Thanks

...to everyone who linked to my article on seeing Glenn Tilbrook in Austin. If you search in Yahoo! for "glenn tilbrook" I'm number 26. If you search for "glenn tilbrook" texas or "glenn tilbrook" austin, I'm number one. I think a lot of that has to do with the good folks over at What Are Records who host a Glenn Tilbrook message board. I get a ton of hits out of there. If you're a blogger who discusses Squeeze, post a message there. You'll get hits.

Happy Birthday Glenn Tilbrook!

Here, AP Wire | 08/30/2003 | Today in History - Aug. 31, is an AP story that mentions it and here is the unofficial GT site's rundown of events. I won a contest and got to call in, with 7 other folks, to a Boston radio station and record a happy birthday greeting.

So, yes, I'm a little nutty about Glenn Tilbrook and Squeeze. If you haven't already, you ought to get this CD.

I'm having one of those weeks. Fortunately, I have some good support from the home defense team. Here's the new addition to the security force, Lily, hard at work guarding the couch.

From the Blogs Named After 80s Songs Category

iwilldare.com::meet me anywhere or anytime or anyplace

That's the Replacements...

Good: Ashcroft Taking Fire From GOP Stalwarts (washingtonpost.com)

Who Says We Need Tort Reform?

thepittsburghchannel.com: Demoted Cheerleader Sues High School

A Westmoreland County cheerleader is taking her school to court, claiming a demotion has irreparably harmed her.

Southmoreland High senior Felicia Huffine (pictured, left) was named an alternate on the school cheerleading squad, prompting her mother to file a lawsuit on her behalf in county court.

Robert Anton Wilson For Governor

Yahoo! News - Russian Nuke Sub Sinks in Barents, 9 Feared Dead

From the Navy Hymn

O Trinity of love and power!

Our brethren shield in danger's hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

Protect them wheresoe'er they go;

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

By the way, if you send me an e-mail message, and the return address is all caps, and the subject line is all caps, and it says something like URJENT ASSISSTANCCE REQUEWSTED, I'm deleting it without reading it. So if you can't spell and leave the caps lock key on, you'll have to call me.

FOXNews.com (from 2001): A Squeeze/Crowded House Merger, Maybe, Sort Of

Suchin Pak's Root Canal

MTV.com - News - Correspondents - Blogs Suchin Pak

In case you were wondering how MTV personalities' dental work is going, ctrl+F and search for 08.24.03 8:26 p.m.(no permalinks) Link via caoine.

Dang Funny

annika's journal and poetry: A Small Confession - And A Request For Your Assistance In A Small Matter

So True, Except for any Engineers I Know, Of Course

Welcome to MIT, Where The Men are Engineers & The Women are Bored - RAWbservations

Dem Bites Dem?

Davis has opposition research on Bustamante?

Quotes from Repo Man

Miller: A lot of people don't realize what's really going on. They view life as a bunch of unconnected incidents and things.... They don't realize that there's this, like, lattice of coincidence that lays on top of everything.
Give you an example, show you what I mean: suppose you're thinking about a plate of shrimp. Suddenly somebody will say like 'plate' or 'shrimp' or 'plate of shrimp' out of the blue, no explanation. No point in looking for one either: it's all part of the cosmic unconsciousness.


Otto: Did you do a lot of acid, Miller? Back in the hippy days?

Red Meat for Kevin

CMA Awards list overlooks pop-type acts - Wednesday, 08/27/03

U.S. Navy - Status of the Navy

WTFO? When I was in there were over half a million. Where'd they all go?

Jerry Patterson, Ron Paul, What More Do You Want?

U.S. Newswire: Second Amendment Foundation: Gun Rights Policy Conference; 'Gun Rights Equals Freedom'

National gun rights leaders will be joining with hundreds of local and national activists for the 2003 Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) in Houston Texas on September 26th, 27th, and 28th. This year's FREE conference will provide gun owners with necessary information and networking to defend themselves and their heritage against hysterical anti-gun foes in the media, classrooms, courtrooms and legislative bodies.

Thank You Senator Biden!

newsandviews_list@chuckmuth.com

To: newsandviews@chuckmuth.com

Subject: Rush Picks Up Ball Post Office Dropped

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2003 12:06:10 -0400

Content: text/plain

BRUSHFIRE ALERT: Hot Under the Collar Update

Operation Air Conditioner will resume sending more units to troops in Iraq this week after getting a boost Monday from a cargo firm and conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh.

Frankie Mayo of Bear (Delaware), whose son is with the army in Iraq, had
sent about 500 air conditioners for $38 apiece before U.S. Postal Service officials halted her shipments two weeks ago. They said the units could not be shipped by any mail carrier because international postal agreements ban their coolants as hazardous.

[snip]

Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., has been working to get free military transport for the units, Limbaugh noted.

- DelawareOnline.com, 8/26/03

I never thought I'd be saying thank you to Senator Biden before. But why not? Thank you sir!

GT Rolls On

dreamsunderfoot.blog-city.com a whirlwind in a nutshell

Texas Veterans Land Board | Current News and Information: Check out the Fall 2003 Texas Veterans Voice (scroll down)

Ain't too proud to blog - I know there's a lot riding on it, but it's all psychological.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I know everyone blogging does this and it's kind of cheap filler, but what the heck. Someone searching for the term "gay sikh turban beard" in Google stumbled upon my site.

Anti-Electronic Voting Site: BlackBoxVoting.org

Does It Count If We Cross Our Fingers?

Houston Chronicle: Absent Dems want assurances of no arrests

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The 11 Texas Senate Democrats in self-imposed exile said Monday that Republicans should assure them they will not be arrested if they go home when the special session of the Legislature ends today.

Texas Redistricting News

AP via San Francisco Chronicle: Senate Democrats remain in exile even as session to redraw Texas congressional boundaries ends

Texas Senate Democrats remained in self-imposed exile in a New Mexico hotel, sure that they had won this round in a bitter fight to stop a Republican redistricting plan -- but certain that they would face another.

Scripps Howard via Harlingen Valley Morning Star: Poll: Texans divided over redrawing congressional districts

Texans are divided over whether state lawmakers should redraw congressional districts, but 62 percent oppose the Democrats leaving Texas to kill redistricting efforts, according to The Scripps Howard Texas Poll.

SAEN: Another chapter in remap battle ends today

They are, however, awaiting final word from the Department of Justice over a planned meeting in Washington later this week to lay out their opposition to the redistricting plan.

AAS: Ads to feature absent Texans

Moveon.org, an activist group founded in 1998 by two Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, has raised almost $1 million via the Internet and within days will launch a national ad campaign featuring the Texas senators, said Glenn Smith, spokesman for the Internet group.

I love this kind of stuff: George Bush--The Attempted Coup D'Etat of March 30, 1991

Texas Democrats: Unwilling to Compromise

Austin Chronicle: Wentworth v. Van de Putte

Wentworth says he tried to reason with his San Antonio colleague, Democratic Caucus Chair Leticia Van de Putte, before Gov. Rick Perry called the current special session and the Democrats left for Albuquerque. 'I told her I had 20-1/2 senators willing to vote for my fair map,' Wentworth recalled -- a number that included Republican Bill Ratliff, Democrat Ken Armbrister, and 'almost' one more Democrat. 'She said she couldn't accept a fair map because, she said, 'I have to give my guys a win.'' Wentworth insists that his map could have prevailed against the less-fair proposals already adopted by the House and Senate. 'My concern is that a fair and balanced map may not be on the table when [the Democrats] return.'

Yes on 12!

House Research Organization - Publications: Constitutional Amendments Proposed for September 2003 Ballot (July 28, 2003)

I've never heard of these guys - Two Cow Garage - but someone on Kevin's site said to check them out. So we should.

Texarkana Gazette: Bickering has Ratliff on edge

Early Associated Press reports said Ratliff was contemplating resignation.
However, Ratliff said that inaccurate report came as an answer he gave to one of the reporter's questions. He said there were no plans to immediately resign.

[snip]

"As the Texas State Democratic Chair, I'm proud to call him my senator," said Texarkana native Molly Beth Malcolm.

MySanAntonio: Jan Jarboe Russell: Demos fought good fight, now need to come home

But summer is coming to an end. The schoolchildren in Texas are back at their desks. Texas Democrats have fought a good fight. Now they ought to get back home and throw themselves at the mercy of the federal courts.

World Tech Tribune: Virus may be terrorism

This is the only place I've seen this story. Let's see if they get the scoop.

thefacts.com: Prop. 12 Article

ROTFLMAO

Houston Chronicle: Rumored visit leaves Dems worried over bugs

'It's the latest offering from the conspiracy-theory-of-the-month club,' Jonathan Grella said. 'Sounds like someone is aggressively tapping the Marriott minibar.'

Tilbrook Interview: SanFranciscoArtMagazine.com -- August 2001

I'll Summarize the Dem Position for You

statesman.com | Redistricting Standoff: Day 24

Beckwith is mean! Tom DeLay is mean! We want to do everything we can to avoid fulfilling our oath of office, and we want to be immune from the consequences! Waah!

This guy, Mark Millard, was also at the Glenn Tilbrook show in Austin.

Begging to Differ: An analysis of Tempted, by Squeeze.

I should start a Squeeze blog, here's another entry.

Philly-Glenn Tilbrook Pics

Another blogger reviews the Glenn Tilbrook show in Austin.

Thanks for the Link!

ToT :: fair and balanced, daily

GregsOpinion.com: Priceless

How Fun to be a Mean Republican!

From: webmaster@harriscountygop.com

To: HCRP_News_Update@harriscountygop.com

Subject: [HCRP News Update]

Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2003 20:00:16 -0500

Content: multipart/alternative

Paid for by the Harris County Republican Party

Democrat Demolition

• Getting tired of the Senate Democrats running away from their job?


• Getting tired of the Democrat's attacks on President Bush?


• Wonder why the Democrats can only criticize, but have no ideas of their own?

If so, we have the event for you. In case you didn’t notice, the Harris County Democrat Party has been evicted from their party headquarters. The building has been sold and is set to be demolished. That’s where we come in. The owner of the building has invited us to help with the leveling of the building.

This Sunday, August 24 at 3:00 PM, you are invited to help us tear down the former Harris County Democrat Party Headquarters at 2404 La Branch.

You can bring your sledgehammer or use ours.

You bring the muscle, we’ll bring the refreshments and we will have a party as we tear down the Harris County Democrat Party Headquarters.

You know you just can’t salvage a building once you let the Democrats in.

From: newsandviews_list@chuckmuth.com

To: newsandviews@chuckmuth.com

Subject: Brushfire Alert: PO Refuses to Ship Air Conditioners to Troops in Iraq

Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2003 10:32:13 -0400

Content: text/plain

Hot Under the Collar

August 19, 2003

According to a Washington Times editorial today, a volunteer effort to send our troops air conditioners to make their tour of duty in Iraq a little easier to bear has had the effort stopped cold in its tracks...by the Post Office!

Last Friday, Mrs. Frankie Mayo - the organizer of Operation Air Conditioner (link) who had 302 new units ready for shipment - was informed "by a bureaucrat in an air-conditioned office at Delaware's Wilmington Distribution Center that it would no longer ship the air conditioners because they contain Freon."

It's kind of curious that our friends at the post office would suddenly stop participating in this relief effort. They've already shipped 425 other units for the project since June.

Mrs. Mayo - whose son is currently serving in Iraq - needs our help. As she wrote in an email to the Times, "We must cut through any red tape to get (our soldiers) what they need. Period. No excuses or delays. Delays are costing American soldiers lives. I will not accept failure as it is not an option for me nor my family."

Please let Postmaster General John Potter know that this kind of stupidity by the post office is completely unacceptable. His phone number is (202) 268-2020; fax (202) 268-5211; or e-mail by going to www.usps.com/common/contact_us/ and click on consumer feedback. Time is of the essence here, so please make your voice heard TODAY. Thanks!

Chuck Muth

President & CEO

Citizen Outreach

I'm Not the Only Squeeze Blogger!

Dreams Underfoot

BBC - Sold on Song - Deptford Masterclass

Goosebump City

Back from the best concert of my life. Glenn Tilbrook in Austin. Wow!

Squeeze Club Chronicle Archive Home Page

Squeeze Tour History I (1974-1977)

Linux Server Hacked?

Geek.com: Major Open Source code repository hacked for months, says FSF

How Long 'Til Tilbrook?

I've deleted the clock. Bandwidth hog!

Song of the Day: Up the Creek by Glenn Tilbrook

Memories may be beautiful and yet

There are some things that I'd rather forget

Singing along with everything from Abba to Chic

I think it's probably time that I left Up The Creek

But meanwhile blasting in my ears it's 'Dancing Queen'!

My co-ordination's fantastic

And I'm looking older than I feel

Texas Redistricting News

AP via News Journal: Texas Legislature Carries on Without Dems

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)--Gov. Rick Perry indicated Wednesday he would continue calling special legislative sessions until Senate Democrats who fled the state to block a congressional redistricting bill show up to vote.

FWST: Parties trade charges in redistricting dispute

"The Republicans demand $57,000 per senator," said Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio, who heads the Senate Democratic Caucus. "Ironically, this is the identical amount that [Gov.] Rick Perry's special sessions on redistricting are costing taxpayers per day.

"Here's an idea," she added. "Call off these redistricting sessions, we'll forget about the fines, and we'll call it even."

Denver Post: 5 Colo. Dems support Texans

Colorado's delegation took Tommyknocker beer, wine, peaches and other homegrown products, hoping to give their Texas colleagues a psychological boost.

AAS: Say goodbye to bipartisan cooperation

Where all this will wind up is anybody's guess. But the camaraderie between Republicans and Democrats -- already all but gone in the Texas House -- might also be near death in the clubbier Texas Senate.

How NOT to Hold a Townhall Meeting

Bradenton Herald (link via the DCCC): Harris' brevity angers residents

The crowd's mood already was testy before the meeting began. Security guards and Harris' staff confiscated any written material people tried to bring into the hall.


The confiscated literature included analysis of the Medicare prescription bills passed in the House and Senate in June as well as a chart showing Harris' voting record since she began her term in January.

Rightward Reasonings

We Went Thataway

Tried a new route to work today. Took a wrong turn. I hate going inside Loop 610. I normally go for weeks without going inside Beltway 8...going inside 610 is like another world.

Heard about the fugitive Dem Senators' fines on Jon Matthews, but I don't really care. Glenn Tilbrook is playing at the Cactus Cafe on Friday, and that's all I'm thinking of.

Squeeze Links

poundsqueeze.com

Squeeze Greatest Hits - Classic Cuts UK DIGITAL VERSATILE DISC (255054)

Song of the Day: G.S.O.H. Essential

Considering the experience there's not much to regret

Though I've picked up a few knocks the games not over yet

My heart is intact and here it is for you to see

And I won't give up at least not yet so don't give up on me

I know it's a tough world

I've just found another door

I'm running a small shop

In the age of the global superstore

I live in the real world

What d'ya think I'm laughing for?

I'm ready and waiting

You can take me now I'm yours

Glenn Tilbrook

I moved the clock here.

Hooah.

WorldNetDaily: Fire the losers before the Army goes down

Recalling Schoomaker from the retirement ranks after three years in civvies says it all – that the Army has just about hit rock bottom in the senior-leadership department. Of the dozens of active-duty three- and four-star candidates for the chief-of-staff job, few wanted to step up to the most prestigious and sought-after position in the Army, and those who were willing were unacceptable to the SecDef.

Song of the Day: Piccadilly (Difford/Tilbrook)

She's not a picture above somebody's fire,
She sits in a towel with a purple hair dryer,
She waits to get even with me.
She hooks up her cupcakes and puts on her jumper,
Explains that she'll be late to a worrying mother,
She meets me in Piccadilly.

A begging folk singer stands tall by the entrance
His song relays worlds of most good intentions,
A fiver a ten p in his hat for collection.

She talks about office she talks about dresses,
She's seen one she fancies her smile is impressing,
So maybe I'll treat her someday.
We queue among strangers and strange conversation,
Love's on the lips of all forms of engagements,
All queuing to see tonight's play.

A man behind me talks to his young lady,
He's happy that she is expecting his baby,
His wife won't be pleased but she's not been round lately.

The girl was so dreadful we left in a hurry,
We escaped in the rain for an Indian curry,
At the candle lit Taj Mahal.
My lips to a napkin I called for a taxi
The invite of eyes made it tense but relaxed me,
My mind took a devious role.

The cab took us home through a night I'd not noticed,
The neon club lights of adult films and Trini Lopez,
My arm around love but my acting was her best.

We crept like two thieves from the kettle to the fire,
We kissed to the sound of the silence that we'd hired,
Now captured, your love in my arms.
A door opened slightly a voice spoke in worry
Mum went to bed without wind of the curry,
Our secret love made its advance.

Like Adam and Eve we took bite on the apple,
Loose change in my pocket it started to rattle,
Heart like a gun was just half of the battle.

Federal Courts and the Imaginary Constitution by Rep. Ron Paul

My Thought of the Day

AP via The Daily Texan: Texas Supreme Court won't end Dems' boycott

The partisan fight over redistricting erupted on two fronts Monday as Texas Democrats sued to block the Republicans' effort to redraw the state's political map and the Texas Supreme Court refused to order Democrats to end their Senate boycott.

Our strategy ought to be to let this story die down, and every time it comes up we offer the words "compromise" and "seat at the table." We've got a few months to wait. And if the Dems want to drag it out, we can drag it out for the rest of the decade if need be. GOP grassroots voters are patient and vindictive against their GOP elected officials. We'd rather wait than give up. And Perry and Dewhurst know that they're toast if they give up on this.

Several Things

Amy Ridenour's National Center Blog: No Wonder Taxes Are So High

The kids and I were driving west on Rt. 32 in Maryland's Anne Arundel County this evening and passed 8 highway construction workers. One was working and 7 were standing around.

1. I am honored beyond words to be linked by the National Center. They put out some of the absolute best info.


2. Oddly enough, I used to live on Fort Meade in Maryland and know the area she describes very well.


3. We're beginning a huge project on the Katy Freeway (I-10) here in west Houston. If anyone ever sees construction workers standing around, let me know. Congressman Culberson has said at townhall meetings that he wants to be informed of situations like Amy describes.

Rep. John Carter in the News

AAS: Legislator aims to gather GOP force

Enron Metro Cooks the Books

Chronicle: Critics: Money 'not there' for METRO expansion

Bettencourt, at a Monday afternoon news conference, took reporters through an analysis of Metro's numbers his office compiled. It shows the transit plan projects almost $3 billion more in sales-tax revenue through 2025 than can be assumed using actual data from the previous two decades. Metro projects an average 5.4 percent annual growth rate in sales-tax collections over the next 22 years, higher than the average 4.3 percent annual growth rate since 1983.

Jerry Patterson in the News

thefacts.com: GLO chief eyes coast

Patterson has hopes that he can reclaim the money during the current special session. The Democratic walkout in the Senate in protest of the redistricting plan has those hopes on hold, he said.


"First, people have to show up," Patterson said. "But if we’re able to get the session, I think the chances are 50-50."

Texas Redistricting News

Corpus Christi Caller Times: Demo walkout has no end in sight

"There is an exit strategy," Hinojosa said. "Reinstate the two-thirds rule that the Republicans have used in the past. Of the 11 senators, we have seven Hispanics and two African-Americans. We have to protect minority rights."

AP via Washington Post: Willie Nelson: Texas Senators 'Heroes'

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Singer Willie Nelson says he thinks 11 Democratic state senators from Texas who have been holed up in New Mexico to block a legislative quorum on congressional redistricting are heroes.

FWST: 9 'Killer D's' unite, ignite party faithful

About 75 people attended the event, which raised money for MPACT, a political action committee of the state Democratic Party.

El Paso Times: Court lets 11 stay in NM

"I am pleased that the court rendered justice swiftly and without delay. All along, we believed this was a Senate matter, not a judicial matter," said Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, one of the absent Democrats.

...

Democrats also filed a federal court lawsuit Monday in Laredo, arguing that Dewhurst's decision to suspend a Senate tradition requiring a two-thirds-majority agreement to consider legislation needs Justice Department approval.

AAS: AWOL senators face fines

Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, who visited the Democrats last week, returned to New Mexico on Monday for further talks. Details about his meetings weren't immediately available.

...

"They have no statewide offices to lose, no legislative majorities to lose, and redistricting has given them a rallying cry for the first time in a long time," said McDonald, once an aide to former Gov. Ann Richards.

Past Links for My Sister

My sister and her husband were in town the past weekend for her baby shower (she's bringing two new Republicans into the world by the end of the year). She has been overly concerned with the health of her twins and not faithfully reading my blog every day as is required of all my friends and family members. I'm willing to let it slide this time as long as she gets back to making me the center of her life after the babies are born.

So, she wanted to read the stories about when our niece stayed with us. Here you go Stacey, read them in this order: 1, 2, 3. Here's the story about the cats.

Texas Supreme Court dismisses Republican lawsuit

Ban on Cell Phones in Texas

From Relators' Emergency Petition for Writ of Mandamus (available at Quorum Report's Daily Buzz section, August 8, 2003 | 3:35 PM)

Gov. Perry's and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst's Case before the Texas Supreme Court

Page 12:

Argument

1. The Texas Constitution and the Senate Rules impose on State Senators a non-discretionary duty to respond to a call to quorum and attend legislative sessions.

The Texas Constitution imposes on all state legislators - including State Senators - a mandatory duty to attend special legislative sessions called by the Governor. See Tex. Const. art. III, sect. 5(a) ("The Legislature shall meet every two years at such time as may be provided by law and at other times when convened by the Governor.")(emphasis added); see also Walker v. Baker, 196 S.W.2d 324 (Tex. 1946)(orig. proceeding)(holding the Governor has sole power to convene legislative sessions, and noting that Art. III, sect. 5 exclusively provides for how and when the Senate may convene). Moreover, Senate Rule 5.03 states that "[n]o member shall absent himself or herself from the sessions of the Senate without leave unless the member is sick or unable to attend." Tex. S. Rule 5.03. Thus, both the Texas Constitution and Senate rules create a duty to attend legislative sessions that the absent Senators are presently refusing to obey.

I'm not a lawyer and I don't talk that way, so I'll restate this in a way I could understand it. By running for State Senator, these knuckleheads volunteered to take on a job, and the job description is written out in the Texas Constitution and in the Rules of the Senate. These guys are refusing to carry out the job they were hired for. In the real world we call that "job abandonment." If they don't like the way the job is going, they should quit or show up and make the best of it.

My offer is still on the table. Agree on a map that goes 17 or 18 R to 15 or 14 D, come back with a blocker bill in place, pass the map, and sine die. The House will pass it. Unfortunately I only speak for the editorial staff here at Slightly Rough (that's me) and can't speak for anyone else.

Question of the Day

On KSEV radio last week (8/7/03?) there was a report that a private citizen in Sen. Whitmire's district had filed a writ of mandamus against him. Paul Bettencourt was calling in to the Edd Hendee show and he said that Dave Wilson had filed the suit/action/whatever in a court in Harris County as a constituent asking the court to order Sen. Whitmire to execute the duties of his office. Mr. Wilson was supposed to be claiming that he was being denied a fundamental right of Texans/Americans. He did not have a representative in Austin, so his right to equal protection, or whatever, was being denied to him by Sen. Whitmire.

Since I didn't see anything else about it, I figured it got swallowed up in the rest of the lawsuit stories. Last night there was a mention of it on KPRC TV, so there must be a story out there somewhere. I just can't find it. So here's the first Slightly Rough Scavenger Hunt. If you find a story online about this suit, you'll get the honor and fabulous prizes that come with winning the contest. E-mail your links to me here, rob(at)robbooth.net.

Houston's Light Rail Developer Subsidy Project

Houston Chronicle: Real estate | Want fries with that?

The McDonald's site is located cater-cornered from the Rice Lofts and just north of the St. Germain Lofts. When the light rail line is completed down Main Street, the site's potential for a residential tower will be enhanced.

Jerry Patterson in the News

Houston Chronicle: Restoring funds for restoring coastline

GALVESTON -- After his flyby inspection Sunday of the coastal damage from Hurricane Claudette, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is hopeful lawmakers will restore $7.5 million cut from programs designed to protect and restore the state's beaches.

Houston Chronicle: Race looks like grand old primary

The Sanchez campaign announced endorsements from more Republicans -- U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, state Comptroller Carol Keeton Strayhorn, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs.

Texas Redistricting News

AAS: Partisan lawsuits raise questions about separation of powers

One need not be a fan of Perry or his slavish determination to redraw the state's congressional districts to question the wisdom of asking a judge to limit the governor's power to call the Legislature into session. There are other checks and balances, including the Legislature's right to exercise its own power to kill bills the governor wants.

AP via WOAI: Van de Putte took over and then led the boycott

When a woman once harassed Van de Putte and her grandmother outside a voting precinct, Van de Putte challenged the woman and the two ended up on the ground in a fight until a pregnant Van de Putte prevailed.

SAEN: Work, no play for absent Demos

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In the 10-story hotel where 11 Democratic members of the Texas Senate are encamped within sight of the Sandia Mountains, Sen. John Whitmire of Houston has avoided the indoor-outdoor swimming pool.

Question of the Day

One of the arguments used by Democrats against redistricting is that several of the current Congressional districts are "Republican" but elect Democrat Congressmen. They contend that people are voting conciously for a Democrat and Republicans. If that's the case, why are they so scared of redrawing the maps? There will be the same number of Congressional seats and the Dems can run the exact same slate of candidates. According to the theory that Republican districts are picking Democrats, this shouldn't be a problem. So what are they so scared of?

The answer is that these district lines are the descendents of those drawn by Rep. Martin Frost (D-TX). They were drawn to specifically aid these Democrat Congressmen.

The reason the Dems are fighting this tooth and nail is that this is the last place in Texas where Democrat politics matter. No one cares about Texas in Presidential races, the statewide races are decided in the GOP primary, and the state House and Senate are GOP for a while. The Dems want to be seen as relevant somewhere and this is the last place they can look.

Texas Redistricting News

Galveston County Daily News: Former legislators familiar with walkouts

Patterson said there was no analogy to the current stalemate. In 1993, then Lt. Gov. Bill Bullock canceled the session only about 30 minutes after it had begun. In later days the Republican minority worked to defeat the session on the floor through accepted tactics, including a filibuster by Patterson, he said.

“We never really made a conscious decision to break a quorum,” he said. “We never left the building. We wouldn’t have left the state of Texas, I guarandamntee you.”

Palestine Herald Press: Staples not budging on redistricting

When asked if the expense of the special sessions was justified, Staples responded, "Did our forefathers who established our Constitution intend for one-third of the body to dictate the agenda; to thwart government; and shut down the process? It just defies common sense to think that one-third can shut down government. I can't imagine that's what our founding fathers were thinking.

"I remain completely open to working on a fair and balanced map," the senator added.

Statesman: Which is the guilty party in mess of remapping?

That attitude led Perry into calling the congressional redistricting special sessions with no pre-hatched consensus on a map.

Statesman: Rally for 'Texas 11' draws up to 5,000

"Make no mistake," San Antonio Sen. Leticia Van de Putte said over the audio hookup. "We are in this fight to win."

AP via KOBTV: Nelson calls Senate Democrats heroes

(Albuquerque-AP) - Country singer Willie Nelson says he thinks eleven Democratic senators from Texas who’ve been holed up in New Mexico to break a quorum over congressional redistricting are heroes.

DMN: Rally in Austin encourages runaway senators

SAEN: Remap protesters rally at Capitol

The Associated Press, meanwhile, reported that a handful of Republicans were on hand to support of the redistricting effort.

"Republicans voted for governor, lieutenant governor, Texas Senate, Texas House and Texas resident President Bush is commander in chief," said Dana Petroni of Katy. "Redistricting is a legislative process not a judicial process."

I'm Just the Messenger

Republican Party of Texas: Federal and state Democrats need to answer Texans’ questions

Democrat officials continue to speak out of both sides of their mouth in order to deceive Texas taxpayers, but with the truth behind their frivolous spending of taxpayer money finally being discovered, the Democrats have a lot of explaining to do to Texans.

Or Is This The Endgame?

MySanAntonio: NEW: Exiled Democrats offer more talks with GOP senators

From the "Grasping at Straws" Dept.

Statesman: Democrats file lawsuit to keep from being arrested

Anybody Want to Buy a Country?

This was an interesting idea, but like all the "new nation" ideas it just didn't seem to pan out.

Geek News: Is HavenCo going under?

Internet Magazine: Britain's offshore data haven under threat

This, CNS - Stepnogorsk conference, relates to a project I worked on in the military.

Hey Kuff! Another Story for You

News Journal: Accused GOP leader won't resign

Although it doesn't make sense, because the SREC members are elected by state Senatorial districts.

Conversations with the Dark Side

Mike Richards and Edd Hendee of KSEV radio flew to New Mexico last night and are doing their shows today from the Marriott. 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Central

AmericanDaily.com: And Now The Texas Two-Step - Steven Laib

Instapundit.com: HOWARD DEAN ON CIVIL LIBERTIES

D.C. Dispatch | 2003.08.06 | Rauch: The Accidental Radical

Like FDR before him, George W. Bush is an amiable establishmentarian who is pressing the system to its limits. The stakes—and risks—are high

Texas Redisctricting News

AP via Longview News-Journal: GOP Senators Meet Democratic Colleagues

Van de Putte, however, said the Democrats remain resolved in their boycott of the Senate. "We still remain unalterably opposed to redistricting," she said.

San Antonio Express: Visit by GOP senators doesn't sway Demos

The Republicans didn't plan to return to Austin overnight, leaving open the possibility of a meeting with all the departed Democrats today.

Austin Chronicle: At Capitol, the Sky Is Falling

Since the Capitol Republicans are fond of calling the absconding Democratic legislators the "Chicken D's," maybe they won't mind being termed the "Chicken Littles."

El Paso Times: Shapleigh to miss meeting on base closures

AUSTIN -- Sen. Eliot Shapleigh's absence from the first meeting of a state military preparedness commission today could hurt Texas' efforts to protect its military bases from closure, a spokesman for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said this week.

Houston Chronicle: 2 GOP lawmakers unable to sway runaway Dems

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Two Republican state senators flew here Wednesday for a covert two-hour meeting with several of the 11 Democratic state senators who fled Texas to block a GOP congressional redistricting plan.

Austin Chronicle: Albuquerque or Bust!

Austin Sen. Barrientos recounted his own "magnificent journey" as a Texan, from the Fifties of "cotton fields and segregated schools and cafes, being paddled for speaking another language in school," to the moment in 1965, after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, when as a young community organizer he could look around and see his countrymen had begun to understand that "everybody mattered."

Online Poll to Support the Texas 11

From: yellowdog@txdemocrats.org

To: removed

Subject: Show Support for Texas 11 in Online Poll

Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2003 09:34:12 -0500

Content: multipart/related

Dear Fellow Democrat:

Channel 5 in Dallas/Fort Worth is doing an online poll regarding the Senate Democrats' brave actions in blocking congressional re-redistricting. I encourage you to log onto www.nbc5i.com and let them know you support the Democrats' decision to go to New Mexico to stop congressional re-redistricting. The poll can be found in the right hand column of the web page about half-way down.

Or maybe you'll want to vote no....

Yes on 12!

Some resources for people helping to pass Proposition 12.

Main Sites

Secretary of State: Constitutional Amendments Page

Yes on 12!: Main Site

Texans for Lawsuit Reform: Home Page

Your Doctor Knows What's Good for You

THAOnline: Make a Healthy Choice

TMA: Practice Managment

TAFP: Get 21 for 12!

THCA: Texas Health Care Association

TAIM: Texas Association of Internal Medicine

Jerry Patterson - Galveston County Daily News: Patterson: Can't please all on beach issue

I wrote this piece over on Kevin's group blog: Logic Failure

Tips for Houstonians with Visitors from Canada

We recently had a group visiting us from Canada for a few days. They were great houseguests and we had a wonderful time. Here's a few thoughts that might help you if you're ever in the same situation.

• As usual, South Park is right. They don't get it if you laugh at the way they say "eh" and "aboot." Laugh if you can't help it, but they won't understand.


• There's not much to do with tourists in Houston after taking them to Galveston and NASA. Go to Austin.


• This joke worked, tell them that recycling is illegal in Texas. We explained that the big corporations had a law passed that mandates jail time if you're caught recycling. They actually bought it for like five minutes.


• Don't complain about it being hot and humid. Tell them many times that it's been much hotter and more humid and that they're here during a cool spell. Even if it's 98 out.

I kept these two stories because they deal with Steve Stockman.

GOP Marketplace

Off the Kuff: Blast from the past

AZ Republic: Songwriting trio to perform

A trio of alt-rock songwriters will share the stage at Nita's Hideaway tonight.

Glenn Tilbrook, John Doe and Jill Sobule come from radically different backgrounds.

Anyone following current events in Russia should check out this story: A Whiz at Black PR Stirs Up a Storm

WSJ: The Real Intelligence Failure

Senator Tom McClintock for Governor

He's Probably Actually Right About That

AP via USA Today: Hustler magnate enters governor's race

"I really think I can do a better job of balancing the budget than those pinhead bureaucrats in Sacramento," the pornography mogul told reporters Monday.

Houston Chronicle: Officials moving to curb beach access

KEMAH -- Gone may be the days of driving on Texas beaches for miles on end, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said Monday in a discussion on restricting public driving on Galveston beaches.

Texas Redistricting News

AP via News Journal: GOP Senators Fled Texas in 1993 Vote

But, the GOP was the minority back then, with only 13 in the 31-member body. So, as the Senate prepared to convene and vote on the proposal, several Republicans went into a closed-door meeting to discuss their options.

Knight Ridder via Salt Lake Tribune: Texas Demos ordered to return

On Monday, state Judge Charles Campbell formally entered his ruling that DPS troopers may not be used to apprehend missing House members. The ruling does not extend to the missing senators, but Dewhurst has said that he has no plans to send DPS troopers to bring back the Democrats.

El Paso Times: Dewhurst, senators argue over walkout

The Texas Republican Party is running "help wanted" ads in several Texas newspapers. The party is looking for "11 responsible persons to serve as state senators."

San Antonio Express: Demos dig heels in N.M. ground

"I don't think our 11 colleagues are in a position to ask for — for anything," Dewhurst said. "They have broken the Texas Constitution. They need to come back. They were elected to do a job. Come back and do it."

Harlingen Valley Morning Star: Texas 11 to get homemade cookin’

"There will be a legal document that alleges and accuses Dewhurst of trying to expel Hispanics out of the Senate," Hinojosa said. "The maps he is supporting dilute minorities to weaken our vote and our influence.

Houston Chronicle: Texas Eleven say constituents oppose remap

Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, said he has heard of talk in Austin that the Democrats will return sometime this week, which he denied. "We're strong, we're determined and we've been reinvigorated by the overwhelming support that we received from the public that we are doing the right thing for all of Texas," West said.

Houston Chronicle: Texas GOP leaders censure party official

Thomas Whaley of Marshall, a member of the State Republican Executive Committee, has been instructed to appear before high-ranking GOP officials to answer allegations that he let non-SREC members listen in on party conference calls on April 7 and May 13.

August 4, 2003: Urgent Request

Dear Friends:

Redistricting Texas Congressional boundaries is the most important contribution we can make to strengthen the power of our state in Congress and to help our President, George W. Bush, advance his agenda. Your help is needed immediately to make sure the Texas Legislature succeeds in passing a redistricting plan that reflects Texas’ Republican voting patterns.

I have done my part to maximize Republican representation by accepting the House passed map1268 and Senate Committee passed map1327, which alters District Seven in identical ways and are included in statewide maps that significantly increase Republican representation in the U.S. Congress. I am also the only Republican Congressman who testified publicly before the House and Senate Committees in favor of redistricting, and in doing so gave the committees valuable, documented evidence which will support the legislature’s redistricted map in the inevitable court challenge.

Now that I have done my part for the team, I urgently need your help to be sure that no additional changes are made to Congressional District Seven. Since 4 previous redistricting map revisions have moved parts of the CD 7 corridor to Central Texas with no increase in Republican representation, it is vital as the process moves towards completion, that the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker be reminded of the significance of the CD 7 corridor. This corridor led by George H. Bush, Bill Archer and myself has been and will continue to be a force in Harris County for turning out the Republican vote for Statewide candidates I cannot overstate the importance of your help at this decisive moment for preserving the historic core of our District.

Specifically, will you please call, write or email Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, and Speaker Tom Craddick (contact info below)? Please thank these leaders for doing the right thing in fighting for a Congressional Redistricting plan that accurately reflects Texas’ voting patterns, and please tell them not to change Congressional District Seven from the boundaries drawn in House passed map 1268 and Senate Committee passed map 1327 since both these maps will significantly increase Republican representation in the U.S. Congress and preserve the historic core of our district.

The House passed its map in approximately fifteen minutes. When the Senate has a quorum, I expect they will also pass their map with record speed and the House and Senate will quickly come to an agreement on a statewide map. Thank you for your strong support and for your quick response to this urgent request.

Sincerely,

John Culberson

Member of Congress

Governor Rick Perry

P.O. Box 12428

Austin, Texas 78711

(512)463-2000 or (800)843-5789

Fax (512)463-0039

Click here

Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst

P.O. Box 12068

Austin, Texas 78711

(512)463-0001

Fax (512)936-6700

Click here

Speaker Tom Craddick

P.O. Box 2910

Austin, Texas 78768

(512)463-1000

Fax (512)463-0675

Click here

If you have time, you might also consider sending similar messages to the following State Senators.

Senator Todd Staples

P.O. Box 12068

Austin, Texas 78711-2068

(512)463-0103

Fax (512)463-1526

todd.staples@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Kyle Janek

P.O. Box 12068

Austin, Texas 78711-2068

(512)463-0117

Fax (512)463-0639

kyle.janek@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Jon Lindsay

P.O. Box 12068

Austin, Texas 78711-2068

(512)463-0107

Fax (512)463-8810

jon.lindsay@senate.state.tx.us

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.

Wow: Geek.com Geek News - Glove translates sign language for the computer - Brian argues that this glove is meant for our benefit, i.e., hearing people. It would seem to me that the ability to be heard is a major benefit for deaf people.

Thanks to InSane Antonio for the Wentworth op-ed.

This story, Grover gets his Wish, by Mike Hickerson - Democratic Underground, is absolutely bizarre. I've had the good fortune to meet Grover Norquist on two occasions, and he's always been polite, reasonable, nice, and full of good will towards all. Also an excellent sense of humor. Weird story, but consider the source.

Hack the Vote - How to stop someone from stealing the 2004 election. By Paul Boutin

OK, Blogs Are No Longer Cool

The Senate Minority Blogger

Link via Off the Kuff

Senators might go to court

ALBUQUERQUE — Texas Senate Democrats are preparing a lawsuit that would seek a federal judge's order preventing the lieutenant governor from changing a Senate rule that has blocked passage of a redistricting bill.

No Time for Love, Dr. Jones

That's a quote from Clerks, which in turn is a reference to....Oh never mind. No blogging this morning, running late.