Endorsements

OK, so I've been a bit slow on the pickup. Here are my endorsements for the 2010 primary in our precinct.

• Governor:
• Debra Medina, former Wharton County chairman, is a true grassroots Republican candidate. I will say that this is not a strong endorsement. Governor Perry and Senator Hutchison are good people, and I don't think that if either of them were to win the nomination that Texas would be headed in a wrong direction.
  
• Rick Perry, Incumbent
• Kay Bailey Hutchison
• Railroad Commissioner:
• Victor Carrillo, Incumbent, has the experience and dual background (in geology and law) to be an effective Railroad Commissioner. The Railroad Commission oversees the state's oil and gas industry. I haven't heard anything of him doing a bad job, and I'm inclined to keep experienced people who have a background in the specific office's responsibilities in office where there's not much control over budgets.
  
• David Porter
• Justice, Supreme Court, Place 3
• Again, it looks like this is a can't-go-too-far-wrong race. I don't think I can make a strong endorsement in this one at all.
  
• Rebecca Simmons, endorsed by the Dallas Morning News
• Rick Strange
• Rick Green
• Jeff Brown
• Debra Lehrmann
• Jim Moseley, from Dallas with experience on the local Court of Appeals, with Bill Clements' endorsement, is my choice.
• Justice, Supreme Court, Place 9
• This one is another weak endorsement. Both candidates are good, and I think that more than anything, this race will probably be more of a referendum on what people think of Governor Perry than anything else.
• Eva Guzman, appointed by Governor Perry last year, has my endorsement.
• Rose Vela
• Member, State Board of Education, District 12
• Geraldine "Tincy" Miller has my endorsement. She is conservative and knows the issues that come before the SBOE.
• George Clayton
• District Clerk
• Cliff Boyd has my endorsement. His opponent has no Republican history, while Cliff does.
  
• Tammy Barnes
• Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2, Place No. 2
• I'm still working on this endorsement.
  
• Michael Windham
• Tomi Johnson Shehan
• Robert "Bob" Fuller
• Constable, Precinct No. 2
• Michael Gothard, Incumbent. He's not the one making the bad news for constables in Dallas County. I'll vote to keep him.
  
• Ray Nichols
• The propositions are there to gauge Republican support for various issues. I plan on voting for all of them, even though most are just "red meat" thrown at conservatives.

Amendment recommendations

Hey, everyone.

In looking at the proposed amendments for this upcoming election, I support them all except for number 9. I'm still undecided on this one.

Number 9 codifies into the Constitution the right of public access to beaches. The problem is that beaches can move, so that land that was once private can become public because of natural circumstances. Tomorrow, I'll call the General Land Office and ask if there is some sort of procedure for reclaiming land if the beach is rebuilt by the Gulf, or some sort of compensation when a house can no longer be placed on the land.

Update: I just spoke with Angie at the GLO, and she said the easement can move seaward if the line of vegetation changes due to natural circumstances. I can support this amendment as well.

I think this is the first time in my life that I will actually vote for all the amendments presented.

No, no, no, no, NO!

A "pastor" (and I use the quotes for a reason) has publicly prayed for the death of Barack Obama. He leads a self-styled fundamentalist church (and tmatt, if you see this, I feel free to use that word because he applies it to himself on his church's web page). I would like to see how he deals with the following scriptures:

Romans 12:14-13:7

¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. ²⁰On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

¹Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ²Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. ⁴For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. ⁶This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

There is no language strong enough to condemn this sermon and this attitude. We may pray that President Obama would reverse his position on abortion, and even that he would implement a flat tax (see Joseph's story, specifically Genesis 47:24). But to call for someone's death who is not actively killing people is unconscionable and must not happen. When it does, it is to be called out and denounced.

Something Fishy in the Air

Apparently, the American people aren't singing the same tuna as the President and his desire for health care reform. Is the Swordfish of Damocles hanging over it? What will it take to get the Democrats to say, “To halibut!” and drop the idea of putting the government in charge of over 15% of the economy? A school of sturgeons testifying against it? It's a crappie scheme if you ask me. It smelts funny.

There are tales of Representatives and Senators being catfishy about who they're letting in their town halls. Are they quivering like jellyfish with regard to hearing their constituents? It looks like they'll let the people talk until they're bluefin in the face, all the while just sitting on their perch and say, “I cod listen to you, but instead I'll just huff and pufferfish about how something must be done, even if it's carp!” Looking at it from a different anglerfish, what are they afraid of? Large groupers of conservatives snappering at them? Sure, they can stand up in front of a friendly crowd, but they look like a clownfish if they keep the “wrong” people out.

The reports of sharks are also out there. I've been herring of people getting beaten up. Salmon the President's side definitely don't like fighting fair. They've trouted out reports of people expressing their opinions as “mobs.” They're not barking like dogfish. I highly doubt the majority are giving the fingerfish either. They'd be as gentle as goldfish if you listen. But of course things get orange roughy when people are ignored and shut out of the process.

Can we make them feel the stingray of poor decisions at election time? 2010 feels like a long way off, but I'm not seahorsing around. Shine the lamprey of exposure on their tactics. Shout with all the strength of your lungfish to tell your friends. Light a fusilier under your Representative and Senator. Let them know that you've haddock up to here and won't take it anymore. Don't flounder around. Get up and get flyingfish! Be a roaring lionfish. Keep gar-ing after them tilapia they listen.

I'm back!

After a hiatus due to unemployment, I declare this blog to be back in business!

Time to call Angie Button

From an email from our SREC Committeewoman, Chris Davis:

Dear Dist. 112 Republican Friends,

The majority of Republicans met Sunday evening to discuss the Speakers race, and Tom Craddick ended up stepping down as Speaker. This opened the door for John Smithey (R-Amarillo) to file to run. He is a true conservative and the grassroots needs to get on the phone and let their representatives know that this is the man to vote for. Joe Strauss (R-San Antonio) is the candidate elected by the Democrats and the 11 ABC (anybody but Craddick) Republicans. This action means that if Strauss is elected Speaker by the Dems and 11 (not conservative) Republicans, he will be beholden to the Dems and their philosophy rather than the Republicans and our conservative platform. The Republicans lead in the house by only 2 seats (76-74) and the big prize is maintining control thru 2010 when the new census is taken and redistricting happens. Texas stands to gain more Congressional representation and we want Republicans to be drawing the lines for new districts.

Our new representative, Angie Chen Button, missed the first and very important Republican caucus to be out celebrating her anniversary Sunday night. We need to contact Angie and ask her if she has indeed already pledged to Joe Straus and let her know that this is a conservative district and we expect her to vote for John Smithey for Speaker. Her cell number is [redacted, email me to get it] and the capitol switchboard number is 512-463-4630 so you can let her staff know how the district is thinking. Her Austin email address would be Angie.Button@house.state.tx.us. Spread the word to people in your precincts to get in touch with her.

Below are a couple of emails from Cathie Adams, our new RNC Committeewoman with more details about this race:


Friends,

The "gang of 11" that I wrote you about yesterday made their choice today: Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio.

Straus' experience in the Texas House is very short. He has only been a member of the Texas House for 2 sessions, contrasted with the current Speaker Craddick's 20 sessions.

The fact that coup leader Rep. Charlie Geren was in contact with Democrats who promise 64 votes, means that candidate Straus would only have to garner 12 votes to reach 76, the simple majority of the 150-member House.

Do you want a Republican Speaker who is elected by only 12 Republicans and 64 Democrats? The "gang of 11" would only need ONE extra vote to elect their Speaker candidate.

If you think that is as RIDICULOUS as I do, then please contact your State Representative by email or telephone and ask him / her to vote for a Republican Speaker who would be elected by a MAJORITY of Republicans, not only 12 members. And ask your State Representative to demand that the vote be public, not a secret ballot.

Rep. Straus' voting record is NOT conservative:

* He voted to make it easier to perform 3rd trimester abortions (SB 419, vote 672, 2005)

* He voted in support of homosexuals as foster parents (SB 6, vote 327, 2005)

* He voted to expand casino gambling (HB 10, vote 939, 2007) (His family is part of the management of a horse racing track in San Antonio: http://www.retamapark.com/?cat=31&id=7.)

* He voted against parental rights concerning student referrals by school counselors to groups like Planned Parenthood (HB 2136, vote 592, 2007)

Email your State Representative by replacing his / her name in this equation: firstname.lastname@house.state.tx.us

On Monday, please call your State Representative through the Capitol switchboard at 512-463-4630.

If you need to determine WHO your State Representative is, please enter your address here: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php

Thank you for your help. Remember that the vote for the Speaker is the MOST IMPORTANT vote of the session because the Speaker appoints committee chairmen and assigns bills to committees. Can you imagine Straus with his liberal voting record appointing committee chairmen and determining the agenda for the Texas House? The success or failure of our conservative agenda depends on electing a conservative Speaker.

Cathie Adams

Friends,

Remember how the "gang of 12" US Senators stifled President Bush's court appointments? This type of renegade politics is now being practiced by a "gang of 11" TX State Representatives concerning the election of the next Speaker of the House.

The Speaker will be elected on the opening day of the Texas legislature. This is the MOST IMPORTANT position in the Texas House because the Speaker appoints committees and assigns bills to those committees. The Speaker's decisions can make or break our pro-life, pro-family agenda. Their "gang of 11" ringleader is Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, who is part of a group called "ABC" meaning "anybody but Craddick" the current Speaker.

The fact is that the current Speaker Tom Craddick of Midland has done an admirable job in the face of great odds. And he is more conservative than all the candidates currently challenging him. During the 2007 legislative session, for example, a renegade legislator led a walk-out less than 2 weeks before the session ended, which in turn caused numerous bills to die. Some of those renegades lost their re-election bids, others chose not to run again, but still others are back to their old shenanigans.

The articles below identify the "gang of 11" and their nonsensical attempt to choose a Speaker behind closed doors by "consensus" then try to push him or her off on the other members of the 150-member House, claiming to be "sensitive to everybody's feelings!"

This is clearly a coup attempt by the "gang of 11." They plan to meet Friday, January 2, behind closed doors and not emerge until they have reached "consensus." If you would like to influence this process, I encourage you to call their offices AND YOUR OWN LEGISLATOR's office and ask them to #1 vote for a Republican Speaker (With a Republican majority, this should go without saying!) and #2 make their votes public, not secret.

Rep. Charlie Genen: charlie.geren@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0610

Rep. Rob Eissler: rob.eissler@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0797

Rep. Brian McCall: brian.mccall@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0594

Rep. Burt Solomons: burt.solomons@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0478

Rep. Jim Pitts: jim.pitts@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0516

Rep. Tommy Merritt: tommy.merritt@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0750

Rep. Delwin Jones: delwin.jones@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0542

Rep. Byron Cook: byron.cook@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0730

Rep. Jim Keffer: jim.keffer@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0656

Rep. Joe Straus: joe.straus@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0686

Rep. Edmund Kuempel: edmund.kuempel@house.state.tx.us 512-463-0602

Capitol switchboard: 512-463-4630

Thank you for also calling your own legislator through the Capitol switchboard. If you prefer emailing, please substitute his / her name in this equation: firstname.lastname@house.state.tx.us

Happy New Year!

Cathie Adams

What an adventure!

Wow.. Feels like the Republicans have been hit by a Mack Truck!

I'm doing some number crunching now, and we'll see what that tells us.

I'll post more when I know more, but for a teaser, would you believe there were actually more votes for John McCain in our precinct than there were four years ago for George W. Bush?

Election open comments thread

I don't have much time to think right now, but that'll change.

Use the comments here to post your own thoughts.

How will your 401(k) fare?

H/T InstaPundit.

On a Wednesday Night

So why is Mr. HopeChange broadcasting his inforercial on a Wednesday night? If he wanted to aim his message at evangelical Christians, I'm not sure there could be a worse night than Wednesday. Many churches have services tonight.

Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs!

OK, so it's been a while.

I can get you signs for local candidates. I can't get you McCain/Palin signs. They aren't spending any money here (understandably), but you can buy them on your own here.

Send me an email with your address, and I will get you some signs as soon as I can.

National candidates:
President / Vice President: John McCain / Sarah Palin - Unfortunately, I can't get these.

Statewide candidates:
U. S. Senator: John Cornyn
Railroad Commissioner: Michael Williams
Chief Justice, Supreme Court: Wallace B. Jefferson
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7: Dale Wainwright
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8: Phil Johnson
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3: Tom Price
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4: Paul Womack
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9: Cathy Cochran

Regional Candidates (All of Dallas County, but includes other counties as well):
Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 3: Mary Murphy
Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 6: David L. Bridges
Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 8: Kerry Fitzgerald

County-wide Candidates:
District Judge, 14th Judicial District: John McKinnon Fowler
District Judge, 95th Judicial District: James M. Stanton
District Judge, 162nd Judicial District: Mike Lee
Criminal District Judge, Court No. 2: David Lewis
Criminal District Judge, Court No. 3: Bill Fay
Criminal District Judge, Court No. 4: Steven Autry
Sheriff: Lowell Cannaday
County Tax Assessor-Collector: David Childs

Partial County Candidates:
U. S. Representative, District 3: Sam Johnson
State Senator, District 16: John Carona
State Representative, District 112: Angie Chen Button

On the back of the ballot is the Parkland Hospital bond proposal. The "For" side has a website here. I recommend against leaving the website up. It's got a "lub-dub" heartbeat sound that keeps repeating and will make you want to jump off a building--and NEED Parkland. I can't find a website for opposition to the bond.

North Texas Congressmen Against the Bailout

I just spoke with our Congressman, Sam Johnson's office. He was on his way to the floor to vote AGAINST the bailout.

Good decision, sir!

And according to WBAP news, Mike Burgess (26th, Denton) will vote against it as well.

Sarah Palin's "Unreadiness"

Several commentators have said that Sarah Palin is not ready to be the Vice President based on her interview on ABCNews with Charles Gibson.

Personally, I'm wondering how much of that is because she's bringing her own, natural positions in-line with Senator McCain's so that they can present a united front, rather than have one part of the ticket say one thing, and another part say another.

Name That Party

OK, so I can't post a link in my shared items. Oops.

Name that party is a game where you try and guess the party affiliation of someone in a news story. Here's the story. And here's the answer.

Who's NOT supporting the Sheriff?

Nobody TOO important--just fourteen law enforcement groups.

Palin for VP!

And out of nowhere comes a 44 year old half-term governor who's the mother of a soldier, a pregnant 17 year old, and a Downs Syndrome child--plus two other daughters. She also likes mooseburgers.

From what I've seen so far, I'm cautiously optimistic. She was certainly throwing the red meat out there tonight. I'm reduced to reading a transcript because I went to church. But I like what I've heard, and what I've read. Time will tell, but I don't think we're in for another Eagleton moment.

New Feed Posted

OK, it's been a while.

Sometimes life gets in the way. My wife's grandmother came || this close to passing away, and school started, and.. and.. and.... You know how it goes. Real life gets in the way of things.

A quick way to keep up with what I'm reading and finding interesting is the "Shared Items" feed. I use Google Reader to try and keep up with the news. It allows me to share items I find interesting. You can use any feed reader to keep up with this feed. I'll still post, but there will be far more activity on the shared items side of things.

Garland Property Values Up

According to the Dallas County Appraisal District, property values in Garland increased by 3.1%, while for GISD they're up 3.4%.

Can the City Council and School Board hold their budget increase to this? Or can they actually drop it so that they can lower our tax rates?

$25 billion for Fannie and Freddie?

Twenty-five billion dollars. $25,000,000,000. $82 for every American.

Privatizing profits and socializing risks is an excellent plan--if you're on the profit side. It's a dirty deal otherwise. This looks like a no-strings bailout for stupid behavior.

I haven't fully thought through this, but what would happen if we nationalize them, split them up into about ten companies, and then sell them off taking them completely private? No more bailouts. No more preferential treatment. Just good banking practice.

New Parkland Hospital

I don't have any exact numbers, but I do wonder--if the current hospital didn't have to support illegal immigrants, how many more years would it be adequate?

As it is, taxpayers are being asked to support $747 million in new debt. Ouch.