It's Monday and that means it's time for another installment of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Blog Round-Up. This week's round-up was complied by Vince from Capitol Annex.
Blue 19th wonders: Can someone ask Randy Neugebauer why he hates college students?
Evan at the Houston GLBT Political Caucus Blog asks where's Human Rights Campaign as leaders in congress are considering leaving transgender works out of ENDA because, unlike other GLBT political organizations, H.R.C. has been silent so far, and that's unacceptable.
In How are these alike? Fort Worth and Wise County TXsharon of Bluedaze warns Fort Worth residents about the dangers of Barnett Shale drilling, conflicts of interest and good old boy politics.
McBlogger goes all medieval on the Texas Transportation Commission's derriere... Like toll roads? Not McBlogger!
Texas Kaos community member Carol Gee gives a primer on terms we're all going to need to become much more familiar with in 50 Ways to Understand the Protect America Act.
Managing diabetes is a real pain, according to PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.
WCNews at Eye on Williamson analyzes the latest actions regarding HD-52 in Krusee's Influence And Credibility Are Gone, Time For HD-52 To Start Over.
BossKitty at Blue Bloggin notes that Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), representing the 25th District of Texas, hits Bush in the nose again, and this time its on SCHIP. She also tells about some of the antics of Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) on the vote--and how that's all about earmarks.
In a pair of posts, Nat-Wu at Three Wise Men asks if the city of Irving is practicing racist law enforcement.
Off the Kuff takes a look at State Proposition 2, which an education bond issue that should not be confused with the Houston ISD's more controversial referendum.
Over at Stop Cornyn, Matt tells us how John Cornyn has once again voted against Texas Children. Another post at Stop Cornyn notes just how out of touch Cornyn's vote was.
Texas Toad at North Texas Liberal talks about the Project Farm Team meeting, with guest speaker Vince Leibowitz, and how that organization can turn Denton County blue.
The Texas Blue, one of the recent additions to the Texas Progressive Alliance has an audio interview with State Representative Kirk England, who discusses his background and what motivated his recent decision to switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party.
Vince at Capitol Annex tells us how Rick Perry's decision to order the state's two largest retirement systems to divest in Iranian-related investments could cause a special session.
Refinish69 at Doing My Part For The Left gives his views about people saying elect any Democrat and why he thinks that is total BS in Rick Noriega, Dan Grant and John Edwards 3 Great Democrats To Get Elected
Half Empty'scoverage of a presentation by Hank Gilbert makes note of what a huge issue the Trans Texas Corridor is. Hal attended Hank Gilbert's informative discussion on Saturday and reports.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
TSB: A letter to John Cornyn
In response to a news-letter from the Jr. Senator of Texas, John Cornyn:
Sen. Cornyn,
I appreciate your message and diligence, but I think you have it all wrong with regards to the Iraq war. The war is a lie and our troops are dying for your administration's fabrication. I always thought our nation was built on moral principles but we sacrificed these principles for a quick "shock and awe". I am embarrassed about our actions. We need to refortify our troops, rebuild our military and diplomatic strength, replenish the treasury, and save the lives that have not been lost. Our nation has strength and intelligence to go about defeating al-qaeda in a different manner.
I'm not a Republican because I believe in moral values, family values, economic values and humane values, and that the government should fund the infrastructure, fund education and defeat poverty around the world, fund associations that want to cure incurable diseases, and fund our defense against enemy combatants that are both a clear and present danger. In Iraq, the enemy is not clear and may not really be present as they could be based in Afghanistan. I supported that mission. As a matter of fact, I supported President Bush directly after 9/11 and the hunt for Osama, but he failed and has now withered away any support from me and most US and international constituents. This so called troop withdrawal that you brag about is only a reduction to troop levels before the surge, so your message is only propaganda.
I defend Moveon.org because their message is that we as citizens have a more powerful voice then the government and its military. Gen. Patraeus is a grocery clerk for President Bush's message and I will not support his message. However, I do support free speech, so Sen. Cornyn I'm a little concerned about you not being a defender of the constitution. As a matter of fact you should applaud that the citizens of the USA are exercising their free speech rights against BIG GOVERNENT, and that we will not bend over for this administration because the government should be the servant for the masses, and not the other way around.
On a local level, you need to realize that about 95% of the Rio Grande Valley citizens are vehemently opposed to BIG GOVERNMENT building a wall.You are supporting a divisive structure and an isolationist policy that will be regrettable for years to come. That wall will destroy wildlife, international relations, and will be another embarrassment to our nation from a global perspective. Do you remember the Berlin Wall? We tore down that wall as a symbol of Freedom and that was during Reagan's term as I may give credit to your party. Sen. Cornyn please answer this question, how involved are you with the Mexican President and other Mexican political leaders? Please inform me about your discussions with them and how we can treat immigration rather than just building a barrier. As well as the Mexican political leaders, have you had discussions with any Mexican business leaders to remedy or alleviate the poverty in Mexico? Poverty is the problem so what's your solution. So please answer how often you have engaged yourself with Mexico political and business leaders? Is it just once a year, twice a year, monthly or weekly? And if so, please describe to me the topic of conversations and solutions. If you can, then I may respect your Senatorial seat within this area of concern.
TexMex,TSB
In other words we need change in Texas!!!!!
Sen. Cornyn,
I appreciate your message and diligence, but I think you have it all wrong with regards to the Iraq war. The war is a lie and our troops are dying for your administration's fabrication. I always thought our nation was built on moral principles but we sacrificed these principles for a quick "shock and awe". I am embarrassed about our actions. We need to refortify our troops, rebuild our military and diplomatic strength, replenish the treasury, and save the lives that have not been lost. Our nation has strength and intelligence to go about defeating al-qaeda in a different manner.
I'm not a Republican because I believe in moral values, family values, economic values and humane values, and that the government should fund the infrastructure, fund education and defeat poverty around the world, fund associations that want to cure incurable diseases, and fund our defense against enemy combatants that are both a clear and present danger. In Iraq, the enemy is not clear and may not really be present as they could be based in Afghanistan. I supported that mission. As a matter of fact, I supported President Bush directly after 9/11 and the hunt for Osama, but he failed and has now withered away any support from me and most US and international constituents. This so called troop withdrawal that you brag about is only a reduction to troop levels before the surge, so your message is only propaganda.
I defend Moveon.org because their message is that we as citizens have a more powerful voice then the government and its military. Gen. Patraeus is a grocery clerk for President Bush's message and I will not support his message. However, I do support free speech, so Sen. Cornyn I'm a little concerned about you not being a defender of the constitution. As a matter of fact you should applaud that the citizens of the USA are exercising their free speech rights against BIG GOVERNENT, and that we will not bend over for this administration because the government should be the servant for the masses, and not the other way around.
On a local level, you need to realize that about 95% of the Rio Grande Valley citizens are vehemently opposed to BIG GOVERNMENT building a wall.You are supporting a divisive structure and an isolationist policy that will be regrettable for years to come. That wall will destroy wildlife, international relations, and will be another embarrassment to our nation from a global perspective. Do you remember the Berlin Wall? We tore down that wall as a symbol of Freedom and that was during Reagan's term as I may give credit to your party. Sen. Cornyn please answer this question, how involved are you with the Mexican President and other Mexican political leaders? Please inform me about your discussions with them and how we can treat immigration rather than just building a barrier. As well as the Mexican political leaders, have you had discussions with any Mexican business leaders to remedy or alleviate the poverty in Mexico? Poverty is the problem so what's your solution. So please answer how often you have engaged yourself with Mexico political and business leaders? Is it just once a year, twice a year, monthly or weekly? And if so, please describe to me the topic of conversations and solutions. If you can, then I may respect your Senatorial seat within this area of concern.
TexMex,TSB
In other words we need change in Texas!!!!!
Nick Lampson proposes six bills to extend tax relief
From TX-22 U.S. Rep. :
Legislation proposed in a series of six bills by U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Stafford) would extend tax relief set to expire later this year for teachers, armed forces personnel and other middle-class individuals.Got get'm Nick!
The proposals rolled out Monday include:
The America's Heroes Tax Relief Act would permanently allow military personnel called up for active duty to withdraw from 401(k) or 403(b) annuities without tax penalties.
The America's Teachers Tax Relief Act would make permanent a deduction for out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies set to expire at the end of 2007 for elementary and secondary school teachers.
The State Sales Tax Equity Relief Act would make permanent a current provision that allows taxpayers to deduct state and local general sales tax from their federal income tax.
The Smart Energy Tax Relief Act would make permanent tax credits for production and sale of bio-fuels and alternative fuels and encourages the development of future sources of energy. The bill also extends the tax credit for energy-efficient appliances used by Americans every day.
The package also includes a new proposal, the Middle-Class Investor Tax Relief Act. It would raise the salary cap for capital gains and dividend tax exemption for individuals who make less than $30,000 a year to $100,000 in gross adjusted income per year, and boost the cap for married couples who make less than $60,000 to $200,000 per year.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
On to war
Via Skippy
to the lie-berman/kyl amendment. thank these folks biden (d-de) bingaman (d-nm) boxer (d-ca) brown (d-oh) byrd (d-wv) cantwell (d-wa) dodd (d-ct) feingold (d-wi) hagel (r-ne) harkin (d-ia) inouye (d-hi) kennedy (d-ma) kerry (d-ma) klobuchar (d-mn) leahy (d-vt) lincoln (d-ar) (mccain and obama didn't vote)
all the others apparently want to go to war with iran.
Hillary, what the fuck are you doing?....
to the lie-berman/kyl amendment. thank these folks biden (d-de) bingaman (d-nm) boxer (d-ca) brown (d-oh) byrd (d-wv) cantwell (d-wa) dodd (d-ct) feingold (d-wi) hagel (r-ne) harkin (d-ia) inouye (d-hi) kennedy (d-ma) kerry (d-ma) klobuchar (d-mn) leahy (d-vt) lincoln (d-ar) (mccain and obama didn't vote)
all the others apparently want to go to war with iran.
Hillary, what the fuck are you doing?....
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
To Ralph Nader: Hide also!
Damn!
The "Ralph Nader Democratic Caucus Campaign Draft Committee" is seeking campaign workers in Iowa and New Hampshire, according to advertisements placed on Craigslist.
How about a pie in the face!
The "Ralph Nader Democratic Caucus Campaign Draft Committee" is seeking campaign workers in Iowa and New Hampshire, according to advertisements placed on Craigslist.
How about a pie in the face!
Rick Noriega wins Democracy for Texas endorsement poll
from their website:You have spoken loud and clear. With overwhelming support from all over the State, Rick Noriega is the stand-out choice of the grassroots to face John Cornyn in the race for the U.S. Senate. The final results are:
Rick Noriega 78.4%
Mikal Watts 21.6%
Total votes cast: 1,931*
Join the Rick Noriega for Senate campaign here.
Click here to make a donation to Rick Noriega via ActBlue.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Trump to Bush: HIDE!
A strong Asset! The Donald thinks otherwise of Bush's help to the Republican party in the upcoming elections:
"I think President Bush has to go into a corner and hide if a Republican is going to get elected," he said. "There is no way he is an asset. He is a huge liability, and he is going to have to do a big, big hiding act if a Republican is going to win."
Once a Republican nominee is determined, Trump added, Bush "should just go into a corner and say 'Okay, that's it. I am finished. I am over.'"
Friday, September 21, 2007
Cornyn fundraiser taking some heat in Harlingen
Texmex is reporting things are getting a little ugly down in Harlingen, Texas.
What we have is a CEO of Valley Baptist Health System, James G. Springfield, implementing cost saving Six Sigma measures at the expense of health-care quality. Not good.
So, "16 emergency medicine doctors have submitted a collective resignation to Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, saying the hospital administration’s focus on “metric results” could reduce compromise patient care." A memo released states adminstrators “would punish the doctors for caring for the sickest and most complex patients and working at the busiest times.” Not good.
The Valley Morning Star posted a story of the quitting doctors which lead to a long string of (anti-hospital administration) reader comments. The comments were then sabotaged and deleted which has led to an even bigger firestorm and a lot of finger pointing. Paul Binz, editor of the Valley Morning Star, is still trying to figure out who the mysterious deleters are. I'm not buying it.
You see there is a click in Harlingen where the media, healthcare and politico fat cats mingle, wine and dine on the dime of the less fortunate. I'm just saying...It was only July when Karl Rove attended a political campaign reception hosted at the Treasure Hills home of James G. Springfield for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who is seeking re-election in 2008. The circle of friends here says it all.
One of the deleted, now recovered online posts...
What we have is a CEO of Valley Baptist Health System, James G. Springfield, implementing cost saving Six Sigma measures at the expense of health-care quality. Not good.
So, "16 emergency medicine doctors have submitted a collective resignation to Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, saying the hospital administration’s focus on “metric results” could reduce compromise patient care." A memo released states adminstrators “would punish the doctors for caring for the sickest and most complex patients and working at the busiest times.” Not good.
The Valley Morning Star posted a story of the quitting doctors which lead to a long string of (anti-hospital administration) reader comments. The comments were then sabotaged and deleted which has led to an even bigger firestorm and a lot of finger pointing. Paul Binz, editor of the Valley Morning Star, is still trying to figure out who the mysterious deleters are. I'm not buying it.
You see there is a click in Harlingen where the media, healthcare and politico fat cats mingle, wine and dine on the dime of the less fortunate. I'm just saying...It was only July when Karl Rove attended a political campaign reception hosted at the Treasure Hills home of James G. Springfield for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who is seeking re-election in 2008. The circle of friends here says it all.
One of the deleted, now recovered online posts...
Truth hurts. That's why things are getting deleted. Here I go again. Jimmy thinks hes above the law. With his big contributions to Governor Perry and having Karl Rove over to his house, he is thumbing his nose at us peons daring us to do something about him and his cronies. Ken Lay had the same friends Jimmy and in the end his greed and ego were his down fall.As big stories in small cities go...this one is not going away anytime soon.
Bush a “windshield cowboy"
says former Mexican President Vincente Fox. Uh, I would go more with "rocking horse cowboy".
Daddy, I'm scared
Daddy, I'm scared
Cornyn raises money for MoveOn
The more the wacky right wing, such as my own Texas Senator John Cornyn, continue with their attacks on groups such as MoveOn and the like...the sillier they look as they do nothing but act as fundraisers for those they so despise. 
What an Ass!
Dear MoveOn member,
Yesterday, an amazing thing happened. After the Senate's shameful vote, and after President Bush called MoveOn "disgusting," our email started to fill up with messages like this one:
I'm currently in Iraq. I do not agree with this war, and if I did support this war, it would not matter. You have the RIGHT to speak the truth. We KNOW that you support us. Thank you for speaking out for being our voice. We do not have a voice. We are overshooted by those who say that we soldiers do not support organizations like MoveOn. WE DO.
YOU ARE OUR voice.
And then came the donations. By midnight, over 12,000 people had donated $500,000—more than we've raised any day this year—for our new ad calling out the Republicans who blocked adequate rest for troops headed back to Iraq.
The message from MoveOn members was loud and clear: Don't back down. Take the fight back to the issues that matter.
What an Ass!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
DFT Senate Endorsement Poll - Noriega by a landslide
The poll closes Saturday Sept. 22 at midnight CDT. You can vote here.
Wednesday Noon Update:
Rick Noriega- 78%
Mikal Watts- 22%
Thursday Noon Update:
Rick Noriega- 82%
Mikal Watts- 18%
For what it's worth...
Wednesday Noon Update:
Rick Noriega- 78%
Mikal Watts- 22%
Thursday Noon Update:
Rick Noriega- 82%
Mikal Watts- 18%
For what it's worth...
Shamless Dems vote to condemn MoveOn.org
Here are the shameful Democratic senators who voted to condemn Moveon.org today.
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Cardin (D-MD)
Carper (D-DE)
Casey (D-PA)
Conrad (D-ND)
Dorgan (D-ND)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Johnson (D-SD)
Klobuchar (D-MN)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Leahy (D-VT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
McCaskill (D-MO)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Pryor (D-AR)
Salazar (D-CO)
Tester (D-MT)
Webb (D-VA)
Paul Begala says it best that Democrats Should Attack Bush, Not MoveOn.
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Cardin (D-MD)
Carper (D-DE)
Casey (D-PA)
Conrad (D-ND)
Dorgan (D-ND)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Johnson (D-SD)
Klobuchar (D-MN)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Leahy (D-VT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
McCaskill (D-MO)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Pryor (D-AR)
Salazar (D-CO)
Tester (D-MT)
Webb (D-VA)
Paul Begala says it best that Democrats Should Attack Bush, Not MoveOn.
Before a single Democrat condemns MoveOn's ad, they should insist that George W. Bush and the Republican Party repudiate the anti-military smears on war heroes that have been the hallmark of Mr. Bush's political career.Why the Democratic Party continues to give the Republicans any sort of ammunition is beyond me. When will it stop?
Too many Democrats still think Mr. Bush's presidency is on the level. Let's be clear. Mr. Bush is not leading a serious, sober discussion about public discourse during a war. He wants to divide progressives and score political points. We should not let him. Throughout his career he's been willing to tolerate and benefit from vicious lies about military men. We should not concede that he is legitimately angry now.
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