San Antonio Young Democrats

2008-01-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

Hello,

If you have not reserved your seat for the Founder’s Circle Event featuring Arianna Huffington on January 19 you still have time. Tickets to the brunch and the keynote address are still available. Tickets start at $50. The ticket price can be pledged until June 30.

Please see event information below. As you know 2008 is a crucial election year. We need your support to help pro-family planning/pro-choice candidates move into office and on to protecting women and families in Texas.

Thank you for your support of the GAC and Winning for Women!
Please make checks payable to:
Winning for Women
Attn: De Calloway
104 Babcock Rd., San Antonio, TX, 78201
Phone: 210-736-2244 Fax: 210-736-001

Or Pledge your Payment w/ticket information

Outstanding pledges will be notified on May 1, 2008.

All pledge payments are due by June 30, 2008.
The mission of the Government Affairs Council at Planned Parenthood (GAC) is to educate and activate voters to elect candidates who will support family planning and reproductive choice. Winning for Women is the political action committee of the GAC. Its goal is to elect legislators that are committed to fully funding family planning, ensuring access to abortion care, and safeguarding comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education.

The Government Affairs Council at Planned Parenthood and Winning for Women, made significant contributions that in turn made a critical impact on several important races in the 2006 mid-term election. The efforts moved GAC & Winning for Women toward its goal of creating a 100% pro-choice delegation from Bexar County to the State Legislature. The GAC and Winning for Women also supported a number of candidates across Texas who will support family planning and a woman’s right to choose.

The Government Affairs Council (GAC) protecting responsible choices through political action
The GAC is an independent non-profit, non-partisan organization supported by private, non-tax deductible memberships.
The GAC cannot accept contributions from corporations or unions.
The GAC is not authorized by any candidate, committee or political party.

Winning for Women is a Political Action Committee of the Government Affairs Council of the Planned Parenthood Trust of San Antonio and South Central Texas. Contributions are not tax-deductible, and we cannot accept contributions from corporations or unions. If more than $10, your contribution will be reported to the Texas Ethics Commission. Your contribution may be used for political purposes, such as supporting or opposing candidates.

FYI

2008-01-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

There will be an
executive commitee meeting
Sunday, January 20, 4pm
call 210-573-2713 or email chriscg5@netscape.net for more info.

Legislative Update

2007-11-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

By Clifton Walker

On November 6th, a mere 9% of registered Texas voters voted to change the Texas constitution sixteen times, and to authorize the issuance of $9.75 billion in general obligation bonds. In fact, in spite of a well-promoted proposition that would fund cancer research to the tune of $3 billion, statewide turnout was only half that from two years ago, when the constitutional ban on gay marriage was the most hyped item on the ballot. Total votes to ban gay marriage: 1,723,782 (76.25% of total turnout). Total votes for cancer research: 668,543 (62.73% of total turnout). Riddle me this: does this mean that Texans fear gay marriage more than they do cancer?

Also almost unnoticed was a proposition authorizing the extension of $500 million to finance student loans. Our state will now issue $5 billion in bonds to pay for highway improvements which could very well go towards the new third rail of Texas politics - toll roads. Next legislative session, our state lawmakers will now have to cast record votes upon final passage of a bill. Disabled veterans will now see a drop in their property tax bill, depending on the degree they are rated disabled by the Veterans Administration.

We passed a record number of bonds – nearly ten billion dollars in IOUs that our generation will be responsible for fulfilling. Why so much? One local Democratic state representative called these bonds “the new fees” – the technique used by lawmakers last session to sneak by what are essentially tax increases. With so many Republicans pledged to never creating a new tax or raising an existing one, lawmakers are pushed to find creative, if not deceptive, ways to fund government. Makes you wonder what they’ll do to avoid meddling with taxes next session, however fair and sensible the tax adjustment. Bake sales at your local Medicaid office? Perhaps, ‘Supersize’ opportunities for a little extra justice when you pay your court fees? How about toll booths at the gates of state universities?

Finally, the date that most bills passed last session took effect was September 1. If you aren’t a member of the lobby or a special interest group that cares about bills dealing with particular issues, you probably don’t hear much about new laws (over 1400 this year). For your edification and reading enjoyment, here are a just few of the laws that govern your life, and some that almost did.

These passed:

Dog owners are now considered criminally negligent if they fail to secure a dog that causes serious bodily injury to someone off the owner’s property. (HB 1355 by Gattis-R)
No more roadside snake hunting. (HB 12 by Hildebrand-R)
Shoot first, ask questions later – you can shoot to kill with a “presumption of reasonableness” at your home, your workplace, and in your car (SB 378 by Wentworth-R)

Some failed proposals:

Interest rate caps for payday lenders lending to servicemembers and their families (HB 2048 by Farias-D)
The creation of a Texas Innocence Commission to correct wrongful convictions (SB 263 by Ellis-D)
Repeal of the nearly 50 year ban on the sale of horsemeat (HB 2476 by Miller-R)
Voter registration and election day obstacles, like the presentation of multiple identification. Of course, while meant to prevent illegal immigrants from voting (a phenomenon that no one can prove really exists), it would effectively disenfranchise plenty of minorities, the elderly, the disabled and the poor. What a coincidence. Special thanks to Senator Mario Gallegos (D-H) for risking his life to stay near the Senate where Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst threatened to revive this stinker at any given moment.

This is why we need more Democrats in the Legislature.

Legislative Update

2007-10-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

By Clifton Walker

Student Loans
$85 Billion. That’s the size of the U.S. student loan industry. Hidden within that figure is a whopping $21 billion that the federal government pays in direct subsidies not to students, whom we ultimately wish to help, but to lenders. That changed last month with the passage and ratification of the College Cost Reduction Act. Upon passage, money will be diverted largely in order to incrementally increasing the maximum Pell Grant from the present $4,310 to $5400 in 2012. Conversely, subsidized Stafford loan rates will drop incrementally from the present 6.8% to 3.4% in 2011. A new loan repayment schedule that limits monthly payments to 15% of monthly income will be available to cash-strapped recent graduates. Finally, the bill reallocates money to grant programs offering incentives (TEACH grants) of up to $16,000 to would-be teachers, encouraging them to take up high-demand subjects (math, special education, etc.) in areas where teachers are short.

Children’s Health Coverage
Citing the Cold War spectre of the sneaking infiltration of Socialism (gasp!), President Bush has threatened to veto the considerably bipartisan State Children’s Health Insurance Programs Bill (SCHIP). After the House settled upon a compromise version with the Senate, the bill was so popular in the Senate that they reached a vetoproof majority of 68 votes in approving the measure. Still, after the hundreds of billions of dollars spent in war of choice – now widely viewed as a “quagmire” – and large unprecedented tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans in a time of war, President Bush has decided to play “budget hawk” to demonstrate his fiscal responsibility by vetoing health coverage for kids. So much for compassionate conservatism. If 14 House Republicans reconsider and flip their votes, the President’s veto will be overridden.

Iraq
The Iraq Occupation Since the surge began, Americans have been advised to wait until General David Petraeus’s September report before making final judgments about how best to proceed. The reaction has been clear; according to several polls conducted immediately after General Petraeus’s testimony, support for continuing the occupation has declined. Nevertheless, last week, when the Senate reconsidered an amendment offered by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) which would have required that troops spend as least as much time at home training (“dwell time”) as abroad, the vote count (56) remained unchanged from the amendment’s debut in July. Many who oppose the occupation are feeling the frustration inherent in the dynamic of the Senate, where the support of a simple majority does not ensure a bill’s passage. At 56 votes, the Democratic caucus, all of whom voted for the measure except Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-DE), is still short of the 60 votes needed to override a filibuster, and well short of the 67 votes needed to override a presidential veto. Senator Webb’s amendment, attracting 6 Republican votes, represents the closest thing to a compromise, so, sadly, it is very unlikely that Congress will force the President’s hand to change course any time soon.

Ciro Event

2007-05-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to join

Congressman Steny Hoyer
House Majority Leader
5th District of Maryland

for a
Fundraising Reception

Honoring

Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez
23rd District of Texas

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Aldaco’s Restaurant
Sunset Station
100 Hoefgen

$1,500 Sponsor $1,000 Patron $500 Host $100 Friend
Please make checks payable to:
Ciro D. Rodriguez for Congress
P. O. Box 14528
San Antonio, Texas 78214

For more information or to RSVP please call Gina Castaneda at (210) 928-2476

Paid for by the Ciro D. Rodriguez for Congress, Luis Vera Treasurer, P.O. Box 14528 San Antonio, Texas 78214 FEC CMTE C00326066

Presidential Debates

2007-05-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Round I ... Fight!!!... (insert Street Fighter II announcer voice)
ON CNN TV:
The presidential debates LIVE from New Hampshire!
Democrats: Sunday, June 3, 7 p.m. ET
Republicans: Tuesday, June 5, 7 p.m. ET (Can you say inquisition?)
SPECIAL COVERAGE begins at 5 p.m. ET
moderated by Wolf Blitzer

Congressman Charlie Gonzalez Birthday Party

2007-05-29T19:02:00.001-07:00

Art and Culture

2007-05-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Art and Culture
One of our duties is to keep you informed of all the things that may be of interest to you in San Antonio. Things that range from professional networking groups to the arts. So, to fulfill our constitutional duty to promote the arts I give you:

Shakespeare in the Park (Botanical Garden)
May 31 - June 2
[gates open:6:30pm; Performance:8pm]
The Taming of the Shrew
(FREE admission, cash donation accepted)

Premier Performance & After Glow
Wednseday, May 30,2007
6:30pm: gate Open, Libations & Temptations
8:00pm: Seated Performance & AfterGlow Cast Mingling
$25 - by reservation only - 210-227-2751 and keep scrolling!!!!!!!!!!

Mention this ad when ordering by phone or print it out and bring a copy when you visit the San Antonio Symphony Box Office or Majestic Theatre Box Office and you will receive One Free Ticket for Every Paid Ticket.
Please Call 210-554-1010 for more information
Offer Expires: June 2, 2007

Its Beethovens 9th Symphony

The Bush Administration and a light Bulb

2007-05-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

I got this email and thought it was funny....

How many members of the Bush administration does it take to change a light bulb?
1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed;
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb;
4. One to arrange the invasion of a country rumored to have a secret stockpile of light bulbs;
5. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Haliburton for the new light bulb;
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a step ladder under the banner: Light Bulb Change Accomplished;
7. One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how Bush was literally in the dark;
8. One to viciously smear #7;
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light-bulb-changing policy all along;
10. And finally one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.
- Juan Cardenas

Kosovo to honor Bill Clinton with statue

2007-05-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Kosovo to honor Bill Clinton with statue

By Fatos Bytyci Wed May 23, 9:03 AM ET
PODUJEVO, Serbia (Reuters) -
Kosovo Albanians plan to honor their "savior" Bill Clinton by erecting a statue of the former United States president in the capital of Serbia's breakaway province.
The three-meter (10-foot) tall monument is still under construction in a studio in Podujevo north of Pristina.
"He is our savior. He saved us from extermination," sculptor Izeir Mustafa told Reuters. "I was thrilled by the work because I know what he did for us."
Kosovo has been under U.N. administration since 1999 after 78 days of NATO bombing ousted Serb troops who had killed some 10,000 ethnic Albanians in an 18-month counter-insurgency war against Albanian separatist guerrillas.
Ninety percent of Kosovo's 2 million people are ethnic Albanians. They expect to get their own state in the coming months with U.S. and European Union support, despite the opposition of Serbia and its main ally, Russia.
Clinton, as leader of the NATO alliance, is seen as the man who decided to bomb Serbia to force the late strongman Slobodan Milosevic to withdraw his forces from Kosovo, effectively handing victory to the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Pristina already has a road named after him, graced by a 12-metre (25 foot) tall mural of the former president. Pristina municipal authorities say they expect to erect the statue somewhere along Clinton Boulevard later this summer.
Mustafa has several more days to work before he bronzes the sculpture of Clinton, after which he will turn his attention to another soon-to-be former Western leader. . "I definitely will do a statue of (British Prime Minister) Tony Blair," he said. "He saved us as well."

GOP opposes Honoring Cesar Chavez

2007-04-03T12:26:00.001-07:00

GOP Senators Blasted for Blocking Resolution Honoring Cesar Chavez
April 2, 2007
EFE

Senate Democratic leaders joined pro-immigrant groups to chastise Republicans for rejecting a resolution in honor of the late Mexican-American labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. The resolution, sponsored by two Democratic lawmakers and defeated Thursday night, would have honored the Chavez legacy on the eve of what would have been his 80th birthday. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the resolution was stymied because Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky insisted on including a controversial passage about Chavez' participation in a 1969 march against illegal immigration. Chavez participated in that march because, in those days, there was an increase in the importation of undocumented workers as cheap labor to torpedo his efforts to build up the United Farm Workers union he founded. Calling the late activist "an inspirational American who fought for social and economic justice," Reid said Friday in a statement that "Senate Republicans objected to honoring the true legacy of Cesar Chavez." "Instead of joining Democrats to honor this great American with a resolution celebrating his life, the Senate GOP leadership last night decided that it was better to block the resolution, since they failed in their attempt to include controversial language related to immigration. This is outrageous and disrespects the legacy of this inspirational leader," the Nevada Democrat said. McConnell's insistence on a reference to the 1969 march in the resolution to honor Chavez was also criticized Friday by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the National Council of La Raza. "The inclusion of such language suggests that Cesar Chavez would not have been appalled and outraged by today's anti-immigrant sentiment and policies, which is not only offensive but is dead wrong. There is a time and place to debate the immigration issue but to deny a great leader this congressional honor is a slap in the face to his family, to the Latino community, and to the millions in the U.S. and around the world who continue his work and legacy today," MALDEF and NCLR said in a joint statement. Source: Copyright (C) 2007. Agencia EFE S.A.
Today's most popular stories >>
More headlines >>

-->

Pros and Cons of Targeting Precincts

2007-04-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

I hear much talk of targeting precincts. The Texas Democratic Party Handbook defines targeting as the "Process of determining which demographic groups and precincts that have voters who are more likely to support a favored candidate or party." That sounds harmless enough until you think about it. And, in fact, it is probably something most candidates should do. Unless a candidate has unlimited resources, he or she will have to target--go where the most likely voters are. But is it good for the Democratic Party. I don't think so. The Democratic Party is obligated to organize itself to support all Democratic Candidates--all those who file as a candidate for elective office--and those who may wish to file but can't make it on their own. In fact, the Democratic Party should organize itself to search for good candidates--not just wait until the knock on the door. But that is only part of the Party's obligations. Another major obligation is to serve the voters in the precincts, all the precincts. Every Democratic voter or prospective voter in every precinct is entitled to representation before the CEC by a precinct chair. We can not forget our Democratic voters in non-targetable precincts just because there are few of them. Collectively they can add up to that extra 10%, and possibly more, that we fail to turnout in every election. But, some say, "We can't go after every possible voter in every precinct. We don't have the resources." To them I reply, "How long has it been since you have seen a major fundraising effort by the Democratic Party here in Bexar County?" I have been here since 1972 and have never seen it happen.

In fact, all these activities can go on simultaneously. Is there any reason why I shouldn't request access to the walk lists for precincts without chairs in my vicinity and call active Democrats in those precincts asking them to help find a chair or coordinator for their precinct and, at the same time, ask them to help us raise the necessary funds for us to accomplish our purpose. One of our precinct chairs came up with the idea of asking for a dollar from every Democrat. That idea went nowhere. Let's revive it. Chapter 5, Fundraising and Financial Reporting, of the Party Handbook states that the number one reason that people give money is that they are asked. We certainly have an honorable cause and no need to be ashamed to ask for money to support that cause.

Fortunately, the kind of organization I am talking about goes hand-in-hand with getting the resources we need to do our job while we are organizing our precincts, finding and supporting candidates, finding and encouraging prospective voters and meeting all the other responsibilities placed on the CECs.

I can get sufficient information off the Website to recruit precinct chairs in my area without having to download a complete walk list. Eventually, however, each precinct chair or coordinator will need a walk list with certain information. At best, useful walk lists will cost considerable money. The CEC must carefully determine what information precinct chairs and coordinator will need to organize their precincts. The walklist of registered voters I downloaded in 2004 was 110 pages long. The list of DDD Democrats was only 29 pages long, but I found the longer list more useful and productive. This is the kind of decision the CEC must make. Just what do we need in the way of walk lists? Until the approximately 700,000 prospective Democratic voters in Bexar County give us a dollar each, we must be frugal.

The one cheer I remember from my high school days goes "Hit 'em high, hit 'em low! Come on team, let's go." Let's go and do likewise.

John McConnell,
Democratic Precinct Chair
Precinct 3047
Bexar County, Texas

This From: http://lelowry.blogspot.com/index.html

Guatemalan Mayan priests to 'purify' sacred site after Bush visit

2007-03-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate "bad spirits" after President Bush visits next week, an official with close ties to the group said Thursday.
"That a person like (Bush), with the persecution of our migrant brothers in the United States, with the wars he has provoked, is going to walk in our sacred lands, is an offense for the Mayan people and their culture," Juan Tiney, the director of a Mayan non-governmental organization with close ties to Mayan religious and political leaders, said Thursday.
Bush's seven-day tour of Latin America includes a stopover beginning late Sunday in Guatemala. On Monday morning he is scheduled to visit the archaeological site Iximche on the high western plateau in a region of the Central American country populated mostly by Mayans.
Tiney said the "spirit guides of the Mayan community" decided it would be necessary to cleanse the sacred site of "bad spirits" after Bush's visit so that their ancestors could rest in peace. He also said the rites — which entail chanting and burning incense, herbs and candles — would prepare the site for the third summit of Latin American Indians March 26-30.
Bush's trip has already has sparked protests elsewhere in Latin America, including protests and clashes with police in Brazil hours before his arrival. In Bogota, Colombia, which Bush will visit on Sunday, 200 masked students battled 300 riot police with rocks and small homemade explosives.
The tour is aimed at challenging a widespread perception that the United States has neglected the region and at combatting the rising influence of Venezuelan leftist President Hugo Chavez, who has called Bush "history's greatest killer" and "the devil."
Iximche, 30 miles west of the capital of Guatemala City, was founded as the capital of the Kaqchiqueles kingdom before the Spanish conquest in 1524.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Mike Villarreal on Taxes

2007-02-08T21:13:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting article by one of our State Reps.

News

Sales price disclosure would balance property tax burden

News and InformationJanuary 24, 2007
Austin American-Statesman COMMENTARY

Sales price disclosure would balance property tax burden

Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Have you ever tried moving a heavy piece of furniture with someone who does not carry his share of the weight? For middle-class homeowners, this is a lot like paying property taxes, while some of our fellow taxpayers dodge their fair share. An upcoming report from the Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform should include a recommendation to right this wrong: requiring disclosure of real estate sales prices. If passed by the Legislature, it will greatly benefit the average homeowner. It turns out that property tax appraisers have all the information they need to fully appraise typical homes — homes that sell for $250,000 or less. However, when it comes to commercial property or million-dollar homes, tax appraisers lack access to the same kind of sales data. Consequently, owners of high-end properties often end up with discounted appraisals and thus a lighter tax bill — leaving everyone else to pick up the slack. In my hometown of San Antonio, I visited one property, La Mansion Hotel, that paid taxes on 25 percent of its reported sales price of $100 million last year. Less than two miles away, a middle-class working couple paid property taxes on nearly 100 percent of their $146,000 home. For 25 percent of the cost, the hotel owners still enjoy 100 percent of the services delivered by local governments and fully paid for by the average homeowners. That is why I have authored the Sales Information Act (House Bill 133). This bill removes the extra tax burden from the backs of middle-class homeowners by simply allowing equal access to the sales price information of all properties. The reform effort is gaining steam. A bipartisan majority of the Texas Senate is on the record for sales price disclosure, and the bipartisan House Committee on Local Government Ways and Means recently endorsed reforms. If this policy had been on the books a year ago, our schools would be $4 billion richer today. If the big property owners would help carry the heavy load, schools and local governments wouldn't keep asking regular taxpayers to carry more.

Molly

2007-01-31T19:48:00.000-08:00

We will miss you Molly.

Veterans Breakfast Meeting with Congressman Ciro Rodriguez

2007-01-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Please get the word out to any Veterans or Family members that are interested in attending:

Veterans Breakfast Meeting with Congressman Ciro Rodriguez
Saturday, January 20, 2007
7:30 AM
816 Camaron St., San Antonio, TX 78212-5108 ( Bexar County Deputy Sheriff's Association Conference Room, Next Door) Map

Directions: From Downtown take Flores Street North until you get to Elmira Street where you go west/left, which is the IH35 access road, go about two-three blocks, park your vehicle across the purple bldg (where meeting is) under the IH 35 expressway

Please try to attend as Congressman Rodiguez wants to hear your valuable input concerning military, veterans and family member issues and also give you the status on what veteran issues and resolutions Congress is currently working on

Thanks,

Larry Romo, Lt Col USAFR (Retired)
Bexar County Veterans Commitee Chairman

Lessons Not Learned With Vietnam

2006-12-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

State Senator Frank Madla Killed in a fire.

2006-11-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

A sad day today.

Read more on the story here.
http://www.swtexaslive.com/node/2318

Need to see this!

2006-11-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

Victory

2006-11-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

Well the Democratic Party now has the US house, US Senate and picked up 5 seats in the Texas Ledge. There were ,any local victories here in Bexar county as well.
How did we do it?
1) Got off our a** and got to work.
3) We were confident and defended our ideas.
2) Great candidates. Many of these Candidates would be considered Blue-Dog Democrats. They are less liberal on certain issues than the Yellow-Dog or very Liberal Democrats. Most of our new congressmen and women disagree with the party line on the hot button social issues. Issues that those of us more to the left believe the government shouldn't get involved with. Now, before some of you start calling for a purging of the less-than-liberals of the party keep in mind we would not have had our victories without them. You also need to keep in mind that we are the big tent party. Once we control the agenda we can work on issues that bring people together. Issues like the minimum wage, healthcare, protection of the environment, competent foriegn policy, and education. Those are the issues we can work on together. Those are the issues that can unite our nation and help people.

Bush Lies

2006-11-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

R.I.P. "Stay The Course"

2006-11-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

Blockwalking and Phonebanking Opportunities

2006-11-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

Interested in getting involved???
Election Day is this Tuesday and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is looking for active and motivated people to help them "get out the vote." SEIU is paying $10 an hour for people willing to phone bank
Place:
-Park Place build. ( bordering southeast corner of San Antonio College )
1403 N. Main Avenue
Shifts start from 9am and go until 6pm for both Monday and Tuesday.

State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer 116 is looking to hire blockwalkers ($10 to $8 and hour) to help get out the vote these last two crucial days. For more information, or to get involved, contact Jon Coffey at 210-857-6407.

From: Joaquin Castro

2006-11-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 7th. In this year's election, Election Day will be crucial in determining the success of our campaign. I'm writing to personally ask for help to volunteer some of your time on Tuesday, to hand out literature at a poll site. Your volunteer work during this important time will make a tremendous difference in influencing how potential voters will vote. Your presence, enthusiasm and good words about my candidacy will make a huge difference and ensure our success. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. We are asking your help to hand out literature at a polling site in any one of the following four hour time blocks: 7 a.m to 11 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.. If you are able to help work a poll (or even to blockwalk or phonebank on Tuesday) please contact me at (210) 436-5284.

Thank you for all of your support and friendship. Let's make a final push to victory on Tuesday!

Thank you!
Joaquin

Nearly 20,000 People Vote

2006-11-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

That's right almost 20,000 people voted yesterday 11-03-06!

A record for Bexar County considering recent turnouts from previous elections.

Amazing and that is just Early Voting! We still have ELECTION DAY!

E-DAY---November 7, 2006

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

2006-11-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

Alright everyone so far we have a total # of votes in early voting of 120,967 votes in Bexar County.

On 10-23-06 we have total # of votes 8591
On 10-24-06 we have total # of votes 9099
On 10-25-06 we have total # of votes 7692
On 10-26-06 we have total # of votes 9582
On 10-27-06 we have total # of votes 9979
On 10-28-06 we have total # of votes 8576
On 10-29-06 we have total # of votes 3211
On 10-30-06 we have total # of votes 10266
On 10-31-06 we have total # of votes 10053
On 11-01-06 we have total # of votes 11472
On 11-02-06 we have total # of votes 13575
On 11-03-06 we have total # of votes 18871

Keep up the good work and make sure EVERYONE who is registered VOTES.This info was provided by the Bexar County Election's Site.

Come and Stand with Joe Farias as he fights to Protect our Public Schools!

2006-11-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 4th
12pm
2804 Pleasanton

Anti-Public school extremeist are trying to buy their way into the Southside.
Don't let them! Stand with Joe!

Directions
From Pleasanton/Military drive intersection, go south on Pleasanton. Office will be on your left, just after Harding/Pleasanton intersection. Please park on Harding.

Election Day Is Coming...................

2006-11-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2006
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you have not signed up to be a poll worker, here is your opportunity!
Please Call 365-9683 or visit the web site at www. voteforbarbie.com
and click on the volunteer page.

What do I have to do to work a poll?

Talk to people and hand out literature for Barbie.
Have a smiling face.

Work the hours that fit into your schedule and work the poll site
that is close to your house.

Working at a poll site is not an all day affair. You can work it in the morning and in the afternoon or during lunch if that is best for you.

We need your help!

Westside Pachanga (Rally) for Eddie Bravenec for District Attorney

2006-11-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 5, 2006
5-7pm

Arizona Café
1111 S. Gen. McMullen

FREE FOOD/ DRINKS
For Info. To Volunteer
Call 332 – 9540

BROKE 100,000 VOTES IN BEXAR

2006-11-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

CONGRADULATIONS!!!

To Everyone who is out there blockwalking, phone-banking and doing anything to contribute to a campaign or to get people to vote.
I remember one time I was an election judge and I recall the entire day we had about 20 people vote. But to see these results where more than 10,000 people a day are voting truely makes me proud. I hope that number continues to increase.
Let's make it happen.
Tell everyone you come into contact with. GET OUT THERE AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!!!!!!!!
It's time for a change, so let's VOTE.
Tell Family, Friends, People you work with and their family and friends.
People you go to church with, tell everyone and anyone.
And yes even the guy working at the gas station.
Everyone deserves to have their voice heard. It's one of the inalienable rights that we beleive everyone is born with.

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

2006-11-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

Alright everyone so far we have a total # of votes in early voting of 102,096 votes.

On 10-23-06 we have total # of votes 8591
On 10-24-06 we have total # of votes 9099
On 10-25-06 we have total # of votes 7692
On 10-26-06 we have total # of votes 9582
On 10-27-06 we have total # of votes 9979
On 10-28-06 we have total # of votes 8576
On 10-29-06 we have total # of votes 3211
On 10-30-06 we have total # of votes 10266
On 10-31-06 we have total # of votes 10053
On 11-01-06 we have total # of votes 11472
On 11-02-06 we have total # of votes 13575

Keep up the good work and make sure EVERYONE who is registered VOTES.This info was provided by the Bexar County Election's Site.

Campaign to Re-Elect Judge Monica Guerrero

2006-11-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

Location:
Law Offices Of Rochelle M. Acevedo
1422 Buena Vista, San Antonio , TX

When:
Saturday, November 4, 3:00pm

Phone:
210-224-2600

Volunteers: pick-up materials work targeted precincts
vote@judgemonicaguerrero.com

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

2006-11-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Alright everyone so far we have a total # of votes in early voting of 85,521 votes.

On 10-23-06 we have total # of votes 8591
On 10-24-06 we have total # of votes 9099
On 10-25-06 we have total # of votes 7692
On 10-26-06 we have total # of votes 9582
On 10-27-06 we have total # of votes 9979
On 10-28-06 we have total # of votes 8576
On 10-29-06 we have total # of votes 3211
On 10-30-06 we have total # of votes 10266
On 10-31-06 we have total # of votes 10053
On 11-01-06 we have total # of votes 11472

Keep up the good work and make sure EVERYONE who is registered VOTES.This info was provided by the Bexar County Election's Site.

SAYD Meeting

2006-11-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

Congresional Candidate Lukin Gilliland will attend todays meeting

Wednesday November 1, 2006 – 6:30pm
Our Lady of the Lake – Gold Dining Room II – Main building
411 SW 24th street , SATX

Election Day is in 8 days.

2006-10-30T13:57:00.000-08:00

We have 8 days left to ensure Lamar Smith will be in a run-off, and not Congress, on November 8. On Election Day, November 7, John needs 2 people working each our 50 most heavily-trafficked polling places. John needs 25 people on the phones all day, calling Democrats and telling them to go vote. And he needs 25 people out knocking-and-dragging, getting Dems to the polls. We need not rest until the polls close at 7pm on Election.

We are dividing the day into 3 shifts (whether you are working the polls, phonebanking, or blockwalking): 7am-11am, 11am-3pm, and 3pm-7pm. Pick the shift that works best for you and tell us, or work the whole day. In addition, REGARDING THE BLOCKWALKERS, WE ARE PAYING 25 BLOCKWALKERS $7.50/hr each. (These block-walkers will be walking high Democratic precincts and shuttling Courage supporters to the polls).

We have already gotten commitments from many people: volunteers who have been with us from the beginning; people who haven't found the time to give throughout the campaign, but realize Election Day is a last crucial chance to make a difference; students who have class in the morning but can help during those last, heavily-trafficked hours of the day; professionals who are using their legally-allotted voting time to work the morning shift (because they voted early and don't need it!); seniors who are giving up their lunch hours to work at a polling place; people who are responding to the DNC's suggestion to take the day off. But we need all of you.

Davida M. Walsh
Bexar County Field Coordinator - John Courage for Congress
O: 210.826.3911 - C: 631.697.9551 - F: 210.320.1560
davida@courageforcongress.org
www.courageforcongress.org
San Antonio Office:
8107 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

The Courage campaign office is next to the Revolution Room across the street from Rebar. It’s close to those bars on Broadway you go to from time to time.

Anyone interested in supporting a worthy cause and making money in the process???

2006-10-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

We're looking for 10-12 people to make a four day commitment to phone-bank and make $10 an hour.
Shifts would be from 10am-6pm everyday starting Tuesday Oct. 31st and ending on Friday Nov. 3rd. Or any time that anyone would be willing to commit to in that time frame.
Anyone fluent in Spanish is encouraged to apply. Though speaking Spanish is not a requirement.
The phone banking would take place at 1405 N. Main Ave. 78215.

If anyone is interested please contact Jon Coffey at 210.857.6407.

Help get fellow Democrats out to vote on Election Day

2006-10-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

Joe Farias, Democratic candidate for State Representative in San Antonio, is looking for excited and energized Democrats to help get fellow Democrats out to vote on Election Day, November 7.

We will be paying $100 for the day, $50 for the half day.
If you can't work these times, just shoot us an e-mail or give us a call and we'll work with your schedule. Must be available for training this weekend (Nov. 4 or Nov. 5).

If interested or have questions, please contact the Farias Campaign HQ at 210-923-7500 and ask for Cliff, or email Cliff at cliff@joefarias.com.

Turning out Democrats for Joe Farias helps every other Democrat on the ballot! Help us make sure we return accountability and competence to our government.

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

2006-10-30T13:44:00.000-08:00

Alright everyone so far we have a total # of votes in early voting of 56,730 votes.

On 10-23-06 we have total # of votes 8591
On 10-24-06 we have total # of votes 9099
On 10-25-06 we have total # of votes 7692
On 10-26-06 we have total # of votes 9582
On 10-27-06 we have total # of votes 9979
On 10-28-06 we have total # of votes 8576
On 10-29-06 we have total # of votes 3211

Keep up the good work and make sure EVERYONE who is registered VOTES.This info was provided by the Bexar County Election's Site.

Democratic Rally !!!

2006-10-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Our Next Governor Chris Bell will be in San Antonio

When: Friday, November 3, 2006

Details coming soon

Save the Date!!!!!

If you would like to help coordinate this event (Entertainment, or Publicity) contact:Zach Edwards: zcedwards@yahoo.com or hit reply.

All aboard the Bexar County Democrats Blue Ticket Express. Saturday, October 28,2006

2006-10-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

Join us for comlimentary food and fun as we roll the Blue Ticket Express into your neighborhood for Early Voting.

For more information call: 532-VOTE. (8883)
or visit www.bexarcountydemocrats.com
8:30 a.m. Pecan Grill, 3837 E. Southcross
9:30 a.m. Whataburger, 503 SW Military
10:30 a.m. Casa Dos Pedro's, 1916 SW Military
11:30 a.m. Tailgate Party, Price Elementary, 245 Price
1 p.m. Tailgate Party, Las Palmas Library, 515 Castroville+
2:30 p.m. Tailgate Party, Northside Activity Center, 7001 Culebra
3:30 p.m. Tailgate Party, Crossroads Mall, 4522Fredericksburg Road
5 p.m. Wheatley Heights Church, 7539 Midcrown
6 p.m. Tailgate Party, CPS, 911 S.WW White Road

VOTE VOTE VOTE

2006-10-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone so far we have a total # of votes in early voting of 44,943 votes.

On 10-23-06 we have total # of votes 8591
On 10-24-06 we have total # of votes 9099
On 10-25-06 we have total # of votes 7692
On 10-26-06 we have total # of votes 9582
On 10-27-06 we have total # of votes 9979

Keep up the good work and make sure EVERYONE who is registered VOTES.This info was provided by the Bexar County Election's Site.

VOTE VOTE

2006-10-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone so far we have a total # of votes in early voting of 17,690 votes.

On 10-23-06 we have total # of votes 8591
On 10-24-06 we have total # of votes 9099

Keep up the good work and make sure EVERYONE who is registered VOTES.
This info was provided by the Bexar County Election's Site.

Re-Elect Joaquin Castro Westside Rally (Distict-125)

2006-10-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Come enjoy food and live bands
Featuring Johnny Martinez and special guest Eddie Gonzalez
Sunday, October 29 1:00-5:00Culebra Rd @ Callaghan Rd

Early Voting Begins!

2006-10-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Let Your Voice Be Heard and VOTE!
Starting Today:
Early Voting-OCTOBER 23, 2006 Through November 4, 2006
Early Voting Locations:

Main Early Voting Location:(Localidad Principal de Votacion Adelantada:)
BEXAR COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER.........................................300 Dolorosa
(Basement, south end across from cafeteria)
(Sotano, lado sur, frente a la cafeteria)

In addition to the main early polling place, early voting will be conducted at the following locations: (Ademas de la localidad principal, votacion adelantada se llevara a cabo en las siguiente localidades:)
BROOKHOLLOW LIBRARY
530 Heimer Road

CITY PUBLIC SERVICE
509 SW Military Drive

CITY PUBLIC SERVICE
911 S. WW White Road

CLAUDE BLACK CENTER
2805 East Commerce

CODY LIBRARY
11441 Vance Jackson

COLLINS GARDEN LIBRARY
200 North Park

CORTEZ LIBRARY
2803 Hunter

CROSSROADS MALL
4522 Fredericksburg

EAST CENTRAL ISD ADMIN BUILDING
6634 New Sulphur Springs Road

ED WHITE MIDDLE SCHOOL
7800 Midcrown

ENCINO PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
1923 Encino Rio

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEON SPRINGS
24133 Boerne Stage Road

HENRY A. GUERRA, JR. LIBRARY
7978 W Military Drive

JOHNSTON LIBRARY
6307 Sun Valley Drive

JULIA YATES SEMMES LIBRARY @ Comanche Lookout Park
15060 Judson Road

LAS PALMAS LIBRARY
515 Castroville Road

LION’S FIELD
2809 Broadway

MAURY MAVERICK, JR. LIBRARY
8700 Mystic Park

NICHOLS ELEMENTARY
9560 Braun Road

NORTHSIDE ACTIVITY CENTER
7001 Culebra

OAKWELL LIBRARY
4134 Harry Wurzbach

OLMOS BASIN GOLF CLUB HOUSE
7022 McCullough

PECAN VALLEY ELEMENTARY
3966 E. Southcross

PRICE ELEMENTARY
245 Price

SHAVANO BAPTIST CHURCH
5047 De Zavala Road

SOMERSET HIGH SCHOOL
7650 South 1604 West, Somerset

SOUTH PARK MALL
2310 S.W. Military

SOUTH SAN ANTONIO ISD ADMIN BLDG
2515 Bobcat Lane

TIMBERWILDE ELEMENTARY
8838 Timberwilde

UNIVERSAL CITY – CITY HALL
2150 Universal City Blvd.

WETMORE ELEMENTARY
3250 Thousand Oaks

For more information call (210)335-VOTE(8683) or
visit Bexar County Elections Site

More On The Radnofsky Celebration

2006-10-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

More On The Radnofsky Celebration

2006-10-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

Radnofsky Debate Celebration

2006-10-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

Democratic Rally

2006-10-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

When: Friday, October 20, 2006 5:00 PM-8:30 PM (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada). Where: 100 Probant
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
All the local Democratic candidates including state reps, judicial, congressional, commissioners etc. will gather and rally at La Tuna, 100 Probandt, Friday night, Oct. 20th from 5-8:30 p.m. to get ready for early voting which starts Oct. 23rd.
Free to the public.For more information please contact Susan Martinez at 365-1198.

John Clamp for San Antonio City Council District 10

2006-10-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

5:30-7:30pm

Fundraiser being held at the Barn Door

8400 North New Braunfels

San Antonio, TX 78209

Questions call: John Clamp (210)884-8721

TEXAS DEMOCRATIC VETERANS ENDORSE JOAQUIN CASTRO FOR STATE REPRESETATIVE DISTRICT 125

2006-10-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Texas Democratic Veterans whole-heartedly endorse Joaquin Castro for re-election as the State Representative for District 125. Representative Castro has truly been an advocate for Texas Veterans as his door is always been open for our concerns and issues. He has always been proactive visiting Veteran Service Organizations such as the San Antonio American Legion Post #2 listening to the Veterans and family members talking about ways to enhance our wellness. For example, Joaquin has agreed to support the Hazelwood Legacy Act where if passed next legislative session this will help many of the children of Texas Veterans received educational benefits from our State Public universities and colleges.

His opponent dropped out for unknown reasons from the prestigious university, the Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, even though he received an taxpayer funded AFROTC College scholarship to attend.

We respectfully ask you to support Joaquin Castro, a man of commitment to the military, veterans and family members.

Respectfully,

LAWRENCE G. ROMO, Lt Col USAFR (Ret.)
State Chairman, Texas Democratic Veterans
USAF Academy Class of 1978

TEXAS DEMOCRATIC VETERANS ENDORSE JOE FARIAS FOR STATE REPRESETATIVE DISTRICT 118

2006-10-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Texas Democratic Veterans enthusiastically endorse Joe Farias for election as the State Representative for District 118. A lifelong resident of House District 118, Joe Farias has an outstanding record of achievement serving his community and our country. After graduating from McCollum High School, Joe volunteered for the US Army in 1968 and served three years in Vietnam and Berlin, Germany. Joe learned the values of loyalty, integrity, and service. Joe is the best-qualified candidate with his years of service on the Harlandale School Board.

Joe has visited numerous Veteran Service Organizations in the District 118 area such as American Legion and the VFW Posts listening to the Veterans and family members with their issues and concerns. Joe has agreed to support the Hazelwood Legacy Act where if passed next legislative session, it will help many of the children of Texas Veterans received educational benefits from our State Public universities and colleges.

His opponent failed to influence Kay Bailey Hutchison as her assistant during his tenure and allowed the dismantling of many medical services to our Veterans at the VA Hospital in Kerrville and allowed the lack of optimal VA medical services to our Veterans in the Rio Grande Valley

Joe will fight for optimal federal and state Veterans benefits. We respectfully ask you to support Joe Farias who is a true advocate for the Military, Veterans and family members.

Respectfully,

LAWRENCE G. ROMO, Lt Col USAFR (Ret.)
State Chairman, Texas Democratic Veterans

Joaquin Castro Re-Election Fundraising Reception

2006-10-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 25, 2006
5:30pm to 7:30pm
The Patio Room at Mi Tierra
218 Produce Row
SATX

For info contact
Rep. Castro 210-573-1267
Make checks payable to Joaquin Castro Campaign

LLPAC CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT RECEPTION

2006-10-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

October 11, 2006

Zen Bar

221 East Houston Street
San Antonio, Texas
5:30-8:00 p.m.
www.latinoleadershippac.com

San Antonio Stands With Courage

2006-10-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

A Catered Reception Honoring John Courage, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress, District 21 Sunday, October 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Alamo Street Victorian Inn951 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205Hosted by
Congressman Charlie GonzalezCongressman Lloyd DoggettCommissioner Tommy AdkissonTDP Chairman Boyd RichieFormer TDP Chairman Charles SoechtingGail Beagle * James Branton * Ralph CortezJ. A. “Sporty” Garcia * Juan Garcia * Alicia GarzaJames Hall * Glen Hartman * Frank HerreraClem Lyons * Richard R. Morrison IV * Bernard Rapoport Bob Salvatore * Bill Sinkin
Stand with John as aHeroic Host

– $1,000Stalwart Sponsor

– $500Activist Ally

– $250Invincible Investor

– $100Steadfast Supporter

– $50

RSVP to: alldemocrat@gmail.com or 210-826-3911.

Gubernational Debate

2006-10-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 4, four of the five candidates for Texas Governor debated for the first and only time. James Werner, Libertarin Candidate wasn't invited. Republican Incumbent Rick Perry, Democratic Candidate Chris Bell and Independents Richard Friedman and Carole Strayhorn attacked each others views on toll roads, education, taxes and immigration.
Our Democratic Candidate Chris Bell came on strong, his attacks on Strayhorn and Perry were detailed facts and were denied by both. Bell focused on education and the necessity for a better education system while slamming Perry's "our education system is fine" statement.
Indenpendent Friedman made a joke, literally, out of politics and our government. He first described politics "Poli means more than one. Ticks are blood sucking parasites." Friedman also made a statement that he is a "realist" and it is ok to make racists statments while in politics.
Independent Strayhorn was attacked repeatedly for changing parties and positions on a daily basis. She also had to defend why she has taken over $1 million from companies who wanted tax breaks from her agency. But again she denied the allegations.
Perry defended his 'crooked' education system, Trans-Texas Corridor plans, tax cuts and immigration plans which were all lies. They were finely defined by Strayhorn when she attacked Perry but forgot to put her name on the creditors list.
In the end, if anyone, in this great state, watched the debate between the candidates, the best choice for our next Texas Governor will be CHRIS BELL.

NY Times Article Review 2

2006-09-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

The article I read was published on 9-13-06 in the NY Times. This article demonstrated almost all aspects of government. The title of the article is, “Democratic Effort to Limit Surveillance Bill Is Blocked.” Though the title may give an idea of just about democrats; it’s much more than that.

This article described the Senate Judiciary Committee’s endorsement for a bill backed by the White House. The bill being backed by the White House is referring to a bill that would give the President of the United States of America more constitutional freedom to conduct warantless wiretaps. Now the controversy is that one of the loudest critics of Bush has been Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), and he is the committee chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Critics of the bill, state that their concerns are seeing American’s rights abused. Senator Feinstein (D-CA) offered a competing measure that would reaffirm the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act as the “exclusive” way that wiretapping could be ordered in an intelligence case. That measure in which Senator Specter himself voted for. The measure and the bill are not compatible, nevertheless Specter did vote for both to hit the floor for debate. Senator Specter claims that he has a compromise with Bush to bring his Bill before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and called this, “quite a breakthrough.”

This article relates to a couple topics on areas of government.

§ Constitutional Authority of the President; President Bush wants to be able to listen in on all communications with out having to obtain a warrant. Sighting that in wartime the president has the authority to do what ever necessary to protect the people. Now he’s faced strong opposition and his image has been tarnished, so being a president worried about his image, he is working with the senate to come up with a resolution. In so doing he’s come to an agreement with the Senate.

§ The structure of the congress; in trying to work with bush, a way of getting a resolution is to draft a bill. That bill was drafted by Senate Leadership in the Senate Judiciary Committee. A committee in the senate or the house writes a bill to their interpretation after there own debate and compromise and introduces it to the floor for debate. Should it pass, it would go to the House of Representatives. If we have the bill passing from both Senate and House then it would go to the President to sign into law.

Senator Arlen must not want a bill to pass at all. Considering the bill with the measure are contradictions. He must know that there are only a few days left in session to pass this bill, and it still hasn't hit the floor yet. So he comes off saying "I don't agree with the president", and yet behind closed doors, "Yes Mr. President, you can listen to whom ever you'd like even though it's against the LAW." WHAT KIND OF MAN CAN WRITE LAWS FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CAN ALLOW SOMEONE TO JUST DISREGARD THEM?

We Will Miss You Anne Richards.

2006-09-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

(1933-2006)

Top Ten part 1

2006-09-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

50hr work weeks make it difficult to blog but on my way to lunch I couldn't help but get upset at the current administration so here is my list of things I have been wanting to discuss: 1) It is a good idea to keep your views in check. You want to try to avoid the "group think" that has plagued the neo-conservatives in control of our government. It is quite refreshing to see the views on this side of the political aisle written about and supported by the scientific community. I read Science, Popular Science, Scientific American, and Popular Mechanics from time to time to learn about new technology and discoveries. Recently I have been surprised at the number of articles dealing with some of the more controversial issues of the day. Many times there are complaints about the politicalization of science. The opposition has there talking points on global warming, climate change and environmental policy, evolution vs intelligent design and other issues but what backs those views up? The articles you see here and in publications including but no limited to those listed above are from the scientific community. These aren't articles from the Nation, the Current, Mother Jones, or "Leftist Activist Monthly" . These aren't articles published by tree hugging, bleeding heart, secular liberal activist. These are scientists that often have to deal with the peer review and scrutiny of other scientist. When it comes to the battle between the misleading propaganda from the GOP and the data issued by the scientific community I'll take the science every time. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/310/5756/1906

2) Global Warming : Climate change effects everything. I think people often forget how fragile ecosystems are. Sure a one or two degree average temperature rise may not bother the human body but it can have drastic effects on other organisms and the environment they live in. What do you think was the cause of all those bottlenose butterflies flying around here? http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/collection/atmos

3) Religion in the public square and politics : At times religion mixing with politics seems unavoidable. The intermingling can help this nation when it brings us together or when it sheds light on social injustices. A prime example can be seen in the speeches of the reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. However, religion can be very dangerous when it is used to divide, exclude and persecute those who practice different faiths or don't follow strict misinterpretations of religious doctrine. Have we not learned the lessons from the Salem Witch trials, the crusades, and the inquisitions? Do you really want to gobble up scarce government resources enforcing and imposing religious doctrine? Then the question becomes whose doctrine? Some religions prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages in fact, the one major victory the "morality crusaders" won was prohibition, and it failed miserably. Our founding fathers had a reason for the separation. To wrap this entry up: a) Do not look to religion to answer questions that are for science. b) do not look to science to answer questions that are for religion c) If you don't want the government telling your church what to do, then don't ask your church to tell the government what to do.

4)Evolution: This hasn't been in the news lately but I came across this stuff. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/313/5791/1197i http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/collection/evolution

5) The one year anniversary of Katrina. Once the President declared New Orleans and other areas a disaster area FEMA's responsibility. It failed. I have seen several documentary type shows on what happened a year ago. One of the shows I saw talked about the exaggerations about the violence and chaos in the New Orleans dome. The National Guard arrived with rifle drawn ready for battle. They were told to expect the worse, to expect armed street gangs and crazy thugs in the dome. Instead they simply found hungry tired people. One of the guardsmen they interviewed said people cheered when they arrived and that there was a sense of calm once they started feeding people. I think it is interesting that this administration predicted military forces in Iraq would be greeted as liberators and cheered and loved and military forces sent to New Orleans would be attacked. They were completely wrong on both counts.
This conservative republican administration couldn’t deal with a disaster they knew was coming. They knew when and where the storm would hit and they did nothing. They didn’t do anything to assist the evacuation of hospitals, nursing homes or those without a winter lodge and transportation to get out of the city. After the storm they were clueless as to getting emergency supplies to the citizens in the dome. They had to call in the military! After that they blame government bureaucracy. The very government bureaucracy they are in charge of.
So here is the question: If the conservative republicans are in control of all branches of government and can’t deal with an emergency situation, one that they are aware of, that has devastating effects on a city, how are we supposed to believe they can handle such situations that they don’t know about in advance? Situations like a terrorist attack.

Top ten part 2

2006-09-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a top 10 things I've been wanting to blog about. It is taking awhile so here is 6-10

6)International Linear Collider: The US will lose its position as the leader in high energy physics when the Large Hadron Collider opens in Geneva. Some are suggesting that in order to maintain that position the US should inject $500 million dollars into the ILC (international linear collider). This could put the US in a great position to be the host country. The project would attract top talent from not only the country but also the world. I say we do it. I believe it is in the best interest for the US to "promote the arts and the sciences" and fund such grand research initiatives. It also proves that the US actually embaces academia and intellectual stimulation (which is eroded everytime W makes a speech). Here is the article. http://www.popsci.com/popsci/science/4e52af1f64fec010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

7) Pluto: no longer a planet. Scientist have decided that Pluto is no loger a planet. This debate involved issues of mass and orbit. This was a legitamate scientific debate. You know what scientist aren't debating: global warming and evolution.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa007&articleID=000BAB90-0894-14EE

8) Nuclear energy: I read an article recently. It is cleaner than coal in terms of emmisions and there is very little waste. The problem is what to do with the tiny bit of waste, because it will be around for a while. Once you find somewhere to store it you have to get it there. Oh yeah and you have to build the power plants. The power plant and the path to the waste storage site and the waste storage site itself all have one thing in common. Nobody wants it in thier back yard. http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa006&colID=1&articleID=0000137A-C4BF-14E5-84BF83414B7F0000

9) Rummsfelds Comments: Facism? appeasment to Nazi Germany? It is simply amazing how he can speak with such arrogance. The left side of the political aisle is not calling for a withdrawal of troops in such a way that Iraq would plument into complete chaos. Actually with this administrations policy the probablity of that happening increases exponentionally with each flawed neoconservative decision. To stay the course with this administation is not only foolish but a sign of lunacy. Democrats are calling for a new course, one based on actual strategy.

10) The statement: The election of Lamont is a sign of weakness to terrorist. False. Why? Do you really think terrorist give a rats a** who repressents Connecticut in the U.S. Senate? Do you picture some terrorists in a hotel up all night watching the election returns to see if they will carry out their plan? Like one was going to turn to the other and say "Well, Lieberman won, so much for that trip to London". Please tell me the public is smarter than that.

New York Times Article

2006-09-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

The article I read was published on 9-4-2006 and was titled “G.O.P. sets aside Work on Immigration”. Mainly the article highlighted several congressmen‘s remarks regarding this 109th congresses, in particular republicans, lack of getting things done. This proven even by Senator Arlen Specter’s (R-PA) comment, “If there’s not legislation with Republicans in charge, there’s going to be blame here, and justifiable blame, if we do not produce a bill.” The article explained that it would not be likely that something would get through with just 19 days that Congress is scheduled to meet before breaking for election.

This article like a sore thumb sticks out on demonstrating the structure of the congress. While there is debate between The Senate and The House Of Representatives; there is a much larger battle going on for power between Republicans and Democrats. The partisan politics are so presumably present that they have forced this Congress to do less than the famously labeled “Do Nothing Congress.”

That label was given by President Truman to the 80th Congress when they failed to produce much legislation; however the 109th Congress makes the 80th Congress look good. Though NY Times hasn’t written any articles on the subject of the “Do Nothing Congress” I felt it was an important fact that relates to the structure of Congress. If the Republicans don’t put aside their fear of losing seats and work with bipartisanship, then there won’t be much for Democrats to say other than “What have they done?”. There is more having not dones than have dones. Just to name some;
Have not:

passed a raise on the minimum wage [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 7/28/06],
provided any oversight of the Bush Administration’s commitment to a failed strategy in Iraq [The Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/16/06],
done anything to help Americans facing sky-high gas prices [Energy Information Administration, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update 7/24/06; Los Angeles Times, 7/11/06; EIA Spot Prices for Oil 7/18/05 and 7/18/06],
helped expand life saving stem cell research by overriding the President's first veto [CNN, 6/20/06],
fixed problems with the Medicare drug bill forcing an estimated 3.4 million seniors to have additional drug expenses [USA Today, 7/26/06].

NY Times Article

I ask, what has the Repulican led 109th Congress done? Besides take vacations when important legistlation is needed. Has our system of government failed? As it appears to have turned a deaf ear on the American People. When Governements fail to protect the rights of the people, people have a right to overthrow that governement. Has it gotten to the point where Americans are fat and happy and just don't care about what goes on? I pray that America wakes up and elects a new government majority that is more likely to represent the people of America. I pray we mend all the bridges that have been blown away by this war driven dictator.

I know its been awhile...

2006-08-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Conneticut primary
Joe Lieberman lost and now he will run as an independent. Why? You got beaten, now do what every other politician does when they lose:
thank your supporters
say it was a great race
and support the party's nominee.
I'm glad the party leadership and heavy hitters already made statements and agreed to support the candidate chosen by the primary voters. Now, bipartisanship and working with the opposition can be a good thing. Can be, it is not always. This administration has nothing to reach over the other side of the political isle for. Nothing! Haven't you learned from the unkept promisses of the past (i.e. "no child left behind"). I just hope this is the begining of trend. The trend being those cozy with the administration and thier failed policies will be removed from office.

2006-08-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

Just a bunch of thieves

Government Releases Evidence Against Zacarias Moussaoui online.

2006-08-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the United States Government posted the evidence in the sentencing trial of convited 9/11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui. From 1,202 pieces of evidence, only 7 are classified and under seal. Evidence includes taped recordings from 911 calls, pictures of victims, towers and a recording from United 93, before crashing in a Pennsylvannia field.
The list of edvidence can be viewed here with links.

-- Source: RAW STORY

Democratic candidates offer the public a seat at their table in Seguin

2006-07-26T12:42:00.001-07:00

Guadalupe County Democratic Party
Contact: Tony Bazan
830-914 -2903
democratic_chair@yahoo.com

For immediate release

SEGUIN, Texas (July 17, 2006) – Democratic Party organizations from eight South-Central Texas counties will bring voters from the region and Democratic candidates together for an old-fashioned political rally at Texas Lutheran University Saturday evening, Aug. 5.

“We say this is an old-fashioned rally because it’s not a fundraiser or just one candidate speaking,” said Tony Bazan, chair of the Guadalupe County Democratic Party. The rally highlights the entire Democratic slate for statewide offices, including Chris Bell, Democratic candidate for governor.

“This rally is a chance for the people to come out and see and hear the candidates for themselves,” Bazan said. And to see what they are doing to uphold and preserve the democratic values we see challenged every day, like our civil liberties.”

Bazan said the rally is a chance for party members and officials from all over South-Central Texas to work together.

Party members from Bexar, Guadalupe, Comal, Hayes, Kendall, Caldwell, Gonzalez and Wilson counties and the TLU Young Democrats will serve free hot dogs and chips in TLU’s new Student Activity Center while candidates address the voters on the indoor stage. Water and sodas will also be available for a nominal cost.

Bazan said people are welcome to make contributions to the campaign funds, but raising money is not the point of the event.

“People, and I mean Democrats, Republicans or independents, can see the candidates and hear why they would want to vote for these candidates in a family atmosphere,” said Bazan. The rally will include games, with prizes, for children, Bazan said.

Bell, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives, tops the slate of candidates who are united in calling for a renewal of the values that have made Texas strong and an end to the inside-the-beltway mentality in Austin. Bell, and the Texas Democratic Party, place revitalizing education, dealing with challenges to the health-care system, addressing the needs of Texas children and reestablishing bi-partisan cooperation to govern Texas among the top issues of concern in this election year.

“Democrats have a big tent, and we don’t always agree on the specifics,” said Bazan. “We do agree that it’s best to have people who are educated on the issues. When people are educated on the issues, they vote the right way.”

The Associated Press reported poll results Friday (July 14) that predict the majority of voters across the country will vote for Democrats in November. This rally provides a unique opportunity for voters in South Central Texas counties to kick back with Democratic candidates and join in the excitement.

In addition to Bell, the following candidates will speak at the rally:

Maria Luisa Alvarado for Lieutenant Governor
David Van Os for Attorney General
Fred Head for Comptroller of Public Accounts
Valinda Hathcox for Commissioner of the General Land Office
Hank Gilbert for Commissioner of Agriculture
Dale Henry for Railroad Commissioner
William E. “Bill” Moody for Justice of the Supreme Court (pl. 2)
Kathleen “Kathi” Thomas for Texas Senate SD 25
Dan Pozza for Judge (Fourth Court of Appeals)
Judge Edmundo “Cass” Castellanos for Justice of the Peace, precinct 2

Bazan said there is a chance Barbara Radnofsky, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, may attend the rally, but if she doesn’t, people representing her campaign will be on hand to distribute campaign materials and answer questions.

The rally begins at 5 p.m. and continues until 9, including candidate speeches throughout the event and opportunities to meet the candidates and local Democratic officials. TLU’s Student Activity Center is located in Jackson Park on the university’s campus in Seguin. Directions to the campus can be found on the Web at http://www.tlu.edu/about/directions. For more information on the rally, contact Bazan at 830-914-2903 or democratic chair @yahoo.com

Why Don King should promote C-SPAN!!!

2006-07-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

"We will submit legislation to the United States Senate which will...authorize the Congress to undertake judicial review of those signing statements with the view to having the president's acts declared unconstitutional," Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pennsylvania, said on the Senate floor. (This is from CNN, and they got it from the AP)

Apparently the GOP congress thinks it can wage war on two fronts. First it tries to tell the Judiciary branch what it can and cannot rule on. Now Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pennsylvania, wants to sue the President over the constitutionality of the controversial signing statements. The statements where the President picks parts of a bill he doesn't want to enforce, like he has that choice. For a party that goes on and on about "strict constitutionalist" and "activist judges" it seems like the GOP needs a refresher course on our happy little constitution.
Recently, I caught a piece of the committee hearing where Sen. Spector was taking on A.G. Gonzalez. They were going at it. OK, it was American C-span style and not like in the House of Commons during Prime Ministers questions or a foreign congress with fist flying but it was still entertainment. I find it entertaining watching the two diplomatically diss each other in the most gentleman-like fashion.

Don King could have a field day promoting these hearings on C-Span.

The battle of the century Congress VS the Judiciary VS the Executive!!! Imagine it...
In this corner the tag team duo,
the wacky, the crazy House of Representatives and the Senate
Their opponents, know for 5/4 decisions and lifetime appointments the Supreme Court Justices...
and also in this bout from Conneticut, he is the divider not a uniter, he served his country by working a senate campaign, W!!!
Then the house will begin throwing pretzels at the President...
OK, maybe it's more along the lines of a pro-wrestling battle royal than a De La Hoya fight but you get the idea.

2006-07-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

Bush Stop Doing This Shit

The SHIT heard around the world!

Checks and Balances anyone?

2006-07-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

OK there are several things for me to blog about.
Today will be on the recent bill in the house to prohibit Judges from ruling on the pledge of allegiance. Where to begin?!
1.) Separation of powers. Who does the G.O.P. think they are? Are they that intoxicated with power and paranoid about losing it that they are resort to this type of legislation? OK, in our system of government this is how the checks and balances work. The Legislative branch writes the laws. The Executive either signs it or vetoes it. The president signs or rejects the ENTIRE bill. Contrary to this presidents belief you can't pick and chose which parts you will execute. The Judiciary branch checks the legislation for conflicts with other statutes and laws. The congress can't tell the judges what they can and cannot rule on. The president appoints the judges and the senate confirms them. Everybody watches and checks on the other branches of government. Well, they are supposed to anyway.
2) The phrase. If this is entirely about the phrase "under god" then you can say this bill "respects an establishment of religion". It would be a clear violation of the 1st amendment. The founding fathers created the wall between church and state. Haven't we learned from the crusades, Salem witch trials, the inquisition, prohibition, and the current state of the Middle East, what happens when the church and state aren't separate?
3) Defense of the freedom of religion activist. Contrary to what the opposition is telling you, the ACLU and your fellow citizens that are strong advocates for a secular government are not trying to take God out of everything. They are not going into peoples homes blowing out candles and taking down pictures of the last supper. They are not walking around the mall removing people’s medallions of the “Virgen de Guadalupe”. They are not confiscating Rosaries. The question is not, why are they taking God out of everything? The question is; why is it that some people insist on using government institutions like the courthouse, the schools, and the legislature to impose their religious beliefs and practices on the rest of the population? There are many good citizens that pay their taxes and obey the laws that don't practice religion the way the opposition wants them to. Leave them and their constitutional rights alone.

2006-07-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Video Israel Doesn't Want You to See

Vargas vs Mosley

2006-07-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

After a pitiful display of boxing by Vargas for six rounds, Mosley knocks-out Vargas.
The round began with a Mosley throwing a DeLaHoya left hook. Vargas staggered to make the count. Then Mosley finished the job by pumeling Vargas with a barage of punches, causing the ref to have to jump in and stop the fight.

Saturday U.N. Special Session

2006-07-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

In a surprise meeting held today by the United Nations ended with a new resolution. The resolution passed unanimously 15 to nothing.

U.N. Resolution 1695 is aimed at the recent ballicstic missles launched by North Korea.

"We have a strong and binding resolution. We expect full unconditional and imediate compliance by North Korea. We condemn the North Korean missle launches. Which is entirely approproate given the provacative nature of those missle launches. We expect this to be a unanimous vote."
-John Bolton(U.S. Ambassador)

Pak Gil Yon (North Korea's Ambassador) responded after the resolution passed unanimously stating that there may be more missle launches and that the U.S. was the one showing provacations in the region. Adding that the missile launches were part of routine military exercises to increase the country's capacity for self-defence. Making the argument that the exercise was a legitimate right of a sovereign State and that it is not covered by international law, bilateral or multilateral agreements.

2006-07-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Tony Snow: Clinton Gave North Korea 'Flowers and Chocolate'

Boston Globe Gay Employees: Marry or lose benefits

2006-07-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

A memo was issued to Globe's Boston Newspaper Guild members advising Domestic Partner health and dental coverage will end January 1st if they do not marry.

Memo stated, "An employee who currently covers a same-sex domestic partner as a dependent will have to marry his or her partner by Jan. 1 for the employee benefits coverage to continue at the employee rates."

Domestic partner benefits were originally offered to gay employees because they cannot legally marry but the legalization of gay marriage in Massachuetts from a 2004 bill, the Globe changed their policy.
--- Boston Herald (click for full story)

This is a fair move by the Globe, since marriage is legal in Massachuetts, companies should recongize the union and offer the same benefits as their heterosexual employees. Also, finally one state has stood up and offered Gay and Lesbian couples the equality they deserve and to show the country that LOVE = MARRIAGE!!

Bush keeping Congress out of the loop on National Security "Projects"

2006-07-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

In a story published by the RAW STORY, Peter Hoekstra, Republican House Intelligence Committee chairman, sent a letter in May to President Bush warning him of not including Congress in his "special projects" and his may lose support from some party members on national security. Rep, Hoesktra stated, "I have learned of some alleged intelligence community activities about which our committee has not been briefed. If these allegations are true, they may represent a breach of responsibilty by the administration, a violation of the law, and, just as importantly, a direct affront to me and the members of this committee who have so ardently supported efforts to collect information on our enemies." This story was published in the New York Times on Sunday and Hoesktra confirmed it on Fox.

Bush Administration Approved Phone Jam Plan

2006-07-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Shaun Hansen, who is the fourth man to be indicted for jamming Democratic phone lines in 2002, filed a motion arguing that the Bush administration and the national Republican Party gave their approval on the plan. Hansen is claiming entrapment because the Administration allegedly told his superiors the hang-up calls placed were legal.

per the rawstory.

2006-07-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

How Bush Really won the 2004 Election

I know it has been awhile...VRA

2006-07-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

So what has the GOP been up to? Well, they are holding up the Voting Rights Act. Apparently there are some conservative lawmakers wondering why their states are singled out in the legislation (Section 5). The recent Supreme Court decision on the redistricting in Texas provides a reminder of why certain states are singled out. In the 23 district of Texas about 100,000 Latinos were gerrymandered out of the district. I think it’s funny that in order for a Latino republican’s district to be gerrymandered in his favor Latinos have to be removed from the district. It was acts like this, along with pole taxes and various biased test requirements that got Texas along with Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Virginia listed in Section 5 of the VRA. Those states are listed for a reason and judging by the implementation of the republican agenda (i.e. the redistricting mentioned above) they still need to be listed and the Voting Rights Act needs to be renewed immediately.
This leads me to ask the following question. Why is the opposition always “hating on” people? Women and ethnic minorities, those on the lower half of the economic ladder, and the GLTB community can count on conservatives to create barriers. When it comes to policies that make it easier for all citizens to pursue the American dream they oppose them. They oppose policies like affirmative action. Affirmative action gets applications read. It has allowed many women and minorities to get opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t because they are not allowed in the country club.
Look at Federal student aid. The opposition raided $12 billion dollars from federal student aid programs and they are also planning to raise interest rates on student loans. Currently about 2/3 of all college students have loans so this policy affects all demographics. This makes it difficult to get an education and move up the economic ladder. Personally, I believe student aid should shift from being focused on loans to grants. When people graduate the last place their income needs to go is to banks to pay off student loans. That new income is better spent going right into the economy (new clothes, cocktails at a trendy bar, electronic goods like MP3 players, retirement accounts, investments, food that isn’t ramen noodles, etc). Don’t worry about the banks they will get their money in the form of auto loans (shiny new car that runs!) and eventually mortgages.
Well, back to the lecture at hand. Now it is an election year so the republicans need distractions. Distractions like Gay Marriage. I think it is interesting that conservatives go on and on about how intrusive big government is on everybody’s lives yet they are the ones that support legislation that interferes into the most private and intimate parts of our personal lives. I say treat it like common law marriage. In some states there is common law marriage (with varies from state to state). Those are recognized by the government and you get all the rights and privileges associated with a legal marriage. Now you have equal rights, however, getting those marriages recognized by a church, now that’s another story.
What part of “We the People” doesn’t the opposition understand? Why are they always trying to deny equal access to the great American Dream? Regardless of race, gender, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, or religion we are all a part of society. In order for the individually to truly prosper the entire community must be able to prosper, and vise versa.

House Lifts Offshore Drilling Ban

2006-06-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

Thursday, the House approved, 232 to 187, to end the offshore drilling ban and allow drilling in waters from New England to Alaska. Those who approve of the ban argued that finding an alternative fuel source would be in the best interest of the country and drilling offshore can be threatening to the environment and coast. Next for the bill is approval from the Senate but senators from coastal states have opposed the lifting of the ban and even vowed to filibuster the legislation.

Finding an alternative fuel source should be one of the nation's top priority. Gas and oil prices are milking every last dime out of the low to middle income class citizens. With the cost of living rising as well as college tuition, a feeling of abandonment and desertion comes upon us by our government. Then a slap in the face by the oil companies as they post their quarterly earnings. Just a few years ago, a gallon of unleaded gas was $.99 but remember America, a DEMOCRAT was in office.

Incarnate Word cancel NY Times subscription

2006-06-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

In protest to the recent stories exposing the government's secret program that monitors international bank transactions, the University of Incarnate Word's Dean of Library Services cancelled their library's subscription to the NY Times. "Since no one elected the New York Times to determine national security policy, the only action I know to register protest for their irresponsible action (treason?) is to withdraw support of their operations by canceling our subscription as many others are doing," Mendall D. Morgan, Jr. wrote in a June 28 email to library staff."If enough do, perhaps they will get the point." --story from www.mysa.com

When the NY Times story broke, the country again became divided. Some believe the government's "secret' programs are for the best and others are furious believing their bank troubles are due to the government's actions. But where is the line drawn on government monitoring. How far can and will the Bush admistration go. By the university participating in protesting the freedom of the press, they are protesting our Constitutional Rights. The Rights that were fought for and won by our founding fathers, now this admistraion has stripped them from under us one by one.

To close this, the only Right we will have at the end of Bush's term is the Right to Bare Arms just for Dick.

2006-06-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

AL Gore as the president

2006-06-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

A Terrifying Message from Al Gore

An Inconvenient Truth for Dummies with Al Gore

Supreme Court Limits the Power of "The Dictator"

2006-06-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to limit the power of the Bush administration to conduct military tribunals at the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on imprisoned suspected terrorists.
The ruling means the officals will need to come up with a new policy to prosecute the prisoners but this does not include the government's ability to detain suspects.
Since the 9/11 attacks, Bush has abused the power of the government when capturing, imprisioning and prosecuting suspected terrorists.
Justice Stevens had this statment "The military commission at issue is not expressly authorized by any congressional act." The tribunals, he said,"must be understood to incorporate at least the barest of those trial protections that have been recognized by customary international law."

Limiting the power on how Bush will try the prisoners of war or "enemy combatants" as his administration would put it, is not enough to save this country. His power needs to be limited on tracking down terrorists and maintaining order is Iraq. Bush has gone too far with his survenillance on the people of this country and with our troops in Iraq, who has repeatedly requested U.S. to leave. The Supreme Court should order Bush to take Dick on a vacation (not in Texas) just until the next Presidental Election.

Supreme Court Decision

2006-06-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the supreme court's decision on the redistricting case.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/documents/texascase_docket_05-204.pdf

Chris Bell on Ed Schultz

2006-06-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Air America Radio's nationally syndicated Ed Schultz show had Texas Democratic Candidate Chris Bell on today. He talked about the Supreme Court's decision this morning on the redistricting case. Bell mentioned that the Hispanic voters were robbed of a fair ballot in their district but believes Texas is "ready for change". Bell is very confident in his campaign and Chris or shall I say Governor Bell, Texas is ready to be turned Blue. Ed also mentioned Texas is a gun state and many believe Democrats are against guns, but Bell assured this election will not effect Texas gun laws. Bell stated he is supportive of sportmans and so are many other Democrats. Chris Bell was excellent on Ed's show today and for those who don't listen to Ed, San Antonio station 103.1 Fm or www.wegoted.com between 2pm-5pm cst.

Pimp Tax

2006-06-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Republican Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa proposed to tax pimps and prostitutes, hoping this would stop the illegal sex trade. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to take a vote this morning which will include more jail time for the sex workers. If passed, at least $2 million dollars will be needed to establish an IRS unit to prosecute for sex violations.

Is this a proposal like the $1 million dollar toilet? What else will Republicans come up with to get the country's mind off the war and other unlawful acts they contribute to?

Democrats vow to block pay raise for Congress.

2006-06-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Republicans once again rejected increasing the minimum wage, arguing that the raise for low-income workers would hurt small businesses. After nine years of unsuccessful attempts, the Democrats vow to vote against any congressional raises.

Increasing minimum wage will not hurt small businesses but not increasing minimum wage will hurt the low-income workers themselves. With the cost of living increasing and gas prices, the minimum wage is un-livable. The Republicans are only thinking of their sponsors from the big corporations that pay their employees minimum wage or a little more but still less then the proposed amount by Democrats. This should be a step all Democrats should be taking, helping increase the minimum wage to a livable wage.

The New BCDP Website is LIVE!

2006-05-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Breaking news, you heard it here first - from the source:

There is a new look to the Bexar County Democratic Party website, still located at www.bexardemocrats.org.

There are still a few items under construction, but on the whole, this is a good-looking website. (Just my biased opinion.) There are pages for our candidates and elected officials at the federal, state and county level. My guess is that City and other local authorities will be forthcoming.

Also the calendar is nice-looking, but quite empty at this time. SAYD events have already been submitted for approval to Carla Vela (by way of Mary Garcia). For more requests, please email calendar@bexardemocrats.org

Please send any bugs, corrections, complements, and death threats to webmaster@bexardemocrats.org.

Republicans Just Don't Understand Economics, Do They?

2006-05-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, here it is – the Republican Senate is passing a fat ass tax cut to the rich again. (Story: here, courtesy of the Washington Post.)

Poor-to-Middle class Americans will see about $20 (think: 0.1 % over their annual income), whereas the millionaires will get about $42,000 (think: 4.2 %) of their tax dollars back. They argue this up as being good for the economy, trickle down and all that nonsense. The argument here is that more money in the hands of Americans means a stimulus to the American economy.

To the Fed Chairman, Ben Bernanke, more money in the hands of Americans doesn’t mean a stimulus to the American economy, it means inflation. The Fed just raised the interest rate the other day to attempt to curtail inflation. (Thank you, CNN).

That somewhat dampens the economic stimulus argument, doesn’t it? But no matter, the Republicans don’t need an understanding of economics – they have ideology, after all.

Lamar is Smellin' the Coffee!!

2006-05-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

We have it from BOR that Lamar Smith (U.S. Rep. - District 21) has found out that he can't take this race for granted.
In his words:
I wanted to bring you up-to-date on the campaign. I have a serious campaign this year. My Democratic opponent, who is campaigning full time, ran against me before and was well-funded, but the demographics of the 21st Congressional District have changed: there are 100,000 new constituents in Travis County and the district is less Republican. I need your support to ensure we have every available resource to conduct a strong campaign throughout the 21st District.

For the uninitiated: When a Republican long-time incumbent acknowledges their opponent in this fashion, it can usually be translated into English as meaning:

HELP, I'M IN TROUBLE - COME BAIL ME OUT!!!

So, this is good news for John Courage, who is running a really strong race this time around. The district is much different, after Tom DeLay gave several of Smith's core Republican stronghold counties to Henry Bonilla (District 23) - these would be Kendall, Kerr and Bandera counties. But that's not all that District 21 lost, and it gained a good left-leaning chunk of Travis County, complete with UT.

If you're looking for a candidate to support this time around, John Courage, is a good man to get behind.

Congress needs Courage.

Meeting summary

2006-05-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a summary of the last meeting. Maria Luisa Alvarado our party’s candidate for Lt. Governor was our first guest speaker. She talked about her grassroots campaign and her plan to focus on education funding. We also had Vince and Mary Garcia who are on the steering committee of the Bexar County Democratic party. They spoke about the new leadership and new era of the county party. They also thanked the Young Democrats for stepping up and providing the first fundraising effort. This effort is a “letter” campaign that will be addressed to elected officials and donors asking them to become sustaining members. SAYD will fund the cost of the operation (paper, envelopes, postage, etc.). We also had AJay Frausto who is running for County Commissioner in Atascosa County. He is a young candidate and told us how he has beaten the “odds and nay-sayers” and got the party’s nomination. After the meeting we went to Pico de Gallo to enjoy food and Margaritas. Mmmm...Margaritas.

U.N. Human Rights Council Election Results.

2006-05-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like the Bush Administration just can’t be pleased. Here's the story.

After a reform of the U.N. Commission of Human Rights into the new U.N. Human Rights Council, there were elections to see what 47 countries would be on that council. The results are:

E. Europe: Russia, Azerbaijan, Czech republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine.

Africa: Algeria, Cameroon, Djibouti, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia.

Asia: Bangladesh, Bahrain, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.

S. America: Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay.

Western Europe & other: Britain, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland.

(The United States didn’t have itself nominated – perhaps it thought that in the current international diplomacy climate, many western countries that would vote for it’s members on the council would rather be dipped in excrement than vote for Bush’s United States.)

Anyway, it’s upset that Russia, Cuba, China and Saudi Arabia made it onto the Council. These countries don’t measure up to the Bush Administration’s standards for human rights... one might question what those standards are when it concerns the Neo-Con record on human rights.

The Bush Administration had a fit over the composition of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, when the United States got booted off in 2001... Gee, I wonder why. Might it have something to do with the fact that the Bushies don’t like to play with others. For the CNN story from their archive, see here.

It’s true that many countries sought membership on the Commission to vote to protect their ability to abuse human rights. However, should these countries not be represented? – far from it. It’s easy for countries like Switzerland and Canada to talk about human rights – they don’t really have anything internal they would have to reform in order to make human rights work in their countries. Human rights are not an easy thing to achieve, especially when your the maintenance of your regime depends on the systematic violation of human rights. However, these countries are still sovereign entities, and just having Switzerland and Canada dictate terms will not work. There has to be a balance. Having Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Cuba on the council is not such a bad deal, despite their appalling practices.

The Bushies need to get with the program. Disengagement from the United Nations, other than when you want to invade someone is not the way to promote constructive engagement. However, Republicans are too proud and self-righteous to bend and bear with their foreign policies. It's their way or the highway.... Well, they've put us on the highway to isolation. We've been there for quite some time already. It's going to take a Democratic President (elected in 2008, in office January 2009) years to gain back the diplomatic clout we had in the 90s, if it can ever be done.

The Bexar County Democratic Party in Dire Straights?

2006-05-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

Greg Jefferson of the San Antonio Express-News wrote the following article, exposing the Bexar County Democratic Party's woes:

Carla Vela, the incoming chairwoman of the Bexar Democratic Party, isn't getting a set of office keys because there's nothing to unlock.
For the second time since last fall, the party has landed on the streets, without a headquarters. That's one reason Vela's swearing-in ceremony Tuesday night will take place in a union hall. (more)

The thing is, Jefferson is largely correct in the entire article. I spoke with Carla Vela this evening, and her assessment was largely the same.

However, this is no reason for alarm – the Party has always been cash-strapped. It has lived from hand-to-mouth as long as I have been involved, and I am certain it had been doing so loooong before I ever showed up.

Chairman Gabe Quintanilla (the Chairman before out-going Chairman Rudy Casias) left his successor in a relatively worse situation: no money but WITH an office (with a $1600.- monthly rent bill and a lease ‘till August 2004 – the May rent due immediately.) The point of this: It could be a hell of a lot worse. At least Carla Vela’s new Democratic Party isn’t starting off $1600.- in the hole.

The Bexar County Democratic Party needs to be built back up from scratch. That has basically been the case every time a new Chair takes office. Why is this sad situation thus? Because previous county chairs have incapacitated the CEC, filleting the party of any continuing structure – think of what happened to Saddam Hussein’s Iraq without Saddam Hussein – There really was no Iraq without Saddam Hussein – the same has held true for the Bexar County Democratic Party, but then every 2 or 4 years.

Carla Vela is already doing extraordinary things. She has convened a Steering Committee, consisting of the serving SDEC members, the Deputy Chairs (appointed by their constituencies), and the Chairs of the major Democratic clubs (The San Antonio Young Democrats included). Though presiding over this committee, Carla has entrusted this body with actual decision-making for the transition to building the new Bexar County Democratic Party within which the County Executive Committee will play the legitimizing role.

If you don’t realize how extraordinary this is, you have not been paying attention.

If the different grassroots factions can suspend their doubt about this working, if Carla can continue her trust in this institution she is re-building, and if the Party money and power elites are willing to invest in this Party, then the Bexar County Democratic Party can grow and become the institution it is supposed to be.

U.S. National Anthem in Spanish

2006-04-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

By now, everyone’s heard the hub-bub about the Star Spangled Banner being sung in loose translation in Spanish.

Apparently some are offended by this.

I’m not.

Apparently the President is.

I love it when the Republicans further undermine their credibility with the hispanic population.

However, rather than estimating the political fallout, let us have a discussion about principle. First, we ought to separate some fact from national myth. There is no official language of the United States. There have been attempts to amend Title 4 of the Unites States Code to have English adopted as the official language, but this has not been done yet.

What IS law, is something called the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. For those unfamiliar with this amendment, it ensures free speech (and freedom of religion) to all in the United States by preventing Congress from abridging free speech. As such, the singing of the national anthem is Spanish, Swahili, or even Arabic is fully legal and protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Now, if some people feel that this is wrong, it is their free right to feel that way. However, I find it very disingenuous. There doesn't seem to have been much guilt over the white people not having learned Iriquois when they immigrated to America. Why should English have greater sacredness in America than Iriquois, Navajo, Mandan, etc.? Is it because it is simply more prevalent?

On a slightly different note: The Minutemen claim to be reasonable people upset with illegal immigration. They claim not to be racist and to have many latino members. Anyone believing that ought to read the Minutemen HW blog – especially the comments concerning the national anthem (here). These people make my stomach turn.

Zbigniew Brzezinski Against Air Strikes on Iran

2006-04-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

More grist for my Iranian mill.

In my last post on Iran, I mentioned limited ground action or air strikes as a possible option for the administration to pursue. This is seeming like an increasingly likely choice for the admin., is it possibly takes care of the nukes, doesn’t get us bothering with all that namby-pamby European diplomacy stuff, and it doesn’t get us embroiled into another nasty occupation.

So, what’s wrong with air strikes? Everything!

HERE is Zbigniew Brzezinski’s analysis published today in the International Herald Tribune. It is really a must-read.

Now, perhaps our hordes of neo-con Republican readers are going to write comment after comment objecting to Brzezinski as being a soft dove like his former boss, Jimmy Carter. FYI: Zbigniev Brzezinski served as Carter’s National Security Advisor. Now, because I am not expecting throngs of right-wing nut-jobs to post to our little blog, let me post some things that were posted on another blog (here)

"This is typical liberal ideology," writes the California Conservative. "Negotiate from a position of weakness is straight from the Jimmy Carter failed handbook. Then again, Brzezinski is the failed bureaucrat that gave him that 'Let's all get along' advice. It's obvious that Mr. Brzezinski didn't learn anything from Reagan's intimidating the Soviets into oblivion."

"It was he and his feckless boss President Carter who saw no cause for concern in a potential Iranian mullocracy, and hence no reason to back the Shah of Iran who stood in the mullahs way," writes Power Line. "Now, more than 25 years on, the old foreign policy hand is still assuring us that we have little to fear from the mullahs. He seems to take it as a given that, through negotiations, we can talk them out of developing nukes."

"Personally, I'd choose the realism of today's scary world over the chaotic America of the Carter/Brzezinski years," writes Valkyrjan. "Years during which nothing was done to confront the rise of Islamic fundamentalism when it first burst onto the international scene with its outrageous actions in Tehran. The war we didn't fight then is the war we must fight now."

Ok, of course you know that I am citing these blog commenters because I am going to drag their opinions through the drek. Well, without further ado:

Folks, you’re criticizing carter – C-A-R-T-E-R… you know, nice humanitarian type – believes in human rights and international law.

WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT CARTER

We are talking about is Brzezinski – B-R-Z … forget it, I’m not going to spell it out more than I have to. Brzezinski was not "the failed bureaucrat that gave him that 'Let's all get along' advice." Brzezinski was the bureaucrat that advised Carter to invade Iran during the '79 revolution.

Furthermore Brzezinski is the author of the strategy handbook on American global dominance – ‘The Grand Chessboard: American Primacy and Its Geostrategic Imperative.’

Brzezinski is a hawk’s hawk – and the mentor of Madeleine Albright to boot. It was Carter and his Secretary of State Cyrus Vance who were the doves. Brzezinski and Vance were constantly at one another’s throats over the bellicosity of American foreign policy.

Furthermore, if we learned what to do from Reagan, we'd have been selling the nukes to Iran ourselves. Is there some portion of the Iran-Contra Affair that eludes the repugs-come-lately?

So there – ya’ll better do your homework.

Anyway, the moral of this story is: If even Brzezinski is against air strikes... air strikes are a REALLY BAD IDEA

Listening to Christian Radio

2006-04-26T00:17:00.000-07:00

There I am, on a long road trip through West Texas, driving from San Antonio to Colorado, by way of such metropolises such as Eden, TX and Winters, TX. I don’t have a CD-player, and this is not exactly NPR-country.
In cranking the radio dial, I find Christian radio stations. I’m an open-minded free-thinker (no, not an atheist), and I don’t mind being challenged, so you know what – I’m going to listen to it.

So, there I am, listening to KCRN 93.3 FM out of San Angelo.

The first hour is about debt management and credit reports from a Christian perspective. This nearly killed me. Falling asleep at 65 mph can have its consequences.

Anyway, soon they went on the issue of the environment. The regular radio-pastor – Dr. Jerry Johnston - was out, and had a replacement radio host: Somebody Overstreet, I think. Anyway, this person is pontificating about how it is so horrible that he has to spend $80 to fill up his gas tank. At some point he starts taking calls of listeners who tell him that evangelicals do have a Christian duty to take care of the planet. Sensing the direction of where these people are going, Overstreet agrees with the callers and quotes from Genesis about man’s dominion and stewardship over the earth.

Apparently, this wasn’t what the regular pastor was trying to hear. The next caller is Dr. Jerry Johnston. Johnston – in a friendly evangelical way, of course – puts Overstreet in his place, (I paraphrase for clarity):
“We have a duty to take care of what God has put in our keeping. However, Jesus us coming back and then the world will be destroyed anyway – so we don’t have to take care of the trees. Liberals like Al Gore want to make you believe that you are destroying the earth, just to make you feel guilty for driving your kids to soccer practice in
your SUV.”
After the implicit rebuke, Overstreet gets back ‘on message’.

All this really made me start thinking about the differences between how I think and how the Christian right thinks. Importantly, I do not want to scoff at another person’s deeply felt beliefs – I honestly respect people’s faiths. But some of this is just nuts – We shouldn’t care about the planet, because Jesus is going to destroy it anyway?? I do think there is a more progressive evangelical movement being formed out there. The question we need to answer is: how do we get the good evangelicals out of the Christian Right echo-chamber, so that they can find out that Democrats/Liberals don’t hate the Bible or Jesus?

TYD Convention

2006-04-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Convention was awesome! Congratulations to Clifton for getting elected as Regional Director Chair!!
Friday we went to the fundraiser at Threadgills. There we heard from Chris Bell our party’s gubernatorial candidate and San Antonio’s very own David Van Os, our party’s candidate for Attorney General. Young Democrat clubs from all over Texas were mixing and mingling. Afterwards, we went to the Women’s Caucus Social (after party) at the Double Tree hotel. Saturday, we spent the day in workshops and caucus meetings learning new ways of making the club grow and being more effective. We also sold many T-shirts and shot glasses. The evening was spent enjoying free beverages, caucusing and politicking with the other delegates in their quarters at the Drury Hotel (more after-parties!). Even though it was difficult getting up we managed to attend the general session and officer elections on Sunday. There were only two contested races this year. Those two positions were for National Committeewoman and the Regional Director Chair. SAYD’s delegation cast 2 votes for Jennifer Roberts from Dallas and 1 vote for Erica Contreras from Houston. Congratulations to Jennifer Roberts on her victory. Our very own Clifton Walker ran for Regional Director Chair against Emily B. and won. San Antonio now has representation on the TYD executive committee. Our (region 3) Regional Director is Daniel Medlar the gentleman from Lampasas and I (Chris Garcia) am the Judicial Director. The other executive committee position races were uncontested. I would like to thank Cassandra for making all those cards. I think I gave out 100 cards. These conventions are a lot of fun. They provide a great opportunity to meet fellow young Democrats.

Latest Concerning Iran + Analysis

2006-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

From the wire at ABCNews:

MOSCOW Apr 21, 2006 (AP)— Russia's Foreign Ministry said Friday the U.N. Security Council cannot consider levying sanctions against Iran until it's proven Tehran's nuclear program is not exclusively for peaceful purposes, a Russian news agency reported.

It sounds like 2002-2003 all over again, doesn’t it? That’s why I think this is going to be a fundamentally different process.

If the matter comes to full debate in the Security Council, I do not think we will see any attempt by the administration to prove the point. Global public opinion will not believe the United States again about proving the existence of a WMD-program. That proof would even be trickier in this case, because it would have to prove intent, rather than existing infrastructure.

So, basically, the Russians are taking advantage of this.

Moscow and Beijing are certainly not going to look at the developments around the Iranian enrichment program in the context of the global War on Terror, but in the context of the global balance of power. For them, having U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, Central Asia and Iraq is already too close to home. While they might not like the idea of an Iran with nuclear weapons, they like the idea even less of another U.S.-sponsored regime change.

But at the same time, they’d rather not have to go down the U.N.-route at all, because they do want to maintain economic relations with us. We would rather not have to go down the U.N.-route again, because Russia and China are certainly going to veto anything substantive. Perhaps we’ll see something minor, like the freezing of the Mullahs’ bank accounts (if they even have those outside of Iran or Switserland), or a condemnation (empty rhetoric). We are not going to see multilateral economic sanctions on oil, and certainly not U.N.-mandated military action.

Likewise, Europe is not going to back us with any more military action – not even limited air strikes against the enrichment facilities. We don’t have the same allies we did in 2003. Spain’s government changed in 2004, and Italy has now turned the page as well. Poland is a more difficult case to gauge. We might have the British, but even that’s not a sure-thing anymore. Netherlands... unsure, and who really cares? (The decision would likely get stuck in committee at this point).

What does this all mean? Bush is really on his own when it comes to coercing Iran into compliance with international regulations concerning nuclear energy. To me, that means that Iran will develop nuclear weapons, unless we do something militarily and unilaterally to stop it.

There are really only a couple of options:
1. Letting Iran have the bomb,
2. Limited ground action or air-strikes, which are uncertain,
3. Full-scale invasion – disaster!

4. Bribe them - which means implicitly recognizing them as a rational state-actor.

Let’s face it, that isn’t a great deck of cards to play with – that’s a big problem. Iran seems willing to hear, at least, how much we're offering to bribe them - but they're not going to do this cheap. A bigger problem is that this administration loves brinkmanship.

Now what, George?

Highland Park Windfall Proposal Ends School Funding

2006-04-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the quick post, but I'm rushing out the door and this is far too important not to note. We send our thanks to that ever-watchful muckraker, Matt Glazer, who is far more that JustAnotherMatt in our humble opinion:

"A procedural rule will be introduced tomorrow in the House as the first frontal assault on teachers, schools, and school districts. The rule will dictate the procedure of the house and will regulate amendments, costs, and most importantly the required focus of the legislation.

The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled that the current property tax is an unconstitutional statewide property tax. Now, Austin is in a frenzy trying to fix the problem and "get out of dodge."

If legislators vote for the proposed rule tomorrow, they will be voting for restricting House Bill 1 (The Highland Park Windfall Proposal) to only taxation issues and will not address school funding.

This will mandate that no amendment can be offered to increase teacher pay, no new textbooks, no funding for school facilities, no teacher health insurance, and no extra funding for transportation during these time of extraordinary gas prices.
It is time to hold the legislature accountable to teachers and students. It is time for our elected officials to focus their attention on school funding and not just creating huge windfalls for Highland Park, Alamo Heights, or Bellaire while forgetting Edgewood, Houston, Dallas, or the thousands of other school districts.

By voting for a rule tomorrow, they are saying no to education for potentially the next decade!"

Irrational Iran and Nukular Weapons.

2006-04-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Let’s talk Iran for a moment.

This is the country that we’re very afraid of, because they’re probably building a nuclear weapon of some sort. They say it is nuclear development for peaceful purposes. I will agree with the administration that we cannot necessarily believe this. Iran has every incentive to build a nuclear weapon. That incentive rises out of the fact that we have militarily invaded two of their neighbors, Israel “secretly, but not-so-secretly” has nuclear weapons trained on Iran, and the Bush admin. has Tourette syndrome when it comes to sabre-rattling.

Plus, nuclear weapons are still all the rage – Israel, North Korea, India, Pakistan are all unwelcome additions to the nuclear power club of US, Russia, China, France and Britain.

The nature of WMDs, such as nuclear weapons, is that it is a deterrent weapon – it keeps other countries from wanting to invade you, because if they do, you’re going to nuke the crap out of them.

So, I think the administration is correct that the Islamic Republic is developing a nuclear weapon.

But what does it mean?

The first caviat that they don't mention is that Iran is still about a decade away from producing nuclear weapons. They also lack the ability to deliver the weapon by way of ICBM.

The neo-con Kool-Aid is that Iran is going to hand the weaponry over to Islamist terrorists, and we cannot afford for that to happen. They believe that Iran will do this, because Iran is an Islamic republic, and they share the suicide bomber mentality that al-Qaeda has. Iran is an Islamic ideological irrational actor, according to the bloviators.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Iran is, in fact, the very model of a pragmatic state with an ideological veneer.

My favorite case-study on this fact was the alliance behavior the Islamic Republic exhibited during the Armenia-Azerbaijan war, during the early 90s. Background: Armenia is a Christian nation, at war with Azerbaijan, which is by-and-large Shi’ia Muslim. Azerbaijan rigs an embargo against landlocked Armenia, with it’s buddies Turkey and the Republic of Georgia – strangling Armenia for supplies, notably oil and gas. During this period, which neighbor comes to Armenia’s aid – the Islamic Republic of Iran. Why? The Iranians actually don’t like their “Shi’ia brothers” in Azerbaijan, because of irredentist notions floating around in North-west Iran, which is largely ethnic Azeri. How best to get a dig in against Azerbaijan than support Armenia with energy and weapons?

Moral of the story – Iran talks Islamic, but they can definitely shelve their ideology when the need to do so is there. The Islamic Republic is a perfectly rational regime. Why would they not hand the nuclear weapons over to Islamists? Nuclear weaponry has a certain signature to it – there’s something about the nuclear material that can be traced. In other words, if al-Qaeda used an Iranian bomb – we’d know it, and we’d remove Tehran from the face of the planet, and the Ayatollah knows it.

As far as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad being a lunatic, who cares? (I doubt that this is, in fact, true.) The people in real control of Iran are the same mullahs that have been in control since the revolution in ‘79. The President doesn’t have the same types of power that ours does.

In thinking of how to deal with Iran, we need to think of it in the context of traditional international relations. There is no new type of post-9/11 threat that we are supposed to be thinking about in the context of Iran. Iran is a rational actor, and we can deal with them as such – much in the same way we dealt with the Soviet Union.

Our biggest problem with the Islamic Republic, is that it’s Islamicism is a perfect ingredient for neo-con Kool-Aid.

My Incoherent Rambling Rant

2006-04-20T00:53:00.000-07:00

You know what – it does seem like the Bush Empire is really falling apart.

Yeah, I know this realization seems to be coming a bit late, but there it is.

He’s shaking up his staff. His Congress allies are all headed to jail. The Generals are calling for Rummy’s head. That broad-based nice democratic government just doesn’t seem to be happenin’ in Iraq. We haven’t forgotten about all the guys in Gitmo. Kyrgystan is raising the rent on that airstrip by 10,000%. Gas prices are going through the roof of the high-rise building.

And he's toying with the idea of invading Iran, which EVERYONE knows is a really REALLY BAD IDEA!.

To top it all off, he isn’t getting out of this president-job for another three years!

Luckily for him, he’s ‘still the decider’ ‘round here.

Yeah, whatever.

But the Republican Kool-Aid is still out there, and people are still drinking it. Limbaugh, Savage, Hannity, Scarborough, Coulter, O’Reilly, and all their minions are still bloviating the Kool-Aid all over the airwaves. I really wonder what the average republican thinks of this.

My guess is that in their hearts the average Joe six-pack republican knows something’s up.. The republican veneer has pealed off and the decay beneath is quite visible. The question is when does it become too stressful to keep believing the lies and going through the motions of hitting the (Rep) on the ballot?

The other question is, when are we going to come with a compelling alternative that seems coherent enough for your average person from Omaha, Peoria and Colorado Springs to decide to go blue on E-day?

The brilliance of Karl Rove in his Kool-Aid laboratory is that he was able to construct a compelling story to sell – a story that was simple enough for even the dumbest FoxNews blow-hard to repeat. We just don’t have that.

And it’s a good thing that we don’t. The world is just not put together in an easy paradigm. Trying to sell it as such works wonders for the political theater, but ultimately, it’s going to lead you into bad policy. Policy has to be built upon an actual understanding of the world, rather than a dramatic plot-line fit for Hollywood. I would rather have us remain the disjointed, internally fractured amalgam of mostly-decent people.

Anyway, it seems that the repugs are imploding, and we didn’t have to really do anything to make it happen. Hopefully the American people will sweep us into power in spite of ourselves.

That is the unintelligible viewpoint. I AM the Rant-o-crat.

House District 118

2006-04-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hot off the wire: Greg Jefferson’s article on the House District 118 race.

First off, Greg – check your math. Democrats have a 8-2 advantage in our house delegation at present. I don’t see Jose Menendez or Joaquin Castro being unseated by a republican any time this millennium, so cracking that 7-3 ratio doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Also, what has Antuna been talking about, during the Primary? He’s against abortions, immigrants, and appraisal boards. While the third shows that he can at least bang the neurons together, the first two are nuts. I love this line on the immigration issue:

“Finally, I want to work with federal officials to expand detention facilities for those who threaten our national security.”

George, do you mean you want Texas to fund more of those prisoner kennels in Guantanamo Bay? I’m not sure what sort of national security threat we face from the poor folks who want to pick our grapefruits and sweep out floors for us. Perhaps you feel that the immigrants crossing the border are coming here to kill us, like your fellow republican, Tom Tancredo, believes.

Please talk about this some more, George! I love it when Republicans alienate the people you’re trying to court.

And, ... uh... abortion? Please leave that issue up to the adults at the U.S. Supreme Court. They haven’t overturned Roe vs. Wade just quite yet. It’s funny how you say you’re a consensus-builder, especially when you’re talking more about divisive issues, than about how to do right by your broader society.

So, let’s talk about real issues. I love what you have to say about education... it’s really enlightening. I read that your impulses sound a lot more like those that Democrats have actually stood for, unlike your Republican pals up in Austin... you know, those guys who will be funding your campaign and counting on you to vote their way. Have you gone to the Leininger trough yet? I don’t see him on your campaign finance reports... the people I do find there generally make my stomach turn. I’ll have to save that for another post. I suppose that you do have more experience in Austin, at least where it comes to fleecing the public-at-large, while being on the payroll of the big companies... again, I’ll leave my comments about who’s funding you in this campaign for a later blog post.

Anyway, about the real issue – education – Joe Farias really has a great deal more experience in that, and he knows his stuff. So yes, it’s going to be a ‘hard-core battle’ in HD 118 – the school board leader vs. the money-greased flunky.