A radio legend bids farewell
Re: “When it’s time to let the mic drop — Norm Hitzges ends his radio journey with years of superlatives, side gigs and memories,” Thursday news story.
You have a great profile of Norm Hitzges.
I first started listening to him in the 1980s when he was on “Sports Spectacular” on KERA-FM (90.1) and followed him as far as The Ticket where, no offense to The Musers, Hitzges’ sports acumen was unmatched.
His overall contributions to North Texas sports — no, sports across the state — is unmatched.
Norm, thank you. Thank you, Norm.
Thomas E. Turpin, Bedford
It is an honor to hang up on the wall
Years ago, I used to meet up with a few old friends every Sunday morning in order to watch Dallas Cowboys games. During a pregame show, a question came up we couldn’t answer. I called 411 to find Norm Hitzges. He was on the list.
Somewhat surprised, I called the number and heard a familiar voice from KERA say, “Hello.” I asked, “Norm, what was Ahmad Rashad’s original name?”
Without pause, he answered, “Bobby Moore” and hung up. To this day, my two friends still don’t believe me, but it’ a true story!
Philip Charles Civello Dallas/Northaven Park
Sports aside, Norm is a fantastic listen
I never cared for sports and couldn’t tell you who won the Super Bowl this year if my life depended on it. But I loved to listen to Norm.
I found him years ago doing a segment on KERA every Friday morning called “The Blue Plate Special.” He would analyze the betting line to find those that were out of whack with the likely outcome and serve up “opportunities.“
Ses intelligence, his knowledge and his enthusiasm about that topic were always captivating. This show was the only one I missed. I have never seen a match, placed no bets and watched none. Even though I haven’t heard him in a while, I stop and pay attention when he comes on. Best wishes to Norm.
Terry Anderson Garland
Travel column a bright spot
Re: “Would a dress code make for a calmer flight?” by Christopher Elliott, Thursday Comics & Puzzles column.
Thank you for giving the Travel Editor a weekly spot on the Comics & Puzzles page. It was especially insightful to read his column on Thursday about a dress-code for flyers. The suggestion to dress airline passengers appropriately when flying was so sensible.
He quoted a pilot who said, “Well-dressed people never cause drama on a flight.” He added that the troublemakers look like they just rolled out of bed.
Elliott provides great travel advice every week. I’m glad to see Elliott on this page.
Mary Mallardi, Far North Dallas
Texas was a failure by its leaders
Re: “Texas 49th for women’s health — 2023 scorecard does not reflect effects of abortion restrictions,” Thursday news story.
Shameful. The story also reports that Texas is 51st — dead last — in the number of its residents with health insurance. Meanwhile, our Legislature is consumed with irrelevant “culture war” issues to distract and divide.
Texans, and Texas women in particular deserve more. It’s past time for Gov. Greg Abbott, the Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and other officials should be gone. Dan Patrick must go.
Thomas H. Cook Jr., East Dallas
A good read that will make you laugh or cry
Re: “Musings on the Legislature’s doings,” June 18 Letters and “What They Said,” June 18 Opinion.
Letters about the musings and ramblings of the Texas Legislature either made me laugh or sadden me at the lack leadership to pass policy that benefits all Texans rather than just a handful of wealthy donors.
The House’s courageous action to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton was the only positive thing that came out of this session. I do not have much hope, despite documented impeachment cases, that the Senate has the courage of its convictions to take the correct action.
Finally, in the “What They Said” column, the quote from the neurobiologist about there being a special place in fly hell for her, was the icing on the cake for my Sunday read.
I appreciate your printing these funny, thought-provoking comments on the state legislature’s actions.
Dee Wilson Plano
Embarrassment in AG’s office
Re: “Office waives ethics rules — Assistant AG approved six employees to take leaves of absence to defend their boss,” June 17 news story.
What a shame! Guess that old adage is true — one bad apple has spoiled the whole barrel. Texas, let’s do better.
Michael E. Egan, Far North Dallas
I have a few thoughts
Gov. Greg Abbott signed an expansive new law, which, as of Sept. 1st, will invalidate a variety of local regulations. This includes mandatory water breaks in the workplace for construction workers. He would have signed Champagne breaks if big business had wanted water breaks.
Kurt Wolfenbarger, East Dallas
Patrick Plan is all smoke and Mirrors
When the two governors fought verbally, it was a blatant violation of their respective rights. If the verbal battle between Gov. Dan Patrick about property taxes was not as serious. It would be almost funny to see these two argue who is right.
Patrick brags about the tax benefits that an over-65 home owner will enjoy if their house is valued at $350.000. Well, I’m over 65, own a home mortgage-free valued at $350,000 and there is no way I’ll get a tax reduction of $3,000. My school tax will not be reduced by the increase in homestead exemption.
The city tax will increase due to an increase in the taxable amount. This year, I’m expecting my tax bill to rise by $100. I expect my total tax bill to be about $2,400. What is the reason Patrick keeps saying that when this statement does not apply to everyone? This is a bunch of smoke and mirrors.
Pat Hill, Allen
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