Comment on Hill Country Views

Wow, I thought that I was the only one who felt that way! I do not think that we are trying to descriminate in any way, but I absolutely think that there needs to be a variety of tests for various types of individuals. There should be a periodic test for the elderly, and those who have just obtained their license should be re-tested within two years. Immigrants should also be tested for their knowledge of local traffic laws and their driving skills as well. Also, those with prior convictions of DWI or DUI should be blood tested before being allowed the privaledge to take the wheel again.

http://shanefinnegan.blogspot.com/2008/04/get-out-way.html

Hope for Texas Democrats

Hooray for Texas Democrats, you might feel like you won the lottery. The announcement by Governor Rick Perry, regarding his future plans to seek re-election in 2010, may have elicited a bit of elation from those seeking change. Many factors may have led to his statement, but after being asked about the possibility of running against fellow Republicans United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Perry quipped, “I don’t know about them, but it will be Perry in 2010.” It appears that the Governor wanted to throw his hat into the ring early and give his opponents the opportunity to plan for the future. This could be a tactic that could backfire for our longest tenured state leader.
Many factors could have driven Governor Perry to this early announcement. During the election of 2006 many intriguing possibilities were available to the people of Texas. Candidates ranging from the conservative Perry, to the liberal author/musician Kinky Friedman, to the most legitimate contender, Chris Bell, were available for election. Perry won, by a 39 percent vote, and narrowly defeated Bell and the others. This poor showing in the populous vote leads many to believe that Perry is ripe for defeat; the question is, “by whom?”
Maybe this was an attempt to garner more support for the Governors' campaign by forcing the hand of his possible future opponents. An announcement by Hutchinson to vacate her seat in the Senate could lead Dewhurst to seek her position, essentially excluding the Lt. Gov. This could also be an announcement to those at the Capital that the Governor intends to see through the promises and policies set forth by his administration.
Whatever the intentions, this heads-up to voters who seek change allows for ample time to mount a plan of attack to thwart any re-election bid. Democrats may be able to find a worthy opponent between now and November 2010. It also gives the good Governor a chance to build on that 39 percent.

Comment on Anna's Blog

This is a very good point to discuss. Those who are trying to become more educated seem to be paying the price to attain this goal. Many of those who seek a higher education will be those very individuals who will be asked to lead this great state, and nation back to the forefront of global leadership. On the other side we must consider those less fortunate, who cannot afford an education, and the brilliant minds which may never be nurtured, because of the ever increasing costs of tuition. I, as well, am a returning (older, to be honest) student, and I have seen the costs of education and oil steadily increase, and I have no doubt that when Americans become less reliant on fossil fuels and more reliant on the brilliant minds of our people, then we will discover a way to change the world through inexpensive education.

http://annaspoliticalpage.blogspot.com/2008/03/according-to-fort-worths-star-telegrams.html

Desperate Cry For Attention

While thumbing through the local fish wrap, I noticed a tiny article which screamed loudly for attention. "Local Republicans Expect Record Convention Turnout" was the headline which led one to believe that the droves of Republicans overcrowding the streets might need to be subdued. As the gears slowly started to turn I realized the importance of such an excited announcement...this is the weekend for the Travis County Democratic Convention, and also the Republican Convention. Since most of the general public is wrapped up in the Democratic nomination for President, the Republican Presidential nomination of Senator John McCain seems to be old news. The excitement exuded by this article seems to be overshadowed by the apparent need for attention by both the author and the Republican party.
The excitement in announcing the Republican Convention cannot hide the lack of support for the GOP as a whole. Numbers rarely lie, and the nearly 3 to 1 ratio (Dems to Reps) of those attending each parties respective convention shows the true enthusiasm for change across the board. The passion being shown in Hays and Travis Counties are an example of the winds of change sweeping the nation.
While many could say media coverage of the Democratic Convention has been a bit abundant, the same could be said about the lack of coverage of the GOP side. However, the excitement in the GOP convention was lost when Senator McCain became the leader in delegates. The excitement still remains on the Democratic side of the political spectrum, not only for the announcement of the presidential nominee, but for the change in control which will inevitably be wrested from the GOP.
The classless attack on the civility of the Democratic process of nomination by Rosemary Edwards, the new leader of the Travis County Republican Party, only seemed to reinforce the desperation of the GOP. This is coming from a group who's idea of civil duty is to nominate a leader who is a war monger. The plea, excuse me, the announcement by Edwards that the majority of attention was on the Democratic Convention, but that Republicans were excited also, was a poor attempt to be recognized. Never fear, poor (and I do not mean financially) Republicans, Hays and Travis Counties know you are around, but the numbers are showing, on a local and national scale, that we just do not care anymore. Americans want change, and the only way to achieve that goal is with a Democratic majority.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/03/28/0328gopconventions.html

Genius of Exaggeration

For many individuals, the ability to find a laugh throughout the day can be a difficult task. Many Central Texans can find solace in the brilliant satire of the great Ben Sargent, a political cartoonist for the Austin American Statesman. Mr. Sargent's work can be admired on a daily basis in the Editorial and Opinion sections. The different National and Local situations which are satirized not only make one chuckle, but also create a certain awareness of the direction of our government, and our great nation.
Recently for Texans, the Democratic Primary and Caucus brought out droves of voters, ready to make their voice heard. What appeared to be an easy task, ended up becoming a fiasco, with accusations of fraudulent voter registry, to strong armed tactics allegedly being elicited by one of the sides involved in the race.
It has become an unfortunate situation for the voters of Texas, that the magnificent display of one of our greatest rights as citizens of the United States, the ability to elect our leaders through a popular vote, has now been bastardized. What should be as simple as casting a single vote for one's candidate of choice, is now a two-step process which wastes the very important time of hard-working Texans.
Mr. Sargent brings a different perspective to the table in an effort to relieve the anger experienced by those first voting in the Primaries and then completing the Caucus process. The numerous steps illustrated by the artist, greatly exaggerate the two-step process, allowing the reader to gain a satirical perspective on how complicated, or not, the process is. While the Nation slowly rolls into a recession, the ability to smile will still be one of our greatest assets. Suffrage is another asset we have as Americans, and the process may be difficult, but if that right is not exercised, then even more may be lost, including the freedom of speech exhibited by great minds like Ben Sargent.



http://www.statesman.com/opinion/content/editorial/sargent/index.html

"Silly Season" for the Travis County DA

Former DA Earle’s alleged Improprieties Spice Up Silly Season

Former Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle and current First Assistant DA Rosemary Lehmberg are faced with allegations which could negatively affect Lehmberg’s campaign for the Office of the District Attorney. Rick Reed, a former employee at the DA’s office and current candidate for the Office of the District Attorney, brought the issue to light recently and wants the public to know about it. The charges stem from a settlement negotiated with four indicted businesses that engaged in illegal campaign contributions. The decision to bring up this issue during election time brings to mind Senator Barack Obama, U.S. Presidential hopeful, and his reference in the recent University of Texas Debate, to the “silly season” of politics.
In 2002, the Republican Majority took control of the Texas House of Representatives, and with that takeover came an investigation into Republican campaign contributions. During this investigation Earle’s office discovered that the corporations in question tried to sway the democratic process. In Texas it is illegal for corporations to spend money on political activities except in limited circumstances.
After the discovery of these improprieties, Earle and his staff settled, albeit questionably, with the corporations. This “settlement” amounted to a $250,000 donation to an educational program “about the role of corporations in American democracy”. Many observers felt that the prosecution did, indeed have the education of the general public in mind when it decided on such a settlement.
Reed, on the other hand did not. Shortly after the settlement was reached and the case dismissed, Reed informed Earle of his disapproval of the type of settlement through e-mails citing his “grave concerns”.
As the money remains unspent, a portion of which is in a trust fund, and the rest is with the UT LBJ School of Law, it appears the information pertaining to this improper act and the maelstrom it will create is just getting started. Ah, the “silly season”…that subtle reminder to get to the polls.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/02/22/0222dismissals.html

Winds of Change Bring Drama

For Texas Democrats the anticipation of becoming a factor in the US Presidential nomination is mounting. March 4th will come soon enough for Texans, but for now the focus is on the other remaining primaries. With New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama traversing the nation in search of the endorsement from remaining delegates, the race for the Republican nomination seeems to be coming to a close. Former Massachussets Governor Mitt Romney withdrew from the race leaving Arizona Senator John McCain as the front-runner, with Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee painfully trailing along. The lack of suspense leads one to believe that on the Republican side, John McCain should be their nomination, and as for the Democrats, that is a different story. The battle between Clinton and Obama may even come down to the wire and be decided by Ohio and/or Texas. The main point of this article is to inform individuals of the current state of our nation, and the nationwide race to secure the nomination for each party. This process educates the general public on the level of dedication needed to campaign across the United States and it also gives insight as to where the nomination will go in each parties respective camp.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5525168.html