Bay Area Houston

The new face of the GOP

2012-01-26T20:20:00.000-06:00

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.

Mean, ugly, and a *&$#in' bitch representing the family values of the gop.

Spending campaign cash: Jerry Eversole's attorney

2012-01-25T06:46:00.000-06:00

There should be absolutely no wonder why Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole received only 3 years probation for lying to the FBI.

According to his 2011 campaign finance reports, of the $833,000 in "campaign" expenditures, Eversole gave $750,000 of his donor's money to his attorney Rusty Hardin for "legal services". Spending nearly a million dollars kept Eversole from spending a single day in jail. In his 2012 report, Eversole has only $15,000 left of his multi million dollar war chest and no expenses for legal services.

Unfortunately the Texas Ethics Commission allows elected officials to spend their donor's money to defend themselves when they commit felonies, just like State Representative Joe Driver. Maybe this is yet another issue that the Texas Sunset Commission needs to highlight in their review of the TEC. I can see the funds being used for the defense of ethics complaints, but not for the defense of a felony.

This state has been ruled by the republican party for over 10 years. Don't expect them to grow an ethics spine anytime soon.

As the saying goes, No Place but Texas.

God is 0-3 in primary picks

2012-01-22T11:15:00.000-06:00

A letter to the editor in the Houston Chronicle made a pretty good point:

By dropping out of the GOP presidential race, Rick Perry joins Herman Cain and Michele Bachmann. All three of them have something in common. All said that they were led by God to enter the race.

So God is 0-3. Maybe betting on the presidential primaries isn't God's best talent. And maybe those who claim they have talked with God should be looked at like they are hearing voices. Most people who hear voices are put on Haldol.

Perry thought he could ride the wave of self righteousness. Instead he is nothing but another loser in the primary. Hum....he really is the Tim Tebow of GOP politics.

Gingrich, a Morman in Catholics clothing

2012-01-20T08:02:00.000-06:00

So what if Gingrich wanted to have an open, liberal, "if it feels good do it", relationship with his wife and girl friend? Gingrich was only wanting to do what Romney could do legally by being a Morman. And as a Catholic, all Gingrich thinks he has to do is do is go to confession and say a few hundred Hail Marys for his 3 affairs and he is off the hook. Praise the Lord!

Even Rick Perry, who has spoken to god before, says that is what his type of Christianity is all about, forgiveness. Therefore all of his kind of Christian buddies can now forgive and condone Gingrich's 3 affairs and his wants to have a 3 way orgy.

And of course the Grand Old Hypocrite Party is eating this all up. They won't forgive Romney for not disclosing his off shore accounts, but will easily roll over on their Lord and Savior's grave to give Gingrich a pass on his love affairs.

Grand Old Hypocrites. They are some strange kind of Christians.

Joe Driver's January ethics report

2012-01-18T07:42:00.000-06:00

State Representative filed his first campaign finance report since pleading guilty to a felony of abusing his office. It is a quick read and has a few interesting entries.

He hasn't raised any money. Duh. Who would give money to a felon?
He finally repaid his campaign the $14,000 he claimed he repaid last year. This is due to the amount that was reported by the Associated Press as his double dipping. This amount was much more after the Travis County DAs office investigation.
He did not report the reimbursement of over $64,000 as a result of the investigation
He did not report the payment to his attorney for his defense fees

Driver might have a problem. Lucky for him he can pay his defense fees with the money that he stole from his campaign, once he has returned it. Or maybe the $64,000 was simply given to his attorney since the Ethics Commission's lax reporting laws. Driver only has $11,000 cash on hand and if his defense is more than $75,000 he will have to pay it out of his own pocket. Imagine that.

There is more to this that will require more investigation. I would bet one of his big donors are going to come through and donate money to the felon to cover his defense cost.

No Place but Texas.

Christians, Teabaggers, and the GOP dump Rick Perry

2012-01-17T22:22:00.000-06:00

Its got to suck to be Rick Perry today.

The Texas teabaggers dumped Perry at Minute Maid Park this weekend unable to stomach giving him a win in a worthless straw poll that cost $75 to participate in.

Then a group of Christian students in South Carolina greeted Perry with chants of "Adios Mofo!". (Nice Christian family values for you)

A group of South Carolina high schoolers at the evangelical conference held before last night’s debate chanted “adios mofo” at Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the Dallas Morning News reported. Political writer Wayne Slater tweeted about the incident.

And if that wasn't enough the gop disavowed Perry's accusation that Turkey was involved in terrorism. Not only was Perry embarrassing the State he has now gone for international embarrassment.

“Well, obviously when you have a country that is being ruled by, what many would perceive to be Islamic terrorists, when you start seeing that type of activity against their own citizens, then yes. Not only is it time for us to have a conversation about whether or not they belong to be in NATO, but it's time for the United States, when we look at their foreign aid, to go to zero with it,” Perry said.

Dumb fuck. All that is left for Perry is to garnish the support of the 1% of South Carolina gop voters who are dumber than a bunch of Texas teabaggers. Then hopefully he will put the State of Texas out of our misery and quit.

Hypocrites call on Ron Paul to resign

2012-01-16T21:29:00.000-06:00

The Houston Chronicle has noted that the "fiscal conservative", "low taxes", "yada-yada" Libertarian disguised as an crazy uncle in republican clothing, Ron Paul, has been soaking the taxpayers for over $52,000 for 1st class air travel:

Paul flew first class on at least 31 round-trip flights and 12 one-way flights since May 2009 when he was traveling between Washington and his district in Texas, according to a review by The Associated Press of his congressional office expenses.

This has drawn a stern response from the Professional Hypocrites United Coalition (PHUC):

"We immediately call upon Ron Paul to resign his position as a hypocrite by calling for lower spending yet putting the hose to the taxpayers for frivolous airfare. This incredible hypocrisy is making the true hypocrites of this county look like a bunch of candy ass whining bitches. We can handle the likes of Newt Gingrich talking about family values or Rick Perry talking about praising the Lord and all that crap, but Paul ranting like an old man lost in free soup kitchen we will not tolerate.

"So, as we call for an end to socialized medicine except for our medicare, we call on Ron Paul to shut his PHUCin' pie hole."

It's time for a Joe Driver law

2012-01-15T09:19:00.000-06:00

The San Antonio Express News Editorial Board calls for stiffer disclosure laws for Legislators. It should be called the Joe Driver law. From the San Antonio Express:

In a 2010 interview with the Associated Press, Driver admitted that he had for years double-billed his campaign account and taxpayers for luxury hotels, travel, meals and other expenses — something he said he did not believe was illegal. Driver's candor allowed the Travis County district attorney to move forward with a case.

According to ethics watchdogs, Driver's admission was unique though his crime wasn't. Lax disclosure rules make it possible for lawmakers to double dip without being detected. Those rules need to be tightened.

The Austin Statesman has a similar editorial. And the Dallas Morning News. And WFAA. Amen to them all.

They mention a bill filed last year that would strip the pension of any lawmaker who committed a felony. Currently Joe Driver after admitting to a felony not only can keep his job, he keeps his $57,000/year and health care for life. Unfortunately the Tea Bag Party blocked the bill. Republicans talk a tough game when it comes to being "tough on crime" but puss out when the time comes to actually be tough on crime.

The Joe Driver bill will be brought up at the Sunset Review of the Texas Ethics Commission in April. It will be refiled and if the republicans are still in control, they will kill it to protect the remaining Legislators who are trying to hind their baloney and secretly pay back their double dippings.

Republicans aren't stupid.

Give County Constable Abercia 3 years probation. Why not?

2012-01-13T08:59:00.000-06:00

Harris County Constable Jack Abercia and two of his staffers were indicted by the Feds. From the Houston Chronicle:

Federal agents arrested Abercia, 78, Chief Lt. Weldon Kenneth Wiener, 72, and former Office Chief Michael Butler, 56, on Thursday. Abercia, who has colon cancer and plans to resign at the end of month, pleaded not guilty before a federal magistrate in Houston federal court.

First of all, why in the hell is Abercia and Wiener still working at the age of 78/72? Seriously folks, retire already, enjoy your tax funded retirement checks, your health care, and spend time fishing and with your family. Second, lets just get this over with, save the taxpayers money, and give Abercia a slap on the wrist, maybe 3 years probation just like Harris County Commissioner Eversole, and State Representative Joe Driver.

Like both of the republicans, Abercia, a Democrat, should be able to keep his retirement and health care. And Abercia should be able to use his campaign funds to pay his attorneys just like Eversole and Driver did.

Most agree, except for the republican party, that the two white guys got off pretty easy. Let's see if that soft of crime attitude continues with Abercia. If it was up to me, Driver and Eversole would be behind bars for a couple of years and if guilty, Abercia should spend his retirement in jail.

Life's lessons. When it is time to retire, do so.

Breaking: Romney wins New Hampshire primary

2012-01-10T08:07:00.001-06:00

Someone has to say it. This ain't rocket science.

I'm calling it for Romney (just like I called it for Alabama by 15). Romney is going to win the New Hampshire primary. Perry is going to win his few percentage points then tuck tail back to Texas for another jogging session and discussion with God through his wife, Anita. Gingrich will wish he had his Super PAC attack sooner and will start whining like a baby. Santorum will cry and thank God and Tim Tebow for his 2 place finish. Ron Paul will roam around aimlessly like an old man in a soup kitchen.

And let's call the gop nomination for Romney, again this isn't rocket science. This is the biggest bunch of losers since the Spice Girls with Romney as Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham. Don't ask me how I know this.) Romney might not be the "Reagan republican" or even the "George W. Bush" republican or any kind of republican at all, but he is the only sane one in the whole bunch of bumbling fools.

Romney/Palin 2012.

Jerry Eversole and the GOP. Texas sized embarrassments

2012-01-07T07:13:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure who is more of an embarrassment to the state of Texas, Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole for using his donors money for golf, antique western wear, cattle (yes, cattle), chaps, art, and antique guns, the Texas Ethics Commission for letting him get away with it, the Republican Judge who gave Eversole just 3 years probation for lying to the FBI, or the republican party for allowing this to happen under their watch. I think all are to blame and all have brought more shame to this once great state of Texas.

For a state owned and operated for the last decade by the so called "tough on crime" bunch of conservatives, Texas has become the great state of crime wussies. The Texas Ethics Commission has led the pack with insignificant slaps on the wrists of those found violating campaign finance laws. Eversole was fined $75,000 and had to repay only $40,000 of the $200,000 he stole from his campaign and the $75,000 could be paid with his campaign funds. Even Eversole's defense can be paid with his campaign cash. This is par for all of those who the TEC has ruled against.

The Ethics Commission is under Sunset review this year and Jerry Eversole and our Texas resident double dipper, State Representative Joe Driver, will be mentioned throughout testimony as well as their lack of enforcement of laws governing the campaign finances.

The republicans on the Sunset Committee ought to have their names dragged through the mud also. These so called "conservatives" have done absolutely nothing to uphold the law or give the TEC the power to do so. Instead they passed laws that have actually protected elected officials who steal campaign cash or violate other campaign laws. They have made this state a laughing stock across the nation when it comes to fair punishment of crimes committed by elected officials and they have passed on legislation that would have give the TEC the power of fair punishment.

Eversole, Driver, Linda Harper-Brown, and many other double dipping, campaign cash raiding, so called "conservatives" have embarrassed this state. And our elected officials have given them the political cover to do so.

Tough on crime? I don't think so. They are more like the "Crime Wussies".

Former Harris County Commisioner Jerry Eversole to be sentenced today

2012-01-04T07:06:00.000-06:00

Former Harris County Commisioner Jerry Eversole who quit his position and plead guilty to providing false information will be sentenced today. He could get up to 3 years in prison. From Ch 13;

Eversole was accused of accepting bribes from developer Mike Surface. Eversole reached a plea deal. He resigned from office and pled guilty to lying to investigators.

Sentencing guidelines indicate he faces a maximum sentence of three years and a $100,000 fine. He is also not allowed to seek public office for 10 years.

Don't expect much to come out of this. Eversole will walk with a minor slap on the hand.

Only 10% buy Rick Perry's Texas sized bullshit

2012-01-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

It didn't take long for Iowans to figure out what Rick Perry is all about. Rick Perry took his Texas sized boatload of crap to Iowa but only 10% of republican voters bought it, leaving Perry looking like Texas sized toast. From the Chronicle:

After a crushing fifth place finish in the Iowa caucus, the governor announced that he will return to Texas to determine next steps.

That is Texas talk for "Perry is going to quit". Perry will return to Texas to continue his legacy of less regulation, low taxes, most minimum wage jobs, highest rates of uninsured, lowest access to health care, most polluted water and air, underfunded education system, highest rates of insurance, while collecting a state pension and his salary and living in his million dollar mansion.

Perry has declared Thursday to be a day for quitting. Sarah Palin will be at his side for his announcement. At least the embarrassment to the State will finally come to an end.

Back to work in 2012

2012-01-02T10:05:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone. Here's hoping for a victory Jan 7 for Sam Houston State Bearkats as they play for the National Championship and for more great fishing days with Charlie Ives in Aranasas Pass.

As for predictions for 2012, Perry will finally lose an election. Obama will be re-elected. Boehner will lose his leadership position by either losing the House or by being ousted by his teabag buddies. Bristol Palin will get pregnant again. Electricity, insurance, and college tuition will continue to rise and no one will do anything about it. Texas will continue to be the laughing stock of the nation when it comes to ethics.

And college football can't come soon enough.

Happy 2012.

Galveston Republican: Should you resign for beating your wife?

2011-12-29T20:54:00.000-06:00

The Galveston County Republican Party has a decision to make. Should they tolerate a republican District Clerk for assaulting his wife or turn the other cheek (literally) ? From the Houston Chronicle:

Galveston County District Clerk Jason Murray pleaded guilty Tuesday to assault on a family member for an incident earlier this month.

Murray struck his wife, Mekisha Jane Murray, bloodying her nose, as they sat in an SUV in a Houston parking lot after a Christmas party Dec. 8, according to court records.

A few months ago the Galveston Republican Party ousted their chairman for unknown reasons and yet here they have an elected official who has pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife and they have said nothing.

Says a lot about the teabag party of Galveston County.

The Christmas tree roundup

2011-12-27T10:45:00.002-06:00

Now that the War on Christmas is over (at least for the year) the Texas Progressive Alliance hopes everyone is enjoying their holiday as it brings you the last roundup of 2011.

Last week's House Republican cave-in on the payroll tax cut extension is intertwined with the Keystone XL pipeline: both have to be decided upon again in 60 days. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has some discussion about the implications.

Bay Area Houston thinks Maybe Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg should resign.

Neil at Texas Liberal posted the Occupy Houston response to felony charges for some Occupy protestors who took part in civil disobedience at the Port of Houston. This is matter that should be of concern to all progressives, political advocacy groups, and civil libertarians.

Federal court judge Sam Sparks gave an early Christmas present to Texas microbreweries and their customers last week. Off the Kuff explains.

At TexasKaos, Lightseeker reports on the end of the year signs that the war on public education is reaching a critical juncture. Read his report : Public Education in the Crosshairs - Is This the End?

Texas Republicans disallow a crony capitalist tax break letting public schools keep money. CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme can tell it's election season. You know Republicans love their cronies and hate public education.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson says it's time for the people to be the focus of our politics and government, and we must start doing What's good for the people of this state.

BossKitty at TruthHugger - is very pleased with Congressman Lloyd Doggett. The Texas Republicans are still trying to mess with Lloyd's District. Bosskitty shares an example of how Lloyd responded to an email concerning the HR 10 vote. UPDATE: Response to HR 10 Consequences

The women of the Tea Party

2011-12-27T09:05:00.000-06:00

Wow. This is hard to watch. It if wasn't for the fact that these are teabag women, they would take women back a few million years.

king street patriots missing in action

2011-12-26T11:41:00.000-06:00

Where are the Queen Street Patriots when you need them?

The Justice Department has rejected the Voter ID law of South Carolina. From the Washington Post:

In its first decision on the laws, Justice’s Civil Rights Division said South Carolina’s statute is discriminatory because its registered minority voters are nearly 20 percent more likely than whites to lack a state-issued photo ID.

Texas most probably will follow since the State has been unable to provide documented proof of voter fraud at the polls and refused to provide documentation on the number of voters who would be turned away by this law. The decision is pretty simple. The Voter ID bills are "solving" a non-existent problem while creating a barrier for many others to vote. Only an idiot would think this is right. Speaking of....

But...finally there is a case of voter fraud that should drive the king street patriots out of their lice infested rat holes and into the streets of Clear Lake and Kingwood. From he Huffington Post:

An Indianapolis county court has removed Indiana Secretary of State Charles White from office on charges of voter fraud relating to his 2010 election.

In the words of Rick Perry: OOPS! So here we have a white guy committing voter fraud. So maybe we will see the king street patriots at the early voting locations in the Clear Lake and Kingwood area looking for the white guy who has created a fake voter card, hijacked the address of a real registered voter, and hope to living hell that that person hasn't voted already.

Or they will once again waste their time at minority voting locations hoping someone doesn't protect their right to vote by putting a cap in their ass. Early voting locations in Harris County for the 2012 elections will be run by Democrats who will be well versed in the election laws and voter intimidation.

Maybe Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg should resign

2011-12-21T20:40:00.001-06:00

Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg had an opportunity to drive a stake into the heart of elected officials who have committed a felony by stealing from the taxpayers. And she didn't. (See Judge approves probation for State Rep Joe Driver)

Instead of rightfully sticking it to double dipper Driver for "misuing taxpayer money and violating the public's trust" with the overwhelming support of the taxpayers, she rolled over and gave Driver one sweet deal requiring him to return the money he stole and serve 5 years probation. Can you imagine what would happen to an ordinary citizen who stole $100,000 from the Comptrollers office? Would they be allowed to just return the money if they were caught, and walk without jail time?

This case was an absolute no-brainer. Driver is an elected official who deliberately stole from the State and admitted to it. He could have received from 2-10 years in jail and would have deserved every single second of it. Yet Lehmberg didn't have enough common sense to recognize an opportunity to be tough on white collar, elected official, crime and demand that he adequately pay for it.

With this lame sentence, Lehmberg along with the Texas Ethics Commission and the Texas Legislature have made Texas the laughing stock of the country when it comes to ethics. We look like a bunch of incompetent, law breaking, clueless, soft on crime, wimps.

Joe Driver will keep his retirement and his health care. And Joe Driver doesn't have to resign. Maybe Rosemary Lehmberg should.

TX GOP endorses pensions for felons

2011-12-21T08:05:00.000-06:00

The GOP tough on crime? Think again.

Last legislation session the Texas GOP, you know the "tough on crime" bunch, had the opportunity to pass a bill that would strip the tax funded pension and healthcare from elected officials who commit felonies. The Legislature, dominated by the GOP from the 2010 election, and led by Governor Perry, took a pass and allowed the felons of the GOP to stick it to the taxpayers. (See WFAA for details)

Case in point, Joe Driver. Driver stole $100,000 from the taxpayers by double dipping, admitted to a felony, and has been sentenced. Because of the GOPs lack of ethics and their will to protect their felons, Driver keeps his pension.

State Representative Linda Harper Brown and Dan Flynn, also under investigation, might want to consider copping a plea like Driver did, accept a slap on the wrist, and continue to suck off the tit of the government that they hate.

The gop. Tough on crime, my ass.

p.s. The Texas GOP has not called for his resignation. In fact they haven't said squat.

Another tu republican tweeting idiot

2011-12-20T09:25:00.002-06:00

It was bad enough that the President of the republican club of the University of Texas had to resign in shame after tweeting about shooting the President. That wasn't funny. Neither is this tweet from her replacement Cassandra Wright @cassienwright. From Burnt Orange Report:

Yep. Real classy. Anyone this stupid shouldn't be in a leadership position. Well, then again, we are talking about tu. And republicans. Don't look for the school to call for her resignation. They probably have given up.

Merry Christmas Joe Driver!

2011-12-20T06:57:00.000-06:00

State Representative Joe Driver got an undeserving early Christmas gift from a Travis County Judge. From the Dallas Morning News:

AUSTIN — Republican state Rep. Joe Driver has been sentenced to fiveyears' probation for using taxpayer money in a double-dippingreimbursement scheme.

Driver stole up to $100,000 from the taxpayers by submitting travel expenses to his campaign for reimbursement and then to the Comptrollers office for a double dip. This is a felony and most citizens accused of this would spend 2 to 10 years in jail. But not Joe Driver.

Driver got a sweet deal. Not only does he get to keep his job as a State Representative, he keeps his $57,000/year pension and his tax paid health care for life, and his record will be cleared after just 5 years.

On top of all of this, he is required to pay back $63,000 to his campaign (not the taxpayers). (or so it was reported) If this is true, he can then use this money to pay his attorney fees.

Isn't Christmas fun? And to think the Texas republican teabag party has been as quiet as a church rat.

Galveston County District Clerk Teabagger charged with family violence

2011-12-19T18:37:00.002-06:00

This is strange. I didn't realize Jason Murry, husband of Mekisha Murry, was a teabagger, and a violent one at that! From the Houston Chronicle:

Galveston County District Clerk Jason Murray was charged Monday with family violence for an incident involving his wife 10 days ago, a Houston police spokeswoman said.

Mekisha ran for a Judicial position in Harris County back in 2008. Many speculated that she lost the race, in which the vast majority of Democrats won, because of her name. In fact, from the Houston Chronicle:

And perhaps, she did. But more so, the discriminating voters of Harris County, who apparently were turned off by Mekisha's uncommon, or ethnic-sounding name.

Curiously, the only other three Democrats who failed in their challenges of vulnerable GOP judicial incumbents also had unusual names: Ashish Mahendru, Andres Pereira and Goodwille Pierre.

So I was kinda surprised that her husband was a teabagger and more surprised that he is being charged with hitting her. She has since changed her name to "Jane". Jason might change his name to "convict". Mekisha is a former Assistant DA. I hope she nails him.

Of course, the Galveston County Teabag Party won't ask for his resignation. He is probably going to sing at their Christmas Party.

Governor Rick Perry's statement on Kim Jon II

2011-12-19T07:43:00.001-06:00

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jason Shaw jshaw@rickperry.com

Austin. Governor Rick Perry, while campaigning in Texas, issued the following statement concerning North Korea's dictator, Kim Jon II:

Anita and I are sadden to hear that Kim Jon is ill. We pray for a fast recovery for the leader of South Korea and wish him a Merry Christmas. We look forward to vacationing with him as soon as I win the Iowa primary.

Rick Perry, a hypocritical rotten bastard

2011-12-17T10:12:00.000-06:00

Calling Rick Perry a hypocrite is an insult to the real hypocrites of the world. From the Houston Chronicle:

AUSTIN — Unbeknownst to most Texans, Gov. Rick Perry officially retired in January so he could draw early pension benefits worth $7,699 a month, in addition to his annual governor’s salary of $150,000.

The responses have been predictable:

“If there’s a Hall of Fame for hypocrites, he’s in it,” said Democratic consultant Paul Begala.

“Regular employees who retire and return to work get their pension frozen and don’t accrue additional years of service — and those people are strongly criticized as being double-dippers and trying to exploit a unique situation,” he said. [Mike Gross, head of the 12,000-member Texas State Employees Union]

Steven E. Schier, a political scientist at Carleton College, said the revelation “will damage Perry’s appeal among conservatives and Republicans.” “Just like Newt’s big consulting fees with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it’s an example of a politician taking a payoff from the public sector while mercilessly criticizing government,” Schier said.

“Rick Perry is using tax money to pad his pockets, while he is taking money from the classrooms, money that is needed to educate our children. I think most schoolteachers are going to wonder about a governor who is using government to improve his income while asking everyone else to make sacrifices,” said Clay Robison, spokesman for the Texas State Teachers Association.

And here is my favorite:

Rick Perry is a rotten bastard.

Yep. That is me.

Rick Perry wins Texas Monthly Bum Steer Award

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-06:00

We should be so proud

This time it really is "Mission Accomplished"

2011-12-15T06:51:00.000-06:00

From the Houston Chronicle:

BAGHDAD (AP) — After nearly nine years, 4,500 American dead, 32,000 wounded and more than $800 billion, U.S. officials formally shut down the war in Iraq

That is one big comma in the history of the United States, more like a very bad chapter. One that should have never been written. We were tricked into invading a country that had nothing to do with 911 and wasn't a threat to the US. We were tricked with simple minded comments like "Mushroom cloud", "yellow cake", "fight em over there" crap and the simple minded people of this country swallowed it hook, lie, and sinker.

The millions across the world who protested before the war were called traitors but they are the true patriots. They can hold their heads high as they mourn those who did not return and welcome our troops back home to their families.

For the other self proclaimed "patriots" who would rather shoot their damn mouths off instead of shooting a gun in Iraq, you are the traitors to this country. You are responsible for this 9 year stupidity.

Hold your head high so we can slap the living hell out of you. You truly deserve it.

Lowes, the one stop terror shop

2011-12-14T12:00:00.001-06:00

If there is one thing better than terror, it's a bargain!

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Rick Perry: I poo-ed in space

2011-12-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

Funny and so appropriate for Texas Governor Rick Perry:

Bad Lip Reading: Rick Perry's "Strong" ad - watch more funny videos

Mike Sullivan to teabag Don Sumners

2011-12-13T17:00:00.000-06:00

I think I am going to fro up.

Houston City Council Member, Mike "Flipper" Sullivan, has filed to teabag Don "I was teabagging before teabagging was cool" Sumners for Harris County Tax Assessor. Nothing like watching two old men going after each other in public.

Sullivan teabags when teabagging is necessary to further his political advancement. He has used the teabag crowd like a roll of paper towels in an adult film screening. Sumner claims to have been teabagging before Sullivan knew how to watch movies. And now it is go time between the two to see who has the bigger teabag.

Sullivan has a couple of good reasons to run for this office. 1) He is term limited on City Council and needs another one of those damn guvment jobs to continue his quest to be a career politician. 2) He has money and can raise money.

Sumners also has a couple of reasons to run. 1) He too needs a job. 2) He needs to show that he actually deserved to win in 2010 instead of being the result of teabagging gone wild. Unfortunately for Sumners he doesn't have money and he can't raise money. His last campaign was non-existent, banking solely on getting teabagged into office. And he has teabag competition.

So who will the teabaggers support? A candidate that is in it for himself, who will teabag only for personal gain, or the real teabagger who is currently in office with no ability to campaign or raise money?

Film at 11. Ewww.

Gingrich pledges not to pork other women

2011-12-12T18:49:00.000-06:00

Newt Gingrich's wife, whatever her name is, isn't buying Newt's recent vow to uphold the sanctity of marriage. He also pledged not to screw around on her especially with the 26 year old intern that has frequented his campaign office, the one with the nice legs, rosy cheeks, and purdie mouth. Not Newt. He has vowed and pledged. According to Newt:

"I hope my wife understands that I am a new man who believes in protecting the sanctity of marriage that is defined to be one man, one woman, at one time. And at this time my marriage is within the guidelines I have set."

As Rick Perry said "A man that cheats on his wife is a man that would cheat on his dry cleaners."

Rick Perry in Dancing with the Jews

2011-12-09T21:04:00.001-06:00

OY!

I'm not sure what is worse, Perry dancing and looking extremely uncomfortable doing it, like "please do not video this" uncomfortable, or pandering to the Republican Jewish Coalition. Just goes to show how fake of a man he is. He will do anything, say anything, to get a vote.

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People really dislike Rick Perry and here is proof

2011-12-07T21:44:00.001-06:00

The dislike votes for Rick Perry and his new commercial, Strong, in which he claims to end Obama's war on Christians are skyrocketing. As of this moment, over 78,000 dislikes and only 1800 likes. Yep Rick Perry sucks.

UPDATE: 7,689 likes, 333,486 dislikes 9:00 PM 12/8/11

He is a fickin embarrassment to the once great state of Texas. I hope he gets picked by Newt for Vice President so we can have months of Rick Perry bashing. Frickin idiot.

I don't know who is more stupid, Rick Perry, or those who voted for him.

I think it might be a tie.

Twas the night before the primary. Rick Perry Style

2011-12-07T17:43:00.002-06:00

Twas the Night Before the Primary
Rick Perry Style

Twas the night before the primary and all through the debate
There was laughter, and sex, and a teabag of hate.
The event put forth with old fashion wit
In hopes that the gop voters would soon give a shit.

The teabaggers were nestled all smug in their seats
With visions of Cain playing under the sheets
And Gingich with his hookers and Romney with none
Had just shouldered their side arms for a night full of fun

From behind the curtain, he came from the south.
We sprang from our seats, holding our mouth.
Away to the window, I scambled with the bunch.
Tore open the shudders and threw up my lunch.

With hair of a saint but not so quick
I knew in a moment it must be, a Dick!
Rick Perry they called him, a man of fame.
And he Yee-ha-ed and hollered, and called each by name!

Now Romney! Now Gingrich! Now uh....
Now Obama. No not Obama. Now uh...
Now Romney! Now Gingrich! Now uh....
I can't remember the third. Oops.
On Bachmann, On Cain, on Sanitarium, and Ron Paul
Look away! Look away! As I stumble and fall!

And then, in a twinkling, I heard under the moon
The prancing and dancing of a Texas baffoon.
As I drew in my head, a man of such grace
Down the chimney St Perry came, flat on his frickin face.

With a state in disarray, insurance rates so high
Electricity bills skyrocketing, and college you can't buy
School funding cut to the bone, health insurance hard to find
Yet they continue to vote for him as if they were blind.

His eyes how they twinkled as he spat on the poor
His cheeks were like roses with lobbyists galore
He drooled in his mouth as he preyed on the sick
While giving our immigrants a good solid kick.

As he stepped on the stage, I gave him a sign
For what he has done to this great state of mine
But I heard him exclaim which made my day so bright
If I get elected, I will be out of your sight!

Texas Republican Party's statement on Joe Driver

2011-12-07T07:50:00.001-06:00

The Texas Republican Party issued the following statement on the felony committed by State Representative Joe Driver, stealing over $63,000 from the taxpayers, his violation of trust as an elected official, his upcoming lenient sentencing and his $57,000/year pension which he will be able to maintain:

Contacting the Judge on State Representative Driver's sentence

2011-12-04T12:53:00.001-06:00

State Representative Joe Driver is getting hammered in the media for stealing $64,000 from the taxpayers and getting only 5 years deferred adjudication. If you think that is a light sentence (and it is) write to the Judge who will decide if the sentence is adequate. She does not have to accept the recommendation of the Travis County District Attorney, which is extremely lenient. Besides the proposed sentence:

Driver has to pay his campaign the $64,000 he stole and he could use it to pay off his attorney.
He keeps his $57,000/year pension
He keeps his tax funded health care for life
He does not have to resign.
After 5 years his record is wiped clean

So send a quick email with your thoughts to the Judge at the email address below:

The Honorable Karen Sage

Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center
509 West 11th, 8th floor
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 854-9442
Fax: (512) 854-6494
Email: 299threset@co.travis.tx.us
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 1748
Austin, TX 78767

Hardy Har Har. Is the joke on you?

2011-12-02T17:45:00.001-06:00

I wondered if the Houston Association of Realtors, HAR, endorsement of Andrew Burks for Houston City Council was a bad joke, but it seems like this joke might have backfired. From the Houston Chronicle:

Burks was under house arrest for 40 days last year following his second DWI conviction. Burks said he had not been drinking nor driving, but that he had been prescribed improper medication at a Veterans Affairs facility, where he was in a parked car at the time of his arrest.

Ouch! A recent flyer adds a couple more incidents against Burks. Luckily for Burks a DWI is not a felony unless it is your third conviction. According to the Chronicle he only has two. Whew!

But, back to HAR. Why on earth would they be endorsing such a candidate? And why would the Harris County republican party endorse him? Well, I can understand the republicans. They truly are some screwed up people. They would rather have an unqualified member of City Council than a Democrat that has experience and the capability to lead. But what is HARs excuse?

If HAR continues to back unqualified candidates, they put their reputation on the line. That can't be said about the republican party. Their reputation is about as soiled as the sheets in a whorehouse.

How sick can republicans get?

2011-12-02T07:35:00.001-06:00

Ho-Ho-Ho mother*&^%$ers.

Nothing represents the teabag party's idea of celebrating the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, like a big white fat guy dressed in a red outfit giving AK-47s and other automatic weapons to little children who sit on his lap. It isn't enough to shoot a Congressman or kill her aides, or to put cross hairs (survey scope) on her district, or to have rallies with guns strapped over their shoulders.

No, they have to celebrate with a photo shoot (literally) with big fat rollie pollie Saint Nick. From The Sun Times:

One image shows Santa in a wingback chair with a snowflake background, a Christmas tree behind him and flanked by an $80,000 machine gun and a tripod-mounted rifle. Next to Santa is a man standing behind a boy, who is holding an unloaded AR-15 with an attached grenade launcher.

Sick bastards.

Just what we need, a $225 Million Senator

2011-12-01T07:44:00.001-06:00

David Dewhurst is running for United States Senate. He is running to represent the common man, the working man, the kind that takes a shower after work. (thanks Ed) From the Austin Statesman:

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has kept his investments secret from Texas voters for a decade, but in his quest for a U.S. Senate seat, tough federal financial disclosure laws have forced him to reveal more than $225 million in holdings and the contents of his blind trust.

Yep. The $225M man wants to represent the 1% like he has done in Texas.

Jack Christie you're no Bill White

2011-11-30T07:12:00.001-06:00

I campaigned for Bill White. I know Bill White. I am a friend of Bill White. But Jack, you're no Bill White.

Jack Christie is making it pretty hard to like him as a candidate for At Large City Council. Much like Mike Sullivan passing gas in the city hall elevator, you hold your breath hoping it will get better. For Jack, it ain't getting better.

At the debate in the Bay Area, Jack was giddily, distributing a poorly copied endorsement from Bill White, but at least he didn't make a fool out of himself. He waited till the Meyerland Democrats meeting to do that. At that meeting he made inappropriate comments about his opponents choice in clothing. Later he mailed a flyer misusing quotes from a blogger that has actually endorsed his opponent.

I'm not sure why Bill White would endorse such a person for city council. Unlike Bill White who reached across all boundaries as Mayor, Christie seems to reach across the aisle only to grab you by the neck.

If Christie thinks a letter from Bill White makes him be liked like Bill White, he ought to like, think twice. By the way, Christie has been endorsed by the Harris County republican party.

Desperately seeking Arpaio

2011-11-28T07:44:00.000-06:00

At least I'm not the only one that thinks Perry is making a mistake seeking the endorsement of the immigrant hater Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. From the Atlantic:

So the man who has fouled his own nest, and brought both expense and infamy to his county and his constituents, believes that Perry ought to be the next president? If that's not the kiss of death for the campaign, I don't know what is. I don't see how the Texas governor can preach fiscal responsibility on the one hand and shake Arpaio's hand with the other.

And Perry doesn't even have the same beliefs as Arpaio. Arpaio supports the building of a mega-fence, against allowing immigrants to pay in state tuition if they are accepted into college, and against a path to citizenship. The only issue they probably see eye to eye on is cheap labor. That is Perry's big immigration issue and one that is supported by his donors. Let them into the country with a legal card and let his donors continue to pay them cheap wages.

Perry will be touring New Hampshire with Arpaio, stirring the white pot of anger towards immigrants. It is always good for a few votes, but he will have to ditch him when he comes to Texas or California.

That is Rick Perry. That is the way he works.

Andrew Burks gets Republican endorsement

2011-11-26T18:54:00.001-06:00

OK. This is getting strange. After getting the Houston Association of Realtor's endorsement, Andrew Burks gets the endorsement (and not much else) from the Harris County republican party. Their "glowing" endorsement contains:

The following are the most qualified, conservative candidates and, as early voting approaches, we will highlight each candidate. Helena Brown, Andrew Burks, and Jack Christie.

And not much else. I am anxious to read their "highlights" Maybe it will contain the fact that Burks is a Democrat. His website is littered with his Democratic credentials. Why HAR would endorse Burks, with minimal credentials, and why the republican party would endorse Burks, who is a Democrat, is a mystery.

But then again, it is the republican party. And they are some pretty fucked up people.

Now, don't get me wrong. Andrew Burks is a great guy, a hard worker, and has supported the Democratic party. But it doesn't make sense that the republican party would endorse him.

TX State Rep Aaron Pena to quit again.

2011-11-26T18:43:00.001-06:00

Once a quitter, always a quitter. From the San Antonio Express News:

BROWNSVILLE — State Rep. Aaron Peña of Edinburg, who drew Democratic Party ire last year when he switched to the Republican Party after re-election, said he's bowing out of the Texas Legislature after acknowledging interim districting maps give him no chance of retaining his seat.

Pena deserves every bit of this. He voted like a republican. He acted like a republican. He became a republican. And what did he get by becoming a turn coat?

Screwed.

Hardy HAR HAR endorsements for Houston City Council

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

It is almost funny.

The Houston Association of Realtors issued their endorsements for the City Council runoff elections including Andrew Burks for At Large Position 2. At first I really thought the endorsement was a mistake and was waiting for a correction to be issued within minutes, but that in itself was a mistake.

Andrew Burks, bless his heart, is one of those guys who runs for the sake of running with little if any money, a big heapin' helpin' of enthusiasm, and hoping for a one in a million long shot victory. Why on earth would a professional organization as large and powerful as HAR endorse Burks is just beyond me. Sure, he is a likable guy, but being your best bud and being able to represent the City in an At Large position are two completely different positions requiring different skill sets.

Speculation is that Burks is a realtor therefore deserving of the realtors association nod, or that HAR has some personal differences with his opponent, Kristi Thibaut. In either case I would have expected a non-endorsement in this race. Make no mistake about this, though - apparently this endorsement comes with a $10,000 check.

Well, good luck to Burks and to the City of Houston.

p.s. The Harris County republican party endorsed Burks also. What does that tell you?

Joe Drivers felony and his $57,000/year State pension

2011-11-23T07:34:00.001-06:00

Well if this doesn't just grind your gears nothing will.

State Representative Joe Driver stole over $63,000 from the State Comptrollers office by submitting travel expenses, that had been paid by his campaign, and pocketing it. It is called double dipping or in plain folks terms, a felony. For committing this felony as a State Representative he will be fined $5000, has to pay back the $63,000, and will be on 5 years probation. If he stays clean, his record is wiped clean.

And to top this all off, he receives a $57,000 a year pension from the state after serving 20 part time years as a State Representative and he receives health care for the rest of his rotten life.

Most fulltime teachers working 30+ years might get $24,000 a year in a pension. Civil service employees under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) would receive at most $25,000 a year. Yet here we have a part time employee of the State who serves 6 months every two years, and who has admitted to a felony, and he will receive $57,000/year for the rest of his felon life.

The Judge,The Honorable Karen Sage, is not bound to the recommended sentence. Hopefully she will give Driver exactly what any other person would get for committing a felony.

The Honorable Karen Sage

State Rep Joe Driver gets probation and a pension

2011-11-22T16:56:00.001-06:00

State Representative Joe Driver ,exposed by Jay Root of the Associated Press for double dipping taxpayers for over $63,000, plead guilty to a felony abuse-of-office charges. In a state that is "tough on crime" Driver should have got more than 5 years of probation. And he did. He got to keep his pension. From the Texas Tribune:

As part of his plea agreement, Driver will get five years deferred adjudication, avoiding jail time as long as he doesn't violate the terms of his probation.
Prosecutors said Tuesday that Driver would repay about $14,000 more, bringing the total amount repaid to $63,748.36.
Driver will also pay a $5,000 fine and undergo any treatment or counseling recommended by the probation department.

And he will be able to keep his tax funded pension and health care. Texas talks tough on crime except when it comes to our elected officials. Driver should have received at least 10 years probation and, as a felon, should have lost his pension.

Thanks to Jay Root of the Associated Press for exposing Driver. The Travis County District Attorney's office is investigating others such as Linda Harper-Brown and Dan Flynn for the same type of offenses. Flynn has already returned over $14,000 after he too was exposed for double dipping.

Driver will resign in the near future. In the video, Driver is thankful that this is resolved. (and that he got to keep his pension and health care)

Soapbox Derby Track or Harris County Sheriff resources?

2011-11-22T06:23:00.001-06:00

This is how the GOP governs. Kill the economy, call for tax cuts, then complain when you can't get the job done and putting us at risk. Harris County Commissioners are no different. From the Houston Chronicle:

Last week, the Houston Chronicle reported that the Sheriff's Office, which enters warrants into the database for all law enforcement agencies in the county, faces a backlog of 10,088 felony warrants and 19,748 Class A and Class B misdemeanor warrants.

Garcia acknowledged that the backlog does a pose a serious public safety issue. He attributes the backlog to a lack of staff and funding, and believes that clearing the backlog would require additional personnel.

Garcia has asked for 45 clerks, none were approved, and so the problem continues. Steve Radack, the Commissioner who used $2.3 Million of your tax dollars to build a soapbox derby race track, criticized Garcia for not allocating funds appropriately.

Really? And Radack was the one, during a hiring freeze, who hired a new executive assistant at a cool 6 figure salary.:

Radack's new executive assistant is Court Koenning, former executive director of the Harris County Republican Party and former chief of staff for state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston. He'll get an annual salary of $100,006.

Really? Garcia is considering the use of volunteers to input the data. I am sure Radack and his entire family will be the first in line to help.

A Balance Budget Amendment is for stupid people

2011-11-18T17:41:00.001-06:00

FYI: Today the teabag party in Congress failed to pass a balanced budget amendment bill. Even teabaggers aren't that stupid.

One of the simple minded, incorrect, arguments for a balanced budget amendment is that American families operate on a balance budget. This isn't true. Few families could buy a home without credit or a buy a car or even go to college without a loan. Those who advocate a balanced budget amendment are those officials who are incapable of managing the finance of their city or state.

Take Rick Perry for instance. Perry is a huge supporter of a balanced budget for the United States using Texas as a success story. Luckily most Americans aren't stupid enough to believe that crap. Coupled with mismanagement of our revenue stream, a balanced budget amendment can devastate services provided by the state. A great example is the 2011 shortfall of $27 Billion.

Because the GOP controlled House and Senate refused to fix the Margin Tax created back in 2005 Texas now runs a structural deficit every two years of $10 Billion. Coupled with a sour economy and high unemployment, the revenue shortage gives the GOP an opportunity to cut services such as public education, health care for the poor, and more.

The bottom line is that Rick Perry and the GOP are too stupid to manage the state's finances and realize that some years we might run a deficit, but others we will flourish. Stupid people wanting stupid policies.

Just plain stupid.

TX Gov Perry's major donors calls Americans "lazy"

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

Rick Perry has an ad distorting Obama's recent comment about being "lazy". From ABC News:

Boeing CEO James McNerney asked Obama about his thinking on the perception by some countries of “impediments to investment” in the U.S.

Obama replied that “we’ve been a little bit lazy” about actively trying to attract private foreign investors to U.S. soil — referring broadly to American government and business sectors, not the American people themselves.in

Of course, Perry is well know making up his own facts, statistics, and wild stories about shooting coyotes with a pistol he carries his cowboy boots while jogging. But that doesn't stop Perry. Maybe he should look to his own donors who were very clear about Americans being lazy in an OP-ED written for the Dallas Morning News, (a copy can be found here) which included his largest donor, Bob Perry, the homebuilder. Here is what they said comparing American workers to immigrants:

But few young Americans want to do hard physical labor, particularly in our climate.

Don't be lazy and take a few minutes to read the complete OP-ED to read what his biggest donors are saying about immigration. You might then understand why Perry has done absolutely nothing about immigration, except to talk about it.

And why he has to resort back to distorting the truth. Next thing he will say is that Texas has the cleanest air and water in the country.

Gingrich is the white wing's candidate

2011-11-16T07:19:00.001-06:00

Gingrich reached out to the anti-Hispanic white wing of the Teabag Party with a mouth full of crap. From MSNBC:

We should replace bilingual education with immersion in English so people learn the common language of the country and they learn the language of prosperity, not the language of living in a ghetto,” Gingrich said to cheers from the crowd of more than 100.

Yep. This is the Teabag Party. It is alive and well. Next up for Gingrich? He will call for a return to the day where women are seen, not heard, barefoot and pregnant, and taking their rightful place in the world, in the kitchen. Then he will call for freedom camps for Muslims and Jews, and anyone that is not as white as he is.

And the Teabag Party will cheer. Gingrich needs a Spanish boot up his ass. If he would come to Texas, I'll volunteer to give him one.

Texas Progressive Alliance weekly roundup

2011-11-14T07:33:00.001-06:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance is beginning to think fond thoughts of cranberry dressing, pumpkin pie, and, um, something else it can't quite recall - oops! - as it brings you this week's blog roundup.

Off the Kuff took a tour of Houston elections from the 1990s to see how they compared to more modern matchups.

Following Rick Perry's latest gaffes, Letters From Texas explains why Perry has become such a hopeless band nerd that the crazy girl who can't get a prom date pities him.

Darth Politico commemorates Veterans Day with a discussion about the history of Red Tape and veterans benefits. Emphasis on Red.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson points out that Republicans in Texas are boxed-in. They know know taxes must be raised to run our state's government, but can't bring themselves to say it, Texas GOP's cowardice.

On the same night Houston Mayor Annise Parker celebrated barely being re-elected, a few blocks away the HPD arrested seven Occupy Houstonians for refusing to move a tarp which the police called a tent. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs doesn't think that's a great way to start a second term ... unless she plans on again representing the 1%, that is.

BossKitty at TruthHugger sees another disappointing campaign season. Inundated with Republican this and Tea Party that, BossKitty is embarrassed by what we are hearing. Republican Whack A Mole Misses the Point. Some economic guru is writing the script for each candidate to spout as the Only way to get back on track, because it is always Obama's fault. We all know it was Obama's fault even before he was born. But some of the solutions totally miss the big picture.

Bay Area Houston is remembering on Veterans Day on how we have continue to screw our Veterans.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notes that BP wants the government to hide data while celebrating the end of its cleanup responsibility. This week: crony capitalists 2; regular citizens 0.

Lightseeker at TexasKaos gives a brief summary of the GOP voter suppression campaign gearing up for 2012. Check it out: Voter Suppression Update 2011.

Neil at Texas Liberal attended an Occupy Houston press conference about OH participants arrested by Houston police for covering up electrical equipment with a tarp during a rainstorm. If only Occupy efforts across the nation had the same First Amendment protections as large anonymous corporate political donations enjoy under the Citizens United case.

When you question fracking

2011-11-12T08:11:00.001-06:00

From CBS Dallas/Ft Worth. Thanks to activist Sharon Wilson:

Energy industry officials were caught on tape at a conference in Houston using military terms to describe their opposition. One company says it uses ex-military psychological operations experts in its community plans.

A decade of disrespect for our Veterans

2011-11-11T07:55:00.001-06:00

This day bothers me.

Politicians will be combing their district putting on their Veterans of Foreign Wars hat, wearing their flag pin, riding in parades, and saying empty statements like "Our fine young men and women of the Armed Forces are fighting for our Constitution.....blah....blah....blah." And yet while these fine young men and women of the Armed Forces are fighting for our Constitution these politicians are restricting the very rights they are fighting for.

Then
The Bill of Rights (1st 10 Amendments of the Constitution) gives our Veterans (and all Americans) the right to a trial by jury for civil disputes such as defective homes, medical malpractice, or workplace injuries. Our founding fathers established this right to prevent the rich and powerful from dictating the terms of the dispute process as they did in England. In England the elite established a state sponsored arbitration panel, a kangaroo court, stacked with business friendly arbitrators.

And Then Again
Unfortunately over the last decade+ the rich and powerful have elected business friendly politicians who now support the use of business friendly mandatory binding arbitration, overriding the Bill of Rights which our fine young men and women of the Armed Forces are fighting for.

Loss of body parts
Our members of the Armed Forces take an oath to protect our Constitution yet when they come home, some missing body parts, they are not allowed to exercise the very rights they have fought for. When buying the American Dream, or a car built in America, they must give up the right that they lost body parts, and friends, for and must be subjected to a kangaroo court of arbitrator for all disputes. Just like England.

Our members of the Armed Forces took an oath to defend our country from enemies both foreign and domestic. That enemy just might be putting on their Veterans of Foreign Wars hat,wearing their flag pin, riding in parades, and saying empty statements like "Our fine young men and women of the Armed Forces are fighting for our Constitution.

And they should be spat upon.

Rick Perry now just another Aggie Joke

2011-11-10T06:28:00.000-06:00

It finally caught up with Rick Perry at last nights Teabag Debate. His performances, since entering the race, have been mocked by comedians and proved that Perry didn't have the facts on his side.

When someone speaks at a hearing or in front of a crowd and they have the facts on their side, they can speak quickly, intelligently, and with strategic pauses without breaking the flow of the points being made. Rick Perry ran on fumes with shallow interpretations of his own made up facts. He spoke as if he had to think of what to say and how to say it before actually saying it. And his strategic pauses were as awkward as if he said "Don't Jew them down" in a hearing that was being recorded.

And he did it again last night. He has become an Aggie Joke all by himself:

State Representative Joe Driver takes one for the team

2011-11-09T06:59:00.000-06:00

According to the Texas Tribune, State Representative Joe Driver will plead guilty to a third degree felony for abuse of office charges stemming from his double dipping scheme exposed by Jay Root of the Associated Press.

“He is going to plea to the third degree felony,” said Assistant Travis County District Attorney Gregg Cox, head of the Travis County Public Integrity Unit. “It is a plea of guilt.”

According to the article, he can serve up to ten years and pay up to $10,000. If the Texas Ethics Commission had ruled on this, he would be given a $500 fine without having to repay the amount he stole from the taxpayers. That amount was valued at anywhere between $20,000 and $100,000.

A review of his ethics reports show reimbursements for mileage as well as other travel related expenses.

A review of his campaign expenses over the last 10 years shows over $173,000 in travel expenses, including payments to State Farm North Texas FCU for over $1000/month for his car payment. (Driver is a State Farm insurance salesman) He also spent over $72,000 in travel expenses prior to 2005, where the AP picked up on their investigation.

The article claims that Driver has reimbursed his campaign $50,000, yet I have not been able to find that reimbursement in his ethics reports.Let's see what kind of punishment the Travis County DAs office is going to give Driver.

I would bet he will get 10 years probation and a $10,000 fine.

SIR Larry Taylor mocked by Colbert

2011-11-08T20:03:00.000-06:00

Texas State Insurance Representative (SIR) Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) was mocked by Steven Colbert last night for his comment "Don't Jew them down". SIR Taylor is the one sporting a 1980's style bro-stache.

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Manuel Rodriguez of HISD joins Dave Wilson

2011-11-06T07:51:00.004-06:00

Manuel Rodriguez, HISD Trustee, has joined forces with Dave Wilson, a pretend candidate for Mayor, in distributing anti-gay campaign literature. Manuel, like Wilson, claims he is a family man although you have to wonder what kind of a man, family or not, would stoop to such lows. From the Houston Chronicle:

Rodriguez, who is seeking re-election to the District III seat, noted in the brochure that his challenger, Ramiro Fonseca, has “spent years advocating for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender rights … not kids.”

Maybe if Rodriguez would have spent more time advocating for all the kids in HISD, he wouldn't have drawn a challenger. This is a real low for Rodriguez after spending . You have to wonder if he is advocating for kids, or just the kind of kids and families who share his bigoted views.

If Rodriguez doesn't retain his seat, he could help the other "Family values" dude, Dave Wilson, in his anti-gay crusade across the city. His opponent, Romero Fonsesco issued a statement:

“I am saddened that my opponent wants to conduct his campaign utilizing offensive language,” Fonseca said in a statement Saturday. “Over the next few days I will continue to engage the voters of District III on issues that are important to the parents, students, teachers, and taxpayers of HISD.”

Stay about the likes of Dave Wilson and Rodriguez. You are a better family man for it.

Texas State Representative Larry Taylor: "Don't Jew them down"

2011-11-04T11:27:00.002-05:00

SIR Larry Taylor (State Insurance Representative) while defending the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association,, made a comment on record during a hearing. From Raw Story:

A Texas legislator let one slip on Thursday when he presented his case for quick payments to storm damage victims by saying, “Don’t nitpick, don’t try to Jew them down.”

Larry Taylor has been the go to guy for the insurance industry. His lips are firmly sewn to their back end and will do anything, and obviously say anything in order to protect their interests and his profit margin. SIR Taylor owns an insurance company and makes money from selling TWIA policies. KHOU exposed SIR Taylor' conflict of interest:

SIR Taylor is the teabag party's nominee for Texas State Senator. As Senator SIR Taylor will give the insurance industry yet another foot in the door to the Capitol as well as a foot up consumers behind.

Oh FYI. TWIA is now asking for a 22% increase in rates for SIR Taylor's district.

Cain, meet Rick Perry the Texas coward

2011-11-03T06:18:00.000-05:00

Texas front runner, Herman Cain, doesn't know Rick Perry very well. From the Chronicle:

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain on Wednesday accused rival Rick Perry’s campaign of orchestrating news coverage of the sexual harassment accusations that threaten to derail Cain’s White House quest, a claim Perry’s campaign denied.

As long as Cain is ahead of Perry in the teabag poll, Cain should expect more of this. Perry may not be a master debater, but he is a 1st class dirty-ass coward. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, he or his well financed groupies will not do to topple an opponent. You think digging up your past sexual harassment complaints is a low blow? Think again. He will attack then hide under the skirt of his campaign. For instance:

“I have nothing but good things to say about Herman Cain,” he said. “I’m not going to bad-mouth Herman Cain to anyone, on or off the record. I think he is a guy of great leadership and integrity.”

Get the idea? We, here in Texas, don't call Rick Perry a coward for nothing.

Cain needs to man up. He isn't running for the top Pizza Delivery boy award. Grow a pair. You are going to need it.

Spare the rod, spoil the election

2011-11-03T06:02:00.000-05:00

I am sure that all of my 5 readers knows the phrase "Spare the rod, spoil the child" is not in the bible. It actually comes from a poem, Hudibras, by Samuel Butler :

If matrimony and hanging go
By dest'ny, why not whipping too?
What med'cine else can cure the fits
Of lovers when they lose their wits?
Love is a boy by poets stil'd
Then spare the rod and spoil the child

Many use this bible myth to justify whipping the hell out of their kids. Maybe that is what happened with Aransas County Court-at-Law Judge William Adams. Adams was caught on camera beating his disabled daughter for using the internet. He is a family law judge with lots of family values. From the NY Daily News:

A Texas judge is being investigated over a shocking web video that appears to show him using a belt to whip his then 16-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy.

Ugh. He is from Texas, giving us yet another black eye. Literally. Lucky for Adams, this is teabag country. He will get re-elected.

Credit where credit is due, Bo Fraga's $35,000 loan

2011-11-02T07:08:00.001-05:00

YET ANOTHER UPDATE: Fraga filed a corrected report and returned the $35,000 loan. Good for the Fraga campaign for filing this correction on 10/27/2011.

Previously I noted that Houston City Council candidate, Bo Fraga, may have been receiving donations over the allowable limit in city elections. For At Large Candidates that limit is $15,000, but in his 30 day out report, Fraga received a $35,000 loan from Lupe Fraga (at 5% interest!). This donation which is, by the Texas Ethics Commissions definition, $20,000 over the limit. According to TEC:

(2) “Contribution” means a direct or indirect transfer of money, goods, services, or any other thing of value and includes an agreement made or other obligation incurred, whether legally enforceable or not, to make a transfer. The term includes a loan or extension of credit, other than those expressly excluded by this subdivision, and a guarantee of a loan or extension of credit, including a loan described by this subdivision.

But, give credit to the Fraga campaign because that loan is now off of his 8 day out report. It is assumed that it has been returned since there is no record of payment back to Lupe Fraga in the Schedule F forms and the loan balance has been zeroed out. This type of record keeping is what petty ethics complaints are all about and it would benefit the Fraga campaing if it was corrected before the runoff.

But at least give credit where credit is due, but also credit the account balance.

Perry, a Texas sized dufus. Quotes fake quote.

2011-11-02T06:31:00.000-05:00

Rick Perry is beginning to make Texans (or at least 39% of them) look like a bunch of incredibly stupid dufuses. (or is it dufusi?) Thanks to Mediaite for this shining example of dufusness from our Governor:

Perry was caught on camera talking about a quote from an Occupy Wallstreet protester given to him by his son. The quote was:

“It’s weird protesting on Bay Street. You get there at 9 a.m. and the rich bankers who you want to hurl insults at and change their worldview have been at work for two hours already. And then when it’s time to go, they’re still there. I guess that’s why they call them the one per cent. I mean, who wants to work those kinds of hours? That’s the power of greed.”

Unfortunately, Perry, or even Perry's son who gave him the quote, didn't bother to notice that it came from a satirical article by The Globe and Mail’s Mark Schatzker. But then again, does it even matter to Perry whether his truth is made up or not?

The WARTS are back. White Angry Racist TeabaggerS

2011-10-31T23:25:00.000-05:00

This is what the teabag party is all about. From the Houston Chronicle:

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Halloween-themed graphic featuring a zombie President Barack Obama with a bullet hole in his forehead provoked widespread outrage and the attention of the Secret Service Monday after a local Republican committee in Virginia used it to scare up interest in Halloween parade political activities.

Sick people.

In his own words: Why Rick Perry shouldn't be President

2011-10-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

Try to watch this video of Rick Perry in New Hampshire. From Huffington Post :"It was different," Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas told HuffPost after the speech. "Different"? That is being nice. Good luck watching. You will need it!

CCISD joins lawsuit against the State

2011-10-28T08:08:00.000-05:00

From the CCISD Newsletter:

The Board of the Trustees of the Clear Creek Independent School District unanimously approved a resolution to join a coalition of school districts in a lawsuit against Texas. Public school financing is a complex and controversial system dating back to 2006 when the State forced school districts to reduce property tax rates from $1.50 to $1.00 per $100 valuation, froze per-student funding based on 2006 property values, and promised to make up the difference through the contentious business franchise tax. This tax never delivered the intended results. The State then came in this last session and cut $5 billion on top of that. Despite these cuts, the Texas legislature has continued to add requirements for school districts, increased accountability standards and testing requirements. Additionally, the State has enrolled more than 77,000 new students this year. "This has created the perfect storm for local school districts," said Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools. "We are in a situation where the State is requiring more from students and schools but has failed to provide the adequate resources to meet those requirements. We all share in the moral and fiscal responsibility to do what is right for children."

The Trustees of CCISD has performed an outstanding job of balancing the needs of the students while our elected officials play games with the funding of our state. I guess they have had enough. Good for them.

I also guess they didn't get State Representative John Davis memo about how he worked hard to provide funding for our Texas schools.

Rolling Stone article absolutely nails Rick Perry

2011-10-28T05:23:00.000-05:00

It is a long, but very well written article titled "The Best Little Whore in Texas", and it nails Rick Perry to the cross he claims to be carrying. There are so many good quotes, too many to choose from, but here are some of my favorites:

The governor went from presumptive front-runner to stammering talk-show punch line seemingly in the speed of a single tweet, rightly blasted for being too incompetent even to hold his own in televised debates with a half-bright pizza salesman like Herman Cain and a goggle-eyed megachurch Joan of Arc like Michele Bachmann.

"He's a cash-and-carry governor," says Craig McDonald, director of Texans for Public Justice, a group that monitors campaign contributions in the state. "He has an extremely strong stomach for holding his nose and doing really dirty favors."

"He'll be whatever you want him to be," says one longtime political opponent. "He's all about greed.

"There's no line he won't cross," says another.

"This guy doesn't believe in one damn thing," says a third.

OUCH! Take a moment to read the article. It pretty much sums up what Rick Perry has been in the State of Texas, a whore.

Rick Perry, a coward to his own Tea Party

2011-10-28T05:13:00.002-05:00

As he did in Texas during the 2010 election, Rick Perry is refusing to participate in any more Teabag Party debates. He has a horrible record as Governor, one that he cannot defend, and is incapable of churning out the one liners like Herman Cain. As I have said in the past, he is truly a coward.

Perry's strategy: No debate till I see a birth certificate

2011-10-26T07:47:00.000-05:00

Governor Rick Perry has a new strategy team. First up, rekindle the birther controversy. Next, do exactly as he did in the Texas race for Governor in 2010, don't debate until your opponent shows his tax returns or in this case, his birth certificate and when it is produced, claim it's a fake. From the Texas Tribune:

Perry wasn't so self-assured when faced with questions about his comment on Obama's birth certificate on a cable talk show this morning. When asked if he thought Obama's U.S. birth certificate was real, Perry wouldn't say yes or no.

And so the birther controversy is born again. Leave it to the Governor of a state that has racked up more debt during his term in office than any other state in the country, with $27 Billion in 2011 alone all because of his failed tax schemes, policies, and leadership. Leave it to Perry, the Governor of a State that ranks last in most categories such as affordability of health care, education, and more. He has absolutely nothing to run on and nothing he can defend.

If Perry gets the nomination, don't expect him to debate Obama. He has a record and is a coward.

TX Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson on the Nazi license plate

2011-10-25T07:16:00.000-05:00

TX Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is one of those politicians who side on the sensational instead of those making sense. Unlike every other Texan, Patterson has to carry two guns including one in his sock, just in case he is attacked by a pack of wolves as he jogs in his tennis shoes and black socks. He is a strange dude indeed.

So it shouldn't surprise anyone if Jerry Patterson supports a Nazi license plate on behalf of Nazi family members " to honor their forefathers' service" as he has done for those who support the Confederate license plates. As he said in his OP-ED in the Dallas Morning News:

"Both plates represent private organizations proud of their history. Both are symbols for larger ideas.".

He continues with

"As a statewide elected official, I sponsored the plate because of my personal heritage and my commitment to Texas history - even the history others might find offensive."

And the history of the Nazis is offensive, as well as waving the confederate flag in front of our noses is offensive, but according to Matt Glazer in an OP-ED in the American Statesman it is our privilege to be offended.

The public opposition to the license plate by state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, shows that the opposition to this racist relic has nothing to do with politics. Patterson argues that it's "the privilege of every American to be offended" — as if those who suffer from the economic and emotional harms of racism should feel proud that some in their country think so little of them.

So after the Confederate flag is approved look to Patterson to spearhead a license plate to honor those Mexican soldiers who came to the Alamo and kicked the living crap out of those who wanted to steal their land. It is history. They should be honored.

And you should be offended.

Ramiro Fonseca for HISD District 3 Trustee

2011-10-24T07:41:00.000-05:00

Ramiro Fonseca is running for HISD District 3 Trustee with a long record of accomplishments and dedication to the education community. I met Ramiro at the Houston Hispanic Forum which he has served as a board member since 1985 and is currently the President.

This is one of those races, if you follow School District races, that you wished someone with a load of talent would challenge the incumbent, and one has. HISD has been in the news far too long for all the wrong reasons and maybe a shake up is needed. Personally I am tired of the bickering and the bad publicity that is used to further attack our teachers and our public school system. So it is definitely time for a new and exciting perspective in District 3. Ramiro's talent and dedication to education makes him a great candidate for this position.

Ramiro Fonseca for HISD District 3 Trustee.

GOP blames Obama for starting Iraq War

2011-10-23T11:36:00.000-05:00

After criticizing President Obama for calling for complete troop withdraw from Iraq by years end, they just couldn't resist stepping it up a notch. It is almost unbelievable.

Senator McCain: I will not and cannot give credit to a President for ending a needless war that he himself started.

Senator Graham: Instead of withdrawing our troops before Christmas Obama should be apologizing to the families of those who will never come back from a war he started.

Senator Cornyn: Although I have never served a day of my privileged life in the service, I can only imagine what our soldiers are thinking coming home from an unnecessary war, one that President Obama started.

Speaker Boehner: 9 years after starting the Iraq War, President Obama now wants us to give him credit for stopping it? I don't think so. We may be stupid, but we are not ignorant.

Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert: As someone who played soldier when I was a kid I understand the cruelty of war, of stepping into a pile of goo that was once your squad leaders pudding or watching your best friend cry out to mommy as she takes away his toy rifle. I will always remember these horrors when holding those accountable for sending our troops to an unnecessary war.

Governor Rick Perry: Obama was before the war before he was against it, and after the war he was against taking responsibility before or after his previous stance on whatever I was talking about beforehand. Over.

As I said, unbelievable.

Bob Perry was right about American workers

2011-10-22T16:47:00.000-05:00

Remember what Rick Perry's biggest donor said about American workers compared to immigrant workers? Here it is from a Dallas Morning News Op-Ed:

But few young Americans want to do hard physical labor, particularly in our climate.

And it seems like he might have a point. Alabama farmers are losing crops and money because harsh immigration laws have chased off their work force and "hard working Americans" don't seem to be willing to work that hard. Pretty sad situation on many fronts.

Houston At Large Candidate forum in Clear Lake Tonight!

2011-10-20T07:05:00.002-05:00

What: Houston At Large Candidate Forum
When: Oct 20, 6:30 - 8:30
Where: Bay Area Community Center in Clear Lake Park. 5002 E NASA Parkway

Houston City Council at-large candidates will have a chance to answer questions in a forum-style format and also meet with voters beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Bay Area Community Center in Clear Lake Park.

Bay Area New Democrats (BAND) and Bay Area Association of Democratic (BAAD) Women are co-hosting the event at the regular meeting time and place for the BAAD Women monthly meeting.
Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The first set of candidates, for at-large positions 3, 4 and 5, will answer questions, from 7 to 7:45 p.m., and the second set, for at-large positions 1 and 2, will appear 7:45-8:30 p.m.

For the half hour before and after the two sessions, voters can meet personally with the candidates. The forum is open to the public.

Rick Perry's immigration problem: Bob Perry

2011-10-19T21:29:00.001-05:00

Rick Perry called out his major donors at the last Tea Party debate claiming that he was going to get tough on those who hire illegal workers if he became President. I guess just like he has done here in Texas. (not)

Like many Texans, the only thing Perry is tough at is talk. He talks a big game about a fence, then claims it's not feasible, economical, or effective. He talks tough about putting boots on the ground yet we still have an immigration problem. He talks tough about supporting illegal immigration bills, yet signed none. And now last night he talks tough about cracking down on his donors. Yet he hasn't. And he won't.

Perry is a puss when it comes to illegal immigration and not for the right reasons, only because his donor's tell him to be one. Here is a snippet of what his conservative donors said about immigration from an op-ed in the Dallas Morning News: (a copy can be found here)

But few young Americans want to do hard physical labor, particularly in our climate.

Not only that, but immigrant workers renew and reinvigorate America. They remind us what it's like to give a job your all. We talk about old-fashioned family values; they live them.

These are good people with good values doing work that we need done, reaching for the American Dream and helping make it a reality for all.

You Don't Know Jack. O'Conner.

2011-10-19T08:02:00.002-05:00

(Thanks Kris for the heads up!)

If Jack O'Conner was Jack O'Lantern I would at least have an idea that Jack was somehow associated with Holloween, but that isn't the Jack I know and I really don't know Jack. And really don't want to.

Jack O'Lantern, or Jack O'Conner, is running, or at least is acting like he is running, for the Mayor of the 4th largest city in the United States. You would think that, in itself, would encourage him to raise more than the few dollars it took to buy yard signs and pay someone to scatter them around public right of ways, or at least shave that 1980's mustache. Or maybe even create a campaign website instead of a free blog. I mean, dude, take some baby steps and try running for president of the Super Neighborhood, PTA, or local glee club, then move up to something more daring like head of the boy scout troop.

But, Jack has decided instead to call out the "liberal bloggers" on his website, blog, or whatever it is. I guess this, along with a couple of signs strategically placed in public right of ways will put him over the top come November.

Whatever. I am bored with this post already. Nice to know at least someone is thinking of me.

TX Ethics Commission now allows unlimited corporate donations

2011-10-17T11:59:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: The Ethics Commission say that unlimited corporate EXPENDITURES are now legal. So they can not give a million dollars to a candidate, but they can pay for a million dollars in advertisement, TV, mailers, blockwalkers, etc etc in support of the candidate. In the end, corporations are going to have a field day with this.

Texas prides itself in having no limits on contributions for State elections. It pays to pay here in Texas and many understand that. The Governor has accepted a $1million contribution in the past from his home builder buddy, Bob Perry and Bob has been rewarded for it. Some State Legislator candidates have received hundreds of thousand from just one person. Luckily corporations have been limited in their donations, until today.

Who would have thunk it? Tort reform failed Texans

2011-10-17T07:13:00.000-05:00

What a surprise. From Public Citizen:

There [in Texas], the imposition of medical liability caps in 2003 – which prevent the most severely injured patients from being fully compensated for damage caused by bad doctors – has not reduced medical costs or curbed the ordering of expensive diagnostic tests. Instead, health care is less available and has become more expensive compared to national averages.

It doesn't take much of an idiot to realize the average Texan has received little if any relief from the high cost of health care after 8 years of massive tort reform sold by Rick Perry in 2003. Many of the promises such as lower health care costs, lower health care premiums, and more access to health care have never materialized. In fact Texan's insurance premiums have increased faster than any other state in the country.

The caps on medical malpractice lawsuits required a change to the Texas Constitution which narrowly passed by 50.1% of the votes. The overwhelming vast majority of Texan's will never need the help of an attorney, but when they do they will learn a hard, hard lesson about tort reform. At least 50.1 of them will.

Tort reform has never helped the consumer. It has always helped the insurance industry and Rick Perry's campaign donors. In return for giving the insurance industry and doctors less regulation and a good environment for business Texan's simply got screwed.

But most Texans don't care until they need to. And then it is too late.

Driving TX State Rep Joe Driver out of office

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

State Representative Joe Driver is calling it quits. From the Dallas Morning news:

As expected, state Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, Thursday announced he would retire from the House when his term ends in 2013.

He added:

"I will now return to private life and let others carry the torch," Driver said.

There is probably another reason Driver is going to "return to private life" which may has something to do with the Travis County District Attorney's office.

Driver was caught double dipping from the State by claiming travel expenses from his campaign and then from the State Comptroller's office. As previously noted he also claimed very questionable mileage reimbursements. From BAH:

According to his campaign reports and his payments from the State Comptrollers office, Driver received over $40,000 for mileage from the State, while receiving over $100,000 for his car payment. The payments from his campaign account were made to the State Farm North Texas Federal Credit Union for "Campaign Legislative/Travel Expense Reimbursement" and "car payment".

Reimbursements for a POV (privately owned vehicle) is to defray the cost for the use of a vehicle that is privately owned. (duh!) Driver's car was paid for by his campaign. It is the campaign's car and is not privately owned, yet he claimed and pocketed the $40,000 for himself.

Driver, once flush with donations from Bob Perry and the Republican Party, has less than $700 in his campaign account, which is $49,000 short, the amount he claims to have repaid his campaign after being outed by Jay Root of the Associated Press. (he didn't)

And let's not forget the $150,000 he put into the State Farm Federal Credit Union to earn interest.

Maybe the $150,000 can be used as a down payment for Rusty Hardin, Jerry Eversole's attorney.

Rick Perry's son abandons wife for campaign

2011-10-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

You just can't make this stuff up. As Anita Perry stated, from CNN via Politico:

He resigned his job two weeks ago because he can't go out and campaign with his father because of SEC regulations," she continued, referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission. "He has a wife... he's trying to start a business. So I can empathize."

So, Perry's son has a choice to make, continue making money, starting a business, and supporting his wife or join his dad's fading campaign. And what does he do? Dumps the wife. I don't know which is more dishonest, me claiming Perry Jr. dumped his wife or Anita Perry claiming Obama made him do it.

"My son had to resign his job because of federal regulations that Washington has put on us," Mrs. Perry said while campaigning for her husband in South Carolina, after a voter shared the story of losing his job.

What a load of Texas bullshit. (both of us) Anita Perry needs to do her husband a favor and find a pie for her hole and shut the living hell up. She is beginning to make Sarah Palin and Tammy Faye Baker sound like a couple of sane individuals compared to her rants including yesterdays "burning bush" moment. From the Houston Chronicle:

“God was already speaking to me but he (Rick) didn’t want to hear it,” Anita Perry told the sympathetic audience. “I said you may not see that burning bush but there are people seeing that burning bush for you.”

What the hell? Did Rick put God on hold while you sat there yapping your damn mouth off? Jesus Christ! No place but Texas.

New picture of Rick Perry found

2011-10-14T07:14:00.000-05:00

Rick Perry, once the leader of the pack of wolves, is now in 4th place with 9% of the vote, 20 points behind Romney and inline to be Texas sized toast. Even Newt Gingrich, 3rd place, has better poll numbers. I guess Rick Perry is just too stupid even for teabaggers.

Who would have thunk it?

More on the Fraga $35,000 loan

2011-10-13T07:58:00.000-05:00

The $35,000 loan that Bo Fraga, candidate for COH At Large 2, received highlights a major problem with the Texas Ethics Commission and the City of Houston. The loan Fraga received, according to the Texas Ethics Commission is clearly illegal. According to Title 15 of the Election Code:

(2) “Contribution” means a direct or indirect transfer of money, goods, services, or any other thing of value and includes an agreement made or other obligation incurred, whether legally enforceable or not, to make a transfer. The term includes a loan or extension of credit, other than those expressly excluded by this subdivision, and a guarantee of a loan or extension of credit, including a loan described by this subdivision.

The COH ordinances does not address loans, but does address the campaign donation limit of $5000. This is clearly a violation of the limit, but who is going to take action to urge candidates to return to the rule of law? The Texas Ethics Commission will take a complaint and a year after the election might take some action, but the damage would have been done by then.

This is one of the many problems with our campaign finance laws and those who "enforce" them. The $35,000 loan is clearly a violation and someone, the TEC or the COH, should take immediate action to resolve this.

Oh FYI. The TEC is under a review by the Sunset Commission. More later.......

Fraga's $35,000 loan

2011-10-12T07:55:00.000-05:00

People say good things about Bo Fraga. He is running for Houston City Council At Large Position 2. Bo might want to consult with the Texas Ethics Commission about his recent campaign filings:

Marine Pilot II
From what I can gather Marine Pilot II is either a mistake in the entry for a $2000 donation or it is an illegal contribution from a corporation. A search shows that MPII is registered with the Secretary of State as a corporation and corporate donations are not allowed in city elections.

$35,000 loan
According to the TEC a loan is just like a contribution. There are no limits to contributions in State elections, but the City of Houston has a $5000 limit, therefore the $35,000 loan is off by $30,000. Fraga should immediately return the $30,000 otherwise he has an unfair and illegal advantage over his opponents. The loan is from a relative and was made at 5% interest which is an incredible deal considering the current interest rates.

It make cents
The TEC rule makes a lot of sense. For instance, let's say a donor is flush with money and wants to get around the $5000 limit. Instead of him and his wife donating $5000 each, he just gives the candidate a $200,000 "loan". After the candidate wins he can simply write the loan off. Bingo! A giant loophole!

Chris Daniel
Over the last few years we have seen some crazy loan manipulations especially with Chris Daniel. Daniel lent himself through various means over $199,000, but in Harris County elections there is no limit to donations. So Daniel is in the clear.

Unless he is money laundering, or claiming invalid tax deductions.

Texas Ethics Commission under Sunset review

2011-10-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Texas Ethics Commission is currently under a Sunset Commission review. From the announcement:

The mission and performance of the Texas Ethics Commission is currently being reviewed by the Legislature as required under the Texas Sunset Act. The Act provides that the Sunset Commission, composed of legislators and public members, periodically evaluate a state agency to determine if the agency is still needed, and what improvements are needed to ensure that state funds are well spent.

Key dates:

Nov 21 2011 Suggested deadline for comments
March 2012 Sunset Commission files a report
April 2012 Public testimony taken on the report
Jan 2013 Legislature acts on the report

If you are interested in providing information or commenting on the Sunset review you can contact the Sunset Commission at:

Sunset Advisory Commission
C/O Karl Spock, Sunset staff
P.O. Box 13066
Austin, Texas 78711
512/463-1300
Fax: 512/463-0705
Email: sunset@sunset.state.tx.us

Texas Progressive Alliance blog roundup

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance is occupying your browser as it brings you this week's roundup.

Off the Kuff took a look at demographic change in one of Houston's historic neighborhoods.

Harold Cook at Letters From Texas takes a look back at old friend Molly Ivins, when he reviews a new book just released about her. His conclusion: "if you ever spent evenings with Molly, reading the book will give you the gift of spending one more. Even better, if you never got to spend that evening with Molly, you're in luck - after reading the book, you'll feel just like you did."

Bay Area Houston has an interesting audio clip of Teabag darling Galveston County Tax Assessor, Cheryl Johnson.

Justice finally starts to come for man falsely convicted 25 yreas ago in Williamson County. WCNews at Eye On Williamson has the story, Michael Morton walks free after 25 years behind bars.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme says Texas Republicans hate the elderly, workers, children and women.

Occupy Houston, the solidarity march and protest which grew out of the continuing Occupy Wall Street action, was covered by PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

Neil at Texas Liberal reported on the first day of Occupy Houston. It is great that something hopeful is finally taking place in our politics. The Occupy Wall Street movement gets the idea that the work of freedom and democracy is up to each of us.

At TexasKaos, Libby Shaw tells us "Poor Rick Perry thought he could easily preen, charm and tall tale his way through the 2012 Republican Presidential primary cycle. Unfortunately for the Governor he has not been outside of his impenetrable Texas Republican bubble much. Rick Perry spends so much time with his crony donors that he obviously has no clue what the other 99% of the population believes." She explains why that didn't happen. Read more: Rick Perry: Razzle, Dazzle, Snap, Crackle and Flop.

Rick Perry and Farmers Insurance screws Texans.

2011-10-10T10:59:00.001-05:00

State Farm Insurance and Rick Perry did it a few months ago:

You would think homeowners insured by State Farm would have had enough already, but not it Texas, so State Farm continues to raise their rates, increase their deductibles, and put the screws to them.

They not only raised rates, they raised the deductibles. Now comes Farmers Insurance. From News West 9:

DALLAS (AP) - Farmers Insurance plans to hike homeowner premiums by nearly 10% next year. The increase will apply to about half of the Farmers Insurance customers across Texas, according to a report (http://dallasne.ws/nGGb13 ) in The Dallas Morning News.

Remember what Perry said back in 2002 elections? Well, if you don't, here is something from his press release in 2002 just before the election:

"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."

After Perry's insurance reforms of 2003, removing regulation and endorsing the "free market", Texas has the highest rates of insurance in the country with less coverage and higher deductibles. Lucky for Perry, most homeowners are too stupid to know they have been cheated and too lazy to do anything about it.

Galveston County Tax Assessor Cheryl Johnson gone wild

2011-10-09T10:17:00.002-05:00

Picture is a tad out of date.

A blast from the past.

I found this little jewel of an audio clip of Teabag darling Cheryl Johnson, the Galveston County Tax Assessor. Cheryl is well known for her red faced yelling and screaming rants and I happen to have caught her on tape. Here is what I wrote then:

Here is a clip from the show. In this I was questioning the character of those of the republican right of supporting their candidate for Vice President who has a unwed, pregnant 17 year old. Most so called "conservatives" would have had a religious fit if this would have happened to anyone else, but when it happens to one of their own, well "It's a private matter". How liberal.

Cheryl can be heard in the background yelling at me. Her face was beet red and about to explode. I silenced her with "But when it happens to your party, you guys are now thinking like Liberals!". The show was canceled a few weeks later.

During that show the host repeated a white wing talking point about Texans not running to FEMA like a bunch of crying little bitches like Louisiana did after a hurricane. Unfortunately just before he came into the room Cheryl Johnson was complaining that her application to....wait for it.....FEMA was denied!

Oh the hypocrisy runs deep in the teacup.

SHSU. OUch! UFC 136 and the Aggies

2011-10-09T09:33:00.000-05:00

What a great day of sports!

SHSU vs SFA
First I watched Sam Houston State go 5-0 with a win over Stephan F. Austin in Reliant Stadium. SFA likes to pass (ie had no running game) but as a good friend of mine once said three things can happen when you pass and 2 are not good. And that is what happened with SFA. SHSU over SFA 45-10.

OU vs tu
Then OU routs tu. I'm an Aggie, Class of '78 (and made a better gpa than Rick Perry) The second best thing to happen during football season is tu getting their ass kicked. That happened yesterday with a score of 55-17. I shouldn't revel in the demise of a fellow Texas team, but it's in the blood, although I expect it to get more complicated since my son is applying to the University of Texas.

UFC 136
Then off to UFC 136 at the Toyota Center in Houston. I've been to a number of big fights in Las Vegas, Hagler Leonard, Hearns Hill, Chavez Camacho, and many more but this was my first UFC fight. And it was great, even in the cheap seats. The view could have been better, but if all you are interested in is watching the fights then stay at home. One of the best UFC cards I have ever seen.

A&M vs TTU
Then the Aggies win over Texas Tech. Tough game as always. Tech has always given A&M a hell of a fight. Always an entertaining game, this time with A&M outscoring TTU 45-40. With A&M moving to the SEC this will be the last scheduled game between the two.

SHSU wins. Aggies win. UFC was great. tu lost. Not a bad Saturday of sports. Now for the Texans....

Sow you can't reap?

2011-10-07T06:08:00.001-05:00

This is what happens when simple minded, hate filled, people attempt to solve a very complicated immigration problem. From Fox News Latino (which helped cause this problem in the first place)

Atlanta – Georgia's agricultural industry lost tens of millions of dollars last harvest and many farmers say they will plant less in the upcoming season due to a labor shortage triggered by a strict immigration law, two new studies show.

The Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association released the preliminary results of its probe into the economic impact of HB 87, which it says has caused nearly $140 million in losses.

I have absolutely no pity for Georgia farmers. They didn't speak out before they passed their immigration bill about their need for cheap labor. They didn't call for a comprehensive solution. Instead they hid behind their corn stalks hoping that ignorance and hate wouldn't destroy their, crops, livelihood or profit margins.

Here in Texas Governor Perry crushed every immigration bill during the 2011 legislation session and for all the wrong reasons. He wasn't concerned about families who have lived here for decades being torn apart or their kids who are productive citizens of the Country. Instead he was concerned only about profit margins of the home builders, restaurant owners and the chicken pluckers.

In Georgia they weren't that smart or slick. And now they reap what they sow.

Or not.

What your city taxes pay for, an online tool

2011-10-06T07:18:00.000-05:00

This is a pretty cool online tool provided by the City of Houston. Put in your appraisal value and the tool provides a breakdown of your tax dollars.

From the Houston Chronicle:

Councilwoman Melissa Noriega attached an amendment to this year's $1.8 billion general fund budget mandating the tool.

"People should know where their taxes go," Noriega said. "Taxes aren't really just money, they're an investment in your city. This website is going to allow you to see where that investment goes and what it does."

Another of Rick Perry's privatization failures: Accenture

2011-10-06T06:22:00.000-05:00

Rick Perry is running around the country claiming less regulation, low taxes, and privatization of services provided by the State is what created his Texas miracle. Well, here is one privatization scheme that cost Texas hundreds of millions and failed so miserably that the Legislature had to eventually stop it in it's track. I wrote about it here, and here.

Accenture
What is harder to notice is the cost of services provided by your taxes. Case in point, the failed privatization of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) championed by State Representative John Davis of Clear Lake. As the Editorial Board of the Austin Statesmen stated: [no longer an active link]
An $899 million contract was signed with a business alliance led by a major consulting company, Accenture. Hundreds of state eligibility workers were told to prepare to lose their jobs; some did and others began leaving rather than wait. To make a long story short, the experiment failed. In fact, it failed so badly that the state and Accenture agreed to end the contract last spring, and the Legislature later made provisions to try to salvage the state’s eligibility work force.
This privatization experiment was a complete and total disaster, to the point that Davis had a "come to Jesus" (heh-suzs) moment, signing on to a bill filed and championed by Representative Sylvester Turner to restore funding for CHIP and to stop the privatization in it's track. Davis did not work this bill. He did not champion this bill. He simply signed onto the bill and then took credit for it's success. Credit for causing the problem in the first place.

The article sums the situation appropriately:
What’s not debatable is that this attempt to run state government more like a business failed. And the price for that failure is being paid by taxpayers, the state workers and poor people who truly need the help.
With the disastrous mismanagement of tax dollars and hard earned wages, the middle class, tax paying, Texas citizens can no longer afford to be republicans.

Yep. That is Rick Perry. The Snake Oil Salesman.

A flock of loons in Houston City elections

2011-10-03T20:57:00.000-05:00

Elections in Houston can attract a number of loons. Here is my flock of loons for 2011:

Mayor:
Dave Wilson tops the list of loons. Wilson has questioned Mayor Parkers family values as he is living in his business address because he has separated from his wife. Dave should just do the right thing and quit being a hypocrite or just quit.

At Large Position 1
James Partsch-Galvan. This guy can be a flock of loons all by himself. Very strange individual. Not quite sure why he wants to run nor really care. Do yourself a favor and do not add him as a facebook friend.

At Large Position 2
Eric Dick. If you ever spend 10 minutes to listen to him talk about why he is running you will want two things: 1) Your 10 minutes back, and 2) A shower. With kerosone.

District E
Mike Sullivan. Mike is the lone loon in his race with no opponent. Sullivan isn't a easy guy to like. He's like a duck that craps on your head then wants to be invited for dinner.

For now that is the list of loons running for City elections. Depending upon what the rest of the candidates do in the next few weeks there might be more loons flying overhead.

Update on the Clear Lake Golf Course

2011-10-03T20:06:00.000-05:00

A few years back I helped John Branch put out hand made signs for Board of Directors of the Clear Lake Water Authority. At the time, 3 of the seats were being challenged by developer friendly opponents. They spent tens of thousands of dollars and were absolutely crushed by a 4 to 1 margin. John and his fellow Board Members have served Clear Lake well. Here is an update from John concerning the Clear Lake Golf Course:

Public Access:
Signs were posted on the property in May which gives public access to the area during daylight hours. There are some provisions such as no motorized vehicles, no fires, no overnight camping, etc.

Mowing:
A contractor has been hired who will mow once a month during the winter months and twice a month during the spring, summer and fall.

Public Input:
We do plan to have a town hall meeting to get input from the community, however some engineering and financing commitments need to be lined up first for the pond construction. We have met once with County Commissioner Morman in June. We have a follow up meeting with him tomorrow prior to meeting with the Harris County Flood Control District. In addition to a lot of engineering questions such as how the current drainage ditches impact the ponds, impact of oil/'chemical pipeline crossings, and depths, we also need to secure the county commitment for funding of dirt removal spread out over several years. We also need to work out the legal issues of CLCWA owning the property, the county putting in and maintaining the detention ponds, and the city installing and maintaining recreational amenities.

Clean-up and Grooming:
A local church has requested and been given permission to sponsor a community service day for their members. They normally have over 1,000 members attend this one day event. We are looking at the second Saturday in November. Some of the projects will include clearing of under brush on the property, clearing out the brush and small trees along the banks of the former water traps, etc. Once they have finalized their plan, there will be information published.

Dead Trees:
Sixty six dead trees were identified and marked when the CLCWA took posession of the property last May. Those trees had died during the period when the golf course was closed. During the summer, those trees were cut down and removed. Due to the extreme drought, over 40 more trees have died. These have been marked and will be removed in the next few months.

State Rep John "Yacht Man" Davis surprised by Texas $27 Billion deficit

2011-10-03T06:38:00.000-05:00

While billions were being cut from Texas schools, State Representative John Davis (R-Houston) was busy fighting for his constituents, Theodore Howard III and his wife Muffy, to give them a tax break on selling of their $Million yacht. Davis was ridiculed across the nation and even his own Tea Party refused to pass his bill.

Yet he brags about it in an article by the Bay Area Citizen:

Admitting that it was misunderstood, he explained that it notonly helps those buying yachts, but people who work on yachts orsell gas and other products to yacht owners.

As Muffy said:

"It also helps Consuelo who cleans the toilets and cooks our roasted duck with mango salsa. And don't forget our young, strong, deck hands. Where would they be without our much needed tax breaks?"

Davis shouldn't act so *&^damn surprised. In 2005 he created the Business Margins tax that was to offset the huge property tax cut he created. Yet in 2006 the Comptroller warned him and the Governor that this scheme would create an estimated $23 Billion budget crater. Davis didn't listen. And he didn't care.

The crater turned out to be $27 billion resulting in a $4B cut in education. In the article Davis warns about another huge deficit coming in 2013, another one that the Comptroller warned him about. This time it starts at $10 Billion and could easily go higher.

Especially if Muffy and Theodore gets their tax break.

Should County Commissioner Jerry Eversole get jail time?

2011-10-03T06:22:00.001-05:00

Former Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and has agreed to resign and not run for elected office for the next 10 years. His partner in crime, Michael Surface also sang. From the Houston Chronicle:

Houston developer Michael Surface told a federal judge Friday that he intended to influence Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole with roughly $100,000 in cash and gifts in what Department of Justice prosecutors had alleged was a bribery scheme to land county contracts

And.....

During Eversole's trial in March, prosecutors said Surface paid for trips, $35,000 for antique firearms with ivory pistol grips and $63,000 for the final payment on a $180,000 piece of land Eversole bought.

You have to wonder if these were the same antique firearms he bought with his donors money. As a felon, Eversole cannot own or buy guns again and come Jan 4 he will be sentenced for lying. If any other person in Harris county lied to the FBI what could we expect for a sentence? Probation? Jail time?

What would a former Commissioner with a high powered, expensive, lawyer, paid with his campaign donor's money, get? Or what should he get?

If it was Harris County, he would get a pass, as they have done in the past. The Tea Party talks tough on crime except when it's one of their own, but this is a federal case and a federal judge that will hand down Eversole's sentence. The judge could do us all a favor and sentence Eversole to at least 3 years in the pen.

But.....don't be holding out for a fair sentence. I bet he gets 10 years probation and a hefty fine.

Paid with his donor's money.

Moon pie in the sky

2011-09-30T07:58:00.001-05:00

Sometimes marketing gets in the way of sound science. Good for the guys at SpaceX for their fresh ideas, but pullllll-eaze.....

Teabaggers are down with Dick

2011-09-28T20:25:00.000-05:00

Eric Dick, the strange candidate for Houston City Council At Large 2, is the focus of the City of Houston calling for fines for illegally placed campaign signs. Dick is very well known for putting his Dick 30 ft in the air on utility poles as well as on any empty lot fence he can find. From ABC 13:

But it doesn't matter who posted the signs. Parker says the city spends $450,000 a year removing bandit signs from city rights of way and that's got to stop.

"Enough is enough. We're going to crack down, and we are going to be sending a notice out to all of the campaigns reminding them that this is already in city ordinance," Parker said.

She has a good point. Lucky for Eric, the teabag community (well, at least one teabag blogger) has decided to support Dick.

I kinda like this guy because he isn't afraid to get out there and fight. Oh, and he's also very creative.

I guess he can proudly wear the "I Like Dick" campaign button.

Todd Staples does the immigration dance with the Texas Tribune

2011-09-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if the Texas Tribune is becoming Fox New in print.

Todd Staples held a press conference with former General Barry R. McCaffrey to discuss immigration. Over the last decade Staples never took the time to raise this issue to his buddy in the White House, George W. Bush or the Congress controlled by his own party.

But today is different. Today he is running for Lt Governor and like most flat head republicans he is swinging wildly at the immigration pinata, being praised by those waiting for something to happen. But nothing ever does, just like all the immigration bills his party killed this last session while having complete control of the House and Senate. In the end, the pinata survives for another election cycle.

And why would he want to solve this problem when his largest donor says not to? Of course receiving $500,000 from Bob Perry, the home builder, probably doesn't have a thing to do with Staples sitting on the sidelines and letting the immigration problem go unchecked over the last decade.

Bob Perry's position on immigration is pretty well known, wanting a complete and diverse workforce to build his homes, and make no mistake about Staple's position in relation to Bob Perry:

He suggested a guest worker program should be considered to ensure a complete and diverse workforce.

I think Staples position is very clear. And I think I could write for the Tribune.

Rick Perry's press release archives to be taken offline

2011-09-26T08:19:00.004-05:00

Look for Rick Perry's press release archive to be taken offline in the near future because it is full of conflicting information. For instance at his debate he claimed he was vocally opposed to Bush's No Child Left Behind, but according to a press release in his online archive: (thanks to Opposing Views)

“Texas was a model for President Bush’s No Child Left Behind legislation, and we continue to lead the nation in innovative solutions to improve our schools,” Perry said. “The U.S. Department of Education’s stamp of approval means we can move forward with our plan to improve early childhood education, dropout prevention, teaching excellence, science education and our schools’ use of technology.”

Oops. Once again Perry's record doesn't match his rhetoric, but if he is allowed to continue to say things that just aren't true, his tea party members will continue to believe him and he will clinch the Tea Party nomination.

The education system here in Texas is legendary, a perfect model of what not to do for education. This can be said about every reform Rick Perry has ushered into the state, insurance, electricity, tort reform, college tuition, and many many more. And his archive press releases are treasure trove of information.

Look for it to go away soon.

Debate: Perry weak and wrong on immigration

2011-09-23T07:19:00.002-05:00

Could it be catching up to Rick Perry, attempting to play both sides of an issue? Claiming to have a miracle state awash in jobs, yet needing a miracle to solve his $27B shortfall in revenue. Blaming big bad government, then begging big bad government for emergency help for wildfires? And talking tough about immigration, yet doing nothing about it.

Weak
Perry has been talking tough about immigration for the last couple of elections, yet pleasing his donors by protecting their cheap workforce. In the last legislation session with absolutely complete control of the House and Senate, he caved once again to his donors to kill his sanctuary bill as well as all other Arizona style type of legislation.

And Wrong.
Perry's opposition to his own bills are not because he is concerned about the economy of Texas, or the affect on families who have worked here for decades, or any humanitarian reasons. His opposition to his own legislation is based upon his donors who depend upon the cheap labor force. (See his donor's OP-ED to the Dallas Morning News on immigration) He is opposed to his own immigration laws for all the wrong reasons.

Makes you Stong?
Perry's tough talk gets him so far within his own party, but now they are realizing exactly what Perry is selling. Even his own Tea Party is fed up with his kowtowing to his donors on immigration.

“This is an issue that is simmering and bubbling up to the surface … We are tired of lip service. We are fed up. We are fed up, too, Gov. Perry,” Texas Tea Party Caucus Advisory Committee chair JoAnn Fleming of Tyler said Monday.

That is Rick Perry, a Texas sized slippery Snake Oil salesman. All hair and no cattle. How long will the Tea Party continue to buy into this?

Did Perry throw Jay Kimbrough under the A&M bus?

2011-09-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

In the Corps of Cadets we had a name for those who screwed fellow Aggies for personal gain, "buddy *&^%er". This is what Jay Kimbrough, the former Deputy Chancellor of the Texas A&M System, might be calling Rick Perry.
You see, Kimbrough had his stupid ass escorted out of Texas A&M by the campus cops after being told his $300,000 job was not longer needed. (Republican budget cuts are a bitch!) From the Seattle PI:

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A longtime adviser to Gov. Rick Perry, upset over his abrupt firing at a Texas university, admitted Thursday he told staff he would surrender his office keys only if "anyone is man enough to take them" — all while brandishing a pocketknife in what police called a "nonthreatening" way.

John Sharp, another Aggie and appointed by Governor Perry was the one that deemed Kimbrough's services were no longer needed at Texas A&M. So it was Sharp who did the dirty work and drove the Perry Express right over Kimbrough dumb ass.

Hence the title Governor Rick, Buddy *&^%er, Perry.