Judge's post
TO THE EDITOR:
I was appalled but unfortunately unsurprised when I read in the Dallas Morning News that Judge Bailey Moseley, a Marshall resident whose court appointment is at our Texarkana courthouse, wrote the following on his Facebook:
"Just think about this. After just one day in office, Trump managed to achieve something that no one else has been able to do: he got a million fat women out walking."
The post has since been deleted.
I myself am a proud fat woman who attended the national march in DC. I stand on my feet all day every day as a local educator, practice yoga in the evenings, and love walking around new places when I travel-though I owe no one these "justifications" for being happy with my body and myself.
Implying that fat people must be lazy or inactive is a tired trope and simply untrue. The notion that one can determine a person's physical fitness or physical health by looking at them is an ignorant, harmful narrative that leads to stereotyping, discrimination, hateful rhetoric, and (perhaps most importantly) the sub-standard medical care that large-bodied people face every day.
His focus on female marchers' appearances rather than their messages is indicative of his misogyny and fatphobia. Based on these comments, Judge Moseley cannot be trusted to make unbiased decisions when they concern larger people or women in general. He also called the march a "hissy fit," which shows his lack of respect for civil dissent, a hallmark of our nation (think: that little incident known as the Boston Tea Party).
Although Judge Moseley probably believes that I do nothing but sit on my behind, I stand up against this hateful messaging from a public official. And when the Judge is up for reelection, I will campaign against him in favor of someone who displays intelligence and decency.
Ellen Orr
Texarkana, Texas
Senior entertainment
TO THE EDITOR:
Isn't it about time that more organizations provided afternoon events/productions? Texarkana is and always has been the center for people to drive to for medical appointments, shopping, and visiting with families and friends. So why isn't more provided for these people that come in to spend their dollars? Many do not drive after dark and would appreciate this thinking outside the box as would the businesses that would sell more food and products.
TexRep does offer an afternoon with each production and many appreciate this.
Think outside the box! Make money and serve a need.
Rebekah Anderson Bailey
Texarkana, Texas