Marc's Miscellany

TPA Blog Roundup - Sept. 7

2009-09-07T11:44:00.001-05:00

The Texas Progressive Alliance hopes everyone has a Happy Labor Day, and notes that it won't be any work at all to read this week's roundup of blog highlights.

Like TXsharon, Elizabeth Burns is a reluctant activist forced into action by the horrendous environmental abuses she witnesses on her own ranch. Her videos have exposed reckless drilling practices by XOM that endanger human health and safety, harm wildlife and spoil air, soil and water. XOM has gagged Mrs. Burns claiming that she is revealing "trade secrets."

Neil at Texas Liberal made note of elections in Japan. These elections have moved Japan to the left and possibly changed politics in Japan for years to come.

Off the Kuff discusses the latest entrants into the Texas Governor's race.

Mayor McSleaze at McBlogger takes a look at the BARACKNOPHOBIA gripping a small minority of the people in some parts of Texas.

The Texas Cloverleaf announces its intention to not run for Governor.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wonders why SMU is still supporting a Bush policy institute. Isn't that like the Larry, Moe and Curly institute of higher learning?

Felix Alvarado's problems managing his checking account are a precursor of bigger troubles ahead for Texas Democrats in 2010, reports PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

Dembones at Eye On Williamson posts about the latest craziness from the crackpots in our country. More fake outrage from right wing astroturf.

Over at TexasKaos, Libby Shaw helps out understand the latest right wing melt down in his posting The Right Wing Goes Ballastic Again . If their unhinged outrage leaves you scratching your head, check it out!

WhosPlayin readers divided their time between rallying for health insurance reform and standing up to the Lewisville ISD's silly decision to BLOCK the President's speech from its classrooms.

TPA Blog Roundup - June 22

2009-06-22T13:51:00.004-05:00

It's Monday, the day after the first day of summer, and it's time for another Texas Progressive Alliance blog roundup.

President Obama, Bill White, and John Sharp are all in the same sinking DOMA boat. The Texas Cloverleaf comes off of hiatus to tell you why.

CouldBeTrue from South Texas Chisme cheers the impeachment of Judge Kent. 4 articles passed without a single nay. Lets hope the Senate is through with him by August.

BossKitty at TruthHugger finally signed up for Twitter to get updates on the Iran protests. What a day of drama and emotion it brought, Icons and Martyrs – All Day On Twitter Watching Iran. I was really meaning to highlight the regressive influences causing upheaval in personal lives, especially in Texas. Immigration Policies and Gay Rights -Contradictions.

Unlike Nevada Republican Senator John Ensign, Neil at Texas Liberal makes a promise he'll keep - He'll never cheat on his wife! Also, Neil sings the Damned's Wait For The Blackout at the Houston Ship Channel.

Off the Kuff takes a look, then a second look, at the bills Governor Perry vetoed.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson knows in order to solve big problems it takes leadership, Who is willing to lead, who has enough LBJ in them?.

Castle Hills Democrats heard candidates Tom Schieffer, John Sharp, Bill White, and Neil Durrance speak at the Dual County Fish Fry in north Texas. The blogger reviews their messages--and reports on feedback from the Dems in the audience.

WhosPlayin investigated the claim by a former mayoral candidate that the city is hiring illegal aliens for its road projects because one of its contractors doesn't yet use the E-Verify program.

Teddy at Left of College Station writes about escorting at Planned Parenthood and how what happens in Kansas doesn’t stay in Kansas. Today on Left of College Station: a report from the T. Don Hutto Residential Detention Facility and the protest on Saturday (including exclusive photographs).

Big Gas wants you to believe that regulating hydraulic fracturing is a state's rights issue. The truth: Only one state in the US regulates hydraulic fracturing. TXsharon busts the Big Gas bubble again on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Citizen groups opposed to new coal plants being built in Robertson County and near Victoria were given a chance to intervene last week when two of the 12 newly proposed coal plants in Texas had preliminary hearings for their waste water permits. Check out the video over at Public Citizen's Texas Vox.

Over at TexasKaos, Libby Shaw tells us that Dumb, Self-serving Politicians Make Dumb, Self-serving Decisions. What a surprise that Governor Goodhair takes the starring role in this little drama. Check out the details.

Do you love the Real Housewives on Bravo? Were you a little less than impressed by the NJ version? So was Barfly over at McBlogger.

Broadway Baptist Faces Unfriendly Vote

2009-06-20T15:57:00.002-05:00

The Southern Baptist Convention holds its annual meeting next week in Louisville. One item on the agenda concerns Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Today’s FWST explains:

Convention delegates are also expected to decide whether one of Fort Worth’s most venerable congregations, Broadway Baptist, remains in the denomination.

The Rev. Bob Sanderson of Wendell, N.C., criticized Broadway’s stands on homosexuality at last year’s convention and urged that the church be declared "not in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention." The matter arose after Broadway members debated whether to allow photographs of same-sex couples in a church directory.

Now, Broadway, it should be noted, did not exactly adopt a gay-friendly position on the issue, or in general.

…The photographs were rejected in favor of group pictures.

A church statements says (sic) that one reason for not allowing photographs of gay couples was to emphasize that the church is in line with the Baptist constitution, which does not include churches that "affirm, approve or endorse" homosexual behavior. […]

The Baptist Executive Committee will meet Monday and recommend whether Broadway should continue as a cooperating member. A final decision will be made by a vote on the convention floor.

Broadway leaders met in February in Nashville, with the executive committee and urged that it not remove the church. […]

Since the February meeting, the church has responded to further questions about homosexuality asked by the executive committee, Broadway attorney Lynn Robbins said.

"We answered their questions by telling them we do not and never have ever endorsed, approved or affirmed homosexual behavior," Robbins said. "At the same time, our doors are open to all people, including homosexuals, without affirming their behavior."

So in the Southern Baptist world, merely entertaining the thought of treating homosexual couples with a modicum of respect may be sufficient to oust a congregation from the denomination. Stay tuned.

Baptist Pastor Prays for President's Death

2009-06-10T10:24:00.002-05:00

Early last year, I posted a brief item about Southern Baptist minister Wiley Drake and his call for “imprecatory prayers” against Americans United for Separation of Church and State. During the primary season, Drake issued—on his church’s letterhead—a written endorsement of Mike Huckabee. AU filed a complaint with the IRS. In response, Drake asked supporters for prayers “aimed at smiting AU and its leadership.”

Well, Pastor Drake is at it again. He recently appeared on Alan Colmes’ radio show and claimed that the murder of Dr. George Tiller was an answered prayer. But he didn’t stop there. From ABP:

Asked if there are others for whom Drake is praying “imprecatory prayer,” Drake hesitated before answering that there are several. “The usurper that is in the White House is one, B. Hussein Obama,” he said.

Later in the interview, Colmes returned to Drake’s answer to make sure he heard him right.

“Are you praying for his death?” Colmes asked.

“Yes,” Drake replied.

“So you’re praying for the death of the president of the United States?”

“Yes.”

Sick. I don't know what else to say.

h/t to AU.

FW Diocese and TEC File Suit

2009-04-15T15:47:00.003-05:00

The litigation has commenced. The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and the National Church have sued Bishop Iker and other former diocesan leaders in state district court. From the FWST:

Hoping to reclaim several pieces of church property and millions of dollars in endowed funds, the national Episcopal Church has sued a local group that split from the church in November.

The lawsuit, filed late Tuesday in Tarrant County court, follows months of negotiations after a bitter split between the two groups over what the local group, led by Bishop Jack Iker, considers the national church’s abandonment of orthodox principles.

[…]

The suit also asks for exclusive use of the name, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, which is being used both by Iker’s group and by a reorganized diocese that is loyal to the national church.

You can view a copy of the petition here(pdf). The FW Diocese has issued a press release that is posted on the diocesan website. Here’s an excerpt:

On Tuesday, April 14, 2009, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, the Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and the Episcopal Church filed suit in the 141st District Court of Tarrant County, Texas in part to recover property and assets of the Episcopal Church. The defendants are former members of the corporation’s board and the former bishop of the diocese, all of whom have left the Episcopal Church.

[…]

This lawsuit is necessary because of actions and decisions of these former diocesan leaders that sought to alienate property and assets of the Episcopal Church and deprived Episcopalians of their use and benefit. Despite courteous demand, the defendants and others continue to use the name and seal of the Diocese and maintain possession and control over diocesan property, including the Diocesan Center, Camp Crucis in Hood County, and significant funds, including endowed funds given for the use of the Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Church is a party to this litigation and has been very supportive of local efforts to maintain continuity of worship, ministry and mission by and for Episcopalians in North Texas. The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick Jr., provisional bishop, supports the litigation, as does the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, and the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.

I haven’t had a chance to review the petition yet. I hope to do so soon and will likely have some comments in the not too distant future. It’s truly sad that it has come to this, but the continuing diocese really has no choice.

Phil King v. "Litigious Grandparents"

2009-04-13T10:55:00.003-05:00

State Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) has filed an interesting bill (HB 2084) that seeks to restrict the ability of grandparents to sue for possession of and access to their grandchildren.

This bill seems completely unnecessary. The U.S. Supreme Court has long held that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody and control of their children. In Troxel v. Granville, a 2000 case that originated in Washington state, the Court struck down a statute that permitted courts to award grandparents (and other third parties) visitation rights if it was deemed to be in the best interest of the children. A state can only interfere with a parent’s fundamental right to raise his or her children if it is necessary to prevent harm or potential harm. A disagreement over parenting styles isn’t sufficient.

Thus, the law currently greatly restricts a grandparent’s ability to sue for possession of or access to a grandchild. Then what’s behind King’s bill? The driving force became crystal clear during a hearing last Thursday before the House Human Services Committee. From the FWST:

Parents of home-school children showed their support in Austin this week for a bill aimed at protecting their parental rights from litigious grandparents.

[…]

Speaking before the House Human Services Committee on Thursday, King said the law has been abused by people who, in many cases, disagree with how their grandchildren are being educated. Often, King said, grandparents have more income to spend on dragging out the litigation.
[…]

The Texas Home School Coalition has listed King’s bill as their priority for the session.

“Our position is that parents should not be sued into bankruptcy to defend their right to raise their kids how they want to,” said Tim Lambert, the group’s president.

King’s bill enjoys the support of the Governor.

Gov. Rick Perry strongly endorsed the bill at a rally Tuesday in front of the Capitol organized by the Texas Home School Coalition.

“I really do understand public education may not be the best choice for every family,” Perry told a crowd of more than 200. “I believe government regulation needs to stop at your front door.”

The Texas Family Law Foundation opposes the measure.

JoAl Sheridan, with the Texas Family Law Foundation, testified against the bill, arguing that the law as it stands is enough to limit grandparents to pursuing cases only when the well-being of a child is an issue.

When grandparents initiate litigation concerning their grandchildren, it is often to protect the children from physical neglect or physical abuse (often from parents with substance abuse issues). Grandparents already have to meet a tough threshold. This bill would likely make it more difficult for grandparents to pursue litigation when there is a legitimate need.

In any event, as noted above, the bill is unnecessary. I don’t want to spark a home-schooling debate. I have some clients who have done a wonderful job home-schooling their children. I’ve seen others do their children a disservice by home-schooling them. But the law already mandates that courts defer to parents’ wishes. Courts are not presently permitted to allow grandparent access just because parents are home-schooling their kids and the grandparents disagree with that decision. If a court has allowed grandparents to have possession of or access to grandchildren who are being home-schooled, there is probably something else going on.

I'm curious what others think of this bill. Please leave any thoughts in the comments.

h/t to The Texas Blue.

TPA Roundup - April 13

2009-04-13T10:34:00.004-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for yet another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Round-Up.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme noticed Fort Bend County was slapped by the DOJ for actual election integrity problems. Voters were illegally denied provisional ballots and Spanish speakers were not accommodated. Betty Brown probably wishes those voters would make life easier for English-speaking poll workers.

BossKitty at TruthHugger cannot accept that Tax Laws, Tax Legislation and Lawmakers are ignorant to the fact that keeping the taxpayer clueless brings in more revenue. Built in vagueness and contradiction guarantee more tax dollars collected. This country has brainwashed its taxpayers, that it is easier to waste their money on sleazy preparers and tax software, than to learn what taxes are all about. Taxpayers are complicit in their own misery, even though the government really tries to make the facts available. Taxpayers are convinced that taxes are just a necessary evil ... "Death and Taxes". But today, Can You Trust Your Tax Software When It Can’t Keep Up.

Neil at Texas Liberal posted a video using Franklin Roosevelt and George W. Bush dolls to illustrate the recent liberal ascendancy in the United States.

We all had some fun at Rep. Betty Brown's expense last week, but Off the Kuff noted that there was a bill pending before Rep. Brown's Elections Committee that would actually help alleviate some of the problems that prevent eligible citizens from casting their ballots.

At Texas Kaos, it's been a bemusing week of watching Glenn Beck prepare to storm the Alamo City with Tea Bags. But nothing could have prepared us for Rick Perry linking his fortunes with Beck after his gasoline drenched performance. Apparently a primary threat in the Texas Republican Party means you double down on the batshit crazy lies. Who knew?

Kim Jong Il wasn't the only person to fire a missile this week. McBlogger went ballistic over that dapper Senator Watson.

The Employee Free Choice Act met the Democratic Senator from the Great State of Wal-Mart and is headed down to defeat as a result. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has more on the Senate's caving in once again to the corporations.

Asian American Action Fund Blog has extensive coverage of Betty Brown’s ridiculous questioning of Ramey Ko from our first report to Brown’s “apology” and Ko’s description of their conversation. In addition, there are link roundups of most coverage of the incident from the 9th and 10th. And don’t miss law professor Frank Wu’s exploration of the matter. We will provide further updates as this story continues to develop.

Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at the 20 Republicans in the Texas House who voted against education benefits for veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Alert Fox Security

2009-04-08T13:34:00.002-05:00

Check out film critic Roger Ebert’s missive to Bill O’Reilly:

Yes, the Sun-Times is liberal, having recently endorsed our first Democrat for President since LBJ. We were founded by Marshall Field one week before Pearl Harbor to provide a liberal voice in Chicago to counter the Tribune, which opposed an American war against Hitler. I’m sure you would have sided with the Trib at the time.

I understand you believe one of the Sun-Times misdemeanors was dropping your syndicated column. My editor informs me that “very few” readers complained about the disappearance of your column, adding, “many more complained about Nancy.” I know I did. That was the famous Ernie Bushmiller comic strip in which Sluggo explained that “wow” was “mom” spelled upside-down.

[…]

Bill, I am concerned that you have been losing touch with reality recently. Did you really say you are more powerful than any politician?

That reminds me of the famous story about Squeaky the Chicago Mouse. It seems that Squeaky was floating on his back along the Chicago River one day. Approaching the Michigan Avenue lift bridge, he called out: Raise the bridge! I have an erection!

TPA Roundup - March 30

2009-03-30T09:30:00.002-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Blog Roundup.

Phillip Martin of Burnt Orange Report is feeling proud to have a Democrat in the Oval Office in his post, President Barack Obama: How He Won & Early Successes.

McBlogger's Harry Balczak has some great news about a new movie coming out.

Off the Kuff examines the economic claims made by the gambling industry, and also prints a response from the racetracks.

BossKitty at TruthHugger recognizes the pattern of disaster cycles, why is everyone surprised when their world is turned upside down? America must pull its pants up and be ready for the unexpected, because it should be expected ... So Many Red Rivers - What Have We Learned. Speaking about learning, What Else Can We Cut Besides Cost …

The GOP declares doomsday if Obama's budget is enacted. Let's hope they don't pre-emptively invade the White House to try to stop it, as if a Democratic federal budget were equivalent to Saddam's WMD. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs reminds us that the Republicans tend to hyperventilate when they exaggerate.

Neil at Texas Liberal writes about Houston City Council candidate Noel Freeman and is hopeful that Mr. Freeman will address some questions of how the Democratic Party regards some if its most loyal voters.

At Texas Kaos, Libby Shaw keeps an eye on the best gov't that political contributions can buy, TRCC edition, in Fat Cat The Business Owner Sticks It to Joe the Consumer.

nytexan at BlueBloggin is not surprised by the GOP's latest stunt; The Party of NO: GOP Budget Has No Numbers And No Plan. The GOP leadership offered “The Republican Road To Recovery,” a 19 page joke which took them 27 days to write. It actually sounds like a book title for Alcoholic Anonymous. The best part of the GOP budget is there are “no” numbers in it. Page numbers don’t count.

Justin at AAA-Fund Blog urges readers to call State Rep. Angie Chen Button to condemn State Rep. Leo Berman's conduct.

The Texas Cloverleaf explains why it is going into hibernation.

Also on Burnt Orange Report, Todd Hill had an interview with Tom Schieffer, potential Democratic candidate for Governor, about his vision for Texas, his friendship with George W. Bush, and why he thinks he can win in the general election.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on President Obama’s first budget - A primer.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme is glad that the cowboy Bush administration is no longer in charge of diplomacy.

Bills to abolish Bob Perry's Builder Commission will be heard on Tuesday in a Business and Industry Subcommittee at 10:00am.

Vince at Capitol Annex reminds readers that a controversial campus carry bill that would allow Texas students to carry guns on college campuses gets a hearing before a House Committee on Monday.

Reintroducing the DREAM Act; Where Does KBH Stand?

2009-03-25T16:25:00.007-05:00

My wife teaches at a public high school that has some students who are not in the U.S. legally. In most cases, family members brought these undocumented students to the U.S. as children. By the time they finish high school, these kids have spent most of their lives here.

My wife and her colleagues have taught undocumented students who make good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and stay out of trouble. (And many of these kids face daily pressures that teenagers in other parts of town have never experienced.) These students clearly possess the ability to succeed in college and in a career. Their undocumented status, however, presents a major obstacle to future advancement.

Most will be unable to attend college. Financial aid is generally unavailable to undocumented students. Without it, tuition and fees are prohibitive for most. Even if an undocumented student makes it through college, a career in the student’s field of study is unlikely given the student’s status.

The National Immigration Law Center estimates that each year, about 65,000 such students graduate from U.S. high schools. Federal legislation known as The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) would provide these students a pathway to legalizing their status.

The DREAM Act was originally introduced in 2001. It has been introduced in subsequent sessions as well, but Congress has yet to pass it. In 2007, the U.S. Senate considered the matter, but a filibuster thwarted the bill’s supporters.

The 2007 version of the act would have allowed any undocumented student who met certain qualifications to adjust his or her status to that of a conditional permanent resident. Specifically, the act would have applied to an undocumented student who: (1) had entered the U.S. before the age of 16; (2) had been physically present in the U.S. for a continuous five-year period; (3) had earned a high school diploma or its equivalent; (4) was a person of good moral character; and (5) did not have a criminal record and was not a danger to national security. A student’s conditional status would be lifted if the student did one of the following within six years: (1) earned a two-year degree or completed at least two years toward a bachelor’s degree; or (2) served at least two years in the U.S. Armed Forces. Sounds reasonable doesn't it?

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) is expected to reintroduce the DREAM Act this week. DREAM Act supporters, which include me, are hopeful that Congress will finally enact this needed measure.

Sen. Cornyn supported the filibuster of the 2007 version of the DREAM Act. (He voted against the cloture motion.) Cornyn presumably will continue to oppose the DREAM Act.

Sen. Hutchison actually voted in favor of cloture (which would have ended the filibuster) in 2007. She intended, however, to offer an amendment that was aimed at making the bill more palatable to her fellow Republicans. (She never got the chance, as the cloture motion failed.)

DREAM Act supporters consider Hutchison to be on the fence. Her office will no doubt receive many phone calls, letters and e-mail messages urging her to support the act. But Hutchison, who hopes to be Texas’ next governor, is preparing for a primary showdown with Gov. Perry. How many likely Republican primary voters support the DREAM Act? That is no doubt a question Hutchison will be asking herself as she considers the measure.

For those of you interested in the DREAM Act, the Immigration Policy Center addresses some FAQ’s here(pdf). I hope to say more about this issue in future posts.

TPA Roundup - March 23

2009-03-23T09:29:00.002-05:00

With the arrival of Spring, a legislative session in Austin, municipal campaigns revving up around the state and Texas' primaries less than a year away, the blogs of the Texas Progressive Alliance continue to bring you insights from our members around the state. Here's a roundup of what we've been reporting.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas is now saying that the recession has landed full-force in Texas. Spared from the worst job losses during the first six months of the current recession, Texas is now shedding jobs at an alarming pace. Wcnews at Eye On Williamson looks at the trends, and offers a sobering assessment of the hard line, let 'em crash, mentality of Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas GOP.

Off the Kuff points to a bill by State Rep. Dwayne Bohac to demonstrate that the push for voter ID really is about vote suppression.

If Republicans really cared about election integrity, then why do we still have non-auditable electronic voting machines? CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to know.

BossKitty at TruthHugger sees an opportunity to get a degree in the dark arts If Texas HB2800 Passes, I Want A Masters Degree In VooDoo.

In a post that took some work and came out well, Neil at Texas Liberal wrote about what Google searches miss. Also, Neil read the bird sermon of St. Francis to a dancing duck chicken.

John Coby at Bay Area Houston says Why Ethics Reform is Needed in Texas.

The Texas Cloverleaf looks at a few local Twits in the GOP. Twittering Republicans, that is.

Over at TexasKaos, Libby Shaw tells us that in Hutchinson's world "It's All About Me". So she is going to run for governor, keep her Senate seat and give the people of Texas absentee representation. Whatever makes her happy, heaven forbid she should put her constituents first.

WhosPlayin examined HB 4441, an attempt by Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles to solve some problems related to pipelines.

Nytexan at BlueBloggin is stunned that Obama Taps CitiGroup Economist For Treasury Spot. So, how does Washington's logic work? They offer a job, at the Treasury Department, to Lewis Alexander of CitiGroup. The Global Marketing Division, that Alexander heads up, was just fined $2 million by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra) for trade-reporting violations, including publishing flawed quotations. Let me know how that works out for you!

Xanthippas at Three Wise Men has some thoughts on the goals of American foreign policy, and is wondering if the war in Afghanistan is winnable, at least as we appear to be defining victory.

Molly Ivins warned us years ago about AIG, "too big to fail," and Phil Gramm. So says PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

McBlogger takes a look at the valuations being placed on the evil CDO's. Lots of laughs, of course, follow.

Six Years Ago Today

2009-03-19T10:32:00.002-05:00

Six years ago today, Pres. Bush announced the commencement of our preemptive military operations in Iraq. Bush’s remarks included the following:

Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.

We will meet that threat now with our Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not have to meet it later with armies of firefighters and police and doctors on the streets of our cities.

Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to apply decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a campaign of half measures and we will accept no outcome but victory.

The American death toll in Iraq now exceeds 4,258. The number of Iraqi casualties is horrific.

Continuing FW Diocese Asks Iker to Return Property

2009-03-04T18:15:00.004-06:00

Remember this demand? Well, Kathleen Wells, Chancellor for the continuing Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, has now sent a letter to Bishop Iker’s attorneys requesting, among other things, that the bishop and his followers “cease using the name of and claiming authority under the ‘Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth’ and each of its congregations[.]” Bishop Iker still bizarrely claims to be leading the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, even though he has left the Episcopal Church. (Bishop Iker appears to be deliberately sowing confusion, perhaps in an attempt to strengthen his legal position.)

But the Chancellor’s letter contains more.

On behalf of Bishop Gulick, the Diocese, and the Corporation, I respectfully request that Bishop Iker and those working with him or otherwise claiming authority from him take no action inconsistent with the reorganization of the continuing Diocese or with the continuing interest of the Episcopal Church in church property of the Diocese and its congregations. In addition I ask that they preserve and protect all funds, records, and other real and personal property of the Diocese and its congregations currently under their control. Finally, I ask that they cooperate with us to effect an orderly transfer of the possession and control of that church property to the proper officials in the continuing Diocese and its congregations.

This letter is a prelude to a lawsuit. Bishop Iker, of course, will not transfer possession and control of the disputed church property to the continuing Diocese. But now an official request has been made. He has been given a chance to do the right thing.

h/t to The Lead. You can read a copy of the letter here(pdf).

Friday Miscellany

2009-02-27T14:03:00.004-06:00

Here are a few items from the past week.

The Texas Freedom Network released a report (executive summary here(pdf)) on the appalling state of sex education in Texas schools. Most Texas students receive abstinence only instruction, which we already know isn’t effective. TFN also found that sexuality materials used in Texas schools “regularly contain factual errors and perpetuate lies and distortions about condoms and STDs.” It gets even worse. Check here for more information if you dare.

FactCheck.org has analyzed some of the GOP’s pet claims about the recently passed economic stimulus package. The results fail to surprise.

Matt Cooper has been covering the Conservative Political Action Conference (see here, here and here), where one can acquire, among other things, a button that reads, “It’s okay to be Ex Gay.”

It was bound to happen. Someone has asked, “What would Jesus tweet?” Actually, this is an interesting post about the Church of England encouraging people to use Twitter and Facebook to enhance their Lenten experience. Others find an e-fast to be an appropriate Lenten discipline.

Joe Barton and John Culberson discovered twitter, and apparently couldn’t help themselves during President Obama’s speech.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who worked as an oceanographer in her prior career, recently spoke with Religion News Service about the role of science in her faith.

Jefferts Schori said science informs everything from how she interprets the Bible to her views on homosexuality—two subjects that now embroil her church and the larger Anglican Communion.

“I think it’s pretty clear from scientific studies that homosexuality, particularly male homosexuality, has got a significant component that is determined before birth,” she said. “It is, at least from a theological perspective, part of the created order. …It’s the church’s job to help people live holy lives however they’ve been created, and sexuality is part of our creation.”

Check it out.

Is this a frivolous lawsuit? (I think there might be a proximate cause issue.)

Hope your weekend doesn’t involve being covered in raw sewage.

More Texas Juveniles Being Prosecuted as Adults

2009-02-25T10:08:00.002-06:00

Two years ago at this time, the TYC scandal was quickly becoming major news throughout the state. In response, the Lege enacted several reforms. One change lowered the maximum age of a TYC inmate from 21 to 19. Critics predicted an increase in the number of certification proceedings, where the state seeks to prosecute juvenile offenders as adults. This prediction has come true. From the Houston Chronicle:

Scores of youthful offenders are being sent straight into the adult criminal justice system — 246 of them last year alone — for crimes they committed as juveniles.

Juvenile justice advocates are blaming last year’s 22 percent spike on a reform effort launched two years ago that was designed to protect younger offenders. They say young people who are easier to rehabilitate are being forced into a harsher adult setting that can’t meet their needs.

…“It’s pretty simple,” said Jill Mata, Bexar County’s chief juvenile prosecutor. “If we didn’t have enough time to work with these kids within the juvenile justice system (before they turned 19), then we were faced with no option but to certify them as adults.”

…Bill Hawkins, who until last month was Harris County’s chief juvenile prosecutor, said the length of time a youth would have at TYC was one of the major factors for him in deciding whether to seek adult certification for particular kids. “When the window was shortened, certification became a more viable option in some cases,” he said.

Texas allows juveniles as young as 14 to stand trial as adults for capital and first degree-felonies. Fifteen-year-olds can stand trial as adults for any kind of felony.

Last year, Bexar County certified 28 juveniles as adults, a 75 percent increase from the previous year. Tarrant County certified 11 juveniles last year. This was nearly three times the number from the previous year. Why is this a problem?

…[S]tudies funded by the federal government indicate that juveniles who are transferred to the adult system are more likely to re-offend.

Stan DeGerolami, superintendent at TYC’s Giddings Unit, which runs a program for violent youths, said he believes juveniles who need incarceration are best served in facilities designed for them.

“Who do you want living next door to you? A young man who’s been in a facility (for youths) or one who’s spent five or 10 years in an adult prison? My choice would be the former,” DeGerolami said.

It appears, however, that the key legislators have no interest in revisiting this particular issue. Sen. Whitmire, who chairs the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, indicated that he is not convinced there is a connection between the lowering of the age limit and the increase in certifications. He told the Chronicle that the Lege would not be changing anything at this point.

Join in Call to Censure Leo

2009-02-24T11:19:00.002-06:00

State Rep. Leo Berman (R-Tyler) exhibits an anti-immigrant fervor that few, if any, of his colleagues would dare match. During the 80th Legislature, Berman introduced a truly detestable bill, which called for the denial of state benefits—including instruction in public schools and state universities—to children born in Texas to parents who are illegal immigrants. Such children are, of course, U.S. citizens, and the proposed law clearly violated the U.S. Constitution. Berman’s bill never made it out of committee, but Berman hasn’t ended his battle.

This session, Berman introduced a bill that would require illegal immigrants to live in “sanctuary cities.” (The bill, by the way, would allow each municipality to decide whether it will be a sanctuary city. I’m guessing we could rule out Farmers Branch.) Last week, following a panel discussion about the idea, Berman got into a heated discussion with a Chinese-American immigration attorney from Dallas named Harry Joe.

At some point during the exchange, Berman told Joe to “go home.” Berman then told Joe he could “kiss my ass.” Given the context and Joe’s lineage, Berman, in my view, was clearly telling Joe to go back to China. Berman later unconvincingly claimed he simply meant go back to Dallas.

Now, Joe reportedly did call Berman “despicable” and “evil,” but he later apologized. (And really, who hasn’t been called “despicable” and “evil” by a Dallas lawyer?) But the unapologetic Berman did not behave in a manner befitting a state legislator.

In response to the Joe incident, several blogs and bloggers (including this one) and other Texans are calling on House members to censure Berman. Check out the newly launched website Censure Leo. You can learn more about Berman’s antics and sign a petition calling for censure.

Keller Inquiry Unwelcome News for Other CCA Judges?

2009-02-23T13:24:00.002-06:00

Capitol Annex brings some interesting news concerning Sharon Keller.

A source closely connected with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals told Capitol Annex that several of the justices on the state’s highest criminal court want Presiding Justice Sharon Keller to resign in order to halt proceedings brought by the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct.

…Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source told Capitol Annex that several justices are not eager to take part in a trial proceeding as part of the Commission on Judicial Conduct complaint against Keller because it would result in further revealing the content of private meetings and closed door activities–many of which were revealed in the publicly distributed notice of formal proceedings, much to the chagrin of judges and longtime court employees. Each of the court’s other eight justices would most likely be called as witnesses. Without question, Justice Cheryl Johnson would be a key witness for the TCJC.

Check out Vince’s post for more details. Basically, it sounds like the other CCA judges are concerned about protecting their own jobs and reputations, which just underscores the need to have a public hearing.

TPA Blog Roundup - Feb. 23

2009-02-23T10:59:00.001-06:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time again for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Roundup.

WhosPlayin presents a short video about what oil and gas pipelines have done to Dish, TX.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme encourages adults not Republicans to frame and address the problems drug cartels bring to Mexico and the US.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is appalled at the gullible taxpaying public who falls for the most obvious preparer scams. Stimulus Rebate Good - Fast Refunds Bad

The Texas Cloverleaf talks about the possibility of a Sam Rayburn Tollway in DFW.

jobsanger posts about the conviction of Jim Adkisson, who entered a peaceful church with a shotgun and began to kill those he believed to be liberals in Right-Wing Hate "Warrior", and says the hate-talkers of the right like Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, O'Reilly and others must accept their share of the blame.

This week, McBlogger took a look at the President's housing plan and found things to like but one really giant thing to hate.

Neil at Texas Liberal writes about the frustrating choices light rail involves in Houston and recalls former Houston school Board member and councilmember Eleanor Tinsley as someone who thought that Houston had value.

Off the Kuff takes a look at the case against Justice Sharon Keller.

Industry officials expose environmental impact of Barnett Shale drilling rig. By TXsharon on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS

nytexan at BlueBloggin is appalled that The White House is involved in Karl Rove's deal cutting with Congress. Obama, Like Bush, Seeks To Delay Rove’s Testimony. Like Bush, Obama is meddling with the operations of the Justice Department.

At Texas Kaos, Liberal Texan takes a look at what's in the stimulus for Texas-you know, the the stimulus Rick Perry wants to piss away because it will hurt him in a primary for national office.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson discusses this sessions attempt at transportation financing, Enough of the half-measures and tinkering.

The connection between Texas' junior senator, a Houston financier-turned-crook, and a beautiful Caribbean island is explored by PDiddie of Brains and Eggs in Cornyn, Stanford, and Antigua.

Vince at Capitol Annex notes that the kind of waste being deposited right now in Andrews County isn't exactly what the legislature intended when--greased up with cash from nuclear waste interests--it passed a law in 2003 to allow the dumping of low-level radioactive waste in Texas.

The Factual Allegations Against Keller

2009-02-22T14:27:00.002-06:00

On Thursday, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a “Notice of Formal Proceedings” to Sharon Keller, the Presiding Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The notice (which you can read here(pdf) courtesy of Defending People) contains 30 factual allegations and five charges, all related, of course, to the events of September 25, 2007, and the execution of Michael Richard that evening.

Judge Keller has the right to file a written response within 15 days. A public hearing will be conducted at some point. The FWST reports on the process:

In the proceeding, Keller, a Republican, has the right to counsel, to be confronted by her accusers, to introduce evidence and to examine and cross-examine witnesses.

After the proceedings, the commission may adopt, change or reject the findings and then issue conclusions.

The proceedings may end in dismissal, public censure or recommendation of removal. The decision is then sent to a review tribunal appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Only the review tribunal may remove the judge from the bench, and that decision could be appealed to the Texas Supreme Court.

Seana Willing, executive director of the judicial commission, said the Texas Supreme Court will appoint a special master to hear the matter. According to commission documents, the special master is a sitting or retired district or appellate judge.

The notice includes fairly detailed factual allegations. It asserts that Edward Marty, general counsel for the Court of Criminal Appeals, informed the CCA judges by e-mail that SCOTUS had earlier that morning announced it would review the constitutionality of lethal injection execution in the case of Baze v. Rees. Marty sent this e-mail at 11:29 a.m. The notice further alleges that at approximately 2:40 p.m., Marty informed the CCA judges by e-mail that Michael Richard’s lawyers, who were with Texas Defender Services, planned to file an application to stay his execution based on SCOTUS’s decision to review Baze.

Judge Keller, according to the notice, went home during the afternoon and did not return to the court that day. TDS called the clerk’s office at approximately 4:45 p.m., and requested that the court accept their filing a few minutes late. This request was based on a computer problem that TDS had encountered. Marty then contacted Judge Keller and asked her if the clerk’s office could stay open past 5:00 p.m. Then, according to the notice:

Judge Keller said “no” and asked “Why?” Mr. Marty replied: “They wanted to file something, but they were not ready.” Judge Keller again said “no.”

…At the time of her telephone conversation with Mr. Marty, Judge Keller knew and understood that (i) Mr. Marty’s call was about Mr. Richard, (ii) Mr. Richard was scheduled to be executed at 6 p.m. that evening, (iii) certiorari had been granted in Baze that morning, (iv) a filing by Mr. Richard’s lawyers based on the issue in Baze had been anticipated, (v) Mr. Richard’s lawyers wanted to file something with the CCA, (vi) Mr. Richard’s lawyers were not ready to file with the CCA by 5 p.m., and that (vii) Mr. Richard’s lawyers had requested that they be permitted to file after 5 p.m. In addition, Judge Keller knew that it had been common in the past to receive late pleadings on execution days after the clerk’s office closed, and she knew that the Execution-day Procedures called for the designated judge to remain available after hours to receive last-minute communications regarding the scheduled execution.

Judge Cheryl Johnson was the “designated judge” for Richard’s execution. Under the normal procedure, an application for a stay of execution would have been referred to her first, and then she would have contacted her fellow judges to request a vote. Judge Johnson remained at the court after 5:00 p.m. on September 25, 2007, in anticipation of a late filing.

The notice also alleges that the following morning, the CCA judges met for their weekly conference. Several judges expressed surprise that Richard’s lawyers had not filed anything based on Baze. Judge Keller did not inform her colleagues that Richard’s lawyers had contacted the court the previous afternoon to ask whether a filing would be accepted after 5 p.m.

The timing of the notice is interesting given Rep. Burnam’s impeachment resolution from earlier in the week. But I think the Commission had been investigating this matter well before this week. While the Commission may not have acted with any sense of urgency, I don’t know how they could have thrown this whole thing together in four days. It’s clear from the notice that witnesses have been interviewed and documents reviewed.

In any event, Burnam still plans to push impeachment. The Commission may take a long time to resolve the matter.

Burka says Keller is gone before her term expires. While I hope he’s right, at this point I’m not as confident. I’m not sure where the general public is on this.

I teach government part-time at the local community college. I discussed Burnam’s impeachment resolution in class on Tuesday night. None of my students even knew about Judge Keller’s actions on September 25, 2007. (It might be more fitting to say that none of my students knew who Judge Keller was.) After I explained what had happened, most of my students were either apathetic or supportive of Judge Keller. One student said, “They should give her a medal.” (He wasn’t joking.) SCOTUS did later uphold lethal injection, and Richard would have been executed at some point anyway, right? So what’s the big deal? That was the view of way too many students, who were seemingly oblivious to the fact that our state and federal constitutions require due process and fair procedures in every case. (I’ve got my work cut out for me.)

I don’t think Keller will be leaving office prematurely absent a ground swell of public pressure aimed at the Lege and the Commission. That’s why it is important to keep raising awareness about this situation. Keep this story alive.

Sharon Keller the Subject of Impeachment Resolution

2009-02-17T10:49:00.006-06:00

State Representative Lon Burnam of Fort Worth has filed a proposed resolution (HR 480) that seeks to initiate impeachment proceedings against Sharon Keller, the Presiding Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Burnam’s resolution is based on the events of September 25, 2007, when Judge Keller refused to allow attorneys for Michael Richard, who was executed later that evening, to submit a filing after 5:00 p.m. From the DMN:

Keller refused to allow the Court of Criminal Appeals to stay open past 5 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2007, even though Richard’s attorneys had called and asked for extra time to file their appeal because of computer problems. He was put to death by lethal injection hours later.

Earlier that day, the U.S. Supreme Court had agreed to review the constitutionality of lethal injection in a Kentucky case.

…After the Richard case caused an uproar, the Court of Criminal Appeals decided to allow emergency e-mails in death penalty cases, rather than require attorneys to physically file the paperwork at the court.

The Texas court had been one of the few in the nation that did not accept filings electronically.

Richard’s attorneys requested an extra 20 minutes to submit their motion, which apparently would have asked the court to postpone Richard’s execution in light of the SCOTUS decision earlier that day.

Further, Keller apparently closed the court without consulting her fellow judges, some of whom stayed after hours in anticipation of a late filing in the case.

The FWST has more on Burnam’s resolution:

Burnam, D-Fort Worth, said he filed the resolution, which alleges gross neglect of duty, after he got no response from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to letters demanding action against Keller.

“I am outraged,” Burnam said. “We have been ignored. So we’re trying another venue.”

The resolution can be read here. The text includes the following:

The committee shall conduct an investigation to consider whether to recommend that under Section 1, Article XV, Texas Constitution, and Chapter 665, Government Code, the House of Representatives adopt and present to the Texas Senate articles of impeachment against Judge Sharon Keller, Presiding Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, for gross neglect of duty and conducting her official duties with willful disregard for human life in connection with her actions on the evening of September 25, 2007, including her apparent irresponsible refusal to abide by the prior practice of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in order to receive the appeal of Michael Richard, which conduct may have resulted in Mr. Richard's deprivation of life without due process of law as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and Section 19, Article I, Texas Constitution, by means of a potentially unlawful execution by lethal injection, and in the embarrassment of the State of Texas in a manner that casts severe doubt on the impartiality of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the entire criminal justice system of this state.

I don’t expect this resolution to get very far, but Keller’s outrageous actions on September 25, 2007, understandably caused a sensation, and I welcome the additional attention. It’s too early to end the discussion.

TPA Roundup - Feb. 9

2009-02-09T10:13:00.002-06:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly roundup. Enjoy this week's look at the best of the TPA.

TXsharon made another video this week and it's gross! Watch it on Bluedaze then answer this question and this question if you can and know that HELP IS ON THE WAY!

And speaking of Oil and Gas, WhosPlayin analyzed a contract his city of Lewisville made, leasing its mineral rights cheap to purposely bring in oil and gas development to the suburban Texas city of 92,000.

The Texas Cloverleaf brings you the Trinity Toll Road Boondoggle, soon to be funded by your tax dollars.

There are four US Attorneys in Texas. Off the Kuff takes a look at the people who want one of those jobs.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is concerned about the changing mental state in America. Are people becoming meaner? What do you think about our Mean Economy Spotlights Mean Spirits - Op Ed

Violence in Mexico and on the US border can't be ignored any longer. CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants Hillary Clinton, not Glenn Beck, to provide solutions.

Adam at Three Wise Men explores the possibility of Howard Dean as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Neil at Texas Liberal writes about President Obama's policies for rural America. Our cities and rural areas have more in common than we realize. It would be good if urban and rural office holders in the Texas Legislature would think about and talk about how they could help each other.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the fireworks over UTIMCO this week in Oh, the outrage!.

Over at Texas Kaos, lightseeker asks How Long Will We Have to Put Up With these Arrogant Tools? What has set him off is deposed Czar Craddick's last corrupt act - destroying potential evidence of how big a tool he is and was.

jobsanger tells us A Tale Of Two Coaches. Both are winning high school coaches, but one is a real teacher and the other is an embarrassment.

Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at the fact that State Rep. Sid Miller (R-Stephenville) is spending campaign cash to buy stocks in companies like AIG, Halliburton, and more.

FW Diocese Alive and Well

2009-02-07T21:28:00.002-06:00

Following last November’s diocesan convention, I wrote that the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth continued to exist with numbers stronger than most people realized. That was a bit of an understatement, as anyone who attended this afternoon’s diocesan Special Meeting can attest.

There were 55 congregations in the Fort Worth Diocese prior to the split. 31 of those congregations were represented today. The delegates enthusiastically elected the Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick to serve as Provisional Bishop. Fort Worth Episcopalians warmly received Bishop Gulick, and it is safe to say he made a positive first impression.

The overflow crowd also exhibited much gratitude for the Presiding Bishop and the Diocese of Kentucky, which has agreed to share Bishop Gulick with Fort Worth for a few months.

Delegates also approved a diocesan budget, elected a standing committee and delegates to General Convention, and adopted several resolutions. It was evident that many people put in more than a few hours preparing for this day.

In short, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is alive and well. Challenges lie ahead to be sure, but Fort Worth Episcopalians have now demonstrated the ability to face such challenges with prayerful determination. I didn’t sense any dread about the future.

Everywhere I looked today, I saw smiling faces. People were greeting old friends and making new ones. It sounds clichéd, but the excitement was truly palpable. It was a marvelous afternoon at Trinity Church, and a great day for Fort Worth Episcopalians.

Online Coverage of FW Diocese Meeting

2009-02-07T12:12:00.002-06:00

A webcast of the Special Meeting of the Fort Worth Diocese will be available at the new diocesan website. I'm on my way to the meeting myself and hope to witness the goings on. If so, I may have an update or two on Twitter (check here).

Special Meeting of Fort Worth Diocese Tomorrow

2009-02-06T14:51:00.002-06:00

For those following the ongoing saga of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, a significant event will take place tomorrow. Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, has called a Special Meeting of the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. Delegates will assemble at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth at 1:30 p.m., and Bishop Jefferts Schori will preside over the meeting.

The delegates will likely elect the Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick Provisional Bishop. The agenda also includes the election of a diocesan standing committee and executive council.

Bishop Gulick is the current Bishop of Kentucky. He will serve the Diocese of Fort Worth on a part time basis while continuing to function as the Bishop of Kentucky. The Kentucky Diocese has apparently agreed to share him with Fort Worth for 6 months, and possibly longer.

Meanwhile, as reported in today’s DMN, Bishop Iker and the secessionists still bizarrely claim to be the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, even though they claim to have left the Episcopal Church. The DMN article contains a few more interesting tidbits.

On Thursday, Iker said “things are going very well” for his side, but he acknowledged that the $2 million budget he oversees will probably have a $425,000 shortfall because of loyalist congregations no longer sending in their diocesan assessment.

The Steering Committee North Texas Episcopalians said its congregations have from 5,000 to 6,000 of the 19,000 members the diocese had before the November vote. Iker put the loyalists’ number at “less than 5,000, which is a very small diocese.”

The Episcopal Church maintains that local church assets are held in trust for the denomination and its dioceses. This weekend, Jefferts Schori is expected to indicate her legal strategy for holding on to properties claimed by Iker and his group.

From what I understand, the number of loyal Episcopalians in the counties that make up the Diocese of Fort Worth already exceeds the number of Episcopalians in some other dioceses. Also, I have no doubt that the Steering Committee is providing more reliable information about these numbers than Bishop Iker.

I’m also very interested to hear the Presiding Bishop discuss legal strategy. It’s a sad reality that some congregations will have to fight Bishop Iker and the secessionists to get their property back. And I haven’t heard much talk about getting the diocesan property back. Is there a plan for that? Hopefully we will learn more tomorrow.

TPA Roundup - Feb. 2

2009-02-02T08:17:00.002-06:00

It is Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Blog Round-Up.

In her first ever YouTube video, TXsharon shows the emissions boiling into the air when a Barnett Shale gas well undergoes hydraulic fracture.

jobsanger examines the modern Republicans who call themselves conservatives, but have betrayed the beliefs and philosophical standards of past conservatives in Where Are The Real Conservatives?

Nat-Wu at Three Wise Men has something to say about the student loan mess that's making it impossible for many young adults to attend college these days.

The Texas Cloverleaf shows that pictures can tell a thousand words. And the pictures of ships at anchor in Singapore are telling the world we are screwed.

Burnt Orange Report discusses the over 22,000 voters being purged from the Hidalgo County Voter Rolls.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme explains how the Republican free market principles work in real life using contaminated peanut butter as exhibit A.

Redistricting isn't just a state issue. The City of Houston is under pressure to redraw its City Council lines Off the Kuff takes a look at where this stands.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is amazed at the social progress creeping around the world. America elects a half black, half white President. Iceland appoints an openly lesbian Prime Minister. Whats next? Yes We Can - Iceland Courageous.

Easter Lemming Liberal News writes his congressman while considering the Republican death spiral.

WhosPlayin announced 46,000 layoffs this past week - just in the blogging industry.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson points out John Carter's latest shenanigans in Carter's political ploy, the "Rangel Rule".

Things can get pretty ugly between fans of competing sports franchises and we at McBlogger were not immune as Cap'n Kroc and Harry tear each other apart.

Over at Texas Kaos, Libby Shaw's keeping an eye on Senator Jackass of Texas as he tries to heighten his national profile at the expense of American families. In his latest hit, the buckskin fringed one votes against children having health care. Again.

The Republicans are having an identity crisis, and the election of Michael Steele as RNC chair is not likely to help them solve it. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs observes that Rush Limbaugh is still calling the shots, and they are all cheap.

Neil at Texas Liberal offers some thoughts on city elections in Houston.

John Coby at Bay Area Houston publishes what Rick Perry really said at his campaign kickoff speech in the Capitol.