an artist' — News staffer who beat cancer told poignant stories with his images," Saturday Metro & Business obituary.Your obit on Guy Reynolds was beautiful. As the daughter of someone who took his own life, I know it takes an open heart and an artful approach to explain how suicide can affect the life of someone so gifted.Marti Gayle Harvey, GarlandEquest a Trinity assetRe: "Boondoggle — or treasure? Embattled horse park plods along with life-changing mission," by Sharon Grigsby, Saturday Metro & Business column.It was delightful to open the paper to a story covering the other concession at the Texas Horse Park. Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship operates a nonprofit that benefits everyone lucky enough to discover it. Those who receive therapy by licensed equine therapists get to experience the magic, and miracles that happen when horses interact with people. Both the facility and the herd are lovingly cared for and maintained. Acting as a volunteer for over 10 years, I have witnessed nothing but kindness, adaptability and acceptance. In this climate everyone thrives, most recently in the veterans program serving those who first served us. The city of Dallas should be proud to support this organization. And the Great Trinity Forest? What an eye-opening experience awaits anyone who takes the time to visit.Sharon Lathrop, RichardsonRetired teachers still waiting Re: "Abbott signs budget without a single tweak — Session's good vibes continue with approval of $250.7B for 2 years," Sunday Metro & State story.The statement in the article regarding a "rare cost-of-living adjustment" for retired teachers and other school district employees is misleading. This is a one-time 13th check, most definitely not a cost-of-living adjustment that would provide for a permanent raise in our pensions. SB 12 did provide for our Teacher Retirement System pension fund to become actuarially sound. This will allow the Legislature to provide a true cost-of-living adjustment during the next session. During the upcoming two years, retired public school employees will continue to address our legislators regarding our concerns and we will be voting in the next election.Cynthia Hawkins-Bowland, Dallas/Old Lake HighlandsAtmos gets a shout-outOf late, Atmos Energy has had negative press related to infrastructure issues in Dallas. However, I wanted to make a positive shout-out for the company. Recently in my West Plano neighborhood I smelled gas outside and they sent an experienced technician named Jeff right away. He spent two hours thoroughly inspecting my home and neighborhood. Not only did he reassure me there were no serious issues, he took care of some minor issues on the Atmos end. Great guy, great company.Beth Weingarden, PlanoWhere will Sanders land?Re: "Sanders leaving White House post — Controversial press secretary hasn't held briefing in 94 days," Friday news story.With the departure of Sarah Sanders from the White House, I have a question. Where will she land? She is very adept at insulting people. I would suggest she could succeed Rush Limbaugh. He could give some advice and be her consultant. There hasn't been a news briefing in over three months. What has she been doing? With Donald Trump as president, who needs a press secretary? Best of luck in your new job, Sarah. You will need it.Ronald Paris, AnnaCommandment restored So Sarah Huckabee Sanders is finally stepping down as White House press secretary. I guess that must mean that her exemption from one of the Ten Commandments has expired, which means she can no longer perform the job as she has for the past two and a half years.Thomas Desmond, PlanoDuty to Report Act neededRe: "Trump openness to political dirt assailed — Security veterans warn he's all but inviting more foreign meddling," Friday news story.Declaring "I'd take it" about political dirt, President Donald Trump shows us that he has learned nothing from the last two years. Or maybe he has. He's learned that congressional Republicans will block any effort to check this president's unethical and illegal behavior as long as it allows them to maintain political power.Trump compared accepting help from a foreign adversarial government to diplomatic meetings, which is hardly the same as secretly meeting with a Russian agent as part of an effort to influence an election.Others have tried to make the case that Hillary Clinton's campaign engaged in the same type of conduct by hiring Christopher Steele to produce opposition research even though Steele was not working for a hostile government and he reported his findings to the FBI.I urge our senators to help safeguard the integrity of elections by passing the Duty to Report Act, legislation designed to protect our elections from foreign interference by requiring campaign officials to notify law enforcement if offered assistance by agents and spies of another government.Suzanne Siegel, Far North DallasWho is picking our leaders?Other than gerrymandering and voter suppression and having a leader who's open to foreign election interference, I like how Republicans believe in democracy, and how the religious right believes the Lord is picking our leaders.Jack Bowen, North Fort WorthThanks from Lake HighlandsI wish to thank the various public service personnel who took great pains and efforts to restore our Lake Highlands neighborhood to normal. After four nights/days of no power last week, it has been a test of endurance for all of us. Thank you to our police and firemen and all the people of the utility department to get us back on our feet. We are grateful and appreciative.Kabir Master, Dallas  Continue reading...