Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. May your holiday be as fun as Courage the Turkey, who received his Presidential Pardon today and is going to Disneyland. Damn, that is one lucky turkey!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Smoke & Mirrors & Smoke In DFW
Don't see any smoke coming from those vents at your local gas drill location in North Texas? Well now you do. Bluedaze has linked up to infrared video of several area locations showing plumes and plumes of harmful gases being released by gas drillers. Enjoy.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Governor's Race Minus 1, Plus 1?
No sooner than we noted the players in the upcoming Texas Governor's Democratic nominee race this coming spring, we're one man down.
Leading contender Tom Schieffer, announced earlier this afternoon he was bowing out from his run in hopes it would clear the way for current US Senate candidate and outgoing Houston Mayor Bill White to enter a bid for Governor. The Dubya ties Schieffer never sat well with many Democrats, and we think he realized it. He may indeed be doing the right thing, but it throws a wrench into everyone's plans. Or did KBH do that already?
Kay Bailey "Coward" Hutchison has finally decided she is no match for Governor 39% Rick Perry. So she will not resign her US Senate seat until she sees if she can actually defeat him in the GOP primary. That scenario creates several alternate universes to come. She wins, and then resigns her US Senate seat, triggering a special election, leaving the soon to be lone Democratic candidate John Sharp a clear sail to victory perhaps. If she loses, and Slick Rick keeps his king's throne, he goes on to face any of the aforementioned Democrats when one wins their primary. She then keeps her seat until 2012. It is going to be an interesting next two election cycles, regardless of what happens or who wins and loses in Texas.
Leading contender Tom Schieffer, announced earlier this afternoon he was bowing out from his run in hopes it would clear the way for current US Senate candidate and outgoing Houston Mayor Bill White to enter a bid for Governor. The Dubya ties Schieffer never sat well with many Democrats, and we think he realized it. He may indeed be doing the right thing, but it throws a wrench into everyone's plans. Or did KBH do that already?
Kay Bailey "Coward" Hutchison has finally decided she is no match for Governor 39% Rick Perry. So she will not resign her US Senate seat until she sees if she can actually defeat him in the GOP primary. That scenario creates several alternate universes to come. She wins, and then resigns her US Senate seat, triggering a special election, leaving the soon to be lone Democratic candidate John Sharp a clear sail to victory perhaps. If she loses, and Slick Rick keeps his king's throne, he goes on to face any of the aforementioned Democrats when one wins their primary. She then keeps her seat until 2012. It is going to be an interesting next two election cycles, regardless of what happens or who wins and loses in Texas.
Texas Blog Roundup
The Texas Progressive Alliance as Thanksgiving week begins brings you this week's highlights from the blogs.
The Texas Cloverleaf clues you in on why you can't breathe in Denton County-- gas drillers!
WCNews at Eye On Williamson has some Thoughts on Straus' Interim Charges - including topics like feral hogs, blogging, and transportation.
On Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS, TXsharon summarizes the Barnett Shale Emissions Meeting in Fort Worth.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme would like the sun to shine on city doings even if city officials don't.
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog is delighted that Hank Gilbert has enlisted Geeyung Li as APIA Outreach Director and thus has the first Asian American senior staffer of the campaign.
With Farouk Shami's entrance into the race, McBlogger thinks it's now down to two real candidates. Find out who they are.
WhosPlayin discusses how two cities within one school district have vastly different expectations for the district when it comes to construction.
Neil at Texas Liberal offered information about when it is you should thaw your turkey. He also offered information about having a vegetarian Thanksgiving if that is your thing.
The Kay Bailey-Rick Perry cage match is a front in the war for control of the Republican Party going on throughout the country. Battles like the one in NY-23 last month are gearing
up in a D-FW-area state Senate district in Texas, and a US Senate race in Florida, and likely all points in-between. Find out more at Brains and Eggs.
Over at Texas Vox, Public Citizen Energy Policy Director Tyson Slocum urges the EPA to use the Clean Air Act to fight global warming.
nytexan at BlueBloggin is worn out with political buzz words, especially Socialism, The New Buzz Word. Americans are amazingly ignorant about civics, types of governments and the world around them. Knowing whats going on around us, and researching facts is, after all, boring and unnecessary when we have news soundbites. And, I am not only speaking about the talking heads on Fox. Yes, here in America, we even outsource our thought process to main stream media and whatever tickles their fancy at any given moment.
Libby Shaw, over at TexasKaos, reports on the circular firing squad that is today's Texas Republican Party in her posting, Tea Party Candidates to Challenge Texas Republicans . Give it a read.
The Texas Cloverleaf clues you in on why you can't breathe in Denton County-- gas drillers!
WCNews at Eye On Williamson has some Thoughts on Straus' Interim Charges - including topics like feral hogs, blogging, and transportation.
On Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS, TXsharon summarizes the Barnett Shale Emissions Meeting in Fort Worth.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme would like the sun to shine on city doings even if city officials don't.
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog is delighted that Hank Gilbert has enlisted Geeyung Li as APIA Outreach Director and thus has the first Asian American senior staffer of the campaign.
With Farouk Shami's entrance into the race, McBlogger thinks it's now down to two real candidates. Find out who they are.
WhosPlayin discusses how two cities within one school district have vastly different expectations for the district when it comes to construction.
Neil at Texas Liberal offered information about when it is you should thaw your turkey. He also offered information about having a vegetarian Thanksgiving if that is your thing.
The Kay Bailey-Rick Perry cage match is a front in the war for control of the Republican Party going on throughout the country. Battles like the one in NY-23 last month are gearing
up in a D-FW-area state Senate district in Texas, and a US Senate race in Florida, and likely all points in-between. Find out more at Brains and Eggs.
Over at Texas Vox, Public Citizen Energy Policy Director Tyson Slocum urges the EPA to use the Clean Air Act to fight global warming.
nytexan at BlueBloggin is worn out with political buzz words, especially Socialism, The New Buzz Word. Americans are amazingly ignorant about civics, types of governments and the world around them. Knowing whats going on around us, and researching facts is, after all, boring and unnecessary when we have news soundbites. And, I am not only speaking about the talking heads on Fox. Yes, here in America, we even outsource our thought process to main stream media and whatever tickles their fancy at any given moment.
Libby Shaw, over at TexasKaos, reports on the circular firing squad that is today's Texas Republican Party in her posting, Tea Party Candidates to Challenge Texas Republicans . Give it a read.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Democratic Texas Governor Field Gets Crowded
Tom Scheiffer must have been wondering back in March 2009 as the soul candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Texas if he had a smooth ride to the primary in March 2010. And of course, he will not. Leave it to Texans to throw a wrench into the machine.
While Scheiffer picked up early endorsements from almost everyone, and has shown his willingness to spend money, other candidates have jumped on board the train to the primary. Kinky Friedman, 2006 Independent candidate, has said he will run as a Democrat this time. "Why the hell not?" is always his reason for anything. But on name recognition alone, the Kinkster could make for a large kink in the primary numbers. Hank Gilbert, 2006 nominee for Agriculture Commissioner, has also announced. Gilbert has a strong following among grassroots supporters and Democracy for America, and is also the first statewide candidate with enough balls to "come out" with an LGBT equality policy. Last but not least is Farouk Shami. Billionaire. He owns a mansion and a yacht. Ok, we aren't sure of that, and apologize to Elmer J. Fudd, but based on the fact Shami has made clear he is willing to throw down $10 million of his own cash to bid for the nomination, he is a formidible opponent, even if he is a Palestinian Quaker. Possible considerations also go to school teacher Felix Alvarado and retired Travis County D.A. Ronnie Earle, of whom neither has made it official yet.
The filing deadline for candidates is early January, so there is still time for more changes. But this is shaping up to be one for the ages here in Texas.
While Scheiffer picked up early endorsements from almost everyone, and has shown his willingness to spend money, other candidates have jumped on board the train to the primary. Kinky Friedman, 2006 Independent candidate, has said he will run as a Democrat this time. "Why the hell not?" is always his reason for anything. But on name recognition alone, the Kinkster could make for a large kink in the primary numbers. Hank Gilbert, 2006 nominee for Agriculture Commissioner, has also announced. Gilbert has a strong following among grassroots supporters and Democracy for America, and is also the first statewide candidate with enough balls to "come out" with an LGBT equality policy. Last but not least is Farouk Shami. Billionaire. He owns a mansion and a yacht. Ok, we aren't sure of that, and apologize to Elmer J. Fudd, but based on the fact Shami has made clear he is willing to throw down $10 million of his own cash to bid for the nomination, he is a formidible opponent, even if he is a Palestinian Quaker. Possible considerations also go to school teacher Felix Alvarado and retired Travis County D.A. Ronnie Earle, of whom neither has made it official yet.
The filing deadline for candidates is early January, so there is still time for more changes. But this is shaping up to be one for the ages here in Texas.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Can't Breathe In Denton County? Blame "Drill Baby Drill"
Bluedaze tipped us off on some sesimic testing going on in Denton this week. Looks like they want to drill in a park now. Nobody seems terribly concerned about the gas drillers around here. Especially those getting royalties. But you should be!
Take a look at what county has the worst air pollution in the region. That's right North Texans...good ol' Denton County. The numbers are not just noticeable but substantial. Take a look at this report for yourself. This is not just carbon dioxide, the bane of global warming. This is some bad shit in the air-- benzene, ethane, butane, just to name a few. And according to the study, it just isn't because we are on the way of all the coal plants. It seems to point to a direct correlation in the increase in gas well drilling in western Denton and eastern Wise counties in the Barnett Shale. The high ozone levels also correlate with the drilling sites.
All of this crap causes smog and can even lead to acid rain if enough is in the air. It also leads to diseases that nobody likes. Do you enjoy cancer? We don't. So why does the state of Texas, TCEQ, and Railroad Commission continue to turn a blind eye? Why is it taking the local governments of places like DISH, TX to spend it's tax payer dollars and hope for charity to test its citizens for potential health effects? Is it going to take an environmental disaster for the locals to wake up? It certainly doesn't help when you have a stupid SOB like State Rep Jim Keffer going around blaming boogie men from Yankee land for starting a "culture clash" and for not agreeing that it's "just the way things are". Well Jimbo, things are gonna change around here, your ignorance be damned.
Take a look at what county has the worst air pollution in the region. That's right North Texans...good ol' Denton County. The numbers are not just noticeable but substantial. Take a look at this report for yourself. This is not just carbon dioxide, the bane of global warming. This is some bad shit in the air-- benzene, ethane, butane, just to name a few. And according to the study, it just isn't because we are on the way of all the coal plants. It seems to point to a direct correlation in the increase in gas well drilling in western Denton and eastern Wise counties in the Barnett Shale. The high ozone levels also correlate with the drilling sites.
All of this crap causes smog and can even lead to acid rain if enough is in the air. It also leads to diseases that nobody likes. Do you enjoy cancer? We don't. So why does the state of Texas, TCEQ, and Railroad Commission continue to turn a blind eye? Why is it taking the local governments of places like DISH, TX to spend it's tax payer dollars and hope for charity to test its citizens for potential health effects? Is it going to take an environmental disaster for the locals to wake up? It certainly doesn't help when you have a stupid SOB like State Rep Jim Keffer going around blaming boogie men from Yankee land for starting a "culture clash" and for not agreeing that it's "just the way things are". Well Jimbo, things are gonna change around here, your ignorance be damned.
Texas Blog Roundup
The Texas Progressive Alliance is starting to feel an odd craving for can-shaped servings of cranberry sauce as it brings you this week's highlights from the blogs.
TXsharon continues to follow the abuses of Aruba Petroleum in a Barnett Shale backyard and Wednesday the Wise County Messenger picked up the story. It's all on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme is really p*ssed that some South Texas Democrats voted against women's health care.
WhosPlayin posted an interview with Neil Durrance, the Democratic candidate seeking to unseat Michael Burgess in Congressional District 26.
A guest post from the ReEnergize Texas blog is the pick of the week over at Texas Vox, where we were quite disappointed that Georgetown City Council Snubbed Students over Nuclear Power.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on some of the talk this past week about raising the statewide gas tax. All that being said there are only two options to pay for transportation in Texas, which will we choose Taxes or tolls?.
McBlogger takes a look at Sen. Hutchison's decision not to resign from her Senate seat.
Off the Kuff looks at a threatened outbreak of homophobic behavior in the Houston Mayor's race.
The War on Christmas starts early at The Texas Cloverleaf, complete with a beach landing at WalMart.
Sue Schechter announced for Harris County Clerk last week and PDiddie at Brains and Eggs caught the press release.
With Thanksgiving almost here, Neil at Texas Liberal ran a picture of a sultry pilgrim holding a turkey, and included in this post information about the status of women in Colonial New England.
TXsharon continues to follow the abuses of Aruba Petroleum in a Barnett Shale backyard and Wednesday the Wise County Messenger picked up the story. It's all on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme is really p*ssed that some South Texas Democrats voted against women's health care.
WhosPlayin posted an interview with Neil Durrance, the Democratic candidate seeking to unseat Michael Burgess in Congressional District 26.
A guest post from the ReEnergize Texas blog is the pick of the week over at Texas Vox, where we were quite disappointed that Georgetown City Council Snubbed Students over Nuclear Power.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on some of the talk this past week about raising the statewide gas tax. All that being said there are only two options to pay for transportation in Texas, which will we choose Taxes or tolls?.
McBlogger takes a look at Sen. Hutchison's decision not to resign from her Senate seat.
Off the Kuff looks at a threatened outbreak of homophobic behavior in the Houston Mayor's race.
The War on Christmas starts early at The Texas Cloverleaf, complete with a beach landing at WalMart.
Sue Schechter announced for Harris County Clerk last week and PDiddie at Brains and Eggs caught the press release.
With Thanksgiving almost here, Neil at Texas Liberal ran a picture of a sultry pilgrim holding a turkey, and included in this post information about the status of women in Colonial New England.
Friday, November 13, 2009
War On Christmas Starting With Beach Landing At WalMart
The war on Christmas. Remember that catchy battle cry? Well, people are back at it again, almost in time for Thanksgiving.
Let's get a few things straight. Most, if not all, people have typed the word "Xmas". Does that make you a Christ hating heathen? No. It makes you an abbreviator of mad skill. And it means you learned something in elementary school. "Xmas" was used quite often, in lieu of the longer version.
If someone wishes to say "Happy Holidays" instead, don't call them out for being anti-Christian and that they are somehow oppressing you. 3/4 of this country considers itself "Christian". You are far from the minority and are in no way being let down when someone denies you the word Christ followed by Mas.
When the Leaf was little, he/she/us learned the dreidel song. How very un-Christian is that? And do you know where he/she/us learned it? In ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! No, we did not attend a private school or some off the wall place of dissent. It was a regular old public school, where they taught kids about one another's culture in subtle ways. Our school was mostly white, but also a melting pot of nationalities and religions. And we learned to respect one another's beliefs, or the language they preferred to speak at home.
And while on our soap box, let us remind you that Christmas is not celebrated in the proper time of year. Why? Because Christ wasn't born in December. He also did not have a jolly old elf or eight tiny reindeer visit him. He also did not have a Christmas tree in his manger. Where do these fine Christian Christmas traditions come from, you ask? Pagans! That's right. Tree loving, polythestic barbarians. In order to convince them that God was the only God around, and that the Catholic Church was a happenin' place, they let them keep their traditions and incorporated them into a Christian holiday right around the winter solstice. Same goes for Easter, it's bunny, and eggs.
Lastly, when the three kings visited Jesus, they brought him gifts. They didn't make a land assault at the local WalMart on November 27th and fight over $10.88 small appliances or talking Elmos. They had the right spirit about it. They wanted to show appreciation for their chosen one, and threw down some incense. It was the thought that counted, right?
The next time you feel your Christianity is being threatened, just remember these things. Also remember that many of you survived being fed to lions for sport, crucified, or numerous other things that could truly be called oppression. And remember these things when you turn your own ill will towards people of other religions or opinions.
Merry Chrismahanukwanzakah to all, and to all an awesome Black Friday deal!
Let's get a few things straight. Most, if not all, people have typed the word "Xmas". Does that make you a Christ hating heathen? No. It makes you an abbreviator of mad skill. And it means you learned something in elementary school. "Xmas" was used quite often, in lieu of the longer version.
If someone wishes to say "Happy Holidays" instead, don't call them out for being anti-Christian and that they are somehow oppressing you. 3/4 of this country considers itself "Christian". You are far from the minority and are in no way being let down when someone denies you the word Christ followed by Mas.
When the Leaf was little, he/she/us learned the dreidel song. How very un-Christian is that? And do you know where he/she/us learned it? In ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! No, we did not attend a private school or some off the wall place of dissent. It was a regular old public school, where they taught kids about one another's culture in subtle ways. Our school was mostly white, but also a melting pot of nationalities and religions. And we learned to respect one another's beliefs, or the language they preferred to speak at home.
And while on our soap box, let us remind you that Christmas is not celebrated in the proper time of year. Why? Because Christ wasn't born in December. He also did not have a jolly old elf or eight tiny reindeer visit him. He also did not have a Christmas tree in his manger. Where do these fine Christian Christmas traditions come from, you ask? Pagans! That's right. Tree loving, polythestic barbarians. In order to convince them that God was the only God around, and that the Catholic Church was a happenin' place, they let them keep their traditions and incorporated them into a Christian holiday right around the winter solstice. Same goes for Easter, it's bunny, and eggs.
Lastly, when the three kings visited Jesus, they brought him gifts. They didn't make a land assault at the local WalMart on November 27th and fight over $10.88 small appliances or talking Elmos. They had the right spirit about it. They wanted to show appreciation for their chosen one, and threw down some incense. It was the thought that counted, right?
The next time you feel your Christianity is being threatened, just remember these things. Also remember that many of you survived being fed to lions for sport, crucified, or numerous other things that could truly be called oppression. And remember these things when you turn your own ill will towards people of other religions or opinions.
Merry Chrismahanukwanzakah to all, and to all an awesome Black Friday deal!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Texas Blog Roundup
The Texas Progressive Alliance hopes everyone had a happy Election Day last week, and is already looking forward to the next one. Here are this week's highlights.
TXsharon continues to report from a backyard in the Barnett Shale. Despite all the local and national press on drilling related toxins, carcinogens and neurotoxins in our air, Aruba Petroleum Refuses a Simple Step to Improve Barnett Shale Air and thereby recklessly and willfully endangers public health and safety. Read it on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
refinish69 announces his endorsement for the Democratic nominee for Texas governor at Doing My Part For The Left. The progressive choice has to be Hank Gilbert with his policy issues and especially his strong stance on GLBT issues. Hank Gilbert for Texas Governor was the only choice refinish69 could make.
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog has a thorough take on the results of election day in Houston.
The Texas Cloverleaf provides an election night roundup of some of DFW's races you never heard of, and some national ones you have.
If you dislike Rep. Dennis Kucinich as much as Mayor McSleaze, there's probably something right with you.
quizas of South Texas Chisme notes that Galveston medical facilities are among those not notifying about rules for the poor, while CouldBeTrue notes South Texas Democrats join Republicans in shafting poor women. Shame on them.
BossKitty at TruthHugger Let me ‘dis’ the local Austin TV news media who gets around to breaking the Health Care Reform Bill news TWO and a half hours later. Hooray for the House Austin just lives in a bubble.
Over at BlueBloggin, nytexan takes a long look at another disgusting practice of our medical insurance industry. We Have One Twisted Health System, Living Organ Donors Beware. The organ donor’s family is never charged for donating. The family is charged for the cost of all final efforts to save your life, and those costs are sometimes misinterpreted as costs related to organ donation. Surprise for organ donors: unexpected medical bills. Austin man who gave kidney to co-worker is one of many who have faced health complications, billing problems.
Bay Area Houston says Hispanics, the largest voting block in Texas, are not voting.
WhosPlayin learned of an illegal meeting of Lewisville ISD trustees this past Thursday and Friday, and has video of trustees mentioning this blogger when discussing whether to implement video recording of trustee meetings.
Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at an interesting story about Judge Sharon Keller of Court of Criminal Appeals that was eclipsed by the tragedy at Fort Hood.
Off the Kuff has six questions for the runoffs in Houston.
Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman toes the ethical line with her active promotion of an assistant for her job, and the local media thinks that's just fine. Get the details in PDiddie's Brains and Eggs.
At TexasKaos, Libby Shaw has news for Cornyn and Sessions about the Republican Resurgence. As she notes:
WCNews at Eye On Williamson reports on the local toll authority's latest shenanigans, CTRMA to jack up tolls on 183-A, add automatic annual increases.
Neil at Texas Liberal bought Thanksgiving cards drawn by a young person with cancer who is being treated at Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The design Neil bought is both bleak and hopeful.
There was much rejoicing this week at Texas Vox and among the environmental community at large when it was announced that Dr. Al Armendariz was named new Region 6 Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. A Texas EPA administrator that "embodies the ‘Principles for Environmental Leadership and Real Change’"? You better believe it.
TXsharon continues to report from a backyard in the Barnett Shale. Despite all the local and national press on drilling related toxins, carcinogens and neurotoxins in our air, Aruba Petroleum Refuses a Simple Step to Improve Barnett Shale Air and thereby recklessly and willfully endangers public health and safety. Read it on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
refinish69 announces his endorsement for the Democratic nominee for Texas governor at Doing My Part For The Left. The progressive choice has to be Hank Gilbert with his policy issues and especially his strong stance on GLBT issues. Hank Gilbert for Texas Governor was the only choice refinish69 could make.
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog has a thorough take on the results of election day in Houston.
The Texas Cloverleaf provides an election night roundup of some of DFW's races you never heard of, and some national ones you have.
If you dislike Rep. Dennis Kucinich as much as Mayor McSleaze, there's probably something right with you.
quizas of South Texas Chisme notes that Galveston medical facilities are among those not notifying about rules for the poor, while CouldBeTrue notes South Texas Democrats join Republicans in shafting poor women. Shame on them.
BossKitty at TruthHugger Let me ‘dis’ the local Austin TV news media who gets around to breaking the Health Care Reform Bill news TWO and a half hours later. Hooray for the House Austin just lives in a bubble.
Over at BlueBloggin, nytexan takes a long look at another disgusting practice of our medical insurance industry. We Have One Twisted Health System, Living Organ Donors Beware. The organ donor’s family is never charged for donating. The family is charged for the cost of all final efforts to save your life, and those costs are sometimes misinterpreted as costs related to organ donation. Surprise for organ donors: unexpected medical bills. Austin man who gave kidney to co-worker is one of many who have faced health complications, billing problems.
Bay Area Houston says Hispanics, the largest voting block in Texas, are not voting.
WhosPlayin learned of an illegal meeting of Lewisville ISD trustees this past Thursday and Friday, and has video of trustees mentioning this blogger when discussing whether to implement video recording of trustee meetings.
Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at an interesting story about Judge Sharon Keller of Court of Criminal Appeals that was eclipsed by the tragedy at Fort Hood.
Off the Kuff has six questions for the runoffs in Houston.
Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman toes the ethical line with her active promotion of an assistant for her job, and the local media thinks that's just fine. Get the details in PDiddie's Brains and Eggs.
At TexasKaos, Libby Shaw has news for Cornyn and Sessions about the Republican Resurgence. As she notes:
I wouldn't gloat too much, boys. Your job in Washington just got a lot harder. Meanwhile, back here at home, in case you boys forgot that Houston is the largest city in Texas, three progressive Democrats and one Republican ran for mayor. The Republican dude and the old white guy with boatloads of bucks lost. The run-off race is between a gay woman and an African American male.See the rest here: I have news for John Cornyn and Pete Sessions
WCNews at Eye On Williamson reports on the local toll authority's latest shenanigans, CTRMA to jack up tolls on 183-A, add automatic annual increases.
Neil at Texas Liberal bought Thanksgiving cards drawn by a young person with cancer who is being treated at Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The design Neil bought is both bleak and hopeful.
There was much rejoicing this week at Texas Vox and among the environmental community at large when it was announced that Dr. Al Armendariz was named new Region 6 Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. A Texas EPA administrator that "embodies the ‘Principles for Environmental Leadership and Real Change’"? You better believe it.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Yet Another Gas Driller With No Regard For Public Safety.
TXSharon over at Bluedaze shows us another one of the local gas drillers disregard for public safety and air quality. Aruba Petroleum could install a simple part to its diesel engine used to drill, in order to cut emissions, and won't do it. On the video on the post you can clearly see black smoke billowing from the engine, only 100 or feet from a residential home.
To us, it looks as though if you had a diesel truck parked in your back yard and it just puffed smoke on your house every 5 to 10 seconds. Who would want to live there? Who can honestly say that is even safe? Is it going to take an accident like Love Canal or something of that nature to get our state government to wake up?
To us, it looks as though if you had a diesel truck parked in your back yard and it just puffed smoke on your house every 5 to 10 seconds. Who would want to live there? Who can honestly say that is even safe? Is it going to take an accident like Love Canal or something of that nature to get our state government to wake up?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Hank Gilbert 1st Statewide Candidate With LGBT Policy
This just in....
HOUSTON-Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hank Gilbert made history Tuesday night with the release of a sweeping progressive policy statement on issues of importance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Texans-including a call for civil unions in Texas designed to give LGBT couples the same rights and privileges as opposite-sex couples.
Gilbert made his clarion call for reform during a meeting of the Houston Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Political Caucus, the oldest LGBT civil rights organization in the American south.
"Knowing that discrimination exists in Texas and doing nothing about it goes against everything I stand for. Those who remain silent on this issue are passive participants in that discrimination," Gilbert said.
Noting that the office of governor was a position from which the state could be led toward progressive public policy innovations, Gilbert said staying quiet LGBT rights issues he strongly believed in was not an option for him.
"Just because some people see this as controversial or say that Texas isn't ready for this is not a reason I can use to justify remaining silent on this issue," he said. "This is what is right for Texas," he noted.
"The issue of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals is the new civil rights battle for the 21st century," Gilbert said.
In addition to proposing civil unions with the same rights for LGBT couples as for opposite sex couples, Gilbert also:
- Proposed sweeping legislation prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
- Proposed ending discriminatory insurance practices negatively impacting Texas' LGBT citizens.
- Proposed legislation allowing Texas' public universities and governmental institutions to offer same-sex domestic partner benefits.
- Sweeping reforms prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in housing, public accommodations, and real estate transactions.
- Laws establishing the authority of domestic partners in medical decision making.
- A tough anti-bullying statute.
- Extending the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act to include gender identity or expression.
- Legislation making it less costly and cumbersome for transgender individuals to change the gender marker on birth certificates and state IDs.
- Allowing gay youths the same defenses as straight youths under Texas' "Romeo and Juliet" statutes.
"Most of these changes in policy aren't things that are brand new concepts to Texas," Gilbert acknowledged. "Many of them have been proposed before by progressive leaders in the Legislature like State Representative Garnet Coleman here in Houston. Representative Coleman and his progressive colleagues have carried the torch on these issues, and Democrats should be proud of their steadfast leadership. What we need now is a Democratic governor in the governor's office who supports LGBT rights and is willing to bring the full weight of his office to bear on these issues so they can finally be passed," Gilbert said.
"A Democratic legislature is not enough to ensure LGBT rights in Texas," he continued. "Until we have a Democrat in the governor's office who is willing to show leadership on this issue, the changes LGBT Texans are fighting for will not happen," he concluded.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Election Night Round Up
In case you didn't look at the other 1000s of outlets showing you election results, we'd like to give you a brief view at the wins and losses here at The Leaf, since all politics is local and we know that some races are overlooked. We will hit some of the big ones, and not so big ones.
Texas Constitutional Amendments: All passed. We wonder if anyone read them all?
Dallas ISD, TX: Edwin Flores was reelected to District 1. In District 3, incumbent Leigh Ann Ellis and Bruce Parrott will go to a runoff. In District 9, Bernadette Nutall and Sally Cain will go to a runoff.
Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD, TX: After much waffling, the ISD cancelled the special election on October 13. This is your tax dollars at work, ISD residents. They already spent the money to contract with the county to hold the election, and also a court battle over Place 4.
Lake Dallas TX Place 4 City Council: Ricky Mathews, a McDonald's construction manager, won the election to fill this vacated seat.
Pilot Point, TX: Home rule charter was approved by voters.
Denton, TX: Charter propositions to clarify city council term limits and residency all passed.
Fate and Sunnyvale, TX: The fate of liquor sales in Fate is known. The little Rockwall County town voted down beer and wine sales. Ditto for Sunnyvale.
DeSoto, Italy, and Farmersville, TX: They know they like to drink and Satan won't befall their fine cities. Beer and wine sales passes in these three towns.
Houston, TX: Openly gay City Controller Annise Parker heads to a mayoral runoff with Gene Locke for the open seat.
Maine: 53% of the state's rural bigots repealed the state's marriage equality law. Yet, medical marijuana was approved. Can stoners not focus on more than one item at a time? We were looking forward to a lobster wedding too!
Washington: The state not the district. A slim margin of victory goes to expanded gay rights which voters there have termed "everything but marriage".
New Jersey: Republican Chris "Fatboy" Christie pulls out the win for governor over Johnny "The Clown" Corzine. That's their assigned mob nicknames of course.
Virginia: Republican Bob McDonnell laid the smack down on Creigh Deeds for the governorship there.
NY-23: Not the Palin Effect, but a Palin FAIL! The Democrat Bill Owens takes this special Congressional race away from a the GOP, which had held the seat since the Civil War. The GOP candidate had pulled out to endorse the Democrat over the Conservative Party candidate here.
CA-10: Democratic Lt. Governor John Garamendi easily becomes the new Congressman here in another special election.
New York City: Mayor Bloomberg wins a third term in a tight race.
Boston, MA: Mayor Thomas Menino wins a record fifth term.
Atlanta, GA: A runoff will determine whether the 35 year run of black mayors remains, as Mary Norwood, who is white, will face Kasim Reed, who is black. Yay race card!
Chapel Hill, NC: Openly gay Councilman Mark Kleinschmidt won the mayoral race with 49%, There is no runoff system in place in that college town. Go Tar Heels!
That's all for now folks. If anyone else has anything exciting or under the radar results, feel free to post in the comments.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Texas Blog Roundup
The Texas Progressive Alliance reminds you to get out and vote on Tuesday. Here are this week's highlights.
Aruba Petroleum is drilling a Barnett Shale gas well in the backyard of Tim and Christine. Their property was taken, it's value diminished, they were threatened and now Aruba Petroleum spilled toxic drilling waste a few feet from where their daughter plays. Another tale (with VIDEO) about the Victims of the Shale on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog has a roundup of the Houston city elections and proposed Texas constitutional amendments.
The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the high cost of low turnout elections by examining Denton County. $25 a vote, anyone?
This week at McBlogger, we took a look at Hank Gilbert's plan to Get Texas Moving Again.
Big news from San Antonio, where with just days before City Council was to vote to move forward with the South Texas Nuclear Project expansion, officials suddenly announced that the cost estimate for the project had ballooned by up to $4 Billion! Find out more from Citizen Sarah over at Texas Vox.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the Texas' GOP leadership that thinks our state's economy is just fine, Dunnam hammers Perry, Dewhurst - GOP needs to face rality on economy in Texas. They'll be singing a different tune when they're out of work in 2011.
TEXPAC, the Texas Medical Association's political action committee, hosted a forum where all six declared US Senate candidates -- John Sharp, Bill White, Elizabeth Ames Jones, Florence Shapiro, Michael Williams, and Roger Williams -- made an appearance. See the videos posted by PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.
John Coby at Bay Area Houston wonders What does it take for a republican to resign?
Off the Kuff takes a look at how Houston's mayoral candidates are spending their money.
At WhosPlayin, Trace makes his case for why we need to talk to Iran.
Mean Rachel wonders why Texas Democratic statewide candidates have Electile Dysfunction.
At TexasKaos, liberaltexan brings us up to date on Republican efforts to "fight liberalism" on the A&M campus, and it ain't pretty. Check it out : Young, Conservative, and Intolerant.
This week Teddy at Left of College Station writes about the young, conservative, and intolerant Texas A&M Chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas and about the lies and misinformation that the Coalition for Life gives to women in front of Planned Parenthood. Check out the videos posted from President Obama’s visit to Texas A&M including an interview with a Texas A&M student, a rant from a member of the Texas Minuteman, and highlights from the anti-Obama protest.
Aruba Petroleum is drilling a Barnett Shale gas well in the backyard of Tim and Christine. Their property was taken, it's value diminished, they were threatened and now Aruba Petroleum spilled toxic drilling waste a few feet from where their daughter plays. Another tale (with VIDEO) about the Victims of the Shale on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog has a roundup of the Houston city elections and proposed Texas constitutional amendments.
The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the high cost of low turnout elections by examining Denton County. $25 a vote, anyone?
This week at McBlogger, we took a look at Hank Gilbert's plan to Get Texas Moving Again.
Big news from San Antonio, where with just days before City Council was to vote to move forward with the South Texas Nuclear Project expansion, officials suddenly announced that the cost estimate for the project had ballooned by up to $4 Billion! Find out more from Citizen Sarah over at Texas Vox.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the Texas' GOP leadership that thinks our state's economy is just fine, Dunnam hammers Perry, Dewhurst - GOP needs to face rality on economy in Texas. They'll be singing a different tune when they're out of work in 2011.
TEXPAC, the Texas Medical Association's political action committee, hosted a forum where all six declared US Senate candidates -- John Sharp, Bill White, Elizabeth Ames Jones, Florence Shapiro, Michael Williams, and Roger Williams -- made an appearance. See the videos posted by PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.
John Coby at Bay Area Houston wonders What does it take for a republican to resign?
Off the Kuff takes a look at how Houston's mayoral candidates are spending their money.
At WhosPlayin, Trace makes his case for why we need to talk to Iran.
Mean Rachel wonders why Texas Democratic statewide candidates have Electile Dysfunction.
At TexasKaos, liberaltexan brings us up to date on Republican efforts to "fight liberalism" on the A&M campus, and it ain't pretty. Check it out : Young, Conservative, and Intolerant.
This week Teddy at Left of College Station writes about the young, conservative, and intolerant Texas A&M Chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas and about the lies and misinformation that the Coalition for Life gives to women in front of Planned Parenthood. Check out the videos posted from President Obama’s visit to Texas A&M including an interview with a Texas A&M student, a rant from a member of the Texas Minuteman, and highlights from the anti-Obama protest.
Craig Watkins Endorses In HD 100 Battle
And the endorsement goes to..... Eric Johnson. In the HD 100 Democratic primary battle, first time candidate Eric Johnson will be taking on the incumbent Representative Terri Hodge.
Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins is now added to an increasing list of supporters for Eric Johnson, which includes Young Democrats of America past President David Hardt. Johnson is a Harvard bachelors recipient and Penn graduate of law, who worked for the powerful Haynes & Boone LLP, but now has his own practice. Johnson has also shown his will to fundraise, having raised $100,000 in 100 days a few months ago.
We here at the Leaf believe that many in the district feel that Rep. Hodge may be in for a lengthy battle in court next year, and may very well suffer the same fate as former Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill. Her federal court date, on charges of bribery and tax issues, has been set for March 8, 2010, less than one week after the March 2 primary election date. Throwing political weight towards a fresh face may be the only way to keep the primarily Democratic seat, and to fend off any sense of ethics allegations from Republican challengers. We are not sure how Johnson will parlay his ethics-challenged opponent into the race for the primary, but it is not looking pretty. Representative Hodge maintains her innocence, and currently maintains she will run for reelection.
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