Ethics policy rescinded in deceitful manner; Give servers fair share of their tips; Watch out for helicopter moms; Munchausen syndrome by proxy; No promise made for Dreamers.; Down with the tax cut; Trump? No worries.

Ethics policy rescinded in deceitful manner

It’s funny to think a recent editorial will cause the Fort Worth school board to act ethically. (Law firm ‘not issue’ in rescinding of ethics policy,” Dec. 13.)

The board answers only to the state Legislature. Need I say more?

You call this a “fiasco,” but it is just what the board requires to administer the $750 million lottery winnings. Citizens of the Fort Worth school district, the tax collectors are coming. Given that district voters no longer govern their own schools, I find it interesting that no other government agency with investigative powers has initiated a review.

The board’s rescission of the ethics policy was done in a deceitful manner. Fort Worth community leaders, local and state law colleges, district students and the broadcast media should monitor the board and every penny of spending of the $750 million, and whether the result is improved academic success.

Give servers fair share of tips

As I paid my bill at a local restaurant, the server told me that “cash tips are appreciated.” I replied that I’d tip on the credit card slip but was informed that the owner kept those tips. Current labor law states that tipped employees must retain all of their tips, so this employer is violating the law...but maybe not for long.

The Trump Labor Department has proposed that tips belong to the owner, and as long as the employee is paid minimum wage, the owner can keep the tips, regardless what the tipping patron intends. This rule change will effectively cut tipped servers’ incomes by about 30 percent.

If you want your server to earn and keep your tip, let the Labor Department secretary know you don’t support cutting their wages. Comment on this by going to www.regulations.gov and choose “Tip Regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act.”

Watch out for helicopter moms

I attended the rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum on Saturday and had a great evening of entertainment. But in the mutton busting event I witnessed something disturbing. The last child to enter the arena was accompanied by his mother. He was no more than 3.

The announcer explained that parents could not help any child retrieve the duct tape. The audience watched as Helicopter Mom chased down the sheep, pulled the duct tape off and handed it to her young son.

I felt bad for the child as he faces a lifetime of mommy doing or attempting to do everything for him. But I also felt bad for the other children who were playing by the rules and yet were cheated. Shame on her.

Munchausen by proxy

The Sunday story was a greatly needed expose of a triple system of tolerance to false claims by parents who are afflicted with Munchausen syndrome by proxy. (“Mother Accused of ‘Medical Child Abuse,’ ” Dec. 10, 1A.)

The child welfare system, hospitals and the judicial system all share culpability for believing without investigating claims by a parent who exploits his or her children for attention, sympathy and money and puts their children in a detrimental position physically and mentally.

“Trust but verify” President Reagan’s motto, should be the motto of anyone who claims their children are nearly dead with various diseases without proof. The perseverance of the child’s father, Ryan Crawford, paid off for starting the wheels of justice to turn and bring closure and save Chris’ life.

Boyd’s expose should serve as a teaching experience to anyone in the field of child welfare, doctors and hospitals.

Down with the tax cut

We don’t need no stinking tax cut. Our revenue is needed for citizens, for healthcare, for infrastructure, for storm damage, etc.

We don’t need to use our revenue for corporate and rich people welfare. When did a wealthy person wonder if he needed that sixth house? Never. The economy would do very well with a big boost in the minimum wage.

Let corporations bring their money bags home for 21 percent and a signed agreement to invest in jobs. Give them a target to reach like a school kid has on a standardized test!

Trump? No worries

President Trump’s behavior toward women and his attitude toward the sexual harassment issue is despicable. Why is he exempt from the charges?

This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 5:33 PM with the headline "Ethics policy rescinded in deceitful manner; Give servers fair share of their tips; Watch out for helicopter moms; Munchausen syndrome by proxy; No promise made for Dreamers.; Down with the tax cut; Trump? No worries.."