Prosecutor dismissed

I read with concern the April 30 article regarding the termination of Wayne Coughran from the McLennan County District Attorney’s office [“Reyna fires 16-year veteran”].  This follows closely on the heels of Beth Toben’s forced resignation from the same office.

I have known Toben’s wisdom, dedication to children and strong work ethic on a personal basis for 15 years. I have also followed her successful prosecutions through the local media. I don’t have the same personal knowledge of Mr. Coughran, but I am concerned when two such experienced people are forced out of an institution that is historically overworked and underfunded. 

Certainly District Attorney Abel Reyna deserves respect as an elected official. However, I hope that the Tribune-Herald and other media hold him accountable for the solemn responsibilities of his position.

Claire Midkiff Johnson, Waco

Show us Waco’s warts

I’m sorry to read the April 29 letter in which Sylvia Grisham was offended by Terri Jo Ryan’s March 19 story on the Waco Chicken Ranch. I thought the story was a hoot! Waco is my hometown, too, and I want to learn all about it — the good and the bad.

My hometown is not a diamond in the crown of Texas.  There are some rhinestones and even glass in it. All communities have little secrets they are not proud of, but they shouldn’t blot them out. It shows they have been alive.

I look forward to Ryan’s history features. If you want to leave the Chicken Ranch out, then let’s leave out all the other bad things that have happened here also. It’s all a part of our heritage and shows how far we’ve come. 

And by the way, there was at least one hotel that catered to women of ill repute when I was in high school in the 1960s.

Keep it up, Terri Jo! Show us our town — warts and all.

Mike Loutherback, Waco

* * *

I fail to see the logic in Sylvia Grisham’s letter regarding the recent historical article by Terri Jo Ryan. Whether we like it or not, this is a part of Waco history. History cannot be changed anymore than the frequent disdain some have for recollections of the Civil War. Granted this was a stain on our city’s history. But if we do not remember our history, then we are destined to repeat it.

The “houses of ill repute” near downtown Waco were an important part of history for our city, state and nation. This was a legal operation until the U.S. Army wished to establish a training center to prepare soldiers for service in Europe.

Shall we also demand that “the war to end all wars” also be stricken from the history books and our minds?

I think not.

There have been many moments in Waco history of which we are not proud, but history isn’t always as we would wish. Those who have read the history segments by Terri Jo will realize that she doesn’t do commentaries, just the historical facts as she finds them.

Kirby Pope, Waco

Lowering US debt

Can the national debt be reduced without pain? Should it be lowered with pain for some but not for all? Wouldn’t it be better to make some painful decisions now rather than shifting them to future generations?

Bob Mitchell, Waco