Time to deport Congressman Ted Poe

Someone needs to check Congressman Ted Poe's papers along with State Representative Debbie Riddle, Leo Berman, and State Senator Dan Patrick. We need to make sure they are actually human beings and not aliens. Here is the so-called "honorable" Ted Poe comparing human beings to grasshoppers on the floor of the House. Next time you see Poe, ask for his papers then kick his racist ass all the way back to Arizona.

From Crooks and Liars:

The campaign to dehumanize immigrants -- both those without documents as well all legal immigrants, especially Hispanics -- in America is on in full force. Microchipping them was just the start.
When I saw the grasshopper graphic I chuckled for a moment because it's so surreal, it's so not of this earth. It couldn't possibly come from a member of Congress, could it? 

Yes. It could. It came from the back waters of Texas. Ted Poe. And that's the way it is.

Gov Rick Perry Official Theme Song: Macho Macho Man!

Sing it with me folks: Macho Macho Man, He's got to be a Macho Man!

Leave it to Texas Governor Rick Perry, the macho guy who jogs with a gun duct taped to his groin just in case a willie coyote jumps out of the bushes to hump his poodle, to shoot business owners in the ass. From FalkenBlog:

Take it from Republican state Sen. Kevin Eltife. Or, even better, from Larry Temple, executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission.

Temple acknowledged Thursday to the Senate Committee on Economic Development that Texas' decision not to take $556 million in unemployment stimulus dollars directly led to higher taxes for business owners and more borrowing from the federal government to replenish the state's broke unemployment trust fund. 

Our manly, macho, cowboy Governor can shoot his mouth off about that damn federal government but in the end, business owners are going to pay for it. Perry can't seem to tone down his partisan attacks and try to work, like an elected official should, with the federal government in order to get out of this disastrous economic situation, or to save NASA jobs, or the jobs lost in Sealy.

Instead he shoots coyotes for fun, talks about secession (which Texas cannot do), and wears ill fitting cowboy chaps like he is auditioning for the Village People, all while we in Texas suffer.

Yep. Rick Perry is our macho, macho, man.

More on Killer Keller's $100,000 Ethics Fine

Criminal Court of Appeals Judge Sharon "The Killer" Keller is screwed after her $100,000 fine by the Texas Ethics Commission for withholding information on her Personal Finance Statement. Like Commissioner Jerry Eversole who spent his donor's money ($162,000+) on personal items like authentic western wear, western art, cows, and more, she can pay this fine with her donor's money, right out of her campaign war chest.

Unfortunately, and unlike Jerry who has millions in his account, Keller's war chest is empty. Absolutely completely empty. As of the last reporting period, Jan 2010, Keller has a balance of $0 in her latest ethics report. According to the agreement, she has until August 10th to pay this fine. The TEC did not require that this fine be paid out of her personal funds, so she has an opportunity to start raising money from her Republican donors, but she has yet another problem.

Over the last 10 years Keller has raised only $32,000. It is obvious that she does not have the ability to raise the $100,000 to pay the fine and I am not sure if she can ethically raise money for the sole purpose of paying this.

But who cares about ethics anyway? You don't hear the republican party calling for her to step down do you?

Record $100k fine by Texas Ethics Commission against Judge Keller

The Texas Ethics Commission has fined Criminal Court of Appeals Judge Sharon Keller a record setting fine of $100,000 dwarfing the last record of $70,000 against Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole. The fine was in response to a complaint for failure to disclose information on her personal finance statement (PFS) In response Keller tucked tail and said;

I inadvertently omitted some items from my Personal Financial Statements. [and/or duh!] I am in the process of determining exactly what needs to be listed on my Personal Financial Statements. When this process is complete I will file corrected Statements with the Commission.

Don't cry for Keller. She can pay this $100,000 fine with her campaign cash. The complete fine can be found here.

UPDATE: Here is a summary of what she omitted including over $2.8 Million in properties:

BP will Pay Baby Pay.

BP delayed disclosing the true extent of the damage and the amount of oil being leaked into the environment and now, the blame will be shifted to the government, specifically the President. The leak is now 5 times more than BP claimed, leaking 5,000 barrels, or 210,000 gallons, of oil into the Gulf every day. This is going to cost BP, BigTime.

What no doubt will become a flood of litigation also continued Thursday. Brent Coon, a Beaumont attorney who sued BP following the 2005 BP Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 people, filed a lawsuit in Harris County naming Transocean, BP, and other companies as defendants, on behalf of an injured worker and his family. 

And two Louisiana commercial shrimpers filed suit alleging the spill is threatening their livelihoods. The EPA's Jackson reiterated that the entire cleanup bill will be BP's and said BP also should foot the costs borne by state agencies. “We will be sending a bill to BP at some point,” Jackson said.

 This spill is going to cost BP billions. It will cost many commercial fisherman their jobs and it will cost the oil industry in the near future with growing opposition to new drilling off the coast. Governor Jindal has declared an emergency in Lousiana opening his state and his hands up for federal funding and assistance. 

As someone said before, drilling for oil is a free market effort. Cleaning up the mess will be a socialized effort. Drill baby drill?

It's time to take Texas back!

I've had enough.

I've had enough of people like State Representative Debbie Riddle calling for legalized profiling of Hispanics instead of attempting to solve a very serious problem that her party has neglected for decades. Maybe it is time to take back Texas from these simple minded hillbillies.

Maybe they need to remember that we were in this state before they decided to do what they do best even to this day, invade other countries. Maybe we ought to start profiling those who look like Debbie Riddle to find the illegal Canadians and English, and Irish who are taking our jobs, crowding our bars, and drinking our scotch. Maybe we need to start deporting those who look and act like Debbie Riddle back to the back waters of Tennessee where wearing raccoon hats and carrying big knives is their kind of lifestyle.

For the rest of you who want to act like human beings willing to work on the issue of immigration reform with respect to the Hispanic community then join us. For those who want to act like rabid, foaming at the mouth, hillbillies like Debbie Riddle, State Senator Dan Patrick, and self proclaimed border watchers, by profiling people of color, then pack your *&^%ing bags and get the hell out of my state.

You want to shoot your mouth off about "Taking back our country", well I agree. Let's start with Texas. Stupid hillbillies. Go somewhere where you are appreciated. Like Arizona.

Spill Baby Spill. And Spill Now!

So how is that cute little saying "Drill baby drill" doing for you? For some along the coast being affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, it may be a disaster:

“If some of the weather conditions continue, the Delta area is at risk,” said Charlie Henry, scientific support coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Rear Adm. Mary E. Landry noted that with the spill moving toward land the impact on the shoreline had to be considered. That part of Louisiana contains some 40 percent of the nation’s wetlands and is spawning grounds for countless fish and birds.

If this spill hits Galveston beaches the new Mayor of the cash strapped city will have to deal with the environmental impact as well as the loss of income over the summer.  In the early 80's Galveston beaches were littered with tar balls from a well in the Gulf. It was an absolute mess.

This accident came at a bad time for the Obama Administration who has proposed opening up some offshore areas for oil exploration. The industry has constantly claimed oil exploration is environmentally safe as well as safe for their workers.

Until now.

Supreme Court Candidate can't follow the law

This isn't the first time a Republican Supreme Court Justice/Candidate can't follow the law. Luckily for this candidate, few Texans, and fewer Republicans care about ethics violations. They talk a great game about ethics, and morals, yet they give their elected officials a free pass when it comes to ethics violations.

From a press release by Texans for Public Justice:

(Austin)—Texans for Public Justice filed a complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission today alleging that Supreme Court candidate Debra Lehrmann may have violated state election laws by accepting political contributions that exceeded campaign limits.

Texas’ judicial campaign laws restricted Lehrmann to accepting no more than $5,000 from a single donor during the run up to the recent March 2nd Republican Primary. Yet Lehrmann reported that she accepted a total of $20,100 from Norma J. Talley of Fort Worth.

Luckily for Lehrmann the Ethics Commission will take over a year to make a ruling on this violation, long after the election in November. If elected, Lehrmann will join the all Republican Supreme Court of Texas to continue ruling in favor of the home builders, the insurance industry, and everyone else, but the average Texan. She will also join Medina and Hecht who also have not been able to follow the law.

Here in Texas, ethics is just another word for nothing left but losers.

Insurance industry says Texas has bad weather.

The Insurance Council of Texas, lead by Mark Hanna, a former employee and spokesman for the Texas Department of Insurance, claims the skyrocketing rise in homeowners rates are justified because Texas has bad weather. Dave Fehling of KHOU TV aired "Insurance companies say Houston's weather
to blame for rate hikes":

"Houston’s a great city, but when it comes to weather, you have more than your share," said Hanna, who also contends that catastrophes cost more these days.

Their presentation can be viewed here. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize Hanna and the Insurance Council is full of crap. Texas has had bad weather since God put it on the map. Ten years ago the insurance industry was profitable, they were regulated, and guess what? Texas had bad weather then too. As I said in the interview with KHOU, my rates have more than tripled since insurance reform of 2003. I doubt if anyone in the state have actually seen their premiums and insurance coverage improve since 2003.




The Insurance Council of Texas is nothing but a front group for the industry. They are protecting their stockholders and will continue to do so with lame excuses like "The weather made us do it". Here is their suggestions on reducing your rates:

What can you do if you get hit with a hike? Call your agent. For example, one local homeowner got a State Farm bill for $2,9000 to insure a $325,000 house in central Houston. That was a 20-percent hike from the previous year. A State Farm agent said by increasing the deductible (to a sizeable $10,000) and eliminating coverage for damage caused by leaky pipes, the bill would be cut by nearly $1,000.

The Council is coming to Houston next month to sell this snake oil. I doubt the presentation will be open to the public, so it can be downloaded and viewed here.

Texas AG Abbott goes hog wild with lawsuits

If you have wondered what your Texas Attorney General is doing with your hard earned tax dollars, wonder no more!

GONZALES – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged a Pasadena couple with operating an unlawful Internet-based game hunt operation that defrauded Texas hunters.

Wanna Bet? 
Abbott is not going after the industry that provides wild game hunts, instead he is using our taxes to file suit against one particular operation, Paul and Angela Candelaria, the owners of Candelaria Ranch. Anyone wanna bet that the hunters who brought this complaint to Abbott are also his donors? And that Candelaria is a political enemy?

Where was Abbott? 
This smells. If the rancher is defrauding hunters then they should do what Abbott has told many homeowners with construction defects: it is a civil matter and they should get their own lawyer and file a suit. Instead, Abbott accepts this niche case for political gain that affects just a few.

And the rest of us.
The rest of us who are trying to pay their insurance bills that have skyrocketed over the past few years, or those who have defective homes that have destroyed their financial stability, do not have a personal lawyer like Abbott. Abbott's major donors are protected. Home builders were protected by Abbott when he attempted to squash the results of a 6 month investigation of the Texas Residential Construction Commission. While Texas has become the worst state for insurance rates, Abbott has done nothing, again protecting his major donors.

Abbott has turned his back on the very people he is suppose to protect and has turned his office into a political attack machine. It sure would be nice if he would stand up for the little guy once in a while.

Note to Paul and Angela Candelaria: Do yourself a favor and donate some cash to Abbotts campaign.

The Kool, the Kalm, the Krazy in Brazoria County

Arizona has just breathed a sigh of relief. The members of the Brazoria County Commissioners Court have unanimously passed a resolution  recognizing April as “Confederate History and Heritage Month in the State of Texas, otherwise known as "Look at me, I'm a racist Month".

You would think they would have something better to do with their time. Maybe like fix the flooding issues, or  taking care of the feral pig problem, or work to return prayer in school so the kids could pray for your sorry asses. Or how about redesigning your damn webpage because it sucks? But no, they had to debate and pass a divisive resolution instead of working for the people of the county.

Here is a quick point by Hal:

And while it included that “morally abhorrent practice of slavery” portion as one of its Wherases, the very next paragraph has this:

“Whereas politically correct revisionists would have Texas children believe that their Confederate fought for slavery when in fact most Texans joined the Confederate armed forces to defend their homes, their families and their proud heritage as Texans…”

I have to ask this: who but a blindingly rabid racist would vote for and then sign a document that contains that language?

I have to agree. They didn't do this to honor anyone. They had other motives. What's next on the agenda for the Kool Kalm, and Krazy Commissioners? What ever it is, Arizona is thanking Brazoria Kounty Kommissioners for taking some of the heat off of their recent stupidity of racial profiling.

Houston water rate hike met with pitch forks and torches

If you take the time (and waste your time) reading the comments on the Houston Chronicles article about the upcoming Houston water rate hike, you have to wonder what these people are thinking and doing when their homeowners insurance rates, electricity rates, and college tuition rates are doubled.

Somehow when a government entity raises rates  by a few dollars a month to cover the cost of providing clean, safe water, they reach for their pitch forks and torches. But when the insurance industry or electricity providers raise their rates by hundreds of dollars a month they just role over like a happy dog hoping to have their belly rubbed. 

City governments are easy targets to pick a fight with. Challenging the big corporations and the State Government takes balls, something Texans have been lacking for over a decade. They are left with fighting only the easy battles leaving them with a few extra cents in their pockets and little sense in their heads.

Go figure.

Moving Texas Backwards: Gov Rick Perry Named the Biggest Loser

In the "I didn't see that coming" category:

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the nonpartisan watchdog group that has hounded politicians from both parties, this morning chose Perry as one of "the nation's most incompetent and unethical governors." 

CREW cited Perry's involvement with the Texas Residential Construction Commission which was abolished after 6 full years of failure:

In 2003, Gov. Perry helped push through legislation creating the Texas Residential Construction Commission, a state body that is supposed to handle complaints against home builders. Within a month of receiving a $100,000 donation from Bob Perry, Gov. Perry appointed Perry Homes executive John R. Krugh who reportedly helped write the law creating the body to serve as one of its nine commissioners. [yes, Krugh wrote the bill]

The TRCC was one of the biggest failures in Texas history and received its share of negative media attention throughout the state and nationally as well. (See The Texas Residential Construction Commission. A Fact Sheet for details on this failure.) Even the Republican Texas Comptroller blasted the TRCC as a "builder protection agency". In 2008 the Texas Sunset Commission called for an end to this case study in corruption. Only with the help of consumer organizations and activists throughout the state, this failed experiment was finally abolished in the 2009 Legislative Session.

But does this justify calling our great Governor "incompetent and unethical"? Absolutely  because it is just one of the many huge failures of our Governor. Besides the TRCC, Perry ushered in the highest insurance rates in the nation. He championed electricity deregulation which doubled  our rates. He allowed our Universities to doubled our college tuition. He attempted to create a massive toll road with the largest government land grab in history. Our education system is the laughing stock of the nation. Our State Board of Education has become the substitute for Aggie Jokes. Our state ranks last or near the bottom in almost every category that is measured and has replaced Mississippi as the "Thank God for Mississippi" state.

Rick Perry has sucked as Governor, but he has two things going for him, he is a republican and a loser. And here in Texas voters love losers.

Mattress Mac is a Tea Bagger?

Wow this is disappointing. Mattress Mac of Gallery Furniture on the north side of Houston sponsored the "grass roots" organization call the Tea Baggers on their tax rally day.

So.  Mattress Mack, who has made millions selling cheap furniture (and financing it) to people who have suffered the most under Republican policies for over 15 years, backs those policies that keep his customers down.   His company, Gallery Furniture, is a major sponsor of this fake "grassroots" movement, apparently to assure he makes more money.  

Beside buying my first set of furniture (and my last) from Mattress Mac, almost 20 years ago, I remember him for his commercials knocking on a piece of furniture claiming "Solid wood furniture" then jumping up like an idiot yelling "Save you money!". It was catchy. Enough to convince me to at least go look. And I bought.

Unfortunately for Mac, the Texas Attorney General had a beef with the big Mac because his solid wood furniture wasn't exactly solid wood, but more solid plywood. And then there was the lion that mauled a young girl on his property. (What the hell was he doing with a lion?). And who could forget his unpaid taxes?

Hum....maybe he really is a tea bagger!

Moving Texas Backwards: Perry Brings up the Rear.

As with his record in Texas, Rick Perry's sponsored car in the NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway, brought up the rear, ending the race in 23rd place. Driver Bobby Labonte felt the drag of Rick Perry's "Moving Texas Backwards" 2010 campaign logo crossing the finish line 2 laps behind the winner.

Considering what he has  accomplished in Texas over the last 10 years, going in circles and coming in 23rd place is just par for Perry. We should be so proud.

Your Tax Dollars at Work: Governor Perry's Lifestyle

He just doesn't get it.

TX Senator John Cornyn Booed at Teabagger Rally

Ouch! Only after Cornyn begins to talk about the purple heart he pinned on a soldier who was in attendance did the crowd calm down. At least for a while, then they started up again heckling Cornyn with comments like "You're the problem!". The baggers continued to heckle till he left. Bet you Cornyn won't be back at another rally.

When Teabaggers Attack

Go to the 3 minute mark when the teabaggers (angry white old republicans) begin attacking the speaker.

Larry Gonzales, Bought to You by Bob Perry

Larry Gonzales won the Republican primary to challenge Diana Maldonado for State Representative District 52 in the Austin area. Maldonado has recently called for insurance reform after the massive failures of the reforms of 2003. She has worked with homeowners in Hutto, a small city with wide spread housing defects. She has been a great advocate for the hard working consumers of this state trying to restore some sort of fairness.

Larry, on the other hand, will be Bob Perry's boy. It is clear who he will represent if elected. One third of all of Larry's donations came from Bob Perry and Perry's Texans for Lawsuit Reform, the most anti-consumer organization in Texas. Perry has championed home builder protection by creating the Texas Residential Construction Commission, a Commission that was abolished after just 6 short years. Texans for Lawsuit Reform has championed insurance reform which has led to insurance rates skyrocketing in Texas. They have championed restricting the rights of consumers to the justice system, one paid with their very own taxes.

On his website Larry claims he a conservative who will  "protect Texas families". Restricting a families rights to the Constitution is not conservative. Standing by while his largest donor screws an elderly couple out of their home is not protecting families.

Here in Texas, you get what you pay for. And Bob Perry has paid a lot for Larry Gonzales.

Can We Get a Word of Thanks on Tax Day From Teabaggers?

Rick Perry, the Career Politician With a Mouth Full of Milk

Don't cry for Governor Perry.

He drives a leased Mercedes Benz. He is living in a $1.85 Million mansion, paid by the taxpayers. As a career politician he will receive a tax funded $125,000/year pension for the rest of his life for doing nothing, more than the vast majority of his teabaggers buddies make working thier ass off until they die. And he will have tax funded health care for the rest of his life, while the vast majority of his teabagger buddies scramble to buy insurance for their families via Obamacare while screaming about socialism.

Aggies don't lie, cheat, or steal.
Perry's role as a career politician began after graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Animal Science.  He then served in the Air Force for 5 years. (non combat duty)

On the government's tit
In 1985 he began his life as a career politician as a State Representative. In 1990 he was elected as the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture and served two terms. He was elected as Lieutenant Govenor in 1998, then took over the Governors position in 2000 after then Governor Bush went to Washington leaving a wake of fiscal disaster. Perry has been Governor for 10 years and has accomplished about as much as Bush did.

Perry has been sucking off the government for the last 25 years and will enjoy a tax funded pension and health care for the rest of his life while he finally goes to work in the private sector for the insurance industry. Or home building industry. Or toll road industry. Or the chemical industry. Or for any of his buddies that he has helped over the course of his career.

No milk for you
So, don't cry for Governor Perry. He is firmly attached to the tit of the government, taking a breath just long enough to whine about the government and covering the other tit so you can't benefit from it's services. He is going to survive just fine with a mouth full of milk, a very generous pension, health care and all on our hard earned tax dollars.

Take a Shotgun to a Hearing in the Texas Capitol

This ought to make the Tea Baggers real happy:

Under current state law, so-called "long guns" — rifles, shotguns and the like — will remain legal in the domed landmark if they are carried openly, in a non-threatening way.

Yep, you read that correctly. You can take a shot gun to a hearing in the Capitol. Maybe you can carry a shotgun when the lobbyists for the insurance industry testifies on how low homeowners insurance rates are. Or when the electricity resellers say how low our rates are. Or when the heads of Texas University tries to justify their bloated college rates. The list could go on and on. Here is our wingnut Land Commissioner:




Whatever hearing you want to attend, just remember, you  have the right to carry a shotgun into a hearing just as long as it is "carried openly, in a non-threatening way". And since we don't have enough money to police each hearing, gun toters could have a clear and easy target.

I think I will have to walk into the capitol with a shotgun just so I can say I was a hillbilly.

Hum....I guess this might be a good time to buy a shotgun.

Re-Thinking Re-Cycling in Houston

Well, this didn't work out so well after all.

It is a great idea, recycling all the grass clippings and leaves with city approved decomposable recycling bags and turning it into mulch or compost. Unfortunately these city approved bags must have been tested with only dry leaves because, as you can see by the picture, once the leaves or grass becomes wet, the bags come apart. And therefore the city workers will not pick them up.

I don't blame them. They are heavy and they break open too easily, like the one in the picture. This bag was left on the curb for pickup for a couple of days by the lawn service. Others on the block, serviced by the same company, had the same problem. It looks like the weather might have made them weak. We have never had this problem before with the regular bags.

Maybe a little more testing in real life scenarios is in order? Or how about eliminating the bag altogether and using a smaller version of the trash bin with automated pickup? This recycle program is a good idea and I support it even though it is costing me a few extra bucks, but it needs a bit of tweaking.

47% of Americans Pay No Taxes?

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More Bad News for the GOP, They Suck.

Unfortunately for the GOP, America is rebounding from the recession and now they suck. From the Houston Chronicle:

WASHINGTON — A flurry of reports out today suggested that many Americans are feeling better about the economic rebound.
 ...
 General Motors Corp. said new-car sales increased 21 percent, while Ford said sales rose nearly 40 percent.
...

The positive news contributed to optimism on Wall Street. The Dow Jones industrial average and other major stock indexes all surged more than 0.5 percent by early afternoon.

It must suck to be a republican when America is becoming prosperous again. The recession is beginning to end, the stock market is rising, employment is improving (but we have more to go) and companies are bracing for continued improvement.

Republicans suck.

Your Tax Dollars at Work: NASA Space Conference

Just remember as you are out protesting your taxes, which by the way are lower than they were under President Bush, From NASA.gov:

NASA will hold a conference following President Obama's remarks about the bold new course the administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight on Thursday, April 15, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A diverse group of senior officials, space leaders, academic experts, industry leaders and others who have specific expertise or interests related to the topics of discussion will attend the conference and participate in four concurrent sessions on different aspects of the President's new direction for NASA.

• Live Streaming High Definition Video of President Barack Obama's visit to NASA's Kennedy Space Center will be available on this page, beginning at approximately 1:30 p.m. EDT. The President is scheduled to speak at 2:40 p.m. EDT. It will also be available in standard definition on the regular NASA TV page.
• The opening session of the NASA Space Conference, starting at approximately 3:45 p.m. EDT, will be streamed in standard definition on this page and on the regular NASA TV page.
• Four concurrent breakout sessions, beginning at approximately 4:25 p.m. EDT, will be streamed in standard definition on this page.
• The closing session of the NASA Space Conference, starting at approximately 5:40 p.m. EDT, will be streamed in standard definition on this page and on the regular NASA TV page. 

P.S. If you are a government employee and complaining about your taxes, do yourself a favor and quit.

Clear Lake Town Hall Meeting On Flooding and Drainage

Clear Lake City Town Hall Meeting On New Houston Focus for Flooding and Drainage 

The Civic League of Clear Lake City will host a town meeting for all residents of Clear Lake City.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 20th at 7 pm in the Wesley Center building at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real. The Wesley Center is the new building on the Buccaneer Street side of the campus. * Guest speaker will be new Houston City Councilman-at-Large Stephen Costello, chairman of the newly created council committee on flood control and drainage.

 Updates will be given on the Clear Lake City Water Authority condemnation legal proceeding concerning the former golf course and the deed restriction lawsuit by the golf course owner against Exxon Land Development. Councilman Costello has a professional background in flood control and drainage and brings an increased focus to this issue by the city of Houston.

Councilman Costello will speak on the progress of his committee and how it will impact all areas of the city in the future. There will be a question and answer opportunity with the councilman.

Sponsored by Clear Lake City Civic League. Join the CLCCL at this meeting, $5/person or family.

What: Clear Lake Town Hall Meeting On New Houston Focus for Flooding and Drainage

When: Tuesday, April 20th at 7 pm 
Where: Wesley Center building at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real.

Rick Perry's Failure: Insurance Industry Bailout

Governor Rick Perry will not talk about homeowners insurance rates. That shouldn't be much of a surprise since his insurance reform of 2003 has been an incredible failure. Over the last 10 years Perry has talked a real good game. Here is what he said in an official press release in 2002:

"In recent months, there have been troubling trends in the homeowner's insurance market in Texas," said Governor Perry. "In too many cases, homeowner's insurance is getting more expensive, coverage is becoming harder to get, and instead of more companies stepping up to meet the demand, some companies have stopped writing comprehensive policies altogether."

So, what did Perry do? He pushed insurance reform in 2003 resulting in Texas having the highest rates in the country, twice the US average, with less coverage and higher deductibles. Visit Rick Perry's campaign website and try to find a mention about this great accomplishment. You won't find it.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the insurance industry has been making profits for 10 years, except for the 2008 hurricane season. That should be expected. The insurance industry is in the risk business, but instead of letting them compete, take risks, and fail if necessary, Perry has treated them like his own Mafia, paying them off with unlimited bailouts by removing the oversight by the Texas Department of Insurance and allowing them to continue to raise rates even when the industry is profitable.

Perry is not alone in this failure. Since the reforms of 2003, State Officials have been making promises such as State Representative Dwayne Bohac when he bragged about passing massive insurance reform in 2003:

“It was a time-consuming and complex issue to get your arms around, but what we produced will drive down homeowner insurance rates, encourage new companies to come to Texas, increase competition in the market, and restore much needed fairness to the market."

That is almost funny.

Who will Replace the GOP's Michael Steele?

After Bondage-Gate and the out of control spending by the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Michael Steele, donors are beginning to ask for a new chairman. Here is a list of possibilities:

Somebody Hispanic. This is about as good idea as getting Michael Steele as chair. There is nothing like pandering to the very people you are trying your best to demonize with a cheap appointment. While pandering, the RNC might as well promise a Hispanic Museum or a soccer stadium to the Hispanic Community. A Hispanic as chair of the Racist National Committee isn't going to happen.

Sarah Palin. No. The job doesn't pay enough and it will interfere with her run for President as the nominee from the Tea Bagger Party. She is making boo-coo bucks speaking at Tea Bagger events and her lame TV shows. The RNC doesn't have enough money to pay for her, her clothes, or her lifestyle. No chance in hell she will take this job.

Glen Beck. Not enough money in the world to get Beck off his show of misinformation. Besides he would have to go on TV and be challenged on his lies. He couldn't handle that.

Sean Hannity. This is a possibility if he can skim 90% off the top of every donation made to the RNC. just like they claim he did for his charity to support our soldiers. If he can get away with ripping off our wounded soldiers, he can get away with ripping off the RNC.

Cost Cutting Suggestions for the City of Houston

The City of Houston was not immune to the recession. Luckily former Mayor Bill White and then Controller Annise Parker established a rainy day fund and has been using it. Unfortunately revenue continues to decline so the city is looking for ways to either cut spending, or generate revenue. Muse has a discussion about privatizing parking in the city.

Privatizing government functions rarely saves taxpayers any money. Most of the time the rates are increased, but that doesn't seem to bother the consumers, especially here in Texas. They would much rather pay a private middle man twice the amount instead of paying taxes to the gummint or have the gummint regulating the service. Gummint is bad. Free market is good. With that mentality here are some other ideas that the anti-gummint people might like:

Privatize garbage collection. Sell off all the city assets to the highest bidder and let the private sector pick up the tab and the trash. Rates would either go through the roof, or service would be reduced to once a month. Currently, for those of us using City services, our trash and recycling is picked up once  a week. Every week.

Privatize the Fire Department. Again sell off all the assets to the highest bidder. Instead of having to pay a guvmint "tax", homeowners will pay a business "fee". To save money there will be no oversight, no overhead of those pesky safety standards. Fireman will be paid minimum wage with little if any benefits. It is a win-win for the company owners.

Privatize Water Services. This ought to be a good one. Right now, we have reliable, clean water. Once privatized, who knows what we will get besides a bunch of middle men selling you water just like electricity.

For those who want to starve their government, maybe they should be involved in a pilot garbage program, one that picks up trash once a month along with mandatory recycling. If they want to be a greedy bastard, let them live like one.

Democratic Primary Runoffs Tuesday April 13, 2010

If you have not voted yet in the Democratic Primary Runoff, you still have election day to do so on Tuesday April 13th. My recommendations are below for two specific races. Lee and Tanner have worked hard for the party for many years. They are very well qualified for the position they are seeking and because of their dedication to the party and their contributions to the county, I believe they deserve the nod in this runoff. Good luck to you two!

Lee Arellano – Judge, 270th Civil District Court 
Tanner Garth, Judge, 234th Civil District Court

For the general Clear Lake Area (Verify your location here)
Freeman Branch Library
16616 Diana Lane Houston 77062 
7am - 7pm

Sarah Palin on Safe Sex and Nuclear Weapons

And to think Sarah Palin was that close to being in control of  "the button". Sarah Palin couldn't lecture her own damn kid on the importance of safe sex, yet she wants to lecture the nation on safe nuclear treaties?

While in Minnesota she criticized President Obama for signing a historic nuclear arms treaty, one that the conservative in chief, Ronald Reagan, supported in the 80s. From Alan Combes blog:

“No administration in America’s history would, I think, ever have considered such a step that we just found out President Obama is supporting today. It’s unbelievable. It’s like getting out there on a playground, a bunch of kids, getting ready to fight, and one of them says, ‘Go ahead, punch me in the face. I’m not going to retaliate. Do what you want to with me.’

No administration except for the Reagan administration.

The first strategic arms reduction proposal (START) was presented by United States President Ronald Reagan in Geneva on 29 June 1982. Reagan proposed a dramatic reduction in strategic forces in two phases, which he referred to as SALT III at the time.[3]  The first phase would reduce overall warhead counts on any missile type to 5,000, with an additional limit of 2,500 on ICBMs. Additionally, a total of 850 ICBMs would be allowed, with a limit of 110 “heavy throw” missiles like the SS-18, with additional limits on the total “throw weight” of the missiles as well. The second phase introduced similar limits on heavy bombers and their warheads, and other strategic systems as well.

The US has enough nuclear arms to destroy our enemies, allies, and anyone in between. There is absolutely nothing wrong with us agreeing to an arms reduction and keeping nuclear arms out of the hands of terrorists. Of course, republicans trust Sarah Palin with nuclear arms policy, like they trust her with advice on safe sex.


Go figure.

Houston State of the City Address to be Streamed by KPRC

Tomorrow's State of the City by Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be live streamed by KPRC TV. 12:00 - 1:30 Thursday, April 8, 2010. Tune in to Click2Houston.com. to hear about the challenges facing the City of Houston.

Congressman Pete Olson (R-Texas) gets ACORNed.

Congressman Pete Olson has gotten taken. Again. A few months ago this happened to Olson:

Congressman Pete Olson filed a resolution in Congress in support of James O'Keefe for "setting an example for concerned citizens across America" and was "owed a debt of gratitude by the people of the United States". James O'Keefe has been arrested by the United States Marshalls. Olson was last seen running away as fast as he can. (At least he isn't looking like a deer in the headlights)

(O'Keefe and three other men) were charged with entering federal property under false pretenses and attempting to gain access to (Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu)’s office by posing as telephone repairmen, according to a copy of an FBI affidavit unsealed Tuesday.

O'Keefe was the guy who supposedly dressed like a pimp and video taped members of ACORN supposedly breaking the law. It's kind of a rookie mistake to offer a resolution on the floor of someone who later is arrested by the United States Marshall, but more embarrassing is the fact the resolution was based on a huge lie. Turns out Olson has been ACORNed by O'Keefe because he didn't really expose anyone but the stupidity of Olson. It takes MSNBC and Rachel Maddow to expose our Congressman. Again.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Conservative Texans LOVE that Free Government Money!

Texans talk a big game when it comes to reducing guvment spending, but when it comes to getting a free handout, they are in line faster than a government employee waiting for a free 25 cent Koozie.

The state of Texas received more than $23 million in federal stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish and administer an Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program — the first of its kind in Texas. The Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program encourages consumers to replace old (but functional) appliances with new, energy efficient, ENERGY STAR® or CEE qualified models to stimulate the Texas economy and increasing energy conservation efforts in Texas.

At 7:00 am this morning the Texas Comptrollers Office started the appliance rebate program. Consumers can visit www.txrebates.com or call 877-780-3039 and apply for the rebate program. But, don't race to your phone or computer. Turns out those damn conservatives who hate the stimulus funds have jammed up the internets and the phones applying for the stimulus funds. You can't get in.

Yep. We here in Texas just love that free money. (except when other people are getting it)

Governor Rick Perry: Aggies Never Lie, Cheat, or Steal Except in NASCAR

Aggies never lie, cheat or steal. Or get caught doing it. 

-- An old saying from Texas A&M

Rick Perry, an Aggie, will do anything to win in November, including stealing his opponents slogan. From KVUE-TV in Austin, "Unique Perry campaign event uses familiar message": (thanks BOR for the tip)

The Texans for Rick Perry campaign will sponsor the Number 71 car during a race at Texas Motor Speedway on April 18, according to the statement; The LaBonte/Perry car will bear the slogan “Moving Texas Forward.”

Campaigns always cleave to slogans and imagery which paint their candidates not only as forward-looking but capable of achieving a forward-looking agenda.

Case in point: Perry’s democratic challenger Bill White. According to White’s YouTube Channel, a recent TV ad from the former Houston Mayor’s gubernatorial campaign was entitled “Moving Texas Forward.”

This is classic Rick Perry. After stealing Bill White's slogan, he will lie about how he "Moved Texas Forward" in the area of insurance rates, electricity rates, college tuition rates, tax rates, education rankings, protecting property rights, securing our border, protecting disadvantaged children, providing low health insurance rates, protecting our environment, and more. 

Again, thanks to Burnt Orange Report for snapping this from Perry's website. Notice how they changed the wording a bit:

Perry's Record:

Needless to say, over the last 10 years as Governor, our state has become the "Thank God for Texas" state ranking last in many categories that are recorded. We are #1 in the highest rates of homeowners insurance. We have the highest rates of increase in health care. We dropped 15 positions in SAT scores. We have the highest drop out rate in the nation. This list goes on and on. Besides job growth, which is also now in question, Perry has little if anything to claim he is "Moving Texas Forward". If this is Perry's idea of "Moving Forward" God help us when if we start moving backwards!

Labonte's record:

Labonte, like Rick Perry, sucks. Labonte is currently ranked 31st in the NASCAR standings. His last win was in 2003. He ranked 30th in 2009. Over a 20 year career he has won just 21 races. He is a perfect fit for Rick Perry, whose state ranks in the toilet.

Most Aggies won't lie, cheat, or steal their way to Austin. But Perry will.

Bill Hammond, President of the Texas Association of Business on Health Care?

Bill Hammond, President of the Texas Association of Business, will hold a press conference tomorrow along with the US Chamber of Commerce, one of the worst anti-consumer group in the country  to ....wait for it.... talk about how they are against Health Care Reform for consumers. Just remember the following about Bill Hammond:

Bill Hammond, President of the Texas Association of Business pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and agreed to pay a $10,000 fine resulting from the 2002 elections when the Republicans take over of the Texas House. Hammond is the little fish in all of this. The big fish is still on the hook for money laundering, Tom DeLay.

Oh...but there is more:

The head of one of Texas' largest business lobbies was taken into custody Monday after refusing to turn over documents concerning the organization's secretly-funded advertising campaign during the 2002 legislative races.

Texas Association of Business President Bill Hammond also decided not to pay his $500 fine for contempt and was ordered held in the Austin jury room until 5 p.m. when the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals set bail at $1,500 and he was released.

So when Bill Hammond talks tomorrow, just remember the stench from the rotten source.

Dumping USAA for GEICO. So easy.....

UPDATE: This really sucks. After posting the following on my blog, I called GEICO to "do the deal". Turns out that after an hour on the phone with GEICO so they can give me the quote, they decided today to modify my quote by tacking on another $1200/year. Needless to say, they are now 50% higher than USAA. So, I will keep my post up, but realize the "quote" they gave me last week which this post was based upon, wasn't the quote they gave me today. Sucking is so easy even GEICO can do it.


Original Post:



Well I am embarrassed for USAA. The GEICO lizard beat out USAA on car insurance.

USAA's History:
After a 18% increase in 2008, a 21% increase in 2009 and a 24% increase in 2010 for homeowners insurance, I finally quit thinking  USAA was the best insurance in the country, although I couldn't find any other competitive rate until recently.

I've been with USAA for almost 20 years. Prior to Rick Perry's insurance reform  of 2003, USAA really was the best insurance in the country. Premiums were relatively low ($795), deductibles were low ($500), and coverage was comprehensive including foundation, water, and sewage. Premium increases were reasonable. Thanks to the reforms of 2003, my premiums are now $2800, deductibles are $4800, and I have less coverage. Because I had auto insurance with USAA the premium included a $500 discount in homeowners insurance. But that is about to change.

USAA used to be exclusively for Officers in the Armed Forces and was created to be the preferred insurance company of the military. Over the years they have expanded to include:

• Active, retired and honorably separated officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. military.
• Officer candidates in commissioning programs (Academy, ROTC, OCS/OTS).
• Adult children of USAA members who have or had a USAA auto or property insurance policy.¹
• Widows and widowers of USAA members who have or had a USAA auto or property insurance policy.

Automobile Insurance:
I am not switching my homeowners insurance yet. I fell for one of the commercials and asked for a quote from GEICO. No only was GEICO over 10% less than USAA, they provided more coverage for the 3 vehicles I own. So USAA is history. There is more to this story which I will post when I switch homeowners insurance.

If you currently have USAA consider GEICO and for homeowners insurance, take a look at Armed Forces Insurance. It's so easy, a caveman can do it. Really.

Governor Rick Perry's Hypocritical Oath

Rick Perry has nothing good to say about his record over the last ten years, so he is forced to simply make up lies. Here in Texas Perry has learned if you say something over and over again voters eventually will believe it. Just ask a voter in the Republican primary about their insurance bill or their electricity rates. He fooled at least 51% of them in the primary. Hopefully he will be called on his lies and half-truths as the Texas Observer has.

To secure his vote in the far right of his party, the Teabaggers, Perry is bashing the Health Care Reform Bill with false attacks on Massachusetts:

Perry also claims that the mandate didn't reduce the number of uninsured: "[T]he number of uninsured people in Massachusetts is about the same as it was when the mandates were passed in 2006." That's demonstrably false.

Prior to 2006, 10 percent of Massachusetts residents lacked health insurance. By 2009, the uninsured rate had dropped to 2.5 percent—by far the lowest in the country. (In Texas, more than 20 percent of the population lacks health insurance.)

Teabaggers can care less about the truth. They will pay their inflated insurance, electricity, and college tuition bill and smile while doing it. They don't care if Texas has the highest rates of uninsured in the nation. They don't care if Texas has the highest rates of uninsured children in the nation. They truly have a heart of coal and the mind of a simpleton, something Perry will capitalize on over the next few months.

KHOU Wins Peabody Award

Congratulations to KHOU, specifically Mark Greenblatt, producer David Raziq and photojournalist Keith Tomshe, for their Peabody Award:

KHOU (Channel 11) has received a Peabody Award from the University of Georgia for a two-year series of stories and a documentary broadcast last summer about abuses within the Texas National Guard.

Reporter Mark Greenblatt, producer David Raziq and photojournalist Keith Tomshe of the Belo Corp.-owned station were honored for the series Under Fire: Discrimination and Corruption in the Texas National Guard.

It is a very good report (link below) which  resulted in the removal of the Commander of Ellington AFB, Col. Lanny McNeely, and the Commander of the Texas National Guard for sex discrimination. What started as an investigation into discrimination at Ellington turned into an investigation of the Commander of the Guard for charging the Government twice for services provided. He too was removed from office and was required to repay the money *$62,000(, but no criminal charges were filed.

Wow! Just like Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole! Eversole used his donors money for personal use ($180,000), was caught, and had to repay the amount to his campaign. Nothing else happened. No criminal charges were filed for theft.From TXCN.com:

Generals John Furlow, General Alan Dehnert, and Adjutant General Charles Rodriguez, are all alleged to have wrongfully taken paychecks from two different government agencies for work done at the same time.

Sean Hannity: Teabaggers are Timothy McVeigh Wannabes.

BREAKING: Sarah Palin to Replace Michael Steele as GOP Chair

WASHINGTON. The Republican National Committee has just announced that Former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate, Sarah Palin, will be replacing Michael Steele as the Chair of the RNC effective immediately.

Steele has recently been involved in a number of scandals including a spending spree in California landing some "Young Eagle", members of the Republican Party that are 45 years old or less, at a bondage-themed nightclub paid with donors money. "The Republican Party will not tolerate such behavior. We must move on to restore conservative and moral values to the Republican Party", stated a senior official with the RNC.

He continued, "Palin is perfect for this job as the fundraiser in Chief. She is young, outspoken, with strong moral principles, and strong, yet smooth legs, which are pleasing to the eyes. We believe that alone will draw money to the RNC like a five in a G-string at a strip joint."

Steele was tied up and unavailable for comment. Palin issued the following statement:

I am thrilled to be the leader of the Republican National Committee where my hard work and no nonsense work ethics can be used for the betterment of the conservative party of the people, and therefore if to not be of the most important upcoming elections to drive donations to the party and stir the pot of those young horny rich conservatives, if you will, to bless this great country of rich fields of hay and glorious mountains there to of. Amen.

What a fool.