Merry New Year!

It's one of my all time faves:

4th day of Christmas, 8th night of Hannukah

And I'm going JStreet on you.

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

We made it

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

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...

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

Rahm to Blago:

Don't fuck with me or mine.

More later.

There's a big polluter in the neighborhood

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

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

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!

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

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

And Charles Kuffner has proof!

Happy Thanksgiving - Late Edition

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?

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?

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!

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!

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!

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

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

Thanks!

One word: AWESOME!

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

Republicans think smart is bad

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

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

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...?

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

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

Joementum Returns

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, Friday, Friday!

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...

Happy Birfday Senator Obama! Have a good day.

I need to do this more

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

Have a safe holiday, everyone. 

Nuh uh!

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

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

.... 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

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

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

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

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

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!

Good point.

That's all I have to say about that.

Irma's in The Atlantic

Houston businesswoman Irma Galvan is featured in the June issue of The Atlantic magazine. Ignore the non-Mexican music accompanying the slide show and indulge in the reporter's decadent description of a Houston original.

Fun at the DNC Rules Committee Meeting

Do you have tickets to the fight this weekend? If not, don't worry, it will be televised. 

Hillary Clinton fans are traveling to Washington, DC, with plans of taking on the DNC Rules Committee regarding the seating of delegates from Florida and Michigan. They are going to protest and bang their drums, rallying for Florida and Michigan delegates to be added posthumously to the overall delegate count. Most of all, they'll just look like the nuts they are. They most certainly are not Democrats. 

Ah... Florida. I knew I could re-count on you.

And Michigan! Democrats seem to be continuously working on a solution, so I'm less worried about you. However, let this be a lesson: There are rules that are put in place for a reason. You just can't change them arbitrarily to Pantsuit your own needs.

Update: Another Voice calling out the Clinton campaign and her worshippers. 

Is this thing on?

Yes, we're still listening to the warm up act.
Yes, we know she's pissed off at the prospect of losing, as are her army of post-menopausal white women who justify their ire by saying they will never see a woman elected President of the United States in their lifetimes. Yes, Hillary Clinton's campaign forges on and she continues to talk a whole lot of s-h-i-t along the way. Earlier this week, she was on quite a roll with the sexism claims against the Obama campaign, the media and anyone else her husband could wave his finger at. It was an issue that was working, too, as many bloggers and big media-types opined on how Clinton has been the target of extreme sexism.
Then she speculated about the possibility of the death of her opponent.

This is what she gets for wishing bad upon others. She's still in the Democratic race for the nomination because she and her merry band of haters insist that Barack Obama is unworthy and unelectable, and that he is bound to fuck up so bad that the Party will come to its senses and "select" her as our nominee.

Karma's a bitch, isn't it?

Que dios se bendiga, Senator Kennedy

Senator Edward Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He's up & around, but will need the strength of his family, friends and loved ones to get through the treatments and recovery. Senator Kennedy has been a strong voice for us in the Senate and on the campaign trail this primary season, as he demonstrated in Laredo a few months ago:

Tubin' the Guadalupe

Mr. & Mrs. 140 took me camping with them to New Braunfels in beautiful Comal County, TX. We spent six freaking hours floating the Guadalupe River on Saturday, finally getting dry at 7:00pm. It was a slow, freezing cold ride on an overcast Hill Country day, but it was still a blast, and I have the bruises from the ride down the rapids to prove it. Every once in a while I forgot to lift myself up and would take a rock right on the butt or on my back. I am proud to say I wiped out only once and while I did lose my hat, I never lost my beer or my inner tube.
Today was perfect tubing weather - 92 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. The next camping trip may be to my favorite place in the wide world - Garner State Park & the Frio River. It's got clear water, gorgeous scenery and lots of hot South Texas cowboys. Nothing chills that kind of heat like the Rio Frio, which lives up to its name.

In case you missed it....

Texas made the New York Times again. I know this because my Tuesday paper was waiting for me right outside my door yesterday morning. Yay! This time, The Paper of Record featured an article written about their junior Senator's presidential campaign and the "walkin' around money" Team Clinton passed out to politiqueros here in Houston and South Texas:

The Clinton campaign made payments of $80 to $125 to more than 200 people in Houston, and $100 to $200 to 170 people in the McAllen and Brownsville areas near the Mexican border.

The Clinton campaign did not respond to several requests for comment. Hari Sevugan, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, drew a distinction between the money it paid to college students, who he said were enthusiastic supporters to begin with, and the payments by the Clinton campaign, which he described as an effort to buy influence among important constituencies.

It is unclear whether the payments made much of a difference. Mrs. Clinton did sweep the border areas of Texas by wide margins, helping her win the primary by about 100,000 votes, of nearly 2.9 million cast, but she had already had a strong base of support among the region’s Hispanics. And Mr. Obama carried Houston and other urban areas where black voters formed a crucial bloc of support.

Here in Houston, the Obama campaign resisted the "shakedown" by many people and at least one public figure (and you know who you are). It's been widely suggested that the reason Sen. Obama didn't do better in Philadelphia is because his campaign refused to pay the locals the walkin' around money they are accustomed to getting from various candidates at election time.
If there is one practice that should be abolished, it is this one. I am all for campaign workers getting paid for the work they do in the field. Hell, I am one of those campaign workers. What I despise is the "pay to play" old-school game that equivocates the hard work of true believers in this democracy with the sheisty patron/patrona system that gives Latinos in politics a bad name.

Extortion sucks. Anyone who plays this game is a liar, a cheater and yes - deserves to lose.

Special Comment

Don't worry, I will not be as long winded as Keith O. I just wanted to relay my perspectives to my reader (Hi, Mom) about the developments around the current status of the Democratic presidential nomination saga.

People, listen. We must let Senator Clinton run her campaign and let her decide when it is time to end her run for the nomination. Team Clinton cannot afford to carry on the way they have onto the next primaries. They're broke, they owe money to vendors in almost every state and the cash is drying up fast. Things are not going well. Let her supporters get it out of their systems. Know that they are angry and upset that their candidate will not be the 44th President of the United States. But if I may, I'd like to pass along some advice from some well-seasoned Democrats who back Clinton: this is politics, baby. Someone has to win and someone has to lose.

These words of wisdom were spoken in reference to the many supporters of Senator Obama who, at various times during the course of this campaign, felt cheated and reduced to the status of being "new to the game," and thus rendering them unworthy of understanding how politics is played. The comments by Bill in South Carolina? That's politics, baby.
Sending out misleading and incorrect information about Barack Obama's position on choice in New Hampshire? Politics, plain & simple - and it worked.

Lots of tactics worked well for the Clinton campaign. They have seriously played up Senator Clinton's whiteness as the main reason she should be our party's nominee. She's already used the "vote for me because it is time to elect a woman" strategy. Now she is using the "vote for me because I am white" strategy. Her campaign is trying to sell a bill of goods to Democrats that isn't worth the Blackberry it was typed on. The Clinton camp is insisting that Democrats need the votes of the uneducated white-working class in November to win the presidency. This is all bullshit.

Number one, Senator Obama has done increasingly better with the white working-class vote in each contest. West Virginia may not bode well for him on May 13th when that state holds their primary. Nevertheless, the Clintons continue to encounter opposition in those states, as well.

Number two, the white working class vote has not gone for a Democrat in at least two generations. The Reagan Democrats boast "conservative values" that Senator Clinton proudly identified with on the campaign trail. She transformed herself from privileged, private schooled, filthy-rich lawyer and former First Lady to a whiskey-swilling blue-collar lush overnight. Gone were the "screw 'em" sentiments she voiced at Camp David in 1995. Suddenly, she was our Great White Hope who felt our pain at the gas pump and tried hard to contrast that image against the annoying black man who thinks he's smarter than us. Classy.

Number three, the working class white electorate that she courts may not vote for her over John McCain. Do you know who would vote for her over McCain? The base of the Democratic party - African Americans. This community is solidly, loyally Democratic. We can count on our brothers and sisters in the black community to stand with us all day and all night in fighting the Republicans. The way she has and continues to insult the base of the Democratic party is dumbfounding.

Additionally, I find it absolutely astounding how prominent leaders of our party continue to stand with the Clinton campaign while they belittle the value of black Democrats and use Republican talking points ("gaaas taaax holiday") and an updated version of the Southern Strategy to divide the Democratic party.

I am not asking that the Clintons suspend their bid for the presidency. I ask that everyone stay tuned to the Democratic primary contests and observe how the Clintons went all out, balls to the walls and still lost. When you sell your soul to special interests and to the worst attributes of human nature, you get what you deserve.

Memories...

Fresh off of the results from the latest Rasmussen poll, Team Noriega is enjoying some much deserved love from the Texas media & blogosphere today.

The Talented Mr. Doroteo has posted some YouTube memories for SD6 delegates to enjoy. Six weeks later, our Senate District convention experience is like that last shot of whatever-it-is-you-promised-not-to-drink-anymore if the pain & nausea will just go away. Good job, Carlitos!

One Day Out: The Indiana and North Carolina Primaries

I'm making a call on tomorrow's Democratic presidential primaries in Indiana and North Carolina. 

Indiana: Obama, 51-49

North Carolina: Obama 57-43.

Holla!

Happy Friday, people

For your viewing pleasure, here is the wonderful Donna Brazile on the Colbert Report this week:

Debate? No thanks, we're good.

La Hilaria is clamoring for more debates. On the stump today in Indiana, she chided Sen. Obama and his supporters for "complaining" about the questions and moderators of the ABC News debate in Pennsylvania two weeks ago. Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams sent a letter, by carrier pigeon, presumably, to the Obama campaign requesting that the two engage in a Lincoln-Douglas style debate in Indiana. Apparently, Team Clinton is going with the debate-dodging rhetoric as a form of attack on Barack Obama. Sen. Obama and his campaign have stated quite clearly that there will be no more debates prior to the May 6th elections. He's got voters to talk to and a General Election strategy to plan.

Barack Obama is our party's nominee. By refusing to accept this fact, Hillary and Bill Clinton are forcing the rest of us to continue living in their world - in their political universe - by prolonging the primary contests. I've had it with them. After 2008 is over, the only place I want to see Senator Clinton is on CSPAN2 during Senate floor debates. Bill needs to go to a place where black people might be happier to see him - like Africa - on his humanitarian trips with the Clinton Foundation. President Clinton's mouth has alienated enough African American voters to question his wife's ability to carry that vote in November. 

The way the Clintons have traded in the black vote for the bubba vote, have talked guns, taken (whiskey) shot photo-ops and the manner in which they have essentially marginalized the base of the Democratic Party is astonishing. The base of the Democratic Party is the black vote and African Americans have been fiercely loyal to the party. It is a mistake to discount this fact.

It's Pennsylvania Primary Day, Kids

May the best candidate win the delegates required to increase the overall lead in the 2008 Democratic primary.

Light Posting Ahead

I'm switching internet providers and will be OOT for a while. Boo. I promise to check in frequenty and use the SK whenever possible. Ay te watcho.

Hillary's Neighbors at 3 a.m.

Now this is a compelling argument:

Debate or Roasting?

Update: Senator Obama goes Jay-Z:

The 21st Democratic Presidential Debate in Philadelphia last night was embarrassing. ABC News' George Stephanopoulos and Charlie Gibson decided to waste two hours of America's time asking questions about flag pins and retired 60's era radicals. Most of the debates have been on CNN or MSNBC, so I was looking forward to a good debate on the issues on free TV in front of a big national audience. What we got instead were questions about fake controversies regarding Barack Obama's patriotism and then more questions about one of his neighbors, a 60's-era radical who the American public didn't know about until last night.

I suppose ABC News wanted to show up the cable channels and "get tough" on Senator Obama. There were no questions on education policy or any substantive discussion on foreign policy, but lots of talk about Bosnia, Bitter and the stuff that clogs up your junk mail. At times, I thought I was watching a political and very unfunny version of Comedy Central's Roast show. I was waiting for Senator Clinton to turn into Lisa Lampanelli and get her digs in, too. She showed mild restraint but I don't expect Team Clinton to protest too loudly, even though they should. It's not like their candidate got a chance to talk about the issues!

On behalf of people in politics, I apologize to the American public for making you miss your favorite shows or activities because of that sad display in politics last night. You know, there are soldiers dying in Iraq and Afghanistan and George wants to talk about flag pins. Unbelievable.

I'm out of touch?

You're out of touch!

Sunday blogging

Okay, so... the family is getting together today in honor of my grandpa, Frank G. Guerrero, Sr. I went to church, sat with my family and then I stopped back home to change before heading to Grandma's.

I couldn't resist watching George Stephanopoulos first. He's my Sunday Talking Head of choice. President Carter was on today from Katmandu, Nepal. When President Carter isn't observing elections, he is defying U.S. foreign policy by meeting with Hamas, a terrorist organization, or so says the U.S. government. Carter is acting as a private citizen on behalf of the Carter Center, the policy think tank and foundation. The president also spoke about the Center's work eradicating the guinea worm and guinea worm disease in Africa.

I googled "guinea worm" and found several reference sites, and also something called Save the Guinea Worm Foundation. The site is linked through Seven Deadly Sins. Okay, I can take a joke.

Then on Stephanopoulos, George Will mentions the 7 Deadly Sins in reference to President Carter, saying that the President is motivated by pride. Whoa.

I perused the 7 Deadly Sins website for information on how I, as a bad Catholic, would suffer in hell as a result of my sinful demand to be treated like a human being. My options for torture, upon getting to hell, differ according to the sin. But geez.... how am I to choose what sin I am most guilty of? I'm going with the torture method that seems less gruesome and totally worth the sin:

Lust.

Anyhow, back to Politics. I'm a flip-flopper. I just thought I'd mention one thing about the latest in the presidential campaigns. The whole bitter Obama controversy is nothing compared to the shady deals President Bill has been engaging in. Talk about some juicy, red meat for those Republicans to tear into. After watching Stephanopoulos, I'm convinced that Senator Obama will weather this Bitter storm. He needs to take Donna Brazile's advice and be that community organizer. Senator Clinton is making a fool out of her self drinking whiskey with the guys and waving her gun around. Who the hell is she trying to be, Dick Cheney?

Obama needs to expose the shady deals Bill Clinton has been making with China and Colombia that have contributed to the Clintons' considerable wealth. They are really cashing in on this Presidency thing.

I got that feeling...

You know the one. Like something isn't quite right. I am kind of bummed but not enough to just sit around and be lazy. So I sorted the clothes and picked up a little in the bedroom. I saw the Daniel Day-Lewis movie, There Will be Blood and have been avoiding the headlines. 

I made myself some food and ran an errand. It's a nice night. Going out would be fun, but I don't think I'd get in with my 90's era levi shorts and hole-y Stones t-shirt.

Home again, I pop open the computer and peruse the headlines. Ugh. There is that feeling again.

The Obama campaign is over. Dead. Hasta.

His stupid fucking remark at that high-dollar fundraiser was all anyone needs to beat us in November.

GAME OVER.

The End.

Fin.

Peacefully, let's go to November together as a Party, stopping the Republicans and John McCain.

4:00 am

That's right. Four.A.M.

Jose Canseco is nucking futs

Did you see Nightline? Martin Bashir interviews Jose Canseco about his new book, Vindicated. In it, Canseco unashamedly, embarrassingly (for him) says that my baby daddy, Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, hit on Jose's random-looking wife. 

Whatever! He "names names" and says A-Rod used steroids, but when Martin asks him if he hates Alex, Canseco can't help but say, yeah, I hate the motherfucker, and yeah, that's why I'm talking. Canseco gets a little agitated with Bashir's questions, and that just makes him look desperate and sad. But mostly it is a trip to watch. Jose Canseco is a piece of work and a top contender for 2008 Player Hater of the Year. 

Alex, meanwhile, isn't having any of this. He's the number one player in baseball, baby. 

It's a disturbing interview. I really hope Canseco gets help and stays away from the Adult Film Industry. Doesn't it seem like that's where he's heading?

"Wow..."

Wrong answer, Chelsea. I think it is a legitimate question to ask about Senator Clinton, just an inappropriate question for her daughter. It was in bad form. Chelsea did fine in recovery, but I think the question of her mom's credibility is fair game. After all, word is that the Clintons would have to Tonya Harding Barack Obama for Hillary to get the nomination.

Yes, friends... this is what it has come to.

Lookie what I found at Trailblazers

The DSCC sent some poor intern-type to Texas, armed with only a camcorder, to talk to Rick Noriega about some of his experiences the past few years answering the call to duty. With the boots. On the ground. Ready to Serve. 

Get it?

Anyway, it's a good video. I hope attention from the DSCC isn't going to remain low budget. 

Fulfilling my brown obligation

The biggest story the past two days in Texas music has been on the severe head injuries Tejano music singer Emilio Navaira sustained after crashing his tour bus on 610 in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday. It's a terrible, saddening and upsetting situation for Navaira's fans. I admit, I like me some Emilio, especially on a day with cold beers and barbecue on the grill. While we remember the many good times we've had enjoying the music, everyone needs to consider the gravity of this man's medical condition.

Emilio Navaira has suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) and he will never be the same. The doctors at Memorial Hermann are working to save his life and to minimize, if at all possible, the extent of brain injuries caused by the crash. Given my own family's experience with TBI and the doctors at UT-Houston and Memorial Hermann, the Navaira family has a very good chance of getting their loved one back. I think Dr. Red Duke is still on staff there, too.

Emilio's in good hands.