Kimbell treasure; Cruz represents voters; no rights at stop; Barton Springs no-no; childhood obesity

Kimbell treasure

The Kimbell Art Museum is renowned for exceptional exhibits, and “Botticelli to Braque: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland” is extraordinary, a must-see.

Once again, the Kimbell presents an exceptional collection of remarkable quality, staged beautifully in the Renzo Piano Pavilion, and right in our town.

They have made having a world-class art experience easy and convenient. Yes, it is hot, but park in the free underground lot and relax in the quiet air-conditioned spaces.

Have lunch. Shop. Enjoy the afternoon and don’t miss the treasures from Scotland. We are so very fortunate. Supporting this treasure is an honor.

— Toni Wietholter, Fort Worth

Cruz represents voters

Hooray for Sen. Ted Cruz! He is representing the people of Texas just as we who voted for him want him to do! ( “Cruz, unbowed, sticks with his aggressive tactics,” Thursday)

We are sick of the lying and go-along-to-get-along politicians.

The leaders of the Republican Party — Sen. John Cornyn being part of the problem — do nothing to stop President Obama’s radical agenda.

Cruz is one of very few Republicans in Congress who have the courage to stand against the explosion of wrongs.

I’m very grateful for his courage, and I believe he would make an excellent president.

— Sandra Lewis, Joshua

No rights at stop

Police stops have become far more confrontational lately than they should have been, sometimes because of bad behavior by all involved in the stop.

But generally, the escalation begins with a motorist making demands and disobeying the officer because he or she thinks rights are being violated.

However, the traffic stop is not the time or place to exercise those rights. Like it or not, at a stop you basically have no rights other than to respond to the officer’s requests.

Anything other than that will be seen as resisting, and you will probably end up on the ground, in cuffs and in jail or dead.

The stopping officer’s job is to force you to obey, even if deadly force is needed.

If you think your rights were violated during the stop, don’t argue. Wait until after the stop is over and file a complaint with the police chief, internal affairs department or file a lawsuit.

At this later time, you’re much more likely to be heard instead of being shot.

— Karl Irvin, Arlington

Barton Springs no-no

I enjoyed reading the story on “watering holes” to cool off in during these hot summer days — until I got to the item on the lovely Barton Springs in Austin. (“Take the plunge,” Tuesday)

For sunbathers, Clark advised: “Pack your SPF!”

Barton Springs is home to federally protected salamanders. The website havingfuninthetexassun.com advises to avoid wearing sunscreen or insect repellent with DEET.

— Bret Williamson, Azle

Childhood obesity

As a grandmother of a Texas student, I was shocked that Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s plan to “combat” childhood obesity included repealing the ban on deep-fat fryers and sugary drinks in schools.

I was also disheartened to see an increase in the number of unhealthy food fundraisers at our schools. How can we allow fried foods and sugary drinks while addressing childhood obesity?

I strive to make the best decisions for my grandchildren, and it’s disappointing to see that our top decision-maker on nutrition has a plan to bring back unhealthy food.

Miller’s plan will roll back years of progress in addressing childhood obesity.

Our children deserve a nurturing, safe and healthy environment, from the classroom to the cafeteria to school vending machines.

The foods and beverages in our schools are especially important, considering that our children consume up to half of their calories during the school day.

I commit to working with my granddaughter’s school district to maintain current policies so that all children are healthy, focused and ready to learn.

— Connie Kerr, Arlington

This story was originally published July 31, 2015 at 5:50 PM with the headline "Kimbell treasure; Cruz represents voters; no rights at stop; Barton Springs no-no; childhood obesity."