President Donald Trump has become known for the large number of executive orders he’s signed since he was elected, but one he signed on May 4 involving religious liberty has even some faith organizations scratching their heads. What the order does is essentially remove a gag on pastors that previously prevented them from preaching politics…
Tag: CultureMap
How Dog Friendly is Dallas
Dallas loves its dogs, and you can find man’s best friend pretty much everywhere, on coffeehouse patios, at festivals, and sometimes unfortunately loose on the street. But On April 27, the city sent out letters to approximately 140 businesses with patios letting them know how they can go about receiving a dog variance in Dallas.…
Why We Need to Speak Up for Mother Earth
April 22 marked the passing of another Earth Day, with a weekend-long festival at Fair Park, and celebrations around the world. Our awareness about the importance of protecting the environment seems to be increasing. Yet the actions by state and national politicians seem to be going in the opposite direction. This should be a no-brainer.…
Dallas Hits Gas Pedal on Red-Light Cameras
As other cities nationwide hit the brakes on red-light cameras, Dallas hit the gas pedal, approving a plan that could be around for the next decade. Despite rancor online from residents who oppose the program, a new $17.8 million contract was approved by the Dallas City Council on April 12, in a 9-6 vote. Supporters…
Dallas Police are Ripe Recruitment Targets
San Antonio wants our cops and is going big to get them. The Alamo City is seeking recruits for its police department via billboards on I-35, US 75, and the Dallas North Tollway, and they’re getting a response — “hundreds of calls,” says WOAI-TV. Their offer includes a $7,500 sign-on bonus and what they call…
The Dollars and Sense of Sanctuary Cities
The concept of a sanctuary city is an ancient one, dating back to the Old Testament. But with immigration emerging as a major issue since the 2016 Presidential election, the topic has a new life, both nationally and locally. The current controversy over sanctuary cities began in January, when President Donald Trump signed an executive…
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Wants Attention
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wants attention. In the past week, he earned national attention from the likes of The Washington Post, Newsweek, and online site The Huffington Post. Too bad it took him an embarrassing episode of baiting of religion and race to get it. Paxton started the cycle by issuing a letter implying…
Decriminalization of Marijuana Long Overdue
Can you smell that? It’s bud. Marijuana. Sweet Mary Jane. Call it what you want, the bitter-sweet aroma of weed is up in the air with a hazy debate over its legality underway. The discussions could change how Dallas, and even Texas, deal with the punishment for the possession of pot, to the point of…