To the editor: As usual, Jeff Prince’s reportage, this time in his “Mayfest: Maybe Not” story (Aug. 26, 2009), was a must-read.
Mayfest is a wonderful venue for the entire family, with a lot of activities for all. Of course, city officials had to err on the side of caution with the Mayfest cancellation because the city didn’t want to open itself up to lawsuits if someone had gotten sick from swine flu.
Since this story went to press, organizers have said Mayfest is a “go” for 2010. They are appealing to the public to help continue the tradition of Fort Worth’s oldest family festival through monetary intervention. Their objective is to have 1,000 people contribute $100 each in 100 days. This will be achieved because Mayfest is good for the local economy.
Pamela Sanchez
Fort Worth
Rolling Toward Progress
To the editor: Dan McGraw’s “Unlocking History” Metropolis (Aug. 19, 2009) told about resurrecting Heritage Park to its former glory and as a tourist attraction. Philanthropist Ruth Carter Stevenson is a great crusader to get the gears in motion. Heritage Park has a significant place in Fort Worth history, and national attention has put the park on the list of endangered historic places.
Once the park is listed on the national historic register, the ball will roll toward progress. It will qualify for state and federal funding. The downtown business community will also rise to the challenge because the renovations will attract tourists, translating into revenue for the city and businesses alike.
Delores Cantrell
Fort Worth
Culture of War
To the editor: “Teaching Moment” by guest writer Grayson Harper (Aug. 19, 2009) summed up the Rainbow Lounge incident with a lot of passion. He was right on target with the analogy that we live in a culture of war and hate, in a malignant, narcissistic lifestyle.
Mr. Harper was correct that the Rainbow raid was not an isolated incident but the culmination of a series of events. As a newly opened gay bar, the Rainbow was vulnerable to “inspections,” harassment, and outright discrimination.
Because the raid got widespread coverage, the lounge surely won’t be suffering anymore from such prejudice.
Betty Lou Raikes
Fort Worth
Justice Delayed
To the editor: Thanks to Betty Brink, inmates at the women’s prison medical facility at Carswell may finally get some justice for the negligent medical care that so many of them have suffered. Brink’s latest article, (“A Break in the Wall,” Sept. 2, 2009) shows what may be the beginning of closure in this long-running prison drama. For years, this intrepid reporter has kept the public posted on the criminal doings at Carswell’s “Hospital of Horrors.”
U.S. District Judge Terry Means has ruled that the evidence is there to conduct a trial on some of these allegations. Two doctors who formerly practiced at Carswell should provide evidence for the families in their suit against the Bureau of Prisons. So should pathologist Brian McCarthy, with his testimony about a second autopsy on inmate Linda Fenton and her questionable suicide.
Congratulations, Ms. Brink, for your perseverance in the cause of justice. It may have taken a decade, but this story will be your defining contribution to the taxpaying public (since we pay for prison care) and your personal “mission accomplished.”
Dee Taylor
Fort Worth
Correction
Due to an editing error, the Sept. 2 cover story, “Cut Out,” erroneously described Kit Moncrief’s relationship to Mayor Mike Moncrief. Fort Worth Weekly regrets the error.
