Phones

From the Fort Worth Star Telegram

STAR-TELEGRAM/TOM PENNINGTON

Texas Sen. Mario Gallegos makes a call at the Marriott in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday.

Gosh, there must be a lot of phones in the Marriott. In the lobby, in the rooms, and everybody's got a cell phone. Any one of those Senators could go off by himself and call LG Dewhurst and cut a deal. I wonder how many of them have already done that?

The Monitor: Dewhurst may move to vacate Dems

However, State Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, said Dewhurst was not being truthful.

"It’s not true," Hinojosa said of the communication Dewhurst claims to have with the rebel Dems. "We went around the table this morning, and there’s only one person he has talked to, and it was a very brief conversation."

Boot Them Out?

I've heard some angry folks urging the governor to declare the fugitive Senators' seats vacant. Here are some applicable parts of the Texas Constitution:

Sec. 11. RULES OF PROCEDURE; EXPULSION OF MEMBER. Each House may determine the rules of its own proceedings, punish members for disorderly conduct, and, with the consent of two-thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offense.

Sec. 13. VACANCIES; WRITS OF ELECTION. (a) When vacancies occur in either House, the Governor, or the person exercising the power of the Governor, shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies; and should the Governor fail to issue a writ of election to fill any such vacancy within twenty days after it occurs, the returning officer of the district in which such vacancy may have happened, shall be authorized to order an election for that purpose.

(b) The legislature may provide by general law for the filling of a vacancy in the legislature without an election if only one person qualifies and declares a candidacy in an election to fill the vacancy.
(Amended Nov. 6, 2001.)

Sec. 23. REMOVAL FROM DISTRICT OR COUNTY FROM WHICH ELECTED. If any Senator or Representative remove his residence from the district or county for which he was elected, his office shall thereby become vacant, and the vacancy shall be filled as provided in section 13 of this article.

That last one's kind of interesting, eh? What's the law in New Mexico on residency?

Houston Chronicle: GOP, Democrats still miles apart on redistricting

In Albuquerque, Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, of San Antonio, chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said that, as far as she knew, Dewhurst had spoken only with Sen. John Whitmire of Houston since the Democrats arrived in Albuquerque Monday afternoon.

Whitmire said he returned a message that Dewhurst had left on his cell phone but that the conversation was short and insignificant.


Dewhurst spokesman Dave Beckwith said later that the lieutenant governor had heard from more than one of the missing Democrats but wouldn't say how many.

'It appears that some senators are not leveling with each other,' Beckwith said.

Texas Democrat Party E-Mail

Call and thank them if you want. Or call/e-mail/fax them and tell them whatever you want. He-he-he.

Maybe He Can Get That McDonald's/Hot Coffee Lawyer

The Monitor: Dewhurst may move to vacate Dems

Hinojosa said the runaway Dems will file an injunction soon that would prevent them from being arrested if they were to return to Texas.

“We’re preparing the proper documentation to go to court,” Hinojosa said. “I don’t know if we will file Thursday or Friday. We’re still doing a little bit of research.”

Texas Redistricting News

There's not too much point in me blogging the morning news from the major papers, as Burnt Orange Report's already done it. What in the heck are you doing up at 4:00 am? Here's some of the other papers:

AAS: Dewhurst woos; Democrats resist: Senate chief makes concessions, adds pressing issues to chamber's to-do list, but to no avail

Dewhurst appointed members to a pair of select committees on education issues. He gave four of the 12 seats to Democrats who flew to New Mexico on Monday to kill congressional redistricting -- and gently urged them to come home for the good of Texas.

Daily Texan: Standoff continues between Dems and GOP

"I would predict that they're going to come home before David Dewhurst relents [and uses the two-thirds rule], " said Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. "I'd be quite surprised if they're gone 30 days."

El Paso Times: Demos criticize GOP leaders for treatment of minorities

The Texas Democrats are staying in a Marriott hotel, where speculation persists that a federal lawsuit will be filed in an effort to get a temporary restraining order requiring Dewhurst to reinstate the Senate's two-thirds-majority rule. But the senators refused to discuss their legal strategy.

Baytown Sun: Locals sound off on legislative dispute

Ron Lyons said the Democrats were looking to avoid suffering the same fate as their opponents had in the past.

“It’s a dumb thing to do. They’re just scared they are going to get the same thing they’ve been giving to the other guys all these years,” Lyons said.

Texas GOP E-Mail

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style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">SPIN CYCLE: 53% of Texans oppose Democrat
walkoutcom:office:office"
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SIZE="2">Paid for by the Republican Party of Texas, 900 Congress
Avenue, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78701.

Texas Redistricting News

News 8 Austin: Senators will hold out for as long as needed

But, there is another situation surfacing: The filing of a possible lawsuit by the 11 senators to try to get an injunction or a restraining order on this political process to stop congressional redistricting and put a two-thirds rule back in place.

But so far, the Democratic senators are unwilling to make statements about it.

AP via Click 2 Houston: Texas Senators Remain On The Lam

The Democrats -- who refer to themselves as the "Texas 11" -- also stressed that they're footing the bill for their stay at an Albuquerque hotel, and some told of personal sacrifices they've made in being away for home.

Town Hall: Dem Walkout Strategy Still Holding up Texas Redistricting

Bruce Buchanan, a political science professor at the University of Texas in Austin, said that as the redistricting fight continues to drag on, an increasingly exasperated public might demand a resolution.

An E-Mail Waltzing Across Rural Texas

My friend Michael Franks used to be the State Republican Executive Committee representative for state Senate district 18, Sen. Armbrister's. (Also, if you got a Bush/Cheney sign in Texas in 2000, you most likely got it from him.) He has contacts all over the state, and he sent out this note to some friends. I thought it interesting and got his ok to post it here.

Here's the e-mail:

Just in case you were wondering where our state senator stood? Armbrister was the only one of the democrats who did not leave, but he did not disapprove of his colleagues having fled. He sure does have to walk a tight rope when he remains a democrat yet leans republican in his voting patterns.

He also knows he is now in a Republican district and like I have said from the beginning, he really can be beaten with an all out serious effort by the party. Last years election with Lester Phipps running with little money, yet still carrying SEVERAL counties in our SD18, especially Fort Bend with about 60% of the vote PROVES Armbrister can be beaten. Is he "REALLY" a democrat? Is he "REALLY" a Republican who is just too scared to switch? (He remembers well what happened to party switcher D-Congressman Laughlin who became a republican to be beaten be Ron Paul in the 96 Republican primary, that congressional district pretty much is the same as his State Senate district) Do his democrat friends give him an "out" because they KNOW he is in a Republican district? I am and have been confused on putting a label on Armbrister!!!!

He is pro-life and sponsors pro-life bills. He is pro-guns and sponsored the pro-handgun clarification bill this session. But yet he is still a democrat. He does not flee, but yet does not disagree when his democrat buddies flee?

He says he is staying to protect "rural Texas" interest in the process. Well, the process has been shut down now so nothing will happen anyway. Which brings up another point that we here in "rural Texas" need to accept. We cannot have more representation than we are allowed to have. The population has shifted to urban areas. So what some are saying, that rural Texas needs to keep all our representation, "just because," is really not fair to the rest of the state. Does that mean that "urban" Texans do not need to have representatives represent their interest? For example, does it mean that liberal Austin whackos do not or should not be able to elect a liberal whacko representative to represent their interest if they have the population to warrant it?

If we are going to be fair and honest about it, rural Texas (and west Texas) is technically OVER REPRESENTED, as it is if you're going by population. Is this fair to the rest of Texas or are we here in "rural Texas" going to keep on saying, "just so we win we don't care what is fair for others"? Just something to think about in the big picture of things.

Basically, are we going to assert that we are some "protected minority" just because we are "rural folk" and deserve it, just like the blacks and Hispanics assert they need protected districts drawn just to elect them?

If populations shift we don't deserve to have as much representation anymore. We don't need to "rob representation" from the urban areas. Just a hard cold fact we need to accept.

Also, by the way, the congressional maps I saw would still keep a "rural" representative out in our area for the most part.

Michael

...from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Of the 12 Democrats in the Senate, only Ken Armbrister of Victoria remained in the Capitol on Monday.

Asked if he disapproved of his fellow Democrats' decision to flee, Armbrister replied, "absolutely not."

"Each of us make our own mind up about what we try to accomplish for the people we represent," said Armbrister, the only Democrat who has not ruled out voting for redistricting and is prepared to offer an alternative to the Republican's plan.

"If I leave, I don't get any shot at my map."

Movement?

MySanAntonio: NEW: Texas Senate remains at impasse with Democrats on the lam in New Mexico

In Austin, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said he has been talking with two of the absent lawmakers.


'He's always willing to entertain compromise,' Dewhurst's spokesman, Dave Beckwith, said Tuesday. The two Democrats called Dewhurst after leaving the state, Beckwith said.

Texas Association of Counties: Online Resources

Dumb and Dumber

From the Republican Party of Texas:

Meanwhile, the Democrats' vacation has cost Texans $800 million in additional revenue that could have been spent to improve education, health care, transportation and other important issues.

E-Mail from the Democrat Party:

DAY 3

$1,871,000 WASTED TAX DOLLARS

$1.7 MILLION WASTED ON 1st SPECIAL SESSION

$171,000 WASTED ON 2nd SPECIAL SESSION ($57,000/day)

$1,871,000 TOTAL WASTED TAX DOLLARS


RICK PERRY CALLED IT.

HE CAN END IT.

Call the Governor at 512-463-2000 and tell him to end the special session.

Memo to the Texas GOP leadership: The last thing we want to do is get into a spending contest with Democrats. They will win every time because they think money grows on trees. Start talking about wanting to spend more money and they'll be all over it like white on rice and that's all we'll hear for the next few years of budget hearings.

Memo to the Texas Democrat leadership: Don't try and pretend for one blooming second that you have ever cared how much money the government spends. You want to start cutting budgets? I'm all for it, let's get some red pens and go. Hey, where are you?
...and don't try to play this game when you all can end it just as easily if your Senators will go back to Austin and faithfully execute the duties of their office.

I was up late and I'm a little cranky. I'll be nicer now that I've had my lunch.

FWST: Democrats won't lack comfort during holdout

But far from living the outlaw life, the so-called Texas 11 -- the Democratic state senators who fled from Austin on Monday to protest a congressional redistricting plan -- have found sanctuary in the Marriott Pyramid North, one of Albuquerque's finest hotels. Here, the lawmakers can share cocktails at the foot of a 2-story indoor waterfall. Graceful glass elevators seem to keep time to wafting classical music.

Rooms start at $159 -- tax not included.

HoustonChronicle.com: Katy Freeway - Expenses running $244 million over estimate

Texas Redistricting News

AAS: House zips to pass map as Senate idles

"Tell those bums to get back to work," one man muttered as he walked through the hotel.

Corpus Christi Caller Times: Hinojosa: We are gone for 30 days

Hinojosa, whose district includes Corpus Christi, said the senators won't return to Austin unless Dewhurst restores the two-thirds rule. If Dewhurst keeps the two-thirds rule, it would allow the Democrats to block any redistricting plan.

"We'll stay here 30 days," Hinojosa said.

Conroe Courier: Dems' New Mexico sojourn puts hold on Staples' redistricting map

Texas Republican plans to redraw congressional districts have once again prompted a passel of Texas Democrats to seek asylum outside of the Lone Star state.

One entry found for passel.
Main Entry: pas·sel

Pronunciation: 'pa-s&l

Function: noun

Etymology: alteration of parcel

Date: 1835

: a large number or amount

Fort Worth Star Telegram: Latest legislator walkout scarce on middle ground

Standing outside an Ace Hardware store in Fort Worth, Tina Robertson, a Democrat, says she is against redistricting. But Robertson said she believes that the Democratic senators should have stayed in Austin and fought the measure, rather than choosing to run to Albuquerque.

"You have to find a better solution than just stall tactics," she said.

Daily Texan: Dewhurst may lose Democrats' support

Dewhurst has repeatedly encouraged Democrats to get involved in redrawing the lines to get a map that is fair, and though it doesn't seem he will budge from his desire to redraw the congressional lines, an aide said he is interested in reaching a compromise with the Democrats.

Daily Texan: Truant Senators continue working

Shapleigh, who works closely with New Mexico senators from southern districts, said that in addition to visiting some family property in Ruidoso and fishing, he would meet with New Mexico officials to discuss transportation, border issues and military bases in Texas and New Mexico.

Texas Redistricting News

KCBD: What are the Texas Democrats Doing While in Albuquerque?

The 11 state senators started the day at hotel meeting room, dining on breakfast of strawberries, melons, cereal and coffee.

News 8 Austin: What does redistricting mean to you?

The Democratic Party wants the redistricting map to look like a donut. Since most cities have the minority voting population concentrated in the center, Democrats want redistricting lines to reflect that to keep the minority-voting block as a whole.

AP via Tyler Morning Telegraph: DEMOCRATS CONTINUE STANDOFF

"We're not here on a vacation," said Democratic Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos.

DMN: Exiles blast 'power grab'

AAS: Senate Democrats continue standoff in New Mexico

"To what lengths are we willing to go to ensure that the Texas State Senate does not achieve a quorum?" wrote White, a Republican, in a letter to Richardson, a Democrat who is supportive of the Texans' exodus. "If the Texas Democrats are concerned that Texas lawmen or bounty hunters will attempt to round them up, I suggest they hire private security at their own expense."

The Democrats Should Make that Turn in Albuquerque

The quote is a play on a phrase from one of the greatest actors of the last century, Bugs Bunny.

So Kuff asks in this post, ...given that the House bill is no more likely to pass the Senate in this session than it was last session even if the Dems come back, wouldn't it make more sense for them to either pass the Staples bill from last session or to draw up another bill?

Here's what I'm thinking: It's an opening for the Dems to come back in 10 days or so with a blocker bill and a new map. Dwayne Bohac, a freshman state rep from Houston, called in to KSEV radio today and reported that the rumor on the floor is that the Dem Sens will return after making their "statement." They can't last forever out-of-state. Heck, if they go 30 days and the Gov. calls another special session, one of them will cave and then we "ram" through the King plan.

So this plan is a signal that the Senate is in the driver's seat. Why? Well, lookee here.

This is one of the plans that divides McLennan County, and it won't get GOP support because Sen. Averitt has almost gone off the reservation in his opposition to splitting that county (also here). So what the House is saying is, "We're passing a plan that has no chance and we're giving the primary map-drawing task over to the Senate." (Also, it being the map the House passed before, it gives them a bit of cover, having already had hearings and all.)

So here's where the Dem Sens have to make the turn. They need to tell Dewhurst that they'll come back if there's a blocker bill-2/3rds requirement. They'll draft a map that goes 17R-15D, pass it, and sine die. The House will pass it as is, because they want this dang thing to be over.

What's the other alternative? Paul Bettencourt, Harris County Tax Assessor/Collector, said on KSEV that Dewhurst said that the next bill considered by the Texas Senate will be redistricting. No ifs, ands, or buts. It may be next week, next month, or in 2005, but no other issue will be discussed before redistricting.

The only question remaining is are the Dem Sens going to compromise, or are they going to continue this government shutdown driven by their partisan desire for obstructionism? You see, the rhetoric can quite ugly if this doesn't end (see prior sentence). All the sides need to take a deep breath, decide they're going to behave like adults, and find a way to cut a deal. Just like all of us who are in business do every day.

Houston Chronicle: Regaining quorum, House rams through redistricting

AP via DMN: House gives final approval to redistricting plan

And it did indeed pass: Texas Legislature Online - 78(2) Bill Actions for HB 1

According to Burnt Orange Report, the house is in session. I think this is the plan

Albuquerque Tribune: Lone Star politics ambles to N.M.

They're here for sun and Mexican food, and to throw a monkey wrench into politics back home.

UPI: Analysis: Texas Democrats again flee state

Democrats argue there is no need to change the districts because a three-judge federal panel approved the current lines in late 1991 after the Legislature failed to agree. Now the Republicans are in charge, however, they want the 32 districts to reflect their strength.

This is one nice-sounding hotel.

Marriott Pyramid-North - Yahoo! Travel

News 8 Austin: Quorum break may have been inevitable

The Senate democrats broke quorum and left the state, blocking the GOP-led redistricting bill once again.

News 8 Austin’s Nicole Traynor spoke with political analyst Harvey Kronberg about the move and the fallout.

Statesman: House unable to produce quorum

The 54 missing representatives are in addition to the 11 state Senators who fled the state Monday to prevent the Legislature from passing a bill on congressional redistricting. Gov. Rick Perry called a second special session Monday which can last for 30 days.

If you'd like to contact the fugitive Texas Senators, here's a nice site for doing so. Thanks to Save Texas Representatives for the link. (They don't want us using the info this way, but what the heck...)

Texas Senators' Contact Info

InfoWorld: The future of XML documents and relational databases: July 25, 2003: By Jon Udell: Application Development

Oath of Office

From the Texas Constitution:

ARTICLE 16

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 1. OFFICIAL OATH. (a) All elected and appointed officers, before they enter upon the duties of their offices, shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:
"I, _______________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the
duties of the office of ___________________ of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God."

News 9 San Antonio: Redistricting battle heats up again in Austin

But it could be a matter of who blinks first.

Want to Contact Your Senator?

You'll have to call here:

Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North -- Albuquerque, NM USA

Sports & Recreation

• Indoor and outdoor pool


• Health club


• Whirlpool


• Sauna


• Jogging nearby


• Skiing (12 mi)


• Golfing

More Redistricting News

RedViewer: Plan C01336

Sen. Wentworth's plan modification for Harris County. I've been discarding his plans, but I think if we're going to come to a compromise on this his plan might be one we look at.

AP via Corpus Christi Caller: Only Senate Democrat who stayed says rural voice needed

"I felt that being one of a small number of rural Democrats, if I wasn't ... fostering the issues that are part of rural Texas, I would have no voice. And that's why I stayed," Armbrister said Monday.

AAS: Page Not Found

At 7:00 AM the statesman site is broken.

DMN: Democrats bolt again – to New Mexico

Mr. Dewhurst met twice with the group, appealing for them to work with Republicans on what he called a "fair" redrawing of congressional boundaries.

When Mr. Dewhurst left the room the second time to convene the day's Senate session, a cluster of reporters followed him. The senators then left the conference room and headed downstairs to waiting cars bound for the airport, where two private jets awaited. They belonged to constituents of Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen – the David Rogers and Joe LaMantia families. Mr. Hinojosa said the transportation would be regarded as an in-kind contribution to the Democratic caucus.

My Opinion

The first thing is that there was really no point on me blogging on this yesterday afternoon/evening when Burnt Orange Report and Off the Kuff were doing a great job at it.

As BOR notes here, the fugitive Democrat Senators are willing to come back if the blocker bill is put back in place. In update number three, OTK points out that they will probably have to take back their earlier statement and leave the possibility of some redistricting plan open. If they don't, my prediction is that they'll keep the special sessions going until the Democrats come to a compromise.

As I stated here, I'm all for keeping the blocker bill in place. I think it's a good tool for us limited government types. But I'm pretty much all alone on the right with that opinion. We lost a tax limitation measure earlier this year because of the blocker bill, and KSEV (who led the drive for it) is now editorializing for the blocker bill's abolition.

If the Democrats prove unwilling to compromise and help fulfill the Texas Legislature's moral duty to vote on redistricting, then the blocker bill will probably be gone as a tradition. The Democrats are playing a hardball partisan game and I hope they understand the severe implications for Texas tradition they will cause.

The Moses Rose Brigade Runs Again

Reuters via ABC: Texas Democrats Skip Town Again in Political Fight

At a hotel in Albuquerque, the Democrats stood in front of a Texas flag, while flanked by New Mexico troopers, and demanded that Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, scrap the redistricting plans.

AP via RockyMountTelegram.com: Democratic Lawmakers Flee Texas Again

Most Democrats want to keep the existing congressional map drawn by a three-judge federal panel in 2001. They say redistricting amounts to a power grab pushed by DeLay, a Republican.

Daily Texan: Senate Democrats are off to New Mexico

Dewhurst indicated that redistricting was not dead yet, even though it failed to pass in the regular session and the first special session.

AP via Houston Chronicle: House Democrats express solidarity with rebel Senate counterparts

"It's up to you as a member to go explain to your district why you didn't do the constitutional duty you were elected for. You want to quit and not take a vote on something, you might could go home and explain that. But you tell me how you go home to your district and say, 'I was elected to represent my district in the legislature when we're called into session, but I decided not to go to those sessions.' "

San Antonio Express: Eleven lawmakers say they are prepared to stick it out

Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, said the use of the private planes were an in-kind contribution to the Democratic caucus, donated at his request by the Greg Lamantia family of McAllen and David Rogers and family.

Chairman Susan Weddington comments on the Democrats’ flight from the State Capitol and the opening of a second special session

QR: LEGISLATURE TO SINE DIE AT 3, RECONVENE AT 3:30 IN NEW SPECIAL SESSION

July 28, 2003 1:32 PM

Dewhurst meeting with Senate Democratic Caucus

Senate Democrats fear being locked in this afternoon.

ã Copyright July 28, 2003 by Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved

I don't know what's going on.

Message from Congressman Culberson

Attention All Culberson Supporters:

If you have ever supported my work in Austin or in Washington, I need your help right now.

On Tuesday, the First Called Special Session of the Texas Legislature will end, and another one will be called immediately to finish redistricting Texas' 32 congressional seats. It is highly likely that the entire process could be over very quickly, and if so, it is possible that our Congressional District 7 could be carved up and sent out into central Texas. This has almost happened on four previous times, and this week the final, most crucial map will be drawn.

Would you please contact your Republican state elected officials right away, and ask them to please keep Westheimer as District Seven's southern border outside Loop 610, all the way out to Katy, keeping District 7 entirely within west Harris County?

I would urge you to send out your emails and letters today. Odds are that District Seven's final boundaries will be decided by this coming Friday.

Thank you for your active support at this critically important moment. I will keep you posted on developments. In the meantime, you can see the various maps passed so far at:

http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/research/redist/redist.htm

John Culberson

United States Congressman

Texas, District Seven

Diebold Elections Systems Links

Scoop: Inside A U.S. Election Vote Counting Program

Technical Response To The Johns Hopkins Study On Voting Systems

A discussion of electronic voting by computer geeks is here: Slashdot | Inside Electronic Voting Machines

I am not a geek, I am cool. Very cool.

Chuck Muth's new site: Welcome to CitizenOutreach.com

Texas Redistricting News

News 8 Austin: What happens now that redistricting is dead?

There is no plan for how to get to a map out of conference committee that both the House and Senate can support.

And along the way, it is all but certain that Senate Democrats will walk out and bust the quorum. And this time, because of a recent court case, it appears that law enforcement can not be used to round them up.

Brazosport Facts: Dems might still resort to boycott

Democrats might have missed their chance to influence congressional redistricting by refusing to negotiate in the Senate during a special session that ends Tuesday.

AAS: Redistricting faces GOP resistance in West Texas

For months, the redistricting saga has played out against a largely partisan backdrop. And barring a boycott by Senate Democrats, the state's GOP majority would likely get new maps from the House and Senate but end up in a tougher fight: a family squabble among West Texas Republicans.

Guest Blogger: Aunt Michelle

Hi, I'm Michelle Booth, Rob's wife. I happened to have a couple of tips that I'd like to add. If you're in your 30s, don't have any kids, and a teenager is coming to stay with you, write these down!

• Although it was cool to do when you were a teenager, 30-something aunts are not cool when they sing at the top of their lungs and dance at stoplights. On the other hand, if you want the teenager to crouch below the dashboard, this is the way to do it.


• Apparently it's not cool to snort and laugh out loud at the newest teen flick, Legally Blonde II.


• At 15, they do not like it when you grab their hand when crossing the street.


• Teenagers think it's in the Constitution that they can sleep past 7:00 am in the summer. When you violate this "amendment," be careful. They might call Child Protective Services if you're not gentle about it.


• Do not joke with the parents of the teenager about tattooing or body piercing. They don't think it's funny.


• Finally, for the teenagers: Do not ask your aunt to buy a cell phone. If I say yes I'm in big trouble with your mother and father. Sorry, but that's the way things go.

Childrearing Tips: Follow-Up

You may remember from this article that my niece Allison stayed with my wife and me for the past two weeks. She's a perfectly wonderful houseguest and very mature and intelligent for her 15 years. I've learned a few things about childrearing from her stay, and as a public service I'd like to share them here with you.

• If you ever plan to pull the "get drunk and let the permit-holding 15-year old drive home" scam, do not post it on your web site. Her parents will read it and not think it's funny. The mature and intelligent niece will leave her permit at home to preclude having to drive drunk aunt and uncle home.


• Milk is for more than white Russians! People actually drink milk by itself! It's in that other section of the grocery store that you've missed, it's labelled Dairy. Who knew?!


• Many television shows that you normally watch, like Sex and the City and The Sopranos, are actually quite improper to watch with 15-year-olds around (at least that is what women like your wife and sister-in-law think). Don't expect to watch these shows.


• You are still not cool. Nope. You're old.

DMN (Culberson mention): GOP group plans to turn up scrutiny on federal judges

Mr. Culberson cited his hero Thomas Jefferson's quip that the judiciary, being the least accountable branch of government, is also the most dangerous.

"Mr. Jefferson said we may have beaten back our opponents at the polls but they have retreated into the bunkers of the judiciary and turned their guns on the people. We face that here today," he said.

Texas Redistricting News

News 24 Houston: Congressman Bell fights to keep his district intact

Even though congressional redistricting is dead during this special session, top Texas Republicans vow they will create new congressional lines one way or another.

San Antonio Express: S.A. senator at remapping debate vortex

AUSTIN — A Republican leader walked up behind Sen. Leticia Van de Putte on the Senate floor Thursday and gingerly massaged her neck and back.

Plano Star Courier: Redistricting likely to change 3rd Congressional District

Though it won't be debated this session, the newest congressional redistricting map approved Wednesday by a Texas Senate committee would alter the district of U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson, R-Plano.

Discussion Board Software

Discus and Discus Pro

Matt's Script Archive: WWWBoard

Programs and Scripts: Perl: Bulletin Board Message Systems

A very good post: courrèges: CAN'T YOU READ?!

Thanks to Greg for this link: Congressional Reports: Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities before and after the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001

Thanks to Perverse Access Memory for this story: Yahoo! News - High-Tech Votes Can Be Hacked, Scientists Say

I'm certified to instruct people on the system we use in Harris County. (Thank goodness, not touchscreen. Still computerized.) This story points to a bigger problem in the way people approach technology. Many problems that we encounter in the business world are not "technology-solvable" problems, they're process problems. For example, a given person's roles and responsibilities are not defined. Whatever the nature of the problem, technology will not solve it. People solve problems.

Same with the voting systems we use here. If we just used the machines and no other tools, fraud could run rampant. Just like with punch cards. There has to be a process for verifying a person's identity and ensuring that they only vote once.

Sen. Wentworth has a new plan up, here.

AP via AAS: 2 Democrats threaten Senate boycott

Two Democratic senators say that if Gov. Rick Perry calls another special section on redistricting, they will garner enough opposition to the move to boycott the session.

U.S. Soccer Federation: Mark That Calendar

A stern reminder about an upcoming U.S. Soccer-related event, whether you plan to check it out live and in person, on the "telly" or that wacky world wide web.

HoustonChronicle.com: Local men indicted in Nigerian e-mail scam

A federal grand jury Thursday indicted a Nigerian national and a British citizen living here in an alleged Internet hoax that promised a share of $20 million in a box at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Big props to my friend, The Artist Known as Pete, for urging me to catch this show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Five gay men makeover a straight guy, it seems to usually involve a haircut and new clothes. Saw the NBC version, laughed my butt off, then watched the Bravo version. Carson is the funniest person on TV, bar none.

OpinionJournal: John Fund's Political Diary

SACRAMENTO--The recall of Gov. Gray Davis is heading for a fall election. 'It'll be covered like a mini-presidential race,' says GOP consultant Joe Shumate--and watched like a thriller movie. Part of the reason will be Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, his campaign advisers believe, will be running--or starring, to put it in Hollywood idiom, in a political sequel to his 'Total Recall.'

Texas Redistricting News

El Paso Times: Senate's Demos may boycott 2nd redistricting special session

AUSTIN -- Senate Democrats say they have enough members willing to boycott another special session for congressional redistricting, although they have not yet decided to do so.

Washington Times: Texas update

Despite opposition from Democrats, a Texas state Senate committee yesterday approved a bill to redraw congressional districts that are likely to give state Republicans an advantage in Washington.

San Antonio Express: Redistricting clock ticking down

Staples said he is continuing to take suggestions on a proposed congressional map backed Wednesday by the Senate Jurisprudence Committee and is speaking with other senators "in hopes that in the second called session, we can make quick work of what we'd be asked to do."

AP via Houston Chronicle: Bill sponsor all but says redistricting idea dead

AUSTIN -- The sponsor of a bill to redraw congressional districts today all but declared his bill dead this special legislative session while Senate Democrats said they believe they have the support to break a quorum in the chamber if another session is called on the issue.

DMN: Partisan tensions grow over special session to resolve redistricting

Democrats said a boycott also would protest Mr. Dewhurst's plan to break from a Senate tradition that guarantees respect for the views of the minority party. Mr. Dewhurst has said that if Mr. Perry calls the second session as expected, he would work around the Senate's traditional requirement of a two-thirds vote before a bill can be considered on the floor.

Daily Texan: Redistricting not likely to see floor

But, Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, who was there at the time, argued that the situations were not comparable. Whitmire said the Senate was there to correct a court-drawn plan, not to undo one, as in this case.

Star Telegram: A different type of quick getaway

Come home. Nothing happening in Austin is good for Texas, particularly not when Republicans would rather waste $56,000 a day than compromise with Democrats enough to get a redistricting plan passed.

MTV.com: Vma 2003 - Nominees

The great Johnny Cash is nominated for Hurt, as well he should be. This song had a profound effect on me.

Jacksonville Daily Progress: Staples' new map approved in committee

AUSTIN - Jurisprudence Committee Republicans approved another redistricting map Wednesday, that if passed, places Cherokee County into a federal district with Dallas.

Stephenville Empire Tribune: Fraser: Plans protect Erath

A congressional redistricting map approved Wednesday by the Texas Senate Jurisprudence Committee remains "a work in progress," state Sen. Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) said, but he believes Erath County will be pleased with where it lands in any final bill.

Washington Post: Will - A Questionable Kind Of Conservatism

Howard Dean, who will say anything while pandering to his party's activists, says the Bush administration aims to 'dismantle' Medicare. Actually, the administration is eager to approve the largest expansion of the welfare state since the Great Society 40 years ago.

Economist.com: Illinois's Senate seat: Vote for a turban and a beard

WITH Lake Michigan sparkling in the distance and long beards flapping in the evening breeze, they clutched their turbans or ties and vowed to unite behind Chirinjeev Singh Kathuria. An assembly of Sikhs and Hindus and even a token Muslim set aside their differences and turned out on July 22nd on the roof of a posh downtown high-rise to endorse the first American from the Indian subcontinent ever to run for the Senate.

It is not going to be easy for Mr Kathuria, a millionaire Sikh businessman and a Republican. He remembers the insults he faced in airliners and on street corners after the terrorist attacks of 2001, when his Sikh turban and beard got him mistaken for a Muslim. He still carefully keeps an American flag pinned to his lapel.

OA: GOP hits rough spot redrawing the lines

Bob Richter, the speaker's press secretary, said in Austin that the major hangup in the Senate has been Lubbock’s opposition to adding Abilene to the 19th and "pairing" newly elected Congressman Randy Neugebauer with Democratic Rep. Charlie Stenholm of Abilene in next year's election.

DMN: Panel approves new congressional map

Republicans said they have the Democrats over a barrel and a new Texas congressional map is inevitable, but Democrats said they'll eventually prevail in federal court.

The World is a Better Place Today

King Jon Matthews was on the radio this morning, although on a limited basis while he recovers from surgery.

Texas Redistricting News

Austin American Statesman:McNeely

Republican Ron Paul of Surfside, once the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate, has the best ranking among the Republicans, scoring 33 percent with the NAACP and 44 percent with the Hispanic leaders.

Corpus Christi Caller Times:Nueces County stays whole

"I think there is a lot of incentive for our Democratic colleagues to come and join and tell us what their concerns are," Dewhurst said. "Several, on a no-name basis, several of our Democratic colleagues have shared some concern about the map that came out of committee today. They would prefer to see a different map."

Daily Texan:Committee passes redistricting map

Sen. Chris Harris, R-Arlington, the previous mapmaker, worried about the impact on South Texas, which he called the "economic engine of the future of our state."

"This is certainly not the final map," he said. "But when all is said and done, I hope the Senate will recognize the concerns of the Texas border community. It will be a major mistake to alienate those communities of interest along the border."

Austin Chronicle:Not Quite 'Dead, Dead, Dead' Yet

We don't know yet if all that is false bravado. Meanwhile, the private game -- among Senate Republicans -- is where the real action is right now, as Todd Staples, R-Palestine (to whom the map-drawing task fell when Chris Harris, R-Arlington, abandoned it in a mysterious huff), attempts to come up with a map that can even win a 16-vote majority in the Senate.

The Hill.com: Dr. David Hill: The truth about Texas redistricting

Democrats ignore the fact that the greatest growth in Texas over the past two decades has occurred in the state's suburbs. A survey I conducted in July 2002 showed that 33 percent of Texans say they live in the suburbs. Yet today only five of 32 Texas congressional districts are mostly suburban in makeup and represented by genuine suburbanites. DeLay, John Culberson, Pete Sessions, Michael Burgess and Sam Johnson are the real thing. A few others — Joe Barton, Kevin Brady, John Carter, Kay Granger and Jeb Hensarling — have some Texas suburban credentials, but that is not the sole focus of their districts, backgrounds or political careers.

Laugh-out-loud funny: (link from many places)The Debate As I Heard It... - RAWbservations

The Hill: "I'll probably win this argument."

Paul was first elected to the House in a 1976 special election, before there was any conservative government, neo- or otherwise. He lost the general election that fall, but came back to win two years later. Paul left Congress in 1984 to run for Senate and then president under the Libertarian Party banner (Majority Leader Tom DeLay [R-Texas] was elected to replace him). In 1996, Paul ran for Congress again, defeating incumbent and former Democrat Greg Laughlin in the GOP primary.

This is handy. Ever since my days translating in DoD I've become a pack rat for acronyms lists. I'll share my joy with you:

Technical Acronyms

Government Executive Magazine: 7/22/03 House appropriators approve VA-HUD spending bill

The Hill.com: GOP leaders, conservatives split on balanced-budget amendment

"I'm aggressively doing everything I can to get it to the floor for a vote," said Rep. John Culberson (R-Texas). "I think it's the single most important piece of legislation in light of our $7 trillion debt."

Free to Choose

HoustonChronicle.com: City sprawl racks up mileage, empties wallets

Rep. Culberson: "The road network in Houston has been built out to reach the neighborhoods where people choose to live," he said. "We shouldn't shoehorn people into a transportation design based on what Washington think tanks believe."

Off the Redistricting Reservation

Given this from DMN: Craddick says he expects 2nd session

Mr. Dewhurst had said he was inclined not to suspend the traditional two-thirds rule for the first special session.

But Mr. Dewhurst said redistricting "is an issue ... that doesn't fall within our traditional, bipartisan areas of legislation" and may change the rules for the next session. He cited the late Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock's decision not to require a two-thirds vote to bring up a state senatorial redistricting map in a January 1992 special session.

I guess that the driving force behind these maps is the belief that we can jettison the 2/3rds rule during a second special session. That's making these map-drawers get as bold as Rep. Frost in 91. I'll just put it down in writing, what I've been thinking. We lost by the 2/3rds rule for many years. We should win by the 2/3rds rule as well. And we ought not draw maps with the only purpose being to increase the number of Republicans.

Texas Redistricting News

The Hill: Texas Democrats alleging a conflict - Attack lawyer’s role in redistricting

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott hired Taylor, a noted redistricting expert, at $400 an hour to represent the state in lawsuits arising from the new map, which the state Senate is working on. Democrats plan a litigation battle against the changes.

El Paso Times: GOP keeps pushing map; 12 senators keep blocking

AUSTIN -- A Senate redistricting committee is expected to vote along party lines today for a new congressional map that will probably die soon thereafter.

AP via Sherman Denison Herald Democrat: Second session anticipated

AUSTIN -- Republicans with high hopes of taking over the Texas delegation in the U.S. House seem to be giving up hope on redrawing congressional lines -- at least for the seven days remaining in the current special legislative session.

Daily Texan: Committee will have final vote on map today

"I haven't gotten a box of grapefruits as a result of these maps," Sen. Todd Staples, R-Palestine, said.

San Antonio Express: Redistricting experts differ on panel's maps

AUSTIN — A pair of redistricting experts gave conflicting accounts Tuesday about how minorities would be impacted by two maps slated for a Senate committee vote today.

News 8 Austin: Dewhurst wants redistricting resolved this session

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst refuses to give up on this special session. He's asked Democrats to contribute to the redistricting process and help pass a map before the special session ends July 29.

DMN: Craddick says he expects 2nd session

"We'll go back into session on Tuesday for a second special session and will wind up passing a congressional redistricting plan," Mr. Craddick told delegates at a national legislative conference in San Francisco.

Sen. Wentworth has a new plan up, at least it's numerically latest in the list. I don't see the difference between it and any other plan of his, but I haven't looked that closely.

Yahoo! News - U.S. Confirms Qusay, Uday Killed in Raid

Wow. I don't feel comfortable celebrating someone's death, but I think these guys had it coming.

An Unbiased Look at Tom DeLay

U.S. Newswire - DELAY, INC. -- A Democracy 21 Report on House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and His Money Machine (2000-2002)

WASHINGTON, July 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), AKA "The Hammer," is known for his hardball approach to politics and policy, and to money.

"Tom DeLay is the king of congressional influence money," said Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer. "In DeLay's vision of democracy, the operating rule is you have to pay to play. If you want to understand the power and influence of Tom DeLay in Washington, you have to understand the role played by DELAY, INC., his multimillion-dollar money machine."

Texas Redistricting News

Stephenville Empire Tribune: Redistricting proposal splits Erath

Two more maps proposing new congressional districts in Texas were offered Monday by state Sen. Todd Staples (R-Palestine), and one of them splits Erath County.

AP via News 9 San Antonio: Perry firm on calling second special session

In the meantime, Gov. Rick Perry sounded more firm in his comments that he would call another special session if lawmakers do not approve a congressional redistricting plan before this session ends July 29.

Texas Redistricting - Dem Bites Dem

DMN: Frost in GOP cross hairs for remap

"He wants just enough blacks and Hispanics in his district to get elected," said Rep. Ron Wilson, D-Houston. "But he doesn't want enough of them there to elect one of their own."

Star Telegram: THE INSIDER

Michael Burgess mention - Fund-raiser isn't for Congress bid, Whitley says

kingcountyjournal.com: Without feds, light-rail cash could come from Eastside

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Dunn's challenge of Sound Transit's $500 million federal light-rail grant may only ensure that transit taxes collected in her Eastside district will be spent instead on Seattle light rail.

That warning, from Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, is the latest salvo in a behind-the-scenes war over a multimillion dollar promise: That the Eastside, South King County and Seattle will each get to keep -- and spend -- their own share of Sound Transit dollars.

U.S. Newswire - Briefing: Opposition to 'Continuity of Government' Proposal to Amend the Constitution; Hosted by The Liberty Committee

Texas Redistricting

Corpus Christi Caller Times: 2 redistricting maps added

Depending on the time of the vote, the full Senate should take up congressional redistricting Friday, but might be delayed until Saturday if the vote is late in the day Wednesday. Bills have to be laid out for 48 hours before the full Senate can consider a bill after it has a committee.

AP via Sherman Denison Herald Democrat: Sen. Staples unveils two more redistricting maps

"It's dead. It's dead, it's dead, it's dead," said Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, who is opposed to redrawing congressional lines.

San Antonio Express: Demo response to remap bill: 'It's dead'

Gov. Rick Perry hinted Monday he may call legislators back for a second special session almost immediately, perhaps the same day, if they don't pass a redistricting bill in the week that remains of the current session.

"It would be relatively soon, I think," Perry said, later adding: "Obviously it's an option to immediately call another session to address this issue."

Hood County News: Hood heads south?

State lawmakers' latest redistricting plan has Hood County in a congressional district with Waco. The proposal pleases state Sen. Kip Averitt (R-Waco). “I am excited to have a map,” said Averitt, who represents Hood County. “But are we done? As far as I am concerned, no. I will not be satisfied until we have a map that protects Central Texas. We should not be represented by Dallas, Tarrant, Williamson or Brazos County.”

Houston Chronicle: Dems who fled hope to cash in on celebrity status

WASHINGTON -- Democrats from the Texas statehouse hit the nation's Capitol today in hopes of cashing in on the hero status they earned with colleagues two months ago, when they skipped work to derail a GOP-backed redistricting plan.

Houston Chronicle: 2 more maps vie for majority

With little hope of gathering any Democratic support to pass a plan in the current special legislative session, the Republicans are trying to agree among themselves on a plan that could pass the Senate quickly if Gov. Rick Perry calls a second special session.

KAMC: Democrats Say They Have The Votes To Block Redistricting

AUSTIN--Texas Democrats say they now have enough votes to block the congressional redistricting proposal. A vote could come as early as Wednesday.

BBS BS

I'm looking at implementing a web-based discussion board for a client. I got some ASP training many months ago, it's still somewhere rattling around in my brain. So I've got to take a look at some different applications and see what I can come up with. I wish they were using Linux/MySQL/PHP. Ah well......Here are some of the tools I'm looking at (thanks to 4 Guys from Rolla):

ASP Forum Software & Tools from PD9Soft

Web Wiz Forums version 7.01

ASP Discussion Forum

Toast Forums

The Seattle Times: LU.S. transit chief offers flawed view of light-rail traffic relief

In the heat of a national conflict over rail funding, Federal Transit Administration chief Jennifer Dorn recently said light rail in Seattle would take enough cars off the road to fill "seven lanes of traffic during peak travel times."

Texas Redistricting News

AP via Houston Chronicle: Lawmakers back at work on congressional maps

The Senate Jurisprudence Committee has been presented proposed maps by Sen. Todd Staples, chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus, and Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. On Monday, Staples presented yet another map, replacing the proposal he laid out last week.

Statesman: No matter how they map it, redistricting still a bad idea

But the Senate map is not a joke, it's a travesty. On Staples' map, District 25 meanders from 51st Street to the Texas-Mexico border, and District 10 spreads from Jonestown to Houston, taking in a slice of North Austin and Pflugerville. District 28 winds from Buda to the Rio Grande.

Commissioner Jerry Patterson in the News

Galveston County Daily News: Patterson visits isle to assess erosion

GALVESTON ¡Ö Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson on Sunday had a first-hand look at the impact of Hurricane Claudette as he walked along the West End of Galveston. He saw exposed geotubes, half-buried rebar and even wooden walkways that once allowed people to stroll over dunes, but now extend up and come down to only air.

Galveston County Daily News: GLO to grant moratorium for beachfront homes

Texas General Land Office officials over the coming months will be walking the county's beaches to determine which houses can stay - at least for two years - and which must go.

E-Mail from Congressman Culberson

From: John@culbersonforcongress.com

To: C4C@culbersonforcongress.com

Subject: [C4C] Redistricting

Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 17:27:07 -0400

Content: text/plain

C4C News

This is the official electronic newsletter from the Culberson for Congress campaign. John Culberson is a Republican
Congressman from the 7th Congressional District of Texas (Houston). Feel free to pass this message to your friends and
neighbors. Campaign homepage - www.culbersonforcongress.com.

Dear Friends,

The redistricting process, while not over, appears to be in the final stages. The Governor and Lt. Governor have a strategy that should guide the passage of a new Congressional map that truly reflects the voting patterns of Texas.

Throughout this process Senator Todd Staples has been a very good friend to District Seven and to the entire State. He has worked tirelessly under extreme pressure to make sure that the right thing is done and that the historic core of District Seven was not torn to shreds.

I hope that you will join me in thanking Senator Staples for the incredible job he has done and continues to do. Below I have included some text that you might consider using in your message to the Senator (it can be copied and pasted to your message). Be sure to include your name and address at the end of your email. Please send your message to: todd.staples@senate.state.tx.us

Thank you for your support and your help in expressing our gratitude to Senator Staples.

Sincerely,

John Culberson

Member of Congress

Suggested message text below this line

Dear Senator Staples,
I wish to extend my sincere appreciation for your tireless and extraordinary efforts to create a new Congressional map that fairly represents the voters of Texas. Your good work in such a controversial role has been noticed by many and we are thankful.

I am particularly grateful for your help in maintaining the core of District Seven in Houston. The voters of the Seventh will not forget that you were there for them.

At a time when you may feel attacked from all directions, please know that you have many fans that wish to say, "Thank you!"

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

Address

City, TX ZIP

This list is low-volume, with spikes of activity occuring during election season.

To subscribe to this list, send an e-mail to

imailsrv@culbersonforcongress.com

In the body of the message type the following:

subscribe C4C youremail@youremail.com

(Insert your e-mail address for youremail.)

To unsubscribe, send the same message but use the command unsubscribe.

To comment on this list, send an e-mail to john@culbersonforcongress.com.

For technical questions, send an e-mail to webadmin@culbersonforcongress.com

Memo to Sen. West

KXAN-TV: More Maps Introduced

In fact, no matter how the state is redrawn, opponents are unwavering.

"That's just like saying would you like your death to be by firing squad or by people throwing knives at you," Senator Royce West, D-Dallas, said.

Redistricting is Hard

Remember this kind of talk?

HoustonChronicle.com: Undecided lawmakers feel map pressure

Armbrister, another uncommitted senator, said he was less concerned about partisanship than how redistricting affected rural areas. He said he opposed the House plan because it split rural "communities of interest."

Sen. Armbrister has a plan online. Look what it does to Brazoria County:

Brazoria County must not be a community Sen. Armbrister is interested in. Is that what "communities of interest" means?

Take a look at the rest of the plan. It's laughable. I do hereby decree this plan dead.

Update: Taking more of a look at the plan I don't think I'd now describe it, as a whole, as laughable. He does a good job keeping counties whole in many parts of the state. But the southeast Texas part, it's incredibly convoluted. And it's still dead.

Radio Left: Doesn't the GOP have anything better to do?

As Congressman Culberson (R) stated in the Houston hearings, redistricting is nothing more than to put more Republicans into Congress. Considering the current state of our country, this is the last thing America needs. It is time the Republican Party of Texas to stand like elephants and say no to redistricting, instead of hiding like mice.

Neocons Strike Back at Ron Paul

Weekly Standard: The Burma Three

The three congressmen who voted against the Burma Freedom and Democracy Act haven't suggested any alternative means of sending 'a clear message' to the Burmese government. But at least they are consistent. All three have voted to remove the trade blockade against Cuba, too.

Jerry Patterson Mention

NOLA.com - NewsFlash

Storms like Claudette can erode not only Texas beaches, but destroy vital infrastructure and tax base,' Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said. 'Restoring our Texas beaches and protecting this costly infrastructure is a priority here at the Land Office. It should be a priority everywhere in Texas."

Blogmandering!

Byron points out in his post Burnt Orange Report: The Staples Map that he'll cross districts in Travis County on an 8-minute bike ride. So I took a look at my neighborhood in west Harris County. Here's a picture:

In precinct 0814, I'll be at the crossroads of four CDs.

Seeing as Byron and I are both targeted in this manner, I can only assume that it's a conspiracy against people blogging on redistricting. :->

Statesman: Redistricting: Another version of Travis County filed

While the Capitol crowd awaits a Senate Republican map that is expected to split Travis County three ways, a Republican senator on Thursday filed a version that leaves Travis County largely as it is now.

Groups threatening recall of Nevada Supreme Court justices: RLC Mention

VOANews.com: Laos Re-Launches National Airline in Effort to Boost Terrorism

The national airline of Laos, safety plagued and broke, has been re-launched with international help in the hopes boosting tourism. The first move has been to replace the all-turbo prop plane fleet.

Update: I thought they might catch the error. But I knew you'd want to see it. Here's a screen capture:

Song of the Day

It was now the only place open late

Playing loud music in questionable taste

She asked me to dance and I said "OK"

I slipped into the groove and was doing great

We didn't say much I gurned and grinned

She looked so fresh and there was me tinned

I said to her tell me about you

She said I know more than you think I do

Up the Creek by Glenn Tilbrook

Texas Redistricting News

Austin American Statesman: Dave McNeely: Map would cost Texas in seniority

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards recently was asked whether Democrats punished Republican incumbents back when Democrats controlled redistricting.

To the contrary, said Edwards, D-Waco. Democrats went out of their way to allow incumbent Republican Congress members to be re-elected. They understood the value of seniority. Even senior members of the minority party can help steer federal funds to their home states or block proposals that would hurt their states, Democratic members say.

Austin American Statesman: New map surfacing in Senate

Congressional redistricting took several bizarre turns Wednesday as the state Senate's primary mapmaker quit moments before he was to present two options that both would have split Travis County three ways.

Daily Texan: Harris steps down, Staples takes over as map drawer

Another roadblock loomed in front of congressional redistricting Wednesday, as the Republican sponsor of the Senate map declared he was out of the process.

Austin Chronicle: On the Lege

San Antonio Express: GOP senator yanks maps for districts

AUSTIN — The Republican senator tasked with drawing his party's redistricting map angrily withdrew his proposal Wednesday and stormed out of a committee hearing, leaving fellow senators awaiting the much-anticipated unveiling in stunned silence.

News 8 Austin: Chaos at the Capitol

Sen. Chris Harris, (R) Arlington, was expected to lay out two new congressional redistricting maps for consideration in committee on Wednesday.

HoustonChronicle.com: Angry Republican senator bolts redistricting hearing

AUSTIN -- A Republican state senator whose congressional redistricting proposal had been anxiously awaited by fellow lawmakers angrily left a Senate committee meeting Wednesday and said he wasn't unveiling any congressional maps.

Thank you!

Dynamist Blog: SPEAK FOR YOURSELF, JOHN

How did I miss this site? Save Texas Representatives

Yahoo! News: U.S. Soldiers Complain of Low Morale in Iraq

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fed up with being in Iraq (news - web sites) and demoralized by their role as peacekeepers in a risky place, a group of U.S. soldiers aired their plight on U.S. television on Wednesday and said they had lost faith in the Army.

Song of the Day

We had a whole lot of superstars on this stage here tonight,

But I want y'all to know one thing,

This is my house.

And when I say "Who's house?"

Y'all know what time it is,

Who's house? Run's house.

ah, once again my friend

not a trend for then

they said, rap was crap

but never had this band

till the ruler came

with a cooler name

make ya dance and prance and drove the fans insane

name is Run my son

number one for fun

not a gun that's done and get done by none

the others act in fact ya just wack I kill

why? its fun my son and Run heads the bill

Thanks Congressman Culberson!

Thanks to John Culberson for voting for Ron Paul's Amendment to get us out of the UN. People complain about DeLay making a power grab? He's got nothing on those parasites at the UN.

Austin American Statesman: Ratliff takes a stand for rural Texans

If you are among those who bemoan the lack of courage and independence in politicians, then please take note of Sen. Bill Ratliff, R-Mount Pleasant. He has single-handedly taken on U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick, all Republicans.

The Hill: Gonzalez files FOIA lawsuit against DOJ over Texas flap

Rep. Charlie Gonzalez has turned to the courts in his effort to force the Department of Justice to detail its possible role in tracking Democratic Texas state legislators who fled the state in May.

Corpus Christi Caller Times: Governor may call 2nd session

AUSTIN - The Texas Senate remained at an impasse over a Republican congressional redistricting plan Tuesday amid threats that Gov. Rick Perry will call another special session if the issue isn't resolved.

The Daily Texan: Perry eyeing 2nd special session

However, Dewhurst can make sure redistricting is the first bill on the agenda in a second special session, and then, with the consensus of the Senate, eliminate the blocker bill and the two-thirds rule, said Harvey Kronberg, political analyst and editor of Quorum Report.

Harlingen Valley Morning Star: Official confirms redistricting talks with White House

McALLEN — Rumors of White House involvement in the proposed congressional redistricting in the Lone Star State might be true.

This morning is not going well. First off Off the Kuff appears to be down. And Jon Matthews is still off due to his health problems. Like one caller said this morning, "The sun's rising, Jon is supposed to be on."

First Massachusetts, now Maine. Wow, what a lucky guy. Whoever you are, could you at least attack me in my home state? And let me know who you are? What are you, chicken?

Burnt Orange Report: Full Statement by Sen. Ratliff

I have today advised Lt. Gov. Dewhurst that I am in possession of a statement signed by 10 members of the Texas Senate stating their unalterable opposition to any motion to bring a congressional redistricting bill to the Senate floor. I have advised the Lt. Gov. that I am adding my name to that statement.

OK, deep breath. Think happy thoughts.

KUT: Redistricting Likely To Die In TX Senate

AUSTIN, TX (2003-07-15) After sailing through the Texas House, the Republican-led effort to redraw congressional districts looks likely to die in the Senate. Former Lieutenant Governor Bill Ratliff, a Republican, joined ten Democratic Senators who've said they're opposed to bringing a bill to the Senate floor. Senator Ratliffe released a statement on Tuesday saying that "those who are leading this effort apparently have no knowledge of, or regard for, the diminishing influence of the rural/agricultural community."

Corpus Christi Caller Times: Dewhurst may suspend Senate rule

AUSTIN - Congressional redistricting efforts appeared all but dead in the Texas Senate on Monday, but Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst vowed to put it on life support.

Sherman Denison Herald Democrat: New map won't be easy

For instance, Sen. Ken Armbrister, D-Victoria, wants to ensure that rural Texas is represented in Congress. He criticized the House bill, noting that Victoria County now is the largest county in its congressional district, but under the proposed House plan, it wouldn't be.

Harlingen Valley Morning Star: Lawmakers aim to block map

McALLEN — An important document traveled across the Rio Grande Valley on the passenger seat of state Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa’s Chevrolet truck Monday morning.

El Paso Times: GOP senator joins Demos to block state redistricting

AUSTIN -- A senior Republican state senator joined Democrats on Monday to oppose drawing any new congressional district maps.

Longview News-Journal: Ratliff leads push against redistricting

He added it would "suit me" if his ploy shut down the special session. Ratliff's suggestion for a statewide property tax was shot down a year before the 78th session began, and he publicly said during the session that killing the Robin Hood finance system and not raising taxes were mutually exclusive promises. On Monday he shied at the prospect of his shaking up a second special session, which Perry is expected to call for a new school financing debate.

Just passing on the mesage

From: webmaster@harriscountygop.com

To: HCRP_News_Update@harriscountygop.com

Subject: [HCRP News Update]

Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2003 19:19:54 -0500

Content: multipart/alternative

Paid for by the Harris County Republican Party

Senator Bill Ratliff (R-Mt. Pleasant) announced today he is signing on with 10 of the 12 Senate Democrats in an attempt to block Congressional redistricting in the Senate.

A little Ratliff history lesson:

Sen. Bill Ratliff became acting Lt. Governor in 2000 after then Lt. Gov. Rick Perry became Governor. Ratliff built a coalition of Senate Democrats to help him become Lt. Governor. While serving on the Legislative Redistricting Board in 2001, then acting Lt. Gov. Ratliff sided with then Democrat Speaker Pete Laney and the two voted against the State House and Senate redistricting plan adopted by then Attorney General Cornyn, then Land Commissioner Dewhurst and Comptroller Rylander. In 2002, Ratliff had to pull out of the Lt. Gov's race for lack of Republican support in the primary. Now in 2003 it seems as if Ratliff is looking for a little payback.

Something else interesting:

Senators Ken Armbrister (D-Victoria) and Frank Madla (D-San Antonio)
did not sign on to the Democrat+Ratliff plan.

What can be done?:

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst said today all options are on the table. That could mean Dewhurst will entertain the idea of removing the blocker bill. The blocker bill is put into place to prohibit legislation to be taken up without a 2/3 vote. If the blocker bill is removed the Senate will return to majority rule, as a clear majority of State Senators support taking up redistricting. Take a moment and use the following link to email Lt. Governor Dewhurst and encourage him to protect the rights of the majority by removing the blocker bill (remember this is the same blocker bill that killed property tax relief in the regular session).

To email Lt. Gov. Dewhurst use the following link:

http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/LtGov/Contact.htm

Got some words for Sen. Bill Ratliff? You are going to have to call him:

512-463-0101

Take a Deep Breath, Hold It, Now Exhale

Houston Chronicle: GOP senator agrees to block redistricting bill

Sen. Bill Ratliff, R-Mt. Pleasant, joined 10 Democrats in promising to block Senate floor debate on any congressional redistricting bill. Ratliff said he believes any plan would harm rural Texas and force some Republican senators to vote for the party against the interests and desires of their constituents.

OK, the moment of anger has passed and I can discuss this rationally. Being a Ron Paul fan, I really can't argue too strenuously in favor of party loyalty. Someone putting principle above partisanship is important to me. This is almost, but not quite, a procedural vote. A vote for speaker in the federal House is a procedural vote. This is not quite there. So, Sen. Ratliff's decision to stand against the redistricting measure, while it's a decision I disagree with, is his duty as a representative.

But gosh, just one minute. Back when Senator Ratliff was Lt. Gov, he proposed plan C01049. Here's a look at one part:

Boy, that plan sure looks like it joins rural and suburban voters from Harris County to the coast. Sen. Ratliff, what was good with that plan then that is not good now? I agree that we ought not be dividing communities of interest like that. But your deeds don't seem to be matching your words now.

This is the second morning in a row without Jon Matthews on the radio. My day is not complete. Jon is in the hospital for surgery. Get well soon, King Jon!

Statesman: Rumors swirl on redistricting block in Senate

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has called a press conference for 3:30 p.m. Monday to respond to rumors that 11 senators have signed a letter saying they will vote to block debate on congressional redistricting.

Washington Post Editorial: Destroy Russia's Weapons

It also has largely stood by while House Republicans who have fought Nunn-Lugar for years continue their efforts to hamstring it. This year Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, declared the program "open-ended, unfocused and self-defeating"; he then attached amendments to the defense authorization bill that would drastically curtail several crucial projects. The most important of these is a chemical weapons destruction facility now being built in the Russian town of Shchuchye that is intended to destroy thousands of tons of deadly nerve agents. At a nearby base, dilapidated bunkers hold a terrifying arsenal of 1.9 million artillery shells filled with nerve agent; a terrorist who managed to obtain just one of them would have the means to murder as many as 100,000 people. The administration is requesting $200 million next year for the project, which is being funded by an international consortium that includes European governments and Russia. But Mr. Hunter's committee slashed $29 million of the appropriation and conditioned much of the rest in ways that may prevent any funds at all from being used.

Child-Rearing Tips from a Childless Man

Our niece Allison is staying with us for the next couple of weeks. She's 15. We have no children. We used to count cats as children, but now we realize that it's a master/servant relationship. Guess which we are.

So I developed a few tips from her last stay, for people like us, 36 and no kids and little sense of responsibility. Here they are:

• Not everyone has coffee and cigarettes for breakfast. Some people have actual food. Allow time for this.


• That section in the supermarket marked Produce, you know next to the beer and wine section, is not an extension of the florist section. It contains Fruits and Vegetables. You might remember these food groups from your youth. People still do eat these foods. Buy some for the guest.


• You are not cool. You are old. You may think you're cool because you own a Rancid CD. ...And Out Come The Wolves
  was released on August 17, 1995. That's 8 years ago. You're old.


• A new one I learned yesterday: A learner's permit for driving does not mean that aunts and uncles get to get drunk and rely on the new driver to get them home. I challenge anyone to find this in the law, but apparently it's understood.

Geek.com: Trojan turns computers into porn pimps

A new "trojan" program has hijacked over 2,000 Windows computers worldwide. The program turns a victim's computer into a virtual middleman for porn websites and spam. The infected machines act as reverse proxy server, allowing website content and e-mail to be filtered thorough infected machines. This process allows porn websites and spam servers to remain anonymous. By using infected machines the operators of the trojan ring can change their source IP addresses every few minutes, making it almost impossible for ISPs to block content.

This is terrible of course, who wants to be serving up porn from their home PC. Try explaining that one to the cops when it's kiddie porn. On the other hand, this technology holds promise for skirting come of the censorship on the web in places like China.

Thanks to the Texas RLC e-mail list for this link:

Star Telegram: Traffic checkpoints push the law's limit

Apparently there is some disagreement about whether the U.S. Constitution should apply in Burleson.

Unless I have missed an edict from the Office of Homeland Security, it ought to be illegal to stop and question Texans for simply driving down the street. Yet it's happening in Burleson.

In a sort of George-Orwell-comes-to-Johnson-County situation, city police are stopping motorists at a checkpoint and demanding to see a license and insurance card before a driver can pass through town.

Might I add in what the Texas consitution says:

Sec. 9. SEARCHES AND SEIZURES. The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from all unreasonable seizures or searches, and no warrant to search any place, or to
seize any person or thing, shall issue without describing them as near as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation.

I would add that my wallet counts as one of my possessions I'd like to be secure in.

Song of the Day (what's going through my mind)

You come dancin' in here, with the devil's daughter,
Spillin' beer and doin' things you hadn'ta oughter,
You found her walking on the streets, carryin' a sack of quarters,
Now she's stealin' rings off the hands of your dying mother,
If that witch won't leave, I'ma think I'm gonna have to help her,
You know that blood is thicker than water.

Texas Redistricting News

AP via Boston Globe: Committee to focus on FAA search for Texas Democrats

WASHINGTON (AP) Democrats this week should get some of the details they've sought on federal involvement in the search for Texas lawmakers who left the state to prevent a vote on a redistricting bill.

AP via News 8 Austin: Senate grappling with congressional redistricting

AUSTIN -- Drawing congressional districts that all 31 state senators can live with won't be easy.

Pasadena Citizen: Senate could unveil new redistricting maps this week

State senators, which many House members have called "much more methodical" in their process, could start introducing redistricting maps this week.


And because members of both parties have expressed discontent with the House bill approved last week, Democrats and some Republicans are feeling increasingly optimistic the map approved by the House will not be the one ultimately approved by the Texas Legislature.

Here's a link to Byron's short bio over at Burnt Orange Report. This part caught my interest:

I've been involved with Democratic Party politics since I turned 18 in 2000. I first volunteered for the Regina Montoya Coggins campaign that year (she ran against Rep. Pete Sessions) in 2000. I was inspired to get involved upon hearing that Pete Sessions said in a town hall meeting that he "didn't represent the gays". (Yes, I'm openly gay, and have been since my senior year in high school.)

Ealier in his life, Byron had been sympathetic to the GOP. Now I don't know Byron from Adam, so I'm not going to psychoanalyze him or anything. But let's just look at the stupidity of Rep. Sessions' comment. It goes right to the heart of what I've said to Rpublican groups in the past. Here's a part of a speech I gave a couple of years back, when I spoke as an officer of the Republican Liberty Caucus (you can view the whole thing here):

Why do we antagonize homosexuals?

My friend Mike Holmes brought up this point a few years ago when he spoke to your group. I'd like to expand on it.

It seems that every time there's a controversy involving gays and lesbians, Republicans are duty-bound to point out that they think that homosexuality is a sin. Sen. Bob Dole, back when he ran for president, felt obliged to return a check to the Log Cabin Republicans (the national organization of gay and lesbian Republicans). Who came up with the strategy of refusing money from people who want to give it to you?

Let's take a minute and think about this. I'm no demographic expert, but I have some common sense. Gay men, at least the ones I've come in contact with, are largely professionals or small businessmen. They either live alone or with another man with a similar financial situation. They don't have children, generally. So here's a group with time and spare money. They're working hard and seeing their money being taken away by the federal government. Frankly, this is a natural Republican constituency.

And yet, we Republicans seem to make it a point every few months to do something to insult them. There's plenty of people involved with all kinds of sin in this country, and we don't point out that sin. I wonder about people who have enough time on their hands that they can obsess on the sins of others.

It would seem to me that when offered money or support by gay Republicans, we should say "Thank you." If we disagree with them on some point or another, we shouldn't compromise. But there's no need to be rude about it.

So, I hadn't heard about this example of GOP stupidity on the "gay issue" before, but here is another brilliant example. Why do we do this? Let me go even further than what I've said in the past:

Gays and lesbians are just as fine and decent a group of people as anyone else and we as individuals ought to treat them as individuals with the same respect and concern that we treat anyone else. I frankly don't care if they get a marriage license or not, but if it bugs enough of you then nobody should get married by the state.

If some people still feel hell-bent (irony intended) on spending their spare time criticizing people, consider this: This young man might have become a Republican voter one day and now because of a stupid comment by a politican, he probably won't. What did we gain by the comment? NOTHING! What did we lose? AT LEAST ONE VOTE! We put one volunteer on the other side!

Byron, sorry to go off on one little line in your blog entry that's not really any of anyone's business, but it hit a sore spot with me. On behalf of all Republicans, I'd like to apologize for the conduct of some of our people.

Another one of those tests. I'm not quite sure what it means, but here are my results. Thanks Burnt Orange Report for the link!

Look at calpundit's cats! Awww!

OK, back to being a mean Republican.

Texas GOP Redistricting Site

Rob Booth Posts to Kevin Whited's Site - Script Kiddies Attack

Check this out: [start quote from www.reductioadabsurdum.net]

Yeah yeah, the site was hacked.

You know you've arrived when that happens. I rule!

--Kevin

----

Brazilians Intruders 0f systens ownz youcd /home/publiust/public_html! OverKill_ was here. precisamos de membros. Contato: sac@bi0s.com

[end quote] How cool! I hope they're mad at me.

Who is Vernon Robinson?

I don't know, but I'm checking him out. Apparently he's running for Congress in NC.

Robinson for Congress

Friedman Foundation: A Profile in Choice - Nothing Could Be Finer Than Choice in Carolina

Politics1: Many folks running

Raleigh News: Kemp for Robinson

Campbell University: Vernon Robinson: Warrior for School Choice

Issues and Views: Fighting the Good Fight for School Reform

Jay Helvey for Congress: Helvey leads in raising money for 5th District race

Carolina Journal Weekly Edition: Link

Columnist John Fund of the Wall Street Journal, noting the lack of black Republicans in Congress after Oklahoma Rep. J. C. Watts’s retirement, last week examined the candidacy of North Carolina’s Vernon Robinson. “Republicans are smart to worry about diversity,” Fund writes. “Symbolism is important if they are to convince Americans that conservative policies benefit everybody.” Robinson will contend for the 5th District seat that Rep. Richard Burr is vacating in order to run for the Senate, and is the early favorite, United Press International reports. Fund doesn’t go that far, but against other likely primary opponents (mostly based in Winston-Salem, where Robinson was an alderman for four years) he said Robinson “is likely to nail down much of the conservative and pro-military vote.”

Summary: Safe Republican seat, incumbent running for Senate. All the action will probably be in the GOP primary. Robinson appears to be a good fund raiser, according to one of his opponents, he's number 2. Ideology appears good, big on school choice and is a Friedman fan. Some people are touting him as the "black Republican candidate" which isn't fair to him or the voters. Has run for city council successfully, appears to have an unsuccessful bid for state Rep under his belt. Need to get more info from local people on the district and the campaign strategies.

I think I'm being criticized here: Western Massachusetts IMC: newswire/1010.

It'd be nice if I could make a litmus test for every political activity I engage in. I could spend hours studying the voting records of every politician I meet and then not shake their hand based upon a vote or two. That would really further the limited-government cause.

I drove Congresswoman Capito from the airport for this event and then found out that she voted for the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (McCain/Feingold). Should I have refused to drive her back to the airport?

The way I look at it, I had a Congressperson stuck in a car with a libertarian Republican for a few hours. I don't think she changed her mind about any of her political views because of my influence, in fact I'm sure of it. I don't think many of us who are over a certain age and involved in politics are going to change our minds about things. But, by being nice and not being a mouth-breathing true believer who got into a shouting match with her, I think she may be open to listen to Ron Paul or someone like that in the future.

Over at the Reductio Ad Absurdum Blog, I've posted a bit about WMD. I called some Democrats bad names.

HoustonChronicle.com: Tables turn on councilman - Berry eats his words after gripe about back taxes

Houston mayoral candidate Michael Berry broke the old sage many people learn as children -- those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks.

In May, Berry's political handlers blasted rival candidate Orlando Sanchez as "irresponsible" for holding a fund-raiser at the home of someone who owed back taxes.

As it turns out, Berry and his wife, Nandita, owed the Houston Independent School District $2,996.83 for taxes due Jan. 31 on their residence on lower Westheimer.

Billboard: Tilbrook Plans U.S. Return

Former Squeeze singer/guitarist Glenn Tilbrook has set up dates for his fifth U.S. solo tour since the breakup of the band. Sponsored by VH1 Classic, the club tour will kick off July 26 in San Francisco and is slated to wrap Sept. 9 in New York.

Texas Redistricting News

Austin Chronicle: Minority Report: Beneath the partisan rancor on re-redistricting boils a fight with racial overtones

"They cannot do what they want to do -- send more Republicans to Congress -- without disenfranchising minority voters all across the state." -- Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon

Austin American Statesman: 500 show for final hearing in Waco

WACO -- Close to 500 people -- Republicans and Democrats -- turned out Wednesday for the state Senate's final field hearing on the subject of congressional redistricting.

Corpus Christi Caller Times: GI Forum unites for hearings

The fight against congressional redistricting has brought an unexpected sight to those who know the American GI Forum - two estranged Corpus Christi factions working together.

The Daily Texan: Three state senators preparing to present redistricting maps

Armbrister has some gripes with the plan that passed in the House on Monday, because it removes Victoria County from the current Congressional District 14. Currently, Victoria County has the largest population in CD 14.

Either Sen. Armbrister is misquoted or confused. As you can see in this picture:


Victoria County is in CD 14 in the House plan. Trust me, if Ron Paul lost Victoria, I'd know.

Austin Chronicle: The House Gives DeLay His Map

A few minutes after midnight Wednesday morning, the Texas House voted 83-62 to approve an unprecedented mid-decade congressional redistricting map and send it to the Senate. The final, third-reading vote brought a brief note of levity -- only a few minutes before, after nearly 10 hours of debate, the chamber had adjourned after a second-reading vote that had already sealed the deal. Asked to close once again, Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford -- who in his assigned role of author of the plan (HB 3 of the special session) had imperturbably endured weeks of bitterly angry testimony from Democratic officials and witnesses -- said only, "Members, this is the bill we heard yesterday. I move passage."

Houston Chronicle: Lawyer wears 3 remap hats, raising hackles of Democrat

AUSTIN -- Houston lawyer Andy Taylor is advising Republican lawmakers behind the scenes as they draft congressional redistricting maps designed to defeat incumbent Democrats.

Austin American Statesman: Amendments zeroed in on GOP lawyer

Among the amendments Democrats offered Monday, as Republicans pushed a congressional redistricting bill through the Texas House, were two aimed at a lawyer named Andy Taylor. The two amendments failed; but had they passed, they might have limited Taylor's role in the redistricting effort.

Gee, two articles about Andy Taylor in one day. What a coincidence!

KTRE: Many Leaders Think The Redistricting Plan Will Cause East Texas To Loose Representation

East Texas political representatives and civic leaders are almost unanimous in their dislike of a new map that was approved Tuesday by the Texas House. The senate will now begin drawing up their own redistricting proposal, but many East Texas leaders say our area will almost certainly be hurt by the time this whole process is finished.

I love the title of this article. As if under the House plan East Texas will not be in a Congressional district. The lines will create a zone where the residents will not have a Congressperson.

Texas Redistricting News

Texarkana Gazette: Hundreds attend redistricting hearing

DALLAS, Texas-Residents of Northeast Texas cities and counties made it clear Tuesday that their needs and concerns are different than those of large metroplexes like Dallas.

Odessa American: Council doles out revenues

Odessa City Council members...Endorsed the formation of one congressional district including Odessa and Midland with Herzog having the mention of “one state senate district” deleted because the pertinent issue is current congressional redistricting in the state legislature in Austin.

KERA: Genius of American Democracy - A Commentary

DALLAS, TX (2003-07-09) The genius of American democracy lies in part in the implicit covenants that make it workable and stable. The attempt by Republicans in the Texas Legislature to enact new congressional districts at the urging of the national congressional leadership attacks two of these fundamental covenants: forbearance, and respect for periodic decision making.

Texas Redistricting News

Amarillo Globe News: Squabbles continue on state redistricting

Conroe Courier: Brady could be county's sole representative if redistricting plan approved by Senate

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, would represent all of Montgomery County if the U.S. congressional redistricting plan approved by Texas House Republicans early Wednesday morning is approved by the state Senate.

El Paso Times (AP): House redistricting plan takes hit

AUSTIN -- Democrats and some Republicans in the Texas Senate aren't satisfied with a congressional redistricting map the House produced, meaning changes to the plan are needed, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Tuesday.

News 24 Houston: House redistricting bill passes despite Democrat opposition

Democrats say the opposition to congressional redistricting is measurable.

The Daily Texan: Dewhurst: House map will change in Senate

The congressional redistricting map that the House passed Monday night has little chance of smoothly sailing through the Senate.

Ridgway for JP!

I'm very proud to have made my first endorsement as all-powerful precinct chairman of precinct 0814 in Harris County, Texas. One of our Justices of the Peace, Mark Fury, resigned recently and a fellow precinct chairman, Russ Ridgway, was nominated and confirmed to replace him.

There is another fellow making noise like he's going to run for the GOP nomination next spring and so Russ is seeking support and endorsements. I am very proud and honored to throw my support to him. The best thing about Russ as JP: He's not a lawyer. He worked with the law as an energy consultant, but more importantly, he's got a lot of common sense. I've heard that they surgically remove that in law school.

So if you live in Precinct 5, Place 1 and you vote in GOP primaries, make sure you vote for Russ. You won't regret it.

This thing is so cool! If you're a geek.

www.dnsstuff.com/

Texas Redistricting News - More

Orange Leader: Local Democrat challenges redistricting

State Rep. Joe Deshotel, a Democrat who represents part of Orange County, walked onto the floor of the Texas House Monday to fight in a redistricting battle he admits was probably already lost.

News 8 Austin: House passes redistricting plan

Lawmakers in the Texas House passed a congressional redistricting proposal around midnight Tuesday, despite numerous objections from Democrats.

ClickonSA.com: Texas House Approves Congressional Redistricting

Not all House Republicans voted for the plan.

Those voting against it were Mike Hamilton of Mauriceville, Bryan Hughes of Mineola, Bob Hunter of Abilene, Delwin Jones of Lubbock and Sid Miller of Stephenville.

From the Dallas Morning News:

The Republicans can't recruit viable candidates and beat incumbent congressmen such as Mr. Edwards and Mr. Hall, although the two represent districts tilting to the GOP, Mr. Dunnam said. He accused Republicans – led by Mr. DeLay, the U.S. House majority leader from Sugar Land – of attempting to achieve their political goals in a backdoor manner.

I'll just go on the record here and criticize any Republican plan that goes after Ralph Hall. He's more conservative than most Republicans. He voted to get the US out of the UN, has voted for GOP speakers, voted for impeachment, and is involved with the great Paul Weyrich at the Free Congress Foundation. Maybe he wants to retire, but it's too bad to see him go. He should have party switched.

He even has a picture of him with Ronald Reagan on his web site.

Texas Redistricting News

Statesman editorial: One-party rule bad for Texas

Texans living in a district that votes Republican by margins as high as 70 percent have no incentive to pay attention to politics or to vote.

Bull. There's plenty of elections for people to get involved in and plenty of primaries. People will get involved in politics if they want to. Most people ignore politics because they find it boring.

Corpus Christi Caller: 300 attend quiet meeting

A congressional redistricting hearing in Corpus Christi Monday lasted for more than five hours without most of the theatrics that interrupted two previous hearings in the Rio Grande Valley.

FW Star-Telegram: Republicans not playing fair on redistricting

What is really stupid about this, of course, is that you and I are paying more than $56,000 a day for the Texas Legislature to draw and redraw political lines.

And we wouldn't be paying this money if the Democrats hadn't run like scared kittens to Oklahoma! They turned this into a pissing contest and now they're complaining that they're getting pissed on.

AP story via SFGate.com: Texas House approves GOP congressional redistricting map, setting up fight in Senate

Two Senate Republicans have expressed reservations about the House plan, which was backed by U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Texas Republican.

MySA.com: Redistricting bill wins in House

Texas is among a handful of states whose redistricting plans must receive Justice Department approval certifying that minorities' voting rights will not be diminished.

And that handful of states are the former Confederate states. Do we live in occupied territory? Or are we a free people living in a republic? The Voting Rights Act ought to require all states or no states to submit their plans to the federal bureaucrats for approval.

Daily Texan: Redistricting bill passes House, heads for Senate

The Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 4 on redistricting with a 83-62 vote Tuesday, after extensive objections from the Democratic side of the house. The bill, drafted by Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, and amended by Rep. Kent Grusendorf, R-Arlington, may go to the courts if it makes it through the Texas Senate.

Psst, hey kid. It was House Bill 3, not 4. HB 4 is "Relating to automatic admission to an institution of higher education."

I'm feeling a little feisty this morning.

Conaway poised to run again

Disappointed but not disheartened by his 587-vote congressional runoff loss June 3, Midland Republican Mike Conaway says he will run again next year if Odessa-Midland becomes the dominant area of a realigned 11th Congressional District.

Democrats won't give up districts quietly
7/7/2003 2:42 PM

By: Harvey Kronberg

Mr. Kronberg is a very important observer of Texas politics.

When the House is not the House

Thanks to Mr. Kuffner and Wampum for the link to Angry Bear's post on Texas redistricting.

Mr. Bear holds that the redistricting battle going on is "constitutionally dangerous and damages the stability of our government." That's a matter of opinion that I won't dwell on, let's just say we disagree on the characterization. One man's facts are another man's opinions.

I will express a difference with this statement:

A reading of the chronology of events shows that the creation of the current districts--the ones DeLay is trying to overturn--was clearly more influenced by Republicans than by Democrats.

Mr. Bear then goes on to outline a chronology of the plan-making process that could confuse a reader. The main reason for this confusion would be the use of term "House." In redistricting legal mumbo-jumbo "House" means the state House of Representatives of Texas. Those reps that meet in the Capitol in Washington, DC are the "Congress," or Congressional representatives. By leaving that distinction unclear, Mr. Bear rightly says this:

Following the Census, in 2001 the Texas House and Senate created but did not pass redistricting plans. Apparently, the two plans were quite similar, with differences in only three districts, as described below. Under Article 3, Section 2 of the Texas Constitution, this failure to pass a plan mandated convening a Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB). As shown in the addendum, the LRB had four Republicans and one Democrat.

July 24 After a series of hearings, LRB adopts House and Senate redistricting plans, each by three ayes (Cornyn, Dewhurst, Rylander) to two nays (Laney, Ratliff).

The whole point of my post is not to impugn Mr. Bear's integrity, the vocabulary involved in this discussion is confusing. And the official literature mangles the distinction quote often as well. I'd just like to clear it up.

A Blogger in Space

Thanks, slashdot! Here's the link.

Cobb proves a Libertarian stronghold

sacbee.com -- Politics -- Norton's surprising stance

WASHINGTON -- She works in D.C. but takes pains to remind people of her Western roots. Her expansive Washington office features buffalo-head doorknobs and paintings by famed landscape artist Thomas Moran. She often wears denim to official events.


Three years after taking office, Interior Secretary Gale Norton has worked hard -- some say too hard -- to identify herself with the ranchers, farmers and others whose fortunes rely on the West's resources. That's why many were surprised when Norton unveiled a new policy last month that rejects proposals for new federally funded reservoirs, effectively snubbing the agenda of a key constituency.

Yahoo! News - 3 of boomtown's hottest residents: Mental note to self, check out the mutual fund ING Russia.

Texas Redistricting News

Houston Chronicle: Redistricting plan set for debate

The Battalion: Boundary discussion heating up

This is the Texas A&M paper, lots of short words, no pictures though.

Statesman: Race rhetoric stokes redistricting fire

He noted Democratic complaints about a recent redistricting hearing notice e-mailed by the Harris County GOP. It featured a photo of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, a black lawmaker, without mentioning her name.

"She will be there to express her views," the notice said. "Will you be there to express yours?"

The e-mail I received had Chris Bell's picture in it. They won't mention that the county party sent out several batches with pictures of all the Harris County Dem Congresspeople.

Daily Texan: Republicans present new redistricting map

UT paper - young idealistic liberals who can't fathom the idea of people being Republicans on principle (I went there).

Washington Times: Redistricting plan likely to advance in Texas House

Who I agree with...thanks to Greg for the link.

1. Libertarian Candidate (100%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Browne.html

2. Bush, George W. - US President (88%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Bush.html

3. Buchanan, Patrick J. – Reform/Republican (74%) http://selectsmart.com/president/blank.html

4. Phillips, Howard - Constitution (54%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Phillips.html

5. McCain, Senator John, AZ- Republican (50%) http://selectsmart.com/president/blank.html

6. Edwards, Senator John, NC - Democrat (48%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Edwards.html

7. Green Party Candidate (45%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Nader.html

8. Kucinich, Cong. Dennis, OH - Democrat (43%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Kucinich.html

9. Feinstein, Senator Dianne, CA - Democrat (41%) http://selectsmart.com/president/blank.html

10. Gephardt, Cong. Dick, MO - Democrat (41%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Gephardt.html

11. Biden, Senator Joe, DE - Democrat (40%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Biden.html

12. Feingold, Senator Russ, WI - Democrat (39%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Feingold.html

13. Dean, Gov. Howard, VT - Democrat (37%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Dean.html

14. Jackson, Cong. Jesse Jr., IL - Democrat (36%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Jackson.html

15. Kerry, Senator John, MA - Democrat (36%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Kerry.html

16. Socialist Candidate (35%) http://selectsmart.com/president/blank.html

17. Lieberman Senator Joe CT - Democrat (34%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Lieberman.html

18. Sharpton, Reverend Al - Democrat (33%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Sharpton.html

19. Leahy, Patrick Senator, Vermont - Democrat (33%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Leahy.html

20. Kaptur, Cong. Marcy, OH - Democrat (26%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Kaptur.html

21. Graham, Senator Bob, FL - Democrat (25%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Graham.html

22. Clark, Retired Army General Wesley K "Wes" Arkansas - Democrat (14%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Clark.html

23. Hagelin, John - Natural Law (14%) http://selectsmart.com/president/blank.html

24. Bradley, Former Senator Bill NJ - Democrat (6%) http://selectsmart.com/president/blank.html

25. Moseley-Braun, Former Senator Carol IL - Democrat (3%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Moseley-Braun.html

26. Vilsack, Governor. Tom IA - Democrat (0%) http://selectsmart.com/president/Vilsack.html

27. LaRouche, Lyndon H. Jr. - Democrat (-9%) http://selectsmart.com/president/LaRouche.html

My Cats

If you've ever poked around the rest of my web site you've noticed that I'm a little nutty about cats. OK, real nutty. We've just added another cat to the Booth household, and I'm going to bore some of you with my story about her. Since I once received an e-mail about one of my cat stories, I figure that at least one person is interested and I'll forge on ahead.

First things first, this is Mr. Mason Magoo Bigglesworth Booth. For an understanding of what the name means, see my home page.

Mason just passed his one-year mark with us, he wandered into our garage on July 3, 2002 and adopted us. Having spent the first few weeks of his life on the streets, he spent the next few months eating. He's melllowed out now, or he ran out of room.

Mason was a peripheral member of the pack of feral cats that ran in our neighborhood. We started out with a couple of them living in our garage (Middy and Porty) and then ended up with more and more. Finally our very patient and lovely neighbors asked us to get the cats picked up, or at the least, out of their yard.

So we called the county to get traps. It made us sick to do it. But the cats were just too wild. They wouldn't let us get near them. They hissed and snorted and ran away whenever we looked at them. I learned how to work the traps pretty well and we captured four of them pretty easily. We were sad to see Porty go, she had the kindest disposition of the bunch and seemed to actually like us, from a distance. (She was named Porty for the Portacallis family from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She was orange.)

Middy was the toughest one to get trapped. In fact we renamed him Saddam after he managed to elude me for weeks, including a whole day locked in the garage with Saddam sedated. We couldn't catch him and it just made him meaner.

After that we tried to lock Saddam out of the garage and hope that he would go on to find some new chumps. Well, apparently when you open the cat phone book to the Chump section, we're the only listing. Because one night we were smoking in the garage and we heard a kitten mew. We walked outside and heard the sound coming from the bushes in the yard of the very nice and patient neighbors. It turns out that Saddam should have been Saddama, because she had a litter of five kittens.

Our very nice and patient neighbors asked us to take the kittens in, I guess they had seen the cat phone book. Michelle and I lured Middy/Saddam into the garage, put the kittens in a box, opened the garage door to let Middy out, shut the door, put the kittens in, and then let Middy back in. Now we had all six of them locked in the garage.

The five kittens were cute ones. Two were white with grey spots, two were black and white like the mother, and one was calico. Here's one of the white ones:

We own a paint-your-own-pottery studio and have a lot of kids come through. We put up a sign and within no time had people wanting to adopt the young ones. Our poor Mason had been alone for too long so we decided that one of them would become his new housemate.

Michelle decided that the calico one seemed friendly and a bit aloof from the brothers and sisters. We had two people that wanted to adopt pairs so the decision seemed pre-ordained.

The only question remaining was how to catch Middy/Saddam for the county to pick up. It was horrible to do that, but she really could not be adopted. She lunged at us so often that we carried a mop with us in the garage to fend her off. So, I locked Middy out, got a trap from the county, put a blanket over it, put the kittens in a pet taxi at one end of the trap, and let Middy in. After about an hour she walked through the trap, I called the county and she was gone. The kittens were picked up by their new "owners" (as if we "own" cats) the next day.

Michelle decided that the calico one needed to be called Lily, and we took her to see the great Dr. Trojacek at Katy IH-10 Animal Clinic (one of the best vets in the world). Everything went fine.

Following a vet-ordered separation period (because of round worm), we let them start hanging out together. Last night was the first night we all spent the night together. Lily knows how to put Mason in his place, and we are starting to think that he has a crush on her. He follows her around and sniffs her, she leaps onto him with claws and teeth baring and they wrestle on the floor.

We still feel the loss of Abby, our cat of 14 years (see the home page), but we're feeling a bit more complete with the two cats running around the house. Here's a picture of Lily:

Now, if anyone has any connections with the people who put together the cat phone book, please let them know we have an unlisted number.

Texas Redistricting News Clips

KXAN News - Austin: Redistricting Plan Heading For Debate

Statesman: Latest map headed to House floor

Dallas Morning News: House panel quickly passes Republican redistricting plan

MySA.com: Boundary change has Madla on fence

Longview News-Journal: 7-6, Local: State voting lines discussion puts Ratliff in opposing corner

Houston Chronicle: New map proposal emerges

News 8 Austin: House Committee passes new redistricting map

You can anticipate more of this when the map reaches the House floor, as Raymond is expected to raise a point of order about not being recognized for a motion just before a vote was taken on the map.

Big thanks to my high school buddy Pete and his lovely wife Janice for a wonderful evening last night. (How did guys like him and me get wives like we got? Dang lucky.) They live right under where they shoot off the BP fireworks thing and so we got loaded up on Pete's brisket and then set our chairs out in the street and watched the show. Then when all of you were waiting in lines to get to your car so you could wait in the car, we were drinking coffee and telling tales on the front porch. It's been my good luck to have gotten back in touch with Pete after all these years, and not just because he makes a good brisket. Of course, the brisket is a nice bonus.

The only down side of hanging around with people my own age is when you start counting the years. For example, I graduated high school in 1985. The Beatles were an oldies band who had lived in some far off time. Well, 2003 - 1983 is 20 years. 1983 - 1963 is 20 years. So right now, we are as far away from 1983 as we were from 1963 in 1983. Which is a long way of saying that being around my contemporaries just makes me think I'm getting old. Of course, Pete was complaining about the way kids drove too fast on his street, so I'll revel in him being older than me. (I live on a cul-de-sac, so I don't have that complaint yet.)

CD-Recordable FAQ

This document attempts to answer Frequently Asked Questions about Compact Disc Recordable technology and related fields. It was originally developed as a Usenet newsgroup FAQ, and is updated and posted around the middle of each month. The main foci are explaining CD-R technology, describing hardware and software solutions for creating audio CDs and CD-ROMs, and helping people find solutions to common problems.

Where has this been all my life?

Bear Attacks Sub
During the ICEX 2003 naval exercises near the North Pole

Grand jury closes case on Killer D hunt

No crimes have been unearthed and no indictments will be issued by a Travis County grand jury probing the Texas Department of Public Safety's speedy destruction of documents relating to its hunt for the Killer Ds, District Attorney Ronnie Earle said Monday.

So, the DPS did nothing wrong in their hunt for the fugitive Dems (Moses Rose Brigade), according to one of the most partisan, liberal DAs in the state.

Crow, anyone?