The Texas Cloverleaf

Blog Action Day: Food

2011-10-16T13:44:00.000-05:00

Let's talk about food on this Blog Action Day 2011.

We all have to eat. But what we eat has become more of a concern over the years. Why are we all fat? Why are we having heart attacks at 40 or dying from cancer? Why are we eating high fructose corn syrup and wood in our food? All of these issues continue to persist, as Americans have become more and more of a food obsessed society.

Americans over the decades have become more and more food obsessed-- with TV shows telling you what to make and eat, and commercials telling you what to make and eat. But we need to be more obsessed with what we are putting into our bodies. Even if we overeat, we can still overeat the wrong things that are making us sick.

There is no reason why a chicken has to be crammed into a cage, unable to move, just so we can purchase a dozen eggs at a dollar. The same goes for pigs, cows, turkeys, and whatever other animal meat eaters choose to eat. Animals being crammed into confined spaces in their own shit is making us sick. But corporations tell us this is ok and that our meat is more affordable that way. We even allow them to put wood pulp in our food and call it fiber. It does not have to happen in order to feed our population.

When Charlton Heston yelled out in 1973 that "Soylent Green is people!" he wasn't far from the truth about the future society we now live in. The movie was talking about 2022 (the book was set in 1999) and we aren't there yet. But we need to make sure we never reach that point. We can and must read food labels and continue to be more diligent about what we eat, even if it is done in baby steps.

12,372 And Counting. Teaching Jobs Lost In Texas

2011-05-04T19:29:00.000-05:00

AUSTIN—More than 12,000 Texas public school teachers, librarians, administrators, and support staff have left their school job in the roughly three months since the Texas Legislature released proposed budget figures for the 2012-2013 biennium, according to data released Tuesday by the Texas Progressive Alliance.

"There is no bunk in these numbers," said Vince Leibowitz, chair of the Alliance, a group of progressive online activists including more than 50 netroots activists, bloggers, and online writers from across Texas. "These numbers are the cold, hard, truth and show precisely how significant an impact the proposed budget is already having on school districts across the state," Leibowitz said.

More alarming, he noted, is that the more than 12,000 layoffs, firings, and voluntary or forced retirements represent only a fraction of the devastating toll the proposed budget is taking on public education. "These reductions come from a grand total of 60 of the state's 1,234 school districts, less than five percent of all school districts statewide," he noted. "Imagine how high this number will be when data is collected for
all of these school districts," he continued.

The Alliance collected the data from publicly available sources including newspapers, television stations, and other media outlets that cover Texas school boards. The data was compiled by members of the Alliance and includes districts from all parts of the state. The data was released on the heels of an announcement by the Texas Legislative Budget Board that the proposed budget being considered by the Legislature will be the first since at least 1984 that does not adequately fund public school formula funding and makes no allowance for enrollment growth.

"Yesterday, Senator Ogden was quoted as saying that Texas school districts could 'live with,' five percent cuts," said Charles Kuffner, Vice Chair of the Alliance. "Evidently, Senator Ogden and Republicans in the Legislature, Governor Perry, and our state leadership think losing 12,000 public school employees, increasing class sizes, and reducing the quality of instruction are worth living with. We do not," Kuffner stated.

The Alliance will continue to track school district layoffs through the start of the 2011-2012 school year and today will ask readers of their blog to help them track this critically important number in ISDs across the state.

School District	Job Reductions	Source
Abilene	14	Abilene Reporter-News, 4/4/11
Arlington	538	Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4/7/11
Atlanta	14	KTAL 6
Austin	1,153	Austin American-Statesman, 4/6/11
Bay City	43	The Tribune, 4/25/11
Brownsville	275	The Monitor, 4/7/11
Canutillo	13	KVIA, 4/12/11
Cedar Hill	97	Dallas Morning News, 4/5/11
Clear Creek	17	The Bay Area Citizen, 3/11/11
Comal	92	New Braunfels Herald Zeitung, 4/5/11
Dallas	1,450	Dallas Morning News, 4/9/11 & Dallas Morning News, 4/9/11
Denton	274	Denton Chronicle, 3/23/11 & Denton Chronicle, 4/27/11
Eanes	98	Community Impact, 4/8/11
East Central	7	San Antonio Express-News, 3/25/11
Eastland	2	KTXS, 4/5/11
Ector	104	Odessa American, 4/11/11
El Paso	116	KVIA, 3/30/11
Floydada	5	KCBD, 4/6/11
Fort Bend	483	Click2Houston, 4/5/11
Fort Worth	553	KDFW, 4/12/11
Georgetown	142	KEYE, 3/3/11
Gorman	9	KTXS, 4/5/11
Hays	156	Hays Free Press, 3/23/11
Hitchcock	15	Galveston Daily News, 3/30/11
Houston	1,007	Houston Chronicle, 4/12/11
Hutto	74	Hutto ISD, 5/4/11
Irving	278	Dallas Morning News, 4/5/11
Katy	550	KTRK, 4/5/11
Keller	440	Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/3/11
Killeen	200	KXXV, 4/8/11
LaJoya	22	The Monitor, 4/8/11
Lake Travis	28	Community Impact, 4/8/11
LaMarque	50	Galveston Daily News, 4/7/11
Lamesa	11	KCBD, 4/6/11
Leander	213	Austiin American-Statesman, 3/22/11
Lewisville	422	Dallas Business Journal, 4/25/11 & Who is Playin, 4/14/11
Lubbock	70	Lubbock Avalanche Journal, 3/27/11
Magnolia	179	KHOU, 3/23/11
Marshall	18	KTBS, 4/19/11
New Braunfels	127	KSAT, 4/7/11
North East	69	WOAI, 4/12/11
Northside	973	San Antonio Express-News, 4/27/11
Pasadena	340	Houston Chronicle, 4/6/11
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo	5	The Monitor, 4/8/11
Plainview	10	KCBD, 4/6/11
Plano	344	Dallas Morning News, 3/29/11
Post	8	KCBD, 4/6/11
Round Rock	280	Fox 7 Austin, 3/25/11
San Angelo	35	San Angelo Standard-Times, 3/26/11
Santa Maria	26	KRGV, 4/13/11
Shallowater	8	KCBD, 4/6/11
Slaton	5	KCBD, 4/6/11
Socorro	100	El Paso Times, 4/10/11
Somerset	73	San Antonio Express-News, 4/12/11
Spring Branch	350	Springbranch ISD, 4/6/11
Tornillo	13	El Paso Times, 4/10/11
Waco	200	KXXV, 4/8/11
West Oso	20	KIII, 3/10/11
Wichita Falls	134	Wichita Falls Record-News, 4/2/11
Wyline (Abilene)	1	KTXS, 4/5/11
TOTAL	12,353

UPDATE #1: Diboll ISD, 5 more. New total - 12,358. Source - KTRE, 4/27/11

UPDATE #2: Refugio ISD, 14 more. New total - 12,372. Source - Refugio Country Press, 4/25/11

Texas Blog Roundup

2011-05-02T17:33:00.002-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance is proud of President Obama and the Navy SEALS as it brings you this week's roundup.

Marxists, CFL light bulbs, and Paul Tsongas? These topics and more were discussed during the recent Congressman Michael Burgess town hall meeting in Frisco, covered by the Texas Cloverleaf.

We have a new map for the State House. Off the Kuff has a first look at it.

At TexasKaos, liberaltexan explains the Republican Path to Plutocracy. Are you listening Paul Ryan?

Former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby served in the office longer than anybody else. So when Hobby sounded the alarm bell on Texas' lack of leadership, in a poem he wrote entitled "The Perverted Village," Letters From Texas figured people better listen up.

Texas state comptroller Susan Combs is under intense fire for allowing the personal data of 3.5 million Texans unsecured for more than a year. Calls for her resignation and various lawsuits aren't being quelled by her belated apologies and offers to pay for credit monitoring services for those affected. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs sees a political career crashing in flames, and a scrum among the GOP sharks in the tank to eventually replace her.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts that it's finally here, Texas Democrats have the opportunity they've been waiting for.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notes that republicans are going gangbusters killing public education and other institutions.

This week, McBlogger asks David Stockman to STOP THE DEFICIT MADNESS!

Neil at Texas Liberal noted that former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby---very much an establishment figure---is wondering if the Republican intent in the ongoing legislative session is to ruin Texas.

Marxists, Freedom From Florescents, and Paul Tsongas?

2011-04-29T21:28:00.001-05:00

Marxists, light bulbs, and former Senator Paul Tsongas were among a multitude of topics invoked during Congressman Michael Burgess's town hall meeting in West Frisco last evening. Here at the Leaf, we had other things to do, but thanks to the power of the interwebs, Burgess filmed his entire town hall live on Ustream and posted it to his website. In case he takes it down or moves it, we are posting it here (beware: it's an hour and a half of your life you may not get back, but feel free to skim)

Video streaming by Ustream

We expected the town hall to be the usual rah rah rally that local Republicans tend to get here in Denton County, but it wasn't so at Lone Star High School. It actually had some people who seemed to be Democrats asking questions.

The more liberal citizens made valid points in their questioning, on topics ranging from the destruction of Medicare under the Paul Ryan budget, how vouchers would ensure them insurance in lieu of Medicare, wanting to know why the GOP goes after small items like NPR or the EPA, and the fact the proposed budget is (as one citizen put it) "the wholesale transfer of wealth from the middle class to the rich". Burgess did do a fair job of answering questions rationally, however a few points are a little hard to grasp.

When asked about budget cuts and tax hikes, Burgess replied that he believed Medicaid to have fraud of 10%. That seemed like an odd number to us, so we did a quick Google search and came up with an article about the urban myth of 10% fraud. Apparently this number was tossed into the public realm by the General Accounting Office in 1992, with no documentation to support it. An anti-fraud group who helped push that number, and even settled on 6% as their number, has since dropped that number to 3%. But the 10% myth still persists, and was even pushed by Burgess. Burgess's solution to preventing Medicaid fraud is to treat it like Visa or Mastercard does. We weren't really sure what the hell that meant, other than the fact they have employees who look for fraudulent charges. And personally, we really don't want Medicaid to operate anywhere remotely close to how our credit cards do lately-- especially since one citizen stated he filed bankruptcy recently and received a credit card offer at 128% interest.

The fun part of attending or watching these town halls is like watching a tsunami on YouTube. You anticipate it hitting something hard and killing everything in its path, but you can't turn away from it until you see someone swept out to sea. That is what the "conservative" comments were like in this town hall. You had your typical Marxism claims, as the very 1st citizen made against the President. You had your concerns over 2nd amendment rights. You even had your charge that the President is turning into a dictator by going to war with Libya. But then you get down to the good shit.

One woman made more of a speech than a question, and seemed to be a Congressman Ron "Buy Gold" Paul groupie. She spoke of how the federal government owned 650 million acres of land that is rightfully ours and she wanted it returned. Needless to say Burgess just sort of listened and didn't board that bandwagon. Apparently this is a problem, but we aren't sure why. This article tries to explain it. We don't really get it, and kind of dismissed it when we saw Senator Jim DeMint's name. He is even nuttier than Ron Paul.

The largest applause of the night came during a discussion by one concerned citizen about the environment who we gather was pushing for CFL bulbs to be standard. Burgess retorted "what business does the federal government have in telling me what type of light bulb to use?" You would have thought he was Sir William Wallace shouting out against the might King of England, because that light bulb commented whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Really, people? Light bulbs? Really? That is what chaps your hide? Granted, Burgess admitted he looked too pasty under florescent light, but give us a break.

And you probably wonder how Paul Tsongas got into the mix? Burgess cited a 1993 speech Tsongas gave in Dallas about structural debt in entitlement programs and how we would be screwed in 20 years time. We're two years away from that 20 years. Low and behold, he did make such a speech. YouTube has a two minute clip of it--- that he gave at DePauw University in Indiana on April 30, 1993 that just happened to be posted to YouTube only ten days ago? Why would someone post it so recently? We don't doubt Burgess heard the speech, but did he really hear it in 1993 or did someone dredge it up recently? It would seem rather obscure to reference a presidential also ran from the early 90s, so we still think it is suspect.

There you have an hour and a half in a Cliffs Notes blog post. We're kind of glad the Congressman made it over to Frisco and Little Elm, so we can see the true disparity among constituents, as well as what kind of representative we have aside from his Obamacare sound bites on FOX News. Once the voters get past alleged "birther hotels" and the oppression of light bulbs, maybe we can move forward as a country.

Texas Blog Roundup

2011-04-18T18:45:00.000-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance sincerely hopes that the wildfires in West Texas will soon be controlled as it brings you this week's roundup.

The first State House redistricting map is out, and Off the Kuff has a look at it and some alternatives to it.

Letters From Texas poked fun at the...um...hard turn John Sharp's web domain has taken, in which somebody has...um...erected quite a different focus. But most of the week was spent on more serious concerns - the West Texas range fires.

Having previously declared himself out on supporting President Obama's re-election campaign, PDiddie at Brains and Eggs finds even less to like about the rumored candidacy of Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez for US Senate. Less, as in nothing.

The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the proposed TX House redistricting implications in Denton County.

This week on Left of College Station, Teddy covers the local politics of the City of College Station controversial vote to annex the community of Wellborn, and Teddy covers the national politics of the Congressional Republicans failure to lead by their politicalization of military pay. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines.

From Bay Area Houston: The Houston Chronicle asks How stupid are Texans?

DosCentavos opines on State Rep. Leo Berman's kinder gentler racism through a "cost-saving" English-only bill.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants everyone to know that Victoria DA Hissy Fit's tainted case against city officials has been dropped.

The Texas GOP released it's proposed map of Texas state House districts for the next decade. Dembones at Eye On Williamson posted about the most oddest shaped district in the map, Gerrymandering Wilco.

Libby Shaw at TexasKaos tells us that When Middle Schoolers Serve in Congress there is price to be paid.

Neil at Texas Liberal noted that Rick Perry has asked Barack Obama and Washington on help with Texas wildfires. While everybody impacted by the fires merits help, it sure is something that Washington-basher Rick Perry feels he must turn to the federal government to solve Texas problems. Where are the Texas Tea Party citizen-volunteer disaster relief teams to help people in need?

Like many, the crew at McBlogger is feeling the pinch of higher gas prices. What's really causing it and what can be done about it may surprise you.

TexasVox brings you a double dose of bad news about fracking, first bad news for the climate from shale gas as it could be warming the planet worse than coal and second, the awesome press conference put on by our TPA friend TXSharon about health effects from fracking. Oh, and on a completely unrelated note and blog, I warn you not to go see the new movie version of Atlas Shrugged.

Texas Redistricting Moves Forward, Part 2

2011-04-13T18:38:00.000-05:00

We posted this past weekend about Texas redistricting, and another map was released today. Rep. Burt Solomons has released the proposal for the newly redrawn Texas House districts. What that means for Denton County readers, is one extra house seat that will be up for grabs. What that means for Republicans, is one extra house seat in Denton County.

Looking at Plan H 113, the newly proposed District 106 would cover parts of northern and eastern Denton County, taking parts of the previous boundaries of District 63, 64, and 65. The largest towns in the new district would be The Colony, Little Elm, and the western portion of Frisco that overlaps into the county. The rest of the district is effectively rural.

Without even doing deep number crunching, it would be classified as a Solid Republican district. There are definitely strong Democratic numbers in the proposed district based on the numbers from 2008, but those President Obama voters who opted for hope and change opted not to vote in 2010. Some of them may opt not to vote again in 2012.

For Democrats to win any of the 4 house districts Denton County, it will take demographic changes that haven't quite happened yet in the county. Maybe one day soon.

Texas Blog Roundup

2011-04-12T18:17:00.000-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance reminds you that it does not shut down as it brings you this week's blog roundup.

Off the Kuff discusses the bet the Republicans have made about how the voters will react to deep cuts to public education.

At TexasKaos, Lightseeker warns Don't Buy Into the Lie - Help Spread the Truth About the Fiscal Mess! Updated with video! Check it out - be part of the solution, not part of the problem...

From Bay Area Houston: Unlike the gop who believes the solution to teen pregnancy is duct tape and a $50,000 speaking engagement by Bristol Palin, PP actually provides education services, family planning services, and low cost birth control.

Barack Obama asked the question "Are You In?" last week, and PDiddie at Brains and Eggs decided he wasn't.

Texas has a revenue problem that's so bad even the GOP is starting to realize it. WCNews at Eye On Williamson posted about that this week, Texas GOP tax talk getting louder.

The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the potential, and potentially wacky, new districts in which Denton County might end up.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notes that republicans want to stop you from voting, kill public education and control women's uteri. Did you see anything about creating jobs, except for the special uterus police?

More bad news for fracking from Public Citizen's Texas Vox blog, as they report House Appropriation will discuss on Thursday the tax exemption for "high cost" wells, valued at several billion dollars that should be going to schools and health care. As fate would have it, they had already planned to join a press conference that morning led by TPA's own TXSharon on health impacts of fracking- click for details!

Neil at Texas Liberal noted that while it is great for Houston Mayor Annise Parker that she raised $1 million for her reelection campaign in a single night, this fact is much less relevance to a public that finds little to care about in a Houston city politics that is nearly devoid of grassroots enthusiasms.

Largest Breach Of Personal Info In TX History On Susan Combs Watch

2011-04-12T09:23:00.001-05:00

3.5 million birth dates and social security numbers were made available to the public via the Texas Comptroller yesterday. The breach is said to be the largest security mishap in state history.

Apparently this wasn't just a one day screw up. The information was on a public server for one year. This included names, addresses, date of birth, social security number, and driver's license numbers from people in the databases of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission, and Employees Retirement System of Texas.

It is no telling how people's identities will now be stolen and who's credit and life will be potentially be ruined. You may see all of the fly by night companies who try to help guard against identity theft, but they really do not help most people who are victimized. It can take years, and sometimes not even then, for a person's credit report to be clear of fraud.

In a time when our economy is floundering, people are out of work, and Texas prepares to lay off hundreds of thousands more people, this is not something to take lightly. While the Attorney General is going to perform a criminal investigation, it should be noted that a "shit, my bad" response from the Comptroller's office really is not sufficient in this case. Susan Combs and her employees should be held accountable.

Texas Redistricting Moves Forward

2011-04-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

While the budget fight continues in the Texas Legislature, the much anticipated redistricting process has begun to move along as well. While none of the plans are official, some possibilities have been submitted. You can view them on the Texas Legislative Council's district viewer.

State Board of Education, Texas House, Texas Senate, and US Congress must all be redrawn as a result of Texas's increase in population in the 2010 US Census. One would think that this may benefit some Democrats, as most populations have increased in urban areas and among minorities, but Republicans will most likely ensure to gerrymander the districts according to their liking to prevent such a case.

It seems the only official potential redraw has been done by Rep. Burt Solomons for the SBOE. Those of us in Denton County would be part of the redrawn 11th district, which would be smaller than the current beyond massive 14th district. The only drawback to being placed in district 11 is it will still be solidly Republican and is currently held by someone even more right wing than Gail Lowe. Patricia Hardy is a member of the right wing social agenda on the board and would most likely hold her seat.

Apparently citizens can submit what they think the new districts should look like as well, as there are a number of proposals for Congressional districts on the website currently. Only one plan seems intent on keeping Denton County in one district, but it would place it with Collin County. The others have it split up among either 2 or 3 districts. But the intent is clear, in order to ensure Denton County, or at least parts of it, remain Republican.

We should not expect Rep. Solomons to do us any favors here on the home front. The hope may be slim, but hopefully some of these districts will at least give Democrats the potential to represent their constituents fairly.

Speaking Out Against Firearms On Campus

2011-02-27T16:10:00.000-06:00

Thanks to a simple prod from a friend who is a teacher, I decided to send this letter to my Texas state reps, Rep. Myra Crownover and Sen. Jane Nelson. You should do the same in your own way.....

I am writing you today to speak out against allowing concealed handguns on college campuses in Texas. Bills such as HB 86, HB 750, and SB 354 have the intention of providing for a safe school environment, but in fact it they have the opposite effect.

In speaking with friends who are teachers in community colleges, and professors at state universities, they are fearful. They are not afraid of the lone gunman who has mental issues. They are fearful knowing they will have to teach in an environment that allows for anyone to conceal a weapon.

We should ask ourselves, “where did it go wrong?” When did we evolve from a mindset that prevented weapons from being brought onto campuses to a mindset that will allow anyone to toss their handgun of choice into their book bag?

I admit I did not attend school in Texas, but I certainly attended school in real world modern situations. My high school in the rural suburb of McLeansville North Carolina banned the use of book bags because of a problem with concealed weapons on campus. Our principal made that decision to keep weapons out, not allowing more weapons onto school grounds. When I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, concealed firearms were not allowed. Our Chancellor made that decision to keep weapons out, not allowing more weapons on campus. I also happen to be the victim of armed robbery in Raleigh, although not on a campus. I can assure you in that situation, a concealed weapon would not have helped.

Providing students, faculty, and staff a safe environment, without worry of someone in the classroom carrying a 9mm or larger caliber firearm of choice around with them, should be the goal of higher education. Providing proper funding for campus police, buddy systems, and mental health clinics should be the goal of the 82nd Legislature.

Texas Blog Roundup

2011-01-31T19:46:00.000-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance brings you this week's blog roundup, sponsored in part by the impending Ice-pocalypse.

Off the Kuff took an early look at fundraising for 2011 city of Houston elections.

The Big Gas Mafia says it's impossible but hydraulic fracturing causes gas to migrate threatening life...AGAIN. TXsharon puts 2 and 2 together at Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Bay Area Houston has a press release from Rick Perry titled Rick Perry Asks Republican Voters to Quit Their State Jobs.

Texas republican at the forefront to kill Medicare. CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme is not surprised.

This week at Left of College Station, Teddy calls out Congressman Bill Flores’ health care hypocrisy for voting to repeal health care reform that ensures health care for millions of Americans while voting against repealing his own government health care. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines.

The Texas Cloverleaf highlights the TX state house GOP vote against open government.

Ryan at TexasVox asks "Where's the outrage?" from TCEQ approving another polluting power plant despite local opposition, warnings from the EPA, and rulings from two SOAH hearings, this time the ironically named Las Brisas plant in Corpus Christi.

During the voter I.D. legislation fight on the floor of the Texas Senate last week, a new problem emerged on the policy. And it's not what you think this time - potential problems for minorities, or the elderly, or rural Texans, or poor folks. This time, it's a problem with your right to vote. Yes, you. Letters From Texas explains why.

Eye On Williamson, points out that the GOP's proposed budget is asking for huge sacrifices from poor and working Texans, but little or nothing from the wealthy and corporations, the Texas GOP budget proposal is morally bankrupt.

Ever been broken down on the side of the road and everybody in the car is arguing about who's going to get out in the rain and try to fix what's wrong? Well, that's where the state's highway fund is. And our Austin representatives are "ready to have a discussion" about it. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs double-checked, and no, nobody has a roadside assistance plan, either.

At TexasKaos, Libby Shaw serves up a heaping helpin' of snark, in Governor Rick Perry Urges Republican Voters to Abandon Public Schools. By the reactions she got, she ruffled a few feathers. You go girl!

Neil at Texas Liberal had jury duty in the past week. Neil dressed well for jury duty and feels that you should do the same when you are called. What merits greater respect than our common society?

Texas State House GOP Votes Against Open Government

2011-01-27T21:51:00.001-06:00

The super majority of Texas Republicans in the new State Legislature already managed to break campaign promises in the first month in session.

House Democrats proposed common sense rules in regards to open government, spending, etc for this session and every single item was voted down by the Republicans. Here is a list (with the sponsoring house member in parentheses):

Ensuring the public can monitor meetings of conference committees- small groups of hand-picked lawmakers who are able to make last minute changes to legislation. (Rep. Lon Burnam)
Requiring every bill that costs the state money to be considered after the budget has been finally passed. (Rep. Jessica Farrar)
Giving every House member access, upon request, to budget documents given to the Appropriations committee, and any Appropriation subcommittee. (Rep. Pete Gallego)
Empowering House members to detail the impact of the projected budget cuts to their own home county. (Rep. Roland Gutierrez)
Banning unfunded mandates to local government. (Rep. Donna Howard & Rep. Garnet Coleman)
Requiring an estimate of how a bill would impact either the creation or destruction of jobs in the private sector. (Rep. Marc Veasey)
Allowing a five-day layout period for the final version of the budget, giving time for everyone, lawmakers and the public, to review and understand it. (Rep. Armando Walle)

It makes you wonder why they would reject such rules? Things that make you go hmmmm.

++++Editor's Note

A commenter wanted citations to the votes in question. And one was corrected to reflect the proper House member. Here you all go.

The votes in question correlate to amendments to the House Rules, or HR 4 (http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HR4). Links to the pages in the House Journal that show the text of the amendment, and the individual record votes by each House member.

The Burnam Amendment (Amd. 28): http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/82r/pdf/82RDAY07FINAL.PDF#page=144

The Farrar Amendment (Amd. 24): http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/82r/pdf/82RDAY07FINAL.PDF#page=137

The Gallego Amendment (Amd. 32): http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/82r/pdf/82RDAY07FINAL.PDF#page=151

The Gutierrez Amendment (Amd. 25): http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/82r/pdf/82RDAY07FINAL.PDF#page=138

The Howard/Coleman Amendment (Amd. 21): http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/82r/pdf/82RDAY07FINAL.PDF#page=128

The Veasey Amendment (Amd. 13): http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/82r/pdf/82RDAY07FINAL.PDF#page=120

The Walle Amendment (Amd. 31): http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/82r/pdf/82RDAY07FINAL.PDF#page=137

Young Conservatives of Texas Out Of Touch With Texas?

2011-01-20T23:16:00.000-06:00

The Young Conservatives of Texas graced us with their legislative agenda for the 82nd Texas Legislature this week. The group was first formed in 1980, and apparently still holds true to values from 1980. Mind you, they also claim to be nonpartisan.

While perusing their agenda, a few things stick out to me. Their Top 15 Legislative Priorities are quite the priority list. "1. Concealed Carry On Campus". Really? That is number 1? Out of all things that Texas will face this year, like the gaping $27 Billion budget hole, hiding your pistol on campus is priority one?

Number 9 is rather interesting as well: "Limiting the authority of cities to annex territory without explicit voter approval". I am sure there are folks out there who would love not to have their rural home gobbled up by an encroaching city, but there is this thing called extra territorial jurisdiction that gives them that right and also the right to enforce their will on an area outside the city. That is a long precedent and will take a lot to get rid of.

They also go onto say they oppose gambling. Totally not fun.

And when I thought things could not get worse, they saved their worst for the last page. The "Family/Ethical Issues" is an assault on women, the LGBT community, and people who don't want to stick to missionary sex. They want to regulate a woman's right to choose. They want to oppose any and all rights of LGBT people to marry or get a civil union, even going so far as to oppose domestic partnership benefits. They also want to enforce Texas sodomy laws. Didn't we already have a Supreme Court of the United States ruling that it was ok to fuck a Young Conservative of Texas in the mouth? I am pretty sure we did. Of course, Lawrence v. Texas did not explicitly call for that, it does give one the option.

The main point is, YCT's are out of touch with reality and out of touch with Texas. Equality Texas recently commissioned a poll in 2010. Among the findings, 63% of Texans believe gays and lesbians should be allowed to have a civil union. 5 years ago, the state voted to ban all forms of recognition of those relationships. My how times have changed. If only the Young Conservatives would too.

TX Progressive Alliance Texan Of The Year: Fort Worth Councilman Joel Burns

2010-12-30T18:53:00.000-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance on Wednesday named Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burns as its 2010 Texan of the Year.

Burns, Fort Worth's District 9 City Councilman, received international attention and acclaim in October after delivering a speech at a Forth Worth City Council meeting concerning suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth as part of Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" campaign.

In his speech, Burns spoke eloquently and emotionally about his experiences as a teen facing bullying in Crowley because of his sexual orientation. Burns' speech, which became an internet sensation, resulted in interviews on CNN, NPR's All Things Considered, an in-studio interview with the Today Show's Matt Lauer, and an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

"Joel Burns' speech did more to raise awareness of the difficulties LGBT youth in Texas face on a daily basis perhaps more than anything else this year," said Vince Leibowitz, Chair of the Texas Progressive Alliance. "His courageous action in delivering this speech was worthy of recognition, and progressives everywhere should salute him," Leibowitz continued.

TPA Vice Chair Charles Kuffner of Houston echoed these sentiments. "As progressives, we stand for equality for all people. It is rare that public officials have the courage to do what Joel Burns did," he noted.

Burns, the first openly gay municipal elected official in Tarrant County, was first elected in 2007.

Burns joins past TPA Texans of the year including Houston Mayor Annise Parker (2009); the Harris County Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign (2008); the House Democratic Leadership Team of State Rep. Jim Dunnam, State Rep. Garnet Coleman, and State Rep. Pete Gallego (2007); and Carolyn Boyle and Texas Parent PAC (2006).

In addition to giving Burns its top honors, the Alliance also named Dr. Al Armendariz, Administrator for Region 6 of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Texas DREAMers as Honorable Mentions.

Armendariz was recognized for cracking down on polluters in Texas in spite of immense political pressure from state leaders and corporations. Armendariz issued the first Emergency Imminent and Substantial Endangerment Order against a natural gas operator in Parker County which caused high levels of methane in private water wells.

The Texas DREAMers--students and activists involved in supporting the DREAM Act through peaceful protest and other means, were recognized for their work in Texas which has included everything from organizing phone banks to call and persuade U.S. Senators, to staging sit-ins and demonstrations at the offices of U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. The group has even staged hunger strikes in support of its efforts.

The Texas Progressive Alliance is a coalition of more than 50 of Texas' most prominent netroots activists, blogs, and bloggers united to help further the progressive movement in Texas. Founded in 2006, the TPA is the largest state-based coalition of netroots activists in the United States and was instrumental in bringing Netroots Nation to Texas in 2008.

DADT is DEAD!

2010-12-18T19:08:00.000-06:00

Ding dong the wicked witch is dead! I totally feel like the friend of Dorothy I am right now. Don't Ask Don't Tell has been repealed on a Senate vote of 65-31. Now all of our men and women in uniform can ask, tell, stay mum, or whatever, just like every red blooded American should be able to do, without fear of losing their job.

Unfortunately, we still have 31 Senators who voted no. Two of them were Texas's very own John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison. Really? Come on, even North Carolina's Richard Burr voted for repeal. And that either took some balls on his part, or he was simply confused like most days after eating too many Krispy Kremes.

What is it going to take to get through to Republicans like the ones that fall on the side of the 31, that LGBT people are people? We are not sub human. We eat. We breathe. We die. We work. And some of us even get elected by their peers to sit beside these same stalwarts. Not necessarily in that order.

President Franklin D Roosevelt once said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself". The fear remains in the heads of these people and not in reality. I can only hope that the next generation of Senators have these fears alleviated by seeing no harm has come to our country by moving forward with these baby steps in our law.

I will enjoy my holiday in knowing that I move one step closer to being equal and someone else's fear is removed.

Fart Fairies Contaminate Parker County Well Water

2010-12-12T13:44:00.000-06:00

Our fellow TPA cohorts at Whosplayin, have an interesting spotting of the elusive fart fairy. In case you were unaware, if you have well water in the Barnett Shale drilling area of Texas, these magical creatures can just come around whenever they please and fart in your drinking water! After all, how else could it possibly be set on fire when coming out of your tap?

These brownie-esque creatures have recently been spotted in Parker County, leaving their odors wherever they see fit, even near the clean gas drilling wells!

When asked to comment during a recent stop in Mineral Wells, Santa Claus denied rumors of these so called fair fairies. "Fairies? That is crazy talk. Next thing you know, these people 'round here will be blaming the local gas drilling companies for their problems."

Sleazy Staples Campaign Manager Infiltrates Internal Hank Gilbert Conference Call

2010-10-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

Cody McGregor, the campaign director for TX Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, apparently got a hold of the phone number for an internal staff call of Democratic challenger Hank Gilbert. Records show a call placed into the line from the same cell phone number used on Texans for Todd Staples press releases. Sounds pretty sleazy to me.

Blog Action Day 2010: Clean Water In The Shale

2010-10-15T09:22:00.001-05:00

Water water everywhere nor any drop to drink. Or so the Rime of the Ancient Mariner goes. In North Texas, it proves true for some people.

The Barnett Shale area of North Texas, concentrated in Denton, Tarrant, and Wise counties, has been a boom area for natural gas drilling. America's quest for oil independence has lead to the quest for more drills. With more drills comes more pollution.

While the gas industry is fully aware of steps it can take to prevent pollution, it fails to do so in Texas. Thanks to an exemption in the national Clean Air & Water acts, gas drilling can not be regulated as much as you would think. And thanks to a Texas government, who simply turns a blind eye to the horror stories of this area, many residents are suffering the consequences.

The process by which gas is extracted from shale involves boring into the ground down and then sideways. The well is them pumped with thousands of gallons of water, and more often than not this water also contains a toxic cocktail only the industry really knows about. The pressure fractures the shale ("frack" as it is termed), and the gas is released for extraction.

The quest for the cleaner burning fuel, has lead to unregulated industry, who has overlooked the public welfare and is only looking at dollar signs. Not only have dangerous levels of the chemical benzene been found in the air, but ground water has been polluted as well. Hundreds, or even thousands, of people have been affected. Water ells have been poisoned by runoff from gas well production. It is a bad sign when you water smells bad, or is maybe discolored. But it gets far worse when you can set your tap on fire when you turn on the faucet.

I worry about these issues a lot. I live in Denton County. Although there are relatively few gas wells near my home, if any at all, the fear that the Texas Railroad Commission and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will allow someone to set up shop near my house and the source of our drinking water, Lake Lewisville, is frightening. I am an elected board President of a Fresh Water Supply District in Paloma Creek, outside Little Elm, set up to do one main thing—provide clean water services to residents. Once my neighborhood is finished being built, it will have 5000 homes, and we are not the only ones getting our water from the same source.

Blog Action Day is all about water around the world. While we do not have it as bad as other places, we still need to worry about our water supply. Conservation and responsible business is key to preserving our future.

Todd Staples TX Dept of Agriculture Responsible For Child's Death

2010-10-14T17:34:00.000-05:00

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal is reporting a case from 2007 that resulted in the death of a Texas child. 2 year old Vantashia Samuels died from the mis application of the toxin Phostoxin on her home in Lubbock. The chemical was meant to kill roaches. Instead, it poisoned an entire family and killed a toddler. The Texas Department of Agriculture could have prevented the situation had it not laid off regulatory field inspectors in order for Commissioner Todd Staples to show a budget surplus in the department. This is just another example of what happens when Republicans look at dollar signs and their own egos, rather than the public good.

Michael Burgess Wants FEMA Help, But Votes Against FEMA Funding

2010-10-14T17:26:00.000-05:00

Congressman Michael Burgess’ recent comments bemoaning the failure of the federal government to come to the aid of North Texans to help clean up and repair damage caused by Tropical Storm Hermine are hypocritical because Burgess voted against funding for FEMA disaster relief, Neil Durrance, the Congressman’s opponent in the November 2 election said early Wednesday.

In a press statement issued by Burgess’ office, the Congressman criticizes the federal government’s lack of assistance and failure to declare a disaster in multiple Texas counties following Hermine, noting, “it is the responsibility of the federal government to aid the state and counties in clean-up and repairing the damage the storm caused.”

Durrance said Burgess’ stance is hypocritical because the incumbent Congressman voted against the very aid funding that would help North Texans.

Burgess voted against $2 billion in funding for FEMA disaster relief, $844 million to operate FEMA, $200 million for FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, and against $330 million in funding for Emergency Management Performance Grants for state and local government disaster mitigation and preparedness programs. [111^th Congress, Roll Call Vote No. 450, H.R. 2892, June 24, 2009]

He was one of only 37 congressmen to vote against the bill.

“I can’t believe that the same Congressman who voted against the funds that would be used for clean-up and repairs in North Texas would now complain about North Texas not getting the funds,” Durrance said. “It’s the case of Dr. Burgess and Mr. Hyde,” he continued.

Durrance, a former Denton City Councilman and attorney, said Burgess’ behavior was typical of an out-of-touch Washington insider who has been inside the Beltway too long.

“He’s been in Washington so long he’s forgotten that people back home in the district have access to the Internet and can actually go online and look up his voting record and see that he voted against the very funds he’s complaining about,” Durrance said.

Durrance said that when he is the District’s Congressman, he’ll work on behalf of North Texans and not simply spring up like a jack-in-the-box any time he feels it will get his name in print.

“This is a clear cut example of why North Texas needs new leadership in Congress,” Durrance noted. “He says that it is the federal government’s responsibility to help in the event of a disaster, but votes against the very appropriations that make it possible. That’s nothing more than the politics of convenience,” Durrance said.

“I disagree with the President’s decision not to declare a disaster for the counties affected by Hermine, and I would have never voted against funds that would help the residents and governments of our district recover from a disaster,” Durrance said.

Bipartisan Group of Former Court of Criminal Appeals Staff Attorneys Endorse Keith Hampton

2010-09-28T21:47:00.000-05:00

This comes on the heels of the Dallas Morning News endorsement of Democrat Keith Hampton for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals..........

Yesterday, a bipartisan group of twelve former Texas Court of Criminal Appeals staff attorneys from across the state endorsed attorney and Democrat Keith Hampton over incumbent Judge Michael Keasler for Place 6 on the Court. Citing Mr. Hampton’s extensive criminal law experience and lifelong commitment to justice for all, the group of six former staff attorneys to Republican judges and six to Democratic judges put partisanship aside in favor of what is best for the Texas judicial system.

“I am very honored to have gained the trust of such a highly respected group of attorneys,” Hampton said “The bipartisan nature of this group alone is so encouraging. I take from their vote of confidence that those people who know the Court of Criminal Appeals the best see that it needs change, regardless of party.”

The list includes former staff attorneys to Republican Court of Criminal Appeals Judges Barbara Hervey, Cheryl Johnson, Mike McCormick, and Lawrence Meyers; and Democratic CCA Judges Charlie Baird, Sam Houston Clinton, Leon Douglas, Rusty Duncan, and Chuck Miller. The full list of endorsing attorneys is below.

“Once the election ends, the robe goes on, the partisanship ends, and my job becomes restrained application of legal precedent,” Hampton said.

Keith Hampton has practiced criminal law in Texas for over twenty years. If elected, Hampton would be the only Court of Criminal Appeals judge to try all aspects of death penalty cases, including in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. A graduate of the University of Texas and St. Mary’s School of Law, Hampton has clerked for the Court of Criminal Appeals and lobbied for criminal justice reform at the Texas Legislature on behalf of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA). In addition to repeated recognition from Best Lawyers and Texas Super Lawyers, Hampton has been awarded the TCDLA President’s Award seven times. A native of Burkburnett, Texas, Hampton lives in Austin with his wife, Cynthia, and daughter, Rebekah.

The Court of Criminal Appeals is the highest criminal court in Texas and hears all criminal appeals, including capital cases. Judges on the Court of Criminal Appeals are elected statewide and currently all seats on the Court are held by Republicans. For more information about the race, visit www.hamptonforjudge.com

Casey Ashmore, former briefing attorney, Judge Barbara Hervey (R)

Mike Charlton, former briefing attorney, Judge Leon Douglas (D)

Bob Ford, former briefing attorney, Judge Mike McCormick (R)

Raman Gill, former briefing attorney, Judge Lawrence Meyers (R)

Rick Hagen, former briefing attorney, Judge Rusty Duncan (D)

Linda Icenhauer-Ramirez, former research attorney, Judge Mike McCormick (R)

Amy Martin, former briefing attorney, Judge Cheryl Johnson (R)

Jani Masselli, former staff attorney, Judge Charlie Baird (D)

Chris Morgan, former briefing attorney, Judge Sam Houston Clinton (D)

Robin Norris, former research attorney, Judge Lawrence Meyers (R)

David Smith, former briefing attorney, Judge Sam Houston Clinton (D)

Gary Taylor, former briefing attorney, Judge Charlie Baird (D)

Todd Staples Abuses Texas Dept of Agriculture Powers

2010-09-18T16:05:00.000-05:00

In what his opponent called a "stunning abuse of official capacity," Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples yesterday directed his agency's General Counsel to send threatening letters to a Tyler television station that have covered the ongoing saga surrounding non-compliant gas pumps in East Texas.

KETK-TV, Tyler's NBC affiliate, received a letter from TDA General Counsel Dolores Alvarado Hibbs yesterday complaining about coverage and demanding the station retract parts of its coverage relating to non-compliant gas pumps. The letters came after the station had difficulty reaching anyone at TDA for comment on the initial story after Staples' campaign failed to return calls from reporters.

"This is a stunning abuse of official capacity," said Hank Gilbert, the Texas Democratic Party's nominee for Agriculture Commissioner. "In an election year, to cover his own incompetence and wanton disregard for consumer protection, Todd Staples had a TDA attorney send threatening letters to the media," he continued. "This kind of Nixonian tactic is an outrageous waste of taxpayer dollars and slap in the face to the concept of a free and independent media. Todd Staples ought to be ashamed of himself," Gilbert said.

Gilbert also pointed out that Hibbs was one of a handful of TDA employees to receive lump-sum bonuses under Staples' leadership.

Good And Evil In Texas

2010-07-01T15:06:00.001-05:00

The Texas Republican Platform.

Evil.

The Texas Democratic Party Platform.

Good.

Enough said.

Rick Perry's Lies

2010-05-27T10:53:00.001-05:00

I decided I wasn't going to blog for a while, but I think I will just throw things on here every now and again (I know it's an addiction). As many people know, our esteemed Governor Rick Perry spends our tax money on a mega mansion, rather than living in a trailer like most people would do during their home repairs. So I bring to you a new song I wrote. Sing it to the tune of Owl City's Fireflies.

You would not believe your eyes

That Rick Perry spreads his lies

About how he just doesn't spend

He's got a big ol' house

With full bar to get soused

He spends 10 thousand on the rent

He's got lots of rooms in there

And many just for his hair

It takes a lot of time to primp and preen

I'd like to make myself believe

That Rick Perry spends slowly

It's hard to see that he is really a conservative today

But everything is never as it seems

700 dollar clothes rack

A private chef to make a snack

That heated pool is just really warm

A thousand bucks for drapes

A butler to peel some grapes

18 grand to buff the dirty floor

I'd like to make myself believe

That Rick Perry spends slowly

It's hard to see that he is really a conservative today

But everything is never as it seems

More MUD Action In Denton County

2010-05-04T08:48:00.001-05:00

Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe over at the DRC does a good job exposing another "municipal utility district" in Denton County that is set to be created. Developers of the Shiney Hiney Development Corp (SHDC Partners Ltd) have thrown another random Joe Blow onto a 1000 acres of property and he will be the lone vote to create the district this month. This has been the m.o. of developers in the state, in what has been called "developer welfare".

Special districts go back many years in Texas and most operate under the Texas Water Code because they were created for rural areas who needed water. Developers decided they would be a good way to develop large tracts outside of cities without the support of city funds, thus the special districts. Denton County has been fond of the Fresh Water Supply District (FWSD) and Water Control & Improvement District (WCID) method. Areas like Houston have the Municipal Utility District (MUD). Each have their own slight variations in powers over roads and water/sewer under the Code.

The more I hear about these things the more it intrigues me. I was recently elected to my own board of directors for one of these districts that controls part of Paloma Creek. But what spurred me to get on the board, was the somewhat opaque nature of the projects. Case in point, Shiney Hiney. A random 30 year old from Dallas is plopped down in a trailer on a plot of land to vote in hundreds of millions of dollars in bonds, and to vote on five people who do not even live in the area to serve as the governing body. That has been the exact same method of creation of every district in Denton County that operates under these auspices. It is no doubt good for the developer. They get paid back for fronting the money to build. Win win for them. It is also win win for many of these local towns. They don't have to build infrastructure, but can later expand and incorporate the districts into their city limits many years later.

But it seems it is win lose for residents. The tax burden on local residents is higher than in a city. I personally pay $1/$100 in taxes just to my local water district. Compare that to most cities who levy somewhere around 30 to 40 cents. Residents also are faced with trying to figure out who controls what, especially when you have the water districts contracting with other government entities to provide local services.

Transparency is definitely an issue in government and that is why myself and other neighbors have been elected to our board. We want what is best for where we live. Hopefully the Shiney Hiney will be a shiney as they expect it to be, and not just an ass.

Act Of Stupid: Rick Perry Thinks God Created The Oil Spill

2010-05-03T18:38:00.000-05:00

I like living in Texas, although there are many days where I question why I moved here. Usually those days have to do with weather, such as when it is 90 one day and 70 the next. Maybe it has to do with toll roads every where I look. But today marks a special day. I now know, for certain, why I question my move here. Rick Perry.

I must admit, I was a fence rider in 2002 and going back and forth between parties. Rick Perry looked like a harmless guy. I heard so many bad things about Sanchez that year, I couldn't help but vote for the guy who replaced George W Bush. Boy was I ever wrong! Perry to this day is the last Republican I ever voted for. And for good reason, such as statements such as today's. Rick Perry referred to the explosion of the oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, and subsequent natural disaster as an "act of God".

I'm no theological scholar and am a bit atheistic, but I don't think God ever smote anyone by blowing up oil rigs. God was more tactful, sending plagues of locusts, and tangible things like that. But blowing up a rig, sinking it, and then letting the well leak thousands upon thousands of gallons of oil, is a bit outside of God's master plan, no? I mean, what did shrimp ever do to piss God off? Did they eat themselves? That would be very un-shrimp-like. Maybe they were gay shrimp, and just totally threw Leviticus out the window and gave a prawn sized "fuck you" to the Almighty.

With this line of thinking, Perry loses any shred of credibility he has left, unless of course you believe in the theory that everything is God's will and we are just mindless pawns in a game of Civilization that God is playing on his new Vista machine. God did not cause this. Man did. Man's abuse of the Earth he was supposedly provided by God. If God is going to do any weird acts, it might be now, because we keep royally fucking up his planet.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-05-03T18:23:00.000-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance is enjoying the May flowers as we bring you this week's blog roundup.

Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project is A BIG BUNCH OF MEANIES according to a major industry publication. OGAP is so mean for "setting up shop in Texas" and requiring that industry Drill-Right Texas. And, TXsharon is really, really mean on he blog Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Off the Kuff had a discussion of the city of Houston's term limits, which are currently under review.

In a first for WhosPlayin, a local school board trustee is compelled to admit he lied about his criminal record before the "liberal blogger" can write about it, based on act of investigating it.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to point out that border violence precipitated by poor drug policy has nothing to do with immigration reform. Think about it. Don't let fear mongers fool you.

Adam at Three Wise Men gives us the skinny on the upcoming midterms.

Governor MoFo had a decent media week: his two-month-old shooting of a coyote went national, and he pandered effectively to Texas Hispanics. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs summarizes the manipulations in "Rick Perry's not bad, pretty good week".

The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the possibility of the Arizona immigration law coming to Texas in 2011.

Neil at Texas Liberal wrote about one small way he maintains his faith in democracy despite all the dumb things taking place in daily life.

In a week full of immigration policy debates and talk of killing coyotes, Barfly at McBlogger chose to look at something far more troubling.

Bay Area Houston found Rick Perry's official campaign song, Macho Man by the Village People.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson Lt. Gov. David Dewhursts double standard on spending tax payer money, Please don't dew us like this.

Libby Shaw discovers the true prototype for Governor Perry's governing style: Beavis and Butthead. As she tells it: "Rick Perry has as much compassion and empathy for his constituents as would Beavis and Butt-Head. " She wonders, "...why does Rick Perry have serious problems with outreach programs, whether local, state or federal, all of which attempt to throw life lines to those who are in a desperate struggle, whether it is a financial burden, crippling health care costs, or top quality educational benefits for public schools? Check it all out at TexasKaos.

Republican Sharon Keller Fined For Ethics Violation

2010-04-30T12:05:00.001-05:00

Republican Judge Sharon "Killer" Keller was fined $100,000 by the Texas Ethics Commission for failure to disclose over $2 million in assets on required financial disclosure statements. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals presiding judge must now find a way to fork over the money. Maybe sell some assets?

Keller is best known for her banking hours that lead to the execution of a man attempting to file a last minute appeal. She was on trial for 5 counts of judicial misconduct as a result of that blunder, although the case resulted in no reprimand. The latest fine is now the largest on record ever assessed by the TEC.

Now might be a good time to think about voting for Keith Hampton for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in November.

Arizona Anti Immigration Law To Come To Texas?

2010-04-28T10:25:00.001-05:00

According to several news outlets, TX State Rep Debbie Riddle of Tomball plans on introducing legislation similar to the extremely ridiculous law in Arizona that requires brown people to carry proof of citizenship. Apparently she had already introduced this in 2009, which did not make it out of committee. She will try again when the next session meets in 2011.

Although it should be noted, Riddle's bill requires law enforcement to confirm immigration status of a suspect before making an arrest, and also the suspect does not have to produce identification. An officer should have "reasonable suspicion" of the suspect being illegal. But what is "reasonable"? He/she looks like a Mexican? He/she's last name is Sanchez? He/she doesn't have a driver's license? What constitutes "reasonable"?

Riddle calls this a "common sense bill". Apparently she doesn't know what common decency is. She might ought to look into that first.

Terri Hodge Sentenced To One Year In Prison

2010-04-27T14:54:00.001-05:00

Former HD100 TX State Rep Terri Hodge was sentenced today to one year in prison for her role in the Dallas City Hall corruption case by falsifying income tax returns. She had faced up to 3 years, a $100k fine, and payment to the IRS.

The one year sentence sounds fair enough. I wonder if Dallas politicians have learned their lesson yet, with Hodge, Don Hill, and D'Angelo Lee all going to prison? Probably not. But one would hope.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-04-26T18:54:00.000-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance can't believe that school is finishing up and summer will soon be upon us. Before it gets too hot, here's a look at what's been going on this past week.

Help send the Texas Cloverleaf to Netroots Nation by voting on a DFA scholarship.

This week on Left of College Station, Teddy takes a look at the beginning of the campaign for TX-17 between Chet Edwards and Bill Flores. Also, Teddy covers money in local politics by looking at the campaign finance reports of College Station and Bryan municipal candidates. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines.

TXsharon stepped in DoodyGate this week! It appears Range Resources fabricated a toxic spill to cover up their illegal dump. When a toxic spill causes less hassle than doody, you know the Texas Railroad Commission "regulations" need updating. Will the City of Denton exercise their new found powers?

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme urges you to tell the Texas Legislature that legalizing drugs will stop the border violence. No profit. No drug war.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson post on the Texas GOP's ploy to raise taxes next year, if they're left in power, and try to blame it on Obama - we won't let them! Dewhurst lets the cat out of the bag.

This week, McBlogger would like to send out a massive thank you to Hank Gilbert for standing up and actually calling out Toll Road Todd for beating up, yet again, on Teh Gays.

Just a few weeks after WhosPlayin wrote a blog pointng out Lewisville ISD's illegal "zero tolerance" policy, the school board unanimously overturned it. But WhosPlayin continues to look for answers.

Off the Kuff took a closer look at that Rasmussen poll from last week.

The same thing that caused the deaths of miners in the Upper Big Branch mine is the same thing that caused the bursting of the housing bubble, the Lehman crash, and the implosion of our financial system. Read more at PDiddie's Brains and Eggs post entitled Consumer regulation as coal mine canary".

There is an old saw which says it is a poor general who blames his soldiers for defeat. With the question of Texas public education still unresolved and hurling toward the latest crisis of funding and quality, lightseeker at TexasKaos takes on a San Antonio Express editorial which proceeds to bash teachers and unions as the overlooked villains in this recurring horror show. Check it out : On Teacher Bashing , or Beating Up the Easy Target on Educational Failures.

Neil at Texas Liberal is pleased to announce that the blog now has a New York City correspondent. Lyuba Halkyn, a daughter of Ukrainian immigrants, will now offer up her views for the blog reading public. This post also has a great picture of a blimp flying over Manhattan in the 1930's.

Pete Sessions To Ready His Pail

2010-04-21T08:10:00.001-05:00

Pete Sessions, the esteemed strip club fundraiser, Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and also a Congressman in Texas in his spare time, has stated that anything less than winning a majority back in the House in November 2010 "is a warm bucket of spit."

Well, Pete. Get ready to start buying massive quantities of 5 gallon buckets.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-04-19T19:34:00.000-05:00

Time for another roundup of the week's blog highlights from the Texas Progressive Alliance.

Something bubbles up from the ground in Bartonville. Could this be why so many dogs nearby have cancer? Since drilling toxins were found in Barnett Shale residents' blood and urine, maybe it's time to test the animals too. TXsharon struggles to keep pace with the latest Barnett Shale news at Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

The Texas Cloverleaf highlights the case of the Christmas goose in Flower Mound.

Off the Kuff writes about the pitch from the gambling industry.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wonders about the wisdom of building a silly, damaging border fence while allowing foreign companies to control our ports.

It was a wild week for the economy and, surprisingly, for economic history. McBlogger takes a look at one historical revisionist who like misrepresentation almost as much as Ayn Rand. Then he goes on to explain just what Goldman Sachs did.

Neil at Texas Liberal wrote a comprehensive preview post of the upcoming election in the United Kingdom. Election Day is May 6. The post is being updated daily with new developments and it took some time to write. So please give it a look if you find the topic to be interest.

Bay Area Houston finds another one of Bob Perry's bitches.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson shows that the 2006 Texas tax swap created a $5 billion annual budget hole, the bill is coming due next year, Texas Republicans created a budget shortfall to cut programs that help working Texans.

Over at TexasKaos, Libby Shaw catches up with Johnny Cronyn . He and Mitch McConnell "continue[s] to serve Wall St. breakfast in bed." More to the point, Libby explains the battle lines being drawn between Obama and the Dems and those lap dogs of the priveleged, the Republican Pary. Check it out John Cornyn, Mitch McConnell, the GOP Stand by Their Wall St. Man .

The TeaBaggers and the regular GOP nuts fought each other to a stand-off on Election Runoff Day. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has the sordid details.

In Flower Mound, gas drillers have crossed the line into express advocacy in local elections, sending out a letter to mineral owners telling them who to vote for in a town council election.

Rick Perry Saying No To President. Maybe. Kinda.

2010-04-18T12:32:00.000-05:00

In one of the more laughable quotes of the week, Governor 39% Rick Perry told Newsweek that he had absolutely no interest in being President. Perry told Newsweek that he would not be President of VP under any circumstances. Please note this for the record when we get around to 2012. As we are all aware, Perry wanted Texas to secede from the union, however has been running the circuit of potential nominees already, kicking it off with the Southern Republican Leadership Conference. Politicians who attend these events clearly want to get their Presidential hopeful feet wet. Newsweek has probably done a good job catching Perry in what will be a lie to come back to haunt him if he so chooses to run for President in 2 years.

The Case Of The Christmas Goose In Flower Mound

2010-04-14T08:51:00.001-05:00

In documents finally released to the Dallas Morning News, both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem of Flower Mound were caught on tape pinching the ass of a town police officer in the council chambers at the end of a November 2009 council meeting. The chief of police had filed a sexual harassment complaint, although an "independent" investigation claimed it was not sexual harassment.

Mayor Jody Smith and Mayor Pro Tem Jean Levenick both goosed the officer from either side of him, and the incident was even caught on tape. I don't know about you, but if I am in my office and someone grabs my ass, that would pretty much fall under the realm of sexual harassment if it was unwanted contact. I fail to see how a pinch on the butt doesn't fall into that category. The two ladies agreed it was "not appropriate workplace conduct".

The Mayor claims it is politically motivated. Sorry, lady. You pinched some dude on the ass at work. It probably should motivate the voters of Flower Mound to question you.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-04-12T21:09:00.000-05:00

Here are the weekly highlights from the Texas Progressive Alliance.

At Texas Vox, our thoughts remain with the victims of the West Virginia mining disaster, the worst mining accident in 25 years.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to know why Republicans like Victoria's DA Steve Tyler, Nueces County's DA Anna Jimenez and (who could forget) Alberto Gonzales abuse their offices?

The Texas Cloverleaf thinks Rick Perry is eyeing 2012 before 2010 is even over with.

WhosPlayin is watching the situation in Flower Mound, where a group of citizens successfully petitioned to have an oil and gas drilling moratorium put on the ballot, only to get some mostly frivolous ethics charges filed against them by a former Town Councilman.

Continuing his examination of partisan voting trends, Off the Kuff looks at how voting changed in judicial races between 2002 and 2006.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson has an update as the runoff, to see who will challenge Rep. Diana Maldonado, approaches HD-52 GOP Runoff - issues take a back seat.

Bay Area Houston compares Sarah Palin's intelligence on safe sex and nuclear disarmament.

They're everywhere! They're everywhere! Emissions, which are really toxins, are throughout the entire Barnett Shale area. Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

McBlogger loves it when Bill Hammond of the Texas Association of Business let's Teh Stupid flow freely.

FOX News' 24-hour "War of the Worlds"-styled fearmongering caught the attention of PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

This week on Left of College Station, Teddy reports on the how the campaign in the Republican primary for Texas Congressional District 17 has turned negative. Also, Teddy takes a first look at the College Station City Council Place 2 candidates and at the Bryan City Council Single Member District 3 candidates. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines.

Libby Shaw asks a simple question over at TexasKaos - So, How will Rick Perry deliver access to affordable health care to Texas? . She points out that "According to new federal regulations, Rick Perry and the health insurance companies in Texas have 90 days to deliver a plan that will cover uninsured Texans.

Neil at Texas Liberal posted on the history of disco music. Disco Inferno! Learn The Interesting History Of Disco Music Despite the bad historical reviews disco receives, a new book says that the music was an important social indicator in a time of societal gains for women and gays.

Republican In Democrats Clothing Urging Republicans To Vote In Dallas Democratic Runoff

2010-04-09T12:43:00.001-05:00

Received this memo from Dallas SDEC members today urging Democrats to vote in the runoff. Tillery is the only qualified candidate in this race, and clearly the only Democrat as well.

To: Dallas Democrats

From: SDEC Members Dr. Martha Williams, David Bradley, Dr. Theresa Daniel, Susan Culp

Re: Former Republican Judge and Democratic Runoff candidate David Kelton asks Republicans to vote in Democratic Primary Runoff and lets them know they can still vote Republican in November

DEAR DEMOCRATS:

In January, several State Democratic Executive Committee members and Democratic precinct chairs issued a warning about judicial candidate David Kelton's deep ties to the Republican Party. He is a former Republican Judge, ousted in 2006 by our historic Democratic sweep, and he has a long history of giving and receiving money from Republicans, which we detailed in our prior message.

Now his wife, Ruth Kelton, who is the co-chair of the Internal Review Committee of the Park Cities Republican Women (reference: www.parkcitiesrepublicanwomen.org) has sent a letter to Republicans who did not vote in the Primary election, urging them to vote in the Democratic Runoff for her husband over Democratic stalwart Dale Tillery.

Dale Tillery is our choice in this race both because of his outstanding legal qualifications (he has over 25 years of legal experience and he is Board Certified, which Kelton is not) and because of his longtime service to the Democratic Party. Tillery, as you recall, was a four-term Democratic State Representative in southeast Dallas County in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The following is the key excerpt from Republican Kelton's letter that was distributed to Republicans:

"If you are a registered Republican and did not vote in the Republican Primary or sign a petition for a Republican to get on the ballot, you can vote in the Democratic runoff election. Voting for David Kelton in the Democratic runoff election does not obligate Republicans to vote Democratic in November."

Clearly Kelton's ties to and reliance on the Republican Party in Dallas continues. And he clearly has no interest in building or supporting our party, as shown by his campaign asking Republicans to vote in our primary and then letting them know they can still vote AGAINST our candidates in the General Election.

We felt that it was very important to share this information with you.

Maybe we're old-fashioned, but we believe that the nominees of the Democratic Party should be selected by Democrats. Please join us in voting for the REAL Democrat, Dale Tillery for Judge of the 134th Civil District Court.

Vote Early TODAY

Election Day is next Tuesday, April 13th

Polls are open 7am to 7pm

Please VOTE!

Eric Johnson Wins Special Election In HD 100

2010-04-09T08:33:00.001-05:00

Eric Johnson, the winner of this March's Democratic Primary in HD 100, also won a special election yesterday called by Governor Perry to fill the seat vacated by the previous State Rep Terri Hodge. Since Johnson was the only candidate to file for the May 8th special election, he can be seated immediately. I wish Eric the best and hopefully he can work to remove a blight from the Dallas political scene.

Could A North Texas Rail Project Go Private?

2010-04-09T08:21:00.001-05:00

There has been a lot of public private partnerships in Texas, most involving toll roads, but some involving projects such as Dallas's soon to be built deck park over Woodall Rogers Freeway downtown. But Texas has never had anyone interested in a venture involving a rail road. Until now.

NCTCOG is looking to speed up the development of the proposed Cotton Belt rail line by allowing private investors to build the project on their own. Both DART and the Fort Worth T has been wanting to build a rail line in the corridor formerly used by cotton freight trains beginning in 2013. However, budget issues in DART has put the project low on its list of things to do. The line would run from a connection with the DART Red Line at Bush Turnpike Station between Plano and Richardson westward through Plano and North Dallas to Addison, continuing to connect again with the new DART Green Line in Downtown Carrollton (which also links up to the DCTA line to Denton) and further westward into the north end of DFW Airport connecting to the new DART Orange Line. The Fort Worth T also has plans to take the line from DFW Airport to the southwest part of their city. The line could even further be expanded all the way to downtown Wylie. The proposed rail line is an essential cog in the economic development plan on DFW, as well as the mass transit plan.

The drawback to a private enterprise venture is the cost to the consumer. If no tax dollars are spent on the project whatsoever, it is likely the fares on the trains will be substantially higher than those on local DART and TRE rail lines. But personally, I think the Cotton Belt may be a more heavily traveled rail line than the Red or Blue Lines in Dallas currently are. It would provide an essential mass transit option in the northern suburbs of Dallas that has been lacking. People are tired of toll roads and tired of being married to their cars. They want more options, and mass transit in the northern suburbs has simply been lacking. DFW Airport also gains with rail lines in and out of both ends of the complex. The Cotton Belt would go north. The Orange Line would go south.

I would much rather pay tolls on my rail lines than tolls on my roads. If DFW is to be anything like a major metro area, it needs major rail service and the Cotton Belt is the answer.

Rick Perry Eyeing 2012 Before 2010?

2010-04-07T18:21:00.000-05:00

The Southern Republican Leadership Conference begins tomorrow in New Orleans. Among the speakers, of which many are Presidential hopefuls, is none other than Governor 39% himself, Rick Perry. The lineup of wingnuts also include people like Sarah Palin, Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum. Granted Perry is a Southern leader, but is he looking past election day in 2010 and into 2012 when he could be a leading contender for the GOP nomination.

What is more disturbing are the budget accomplishments attributed to someone who vetoed almost everything that came across his desk. Teacher pay raises and more college financial aid is said to have been Perry's doing. Nevermind the fact Rick Perry failed to allow the TEA to obtain $700 million in funding for schools, in state college tuition in Texas is more than double that of many other states and on the rise, and he will be leading us to an $11 billion budget shortfall in 2011.

The destruction of Texas has been under the blind eye of Rick Perry. Lord help us if he runs for President too.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-04-05T19:12:00.001-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance welcomes the start of the new baseball season with another highlight reel of the week's political activity.

Off the Kuff looked at how voting returns changed in Texas from 2004 to 2008 in the Presidential and judicial races.

Aruba Petroleum: The Epic Fail of the Barnett Shale. Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS now brings you 55 posts to document this failure of epic proportions.

Marshmallow Peeps make sweeping endorsements of Democrats on The Texas Cloverleaf.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wonders why Republicans and Republican suck ups act like bleeping thugs? New Perry appointee, Nueces County DA Jimenez, threw out the board certified attorneys to bring in her cronies and HD 76 rep Norma Chávez is channeling Karl Rove.

A Texas Vox, everyone is a-twitter about the upcoming appliance rebate program. Want to trade up your tired old appliances for shiny new energy-efficient ones? The guv'ment will send you a check for it...

The last chapter (?) in the sad saga of Stay Bailey Hutchison is read aloud by PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

Sure April Fools Day is over, but this was funny enough to share again. Sarah Palin to Replace Michael Steele as Chair of the GOP. Bay Area Houston continues to be full of wit.

This week on Left of College Station, Teddy takes a first look at the Bryan mayoral candidates, and this week he will be taking a look at the candidates for College Station City Council Place 2 and Bryan City Council Single Member District 3. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the GOP's latest posturing and states that it's time for Gov. Perry and the Texas GOP to put up or shut up.

Neil at Texas Liberal wrote about undersea volcanoes in the Gulf of Mexico that shoot out asphalt. Who knew?

WhosPlayin says animal welfare actvists in North Texas are claiming a victory in their fight against puppy mills: After months of weekly picketing by Texans Exposing Petland, the Lewisville, Texas Petland store is closing down.

Peeps Make Sweeping Endorsements Of Texas Democrats

2010-04-04T13:39:00.000-05:00

In honor of Easter, Marshmallow Peeps have released their latest round of endorsements in the 2010 elections.

Normally 700 million Peeps are eaten every year. But Peeps in Texas hide out in smoky back rooms and have been making political endorsements since 2006 on Burnt Orange Report. Halloween Peeps admittedly have gotten it wrong twice, by endorsing Kinky Friedman and Tom Schieiffer for Governor. But we're hoping Easter Peeps get it right this time, by endorsing the entire 2010 Texas Democratic slate.

Peeps aren't so sure about the LaRouche candidate in Congressional District 22. Kesha Rogers has been known to want Peeps impeached. But Peeps pretty much like everyone else.

Happy Easter everyone!

KBH Staying. Total Shocker.

2010-03-31T09:38:00.001-05:00

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is expected to remain in her Senate seat through the end of her 2012 term.

KBH assured us in 2006 she would serve it out, so I guess this somehow validates those words. But in between, she decided to run for Governor and she was going to resign, but then not resign, but then resign. But then she lost, but was going to resign, but now not resign. So she was for it before she was against it. Or vice versa. Shit, I am totally confused.

Just like our ineffective lying liars in our state government, we are keeping on par with a lying liar in the Senate. Good job, Kay. Love the trust.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-03-29T19:52:00.002-05:00

Why not enjoy these posts from the Texas Political Alliance along with the beautiful spring weather?

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme sees vast differences between Perry, his bud David Dewhurst and Democrat Bill White. Democrats are for a robust public education while Republicans are doing their darnedest to kill it.

This week at Texas Vox, the commissioners at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) undermine the findings of their own staff in order to follow TCEQ’s mission statement that prioritizes economic development over protecting the environmental health of Texas. Are we surprised?

Are you playing the Barnett Shale economic shell game? Learn the rules at Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS before you play.

The Texas Cloverleaf commentary on Congressional GOP members behaving like grown ups, if grown ups were 4 years old

Off the Kuff took a look at voting trends in Texas' fastest-growing counties. Hint: They getting bluer.

The week at Left of College Station, Teddy reports on the Coalition for Life possibly being in conflict with itself 501(c) 3 status by appearing connected to the Rob Curnock for Congress campaign. Left of College Station also takes a first look at the candidates for College Station mayor, and this week will take a first look at the candidates for Bryan mayor.

Libby Shaw updates us on GoodHair and companies reaction to HCR. It is not pretty. Perry and Abbott On Crusade to Block Health Care Benefits for Texans

Neil at Texas Liberal visited a Walgreen's in suburban Chicago in the week just past. While there he took a picture of chocolate praying hands and of a chocolate cross that are on sale for easter. Maybe these items are for people who adhere to the Chocolate God Theory.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson chronicles the fact that after the Democrats passed a historic health care bill the GOP went Crazy over health care.

Randy Noogie-Booger, the West Texas Congress critter who yelled "Baby killer!" during the debate on healthcare reform last week, was profiled by PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

Bay Area Houston writes about When Teabaggers Become Terrorist

WhosPlayin, like a lot of other progressive bloggers this week, had thoughts on the historic passage of health care insurance reform.

Barbara Ann Radnofsky Challenges Greg Abbott's Absurdity On Healthcare Reform

2010-03-23T20:10:00.001-05:00

Barbara Ann Radnofsky , who is running for TX Attorney General, mentioned today that Congress has the power to regulate insurance. In United States v. South-Eastern Underwriters Association, the Supreme Court in 1944 ruled that insurance falls under the US Constitution's Commerce Clause regulated by Congress. Guess what that means? It is constitutional!

Sorry, GOP. You have officially wasted our time and money with the lawsuit against the feds. TX Attorney General Greg Abbott, Governor Rick 39% Perry, and House Speaker Joe Straus all need to be shown the door in November. They continue to waste taxpayer dollars with grandstanding for political gain, and not the good of Texans. The Texas Tribune points out that Abbott took the reverse position last year in mandating that divorced parents purchase insurance for their children. This is the ultimate in waffling, flip flopping, or whatever other term you can muster. Stop wasting our money and time, GOP. Massachusetts Congressman Edward Markey had it right on Sunday when he said the Republican Party is the "party of nope". Grandstand Oppose and Postpone is what GOP stands for now.

Health Care Comments From Both Side Show GOP FAIL

2010-03-23T14:13:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the Dallas County Democratic Party for sharing these quotes today:

This is from former Bush speechwriter David Frum: "Conservatives and Republicans today suffered their most crushing legislative defeat since the 1960s....

"No illusions please: This bill will not be repealed. Even if Republicans scored a 1994 style landslide in November, how many votes could we muster to re-open the "doughnut hole" and charge seniors more for prescription drugs? How many votes to re-allow insurers to rescind policies when they discover a pre-existing condition? How many votes to banish 25 year olds from their parents' insurance coverage? And even if the votes were there - would President Obama sign such a repeal?

"We followed the most radical voices in the party and the movement, and they led us to abject and irreversible defeat."

From the other side, health care supporter and Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman writes: "... the emotional core of opposition to reform was blatant fear-mongering, unconstrained either by the facts or by any sense of decency.

"It wasn't just the death panel smear. It was racial hate-mongering, like a piece in Investor's Business Daily declaring that health reform is "affirmative action on steroids, deciding everything from who becomes a doctor to who gets treatment on the basis of skin color." It was wild claims about abortion funding. ...

"And let's be clear: the campaign of fear hasn't been carried out by a radical fringe, unconnected to the Republican establishment. On the contrary, that establishment has been involved and approving all the way. ...

"This is, of course, a political victory for President Obama, and a triumph for Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker. But it is also a victory for America's soul. In the end, a vicious, unprincipled fear offensive failed to block reform. This time, fear struck out."

Behaving Like Grown-ups, When Grown-ups Are 4 Year Olds

2010-03-22T19:54:00.000-05:00

It was Minority Leader John Boehner who told his GOP brethren that they shall "behave like grown-ups" before the historic health care debate on Sunday night. But it was John Boehner who was one of many Congressmen on the right who forgot what that meant. Boehner rose with a "sad and heavy heart" during his floor speech and went on to yell "hell no" several times throughout his plea against providing Americans with affordable insurance. It got better from there. Our own Lubbock Texas Congressman Randy Neugebauer decided to shout down anti-abortion Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak and call him a baby killer. Nancy Pelosi also stood before the House and stated that "being a woman will no longer be a pre existing condition". That was actually met with jeers from the right.

While such outbursts may seem the norm for parliamentary governments around the world such as Great Britain, it is not the norm on the floor of Congress in the United States. The House and Senate has always maintained a certain amount of decorum while other members spoke, even if they did not agree. But apparently that is out the window. Apparently it is ok to shout "you lie" at the President. And now it is ok to yell "baby killer".

Most people who can't be quiet when they are told are somewhere in the age range of 4 years old. They throw tantrums and cry. They scream with random insensible outbursts. If you don't give them the cookie or Barbie that they want, then they yell even louder. This is exactly what the Republican Congressmen, and the teabaggers outside the chambers who spat on House members and called one a faggot, have become. Tantrum throwing children who can only be tamed either by appeasement with a cookie, or a harsh spanking on the ass. Get ready for some majority rule spanking, GOP. As any bad baby, you deserve it.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-03-22T19:33:00.000-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly blog roundup will reach 32 million more Americans regardless of their pre-existing conditions.

Last week, TXsharon made a video statement at the EPA Public Hearing on the proposed ozone standards.

Who Needs a Proctologist when you have former State Representative Rick Green running for the Texas Supreme Court?

This week on Left of College Station, Teddy looks at the voter turnout in the Bryan and College Station municipal elections and has to ask the question if minority rules? Teddy also unpacks the misleading poll on health care reform that the Chamber of Commerce commissioned to attack Democrats in conservative congressional districts. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to know why monuments to racism and fear are so important to Republicans. Why not spend taxpayer dollars on something constructive like education or health care?

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the continuation of skyrocketing homeowners insurance rates in Texas Homeowners insurance corporations - increasing our pain, Perry, GOP sit idly by.

Off the Kuff writes about tough times for school districts. Get ready for another school finance lawsuit, because it's coming sooner or later.

The Texas Cloverleaf tells the Dallas Trinity Tollers I told ya so.

Phillip Martin at Burnt Orange Report has covered Rick Perry's "secret" border plan in great detail -- namely, the lies and politics Perry has thrust into a very serious and dangerous situation along the Texas-Mexico border. Be sure to read his post, Rick Perry's Political Grandstanding Misrepresents Definition of "Spillover Violence and follow the links at the bottom of that post to learn much, much more.

WhosPlayin's story last week about a tax-dodging Lewisville City Councilman resulted in a tearful admission at the next council meeting, where news cameras were running. WhosPlayin follows up on the results of that meeting, and analyzes the media coverage and truthfulness of the councilman in his response.

As if sea level rise, stronger hurricanes, and more extreme weather events weren't bad enough... not the Golden Cheeked Warbler too! Texas Vox is sad to report this week that birds of a feather feel the heat from climate change.

A little March madness in the form of preparations for his Senate district convention overtook PDiddie at Brains and Eggs, and he lumped in two updates on the campaigns of Bill White and Lakeisha Rogers (completely unrelated, trust him).

LibbyShaw over at TexasKaos, checks in on Representative Rep. Louie Gohmert who, in speaking to a Tea Bagger rally "declared that "demons" - yes, demons - have invaded the capital (and likely the souls of Democrats), forcing lawmakers to mislead the public about the content of the health care bill." Check out the rest of the fun here: TX U.S. House Rep: "Demons have Invaded the Capital".

Special Elections Called For SD-22 and HD-100

2010-03-18T21:08:00.000-05:00

After some beers on St Patrick's Day, our Governor decided to call a special election to fill two vacated seats in the Legislature. On May 8th, there will be special elections to fill Senate District 22's seat vacated by Kip Averitt and House District 100's seat vacated by Terri Hodge.

Eric Johnson, the winner of this month's Democratic primary for Hodge's seat in HD-100 with 75% of the vote, has also filed to run in the special election. Johnson is expected not to have any opposition going into the special election, just as the November general election. SD-22 does have some candidates interested as well.

I Told Ya So, Dallas Trinity Tollers

2010-03-17T14:03:00.001-05:00

There has been lots of talk around about how wrong the Dallas Morning News and the majority of the 2007 Dallas City Council have been about the Trinity River Project. A certain publication likes to harp on the fact that only Angela Hunt was against the toll road being placed inside a levee, where that could not be further from the truth. Both myself running for Council and Sam Coats running for Mayor in the 2007 municipal races also voiced the same opinion, well before any vote to attempt to stop it. Placing a toll road inside of a system of earthen walls that were designed to prevent a flood catastrophe in downtown and South Dallas is flat out wrong, and has been from the get go. So now that the Army Corps finally decided the current levees aren't even fit to be protecting the city, the project money is being diverted just to fix them. I guess a collapse of the levee in December 2009 sort of prompted some action? In the meantime, NTTA has even gone so far as to say the toll project isn't financially feasible.

The DMN said I was on the wrong side of the issue, and I again publicly stated otherwise that April. So here it is, straight from the horse's mouth again almost 3 years later. I told ya so. The city of Dallas should stop pushing this project unless they can guarantee the funding to protect the city from disaster and worry about their precious road later.

Census Inaction In Texas Can Cost Billions

2010-03-15T11:47:00.001-05:00

TX State Rep. Mike Villarreal of San Antonio brought up a valid point today in an email. A study of the 2000 Census determined 373,000 Texans were not counted. That resulted in the loss of $1 Billion in federal funding to the state. That's billion with a very large B.

Apparently Rep. Villarreal had urged Governor 39% Rick Perry to promote the Census more….last October… and our lame Governor responded by naming a Census ambassador only a week ago. And just as George W. Bush would do by looking down the hall for the cleaning lady, Perry has named Secretary of State Hope Andrade as that bastion of promotion.

I find it fitting that National Census Day on April 1 also falls on April Fool's Day. Anyone who doesn't fill out the 10 question survey out is definitely a fool.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-03-15T07:25:00.002-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance heads into March Madness with its own bracket of news and links for the week. Happy St Patrick's Day!

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wonders how Republicans can be so violently against having services they desperately need?

Off the Kuff analyzed county returns in the primaries for Governor, Lite Guv, and the Commissioners.

When are you "too gay" for your job? The Texas Cloverleaf finds out.

WhosPlayin broke the story of a Tea-Partying Lewisville City Councilman who has failed to pay his business property taxes for the 28 years he has been in business. On the same weekend, the story came out that the son of the Flower Mound mayor and her public school Bible class promoting husband was busted with marijuana, a BB gun, and stolen property in his car. (But don't worry, he wasn't actually arrested.)

Bay Area Houston says When Capitalism Works we buy from China.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson says it's Time for Democrats to go all in on health care.

This week, McBlogger brings you Tom Pauken, Moron (NSFW).

Karl Rove is "proud" that the Bush administration tortured suspected al-Qaeda terrorists. That -- coupled with the Obama administration's recalcitrance to prosecute Rove, Cheney, Bush, et.al for their admitted war crimes -- has PDiddie at Brains and Eggs a little more pessimistic than usual.

Attention all Breathers! It's URGENT that you attend the EPA Public Hearing on the proposed new ozone standards. The hearing is Tuesday in Arlington and to help get you motivated TXsharon posted a video on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Neil at Texas Liberal says that with one-in-three folks in Houston lacking health insurance, Houston Mayor Annise Parker should be speaking up in favor in health care reform. Mayor Parker has already spoken up on the federal issues of the census and EPA air quality standards. So why not speak up on this federal issue that impacts Houston?

Lightseeker at TexasKaos tells us, again, why Rick Perry Must Go. It seems his cronies want the private sector bozos who messed up the validation procedure for Food Stamps, to advise on fixing the system, and they don't understand what all the fuss is about. I mean doesn't every vendor get a no-bid contract?

When Are You "Too Gay" For Anything?

2010-03-13T12:55:00.000-06:00

One would think in 2010, that being "too gay" would not be an issue. But apparently it still is.

CNN is reporting that America's only national tour of ice skating stars has decided to leave 3 time national champion, and 6th place finisher in the 2010 Winter Olympics, Johnny Weir off of its tour, deeming him "not family friendly". I fail to see what isn't family friendly about Johnny, other than the fact he is an outspoken guy and very much obviously gay. But Weir has never once stated he is gay and when asked he was quoted once as saying it wasn't "part of his sport and it's private". He is even a Roman Catholic. That is about as family friendly as you can get (no pun intended, kids). He had recently drawn the ire of PETA for wearing fur, but he doesn't exactly go out of his way to cause controversy. The tour claims they just didn't have room for Weir, but I think the Smucker's sponsored event is putting itself into a jam (pun intended, kids).

So are certain people too gay for certain jobs or roles? Can one be too gay for figure skating? Maybe they can even be too gay for politics? Actually, probably not.

Let's use some recent political examples. I for one was a nominee for the TX state house, and am quite clearly openly gay. Maybe I wasn't too gay for some, but when you have a boyfriend and found a Stonewall Democrats chapter, that is pretty gay. Even then, I earned 39% of the vote in a primarily conservative district. Moving on to the even gayer realm, would be someone such as Rep. Barney Frank. The man has been gay since the 80s, has a lisp, and is from Massachusetts. But he is one the highest ranking Democrats in Congress. On the flip side, you have people such as former Rep. Eric Massa, who is a married man, but quite clearly has some gay issues and likes the boys in the Congressional offices. Ditto for former Rep. Mark Foley, who was a self hating homosexual who blamed it on alcoholism. So when exactly do you get too gay to hold public office? Apparently, you don't unless you clearly go out of your way to act in a rude manner, such as Massa or Foley.

Someone like Johnny Weir has not acted rudely. He is one of our best athletes in the country, if not on the planet as shown by last month's Olympics. Barney Frank is one of our best politicians. But neither one is too gay for what they do in life. And nobody at any job or sport is too gay. Gay people are human beings, and may make mistakes from time to time like anyone else. We are part of everyone's family, and quite friendly. So Smuckers, the ice tour, or anyone else who thinks a gay man shouldn't be part of their event because of who they are needs to reevaluate their own lives and see what it is exactly that is making them such hateful bigots.

Why The Census Is Not A Liberal Conspiracy

2010-03-11T09:48:00.001-06:00

On my ride into work this morning, I was listening to my daily radio programming of Jagger in the Morning on 105.3 FM. It's sports radio now, but they will still talk about anything and everything. Today it was the US Census.

Apparently there are people out there who believe the Census is an intrusion of privacy and a conspiracy. While it pains me to say this, anyone who believes that is a total and complete moron and should be sent to an island somewhere. The Census is an institution that was created in 1790 to get a count of our population and various other demographics. Simpletons, that means it has been around long before CNN, Barack Obama, labor unions, illegal Mexican immigrants, etc. It is done every 10 years, the last being in 2000 under the bastion of right wing extremism George W. Bush. So it makes my head explode when callers to the station actually had the nerve to state that the Census was a part of the "Liberal agenda to count Mexicans so that redistricting would occur, and Hispanics would vote for Democrats". Nevermind the point that Jagger made, where 56% of Hispanics consider themselves conservatives.

I fail to see how it is an intrusion of government where they send you a form that asks you 10 questions, such as your ethnicity and race, or how many kids you have. Most people in this country have given far more information to their banks, phone carriers, or employers. These idiot conspiracy theorists should know that the federal government already has them on a list somewhere, so the men in black can show up to their house when they shoot at UFOs, right? So what is the harm in filling out a basic form?

All I can say to people who choose not to fill it out, that is your choice. But don't be surprised or bitch and moan when your school district, your city, your department of transportation, etc doesn't get the adequate disbursement of our tax dollars by the feds back to the local community. And if you don't fill it out, I am sending Agent Smith to your door to get those answers out of you!

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-03-10T20:02:00.002-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance would like to thank the Academy by presenting it with this week's roundup.

TXsharon went undercover this week to Map Methane plumes in the Barnett Shale: "Stealth" measurements contradict Shale Gas industry safe air claims, new technology shows. Big Gas is so BUSTED! And it's all reported on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

This week on Left of College Station, Teddy covers all of the results of the primary elections including the surprising defeat of Don McLeroy in the State Board of Education District 9 Republican primary. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines, and this week will begin coverage of the local municipal elections.

The Texas Cloverleaf provides a Denton County and Texas primary roundup.

Texas Vox celebrated last week as the student governments of two Texas rivals, UT and A&M, passed "green fees" to support sustainability initiatives on campus.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson takes a first look at the general election race for governor in Texas, White vs. Perry is a toss up.

Neil at Texas Liberal offered up a video of him reading the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution in front of the Beer Can House in Houston. This is a house made out of beer cans.

Off the Kuff looks at primary results in the SBOE races.

Bay Area Houston thinks Harris County Democrats are going to get LaRouched in the upcoming Democratic Judicial primaries.

Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog warns those outside Texas to Stop Being Federal Snobs and begin to concern themselves with the State Board of Education.

WhosPlayin is watching all hell break loose in Flower Mound, as a group circulating a gas drilling permit moratorium petition is blown off by Town Council, and a political organization in the town tried to have the local school district call the police on them if the group used school parking lots for signature gathering.

Over at TexasKaos, libby shaw writes that Senator Cornyn has found himself a hero: Senator Bunning. Yes that Bunning, the one who scores political grandstanding points at the expense of the unemployed. Read the rest here: GOP Senator to the Jobless and Uninsured: Tough S$it. Cornyn defends him.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-03-03T20:50:00.000-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance congratulates all the Democrats who won yesterday. Here is your weekly roundup.

From the Barnett Shale, TXsharon announces a new "Watchdog" for drillers and her SOS to EPA about benzene and other dangerous toxins in the Denton Creek Watershed was heard. The EPA has responded! Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS

After the latest prevarication on her date of departure from the Senate, PDiddie at Brains and Eggs opines: "Kay Bailey, won't you please GO HOME?!"

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme shows the Texas Supreme Court flipping the finger to Texans, yet again.

SNOWMAGEDDON may have stricken Austin, Texas -- but don't let that cold, hard evidence convince you that global warming ain't real. Let Citizen Sarah (with a little help from President Obama) break it down for you at Texas Vox.

Bay Area Houston highlights yet more hypocrisy from Rick Perry with his I Came and Took it! teabagging campaign.

At WhosPlayin the recent discussion has centered around equity in the Lewisville ISD. It looks like the district may be taking a big step by considering a tear-down and rebuild of the district's oldest high school after costs for asbestos remediation and fire sprinkler installation in the old building went too high. Construction is not equity, though, and there are still issues to be addressed.

Over at McBlogger, Mayor McSleaze takes a look at the Republican HD 47 primary fight and finds it almost as entertaining as an old-fashioned pie fight.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison changes her story again about when she might leave the Senate. Off the Kuff has lost count of how many times this has happened.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson has a round up of the campaign cash and who's giving in Williamson County, Bob Perry looms large in Williamson County GOP House races.

The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the early voting turnout in Denton County and the GOP surge.

This week on Left of College Station, Teddy makes the case for Brazos County Democrats to vote in the Republican primary, and releases the Left of College Station Democratic primary candidate endorsements. Left of College Station also covers the debate in the Texas A&M Student Senate over the anti-discrimination policy.

Pollchecker , over at TexasKaos calls out McCain on using Texas Health care as an example of "success". And he wonders why he is not president?

Neil at Texas Liberal offered up his 2010 Democratic Primary slate. Neil also noted that Texas Liberal passed one million page views. Thanks to everybody who has read the blog.

TX Primary Recap

2010-03-03T17:06:00.001-06:00

Another primary is in the books, and no big surprises on the Democratic side. Bill White won the Governor's nomination overwhelmingly. Linda Chavez-Thompson was a slight surprise in winning the Lt. Governor's nomination without having to go to a runoff. Hank Gilbert finally shut up, we hope, Kinky Friedman in the Agriculture Commissioner nomination spot. Hector Uribe pulled out a close one over Bill Burton in Land Commissioner. The rest of our nominees were unopposed, so of course they won with flying colors.

On the GOP side, things were a little crazy in some areas. Rick Perry managed to pull off a win without a runoff, with just over 51% of the vote. I am disappointed in the teabaggers on this one. In the State Board of Education realm, incumbents Don McLeroy and Geraldine "Tincy" Miller came up losers. At least Miller lost to a teacher, so maybe there will actually be an educator on the board. Incumbent Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo also came up short in his primary. He blames his loss on his Hispanic surname. I blame it on the fact he is an ineffective douchebag who lined his pockets with the oil and gas industries campaign contributions. Although that may put too much faith in the common sense of GOP voters.

Back home in Denton County, my prediction of record GOP turnout came to pass. 42,186 voters turned out for the Republicans surpassing their previous record in 2008. Democrats did not come close to the 2008 turnout, however the turnout vs. the last midterm election was higher. 4,678 Democrats came out for 2010 as opposed to 1,791 in 2006. Republicans admittedly had a more exciting ballot in the county, with the Governor's race pushing turnout, as well as local judge races.

The GOP also has a statewide runoff set for next month for the Supreme Court Justice Place 3 seat. Locally, Denton County will see a runoff for Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Probate Court and County Court at Law #1.

Denton County Democratic candidates Neil Durrance, Paul Gomez, Stephen Stephens, and Bill Burnett were all unopposed in the primary and go on to November. For the first time, 2 precinct chair seats had contested races. Incumbents Ramona Thompson of Lewisville and Catherine Bell of Denton were both victorious.

Detailed results can be found at the TX Secretary of State website and the Denton County Elections website.

Farouk Is On Fire...Or Down In Flames As It Were

2010-03-02T22:59:00.000-06:00

Farouk Shami's campaign was on fire this morning. But by the end of Tuesday, his campaign went down in flames. With 71% of the precincts reporting, Bill White is our Democratic nominee for TX Governor, earning over 77% of the vote. Shami is a distant second with 11.6%. The Shami campaign conceded about an hour ago and released this statement:

"I want to thank each and every person who has given their time, energy and votes to my campaign for Governor of Texas. Although this wasn't the outcome we'd hoped for, do not get discouraged.

A defeat is only a defeat if you let it stop you. I will not let today's results stop me. Although I will not be our nominee for Governor, I will continue to fight for those I have met on the campaign trail. I will continue to fight to bring jobs to Texas. I will continue to fight for equality in our education system. I will continue to support candidates who fight for all Texans.

I ask for each of you to join me. Do not give up hope. Continue to support the cause. Eventually, we will overcome all obstacles and accomplish our goal, real change for Texas.

Thank you again for your support. It means the world to me, more than I can ever express in words."

Let's hope he is true to his word and hopes he also supports our nominee.

Denton County Early Voting Totals Show A Surge In GOP Voting

2010-02-27T16:20:00.000-06:00

The final early voting numbers in Denton County are in. Democrats 1,945. Republicans 17,251. The last day of early voting on Friday February 26th saw a huge surge in voting on both sides with 506 Democrats (more than double the previous highest day total) and 4,186 Republicans (almost double the previous day).

These numbers are down from 2008 for the D side, with 28,670 Democrat having voted early. But it is an increase on the Republican side, as an even 17,000 voted early in 2008. From these numbers, Republican turnout for this coming Tuesday's primary election day could be as large or larger than 2008.

What does this mean for both parties? For the Democrats, it means a slightly better performance than 2006 which only saw a total of 1,791 voting in the entire primary. But it pales in comparison to the total 54,757 who voted in the 2008 primary. The excitement just isn't the same as two years ago. But for a midterm election, the 2010 Democratic numbers in the early vote are encouraging.

For Republicans, this means several things. This means the voters who were spurred to vote in 2008 for the likes of McCain or Ron Paul are still voting. But this also means they are turning out in force to make sure that their choice of Governor is made, as well as the numerous contested judicial spots in the county. It also means that many are simply pissed off with the GOP establishment. The teabaggers are going to make themselves known in this election and the GOP local leaders should watch out. The 28,823 votes in 2008 may be eclipsed on Tuesday. The 2010 early vote total already eclipses the total turnout in 2006 of 15,996.

Denton County Early Vote Bleak For Dems

2010-02-25T14:41:00.001-06:00

The early voting period for the March 2nd primary ends tomorrow. For the first time, Denton County Elections have been posting the names of people who have early voted in person in both the Democratic and Republican primaries on each day, something other counties have had access to for quite some time. The numbers are a not a good sign for Democrats.

Through the end of voting on February 24th, the total number of Democrats that voted early in the primary is 1189. That might seem like a large number, considering a similar mid term vote in 2006 only garnered just 1791 votes for the entire election. Republicans saw the same small numbers during that year. But it is quite low considering 54,000 people took the polls in the 2008 primary only two years ago, more than 28,000 of which voted early. Looking at the numbers, there will be more votes than in 2006, but nowhere near what 2008 provided the party.

On the other hand, the Republicans are seeing a stunning turnout similar to their 2008 numbers. Through the end of February 24th, 10,765 people have voted in the GOP primary. This is on par with 2008 where 17,000 voted early and a total of almost 39,000 voted in their primary by election day. For comparison, they did have a total turnout of over 15,000 in 2006. Looking at the numbers, they will exceed 2006, but maybe not get to their turnout from 2008.

I don't see this as good news in our little "red" county for Democrats. We clearly have not built off of our stunning gains in 2008. Will this be the same for the rest of Texas? Who knows. But it looks like Denton County is lagging. Bill White simply doesn't hold the same star power as a Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton and will not bring people out of the wood works to vote in the primary. But we do hope the general election bodes better for the D side. And it does show the work that needs to be done to put a Democrat in office in these parts.

380 Water District To Put Incorporation To A Vote

2010-02-24T21:01:00.000-06:00

Denton County Fresh Water Supply District 9, may soon be a real town, if voters approve an incorporation measure that was recently approved for the May ballot.

District 9, or known to most people as Providence Village TX, has successfully persuaded the Town of Little Elm to release the ETJ held over the area, and the petition for incorporation approved by the county elections office. "This was a big day," said currently district board Vice President Clint Shipp. "The Texas Constitution grants the right to self governance. We chose to exercise that right and after about 5 years of work on this project...the election is being called." The district is located next to the town of Lincoln Park, along the growing US 380 corridor (which includes Paloma Creek and Savannah).

The petition was certified earlier this afternoon by the Denton County Elections Administration and will be placed on next week's County Commissioner's agenda for the election to be called.

Providence is a unique case to the area, but not the state. These "special districts" are created in hopes of developing rural areas at little cost to developers themselves. And some of them do incorporate, or become annexed by other entities. A good example of self incorporation is The Woodlands north of Houston, which has also been looking into the option. Houston is notorious for creating municipal utility districts, or MUDs, outside of its city limits in hopes the city will grow. And it has by leaps and bounds. Other districts get annexed by other towns as their bonds are paid down, usually in 15 to 20 years. Providence will be the first attempt at incorporation of a Denton County district.

Providence could become the model for other districts in Denton County, such as Castle Hills, Lantana, Paloma Creek, Frisco Ranch, Artesia, and Savannah to become their own towns before being gobbled up by entities who may or may not have their best interests at heart.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-02-22T10:42:00.000-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance reminds you that early voting runs through this Friday at 7 PM for the primaries as it brings you this week's blog highlights.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is amazed that anger is directed toward the Internal Revenue Service when Americans elect the very people who make the laws IRS enforces. Joe Stack targeted the wrong end of this chain. Taxpayers get end up owing money because they do not understand the laws their representatives make. Tax and Defiance – Short Sighted Protester, Joe Stack.

In times of depleting incomes, Republican Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack brags about his $2.3 Million tax funded soap box derby track.

Two Steps Forward One Step Back for Tainted Texas Air at Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

This week on Left of College Station, Teddy reflects on the next 40 days of protest that are taking place at Planned Parenthood, and reviews a performance of the Vagina Monologues at Texas A&M. Also, a look at the poll numbers in the campaign to be the next governor of Texas, and a review of the week in headlines.

The Conservative Politicians Against Compromise convention picked an old-school nutjob as the presidential nominee in 2012, notes PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to know why Republicans hate education so much? Why make community colleges unaffordable?

In Lewisville, the school district has revoked consent for a community organization use their parking lots to gather signatures for a petition drive on the weekend.

In what will come as a massive surprise, McBlogger endorses Hank Gilbert. Find out why here.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson shows that even without the severe decrease in sales tax receipts Texas would still be facing a budget crisis, Understanding the budget and Texas' structural deficit.

Off the Kuff notes the humor of our Attorney General suing to protect the sanctity of divorce.

Libby shaw at TexasKaos does the accountability analysis on the GOP stimulus hypocrites. See her scorecard here; TX U.S. House Members Join Senators in GOP Hall of Hypocritical Shame.

If Citizen Sarah had a nickel for every time she's put out a statement saying something along the lines of “Governor Perry is blowing hot air about climate change”… she could probably buy something really fancy, like a Mexican coke in a glass bottle. See Texas Vox for more details.

The Texas Cloverleaf reports from frigid New Jersey and wants everyone to know the state, and others, have not fallen into GOP hands.

No America, NJ Has Not Fallen Into GOP Hands

2010-02-21T23:44:00.000-06:00

As we are all aware now, there have been several GOP victories as of late. The Governors of both Virginia and New Jersey, and even a Senate seat in Massachusetts have all fallen victim to the Republicans. This may come as quite a shock, since all 3 states went to Obama in 2008. But is it really a shock when you get right down to it?

Virginia has been up in the air for many years. It is as much south of the Mason Dixon line as it is a Mid Atlantic state. So the split among voters is pretty tight, party wise. So it should come as no shock that it was time for a Republican to slip back into the Governor's mansion there.

Massachusetts is always viewed as the liberal bastion of America. But it isn't. I guess growing up as a kid in the Northeast I recall all of the racial garbage that went down between white and black people in Boston a lot more than the rest of the country would remember it. And to top it off, Massachusetts independent voters overwhelm both the Democratic and Republican parties registered voters put together. How do you think they had a Republican Governor in office from 1991 to 2007? I guess everyone conveniently forgot that as well.

As for New Jersey, the story is the same. The Governor's mansion routinely switches parties due to the statewide vote. When I was born in NJ, there was this guy running the show named Thomas Kean. Heard of him? I think so. 9-11 Commission. Those sorts of things drudge him up these days. Ever hear of Christie Todd Whitman? Another GOP Governor in the Garden State. So the recent ascension of Chris Christie should come as no shock. It was time, after the years of McGreevy and Corzine for a change.

But does this mean the 3 states in question are lost to Democrats? As they'd say in my birth land, fuhgeddaboudit! It just means they have to work harder to win statewide offices they are prone to losing right now.

I am here in New Jersey as I write this, and just spent the better part of my Sunday drinking heavily and eating with a room full of Greeks and Irish at my sister's big fat Greek engagement party. And I couldn't find one that said they were a Republican. I even had one threaten to disown me, because he thought I misspoke and said I ran with the GOP. I had to quickly correct his mishearing.

The votes are there for Democrats in the 3 states I mentioned, and in many other states. The same states who came out in force for Barack Obama in 2008 can be won in 2010. There are just some people out there who need that same motivation to get off their ass and go back to the polls. "Yes we can" needs to become "yes we will" and not "maybe tomorrow". Because "maybe tomorrow" then becomes "oh fuck, why didn't I do something when I had the chance" and "oh fuck, how did this asshole from Cosmo take Kennedy's seat". Nobody else should let that happen again. So get off your ass and go vote. You have no room to complain if you don't.

Emperor Perry

2010-02-18T16:32:00.000-06:00

Governor 39% Rick Perry will not say no to a 4th term, assuming he wins his 3rd this November. Apparently questioning whether he will keep his throne is an "inappropriate" question for him now. Of course he also said he would serve out his 3rd term if he wins it. Which is probably BS anyway, since he could very well run for President in 2012, or get the VP nod. Remember KBH stating when she was reelected in 2006 that she would finish out her Senate term? Look how that is working out.

Shami Staff Steps Down Part 2

2010-02-17T13:15:00.001-06:00

Another internal blow up on the Farouk Shami campaign came to a head today, with most of his top staffers resigning. Charlie Ray, Vince Leibowitz, and Kelly Love Johnson all walked away from what yesterday seemed to be an internal email that was leaked to the press and bloggers. We were copied in on it as well, but didn't publish it given its unknown nature and it seemed like a hoax at first. The email was a reply to a press release sent out by a staffer named David Diaz, and someone else on the campaign team questioning who the hell he was essentially. The email by Diaz charged that Bill White was a racist.

The internal shake ups on Farouk's squad isn't new. His original campaign team, consisting of Jason Stanford among others (note- Stanford now works for Kinky Friedman, and previously for Chris Bell), was fired previously in lieu of new help. None of this looks good for a campaign that is already in shambles after a poorly prepared debate against Bill White on statewide television. Shami has also been polling in the teens, or worse, percentage wise among all 7 Democratic candidates for TX Governor.

All of the above pretty much solidified my early vote today for Bill White. I was willing to give Farouk Shami a chance and it was clearly blown on so many levels. We need a serious challenger for Governor in November, thus my decision.

Perry Wrong On Greenhouse Gases AGAIN

2010-02-16T13:54:00.001-06:00

In the waste of time department, TX Governor 39% Rick Perry is at it again, this time filing a frivolous lawsuit against the EPA. Perry, and his equally inept cohorts Attorney General Greg Abbott and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, filed suit in federal court against the EPA for trying to impose restrictions on green house gases. Apparently the Governor was asleep in science class in the '90s when we all learned that polluting the air is bad. Rather than moving Texas forward and finding clean solutions to our problems, our state executives are willing to waste our taxpayer dollars on lawsuits touting dirty air.

We've got a good story to share from Phillip over at BOR on why Perry is, yet again, wrong. Even Bush's EPA in 2008 said he was laughable. Also today, the Sierra Club and Public Citizen TX chapter issued Perry a citation for continuing to pollute the air we breathe. Texas is the top polluter in the country. I guess that is something that Rick Perry stands for in his reelection campaign.

Ken Starr To Head Baylor

2010-02-15T16:11:00.000-06:00

If you're worried about your kids getting blow jobs in the Oval Office, then Baylor University will be the place to send them for some strict scrutiny. Baylor announced that it has hired former special investigator, or was we like to call it --- lawyer, Kenneth Starr to be its next President. He was most recently the Dean of Pepperdine Law School. Enjoy it, Baylor. You deserve him.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-02-15T16:07:00.000-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance wishes you all a happy President's Day, Mardi Gras, and Lunar New Year, bringing you the first Year of the Tiger blog roundup. It's the eye of the tiger!

Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog notes that Houston is the first locale President Obama named in his Lunar New Year Greeting. Could there be a political meaning behind it?

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme marvels at the jackassery presented to voters on the Republican ballot. No, we're not talking about the candidates. It's the propositions that disenfranchise voters, turn Texas into Colorado Springs or California, and humiliate pregnant women.

Fake Consultant, over at TexasKaos, gives us a tale from the health care frontier. He points out that even in the little things the present system is fundamentally broken. Check it out here.

From TXsharon: How Oil and Gas industry bullies turned an ordinary, honest man into a modern day hero. Read it on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

WhosPlayin is watching candidates file for the 2010 Lewisville ISD School board election.

Contrary to what the Star Telegram keeps repeating, the Texas Cloverleaf reminds everyone that there is a Democrat running in CD-26.

"Why I'm supporting Dr. Alma Aguado for Texas governor" is PDiddie's endorsement in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Read more at Brains and Eggs.

MeanRachel endorses Bill White and Linda Chavez-Thompson in the two top spots on the Democratic primary ticket.

Adam at Three Wise Men lays out our blog's endorsements for the 2010 Texas Democratic Primary.

Off the Kuff says there's a smart way to do budget cuts and a dumb way to do budget cuts, and we need to do it the smart way.

Neil at Texas Liberal endorsed Hank Gilbert in the Democratic Primary for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. The post includes a picture of a Longhorn steer, a watermelon, and of a Channel Catfish.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the coming budget woes and that we can't balance the budget on the back of the poor again, the 2011 budget cannot be balanced like in 2003, not this time.

This week at McBlogger, Mojito takes a look at a Travis County JP race and find the challenger lacking.

NTTA Public Meeting Announced For Tollway Extension

2010-02-13T19:15:00.000-06:00

The NTTA has announced some upcoming public meetings for updates on the extension of the Dallas North Tollway in Collin, Denton, and Grayson counties. If you want to get your word in, go to the meetings or submit your comments at the email or address below. Oklahoma, watch out. You'll have a Dallas toll road soon enough.

LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS
Dallas North Tollway Extension, Phase 4B/5A

The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) will conduct two Public Meetings to discuss
the design for the extension of the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) in Collin, Denton and
Grayson counties from Farm to Market (FM) 428 north to approximately FM 121, referred
to as the Dallas North Tollway Extension, Phase 4B/5A. The first public meeting will be
held from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the PointBank Community
Room (200 S. Hwy. 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258) in Pilot Point. The second public
meeting will be held from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the
Celina Middle School Cafeteria (710 E. Pecan Street, Celina, Texas, 75009).

The purpose of these public meetings is to provide information regarding the development
of the proposed DNT alignment alternatives and to receive input/comments from
the public. Maps, drawings and other information about the project will be on display,
which will show the alignment alternatives and preliminary design information. The study
team will be available at the displays to assist in orientation and interpretation of the
drawings and other materials.

Attendees will have the opportunity to provide the study team with comments and
suggestions by providing verbal comments to be documented by a court reporter or
submitting written comments. Such comments will assist project personnel with the
design decisions associated with this study. All interested citizens are invited to attend
these public meetings.

Any interested citizen may present verbal or written comments either at the public meeting
or provide written comments by March 21, 2010. Comments may be submitted via e-mail
to dnt45@ntta.org or mailed to Attn: Corridor Manager, Re: DNT 4B/5A Project, NTTA,
P.O. Box 260729, Plano, Texas, 75026.

Persons interested in attending the meeting who have special communication or accommodation
needs are encouraged to call 972-628-3111. Requests should be made
at least 72 hours prior to the public meetings. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate those needs.

DFW Snowmageddon

2010-02-12T10:45:00.001-06:00

I am of course at work again today, since consumerism and trade doesn't stop. We have had sporadic power outages that have actually fried our VOIP system here yesterday. So it's loads of fun.

My home received between 6 and 7 inches of snow in the 12 hours of continuous snowfall yesterday. DFW Airport recorded nearly a foot (which I question where they were measuring exactly). That is a new single day record for DFW and the snowiest (if that is a word) February in the Metroplex since 1978. If you are one of the lucky people to be my Facebook friend, you can see the snow pictures.

Of course now I have to hear the endless "so much for global warming" snide comments. It's called winter, folks. It happens every year around this time. Funny how that works. In fact, when people did believe in man made global warming, Dallas had snowfalls just like this before. Valentines Day 2004 had several inches of snow. We also had snow in March two years ago that was not forecasted at all. Of course nobody questions global warming when it is over 100 degrees in April, forcing rolling brownouts.

So enjoy the snow, kids. You will continue to see if every now and again in Texas. But we may have oceanfront property sooner than later.

Yes, North Texas, There Is A Democrat

2010-02-09T15:09:00.001-06:00

Contrary to what the brilliant minds at the Star Telegram seem to think, there is a Democrat running against Michael Burgess in Congressional District 26, which covers 4 counties in North Texas. Neil Durrance, former Denton City Councilmember and Denton County Democratic Party chairman, is running in 2010. Although it is true, no Democrat filed for the Republican primary.

In their zeal to approve of Michael Burgess and Kenny Marchant's (Congressional District 24) reelection in their respective GOP primaries, the editorial board decided to inform their good readers that no Democrat filed. I guess they were asleep, or just do not know how to look up filing records. Burgess and Marchant obviously are not the loved respected members of Congress that the Startlegram seem to believe, otherwise they would not have drawn Tea Party opponents. Burgess is also poised to draw at least one independent candidate, Donald Tracey, against him in the general election, setting up a 3 way race, and possibly more if other also rans get their act together.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And yes, North Texas, you can vote for a Democrat.

Planet CHI Gets Kinky

2010-02-08T20:21:00.000-06:00

I am not even sure what to blog tonight.

I just watched an utter disaster of a Democratic TX Governor's candidate debate between Bill White and Farouk Shami. It pretty much determined my vote will be for White, though be it with some reservations still. Shami may be a good guy and a good businessman, but he isn't ready to lead Texas. Although the Shami campaign already claimed a win, I think it was on Planet CHI that he won anything. That debate went hands down to Bill White for being prepared, knowing what the Governor does, and being able to answer the questions (though he didn't have to answer whether he would repeal the gay marriage ban or not- what's up with that??).

And right after I turn off the debate and switch over to WWE Raw for some more scripted entertainment, I saw something more horrific and fake appear on my Facebook, courtesy of Jason Stanford. The Dallas Morning News endorsed Kinky Friedman for Agriculture Commissioner in the Democratic primary. I don't know who over at the Kingdom of Belo wrote that endorsement, but they have lost their f'ing minds. Essentially the DMN doesn't care about details. They just like cigars. If I expound upon this endorsement at this time, I might be a bit more blue than some of my readers can handle, so I won't. I will just leave you with the oddities of the evening to soak up on your own.

Shami Endorsed by Caraway

2010-02-08T13:53:00.001-06:00

Democratic candidate for Texas Governor Farouk Shami scored the endorsement of Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway today. He got so excited over the endorsement, he actually referred to Carraway as Mayor. I am sure the actual elected Mayor of Dallas Tom Leppert really appreciates the oversight. But hey, who needs titles?

You will remember Caraway as a proponent of the anti-pants on the ground sect and proponent of toll roads inside levees. I guess this a step forward in his quest for higher office.

Precinct Resolution Time In Texas!

2010-02-05T20:37:00.001-06:00

I found this great post from 2008, that explains how to bring up resolutions at your precinct convention/caucus on the evening of primary election. The same holds true for March 2, 2010. So take a read and come up with some great resolutions of your own. We will promote them here as we find out about any circulating.......

Purposes of a resolution
1. To memorialize someone recently deceased.
2. To congratulate a person or group.
3. To amend the Rules of the Texas Democratic Party (TDP).
4. To amend the TDP Platform.
5. To urge Democratic elected officials, especially in the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress, to advocate certain positions on policy issues. As the delegates assembled at the state convention are the highest authority within the TDP, such resolutions should carry weight with elected officials as the consensus of the grassroots of the party.

Structure of a resolution
1. Give the resolution a title that indicates not merely the topic, but also the position to be advocated (i.e., instead of "Resolution on Vouchers for Texas Schools," it would be better to put "Resolution Opposing Vouchers for Texas Schools").
2. List the reasons for the resolution at the beginning, each reason being in a separate paragraph beginning with the word "whereas" (capitalized, italicized or in boldface).
3. List each action to be taken in separate paragraphs introduced by the words "be it resolved" (capitalized, italicized or in boldface).
4. Use semicolons to separate each paragraph, and avoid periods. A well-written resolution should consist grammatically of a single sentence.
5. Keep the resolution brief. It should fit easily on a single page.
6. At the end of the resolution, write: "Submitted to and Adopted by Precinct ___ in ____ County, Texas, Senatorial District ___, on March 2, 2010" and leave a signature line for the precinct convention secretary, who will sign it if the precinct convention adopts the resolution.

Example of a well-written resolution:

WHEREAS we believe every Texan has the right to participate fully and equally in society and enjoy its benefits and freedoms; and
WHEREAS lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Texans suffer pervasive discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education because of homophobia and a lack of legal protection; and

WHEREAS non-discrimination laws help to ensure that LGBT people have equal access to the same opportunities and protections granted to others, such as the ability to work in an environment where people are judged by their job performance, not their sexual orientation or gender identity; and

WHEREAS the State of Texas does not have a statewide non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation and gender identity,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas Democratic Party supports the passage of comprehensive non-discrimination legislation that would make discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity illegal in employment, housing, education and public accommodations.

Submitted to and Adopted by Precinct 2084 in Bexar County, Texas, Senatorial District 26, on March 7, 2006.
_________________________________
Convention Secretary

Process by which resolutions move forward
1. Someone has an idea for a resolution and writes it up.
2. Priority is given when the same resolution comes from multiple counties or senatorial districts. It would be a good idea to share your resolution with others who live in different precincts and in other parts of the state. Sponsoring organizations might post a resolution on their website.
3. The resolution is introduced at the precinct convention on the evening of March 2, 2010.
4. If the resolution passes, it will be included in the convention packet that must be delivered to the county chair within three days after the convention.
5. The next level is the county convention (or in the case of counties having multiple senatorial districts such as Bexar County and Travis County, the next level is the senatorial district convention).
6. The Resolutions Committee will meet prior to that convention. They can amend a resolution, combine it with other similar resolutions, or vote it down.
7. The county convention or senatorial district convention will consider all the resolutions recommended by the Resolutions Committee. Those that pass will proceed to the state convention.
8. A Temporary Resolutions Committee will consist of members of the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC). They will organize the resolutions submitted for the state convention. They can pull out any resolution they don't like unless it has come from multiple counties or senatorial districts.
9. Resolutions that are not statewide in significance (except for memorial or congratulatory resolutions) will not be considered at the state convention.
10. Resolutions concerning TDP Rules or the TDP Platform will be referred to the Rules Committee or the Platform Committee.
11. At the state convention, each senatorial district elects one member for each of various committees, such as the Permanent Resolutions Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Platform Committee, and others.
12. If the Permanent Resolutions Committee works expediently, they will consider all of the submitted resolutions, combine them with others as possible, and then refer them for a vote on the convention floor. If they waste time, worthy resolutions will fall by the wayside.
13. At the state convention, other resolutions may be introduced that haven't come through a county or senatorial district convention by petition of 20% of the delegates (using the proper form).
14. Resolutions passed by the state convention will be sent by the SDEC to the Democrats elected to the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress, as appropriate. Hopefully our representatives, whom we work so hard to get elected, will pay attention to us!

Denton County GOP Demanding Exclusive Polling Sites

2010-02-05T20:02:00.000-06:00

The Denton County GOP doesn't believe public places should treat the public equally. It should only benefit them. Over on Whosplayin?, it is being said the local Republicans think they should be the only ones to hold a primary election at Denton's fire station number 4. Exclusive contracts for elections just so happen to violate the law. But hey, they're the ruling party in Denton County, right? Who cares about the law?

I guess voter suppression begins by suppressing polling sites, and once they can't stop that, they then move on to other tactics such as informing people they can't hand out literature at polling sites (which is legal outside the 100 foot markers), can't say you're with a party during voter registration efforts (which is legal, anytime), or just fixing the ballots if that doesn't work out. Anything to hold onto the little bit of power they have left. Instead of talking about issues, they prevent any of the process from happening at all.

Denton County Constable Sentenced

2010-02-05T09:18:00.001-06:00

Denton County Constable Ken Jannereth was sentenced to 6 months in prison, on a suspended sentence for 2 years. Judge Richard Podgorski issued the maximum sentence at the behest of the District Attorney's office, and also included a provision that Jannereth not drink alcohol during the probation. He must also take anger management classes. The DA had also asked that his peace officer license be suspended, but the judge denied that request. The DA will appeal that decision with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE)

Jannereth destroyed barricades on a road adjacent to his property that he felt were illegally placed. However his HOA had put them there to keep vehicles from going down the road. Subsequently he was found guilty last month of a class B misdemeanor.

It's great that the Republicans we have running this county can be convicts and still carry a weapon and enforce the law. Just another day in Denton County.

Terri Hodge Enters Guilty Plea

2010-02-03T09:39:00.001-06:00

Texas State Rep Terri Hodge of Dallas entered a guilty plea this morning in federal court, admitting the felony charge of tax fraud. This will end her career as a state representative in TX.

I am really disappointed for several reasons. Terri has been a strong ally with minority communities over many years in the state house. She was even recently endorsed again by Dallas Stonewall Democrats for another term, even when it looked like she may end up going to trial. She also allowed numerous Democrats in other positions to endorse her campaign. She went so far as to run for reelection again, even though there is a qualified attorney Eric Johnson ready to take her place. While she will be ineligible to serve upon her resignation, this also leaves her name on the primary ballot.

I am disappointed that someone who knew they committed a crime would maintain their innoncence throughout this entire process and sully the seat she represents. But at least she won't have to endure a lengthy trial like Don Hill or any of the other Dallas politicians who thought they were above the law. This is yet another blemish on the name of progress in Dallas.

Making Agriculture Commission Kinky Or Making It Crazy?

2010-02-02T21:10:00.000-06:00

In exactly one month, Democrats will decide who is going on to the November ballot in 2010, and the decisions are tough. 7 people are running for Governor, 3 are running for the number 2 spot, and a rather entertaining Agriculture Commissioner race is shaping up.

Had anyone told me a couple months ago that Texas Agriculture Commissioner would be making headlines or even a smidgen of press, I would have told you that you were crazy. But two people who originally wanted to be your Governor are doing just that. Hank Gilbert and Kinky Friedman have both moved to this race upon the arrival of Bill White into the spotlight (even though Kinky claims he was leading Bill White in the polls). But of these two gentlemen, who do you choose?

I am sure not many people know what the TX Dept of Agriculture really does. It does have a rather extensive scope. Things such as fuel quality, weights & measures, promoting agriculture products abroad, etc.

Both Hank and Kinky do have good ideas. They both hate toll roads. They both like ranches. Both really like animals. But what bothers me the most is the character of the man that we are about to elect. Sure, the recent news on Hank not wearing his seatbelt or driving on a revoked license is not the best thing out there, but it sure doesn't beat nigger eggs. Oh, you are wondering why I used that term? Well, it is because the Kinkster did, so it must be cool, right? No, it isn't cool. And that is one among a myriad of reasons I did not vote for him in 2006 for Governor of Texas. In a recent KRLD interview, he decided we should ship longhorns to Haiti. Are we going to exchange them for their eggs? I also don't want a guy more worried about Willie Nelson's biodiesel venture than what our state can do to move forward in alternative resources.

We can not have an "entertainer" who has spent more time on a tour selling books, cigars, and salsa running a serious commission in the state. Remember the last slew of actors we elected to office? Ronald Reagan. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jesse Ventura. Jerry Springer. How did those work out? I would rather have the guy who was a school teacher and a rancher deciding how our agriculture is promoted in Texas. That would be Hank Gilbert.

Change And HPV

2010-02-02T14:32:00.001-06:00

Leave it to the DMN to go after the quotes that don't matter. In an effort to show how in touch with people she is, KBH told some fellow Republican Pachyderms that she hearted the House Republicans who stood up to Governor Rick 39% Perry's HPV vaccine mandate in 2007. Of course, the moratorium on the vaccine ends with the next Legislative session in 2011. And at the time, we all questioned whether the mandate was made because the Governor had ties to Merck, who produced the vaccine. The CDC recommends the vaccine for young women, but doesn't say it is a must have for survival.

But is the Governor's debate really about HPV and cancer? No. We want to hear about issues like jobs, transportation, health insurance , tuition etc. All we ever see in the media are hot button nonsensical issues such as this. Case in point half of the article from the DMN is about the HPV comments.

But I do agree with one thing KBH said. If we don't get a new Governor in Texas in 2010, we can forget about moving this state forward.

Republicans Who Bilk The System

2010-02-01T20:27:00.000-06:00

My coworker doesn't read this blog, so I can talk about him here. Of course, he would probably be proud of what I am about to say anyway, so who cares.

He is in his late 20's. Has 2 toddlers with a 3rd on the way. He is a moderate Republican and newly Catholic. He makes decent money, like I do. His wife worked a little but part time over the holidays. He showed me his W-2 today. Since he claims so many deductions, his federal tax withholding was under $100 for the entire year (for comparison, with my one deduction, they withheld over $7000). Of course he gets to file a married tax return as well. He informed me today his refund will be over $900. That means, he paid no federal income tax for 2009. NONE! ZERO! In fact, the feds are paying him. He was pretty pleased with this. This is the same person who last week argued with me that health care insurance was a choice, and that you had the choice of where to work in order to get better coverage or lower premiums.

In informed him he has to vote Democrat from now on! He can not bitch to me about taxes, health care, or anything else. As for my taxes, I am getting a refund of less than half of what I paid in. So it just goes to show ya, folks. The richer are not necessarily paying for everything in this country. It is those of us who are not procreating every other year apparently.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-02-01T20:17:00.000-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance is ready for the Super Bowl this Sunday as it brings you this week's blog highlights. Go Colts!

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme thinks that the Houston Chronicle caught the essence of the GOP with this headline 'Many attacks, but few suggestions'.

WhosPlayin is tired of hearing obstructionist Republicans whining about not having a seat at the table for Health Care Insurance Reform, after they make it clear they'll vote against any attempt to harm their Pharma and Insurance benefactors.

Off the Kuff notes that the Texas ParentPAC has endorsed Thomas Ratliff in his GOP primary fight against uber-SBOE wingnut Don McLeroy.

Bay Area Houston watched as the Texas Association of Builders got kicked in the nuts at a hearing in Austin over the abuse of mandatory binding arbitration.

It's been such an amazing news week in the Barnett Shale that it's hard to pick one topic for the round-up. One item that should be of interest to anyone in the DFW area who drinks water: Argyle Disposal Well in Denton Creek Flood Plain. No kidding! It's for real on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the taxing TAKS becoming the pretty STAAR that school children will have to shoot past in order to graduate.

Has the so-called nuclear renaissance been dealt a blow by the South Texas Project's troubles? Learn more at Texas Vox.

If you missed the GOP gov debate, check out McBlogger's rather insightful analysis of the three players performances, along with a mercifully brief comment on the sexual desirability of Rep. Louie Gohmert.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the latest Texans for Public Justice "Watching Your Assets" report, this one about the Texas Enterprise Fund, Perry's corporate welfare not paying off for Texas.

Over at TexasKaos, Libby Shaw puts a local spin on young James O'Keefe's foiled attempt to tamper with Mary Landrieu's phones. The roll call Texas Republican admirers is quite long. Of equal interest was the discussion that followed the outing of these Republicans. See it all at Texas Republican Lawmakers Honor James O'Keefe.

It's a travesty that only Bill White and Farouk Shami are participating in the Texas Democratic gubernatorial debate on February 8 because the other five candidates don't meet the "standards". PDiddie at Brains and Eggs believes it's impossible to reconcile that KERA, a public broadcasting station, together with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Univision and other corporate and media industry sponsors, would conspire to preclude candidates for the state's highest public office.

Neil at Texas Liberal is glad that Houston City Councilmember Jarvis Johnson is talking about poverty in his 18th U.S. House District primary fight with incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee. However, it will take some solid ideas and not just talk to feel that Mr. Johnson is really serious about the issue.

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County Issue Endorsements

2010-01-31T12:07:00.000-06:00

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County issued their Democratic Primary endorsements for 2010 on Saturday. If you happen to not know who these folks are, most of them have websites up now and the links are on the Stonewall website.

Paul Gomez – Denton County Justice of the Peace Pct 1

Bill Barnett – Denton County Justice of the Peace Pct 6

Stephen Stephens – Denton County Probate Court Judge

Neil Durrance – US Congressional District 26

John Sharp – US Senate

Bill White – TX Governor

Linda Chavez-Thompson – TX Lieutenant Governor

Barbara Ann Radnofsky – TX Attorney General

Hank Gilbert – TX Agriculture Commissioner

Hector Uribe – TX General Land Office Commissioner

Jeff Weems – TX Railroad Commissioner

Keith Hampton – TX Court of Criminal Appeals

Jim Sharp – TX Supreme Court Place 3

Bill Moody – TX Supreme Court Place 5

Blake Bailey – TX Supreme Court Place 9

Morris Overstreet – TX Court of Appeals Chief Justice

The Taxing TAKS Becomes A Pretty STAAR

2010-01-27T10:24:00.001-06:00

Texas school children never have to worry about TAKS again. They don't have to worry about being taught to a test, or not moving on to the next grade if they don't pass that end of course exam, or..... oh wait, yeah they will.

The Texas Education Agency announced that the much maligned TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) testing system is dead and is being replaced by STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness). The TX Legislature mandated that TAKS be replaced beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, and the state has followed through.

But what exactly is it being replaced with? The new STAAR includes 12 end of course exams in 4 core subject areas in high school. New tests for 3rd through 8th grades are under development. The current 7th graders will be the first to take the new end of course exam under STAAR, which coincidentally they have to pass in order to move on to 8th grade. This sounds like the same thing TAKS required. Pass the test or you don't move on. So in order to pass the test, teachers taught to the test. TAKS also had a school rating system. STAAR will also have a school rating system, but not until 2013 at the earliest.

Unless there are substantial changes in the testing system, or allowing teachers to actually be teachers and not "test instructors", then STAAR is just a prettier name in a repackaged brand for TAKS.

Rick Perry Employing Convicted Felons

2010-01-25T21:17:00.000-06:00

You don't want felons to be able to vote, but it's ok to pay them to sign up potential GOP voters? Good job, Rick. Good job.

Why Republicans Need Edjamucashun

2010-01-25T21:11:00.001-06:00

I present you with the latest in a long line of Republican fiascos on the Texas State Board of Education -- banning a child's book called Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? because the author's name was similar to that of a Marxist. A sad day in simple research and a sad day in education standards for Texas.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-01-25T20:57:00.000-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance brings you it's blog highlights for the week. As opposed to the kudos for the Aints on our other TPA friendly blogs I bring you this......GO COLTS!

Something stinks about the recent TCEQ Barnett Shale air quality testing in Fort Worth and in Flower Mound. Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Off the Kuff looked at a report on the economic impact of dropouts.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme sympathizes with Lamar Smith's constituents who were told they must contact Smith's office if they want him to stop illegally calling their cellphones. Smith's breaking the law and his solution is to make his constituents ask him to stop.

At Texas Vox we're pleased as punch to see that Austin isn't alone in preparing for a clean energy future; Portland General Electric plans to shut down its coal plant by 2020!

WhosPlayin reposted a article from 2007 about the corporation: Don't hate the player, change the game, which is especially apropos this week.

A Republican in Democrats clothing tries to ride into office in Dallas County. SDEC members and precinct chairs say no way to this Eagle Forum darling at The Texas Cloverleaf.

Citizens of Texas say &^%$ Governor Perry! for screwing up the state after 10 years. Add your own!

WCNews at Eye On Williamson takes a glass half-full approach in analyzing the muffed election last week Let's HOPE it's seen as a wake up call.

Right-wing bloggers gathered in Austin to worship Rick Perry's pistol. Seriously. Read the entire revolting display of sycophancy at Brains and Eggs.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is continually amazed at general ignorance concerning the actual words in the US Constitution. Interpretations abound from the mouths of people who have never read the document, or do not comprehend the words in context. Embellishments and fantasy surrounding this document are spoken every day. What is especially disturbing is how these fantasies infiltrate America's politics. To be elected in some regions, a politician must fertilize the fantasy. Perspective must return to how Americans regard the Law of the Land. American Theocracy divorces US Constitution, promotes terrorism.

Over at TexasKaos, Boadicea offers a little not so subtle advise to Democrats who find themselves unmanned by the events of last week. She calls it .Dear Democrats: Balls.. Trust me, you will like the video she found to illustrate her point!

Neil at Texas Liberal made note of the fact that just two months remain before his tenth wedding anniversary. Neil is damned glad about his marriage. Neil is not certain he could advocate for liberal causes if he did not have such a solid personal relationship in his life to help him manage his frequent anger at the world. The personal and the private are often connected in many ways that we may not often consider.

GASLAND Premieres In Texas On Feb 17

2010-01-25T09:43:00.001-06:00

The Texas premiere of the documentary GASLAND will be in Denton at the Thin Line Film Festival. It is set to open the event at 7pm on Wednesday February 17th at the historic Campus Theater. GASLAND uncovers the results of natural gas drilling across the country.

Information on ticket prices and film schedule are on the website. Various affordable prices range from $10 per film, $25 per evening, or $100 for an all access pass over the course of the 5 day festival.

No Reprimand For Judge Sharon Keller

2010-01-20T16:46:00.001-06:00

Ethics in Texas is never really ethical, and this case is no different. Judge Sharon Keller closed her office promptly at 5pm and allowed a man to be executed, rather than accepting the appeal.

Her ethics trial for 5 counts of judicial misconduct resulted in nothing. TX State District Judge David Berchelmann of the 37th District in Bexar County said that Keller's actions "were not exemplary" before Michael Richard was executed in 2007. He also recommended that she receive no reprimand except for the public humiliation she already received. Even though Berchelmann wrote a few small jabs at Keller, he said she broke no written laws or rules.

Republican judges saving Republican judges. Ahhhh the ethics of Texas. Way to go, impartial judiciary.

Republican In Democrats Clothing In Dallas County

2010-01-18T17:23:00.000-06:00

I received this from SDEC member David Bradley of the 16th Senatorial District in Dallas today. It would seem David Kelton is not the Democrat he wants Dallas County voters to believe. The accepting of and donating money to the Texas Eagle Forum is reason enough to bash him. Since parties really shouldn't matter when it comes to electing fair judges, then take into consideration the fact a social right wing nut organization like the Eagle Forum supports him. That is not what we need on the bench in Texas.

PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2010

Contact:
David Bradley
State Democratic Executive Committee Member

Statement on Judicial Candidate David Kelton

January 18, 2010

MEMO

To: Dallas County Democrats and Precinct Chairs

From: SDEC Members Hon. David Bradley, Hon. Dr. Theresa Daniel, Hon. Dr. Martha Williams, Hon. Susan Culp; Precinct Chairs Hon. Dorothy Dean, Hon. Mark Baker, Hon. Thelma Davis, Hon. Vivian Hill, Hon. Alice Cox, Hon. Lionel Churchill, Hon. Shirley Brown, Hon. Ramona Ames, Hon. Judy Richards, Hon. Shirley Daniels, Hon. Mary Freeman, Hon. Lettie Searles, Hon. Phil Fisher, former SDEC, and additional DCDP precinct chairs and activists

Re: Judicial candidate DAVID D. KELTON

_____________________________________

Dear fellow Democrats,

The purpose of this memo is to make you aware of the background of judicial candidate David D. Kelton who is campaigning for Judge of the 134th Civil District Court in the March 2010 Democratic Primary.

From the outset of this memo, we want to indicate that we are not blindly opposed to former Republican Judges joining the Democratic Party. There are exceptionally well-qualified individuals who have been outstanding members of our judiciary over the years, and who have never been card-carrying members of the Republican Party, who may - if our Democratic Party voters decide - make welcome additions to our Party and strengthen its ranks. We invite you and all voters to make informed, nuanced decisions in these cases in order to maintain the quality of our local judiciary.

However, we consider the case of David Kelton to be an egregious example of a longtime Republican Party stalwart trying to infiltrate the local Democratic Party.

Kelton is a former Republican Judge of the 44th Civil District Court, appointed by Republican Gov. Rick Perry in 2002. In the historic 2006 elections in Dallas County, Kelton was an opposed Republican candidate who actively campaigned against Democrats, running his own individual campaign and also contributing to the Dallas County Republican Party's coordinated effort, which included insulting mailings that questioned the professional abilities and moral character of our entire slate of judicial candidates. He was defeated in that year but maintains more than $50,000.00 in campaign funds.

According to the Texas Ethics Commission, from the time of his appointment through his last finance report of July 15, 2009, Kelton has accepted over $2,800.00 from Republican clubs and PACs. Over the same time frame, he has made contributions and expenditures of over $9,400.00 to Republican clubs, PACs and consultants (see accompanying documentation attached). These include payments to attorney Edward Shack of $1312.50 in 2006 and 2007.

Who is Edward Shack? Ed Shack was Tom Craddick's attorney during his race for Speaker in 2003; Ed Shack was an attorney for Texans for a Republican Majority, Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's political action committee that put millions of dollars in Texas House District races in 2002 that led to a Republican majority and redistricting favorable to the Republican Party; Ed Shack was the attorney for Dr. James Leininger's PAC that aimed in 2006 to unseat Texas State Representatives who were opposed to school vouchers; Texans for Rick Perry paid Ed Shack $18,000.00 in 2001 (Sources: Texans for Public Justice, March 4, 2004; Wise County Messenger, September 18,2005; Capitol Annex, January 31, 2006; Texas Ethics Commission).

In sum, we find the evidence (please see below) overwhelming that David D. Kelton has deep ties to the Republican Party, locally and statewide, including ties to persons who have been involved in efforts that have deeply harmed the goals and aspirations of the Dallas County Democratic Party and the Texas Democratic Party.

It is for this reason that we have decided to share this information with you. In our opinion, in this particular case, it is imperative that this candidate NOT be successful in the Democratic Primary

Sincerely,

SDEC Members Hon. David Bradley, Hon. Dr. Theresa Daniel, Hon. Dr. Martha Williams, Hon. Susan Culp; Precinct Chairs Hon. Dorothy Dean, Hon. Mark Baker, Hon. Thelma Davis, Hon. Vivian Hill, Hon. Alice Cox, Hon. Lionel Churchill, Hon. Shirley Brown, Hon. Ramona Ames, Hon. Judy Richards, Hon. Shirley Daniels, Hon. Mary Freeman, Hon. Lettie Searles, Hon. Phil Fisher, former SDEC, and additional DCDP precinct chairs and activists

REPUBLICAN DAVID KELTON - ACCEPTED MONEY FROM:

Dallas County Republican Party
$1153.36 on 10/26/2002
Brentwood Republican Women PAC
$300.00 on 8/30/02
First Republican Women's Club of Dallas PAC
$300.00 on 8/5/02
Metrocrest Republican Club
$277.66 on 11/21/02
Republican Liberty PAC
$250.00 11/27/06
Park Cities Republican Women PAC
$200.00 on 5/6/02
Preston West Republican Women's Club
$200.00 on 9/20/02
Dallas Eagle Forum PAC
$100.00 on 3/1/06
White Rock Republican Women's Club
$100.00 on 8/20/02

REPUBLICAN DAVID KELTON - MADE CONTRIBUTIONS/PAYMENTS TO:

Dallas County Republican Party
$2500.00 on 12/19/05
$1500.00 on 9/19/02
$3000.00 on 8/5/06
$500.00 on 8/24/02
$100.00 on 9/18/02
Park Cities Republican Women PAC
$100.00 on 11/26/03
$25.00 on 12/29/06
$75.00 on 11/23/07
$20.00 on 1/16/05
$25.00 on 12/21/07
$20.00 on 1/20/03
$75.00 on 12/05/06
$75.00 on 12/02/05
$25.00 on 12/19/05
Dallas County Council of Republican Women
$10.00 on 12/07/04
$10.00 on 12/06/05
Dallas Eagle Forum PAC
$30.00 on 12/05/05
Edward Shack Consulting
$262.50 on 12/08/06
$225.00 on 5/18/07
$150.00 on 7/30/07
$675.00 on 5/18/07

Source for above: Texas Ethics Commission search of finance reports for filer ID #00051643, former Republican State District Judge David D. Kelton, appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the 44th Civil District Court in 2002 and defeated by a Democrat in 2006.

# # #
Memo issued by SDEC Member David Bradley, not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-01-18T12:25:00.002-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance wishes you a happy MLK Day as it brings you this week's blog highlights.

Off the Kuff takes a look at some demographic trends in the Houston area.

Something STINKS about TCEQ's recent Fort Worth air study. Considering that the Barnett Shale has a staggering asthma rate of 25% compared to 7.1% statewide, TXsharon thinks it's time for an intervention in Texas. Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme, along with every other progressive, knows why Democrats are having a hard time. Even the Tea Party activists know that our country should not be run by corporate lobbyists.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson discusses the importance of the election this year, 2010 races loom large for 2011 legislative redistricting.

Mary Peters loves her some private toll roads which is understandable since her income depends on stupid people at TXDOT selling off our roads. McBlogger, understandably, has a problem with the fact that taxpayers have to get screwed for Mary and her masters to make money.

A few of PDiddie's friends around the state are taking a crack at public office this year. See who they are at Brains and Eggs.

Bay Area Houston notices What they didnt talk about at the Republican debates.

Neil at Texas Liberal updated his Martin Luther King Reading & Reference List for 2010. This list is the best such resource on the web.

MUD? FWSD? WTF? Developer welfare comes back into the light in Denton County, at the Texas Cloverleaf.

Developer Welfare In Denton County

2010-01-17T22:35:00.002-06:00

Ever wonder what a fresh water supply district does, and why in the world we have so many in Denton County? Me too. Heck, you probably don't even know you live in one.

I have been spending quite some time doing some digging around. I live in Paloma Creek off US 380, which is surrounded by Little Elm. Although I am surrounded by the LE, I am not an LE resident. I live in Denton County Fresh Water Supply District 11-A. Sounds like a mouthful, but it is more of a headache. Thanks to its creation, I pay $1 per $100 in value in tax for the water district in lieu of a city tax. That is generally about 3 to 4 times greater than a city tax. I also pay the county tax, and the Denton ISD tax on top of it.

These districts seem to have been originally authorized by the state legislature as a way to promote tourism and/or to promote a way to get water to rural residents, depending on what type of district you live in. And there are many. There is a CDD (county development district), MUD (municipal utility district), FWSD (fresh water supply district), WCID (water control and improvement district), SUD (special utility district), etc. The list goes on. You can find a full list throughout the state on the TCEQ website if it has to do with water in particular. Some of the local FWSD's in name only-- because they are legally WCID's-- are Providence Village, Savannah, Paloma Creek, Artesia, Lantana, Castle Hills, and the list goes on.

Developers found a way to form these districts as a way to create large developments, and to create water and sewer services without creating septic systems. And in doing so, the district is able to sell bonds and the cost falls back on the homeowners in the district in the form of the tax. Typically these bonds do not get paid down until 25 to 30 years or more from the time of sale. And cities like Little Elm, are chomping at the bit to annex. However, we get stuck without certain services in the meantime unless we pay extra. Case in point, our policing. Just read the Denton Record Chronicle in recent weeks.

I intend to spend more time on the how and why of these districts, but I found a series of articles by the Dallas Morning News almost a decade ago, that explains their creation. Some of it is rather shady in how they were created, in my opinion. Such as, a developer throwing a trailer on some land, and giving it to a 20something year old redneck who then votes to create the district and serve on its board. My TX State Senator Jane Nelson even seemed to think so at the time. I do not know her opinion now, but intend to find out. But if you want to listen to an almost 5 hour long committee hearing in 2002, it is out there. But it is better to read the articles to get an idea. And to add to the fun, if you look at the satellite photos on Google Maps, or Bing Maps using the bird's eye view , the Paloma Creek properties are shown prior to and during early development. So using our internet way back machine, we can now see what it was like years ago. When you ask the developer and your local board of directors what happened in the past, their memory is foggy. But pictures don't lie.

There is a lot of he said she said and "the guy before me did it" in the whole questioning of why things are the way they are. It is hard to find the truth, but some of the background is out there. And it is way past time to dig it back up. Get ready Denton County. The truth is out there.

Big GOP Debate In Denton

2010-01-15T16:09:00.001-06:00

<chirp chirp chirp>...........................................

............................................

Yeah sorry. I didn't go to it or watch it. I was busy being sworn in as a Precinct Chair for the Denton County Democratic Party in my newly formed precinct. Republicans arguing with one another doesn't concern me.

Does Little Elm Really Need More Retail?

2010-01-13T22:43:00.000-06:00

Last time I checked, the economy was still pretty crappy. So why are more mega retail projects cropping up in Denton County? A developed announced a new 22 acre project in Little Elm that would include a 123,000 square foot Kroger.

I live in the US 380 corridor. Granted we don't have a lot of options like most suburban areas. But there is a Super WalMart, Kroger, Albertsons, and Market Street all within a 10 mile driving distance from my home, and a lot shorter drive for those in Little Elm proper and West Frisco. A Tom Thumb has also been proposed in Frisco just north of The Colony at 423 and Lebanon. Another WalMart has been planned for Cross Roads once the economy picks back up this year or next. This new Kroger would be at 423 and 720, very close to the WalMart I would expect. There is already a Kroger on Main Street in Frisco, which I am assuming this new one will replace. There is also vacant retail space yet to be filled sitting empty in both Little Elm and Frisco.

Granted our area is growing by leaps and bounds and has done so in the last decade exponentially. Little Elm's 2000 census put them at 3646 people. It is now well over 23,000. Add to that 5000+ people along US 380 in Providence Village, Paloma Creek, and Savannah, and even more in the growing West Frisco area. Roads have been slow coming. We've been waiting for years to have 423 expanded. Instead, priority had been given to El Dorado Pkwy being widened in Frisco to accomodate more traffic moving between the Tollway and the Toll Bridge, neglecting a much needed north-south throughfare. And now they want to add even more retail to 423? It sounds like a traffic nightmare in waiting.

I know Little Elm wants more and more sales tax and commercial taxes. Why else would they have greedily strip annexed along US 380 all the way to Lincoln Park and zone it commercial? But this just looks like a town government and planning commission out of hand. If there was ever a time for conservatism it would be now. But consumerism seems to be getting the best of a growing suburb.

Wherein Thoughts Muse

2010-01-13T22:20:00.000-06:00

Sorry just always wanted to use wherein in a blog

Texas Blog Roundup

2010-01-11T21:02:00.002-06:00

With blue lips and chattering teeth, the Texas Progressive Alliance brings you a hot steaming mug of blog highlights for the week.

This week on Left of College Station: the filling deadline has ended and the primaries in the Brazos Valley are crowded with candidates. Also, a look at who tweets among the primary candidates for Texas Congressional District 17 and which does not want Left of College Station to follow their tweets. Teddy also takes a look at the modern day slavery of human trafficking, and how Houston has become one of the biggest hubs for the modern day slave trade. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the Texas GOP's inability to govern and the opportunities that provides for Democrats, GOP divisions can bring Democratic gains in Texas.

The Denton County candidates are ready to go at the Texas Cloverleaf.

How does Texas compare with other states? A statistical analysis with graphs reveals the truth at Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Off the Kuff has a modest suggestion for how to handle Harris County's current budget shortfall.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme agrees it's time to put our money in community banks.

Thinking and acting both locally and globally, Neil at Texas Liberal sent membership donations to both Greenpeace and the Democratic Women of Denton County.

After a noted anti-gay and Republican activist filed to run as a Democrat against an unchallenged incumbent GOP county commissioner, investigation determined that the man used the wrong address and was disqualified from the ballot. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has more on the story.

Bay Area Houston nominates Dave Wilson for the "Dripping with Hypocrisy" award with One Man. No Woman.

WhosPlayin has the story of a public servant who manages a $13 million facility, where he works for the taxpayer by day, and for the private club that rents the facility at night.

McBlogger sees some problems with Sen. Hutchison's ad taking on 39% and some of the people making excuses for 39%.

Clothing Optional Mass Transit In DFW

2010-01-11T13:07:00.001-06:00

Taking the term "flash mob" to a whole new level, some DART rail riders in Dallas took off their pants on Sunday in a coordinated effort with others nationwide. DART CEO Gary Thomas even joked he had planned the event himself. Of course some DART police and passengers didn't appreciate seeing blue balls on the Blue Line, and required some to put their pants back on.

I guess if it gets DART more passengers, then pants free days might be the wave of the future. It also validates all of times your mother warned you to have on clean underwear. Of course riding the train was probably not one of the times she had in mind.

One GOP Challenger Down In Fort Worth

2010-01-11T12:55:00.001-06:00

TX Rep Marc Veasey of Fort Worth was slated to have a Republican challenger, but it is not to be. The Starlegram notes that Dr. Monte Mitchell was disqualified for running due to having previously filed for precinct chair. Looks like HD 95 gets two more years of Veasey.

Interesting to note, Veasey is the only Democratic Rep in Tarrant County who will not have an opponent. Also Republicans Diane Patrick and Mark Shelton also drew no opponents in the House from the two major parties. State Senator Jane Nelson is also unopposed in that regard. All of them will have Libertarian opponents, but we know how that goes.

Eva Guzman Swearing In As Texas Surpeme Court Justice

2010-01-11T10:32:00.001-06:00

I am not sure how this works exactly, but Eva Guzman will be sworn into her seat on the Texas Supreme Court today. She was appointed on October 8th to replace Scott Brister who resigned his seat. She is the first Latina to serve on the state high court. Why it takes 3 months to swear someone in is beyond me. Welcome to Texas.

Interestingly, her previous job was an appointment as well. She was appointed by Governor 39% Perry to serve in 2001 on the Texas 14th District Court of Appeals in Houston. She was then reelected to keep that position, but it must be nice to have an incumbency handed to you-- now two times in the past decade. In the previous decade, she was appointed by then Governor George W. Bush to the 309th District Court of Harris County.

But this brings up another issue in Texas politics. We elect our judges. And our judges are partisan- meaning they run under a party banner. Loyalty to the party brand does not seem right when we expect our judiciary to be fair and impartial. I am not saying Justice Guzman is not impartial, or she is a crazy right winger, but it does give that impression sometimes when you have someone as crazy as Perry and Bush handing you a job, not once but three times. The system needs to be addressed.

Craig James The Next To Run In The Non US Senate Race

2010-01-10T19:35:00.000-06:00

ESPN analyst and former Southern Methodist University star Craig James is throwing his name out there for the US Senate seat currently held by Kay Bailey Hutchison. He would run as a Republican.

The Celina TX resident was the last white player to rush for over 1000 yards in the NFL with the New England Patriots. These days he might be known to many as the father of Texas Tech University receiver Adam James, who allegedly he was locked in an electrical closet by now former head coach Mike Leach. He is also known for quite a number of gaffes in the sports broadcasting industry.

So how does that translate to politics? One would think, even as a Republican, that if he were interested in being a politician he would start out small. State House maybe? Collin County is a GOP breeding ground, and he would fit in well there. I don't think he would do well statewide, especially considering his recent foray into the firing of Leach. He would lose Lubbock for sure. Couple that with the free for all that would occur if a special election for US Senate did occur, assuming KBH wins the governor's primary in March. There are other long time and not so long time politicians on both sides of the aisle who want that spot.

While Craig James, Republican for Senate, might sound neat, it would be a train wreck. He might want to also make sure he can still run as quick as he did in 1985, in case he needs to make a hasty retreat from campaign appearances in West Texas.

Denton County Water In Jeopardy In Argyle & Bartonville

2010-01-10T13:41:00.000-06:00

Bluedaze tips us off on two articles relating to more ridiculous drilling conditions in western Denton County. It seems there is a proposal to put in wastewater wells near fresh water wells. Yeah, that makes sense. NOT! Argyle and Bartonville need to watch out.