Same Blog, Different Day

District Viewer

2011-11-23T18:49:00.001-06:00

According to the newly drawn Texas House map, here are the Latino population numbers for Harris County districts:District 126 - 21.5%District 127 - 19.2%District 128 - 33.8%District 129 - 24.5%District 130 - 22.9%District 131 - 44.3%District 132 - 34.2%District 133 - 17.6%District 134 - 16.4%District 135 - 40.5%District 137 - 52.0%District 138 - 47.2%District 139 - 40.1%District 140 - 74.3%District 141 - 36.4%District 142 - 43.3%District 143 - 75.7%District 144 - 75.1%District 145 - 71.3%District 146 - 41.6%District 147 - 21.8%District 148 - 75.4%District 149 - 29.6%District 150 - 22.3%

In support of Commissioner Janiece Longoria

2010-11-15T17:50:00.006-06:00

On Wednesday morning, Houston City Council will vote on Position 7 at the Houston Port Authority. This is a Council appointment but Mayor Parker and her administration are working District Council Members pretty hard to support the Mayor's preferred candidate. All of the usual political favors are on the table and promises have been made. I'd like to remind everyone that the budget is not being met, the City is discussing lay offs and furloughs, and no one should count on favors when there is no money.

With that said, I am steadfast in my support of Commissioner Janiece Longoria's re-appointment to the Port Authority. She is a great example of Hispanic success and a needed voice for diversity on the Commission. I must stand with my fellow Latina, because if we can't count on each other, who can we count on? Comadres stick together, and that's the way it is.

It is a shame that the Hispanic community allows ourselves to be divided for bogus political arguments on items of such great importance. Mayor Parker may succeed in her efforts to remove Commissioner Longoria, which would be a big political win for her, but it will come at a great loss - for the second time in as many weeks - for the Hispanic community.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to save the Hispanic presence on the Port Commission. We did the right thing and we can only hope that the leadership will stand up for our community at Council on Wednesday.

P.S. If you're looking for the Houston Chronicle article on the agenda item, you won't find it. Written by Jenalia Moreno, it is no longer available online.

From the No Sh*t, Sherlock Department:

2010-11-14T16:45:00.005-06:00

After a tough Election Day on November 2nd, Democrats are re-surfacing to take a look at the damage done and to assess what remains. The obvious things are that we got out with our lives, it was just an election and not the end of the world. The losses in Harris County are deep and devastating, and if we don't learn from our many mistakes then we will not recover from 2010 for a long, long time.

It's interesting, though. There are lots of fingers pointed at the Latino community. Some blame Latinos for not voting in Texas, but the critics are silent after the numbers come out. Rick Perry picked up 48% of the Hispanic vote. Latino Republicans were elected to the Texas Legislature and to Congress. The Latino vote matters and when you ask for that vote, you get it.

Get it?

Latinos saved the United States Senate for the Democrats with our voting strength in Nevada, Colorado and California. Why the hell can't that happen in Texas? Let's get real here. Bill White's campaign focused on moderate Anglos who made up their minds last year that they were voting a straight Republican ticket this year. There was no way that Bill White was going to change the heart and mind of that voter. And you can't grow more like-minded, moderate white voters in a lab at A&M. It doesn't work like that.

But you can register a whole bunch of eligible new voters in an exploding population. Hispanics haven't been engaged yet. But get to them fast, because unfortunately Hispanics have the same bad American habits of watching Glenn Beck and Fox News.

Until Democrats focus on the Latino vote in Texas, we will continue to sustain losses. It's that simple.

Something to share

2010-04-26T19:07:00.005-05:00

By now you've heard about the commotion caused by angry, dried up old racists out in Arizona. Unfortunately, there's a brown child who voted against his own interests in the Arizona State Legislature. He appeared on the CBS Evening News defending SB1070, because, who better to tell Latinos "not to worry" about being discriminated against, but another Latino?

I wrote Representative Steve Montenegro an e-mail and wanted to share with you, Reader. And you know who you are. Enjoy!

To: smontenegro@azleg.gov
Date: Mon, Apr 26, 2010 at 6:01 PM
Subject: Desgraciado

You ought to be ashamed of yourself for appearing on CBS Evening News carrying the water for white people who have as much regard for you, a little brown boy, as they do the protesters outside of the Capitol.

No matter how many times you cast a vote to humiliate, dehumanize and criminalize your own people, law -abiding U.S. citizens and residents, you will NEVER be white or white enough for Republicans.

I also think that it's quite telling that you have omitted biographical information on your House website. But I get that. You wouldn't want to tip off your masters in the Arizona GOP that you're actually not Anglo, although your dark hair, skin and features would be reasons enough to question your right to be at the Capitol at any given time.

You may want to start carrying your own papers. Representative.

Just an FYI.

Under the radar

2010-02-10T15:07:00.002-06:00

I don't have anything to say. If anything comes up that I have an opinion on, you'll be the first to know.

But thank you for reminding me that I haven't posted anything in a while. Half of the intent was to take some of the heat off of me and to www.moveon.org after a contentious election cycle, and the other half is about me not having much to say. It's nice flying under the radar.

Before I started this blog, several well-meaning friends and even a few of my mentors urged me to write about my thoughts on the political happenings in Our Town. After a couple of years of typing my opinions into perpetuity, I've been advised not to write at all and to shut this blog down because there are people in high places who don't like what I have to say. And to that, I say, ya vez?! Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it. I've angered many but I've also been thanked for sticking my neck out. One person has chosen to distance herself from me altogether, and that's completely fine with me, because at least I know where I stand.

Just to be clear, my boss has not asked me to shut my mouth. In fact, he told me that he was proud of me and of my work and appreciates the fact that I didn't just sit down and shut up when "advised."

So ... move along, folks. Nothing to see here - YET!

Merry Christmas, Y'all

2009-12-24T20:51:00.000-06:00

Robert Earl Keen says it best! And FYI, you've got about 15 minutes 'til Specs closes...

2009 didn't completely suck

2009-12-13T15:09:00.002-06:00

For one, we won our election! Council Member Edward Gonzalez will be sitting at his seat in Council Chambers for a full term.

He is one of my dearest friends and one of the best persons you could ever meet. Working for him was pretty great. He is an awesome boss, and I am loyal to him come hell or high water.

I must confess that after that grueling campaign, I really did lose enthusiasm for elective politics. On the positive side, I can no longer say that I hate Republicans, because I don't. Edward's campaign taught me that we really must work together to win and to make Houston a better place to live for everyone. Two of his best friends in the world are Republicans and they put their whole hearts into getting Ed elected. In the process, one friend has begun laying the foundation for his own campaign, several years from now.

I'm still a Democrat. I still believe in the Democratic party. However, I realize that the Democratic party is severely lacking in engaging Hispanics in Texas and especially right here in Harris County. Sure, some of it is cultural. Latinos have a distrust for politics because they don't see how it directly affects their lives. It doesn't help that the national Democrats completely ignored Texas last year and showed complete disregard for Latino voters.

The Harris County Democratic Party Chair once observed out loud to me that there were no Latinos at his stupid nighttime brown bag event. It's usually the same old white liberals with no small children at home and no second jobs who are able to attend the boring shit at HCDP headquarters. "Didn't they get the email?" He wondered. For one, people are struggling to stay in their homes and feed their families. It's a bad economy and Latinos are taking a hit just like everyone else. Latinos are younger, have more kids and don't really see the value of hearing Gerry Birnberg talk for a hour about the topic of the month. If Latinos made it to HCDP, would you have someone there to address them in Spanish or talk about the issues that concern them? There is a huge disconnect that is very offensive.

I'm really sick of Democrats who blame Latinos for not voting in higher numbers in elections. How about doing some outreach, and I don't mean hiring a token employee to placate a few elected officials. How about admitting that the future of this state, the future of THIS COUNTRY is a brown face whose surname will likely end in a "z" or a vowel?

White liberals are enjoying their day in the sun right now, as they should. They should know that it will not last if they don't stop ignoring Latinos. There are simply not enough white liberals to carry the Democratic party to continuing victories. Wake up.

A tribute to Steven Andrew Martinez

2009-12-03T14:58:00.001-06:00

This is my friend Steven, who we lovingly called "Little Stevie." He was the baby of the Ed Gonzalez Campaign family. Today, Stevie is being called home to God. I last spoke to him right after my birthday and I miss him so much.

There are no good reasons why the life of a strong young person like Stevie should end so suddenly. While Stevie was pouring his heart into life, his strong beautiful heart was under attack by undetected stage 4 lymphoma. It just doesn't make sense.

I will remember him for the loving, joyful and happy boy who saw the good in everyone, who refused to have enemies and always tried, tried again after setbacks in his young life. He will always live in my heart and I will honor my little baby, my angel, Steven Andrew Martinez as long as I live.

Thankful

2009-11-27T13:36:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful for my health and grateful that I have avoided serious injury or illness. It's not the pain and suffering that scares me. It's the financial ruin that would be sure to follow because I don't have health insurance. I'm hopeful that this is the last Thanksgiving that many of us will be in this predicament.

I'm grateful for my family and my baby niece, Avery. She is the blessing we've prayed for in our family and I'm so happy that I get to teach her everything I know. She already likes to test her vocal chords and loves watching football like her favorite tia.

I am thankful that Barack Obama is our President, that we have a great chance at electing a Democrat to statewide office in Texas, and that I have a job to look forward to in the new year. I am hopeful that you find a job, too, if you're looking.

And to reiterate...

2009-11-15T15:08:00.000-06:00

I found this post by Burka over at Texas Monthly, and I think it's safe to say that anyone with any credibility agrees that Steven Hotze is a vile human being. It would not serve any campaign well to be associated with that guy, and everyone knows it, even Burka.

To whom it may concern...

2009-11-15T02:05:00.139-06:00

It's been an interesting 24 hours since Brad Olson's ~~opinion piece~~ report on that douchebag Steven Hotze and his plans to attack Annise Parker.

Disclosure: I've spent lots of time at the Locke campaign, although I am not on staff. I want Gene to win, so I've been doing what I can despite losing money I don't have and getting myself in debt by hanging out over there instead of looking for a job.

A couple of the kids at the Locke campaign get twisted, sometimes, about the Twitter and FB chatter that continously slams Gene Locke. I really don't pay attention to the shit-talkers who support Annise Parker because it's basically one big circle-jerk, or as my dad would say, they're just smelling each others' farts. I've been personally attacked and accused of all kinds of crazy things because I have the nerve not to support Parker. And no, I do not support Annise Parker, and no, I will not vote for her, and no, I will not be bullied or pressured into backing off of my support for Gene Locke.

Some people have been floating a petition around to HCDP clubs and organizations asking that we pledge to support only Democrats in the December 12th Runoff Election. Before I sign anything like that, I'd like to get assurances from these Democrats that they will stop trashing other Democrats who don't support their candidate. Gene Locke is a good and decent man, like I've said before, and if I were on the Locke campaign, I would do things much differently in responding to these attacks by the Parker campaign. Alas, it's not my campaign, and I can only speak for myself.

It's actually a brilliant strategy by the Parker camp. Call Gene Locke a gay-baiter by painting a picture of him as Steven Hotze's BFF and then dispatch your shit-talkers to tell everyone that the Locke campaign is "desperate" and spreading "hate" while you play the victim. It's funny to me how everyone gets his panties in a bunch over the idea that Annise Parker is under attack by homophobes, but no one really said much about her showing up at a failed anti-immigrant hearing at City Hall a few weeks ago. I guess it's okay to shit all over Latinos, because that type of intolerance is okay if you are a white progressive.

Steven Hotze is irrelevant and so are his politics, which Gene denounced Saturday. Attempts to align Hotze with the Locke campaign serves Annise Parker well in painting her opponent as anything but the respectful and kind person that Gene Locke really is. Instead of getting to know Gene, his accusers generalize and speculate, hoping something will stick. I think it's worth mentioning again that Gene Locke is the only candidate for Mayor who supports benefits for same-sex partners while Annise Parker has backed off of that promise.

I received an e-mail today from Robert Jones at Annie's List in Austin. Here it is:

Sandra –

This is a personal message to you (who I first met in 2004 at the March for Women’s Lives) as an acquaintance that is also committed to progressive values. Sandra do you really want to be associated with this? He wants to win so bad that he is willing to associate with people and tactics that must be the polar opposite of your core beliefs. It won’t be an easy thing to do but you should consider publicly disconnecting yourself now. The writing is on the wall…he wont be the next Mayor…but we (Democrats) will all be the losers if this path of enabling and encouraging hate is pursued.

Respectfully,

Robert

I have never been associated with Steven Hotze or Dan Patrick. To tell it like it is, Robert lives in Austin, and personally, I think he should mind his own damn business. As the Annie's List guy, I know why he is involved, but if Annise Parker wins or loses, it is of little consequence to Robert. Like the other outsiders who have involved themselves in the Houston Mayor's race, he doesn't live here. A win gives him room to brag, but a loss means that he sank a bunch of money that could have been used on Legislative candidates in a few months.

I'm not sure how difficult he could make my life if I told Robert to go fly a kite. Truth be told, he hasn't always been pleasant with me since I've known him. It's not like I've had much involvement with Annie's List, anyway, because it's my observation that they do not promote women of color as much as they do their white candidates. Besides that, I'm too fucking old to be an intern, and my people are already in office.

The hardball politics has already been introduced in to the fray but it was not from the Locke campaign. Annise Parker threatened Houston Police and Fire Fighters for not supporting her, but we were supposed to dismiss those threats as "jokes."

It is my belief that Latinos and our concerns will take a back seat at the Mayor's office if Parker wins and that is something that cannot happen. I say this because of the hostility some of us in the Hispanic community have experienced from the Parker camp when things didn't go their way over the course of the campaign. The feeling is that ties were cut, and it's sad and unfortunate, but it also gives me no choice but to double down with our candidate. We've worked too hard for our seats at the table and I'll be damned if we give up any ground in the name of "progress" that works for some but not all.

It's not progress if your focus on equality is for just your friends and for those who identify with you. It's not progress if all are not lifted with you. It is not progress if some constituencies are left behind for refusing to fall in line at their own expense.

Sundays - football makes it better!

2009-11-08T11:43:00.013-06:00

There is campaign work to do along with SUNDAY FOOTBALL and having some of these St. Arnold Lawnmowers in the fridge.

Sunday mornings are for church. In my case, it's George Stephanopoulos and reading the Sunday paper online. In today's Chron, Brad Olsen writes about Gene Locke's "uphill battle" with Annise Parker. Check out the numbers provided by Charles Kuffner.

While numbers don't lie, there is plenty of room for interpretation (or misinterpretation). My brother, ConFrijoles, likes to say that context is everything... so I'm going to give you the election results from last Tuesday with some context.

Attorney Gene Locke made the runoff with 26% of the 19% voter turnout against Annise Parker, whose name has been on the ballot for 15 years; Peter Brown, who spent 3 years and millions of dollars to win 51% of the vote in 2005 for At-Large 1; and perennial candidate Roy Morales.

Gene had never put his name on the ballot before, yet raised enough funds to compete with a popular establishment candidate. Yes, I said it. Anyone who has been in office for 12 years can't run as an outsider. It just doesn't make sense.

The chatter in the www's has been knocking Gene for his multiple endorsements from elected officials and leaders in the Hispanic community, as if we made a mistake in supporting Gene Locke for Mayor. The reality is that Latinos didn't turn out in higher numbers to vote. Of those who did, they did so because they always vote or have a niece/sister/cousin/granddaughter who bugs them or takes them to vote.

Let's face it -- none of the major campaigns made a significant push for the Latino vote because it was not a big part of the winning formula on November 3rd. Latinos were not a base constituency for anyone other than the former IT guy, Roy Morales, and he picked up his share of the Latino vote despite telling Mexicans he'd deport as much of us as possible, if elected.

As a first time candidate, Gene Locke came in second and certainly has his work cut out for him. I'm still puzzled why "some people" knock Gene for his multiple endorsements from community leaders. Or are they knocking Gene? The criticisms of endorsement sometimes seem to be aimed at Locke supporters for not backing the more well-known candidate.

The hostility has been palpable. The accusations of pandering and of "deals" being made for endorsements along with the inanity of "what else have they been promised?!?" only promise to intensify in the run-off. I saw a CNN report featuring Kuffner who told CNN that this election is essentially a battle of personalities, about who is better liked. Candidates aside, I can name about 5 people I am never talking to, ever again, thanks to this election cycle.

Latino voters outperformed the crucial black voting bloc one time -- in 2007's HISD bond election. Look -- I am no statistician. I saw the numbers from Tuesday, and without pulling up the calculator app on my phone, I can see that Locke underperformed in Latino neighborhoods against his opponents. The support for Locke from Latino elected officials is not any more significant than it is for Parker. I've remarked to friends how strange it feels to not have "my people" around me these days -- (Ms. is a Parker supporter, others are staying out of it). At the same time, I am enjoying and taking full advantage of the opportunity to work with Latino community leaders and elected officials on the other side of town. Kumbaya, and all that shit.

My analysis is this:

Annise did well on Tuesday because she's been on the ballot for about 15 years and the motivated city voter recognized it. She also had a significant turnout in her base.
Gene Locke did well because he appealed to his base and was able to hold his own across all parts of the city. He's a newcomer to elected politics but has worked hard in reaching out to all communities.
Peter Brown did not do well because he has no base. I agree with Dr. Murray that he needed a big turnout to do well. His performance on Tuesday just proves that some voters watch too much TV.

Almost 300 community leaders and precinct chairs made their way to El Jardin Mexican Restaurant last Friday as a show of support for Gene Locke for Mayor. Many of these voters were on the Brown and Parker supporters lists, but we're glad to have them on our side, now. Another thing has changed, too -- Latino community leaders are engaged in the runoff to turn out voters in their neighborhoods.

So, here I am, plugging in numbers, creating spreadsheets and grids to spread the Gene Locke love all over Districts H & I. It's a big job to do on a Sunday, but football makes it better.

Hasta next time.

When people make mistakes

2009-10-24T20:51:00.011-05:00

There are times when, no matter how diligently we work, or how many hours we dedicate to the details, mistakes happen.

It happened to the Gene Locke campaign last Friday -- someone on the campaign sent a text to Locke text subscribers, in error, announcing, "Today is the last day of early voting!" Of course, it was not true - early voting continues until 7:00pm Friday night, October 30th.

Honest mistake, right? The staffer corrected himself immediately in another text message, and then that was probably the end of it.

Well, not so much.

I really don't get the tendency to play 6 Degrees of Separation with endorsements or supporters in a municipal election when the real players in the city have business that transcends party lines. Throwing around the "Republican" label doesn't have the impact it once did. It is a dying brand and, frankly, not the best weapon to yield when Republicans are barely a party anymore.

It is also really damn silly to suggest some sort of evil plot between Gene Locke, Beverly Kaufman, the Tax-Assessor collector's office and the cucuy to rig the election. Why are these over-zealous bloggeteers trying so hard to manufacture controversy when none exists? It's absolute lunacy.

What really gets me about this is that one particular blogger who talks more than her share of bullcorn is not even a Houstonian. She lives and votes in Fort Bend County -- so, please, tell me why anyone gives a damn about what she has to say.

Gene Locke needs a strong turnout in his base, which is a pretty solid foundation to work from, in order to pull off a victory. That's no secret, y'all. People who understand elections know that these claims of voter suppression are as ridiculous and nonsensical as they sound.

Til next time.

Endorsements

2009-10-18T18:19:00.003-05:00

I'm voting for Gene Locke, Jolanda Jones and Ronald Green in upcoming November 3rd Election. I'm not revealing who I'm voting for in the other At-Large races.

I wholeheartedly support Alma Lara for HISD Trustee District 1. I believe North Side will hand the Heights' asses to them one more time this year.

I also support Proposition 4! GO COOGS!

Something bit me

2009-10-11T18:18:00.002-05:00

I don't know what the hell it was, but Friday morning I woke up wretchedly, to be exact, and I called out to God to help me. I was sick. Maybe it was the food at Tecate or the skunky beer-on-tap at the Harp. Or, maybe it was a 24-hour bug that takes 48 hours of recovery. In any case, I lucked out. It's not the flu and it was nothing I needed to sit at the ER for.

I don't know whether or not I should get either of the flu shots. I joked to a friend that I want to get sick because it's great for the waist line. But after Friday, I changed my mind. I have had the flu before - at least twice that I can remember. The H1N1 is no joke -- it has already hit hard and close to home. So I will resist the pig jokes but will reconsider all things pork-related because I'm just a little grossed out right now.

I've been taking my vitamins, my allergy medicine, washing my hands and using the sanitizer like a crazy person. Everything gets sprayed down with Lysol. I can't afford to get sick!

This week, I'm taking on a new challenge. It's not going to be easy but I am ready to work and get this done. I think the sickness has now gone away so I'm ready to hit the field and turn-out some votes. I'll keep my exact whereabouts undercover, for now. We'll see how long that lasts!

Fun times at R & T

2009-10-05T18:08:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, Harris County Tejano Democrats held our 13th Annual Roast & Toast. This year, we honored State Representative Jessica Farrar. Currently in her 8th term, Rep. Farrar is Democratic House Caucus Chair.

We had a great time at Roast & Toast. Jessica is a good sport and we love her for it. I was honored to "roast" her and raise a toast in her honor. Below is the text of my remarks:

The Jessica I Know

It was 2003 when I first became friends with Jessica. After redistricting, I was a new constituent of hers in the North Side. In response, she fled to Oklahoma. The soft-spoken rabble-rouser probably mapped the path to Ardmore.

I was soon a regular at her campaign events, at pro-choice events and I even worked for her at the Capitol. As one of her employees, I got the wardrobe lecture. You know the one -– No visible boobs, no toes, and no arms. “Show people you are serious about your job,” she said. “Besides, you wouldn’t want to see any Republican toes.”

And to clarify, there is nothing wrong with her feet. She wears those “nun” shoes because she’s working. I actually prefer them to her fuzzy, burnt-orange Longhorn slippers.

She expects her staff to work as hard as she does. At least we know there will be food!! Jessica’s office is like a FEMA center, and by that, I mean she will Feed Every (redacted) Around. (credit table 9 for that joke).

It is awesome to watch her on the house floor, especially when she’s fighting for women’s health care and she stands up to the men who think they know it all. I’d like to play this clip for you from 2007, during a floor debate on HB1098, when Jessica asks a know-it-all colleague a very important question about HIS opinion of women’s health care (redacted)

Jessica is hardcore, and that’s why we love her. Representative – It’s been an absolute honor to work for you and under your leadership for the people of District 148 and all of Texas. You are a wonderful teacher and mentor and I thank you for your guidance and friendship.

Jessica is scheduled to be honored by Annie's List in Houston tomorrow. Check their site for details. Everyone can keep the adulations coming, because Jessica deserves it all and more.

Updated: No News. Is that Good News?

2009-09-23T22:47:00.010-05:00

I tried taking a gander at the new Texas Tribune media venture since they announced a recent launch via Facebook, Twitter, and they also won't stop calling me.

In any case, I am an FB'er and a Twitterer so I have been reading many messages from and about the Tribune and the new staff. They are doing a lot of hiring these days and their happy employees keep living their fabulous Austin lives (and being all chismosa, too) while the rest of us anticipate the news from the Texas Tribune.

But I can't find the news. Where is it? If the publication has launched, shouldn't they be working, filing reports and whatnot? And if they are doing that stuff, how do we know it? I guess we can make the whole world "friend" or "follow" Stiles, Ramshaw & Elise Hu, then we'll know that they made open records requests and that they are, indeed, working.

There are links on the Texas Tribune to news stories from other media sources about the Texas Tribune, but there are no actual Texas Tribune news stories to read or view on the website.

And by the way, some people (like Tacho) think that having a 98% white staff is less than representative of the population of Texas. There are lots of people of color in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley and the Gulf Coast. I have to wonder if the Texas Tribune plans on covering issues that affect these regions because it is necessary for to have bilingual, multicultural staff to effectively cover the diverse communities of Texas. I know several journalists who would be great additions to any media company. But it seems to me that there isn't much of anything to join just yet.

If there is no news reporting, maybe they are not fully functional. I'm intrigued, I must say, but as a certified news junkie they sound kinda ... not ready. They may need more time, which is completely fine, but why the build-up? Why only news releases about themselves, and why are they asking people for money?

They have this interesting offer on the front page of the website in which they compare themselves to NPR and PBS. So what's the offer? You get the opportunity to become a "Founding Member" of the Texas Tribune for the low, low price of $50. Mkay!

Is Matt Stiles going to put on a bird costume and teach my niece Avery her A-B-C's? Is Emily Ramshaw going to attach herself to the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team as they head to Iraq later this year? PBS gives us a pretty good bang for their donors' & taxpayers' buck. NPR goes into war zones. We know they do good work. And the reporters at the new Tribune have stellar reputations for their excellent reporting. That's not the issue.

The issue is that there are no issues, yet, so what's in it for us?

That's a fair question, I think.

Update: As Helen Slater said in the Legend of Billy Jean: "Fair is fair!" Below are comments sent to me by Matt Stiles in response to my post:

1. we need time to get the operation up and running, so that's why we're not publishing until november. it takes time to build a web site and buy computers and get the phones working, etc.

2. our staff isn't 98-percent white. our technology director, higinio, is mexican. elise is chinese. others speak spanish. we're not as diverse as i'd like, of course, but consider the reporters in the austin bureau staffs of the major papers in texas. they are ALL white. that's a general journalism problem, not a tribune problem. who are these journalist we should be considering, btw? we'll consider them.

3. we're raising money because we're a non-profit newsroom. that's the point. we want to do public-interest journalism and not worry about advertising revenues declining the way they are at newspapers.

Points well taken. Thanks to Matt for his response.

Uncool.

2009-09-23T00:55:00.007-05:00

Campaigning is the type of work that requires incredible sacrifice, discipline and focus. It keeps you away from the people and things you love. It's not easy.

It's hard work being everything to everyone while staying true to your ideals and the fundamentals of the campaign. Sometimes you just have to suck it up, take one (more) for the team, and RSVP to the next damn candidate forum.

I had to prepare for 9 different multi-candidate forums. It wasn't fun. It was predictable, repetitive and obvious that nothing any of the candidates did or said at these forums would sway the election, one way or the other. The main reason we accepted these invitations to appear with opponents at the forums was because the people in each community, neighborhood or organization had legitimate questions that needed answers. Plus, you already said you were going.

The Gene Locke campaign announced early Tuesday that they were canceling on the Houston Press and UH-Downtown sponsored forum after confirming last week that they were still attending. The Annise Parker campaign also announced Tuesday that they were passing on the event. I know that after 40 forums, your time seems better spent elsewhere than at another *blasted* forum. What I don't understand is how you accept the invitation from a university with 12,000 students and a local media outlet weeks in advance and then freaking cancel the DAY BEFORE THE EVENT. The Press had been promoting this event for weeks in their Hair Balls blog and UH-D did the same via Facebook and all around campus.

Richard Connelly handed their asses to them and deservedly so. Anyone who knows this guy understands that was going to happen. Unless you're an out-of-towner.

The planned candidate forum between Gene Locke and Annise Parker at UH-Downtown and their sudden cancellations have Peter Brown smelling like a rose. He doesn't look out-of-touch with young people or the tech-savvy crowd because no one has been tweeting or blogging all day about how Peter Brown sucks for backing out of the candidate forum at the last minute. Meanwhile, Brown's commercials have him riding the airwaves alone. It kind of works in his favor that thousands of college students and Press followers are pissed at his opponents and not Peter Brown.

To Annise Parker's credit, she released a video explanation about her decision not to participate.

Maybe the Locke campaign will do the same.

The Lab Rat's fiefdom

2009-09-19T19:56:00.009-05:00

Ms. alerted me to the Women in Crime Ink blog and its recent post regarding the murder of Yale grad student Annie Le.

The accused is your typical, undereducated macho male of limited power -- a guy by the name of Raymond Clark. Details surrounding motive are being scrutinized because of comments made by New Haven Police Chief James Lewis:

“I think it’s important to note this is not about urban crime, not about university crime, not about domestic crime — but an issue of workplace violence, which is becoming a growing concern around the country.”

Well, there you go, Yale community. No need to worry about a mad man on the loose, a scary bogeyman, lurking in dark corners or stairwells -- this was simply an *isolated* incidence of "workplace violence." Chief Lewis felt it necessary to announce to the media that he had thoroughly ruled out all other possible motives to keep his investigation from getting too messy and/or political. Why is that?? So he won't have to find out if that Clark guy's obsession over mice cages was a badly disguised character flaw that led to (allegedly) murdering someone who refused to give him the time of day?

The chief shouldn't dismiss evidence before collecting it. I have friends in law enforcement and understand that they really don't like it when the public draws conclusions about a case before they have a chance to investigate it. So what's the difference here? Raymond Clark is a psychopath that looked for opportunities to denigrate women. It's why he made the mice cages his "personal fiefdom" and laid a trap for Annie Le.

Violence against women happens in the home, in public, on TV, in the movies and anywhere the recalcitrant male ego exists, which means it is more than likely it will happen at work, too.

Poor Annie.

She probably just ignored the weirdo as much as she possibly could, and it finally set him off. It's not like she emasculated him by taunting him and calling him Beaker or Willard, like I would have. Annie Le just wanted to do her work, get married, and not think about the loser in the lab.

She deserves justice and the first step is acknowledging this case as one of violence against women.

Gene Locke is a good man

2009-09-17T13:55:00.004-05:00

He's raised two successful daughters, has an incredibly smart, fantastic wife and has hired women to do the important jobs in his campaign.

I've met some sexists in my time as a political person in Texas, and there are PLENTY of them in the Democratic Party. Gene Locke is not a sexist although it may be politically expedient to call him one.

I am beyond furious at Annie's List because it is just not true. Gene Locke is a stand up guy and I am proud to support him. I'd like to make a suggestion to them - don't piss off your supporters with this kind of hit piece. If Gene Locke had a disdain for women and if your endorsed candidate was doing well in the first place, you wouldn't have to connect the dots for us in your orange and red crayons.

It may be hard to gauge Houston politics from all the way in Austin, but shit doesn't run here the way in does in Austin. In Houston, we generally do not fall in line with the white liberals but instead consider candidates on their merits. There's no such thing as "it's my time" or "it's my turn" in Houston. We work for what we want in this city and the BS stops at the Harris County line.

Annie's List attacks a pro-choice male candidate because they think I don't know better. Spare me.

Dead Horse

2009-09-10T22:19:00.008-05:00

I'm having flash backs to 9th grade, when my friend Roger Castillo used to scare me with his death metal music. There was this one band, called Dead Horse.

Roger and his crazy Dead Horse music scared the hell out of me. Back in 1988, I listened to Power 104 and 93Q. So when Roger transferred out, he took his Dead Horse music with him and I thought I'd never hear those tunes again.

But here we are in the 2009 Houston political cycle, and some participants in local politics feel the need, for whatever reason, to beat a dead horse when the horse just wants to gallop away to horsie heaven.

Harris County Tejano Democrats love horses and we would like to bury the hatchet (and the poor dead horse) while we all live to campaign another day for our favorite Mayoral candidates.

As chair of the organization, I am honored that our endorsement means so much to candidates. Kinda makes all the long hours and personal resources I spend worth the effort. I respectfully ask that The Annise Parker campaign discontinue from touting the endorsement of Harris County Tejano Democrats. She lost. End of story.

Pobre horse. Let it die.

Shiz Storm

2009-09-10T12:13:00.002-05:00

I hate it when people put words in my mouth.

That's why I started this dumb blog, and for about 2 years, I managed to gather about 5 readers.

But for all those who have discovered this, I only blog when I've got something to say. In the meantime, I keep busy with my job, my family, my friends, the Houston Texans and reading all the stuff YOU have to say.

So don't come looking here for a back & forth shit talking extravaganza. I've said what I've had to say. And as a point of clarification, I don't "feud" with anyone. I just kick ass on Election Day and let the returns speak for themselves.

Hasta.

I MUST chime in

2009-09-08T15:38:00.011-05:00

The City of Houston is officially in the middle of campaign season. Unlike the other cities in Texas, Houston has the Strong Mayor system, meaning that anyone who wants to be Mayor of Houston must bench press at least 250 lbs. & complete the HFD Physical Agility Course at the Jahnke Training Facility in 3 minutes or better.

Kidding.

But in all seriousness, Houston is the only city in Texas that operates under the strong mayor system. City managers are for sissy cities. Since our elections are held in November, we get the benefit of long, drawn out City Council and Mayoral campaigns that wear us out emotionally and physically just in time for the March Primaries.

Lucky for me, my friend and super cool former boss, District H Council Member Edward Gonzalez, has no opponent in November. I have a new job now and am quite fortunate to leave the city election campaigning and heavy lifting to the candidates and their own operations.

My group, the Harris County Tejano Democrats, has endorsed Gene Locke for Mayor. It was the right thing to do for our community after talking to all 3 major candidates. Tejano Dems received a strong commitment from Gene to renew the black/brown coalition from the 1980's that was formed by Congressman Mickey Leland, Attorney Frumencio Reyes, Jr., candidate Locke and many others who saw the need for the disenfranchised and overlooked to stand together and improve the political conditions of people of color in Houston. With only 2 Latinos on Houston City Council, a coalition of this type is needed now as much as it was 25 years ago.

What we didn't receive, and no, we were never promised, was a plan for a "Hispanic Museum." The Annise Parker campaign and her supporters claim that such a promise is pandering and detrimental to City services:

"Locke's promises of new city departments, new museums and increased government spending to his insider friends would lead to tax increases or cuts in vital services, such as public safety."

HCTD only became Locke's "insider friends" when he got the endorsement and she didn't. Several of our past and current members are Houston Police officers, Houston Fire Fighters, Harris County deputies and even the Sheriff himself. We take public safety very seriously because our neighborhoods are historically under served and would welcome the resources and the attention other areas receive. Yes, Houston Heights, in Central Patrol, I'm talking about you.

Harris County Tejano Democrats promote and support candidates who are best for the Latino community. Dragging some random Telemundo sports anchor to talk to our group doesn't cut it. Telling us you're the best for the Latino community while your staffers, allies and friends work to defeat a Latino candidate in a Latino district is not forgotten, either. By the way -- how many Latinos do you have on staff (either on your campaign or at the City) and how many speak Spanish?

Let's get one thing straight. The idea of a museum, exhibit or acknowledgment of the contributions of Latinos to Houston is not silly, but what is silly is the constant mention of this idea (that's ALL it was - an idea) as a means to ridicule the Locke campaign. Team Parker has attempted to do this for the last month or so and it is getting old. The person most enthralled with "Hispanic Museum" talk is Houston blogger John Cobarruvias.

I understand that Annise Parker has the strong backing of many Democrats, progressives and liberal-minded people, as well she should. Her Democratic creds have never been in doubt and it's natural that Democrats would flock to her campaign.

But there are those of us who believe that we must work with people from across the political spectrum to get the job done. Gene Locke has hired the best staff in the business to do outreach to the community and to develop a strong ground campaign. HCTD will do its part to turn out support in the Latino neighborhoods that were disregarded earlier this year.

I am issuing a notice and fair warning to candidates who have thoughts of dismissing or disregarding Latino voters in November and have one thing to say:

61%.

Well, y'all...

2009-08-31T23:20:00.002-05:00

I didn't have to look very far to find some Republican crazy.

Your Daily Republican Crazy (or monthly, as this rate):

UT College Republicans Are Embarrassing, Lame

That is all...

What's up with me

2009-08-31T23:02:00.004-05:00

I have a new job as the Statewide Field Director for a non-profit agency. Electoral politics has been replaced by issues-based politics and policy crafting, which I LUrVE!!!

So do me a solid & join 999 other Houstonians at a rally for Health Care Reform. Support HR3200 and tell your Congressperson to do the same!!

Houston Rally for Health Care Reform:

Thursday, September 3, 2009

City Hall Reflecting Pool

6:30 PM

Sunday blogging

2009-07-26T18:18:00.002-05:00

After going out both Friday and Saturday nights, I planned to do ab-solute-ly nothing today, except for showering ... and as I closed my eyes in my cool, darkened apartment, that was looking iffy, too.

Text message. Mr. Bean needed a ride to work. Okay, I really do have to go out and talk to people every once in a while, I can't just isolate myself in here again.

I'll take him to work. Go to Target, buy dish soap and whatever will get me out of there in $25 or less... no added zeroes today!

I picked up a movie, a pint of ice cream, fresh milk aaaand that dish washing soap, the reason for the trip. Not bad, $30 or so, then it hits me.

My card is in my pants pocket from the night before. Way. To. Go. I sheepishly apologize and try to run out of the store, contemplating whether or not I should return to the store. Rebecca is on her way in.
I accompany her on her purchases and even get a 2 for 1 hairspray out of it, because she had a coupon. Thanks, Rebecca!

Walking out of the store to my car, that's when I see it. Flat. Tire.

I underestimated the turn and hit the curb, which gets me stuck at Target, with my UH-D ID and $1 and some change in my purse, along with a passion party business card and my brand new bottle of hairspray.

I almost walked back into the store holding the hairspray, so I put it in the car and went inside to call my mom.

Mom? Me again. Flat tire. Again. Need help? Thanks.

My brother Johnny was on his way. He was 10 minutes from the store which meant he'd be there in 30.

So.... I really didn't do a whole lot of anything today, which was the plan. This was a very Sandra kind of day.

Ugh.

Let's make this quick, people

2009-07-13T21:27:00.002-05:00

I've got THANGS ta do. Your Daily Republican Crazy:

Pat Buchanan Wants Todd Palin to Kill Levi!

Sunday blogging: Your Daily Republican Crazy

2009-07-12T14:30:00.003-05:00

Hi there.

I know you've been checking for updated posts from moi, so here it is, Your Daily Republican Crazy, courtesy of Ariana and the gang at Huffington Post:

Gail Lowe: Perry Picks Creationist To Run State Education Board

Carry on!

Annoucing: A new feature

2009-07-09T13:04:00.003-05:00

After days of not blogging, I'd like to welcome myself back with a new feature at SBDD:

Your Daily Republican Crazy!

Today's headline comes from the Dallas Morning News:

Texas Conservatives consult ignorants on your kid's school curriculum.

Find it here and on the Twitter.

Officer Henry Canales, HPD

2009-06-26T16:38:00.003-05:00

This has been an eventful couple of weeks for me. First, with getting through the District H campaign and then seeing Edward become our Council Member. I'll get back to blogging, now that I have more time.

The city lost Officer Henry Canales, a 16-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, when he was killed in the line of duty this week. I will venture to say that the racists are jumping in and out of their skin right now, with their "shut the borders" outcry and other idiocies that may fly out of their open traps. We're not biting, people. Please STFU and let Officer Canales rest in peace. He did his job honorably and knew the risks involved. He dealt with criminals every day. Crime knows no legal status, because the bad guys come in all shapes, colors & sizes. The reason Officer Canales was so good at his job is because he was Latino, spoke Spanish, and went after the criminals in their own language. We need more officers like Henry Canales.

God bless the Canales family at this incredibly difficult time.

Yikes

2009-06-06T02:11:00.002-05:00

Was all ready to get to bed, I was just washing up in the bathroom. Something was touching my ankles. Happens often.

My bathroom is haunted and it's annoying.

542 Voters in the District H Runoff Election

2009-06-01T21:44:00.002-05:00

You've read it correctly.

It may be a low turnout election, but 542 District H residents have cast their ballots (including me!) in this election.

What are you waiting for?!

www.harrisvotes.com

www.edforh.com

Run-off time!

2009-05-19T00:30:00.002-05:00

The Ed Gonzalez Campaign is in a runoff. The election is June 13th! Call the office at 281-501-1378 if you can help out!

Wonkette Gets It

2009-04-15T01:44:00.004-05:00

Wonkette calls out Rick Perry and his silly faux-Constitutionalist populist BS, which is really just an excuse to reach out to the wingnuts in the Republican Party.

Keep up with the Lege online.

Deal of the Season: See Tartuffe at UHD for $3!

2009-03-24T15:29:00.001-05:00

My brother, ConFrijoles, is starring in a play at UHD!

Department of Arts & Humanities

March 23, 2009

To: UHD Faculty and Staff

From: Thomas J. Lyttle, Director of Theatre

RE: Spring 2009 production of Tartuffe

The University of Houston-Downtown University Theatre cordially invites you to its spring production of French playwright Moliere’s seventeenth century comic masterpiece of social and religious criticism, Tartuffe.

Written in 1664 (and then, before it could be presented, re-written in 1667 and 1669 because of church censorship issues) this satiric comedy, exposing pretence and hypocrisy, centers around a gullible bourgeois gentleman named Orgon who is completely hoodwinked and nearly cuckolded by his seemingly devoted and dedicated friend, the crafty charlatan and religious zealot, Tartuffe.

Taking its origin from the French work “truffe”, meaning deception, the title of the play and its namesake antagonist, was a common epithet for schemers, connivers and con men. As you watch our production, we hope it will quickly become evident how true to its name the play is.

Please join us at one of the performances listed below as our students and guest alumni actors bring you the Richard Wilbur verse translation of this world classic, done in a modified staged reading style with a delightful twist or two.

Tartuffe opens in O'Kane Theatre on Friday, April 3 at 8 p.m. and will repeat as follows: April 4, 9, 10 (Good Friday) and 11 at 8 p.m.; April 5 at 3 p.m.; and April 8 and 10 (Good Friday) at 1:30 p.m. which are special student matinees. Tickets will go on sale at the University Cashier's Office in the 3rd floor main corridor beginning Monday, March 30 during their regular hours of operation. Any tickets not sold will be available at the theatre door beginning one-half hour before each performance. Admission is $3.00.

To make a reservation, or for further information, please call (713) 221-8042.

HLS&R Needs Scholarship Evaluators

2009-03-24T14:33:00.004-05:00

I am the type of person who saves the protest for the big issues. I marched on Washington for women's rights in 2004, I marched for immigrant rights here in Houston in 2006 and I march in parades throughout the year for Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias, Houston Pride, Veterans Day and lots of holidays in between.

While I do believe that Sen. Mario Gallegos has a valid point, I'm not joining in on the protesting of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. There are ways of maintaining inclusion and diversity within HLS&R and one very important way is through the scholarship process. I am passing along an invitation I received to participate in the reading and evaluation of thousands of applications from graduating seniors in the 8 county area served by the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. I'm kinda swamped with the Ed Gonzalez campaign, but Ed is on the Go Tejano Committee and I know he'd want you to know about this:

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™

Metropolitan and Opportunity Scholarship Selection

Please plan to participate in evaluating applications for 2009 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Area Metropolitan and Opportunity scholarships. Your participation is vital to the Show’s awarding these four-year, $15,000 college scholarships to applicants from participating counties in the program.

Working in teams of three, evaluators will score applicants in the categories including community involvement, leadership activities and financial need. Applicants are drawn from graduating seniors from participating public high schools within the Metropolitan Houston area of Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller counties.

If you'd like to contribute your time, contact Roseann Blanco by email at blancorose@yahoo.com.

Welcome back, Pink Dome

2009-03-18T23:06:00.002-05:00

Pink Dome is back and at the ready with some serious chisme.
For reals?

Like there's only one Chief of Staff who partakes.

But in any case, I loves me some Pink Dome and I'm glad it's back.

Crickets!

2009-03-14T15:28:00.003-05:00

When David Brooks says it's time to let Ronald Reagan and his policies Rest In Peace, you know the Republicans are facing a dearth of ideas.

New Latina/o Leadership for Texas on May 9th

2009-03-06T19:09:00.004-06:00

I'm up to my eyeballs in campaign materials and responsibilities! I find myself here at the office on a Friday night contemplating the new class of Latinas and Latinos who have stepped up to the challenge of public service and are now running for office in Texas. Yes, my laptop is strategically positioned on a stack of yard signs that we're delivering tomorrow.

In Houston, of course, lifelong District H resident and HPD Sargeant Ed Gonzalez is first on the ballot for the May 9, 2009 Special Election to fill the vacancy left by the election of Sheriff Adrian Garcia.

In San Antonio, former Council Member Julian Castro is well on his way to a big victory as Mayor of San Antonio on Saturday May 9th. His campaign is highly professional, organized and serious about making a difference for San Antonio.

And in Austin, Capitol veteran Perla Cavazos is vying for a place at the Austin City Council table. It's way past time for more Latino representation at Austin City Hall. Council Member Mike Martinez is doing an awesome job, but on Saturday May 9th, Austin has the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and diversity by sending someone to council who represents a growing Austin constituency.

Ed, Julian and Perla are the future of Texas politics. Support their candidacies and vote the slate!

Support Ed Gonzalez

2009-02-21T14:27:00.004-06:00

I've been busy working on the Ed Gonzalez campaign for Houston City Council, District H. The election of Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia left a vacancy on Council. There are a bunch of no names on the ballot and only one candidate who knows the issues & who will be effective from Day One - Ed Gonzalez! The election is Saturday, May 9th.

Join me in supporting Ed Gonzalez for City Council, District H!

Jaime's remarks to UH Board of Regents

2009-02-10T09:32:00.004-06:00

Jaime speaks up for UH-D ... ConFrijoles!

Updated: UH-Downtown: The name stays (for now)

2009-02-08T10:29:00.018-06:00

(Update - I wanted to *refine* some points and include a more detailed account of those in attendance.)

Happy Sunday, y'all!

My weekend blogging begins with a report on the developments of last Friday's meeting of the University of Houston Board of Regents. The Agenda had one item on it - to pass the motion renaming the University of Houston- Downtown to "University of South Texas."

I attended the meeting with my brother Jaime, a senior English major and an officer with the UH-D Student Government Association (SGA) and his good friend, a young lady (I'll call her Nat) who is also active with SGA. Jaime was on the list of speakers to address the Board and Chancellor Renu Khator. I am very proud of my brother and his stand against the poor treatment of the UH-D community in the name changing process. Security was on the heavy side. I don't know exactly what they were expecting. UH-D faculty, other students and alumni were on hand for the meeting. Everyone seemed to contain themselves for the most part. You know how rowdy PhD's can be.

While Jaime made a sprint to the meeting room, Nat and I parked the car and were met in the lobby by a uniformed UH police officer, who was as nice as he could be, and a contigent of UH security officials who attempted to keep us out of the meeting room. They ushered us away from the meeting room to an "overflow" room, waaaay down the corridor and around the corner. Like a good public citizen, I did what was suggested and sat in a classroom to view the proceedings on a screen. Nat wasn't having it. She turned around and walked back to the meeting room, which may have accomodated more people if UH security had been elsewhere on campus, preventing ACTUAL crime. I got up and walked back to the meeting room, and despite the fact that Nat and I were heavily armed with cameras, UH security didn't stop us from being in the room.

Sue Davis, VP of Public Relations, carted out the UH-D Dean of the College of Business, a marketing professor and Dr. Spears, a distinguished member of the UH-D faculty who proceeded to slam SGA as illegitimate because only a small number of students participate. He was cut off by the regents and sat down. Included in the mix were a UH Bauer College of Business graduate, young Mr. Nguyen, who delivered an anecdotal testimony of his experiences of being "confused" with being a graduate of UH-D and told regents that UH-D should be renamed because he didn't want the "value" of his Bauer degree "diluted" by UH-D business graduates posing as Bauer graduates. Yup, he sure did say that.

Mr. Nguyen was followed by Jaime who read prepared remarks that he'd been working on for a week. Jaime talked about the haste in the name change process, the outstanding faculty and he asked that the regents delay the name change in favor of more vetting from the UH-D community. He did great. I'm proud that that little dude, as my mom called him growing up. I'll upload the video of his remarks so you can all watch.

It didn't take long to realize that both regents and UH-D students and faculty were being pushed around by the big fat elephant in the room - the Bauer College and its MBA program. About three years ago, the Board of Regents gave UH-D President Max Castillo the go-ahead on an MBA program that was quickly aborted at the behest of Bauer alumni and power brokers who didn't want to give themselves any competition. Castillo was reminded of this fact at the meeting by one regent who was clearly infuriated by the proceedings.

There are more BBA degrees from UH-Downtown in circulation in the business sector these days than ever before. Furthermore, as presitgious a Bauer degree is for potential students, UH-D is just as competitive and maybe more accessible to a growing market. This is the problem, folks.

Changing the name from UH-D to something else will not make the Bauer School shine any brighter. Bauer is an excellent program but it shouldn't demand its place in the market. It should be a top draw because of its reputation. Bauer is not McCombs, it is not Harvard and it is not Wharton. Maybe with Tier I status it will be. But I guarantee you that a UH-D grad with a BBA in Accounting, Marketing, Finance or International Business would absolutely get into any of those schools and potentially bypass Bauer altogether.

I thank the UH Board of Regents and, specifically, Chancellor Khator, for reassuring UH-D faculty, students and alumni that we are not the unwanted redheaded stepchildren of the UH System. We like being part of the University of Houston family and we deserve some respect for our accomplishments. UH-D needs a new president who can offer strong vision and leadership.

In the end, the Board of Regents realized that the moniker "University of South Texas" was problematic because we already have a school named South Texas in Downtown Houston as well as another UST about 2 miles west of Downtown. Let's not forget that Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States, is not technically in South Texas. The regents also admitted that there was no way that Houston lawmakers were going to take a name change to battle after already taking up the charge of Tier I status for the University of Houston. Priorities, people!!

Tier I status is a cause we can all support! Onward and upward.

Happy Saturday!

2009-01-31T13:40:00.006-06:00

It's been quite a week. Thanks to a few phone calls to AT&T, my internet is back up and functioning. It's about time! I must say that AT&T customer service is better than Comcast. I'm never doing cable again if I can help it.

After his inauguration, President Barack Obama wasted no time in reversing the ills of the Bush Administration. For more information on the President's executive orders, here is a link to the The Briefing Room with details about the orders closing Guantanamo Bay prison camp and lifting the Mexico City gag order.

This week, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. Newsweek has the details of Ms. Ledbetter's fight to be recognized as an equal to her male coworkers and entitled to equal pay for equal work. President Obama made it clear that this is a union White House and appointed Vice President Joe Biden to chair a task force on the middle class.

The president has his "BIG GAME" plate full with the stimulus package and getting those pissy Republicans in line. I don't get it. They were in power for 12 years in Congress. They pretty much had their way with Bill Clinton and a Republican president, their beloved W. Republicans have presided over two failed wars, record unemployment and a financial market on the brink of collapse.

Why the hell do we care what they say? Republicans have run this country into the ground. There is no good reason why anyone should take them seriously. Suck it, R's. Just admit that you are the reason this country is in bad shape and get out of the way.

At last.... It's Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T20:31:00.004-06:00

Today was a beautiful day.

Barack H. Obama is the 44th President of the United States. President Obama. President Barack Obama. Can't just call him Barack anymore. It's Mr. President!

The nice picture above was taken by State Representative Solomon Ortiz, Jr., from his vantage point at the Capitol. Lots of friends are in Washington, D.C. for the festivities and are reporting back on the Chron Inauguration blog, Witnessing Obama. Thanks to Isaac, Gloria, Annelise & Kara for sharing your experiences on such a special day.

On a sad note, Senator Edward Kennedy took ill today, and was hopitalized after suffering a seizure. Hope you're feeling better, Senator. It was awesome to see you smiling at the Inaugural ceremony.

Well, I'm going to watch some more coverage. Good night, y'all.

It's been awhile...

2009-01-15T21:30:00.003-06:00

An interruption is service is the reason for my latest prolonged absence from the blogging. I've missed y'all!

Since we've last "spoken," there have been a few developments in the political world.

The biggest story, by far, has been that of the election of Texas House Speaker Joe Straus III of Bexar County. A moderate Republican, Speaker Straus was elected unanimously on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. (Check out the Tweets for more)
You can find the link to the video of the first day of Session at the House website.

The second biggest story is the big 2010 Republican Gubernatorial primary, already underway with Senator Kay Bee H. and the Guv, Rick Perry. KBH just moved $8 million from her federal campaign account to her state account where the senator won't be bothered by pesky ethics laws limiting contributions.

The third story dominating news is that of the Texas Senate's rules debate to allow voter suppression. The vote was almost directly down party lines, Democrats voting no and Republicans voting yes to exempt voter I.D. legislation from the 2/3's rule. Senator John Carona of Dallas was the only Republican to oppose the rule. I thank the Senator for doing the right thing even though it's unpopular in his party.

The fourth story involves that of guy whose acquaintenance I've never made, Vidal Martinez, and his disrupture of my life. He went to city hall and started the Crazy Talk, and then the special election was tagged. For Two. More. Weeks.
Oh. My. God.
Like Lee Harvey Oswald, I think this guy acted alone. It's too bad that he listened to the voices in his head and spoke out at council yesterday.

More later...

Joe Straus, III - The next Speaker of the Texas House

2009-01-04T19:43:00.002-06:00

Harvey K. has a statement from Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio on his list of supporters of his bid for Speaker:

“Since entering the House I have been guided by the very straightforward principle of representing my District first, while continually evaluating what is best for Texas – the way in which a democratic body should function.

“The needs of special interests and partisanship will take a back seat to doing what is right for our State at this critical time.

“It is time for a new tone and an atmosphere of trust in the Texas House of Representatives.

“Having received the commitment of a strong majority of my colleagues, it is my goal to restore civility, fairness and transparency to the House of Representatives and its public-policy making process.

“Speaker Tom Craddick has served with distinction in the Texas House for four decades. I have great respect for him personally, and honor his service to the State."

“In the coming days, I look forward to meeting with each Representative and discussing their district's priorities."

Here's the list (thanks to Elise Hu for posting on Google Docs):

Last, First
Allen, Alma
Alonzo, Roberto
Alvarado, Carol
Anchia, Rafael
Bolton, Valinda
Branch, Dan
Burnam, Lon
Castro, Joaquin
Chavez, Norma
Cohen, Ellen
Coleman, Garnet
Cook, Byron
Davis, Yvonne
Deshotel, Joe
Dukes, Dawnna
Dunnam, Jim
Eiland, Craig
Eissler, Rob
Elkins, Gary
England, Kirk
Farias, Joe
Farabee, David
Farrar, Jessica
Flores, Kino
Frost, Stephen
Gallego, Pete
Geren, Charlie
Giddings, Helen
Gonzalez, Veronica
Gonzalez -Toureilles, Yvonne
Gutierrez, Roland
Heflin, Joe
Hernandez, Ana
Herrero, Abel
Hochberg, Scott
Hodge, Terri
Homer, Mark
Hopson, Chuck
Howard, Donna
Jones, Delwin
Keffer, Jim
Kent, Carol
King, Tracy
Kuempel, Edmund
Leibowitz, David
Lucio, Eddie
Maldonado, Diana
Mallory Caraway, Barbara
Marquez, Marisa
Martinez, Armando
Martinez Fischer, Trey
McCall, Brian
Jones McClendon, Ruth
McReynolds, Jim
Menendez, Jose
Merritt, Tommy
Miklos, Robert
Miller, Doug
Moody, Joe
Naishtat, Elliott
Oliveira, Rene
Olivo, Dora
Ortiz, Solomon
Pena, Aaron
Pickett, Joe
Pierson, Paula
Pitts, Jim
Quintanilla, Chente
Raymond, Richard
Rios Ybarra, Tara
Ritter, Allan
Rodriguez, Eddie
Rose, Patrick
Smith, Todd
Solomons, Burt
Strama, Mark
Straus, Joe
Thibaut, Kristi
Thompson, Senfronia
Turner, Chris
Vaught, Allen
Veasey, Marc
Villarreal, Mike
Vo, Hubert
Walle, Armando

Me, again. The prospects of having a PRO-CHOICE Speaker from a major Texas city is a big, big thing for Texas.

If this development holds, which I believe it will, it is absolutely a new day in the Lone Star State.

Merry New Year!

2008-12-31T02:33:00.002-06:00

It's one of my all time faves:

4th day of Christmas, 8th night of Hannukah

2008-12-28T23:59:00.001-06:00

And I'm going JStreet on you.

Stop the violence. Divest from AIPAC! Promote peace by supporting JStreet.

We made it

2008-12-26T18:20:00.002-06:00

Christmas 2008 has come and gone. I'm relieved! It means that we are closer to the new year, and that is good because most of us are soo ready to kiss 2008 goodbye.

:)

The thought of it makes me smile. Coming up: swearing in ceremonies, inauguration, town hall meetings...only to be immediately followed by the dang blasted mayoral and city council elections. One word comes to mind regarding municipal elections - Drama.

The 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature gavels in on Tuesday, January 13, 2008. Are you going?

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T17:30:00.002-06:00

I hope you're reading this post in the comfort of your festively decorated homes and with the people you love.

I'm in my apartment... stressing the season. Yes, I know this is supposed to be a joyous occasion and we're supposed to be buying, shopping and spending for family and friends but I am tempted to turn off the damn TV, leave the radio off and stay of the internets because for me, Virginia, there ain't no Santa Claus.

There is no job, no money and nothing really for me to celebrate other than the end of the Christmas commercials advertising Lexuses and jewelry and other crap that no one really needs but is offered, anyway, hoping there's someone out there who can still afford to buy it.

I need a damn job. I need to work. I mistakenly believed that working for elected officials and others who asked for my help would turn into some type of offer or a gig after it was all said and done. Nope.

So I hope y'all are having a Merry Christmas. I hope for one, too.

I have for you today...

2008-12-16T15:09:00.005-06:00

One of those self-important "open letters" to public figures expecting them to Respond. To Me. In person.

On second thought ... nah, nevermind. I don't want these three so-and-so's around here.

Kos, Atrios, & Hamsher:

You really need to get over yourselves already. Is this your first time in elected politics?

For any candidate, first time or 10th, the first thing you do is to reach out to other elected officials who make up the Democratic leadership. The fact that Caroline called "the elite" is a bullshit slam against her that is unfounded, naive and really, really dumb.

The only reason Hillary Clinton was "qualified" for that seat was because she established NY residency had Money. The only reason she had Money was because she had Name Recognition. 2000 was the beginning of the end for many Democrats in the U.S., but because she was Hillary Clinton she raked in the cash from all over the country.

So get off of your high horses already. Caroline Kennedy doesn't owe you an explanation unless it's already 2010 and her name is on the ballot and, oh yeah!, you're a New York voter. Until, then, get out of Gov. Patterson's business, spare us your fake & contrived outrage and quit trying to smear a woman who has led a life of scholar, dignity and service to this country outside of Democratic politics. It just shows what assholes you are.

Blagojevich Popped

2008-12-09T14:39:00.001-06:00

Rahm to Blago:

Don't fuck with me or mine.

More later.

There's a big polluter in the neighborhood

2008-12-08T14:59:00.006-06:00

Via HP's Hair Balls blog, we are alerted to a USA Today report on pollution and our schools. The Smokestack Effect: Toxic Air and America's Schools analyzed EPA data on 127,000 schools across the country. The result is a Google map of school locations with airborne pollutant types and the source of each pollutant. So then you can drive by and take pictures for your blog, which yes, I may do.

I searched for schools here in the North Side and found that many of the polluters are your standard industrial dirty air guys, like Dow Chemical Clear Lake and Quality Electric Steel Casings, L.P. But wouldn't you know it, there is a culprit only a few blocks away from me on Everett and Carl - Dee Foundries, a die casting shop that produces sulfuric acid pollution. Sulfuric acid is a full 10% of the toxicity found at Ketelson Elementary School, just two blocks away.

From the HHS website:

Sulfuric acid is a clear, colorless, oily liquid that is very corrosive. An odor threshold of sulfuric acid in air has been reported to be 1 milligram per cubic meter of air (mg/m3). If you are exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid in air, your nose will be irritated and it may seem like sulfuric acid has a pungent odor. When concentrated sulfuric acid is mixed with water, the solution gets very hot. Concentrated sulfuric acid can catch fire or explode when it comes into contact with many chemicals including acetone, alcohols, and some finely divided metals. When heated it emits highly toxic fumes, which include sulfur trioxide. It is also called sulphine acid, battery acid, and hydrogen sulfate. More sulfuric acid is produced in the United States than any other chemical. It is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, other acids, and glue; in the purification of petroleum; in the pickling of metal; and in lead-acid batteries (the type commonly used in motor vehicles). Sulfuric acid can be found in the air as small droplets or it can be attached to other small particles in the air.

There are many, many mornings when we wake up to the strong smell of sulfur in the North Side. Now we know where it's coming from. From their website:

Dee Foundries is a jobbing shop, producing non-ferrous castings using the Airset or Greensand Process.

We produce castings weighing from ounces up to 2400 pounds in Bronze, 500 pounds in Aluminum.

Our melting equipment is High Frequency Electric Induction Furnaces for all Copper-base Alloys, and Controlled Combustion Gas-fired Tilting Furnaces for Aluminum Alloys.

I have an idea of what that means but I am certain that Dee Foundries is stinking up the place. They may also be causing health problems for the people who live in the neighborhood, meaning, of course, lots of poor, very young and elderly people.

Pearl Harbor Day

2008-12-07T17:52:00.005-06:00

In memory of all those who died at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and in honor of those who answered the call to serve after that day, here is a story from the U.S. Latino and Latina World War II Oral History Project and U.S. Marine veteran Jesus Ochoa from San Diego, CA.

The U.S. Latino and Latina World War II Oral History Project is based at the University of Texas at Austin. It is an increasingly important project because we're losing this generation, and with them, much of our history. The Oral History Project reminds us of the resilient patriotism Latinos had (and still have) for our country.

Rich Kid, Poor Kid

2008-12-07T16:48:00.010-06:00

As if we needed more evidence about how much it sucks to be poor, here is a piece from the gang at Gawker regarding a UC Berkeley study on the differences in the brain development of rich kids versus poor kids. It's another indication that socioeconomic status has everything to do with brain development:

"Kids from lower socioeconomic levels show brain physiology patterns similar to someone who actually had damage in the frontal lobe as an adult," said Robert Knight, director of the institute and a UC Berkeley professor of psychology. "We found that kids are more likely to have a low response if they have low socioeconomic status, though not everyone who is poor has low frontal lobe response."

Well, that's a relief. And, yes, maybe it's just a little DISTURBING that the brain physiology of poor children is likened to that of brain damaged adults.

Not. Good.

Sunday football blogging - we won!

2008-12-07T15:26:00.014-06:00

The Houston Texans, despite their varied attempts at effing it all up, instead, stepped it up and beat the Green Bay Packers in 5 degree weather at Lambeau Field, 24-21. Hard to believe, but the Texans are still Wild Card eligible. Wow!

Now I'm watching Dallas at Pittsburgh... they're 11 minutes into the 2nd quarter and still no score. Borrring. As much as I dislike the Cowboys, I can't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. True Luv Ya Blue fans don't do such things.

Update: AHHHahahahahahaha..... the Steelers' Townsend just intercepted a pass by Tony Romo to score a touchdown with 1:40 left on the clock. The score is now 20-13 Steelers. Sometimes, it just be's that way.

Members Only

2008-12-02T14:18:00.008-06:00

KVUE's Elise Hu has an excellent story on the renovation of the House Members' Lounge at the Capitol. I'm glad Elise is asking the questions, because, like most people, I miss many of the details. While getting her story, Elise ran into some access issues at the Capitol.

Apparently, Speaker Tom Craddick is concerned with "safety" and that is the reason no one is allowed in the hallway behind the House Chamber. At least that's what spokesperson Alexis DeLee told KVUE. Unless you're James Leininger, the hallway is off limits while the House is in Session, but why can't anyone go back there during the interim?

The Members' lounge is just that - for House members only, but lots of money is being infused to redecorate the place. Since that falls under women's work, it was a job that Nadine Craddick was happy to do. But I digress.

The Texas Capitol belongs to the people of Texas and not to the Craddicks. Notice that Elise was not asked to leave by either the DPS troopers or by the House Sergeant-At-Arms. It was Craddick's personal bodyguards - two guys, bigger & badder - who were sent to deal with the questions. This is what happened when a KVUE photographer went back to the Capitol to work on their story:

Robert said he wanted to speak with security directly, and instead of security, Delee sent Terry Keel and Ron Wilson! Robert says Wilson came down the hallway wearing a big black shirt and sunglasses, even though they were indoors. But Keel (who is now House Parliamentarian) did the talking. He let Robert in to the lounge, to shoot what he wanted. We were thrilled to get what we could get, but would have loved anyone from the Speaker's office to go on camera. We were denied.

And there you have it.

Gene Green rules

2008-12-01T11:20:00.001-06:00

And Charles Kuffner has proof!

Happy Thanksgiving - Late Edition

2008-11-30T16:36:00.005-06:00

I had a great weekend! Hope you did, too. Last week I saw lots of family and distant relatives, and then had a chance to see some friends.

Brian & I hung out on Wednesday night when he came in from his luxury condo near Port Arthur to spend Thanksgiving with the Walles. He is the on-the-ground expert for the Chris Bell for Senate campaign in Jefferson county. GO TEAM BELL!

Thanksgiving was spent at Grandma's house with all the trimmings and 3 freakin' turkeys. OH YEAH people. Good thing we like turkey, huh? Aunt Bebe is making some pot pies as we speak. As I stated before, Oh. Yeah.

Dinner & a movie with my girl M. T. was Friday night. Yes, I know. We told each other, "I wish you were a hot guy" like 5 times. It's cool, though. The waiter was cute, the food rocked and the movie was great. Anne Hathaway is awesome in her role as younger sister Kym in Rachel Getting Married. I really liked the movie, but when the hell did Connecticut turn into Austin, TX?

Ava's birthday party was yesterday and Karissa & Scarlett went with me on our Journey to the Suburbs. I stuffed myself on pizza at Incredible Pizza Company on Highway 6 in Sugar Land. The prominent Jesus Fish decals on the entrance doors indicate that it's a Christian-owned facility. Holy pizza buffet, Batman. They need to better supervise their teen-aged staff to clean up the spills on the floor. People can fall and hurt themselves. But I guess IPC won't mind if we get some Christian Trial Lawyers on their asses, just like the Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist families in Sugar Land won't mind if their kids bring home "Smile Jesus Loves You" boomerangs from the pizza place.

Last night I was out pretty late so I missed out on the Sunday activities. I got up to see George but didn't stick around for Community Close Up.

This week: Tailgating for Monday Night Football! Then I'm off to Austin on Thursday for a quick trip. Have a good week, everyone.

You don't say?

2008-11-21T01:20:00.005-06:00

Apparently, we needed a study to determine that Latinos loves us some beer.

Dr. Raul Caetano of UT-Southwestern in Dallas participated in the study. Latinos seem to think that beer is "not as bad" as hard liquor and therefore tend to indulge in the frothy beverages more than other types of alcohol. I think Latinos drink beer because hard liquor leads to fights, divorces and death a little quicker. Beer, on the other hand, sneaks up on you. It makes you fat and you have to drink a few before you even notice that damn it, we're out of beer and who's making the next run?

Read more about the study and its results here.

Kino Flores - Crooked D?

2008-11-14T02:10:00.007-06:00

BurkaBlog tells all in the latest round of pre-Legislative session chisme regarding House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Chairman Kino Flores of Palmview, where ever the hell that is. Apparently, Burka's been trolling South Texas blogs for any dirty laundry he can find. And boy, howdy, Stace's primos sure dish out the goods on Kino. Since Burka has a knack for tying everything into the Speaker's race, we'll indulge him on this juicy tidbit of Speaker's race politics and the possibility of Kino resigning his seat:

District Attorney Ronnie Earle’s approach to some cases involving ethics violations — most prominently, that of former speaker Gib Lewis — has been to offer the public official who is under fire the choice of resign your seat or face prosecution. Normally, the troubles of an individual legislator would not have much impact on the course of Texas politics. But Flores’s situation has arisen in the context of a speaker’s race. Today, November 13, is exactly two months prior to the formal vote on Tom Craddick’s future. Flores is one of a dwindling number of Craddick D’s. It is by no means certain that he will be around to take the oath of office on January 13.
If he isn’t, his son might be. The blog noted “the sudden return from Tampa to South Texas of [Flores's] son, Buddy, who had been working for Florida Power & Light, courtesy of a cushy job arranged for him by Texas lawmaker Phil King, chairman of the powerful Regulated Industries Committee and a lawyer for the Florida power company.”

Not a pretty picture.

I'm on my way to the Capitol today to do my own snooping. I'll tell you what I find!

Happy Monday y'all!

2008-11-10T11:23:00.006-06:00

Kinda rainy & soggy... but it should be a good day nonetheless. While the President-elect is still putting his cabinet together, the Repubs are forecasting disaster. It's really unfortunate the way McCain-Palin went out... by telling their faithful that Barack Obama and the Democrats were going to take their hard-earned money and give it to welfare queens and people who "don't want to work."

Or, as Chuck Norris puts it, Barack Obama "and his boys" are going to steal his wallet.

And there it is, in its rancid un-glory: the Republican strategy of going nuclear by being racist and classist. Blame the poor people, because it's their own fault they are poor. They must be lazy. And, of course, a young black man just wants to rob you and steal your wallet. Nice subtlety there Chuck. You stupid fuck.

Sarah Palin really knew how to connect with angry white people who are not happy about all the change that's going on. She took the opportunity to Drudge up old themes and old racist stereotypes against Democrats. Let's hope President Obama will use his vast political prowess to inject his radical Democratic agenda into all the virginal, Republican red areas of the country.

All across the world ... in every nation!

2008-11-06T20:39:00.006-06:00

I am still celebrating! We won. We totally freaking won. Barack Obama was elected to be the 44th President of the United States in a landslide victory that turned much of the United States blue... including Harris County!

President-elect Barack Obama (I love saying that) has begun assembling his White House staff. Chief of Staff to the President is Rahm Emanuel. He's a hard-ass ball buster, if you want to imagine what that might be in an Obama administration. I've seen many names thrown around to fill Administration positions & Cabinet posts and hope some of those names end in vowels & z's. Names like Puente, Lopez, Ortiz, Reyna ... you get the picture.

In any case... sorry for the hiatus. I was up to my eyeballs in the campaign and now I am back!

Congratulations to Harris County Sheriff-elect Adrian Garcia. What a fantastic win! Take that, Tommy Thomas, you racist hick.

And another thing. I got an interesting e-mail today from Carl Whitmarsh, who seemed to be calling me out for unity in the Latino community because it's suddenly our own faults that the Party chose to ignore us yet again. I never, ever expected HCDP to make much of an effort in the Latino community. Hell, they had trouble pretending to give a damn, and left the East End office to flounder while the Breakfast Boutique on Travis was staffed with several people, including some from other offices.

Let's be clear - a solid effort in the Latino community does not translate into paying some washed-up old queen for "consulting and communications" services that are fancy words for the shakedown. Someone is always trying to get PAID. My crappy little salary was enough to sustain me during this campaign. I am happy to say that turnout in HD 148 was up 5% from 2004 despite being ignored completely by the Party's campaign.

There are those who really give a damn about the community and are willing to do the work. Then, there are others who don't even bother. Some people won't get off their asses long enough to make sure the one-eyed sign guy puts up the damn signs in the right damn district. Ridiculous.

In other Election developments, I'm sorry to see our friends Juan Garcia and Nick Lampson lose their seats. And, despite Nick's attempts to win over Sugar Land knuckle draggers, he was not Republican enough for their tastes. That's a damn shame. Nick Lampson is a good Congressman.

Alas, the 2008 campaign goes on with the Runoff election in SD17. I'll be trudging over to the Bell HQ to get our boy elected. He's a great guy, that Chris Bell, and I am a huge fan. As a Team Bell member from 2004, I can say with confidence that I am not alone in my sentiments.

See you on the trail again!

KJ For Mayor!

2008-10-21T22:00:00.006-05:00

Here's one we missed! Former Phoenix Suns great Kevin Johnson is running for Mayor of Sacramento:

Officially, Johnson’s mayoral campaign centers on public safety, better schools, and economic development, particularly of Sacramento’s riverfront, which he believes could rival those he visited as a ballplayer in San Antonio, Chicago, and Washington. But his greatest appeal is that he exhibits that most useful of mayoral traits, an easygoing familiarity with the full menagerie of urban life, from black teenagers to white developers. To this, he adds a quality as common to good politicians as it is rare among pro athletes: eager solicitude for the opinions of others.

Sometimes this has amusing consequences. At evening’s end, Johnson was the honored guest at a meeting of Hmong businessmen—a gathering over which the 6-foot-1-inch Johnson towered, much as most NBA players once towered over him. He talked briefly before opening the floor. For an hour he charmed and bantered (when necessary, through an interpreter), and he was getting ready to call it a night when he was hit with the kind of question every politician dreads, the kind you can’t possibly prepare for. Traditional Hmong shamanism involves the sacrifice of live animals, typically in the home, a practice that had resulted in a felony arrest. What was his position on animal sacrifice?

Johnson froze. The room was silent. He seemed to be wondering whether this was a joke, before deciding that, no, it probably was not a joke, and he had better not laugh. Then Johnson, still quick on his feet, spotted the play and flashed a high-wattage smile. “I’m here tonight to learn what I can do for you,” he said, “and this is exactly the type of issue that I’ll address as mayor, which is why I would like, right now, for volunteers to raise their hands if they’ll agree to be my liaison to the Hmong community.” Soon, five candidates had declared themselves to uproarious applause. Johnson brought them all, giggling and snapping pictures, to the front of the room. Game over.

Sounds like his moves in politics are as skilled as those on the basketball court. KJ's endorsement list includes labor unions and plenty of prominent California Democrats like former Speaker Fabian Nuñez. I'm rooting for him!

Read the whole thing at The Atlantic.

Gift ideas

2008-10-19T23:54:00.002-05:00

My birthday is coming up soon. If you decide to get me something, this is what I want.

Thanks!

One word: AWESOME!

2008-10-14T00:06:00.003-05:00

News of the long-awaited Apple notebooks has Mac lovers all atwitter. According to The Huffington Post, the new MacBook and MacBookPro notebooks are both cast in aluminum casings. I love my computer, but the plastic casing is a flaw. I can't wait to see the new line !

The Angry Mob at a McCain-Palin Rally

2008-10-09T02:25:00.001-05:00

Republicans think smart is bad

2008-10-08T23:13:00.006-05:00

Well of course they fucking do. Look at who their leader is! Anything that is not white or spoken in an Alaskan trailer-trash accent is viewed as foreign. You know, maybe some of these backwards white Republicans believe what they see at their conventions, that the whole world is White, and that is Right, and the rest of us are just here to cook the food.

I happen to really like (err... enjoy) the way Barack Obama pronounces Pakistan. He pronounces it with a soft a sound, the correct way. It's a sign of respect for another country and for a culture that is celebrated as part of the South East Asian communities in the U.S.

Asian American Democrats are a growing constituency and a loyal base for the Democratic party. The fact is that when the Republicans diss immigrants, they aren't just talking about Mexicans, anyone of color or ethnic background is a target of their douchebaggery.

A whole heap of trouble

2008-09-29T22:27:00.002-05:00

I'm back from my brief exile from blogging. So much has happened in the past month our heads are spinning.

Let's talk about things that haven't been done since the last time we spoke:

150,000 Houstonians still haven't had power restored to their homes after the hurricane.
Congress did not pass a "bailout" bill to save the country from something Drew is calling a "calamity."
I still have not taken my pile of newspapers to recycle.
Sarah Palin has not given a sensible answer to any question asked of her by the press, and
Levi Johnston is still not free.

So why don't you tell me what's going on with you? I'm planning blockwalking this weekend for Constable Precinct One Jack Abercia and for Harris County Sheriff candidate Adrian Garcia. Feel free to stop by the office and pitch in!

I'm still alive

2008-09-17T22:10:00.002-05:00

Greetings, one and all.

I have power tonight. Being in the dark really had me down, down, down... It's the total disruption of our everyday lives that can get to us. To me. No power, no water, no food...

it reminds you how others live on a daily basis and you wonder how they keep their humanity. I prayed for mine, over and over, during the darkness and while listening to the hum of the neighbor's generator, the only one on the block.

If anyone is reading, I am here, praying that the lights stay on this time. This is the 4th largest city in America and we are still mostly without power.

Hurricane Ike kicked our collective ass. I'll be pitching in tomorrow to maintain humanity and help those who didn't need it a week ago and those who need help more than ever.

-La Sandra

What to do... what to do...?

2008-09-12T14:59:00.002-05:00

I'm watching CNN coverage of Hurricane Ike because the overworked, very sleepy reporters on local TV are driving me insane with their 24-hour coverage.

Call me crazy, but if my ass is about to get blown away, I at least want to catch the Oprah show before I go.

Oh, goody! Our favorite hero during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath, General Honore, is back on TV. Wolf has him on as an expert on disaster. He's all dressed up in a nice suit, his aviators are gone and he's lookin' pretty sharp. Go General Honore!

I was going to stay here by my little lonesome, but I decided to head on into my secret bunker (Mom's house) and ride out the storm there. I've got my friend Jack Daniels, my favorite pillow, a cooler full of drinks, NYT crosswords, my Abe Lincoln book and my beloved Mac.

All's good. So, until later later, I'm hunkerin' down. If y'all see the Governor doing photo ops out there, tell him I said, "adios, mofo."

Workhorses and windbags

2008-09-05T02:05:00.003-05:00

Whatever you do, don't die in the 18th Congressional District of Texas unless you want a special guest at your funeral.

Joementum Returns

2008-09-02T22:34:00.002-05:00

I'll be blogging the Cuckoo's Nest this week for the Chron again. I have posted a live blog of Sen. Joe Lieberman's address to the RNC. Get it here!!

You can't afford no ring

2008-09-01T12:50:00.003-05:00

Yup, it's true. Bristol Palin, 17 years old, is an unmarried high school senior who is five months pregnant. This normally wouldn't be a big deal. The Palins live in a teeny tiny town in Alaska where you hafta snuggle together for warmth. Being pregnant is not a bad thing. Surely, it's because Sarah Palin's daughter was practicing a form of birth control that is foolproof and the only method approved by her mother: abstinence.

The reason this is a big deal is because Sarah Palin is the Republican Vice Presidential nominee. I suspect someone was trying to hide Bristol's baby bump from the media and the voters. But let's see how they spin this one.

The good news is that if we're really, really lucky, we might get invited to the WEDDIN' there at the White House South Lawn where Bristol & Levi (her baby's daddy) are gonna park their trailer.

Sarah Palin thinks misogyny is funny.

2008-08-31T12:04:00.007-05:00

HI-LARIOUS! And making fun of a cancer survivor should score her lots of points with advocates of health care reform. Or, you know, people.

Thanks to the HuffPost for sharing.

DNC 2008: Blogging the Convention

2008-08-25T23:56:00.003-05:00

I somehow got suckered into blogging for the Chronicle. I'll be Blue Team blogging this week and offering my own commentary on the speeches and goings on in Denver at the Democratic National Convention. Not that I would know what the hell is going on in Denver because I'm not in Denver, I am here.

Boooo.

I'll say a few words about the RNC gathering if I can stomach any of the coverage.

What I missed today

2008-08-18T00:03:00.004-05:00

Via Trailblazers, we learn that the DNC is highlighting Congressman Chet Edwards of Waco. In a DNC conference call on Sunday, Congressman Edwards reminded everyone of the shitty record John McCain and George Bush have in providing for our veterans over the last eight years. McCain will address the VFW convention in Orlando on Monday (if there is no hurricane).

Chet Edwards is a champion for our veterans and takes a back seat to no one in his commitment to them. That's why an RNC media hack issued a response late Sunday, trying to change the subject all quick-like:

"Instead of spending his vacation attacking John McCain, Chet Edwards should urge Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi to follow McCain's leadership and allow a vote on offshore drilling."

John McCain hasn't cast a vote in the Senate in more than six months. He couldn't care less about what's happening in Congress because all he needs are the sound bites. And another thing - August isn't vacation time for Congress, it's time spent in the district. Unless you're a Republican, that is.

Breaking Cartoon News

2008-08-17T23:36:00.003-05:00

Oh, HELL yeah. Gawker reports that The Cartoon Network is bringing back the Banana Splits!

What took them so long? That show was a complete and total trip.

I look forward to watching and being freaked out, entertained and a little scared all at the same time, just like I was 30 years ago.

Sunday blogging - Beijing edition

2008-08-17T12:16:00.003-05:00

The 2008 Olympic games in Beijing, China have been fun to watch despite the shadiness by Chinese officials who want so badly for everything to go perfectly. I saw Michael Phelps and Dara Torres swim for the U.S. and make history. I watched our "women" gymnasts fall and falter to an allegedly underage Chinese competitor.

This morning I watched the Medal ceremony awarding Venus and Serena Williams the gold for their event. As the Star Spangled Banner played and the U.S. flag was raised up the flag pole, the Williams sisters casually held their bouquets of roses and giggled. They did not place their hands over their hearts or display pride in their nation by being solemn or shedding a tear because damn it, they are patriotic. Well, patriotism might be against their religion.

Venus and Serena are Jehovah's Witnesses and do not honor the American flag and probably don't know what patriotism feels like. I'm taking a guess on what a practicing Jehovah's Witness might think patriotism means. Is it dishonoring God? But I wonder if anyone gave them pointers on how to act when someone's just placed a gold medal around your neck and the National Anthem is playing.

It's the Olympics, people. You should know and honor the customs of your own country before going to another country and embarrassing us in front of the whole freakin' world. Thanks.

Update: The Lopez family of Fort Bend County is blogging from Beijing and will soon be in the spotlight as their Taekwondo event comes up this week.

On John Edwards

2008-08-10T00:38:00.005-05:00

The Greater Heights Democrats asked me to speak at their meeting Saturday morning & I made sort of an ass of myself. I admit that. FYI, I attribute my behavior to sleep deprivation. I'm not making excuses, but 9:00 am is kind of an early call for a Saturday. Muchas gracias to Kevin for reigning me in. It was the first time I've ever been pre-empted for brreakfast tacos. Good call.

After I fumbled through a few points about the campaign, Herman Litt, chair of the Johnson Rayburn Richards Dinner, confirmed that John Edwards will not be at the event. That's cool. But why the hell did Edwards wait so long to own up to that shit? Men don't make any sense at all. GED, PhD or JD... it doesn't matter. Men let a piece of ass distract them and you just feel like slapping them upside the head for being so damn stupid.

Ugh. It really is infuriating. In my eyes, John is dirty - damaged goods. The whole reason we loved him was because he saved all his hotness for Elizabeth, the mother of his children.

No, this doesn't make him a terrible person. Everyone makes mistakes, but John Edwards' appeal was based on his unique and decadent brand of Southern loyalty and goodness. It's so very disappointing and heartbreaking all at the same time.

Elizabeth is in the prayers of many people. It's just too damn bad that her humiliation is on display for all the world to see because she deserves so much better.

So this song came to mind

2008-08-09T00:40:00.002-05:00

Friday, Friday, Friday!

2008-08-08T00:31:00.006-05:00

If you're reading this blog and you are a deputy voter registrar in Harris County, I could use your help registering voters at the Kroger at 6749 Airline at Parker Road from 4-6pm. I assured the store manager that this would be a non-partisan activity so keep your portable flashing neon Rick Noriega sign in the car. Thanks.

We'll be working in the heart of Texas House District 140, where the unopposed Democratic nominee can expect 100% of the vote in November. This is a densely Democratic district but it still has the lowest voter turnout in the county. We're doing voter registration now and then GOTV as we get closer to Election Day. HD 140 is about 70% Latino, many of whom are eligible to vote but are not registered.

So bring your deputy card, your most comfortable kicks and an umbrella. Oh, come on. Houston afternoons in the summertime would not be complete without the aroma of freshly rained-on asphalt. You know what I'm talking about.

Estas son las mañanitas...

2008-08-04T10:23:00.003-05:00

Happy Birfday Senator Obama! Have a good day.

I need to do this more

2008-08-01T01:36:00.020-05:00

"What dat iz?" you ask, that I need to do more of?

I need to brag more about my Member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Gene Green. He's doing wonderful things for us in the 29th District of Texas. I don't agree with him all of the time but I trust him.

"Why dat iz?" sez you, rubbing your two bits together, hoping they make some sense.

Because, thanks to Gene, I have a job. He's the best boss ever. I stay out his way and he keeps the lights on. It's a match made in employee-boss heaven. As if that weren't enough, Congressman Green has passed legislation, H.R. 1343, the Health Centers Renewal Act of 2007. The bill provides funding for health care centers around the U.S., and three right here at home: the Pasadena Health Center, El Centro de Corazon's Eastwood Clinic, and the Denver Harbor Clinic.

This is an important issue to me for several reasons - morally and personally. About 40 million Americans have no health insurance and must go to health clinics and pray real hard to stay healthy. I was without health insurance when I was diagnosed with an illness that needed immediate, expensive treatment a few years back and a clinic saved my life.

One of my mom's sisters, Tia Fran, is alive today because of the doctors at Denver Harbor Clinic. While others blew her off, Tia Frances was diagnosed at the Denver Harbor Clinic with a growth on her brain that was paralyzing her. Things would have turned really, really bad if the doctors in DH had not insisted upon immediate surgery.

So, on behalf of my family, Congressman - thank you. Your hard work in Congress is very much appreciated and it has given my Tia Frances her life back.

That's her in the pink outfit in the picture below. I don't know why my family doesn't smile when posing for pictures, but I can assure you that they're happy. Ecstatic, even.

WHO WANTS A SHOT?

Speaking of being healthy (and happy), it's that time of year, again!

I think I just heard a collective "woo hoo!" from a bunch of moms around town.

It's time to wrestle your kids into sitting still, bribe them with ice cream and otherwise remind your mocosos that school's around the corner by taking them to get their shots. You don't want kids whose parents are anti-science getting your child sick.

Before you plan your first happy hour (IN MONTHS!), get the kids vaccinated this Saturday at the 13th annual Immunization Day in the district.

U.S. Congressman Gene Green
29th Congressional District of Texas
2335 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515
Press Releas

For Immediate Distribution

Contact: Jesse Christopherson

July 29, 2008 202-225-1688 (office)

202-225-8620 (mobile)

jesse.christopherson@mail.house.gov

Congressman Green to host 13th annual Immunization Day

Houston, TX- Congressman Gene Green (D-Texas) will host his office’s 13th Annual Immunization Day on Saturday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to providing free immunizations for children the event will give parents an opportunity to speak with Congressman Green about preventive health initiatives.

“Immunizations are one of the most important disease prevention steps we can take to protect our children,” said Congressman Green. “I hope that people will take advantage of our Immunization Day. It’s a benefit for our children and our community.”

Every year several elementary schools are selected to host the event. Rep. Green would like to thank the healthcare groups who are making Immunization Day a success this year: the Texas Children’s Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Clinic, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, and the Harris County Hospital District’s Sheldon School-Based Clinic.

WHAT: Free immunizations for children and preventive health initiative information. Bring immunization records for each child.

WHEN: Saturday, August 2
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Janowski Elementary (HISD) - 7500 Bauman, Houston

Lantrip Elementary (HISD), 100 Telephone, Houston

Sheldon Elementary (Sheldon ISD), 17203 Hall Shepperd, Houston

###

I overslept

2008-07-27T15:58:00.003-05:00

Don't give me three beers... I'll nurse a hangover for everything it's worth. I stayed up super late after going out for Manda's birthday. I got out of bed to get the paper but slept through Stephanopoulos. That left me to scourge ABC News for what I missed. Unfortunately, they don't offer video netcasts or podcasts of their programming the way NBC does, just audio, which is really lame.

In his interview with George, John McCain expressed his support for repealing Affirmative Action policies, displayed a weak stance on the state of the economy, and said he didn't care if there are kids out there who need homes, gay parents need not apply. He repeats three times that he supports "traditional" "two-parent" homes instead of just saying that he opposes gay adoption. Single people, where does that leave you? Suppose your drug-addicted sibling loses custody of her kid, and you want to adopt him, McCain's policy gives preference to married people. What about family values? How about keeping families together and supporting families, no matter what they may look like? His family is the picture-perfect American family success story with the glamorous wife, her wealthy family business and an adopted daughter (it's okay, he was married). Except we know the truth... about his first wife Carol and his callous behavior, about how he treats trophy wife Cindy, and that he is generally a prick.

In other Sunday morning talk news... Matthew Dowd wore jeans with a coat & tie for his appearance on This Week. Is it just me, or is that incredibly annoying, considering everyone else at the Roundtable was dressed in business attire? I've never liked Matthew Dowd, but now it's even harder to take him seriously. It's like he stopped by for a chat with Cokie, Sam and the two Georges on the way to brunch. I couldn't stop looking at his jeans, which are probably Gap jeans because he's too much of a slob to buy a nice pair of jeans. Then again, if he owned a nice pair of jeans, that would mean he had a sense of style. If he had a sense of style, he wouldn't f*ucking wear jeans on Sunday morning television.

What is he, Catholic?

McCain's got some Cold War acid reflux

2008-07-23T23:26:00.005-05:00

The Media is making a big ol' fuss about Sen. Barack Obama's "entourage" of foreign policy advisors, all 1,000 of them. Their commentary on the FP experts in the Obama camp is that he needs all the help he can get because John McCain is some sort of FP genius.

Then can someone tell me why the f*uck he is being advised by Henry Kissinger, the most narcissistic, war mongering Cold War zealot alive?

Yes. He's STILL. ALIVE. And regurgitating the same bad advice that he gave to Nixon, Reagan and Bush I.

Maybe the reason his advice causes more problems than solves them is because no one can understand wtf he's saying.

Hurricane Dolly

2008-07-23T09:20:00.001-05:00

I don't want to get caught in the storm... what to do?

Hunker down!

But anyway... it's a slow blogging week for me. I'll be on again later.

No one wants to laugh at Barack

2008-07-16T14:11:00.003-05:00

The latest pseudo-controversy surrounding the Presidential campaigns is that Barack Obama isn't the butt of any jokes. The comedians are beside themselves with fear at the daunting prospect of not having any Wacky Baracky material for the next four years. Sorry to rain on your late-night parades, but almost every fucking president in my lifetime has been a joke.

And, for once, it would be nice to show some fucking reverence for the office of President of the United States and the leader of the free world. It's a serious job and it's about time someone took it seriously.

Oh but that Barack Obama is sooooo cute aaaaaaand cool and OMG did you see him on the cover of Tiger Beat with Menudo?

Viva la revolucion

2008-07-14T23:49:00.005-05:00

Happy Bastille Day, mademoiselles and monsieurs. Saludos a los franceses...

I think Bastille Day should be celebrated more. The French flag did fly over Texas at one time and there are many Texans with French heritage. Bastille Day parties would be so much fun. Oui could totally dress up in decadent costumes and discuss art, leisure and sex. Kind of like Sunday Brunch in Montrose.

Speaking of the wonders of democracy, have I mentioned lately that I enjoy my subscription to the New York Times? Waking up to retrieve the morning paper before a homeless person steals it is a good reason to get out of bed in the morning. I did, at one time, subscribe to The New Yorker, but I'm glad I don't anymore.

Did you SEE that cover?! $4.50!! It costs a tank of gas for the price of one copy of that pinche rag that's often too condescending to tolerate. But I digress.

The New York Observer has a nifty piece about a crackdown at the Times by standards editor Craig Whitney on employees gettin' all political and stuff on the job. OR IN YOUR CAR! Or on your lawn.

Seriously - where does this end? Voter histories are public record. It is conceivable that journalists' voting records would be subject to scrutiny, as well. Then what's next? Telling reporters that they can't vote in primaries?

Reporters are always digging in your personal business, anyway. As JT says, what goes around, what goes around... comes back around.... yeahhh.

Christina Aguilera Rocks the Vote

2008-07-11T23:46:00.003-05:00

DMN's Trailblazers blog alerts us to a new Rock the Vote spot featuring Christina Aguilera. America never sounded so beautiful:

I know, I know...

2008-07-11T15:08:00.003-05:00

I haven't blogged in a week. There is much to discuss, I suppose, but I feel as though I am cut off from the world because I, too, am without access to MSNBC and CNN. Luckily, I subscribe to the New York Times and I am able to watch snippets of the cable news shows on the Internets.

Really, though. If Erik Barajas isn't reading me the news, then is it really news?

Please bear with me. The office is having issues with our DSL connection and so I am borrowing a signal from the neighbor. Just wanted to wave howdy to the "TPA" to which I am now affiliated.

Thanks, I accept.

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-04T01:20:00.001-05:00

Have a safe holiday, everyone.

Nuh uh!

2008-07-01T01:34:00.003-05:00

Oh, great.

You know, I really love that in my Party, we can truthfully call ourselves that of the Big Tent. We Democrats are pretty welcoming of even the most annoyingly odd fringe elements and hangers on in Party (LaRouchies)...

... but we gotta draw the line somewhere.

On the passing of George Carlin

2008-06-24T23:44:00.003-05:00

I was talking to my mom last night about George Carlin, the American comedic genius who died Sunday. I've always, always loved Carlin. Mom told me that she & my dad would let all of us kids watch his specials on TV, bad words & all. I don't remember that too much, but it's probably the reason we all hung on his every word during a performance. George Carlin made sense. Watching him made us feel as if we were in on a big joke and that it was okay to laugh at the stoopid people who didn't get it.

Here is a clip that encapsulates why George Carlin was the best there ever was. Rest in peace, George.

Hullo, Thursday

2008-06-20T12:55:00.004-05:00

.... And, we're back! Sometimes there isn't much to say so the best thing to do is keep quiet. Si o no? Rousing me from my posting slumber are the increasingly intriguing articles regarding the Obama campaign and the tussle of media access to the candidate.

I have to tell you, I've enjoyed watching how the Obama campaign handles the press. The moves are not intended to throw anyone off - or maybe they are. It's understood that the Public Has A Right To Know and that the news people Are Just Doing Their Jobs. I get that they are annoyed, and that the life of a traveling press corp man/woman for the next president is not the best job in the world, except that it is. If it weren't so amusing that the Third Estate's feelings are hurt by the Obama campaign's message control methods, it would be maddening.

Where was their inquisitive zeal for The Truth when the Bush Administration was lying to everyone for almost 8 years?

Just sayin'.

Via TM's Poll Dancing blog, who got it from Politico, we learn of the plight of an important journalist from the Washington Post who was put in time-out during a fundraiser for Senator Obama at Ethel Kennedy's house. I met Mrs. Kennedy and her son Max while they campaigned here in Houston for Senator Obama before the March 4th primary. They were very kind and exceptionally thoughtful, so I bet the reporter was fed while she was there in the pool room. And besides, who knew that pool reporters were not actually kept in the pool room?

Honest mistake.

Sunday blogging

2008-06-15T13:11:00.005-05:00

Today is Father's Day. Happy Father's day to one and all. My dad is MIA, but I hope he's enjoying it somewhere. I have no doubt that he is.

Last night, we got together for my uncle Frank's 50th birthday party. He was surprised and had a really good time. It was a fun party.

That's Uncle Frank with a few of his nieces & nephews.

Okay, back to my Sunday New York Times. Good Day!

Saluting my friends

2008-06-11T12:46:00.008-05:00

Texas is fortunate to have a base of young, talented and hard-working Democrats representing us at the Democratic National Convention this summer in Denver, CO. From SD6, IBEW Local 716 Organizer Turner Wright was elected to serve as a Clinton National Delegate. Congratulations, Turner!

Remember, this process started on March 4th, just a few months ago. Running for Delegate takes a big amount of time away from family, work and other priorities. It's a big sacrifice! Since then Turner's been very active in the Party. His wife Ruth was there on Saturday with the kids, supporting Turner and graciously sharing her husband with a bunch of unruly Democrats.
The Wrights are now Denver-bound and deservedly so!

Here's Turner sticking it out at the SD6 Convention on March 29th in Houston:

Congratulations are also in order for TDP President Shondra Wygal, Houston Stonewall Young Democrat Victor Castillo and Dallas Young Democrat Paul Tran who were all elected Clinton National Delegates. Obama delegates going to Denver from Houston are State Representatives Ana E. Hernandez, Garnet Coleman and attorney Roland Garcia.

TDP Convention in pictures

2008-06-11T12:14:00.005-05:00

Here is the first bunch of pictures from the Texas Democratic Party 2008 Convention. On Thursday night, brother & I attended the Texas Bloggers Caucus at the Cedar Door in Austin. Good times were had by all. Friday was a business-filled day of caucusing, voting and electing delegates to office representing our Senate Districts. Saturday, at the General Assembly, TDP Chairman Boyd Richie was enthusiastically re-elected by a majority of Delegates.

Back from the TDP Convention

2008-06-08T22:56:00.003-05:00

I am back, but my car is at the Dodge dealership in La Grange. That really sucks. But Mr. & Mrs. 140 scooped us up and gave Brother and me a ride back into town. Gracias a dios!

Jaimito took lots of pictures of our activities at the convention and I will post a few in the little while. Overall, the experience was enthralling except for a few minor problems that were resolved... eventually - and not always to everyone's satisfaction. But that's democracy for ya, baby. I was elevated to delegate status in my Senate Distrist 6 caucus and was then able to vote for officers. It was great to have been a participant in a little bit of Texas Dems' history.

Gearing up for Austin

2008-06-01T14:55:00.002-05:00

This week is the Texas Democratic Party 2008 Convention. My brother and I are driving into Austin on Thursday morning and staying with the YD's in a rent house. Given my in-between employment status, I am going low budget this one. So far, so good... Fair warning - I'm driving 65 all the way in, so you heavy-foot-on-the-pedal assholes with gas cards can just bite me.

In case I forget, let me make one thing clear: Texas Democrats must re-elect Chairman Boyd Richie. Boyd and Betty are loyal Democrats who provide steady and fair leadership for the Party. Shoutout to the Chairman and Betty Richie!