Texas Governor 39%, Rick Perry, may have given a state of the state address recently blaming other states for financial problems, and blaming Congress for giving away the farm, but his GOP colleagues in the other governors' offices are giving him the finger!
Some Republican governors around the country are breaking with Perry and with their colleagues in Congress, calling for the passage of the federal stimulus package. Governors touting it include the governors of Vermont, Florida, Minnesota, and even the mavericky governor of Alaska. She loves that pork, by golly.
We here at the Leaf don't really want to see billions of dollars thrown around like there is no tomorrow. But we are realists. If we don't do something, the economy will only get worse and more people will lose their jobs. Right wingers may disagree, but we can not sit idly bye and let past history repeat itself. The American people elected Democrats to Congress and a Democrat in the White House to act. And that is what they are doing, with or without the GOP.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
World Economy By Air
This is the view flying into Singapore. Hundreds of cargo ships anchored with no cargo to carry. Estimates now state that the ships idle around the world represent cargo space of over 600,000 TEU (The standard measure. TEU represents a 20 foot long steel container) Now do you understand how bad the economy is?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Roads For The Rich Come To DFW
The TxDOT concept of "managed" toll lanes on DFW roads is becoming a reality, with a new project announced for Tarrant County.
Our Iberian friends at Cintra will be building 13 miles of road along Loop 820 and Highway 183 with 4 new toll lanes at rates as high as 75 cents per mile. Tarrant officials has a near orgasm at the thought of the project. The DMN also mentions the plan to pull 6 new toll lanes under 635 in Dallas. If anyone remembers the debacle that is Boston's Big Dig, this can't be good.
We find it an odd coincidence that this deal was announced today. A report was also released this week giving the infrastructure in America a D grade. Our roads and bridged are falling apart at the same time we sell them to the highest bidder and the richest person able to drive on the new ones. There are very few people these days who can afford to spend almost $20 a day to drive a round trip of 26 miles. But local officials and Cintra seem to think they will. We guess the rest of us will just have to walk, as our roads crumble.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Zombies In Austin
Hackers changed an Austin highway sign to warn of zombies. They would have been more accurately placed closer to the state capitol.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Area Jew Elected To Texas House Speaker
Leave it to The Onion to make us LOL. Comments from the man on the street about Speaker Joe Straus.
Councilmember Davis - These Are The Brakes
Dallas City Councilmember Carolyn Davis is on the hot seat for a questionable use of campaign funds. Davis used campaign money to repair the brakes on her vehicle. However, she insists the car is for business use only, thus being part of her job on the Council it should be ok. That may be debatable and someone could bring an ethics case against her.
This is of course nothing new in Texas. State Representatives have been busted for purchasing vehicles, fancy boots, and the like. Councilmember Ron Natinsky was even questioned for buying trinkets this past October. Politicians should have more common sense and respect for their donors and constituents. If it's for personal use, you can't use it! Period. Cuz these are the brakes. Pump it up pump it up pump it up.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Texas Blog Roundup
It's Monday (the first Monday of the new Obama Administration, in fact) and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance Weekly Round-Up.
Would you like a Cheeseburger in Paradise made from Texas Black Angus raised on drilling waste? Get yours at Bluedaze: Drilling Reform for Texas. Served up by TXsharon.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wonders why John Cornyn is dropping poo in our collective punch bowl. Why be reasonable when you can be a Republican?
WhosPlayin was glued to the TV all day Tuesday, popping the cork on champagne at 11 AM. But ultimately there were more important things.
jobsanger thinks it was wrong for federal and state representatives to threaten the El Paso city council with cutting off state and federal funds if they passed a resolution asking the government to reconsider the failed "war on drugs" in Legislators Threaten El Paso Council.
At McBlogger, we're all about things that make your taco go POP!
Off the Kuff commented on the actions of the State Board of Education in which efforts by religious conservatives to weaken science education were (mostly) thwarted.
John Coby at Bay Area Houston has posted how much money Bob Perry has donated in 2008.
Gay divorce comes to Texas once again, forcing the hand of the judicial system to do what is right in civil law. The Texas Cloverleaf examines the case in Dallas.
Neil at Texas Liberal inquires about Barack Obama's urban policy.
The Texas Congressional GOP delegation is still voting to deny poor children their health insurance, and John Cornyn continues acting like a massive bleeding hemorrhoid. It's just a gambit to establish himself as the conservative foil to President Obama, and perhaps presage a White House bid of his own in 2012. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has the bloody details.
BossKitty at TruthHugger illustrates how Homeland Security can justify any risk. All euphemisms aside, taking the most lethal pathogens in the US arsenal into America's heartland and breadbasket seems suicidal. Plum Island to Manhattan - Pathogens On The Move. Instead of taking researchers to the lethal experiment, they are placing the experiment among us.
Burnt Orange Report formalizes and announces its Right to Respond Policy.
Though the Three Wise Men have been as critical of Isreal's actions in Gaza as anyone, we're as quick to point out-as historian Mark LeVine makes clear-that Hamas' embrace of violence hasn't exactly helped the cause of Palestinian self-determination either.
Vince from Capitol Annex takes a look at Houston Mayor Bill White's campaign finance reports and notes that White is spending money from his municipal campaign account on his race for U.S. Senate.
Would you like a Cheeseburger in Paradise made from Texas Black Angus raised on drilling waste? Get yours at Bluedaze: Drilling Reform for Texas. Served up by TXsharon.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wonders why John Cornyn is dropping poo in our collective punch bowl. Why be reasonable when you can be a Republican?
WhosPlayin was glued to the TV all day Tuesday, popping the cork on champagne at 11 AM. But ultimately there were more important things.
jobsanger thinks it was wrong for federal and state representatives to threaten the El Paso city council with cutting off state and federal funds if they passed a resolution asking the government to reconsider the failed "war on drugs" in Legislators Threaten El Paso Council.
At McBlogger, we're all about things that make your taco go POP!
Off the Kuff commented on the actions of the State Board of Education in which efforts by religious conservatives to weaken science education were (mostly) thwarted.
John Coby at Bay Area Houston has posted how much money Bob Perry has donated in 2008.
Gay divorce comes to Texas once again, forcing the hand of the judicial system to do what is right in civil law. The Texas Cloverleaf examines the case in Dallas.
Neil at Texas Liberal inquires about Barack Obama's urban policy.
The Texas Congressional GOP delegation is still voting to deny poor children their health insurance, and John Cornyn continues acting like a massive bleeding hemorrhoid. It's just a gambit to establish himself as the conservative foil to President Obama, and perhaps presage a White House bid of his own in 2012. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has the bloody details.
BossKitty at TruthHugger illustrates how Homeland Security can justify any risk. All euphemisms aside, taking the most lethal pathogens in the US arsenal into America's heartland and breadbasket seems suicidal. Plum Island to Manhattan - Pathogens On The Move. Instead of taking researchers to the lethal experiment, they are placing the experiment among us.
Burnt Orange Report formalizes and announces its Right to Respond Policy.
Though the Three Wise Men have been as critical of Isreal's actions in Gaza as anyone, we're as quick to point out-as historian Mark LeVine makes clear-that Hamas' embrace of violence hasn't exactly helped the cause of Palestinian self-determination either.
Vince from Capitol Annex takes a look at Houston Mayor Bill White's campaign finance reports and notes that White is spending money from his municipal campaign account on his race for U.S. Senate.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Fat Or Fit In The Lone Star State
Men's Fitness mag released its top 25 fattest and fittest cities once again, with Miami being a tub-o-lard and Salt Lake City uber skinny. Texas cities make both lists. Austin ranks number 17 among the fittest. Among the fattest are San Antonio number 3, Houston number 6, El Paso number 7, and Dallas-Ft Worth number 14. Maybe everyone should jog as we blog.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Texas Unemployment Reaches 6%
After Republicans seeking reelection this past November continued to tout the TX economy's stability, we saw through it. And more proof arives today.
The Texas Workforce Commission reports the state unemployment rate rose to 6% in December, jumping sharply from the 5.7% in November, and 4.2% a year ago. The state posted job losses for the 3rd time in 4 months. Although on the bright side of things, job gains were posted in the Leisure & Hospitality sector, and the net gain in jobs still holds over the past year. Texas also runs lower than the US unemployment rate of 7.2%.
Time to work for the hotels it would seem if you're out of work. "Housekeeping, you want pillow?"
Gay Divorce Comes To Texas
A Dallas man has filed for divorce from his husband in Texas, in what could force the state to reexamine its definition of marriage.
As most of us are aware, a state constitutional amendment was passed by the TX Legislature and approved by voters in 2005 defining marriage between a man and a woman. Thus, conservatives including TX Attorney General Greg Abbott, make the argument a gay divorce can not happen in Texas due to the fact their gay marriage from Massachusetts was never legally existing here.
Dallas attorney, and former County Sheriff candidate, Pete Schulte is the lawyer representing the case. He plans to do the one thing that nobody in Texas has had the balls to attempt - shoving the US Constitution down the throat of naysayers. He plans to argue that Article IV Section 1 ("Full Faith And Credit Clause") provides that legal contracts from other states be legally recognized in all states in the union. As such, marriage is a legally binding civil contract in all 50 states, and should be recognized. Thus, Texas would have to legally recognize the union, and grant a divorce based on its recognition.
We would also like to point out that there is no law prohibiting divorce in Texas, for any couple. We are sure people like Warren Chisum would like that changed as well, but that is the fact. Anyone bound by a contract should have the legal means to dissolve it, regardless of one's personal opinion about the Bible. As much as Greg Abbott would like to cover his eyes and pretend the marriage does not exist, it does. And this couple should have the same legal rights as any other couple.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Science Wins In Texas
In a major defeat for creationist theory in Texas, the State Board of Education voted on a 7-7 tie to no longer teach the "strengths and weaknesses" of Darwin's theory of evolution.
A block of 7 right wing Republicans voted to renew the teaching of "strengths and weaknesses", however a tie vote resulted in the resolution being defeated. The rule had been in place for the past 20 years. Creationism has long been the goal of several TX SBOE members, and this moment is a big setback for them. 4 Democrats joined 3 Republicans in voting against the measure. 1 Democrat was absent from the vote. In an effort to negate the previous vote, the block of 7 right wingers tried to pass an amendment requiring the teaching of of evidence "supportive of and not supportive of" evolution (essentially the same thing, with different words). That motion was defeated 8-7.
Is this a sign of things to come for Texas? Can we expect science to finally prevail over evangelical nonsense? Only time will tell.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Texas Blog Roundup
It's Sunday. Hell has frozen with the Cardinals making the Super Bowl against the Steelers. And it is time to review last week's best from the Texas Progressive Alliance.
Easter Lemming Liberal News is pondering the future of newspapers with net marketing guru Seth Godin and the Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism.
John Coby at Bay Area Houston is counting down till the end of an error
The Texas Cloverleaf looks at an outgoing Denton County Commissioner becoming a TxDOT spokesperson.
Off the Kuff takes a look at the early campaign finance reports for KBH and Rick Perry.
CouldBeTrue at South Texas Chisme notes that while the house plays nice with Straus, the senate went all Craddick/DeLay/Rove batsh*t crazy. Many think that Republican bully partisanship will continue to bite them at the polls.
Neil at Texas Liberal contuines to wonder how Houston Democratic Councilman James Rodriguez, and others, can support a Republican for citywide office. This post also includes a happy picture of dancing from Singing In The Rain.
McBlogger gets some answers from Sen. Carona (well, from Steve Polunsky who was channeling Sen. Carona) about why Sen. Carona is still keeping CDA's on the table. It'll come as a HUGE shock that McBlogger is still not buying it.
jobsanger takes on a couple of the Panhandle's worst legislators. He notes that while the Panhandle is a natural for renewable wind energy, Sen. Kel Seliger is pushing coal energy in Has Seliger Flipped Out Or Sold Out? and points out that Rep. Warren Chisum is the Panhandle's Biggest Embarrassment.
As Kay Bailey Hutchison starts her semi-annual tease about running for Governor, Texas Kaos diarist Libby Shaw notes that Fat Cats (are) Emptying Pockets for Senator-Will-She-or-Wont-She. Some folks never learn. At least with this week's Quorum Report analysis about Henry Cisneros as a potential candidate there will be something else to talk about for 2010...
After Twittering his experiences in the Capitol on the first two days of the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature, Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at why Lt. Governor David Dewhurst has adopted the personality of former House Speaker Tom Craddick.
refinish69 continues his harrowing journey through the homeless situation. Part 6 of the series leaves more questions than answers but gives some insight into his situation. While not having access to Doing My Part For The Left, he does appreciate Texas Kaos and other blogs for allowing him to post his story.
Burnt Orange Report compiles all the information from the first campaign finance reports for candidate seeking to join the Austin City Council or become the city's Mayor.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson takes a look at Diana Maldonado's first day in the Texas Legislature.
Big Oil is just exactly like Big Tobacco so even though the Texas Railroad Commission recommended legal action against Braden Exploration for illegally dumping drilling waste in Wise County, TXsharon won't be surprised if nothing much happens. We just keep trying over at Bluedaze: Drilling Reform for Texas (DRTX).
There was some contentiousness in the blogosphere last week, as a dinner with John Sharp and and a photograph of James Rodriguez created a little friction among kindred spirits and fellow travelers. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs rounded that up.
Easter Lemming Liberal News is pondering the future of newspapers with net marketing guru Seth Godin and the Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism.
John Coby at Bay Area Houston is counting down till the end of an error
The Texas Cloverleaf looks at an outgoing Denton County Commissioner becoming a TxDOT spokesperson.
Off the Kuff takes a look at the early campaign finance reports for KBH and Rick Perry.
CouldBeTrue at South Texas Chisme notes that while the house plays nice with Straus, the senate went all Craddick/DeLay/Rove batsh*t crazy. Many think that Republican bully partisanship will continue to bite them at the polls.
Neil at Texas Liberal contuines to wonder how Houston Democratic Councilman James Rodriguez, and others, can support a Republican for citywide office. This post also includes a happy picture of dancing from Singing In The Rain.
McBlogger gets some answers from Sen. Carona (well, from Steve Polunsky who was channeling Sen. Carona) about why Sen. Carona is still keeping CDA's on the table. It'll come as a HUGE shock that McBlogger is still not buying it.
jobsanger takes on a couple of the Panhandle's worst legislators. He notes that while the Panhandle is a natural for renewable wind energy, Sen. Kel Seliger is pushing coal energy in Has Seliger Flipped Out Or Sold Out? and points out that Rep. Warren Chisum is the Panhandle's Biggest Embarrassment.
As Kay Bailey Hutchison starts her semi-annual tease about running for Governor, Texas Kaos diarist Libby Shaw notes that Fat Cats (are) Emptying Pockets for Senator-Will-She-or-Wont-She. Some folks never learn. At least with this week's Quorum Report analysis about Henry Cisneros as a potential candidate there will be something else to talk about for 2010...
After Twittering his experiences in the Capitol on the first two days of the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature, Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at why Lt. Governor David Dewhurst has adopted the personality of former House Speaker Tom Craddick.
refinish69 continues his harrowing journey through the homeless situation. Part 6 of the series leaves more questions than answers but gives some insight into his situation. While not having access to Doing My Part For The Left, he does appreciate Texas Kaos and other blogs for allowing him to post his story.
Burnt Orange Report compiles all the information from the first campaign finance reports for candidate seeking to join the Austin City Council or become the city's Mayor.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson takes a look at Diana Maldonado's first day in the Texas Legislature.
Big Oil is just exactly like Big Tobacco so even though the Texas Railroad Commission recommended legal action against Braden Exploration for illegally dumping drilling waste in Wise County, TXsharon won't be surprised if nothing much happens. We just keep trying over at Bluedaze: Drilling Reform for Texas (DRTX).
There was some contentiousness in the blogosphere last week, as a dinner with John Sharp and and a photograph of James Rodriguez created a little friction among kindred spirits and fellow travelers. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs rounded that up.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Former Denton Commissioner At TxDOT
Outgoing Denton County Commissioner Cynthia White has taken a job at TxDOT's Dallas district office as its public information officer. White lost the Republican primary to challenger and eventual general election winner Hugh Coleman, after local Republicans sought change in their own party, even after she chaired the Regional Transportation Council in 2007. Ouch.
In case you don't know what a public information officer is, it is a fancy term for media relations (a position that costs the state of Texas $6.5 million per year , which could actually be building roads, rather than talking about them). In other words, she will be a bullshitter. That is something that Denton County residents knew White to be good at, hence we feel she will do well in the new position.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Joe Straus Elected Speaker Of The House
No surprise here. Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) was elected the new Texas House Speaker. What we do find surprising is that the state reps who formally nominate and second the nomination are Democrats Jose Menendez of San Antonio and Senfronia Thompson of Houston.
Straus was elected unanimously. In his speech he sounded like a Democrat--wanting better education, healthcare, transportation, and environment. We hope that bodes well for this session. Those really are the most important and challenging things the TX Legislature need to address in 2009.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Texas Blog Roundup
It's Sunday...there are 3 birds in the NFL playoffs... and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly blog round up. Each week's round-up is compiled based on submissions made by member bloggers.
refinish69 is still having problems with connecting to Doing My Part For The Left but continues his series- Homeless in Austin-An Insider's View Part 5.
Off the Kuff enjoys a little schadefreude over the resolution of the Speaker's race.
Gary at Easter Lemming Liberal News is back with another graphical map look at the election results in SR-144.
Why did the 5th Judicial Circuit give Judge Kent a vacation and a slap on the wrist while a grand jury decided several felony counts for sexual assault and obstruction of justice was more appropriate? CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to know if the 5th Judicial Court has any shame at all.
BossKitty at TruthHugger sees our only option is to communicate with current senators, like them or not. Even though John Cornyn is Republican of questionable contribution to Texas, he sits in the position to help or hinder America's recovery. I encourage everyone to write to Cornyn and remind him he must represent ALL his constituants, regardless of party affiliation. Fill his inbox with your comments. This is my Letter to John Cornyn.
WhosPlayin was dismayed by TxSharon's discovery of apparent oil and gas waste dumping into a creek, and spent some time on the Google Earth figuring out where it was, and whether there could possibly be any legitimate excuse.
Look what TXsharon found in Wise County: The hose stretches from toxic drilling waste, downhill to the creek. On Bluedaze.
Stace at DosCentavos opines on theproblem with the anti-immigant bills that have been submitted for the 81st Lege. Some say that "Joe the Speaker" won't allow them to progress, but the hateful rhetoric will still be there.
McBlogger takes a moment this week to review one of the candidates for Austin Mayor. I'm sure it'll come as a shock that he found Brewster McCracken, well, lacking.
The Texas Cloverleaf, and the nation, reminds Obama to end DOMA, among other things that were promised.
Californians passed Proposition 8 in the last election, denying equal rights to some citizens. jobsanger reviews the court fight over Prop 8 and the legal argument for overturning it in The Fight Over Prop 8.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson takes a look at TxDOT's Transportation Promise.
Neil at Texas Liberal takes a look at the ides of casino gambling in Galveston and in Texas, and compares it to an opportunistic infection such as a staph infection.
Wondering why Tom DeLay hasn't been served justice yet? PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has the story.
Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at the possibility that cyclist Lance Armstrong will run for public office in Texas and hopes it doesn't come to pass.
refinish69 is still having problems with connecting to Doing My Part For The Left but continues his series- Homeless in Austin-An Insider's View Part 5.
Off the Kuff enjoys a little schadefreude over the resolution of the Speaker's race.
Gary at Easter Lemming Liberal News is back with another graphical map look at the election results in SR-144.
Why did the 5th Judicial Circuit give Judge Kent a vacation and a slap on the wrist while a grand jury decided several felony counts for sexual assault and obstruction of justice was more appropriate? CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to know if the 5th Judicial Court has any shame at all.
BossKitty at TruthHugger sees our only option is to communicate with current senators, like them or not. Even though John Cornyn is Republican of questionable contribution to Texas, he sits in the position to help or hinder America's recovery. I encourage everyone to write to Cornyn and remind him he must represent ALL his constituants, regardless of party affiliation. Fill his inbox with your comments. This is my Letter to John Cornyn.
WhosPlayin was dismayed by TxSharon's discovery of apparent oil and gas waste dumping into a creek, and spent some time on the Google Earth figuring out where it was, and whether there could possibly be any legitimate excuse.
Look what TXsharon found in Wise County: The hose stretches from toxic drilling waste, downhill to the creek. On Bluedaze.
Stace at DosCentavos opines on theproblem with the anti-immigant bills that have been submitted for the 81st Lege. Some say that "Joe the Speaker" won't allow them to progress, but the hateful rhetoric will still be there.
McBlogger takes a moment this week to review one of the candidates for Austin Mayor. I'm sure it'll come as a shock that he found Brewster McCracken, well, lacking.
The Texas Cloverleaf, and the nation, reminds Obama to end DOMA, among other things that were promised.
Californians passed Proposition 8 in the last election, denying equal rights to some citizens. jobsanger reviews the court fight over Prop 8 and the legal argument for overturning it in The Fight Over Prop 8.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson takes a look at TxDOT's Transportation Promise.
Neil at Texas Liberal takes a look at the ides of casino gambling in Galveston and in Texas, and compares it to an opportunistic infection such as a staph infection.
Wondering why Tom DeLay hasn't been served justice yet? PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has the story.
Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at the possibility that cyclist Lance Armstrong will run for public office in Texas and hopes it doesn't come to pass.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Send Obama A Letter To End DOMA
Saturday saw nationwide gatherings in response to a plea from JoinTheImpact.com to gather signatures for an open letter to Barack Obama. 20+ brave souls faced 35 degree weather and 30 mph wind gusts in Denton at the Courthouse on the Square (the same site that drew 120 protestors in November).
The letter is a reminder to him of the promises he made in an open letter to the LGBT community during his campaign. Those promises including ending the Defense of Marriage Act, ending Don't Ask Don't Tell, including transgendered people in the Employment NonDiscrimination Act, etc.
If you did not attend a rally in your town, you may sign the petition form and mail it on your own. Simply go to JoinTheImpact.com to find the letter and mail your signatures in by January 12.
The letter is a reminder to him of the promises he made in an open letter to the LGBT community during his campaign. Those promises including ending the Defense of Marriage Act, ending Don't Ask Don't Tell, including transgendered people in the Employment NonDiscrimination Act, etc.
If you did not attend a rally in your town, you may sign the petition form and mail it on your own. Simply go to JoinTheImpact.com to find the letter and mail your signatures in by January 12.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Texas Blog Roundup
It's Monday and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly round up. Enjoy the first one of the year!
BossKitty at TruthHugger sees the USA is not the "goodie two shoes" it claims to be. Among other discrepancies, euphemisms don't change hard cold facts, US Teaches Terrorism As “Irregular Warfare”
SHOCKING! How Exxon Fixes Benzene Leaks. Also at Bluedaze links to the five part series, Behnd the Shale. Part five highlights blogger TXsharon and her blog, Bluedaze.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notes the monarchists are using words like 'insurgency', 'coupe d'etat' and 'overthrow' to describe the Speaker's race.
Neil at Texas Liberal wrote about how our terrible Texas Senator John Cornyn is silent on hard economic times in Texas, but quite vocal about the Senate race in Minnesota.
The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the possibility of a higher federal gas tax, and offers suggestion on new ideas.
Off the Kuff looks at various possibilities for the presumed eventual special election to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison in the Senate.
jobsanger addressed both political and lifestyle issues last week. First, he answered those who questioned the qualification of Caroline Kennedy to be a senator in Is Kennedy Qualified?, and then expressed his amusement that a swinger's club exists in the absurdly religious Texas Panhandle in Panhandle Swingers - Who Knew?.
PDiddie at Brains and Eggs remains skeptical about the prospects of Tom Craddick being unseated. He's still got Hope for Change, he just isn't sure that the Republicans have it in them.
McBlogger this week takes a look at the hard times some are having the Bush's 'Economic Miracle'. Mayor McSleaze gives us an inside look at a Wendy's in DC metro that has a Supreme new employee.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson says that Ronnie Earle should run for Governor of Texas.
Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at Joe Strauss, the candidate for speaker anointed by the 11 "Anybody But Craddick" Republicans and now the presumed Speaker.
BossKitty at TruthHugger sees the USA is not the "goodie two shoes" it claims to be. Among other discrepancies, euphemisms don't change hard cold facts, US Teaches Terrorism As “Irregular Warfare”
SHOCKING! How Exxon Fixes Benzene Leaks. Also at Bluedaze links to the five part series, Behnd the Shale. Part five highlights blogger TXsharon and her blog, Bluedaze.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notes the monarchists are using words like 'insurgency', 'coupe d'etat' and 'overthrow' to describe the Speaker's race.
Neil at Texas Liberal wrote about how our terrible Texas Senator John Cornyn is silent on hard economic times in Texas, but quite vocal about the Senate race in Minnesota.
The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the possibility of a higher federal gas tax, and offers suggestion on new ideas.
Off the Kuff looks at various possibilities for the presumed eventual special election to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison in the Senate.
jobsanger addressed both political and lifestyle issues last week. First, he answered those who questioned the qualification of Caroline Kennedy to be a senator in Is Kennedy Qualified?, and then expressed his amusement that a swinger's club exists in the absurdly religious Texas Panhandle in Panhandle Swingers - Who Knew?.
PDiddie at Brains and Eggs remains skeptical about the prospects of Tom Craddick being unseated. He's still got Hope for Change, he just isn't sure that the Republicans have it in them.
McBlogger this week takes a look at the hard times some are having the Bush's 'Economic Miracle'. Mayor McSleaze gives us an inside look at a Wendy's in DC metro that has a Supreme new employee.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson says that Ronnie Earle should run for Governor of Texas.
Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at Joe Strauss, the candidate for speaker anointed by the 11 "Anybody But Craddick" Republicans and now the presumed Speaker.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Rasslin' More Important Than Economy?
It's one year later. The Democrats gain an even larger majority in the US House, and even the Presidency. But the economy has tanked ever more so than in 2007. You would think Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) would have his eyes set on what is important -- things like not having our country collapse. But alas, we hope for too much.
The same Henry Waxman, who last year made it a point to worry about the WWE after the tragic suicide/murder case of Chris Benoit made headlines, is at it again! Since Waxman is leaving as chair of Oversight & Government Reform, and moving on to bigger things in Energy & Commerce, this is his parting shot. He insists the government investigate the steroid problem further.
Both the WWE and TNA have implemented policies that provide for their employees to go through a Wellness Program, and ultimately termination if their behavior continues after three strikes. The WWE in particular has made a point to publicly mention who the wrestlers are who violate the program. It is not kept behind closed doors.
The government does not need to interject itself into whether or not someone chooses to use drugs. We don't have a problem with people being concerned about "role models" using drugs. But that is where the line ends. The feds should be worried about bigger things, like our economy, terrorism, and the like. Instead, we get Congressmen who want to show boat and stir up Hollywood story lines, with easy targets like sports and entertainment franchises (remember the baseball hearings?). Pro wrestling has been the target for years. Is it fake? Is it not? Are they athletes? Are they employees or contractors? Do they use drugs? All these questions keep coming up, and put on trial or in Congressional committees.
But really, do we care? It is sad when the men and women who work as professional wrestlers loose their life to stupid things like drug abuse -- the vast majority dying from cocaine, heroin, etc. But it isn't any different than a Hollywood actor. Why should the WWE hold its stars to any higher standard than Warner Brothers, MGM, or Disney? No government officials were up in arms when Brad Renfro or Heath Ledger killed themselves with overdoses in 2008. But they weren't sports figures, right? Then again, if the feds are worried about steroids in pro wrestling, do they admit it is a sport now? We thought it was scripted entertainment. What is the difference between it and acting?
Nonetheless, all of these questions and worries come to mind, and pro wrestling is still one of the top rated cable programs week after week (one that we admit we have a bias toward protecting, having been fans of over 30 years). Waxman has a point that it is bad for kids when your role model is on the juice. It sets a bad example. But we are sorry, Henry. Stick to fixing our countries problems that you have some control over, and not its social inadequacies.
The same Henry Waxman, who last year made it a point to worry about the WWE after the tragic suicide/murder case of Chris Benoit made headlines, is at it again! Since Waxman is leaving as chair of Oversight & Government Reform, and moving on to bigger things in Energy & Commerce, this is his parting shot. He insists the government investigate the steroid problem further.
Both the WWE and TNA have implemented policies that provide for their employees to go through a Wellness Program, and ultimately termination if their behavior continues after three strikes. The WWE in particular has made a point to publicly mention who the wrestlers are who violate the program. It is not kept behind closed doors.
The government does not need to interject itself into whether or not someone chooses to use drugs. We don't have a problem with people being concerned about "role models" using drugs. But that is where the line ends. The feds should be worried about bigger things, like our economy, terrorism, and the like. Instead, we get Congressmen who want to show boat and stir up Hollywood story lines, with easy targets like sports and entertainment franchises (remember the baseball hearings?). Pro wrestling has been the target for years. Is it fake? Is it not? Are they athletes? Are they employees or contractors? Do they use drugs? All these questions keep coming up, and put on trial or in Congressional committees.
But really, do we care? It is sad when the men and women who work as professional wrestlers loose their life to stupid things like drug abuse -- the vast majority dying from cocaine, heroin, etc. But it isn't any different than a Hollywood actor. Why should the WWE hold its stars to any higher standard than Warner Brothers, MGM, or Disney? No government officials were up in arms when Brad Renfro or Heath Ledger killed themselves with overdoses in 2008. But they weren't sports figures, right? Then again, if the feds are worried about steroids in pro wrestling, do they admit it is a sport now? We thought it was scripted entertainment. What is the difference between it and acting?
Nonetheless, all of these questions and worries come to mind, and pro wrestling is still one of the top rated cable programs week after week (one that we admit we have a bias toward protecting, having been fans of over 30 years). Waxman has a point that it is bad for kids when your role model is on the juice. It sets a bad example. But we are sorry, Henry. Stick to fixing our countries problems that you have some control over, and not its social inadequacies.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Keep Soap Alive!
"Keep Soap Alive" would have been our product had Jesse Jackson become President, but alas we have Obama. And in Dallas, we have the "Audacity of Soap".
An Obama admirer sent us the Dallas Morning News article touting the new bath product. The tagline "This is the moment to clean up America" is pure genius, even if tongue in cheek. We saw many tshirt peddlers during the campaign, but nothing beats cleaning the stench of George W Bush from your body with Barack Obama's glorious essence.
Dallas County GOP Chairman Johnathan Neerman has several Republican product ideas: Sarah Palin lipstick, Susan Combs combs, and Michael Williams bow ties. He even suggested John McCain anti aging cream, but we prefer his knives on SNL. Is it any wonder the Dallas Republicans want Neerman gone? How dare he make fun of the Grand Old Party. He could be discussing their many victories! What's that? They didn't win in Dallas? Oh ok.
But nothing beats soap, folks. Even the Republicans could find use for it -- scrubbing their junk with Obama. But they will be sparkly clean for the next 4 years.
Want to purchase the Obama soap and support our blog in the process? Click here!
An Obama admirer sent us the Dallas Morning News article touting the new bath product. The tagline "This is the moment to clean up America" is pure genius, even if tongue in cheek. We saw many tshirt peddlers during the campaign, but nothing beats cleaning the stench of George W Bush from your body with Barack Obama's glorious essence.
Dallas County GOP Chairman Johnathan Neerman has several Republican product ideas: Sarah Palin lipstick, Susan Combs combs, and Michael Williams bow ties. He even suggested John McCain anti aging cream, but we prefer his knives on SNL. Is it any wonder the Dallas Republicans want Neerman gone? How dare he make fun of the Grand Old Party. He could be discussing their many victories! What's that? They didn't win in Dallas? Oh ok.
But nothing beats soap, folks. Even the Republicans could find use for it -- scrubbing their junk with Obama. But they will be sparkly clean for the next 4 years.
Want to purchase the Obama soap and support our blog in the process? Click here!
Gas Tax Hike On It's Way?
Can driving less make us pay more? That is the latest possibility from the federal government.
Decreased demand for gasoline has had the best effect for consumers -- prices falling from over $4 a gallon to less than $1.50 in a 6 month period. However, buying less gasoline means less tax revenue for the government (the current gas tax is per gallon, not a percentage of total sales). The motor fuels tax currently pays for road repair and new road construction. As such, the feds are looking at a 10 cent increase on unleaded, and 12-15 cent increase on diesel.
We haven't heard a lot of alternatives to increasing the tax. Building more toll roads is the only one we have heard, and quite frankly selling every road to the highest bidder and tolling the driver ends up costing the driver more than paying the gas tax. Even Republicans in Texas have been advocating the increase in our own state motor fuels tax. One of the major reasons for the shortfall in Texas is that 34% of our gas tax is diverted for other uses -- funding education, etc. (A great explanation comes from a 2008 NCTCOG report).
We advocate for one other revenue source -- taxing trade. This will not be the entire solution of course, but only part. Texas, and most of the country for that matter, relishes in free trade. NAFTA, CAFTA, etc all pour shipping containers in and out of this country. While the volumes are at a 6 year low, it won't remain that way. Shipping will increase again with a stronger dollar. Our proposal is to impose fees on containers. States like California have already advocated for fees of $30 per TEU (20 foot equivalent unit container) entering its ports, in order to fund transportation projects, and continue their goal of cleaner ports. They have been advocating for even more. When you have over 6 million loaded TEU flowing annually through the Port of Los Angeles alone, that would provide $180 million in revenue just from that one port alone. A container fee is ultimately a tax on the consumer, as the added shipping cost would be passed down the supply chain, however at a cost the consumer would not even see considering the amount of cargo that can be held in a 20 foot container. Creating this example on Texas terms, the Port of Houston surpassed 1.5 million containers in 2004. A $30 fee would provide the state $45 million it didn't have before. It would be a drop in the bucket for our transportation needs, but at least it is a drop.
Decreased demand for gasoline has had the best effect for consumers -- prices falling from over $4 a gallon to less than $1.50 in a 6 month period. However, buying less gasoline means less tax revenue for the government (the current gas tax is per gallon, not a percentage of total sales). The motor fuels tax currently pays for road repair and new road construction. As such, the feds are looking at a 10 cent increase on unleaded, and 12-15 cent increase on diesel.
We haven't heard a lot of alternatives to increasing the tax. Building more toll roads is the only one we have heard, and quite frankly selling every road to the highest bidder and tolling the driver ends up costing the driver more than paying the gas tax. Even Republicans in Texas have been advocating the increase in our own state motor fuels tax. One of the major reasons for the shortfall in Texas is that 34% of our gas tax is diverted for other uses -- funding education, etc. (A great explanation comes from a 2008 NCTCOG report).
We advocate for one other revenue source -- taxing trade. This will not be the entire solution of course, but only part. Texas, and most of the country for that matter, relishes in free trade. NAFTA, CAFTA, etc all pour shipping containers in and out of this country. While the volumes are at a 6 year low, it won't remain that way. Shipping will increase again with a stronger dollar. Our proposal is to impose fees on containers. States like California have already advocated for fees of $30 per TEU (20 foot equivalent unit container) entering its ports, in order to fund transportation projects, and continue their goal of cleaner ports. They have been advocating for even more. When you have over 6 million loaded TEU flowing annually through the Port of Los Angeles alone, that would provide $180 million in revenue just from that one port alone. A container fee is ultimately a tax on the consumer, as the added shipping cost would be passed down the supply chain, however at a cost the consumer would not even see considering the amount of cargo that can be held in a 20 foot container. Creating this example on Texas terms, the Port of Houston surpassed 1.5 million containers in 2004. A $30 fee would provide the state $45 million it didn't have before. It would be a drop in the bucket for our transportation needs, but at least it is a drop.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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