I am pleased to announce that four new Republican Clubs will be launched in Senate District 26 in the next 6 months. We have received major funding from donors in Houston and Laredo for this aggressive and pro-active grassroots program.

These are the new organizations:

Balcones Heights Republicans

Leon Valley Republicans

South Bexar Republicans

Olmos Park Republicans

Schuylar Crist, Director of Coalition Relations, SREC 26 will be the contact for grassroots supporters who would like to be involved in these new organizations. Mr. Crist can be contacted by phone at 210- 663-6093 or by e-mail: skyskyrider@hotmail.com. 

Bexar County is a very competitive political arena for Republican judges and state officials. We intend to develop leaders who will help mobilize grassroots supporters in 2006. 

We are pleased to say that we have the full support of Chairman Tina Benkiser of the Republican Party of Texas in our ambitious attempt to reach out to non-traditional voters in Senate District 26.  

Your grassroots support will be instrumental in this program. Please show the voters of Senate District 26 that the Republican Party is the right place for them. Please join us!!

A big thank you to our loyal and consistent financial supporters.

Joe Solis, State Republican Executive Committeeman, Senate District 26, Republican Party of Texas
 

Keynote speaker: Tim Lambert, of the Texas Home Schoolers Coalition of Texas (http://www.thsc.org/)

Program title: Home schooling in Texas: A Legislative Perspective

Date: Thursday, September 22nd

Time: Networking Reception and Dinner (on your own):  6:15pm-7:00pm
Program:  7:00pm  8:15pm

Location:  Grady's BBQ; 4109 Fredericksburg Road

Cost: $5

Sponsorships will be available

The Texas Home School Coalition is dedicated to serving the home-school community of Texas and promoting a greater knowledge, understanding and acceptance of home education in our state.

Rough Riders of Bexar County and Balcones Heights Republicans Logos Courtesy of Robert Sanchez-www.sanchezforcongress.com
 

When we arrived we literally had nothing. Metro Health District was doing the best they could. They were giving immunizations against Tetanus and Hepatitis and seeing what patients they could.  Those wonderful Podiatry physicians were seeing anyone with foot problems. A makeshift diabetes clinic was doing the best they could. We had a few medical students, Nurse Practitioners and a few residents from University Hospital. Organization and medical leadership was nonexistent at this time, supplies were barter between the healthcare professionals that were there. It was bring whatever equipment you could carry. We literally found an office cubical and set up a clinic in 20 minutes. In the Army we called this tailgate medicine.  We found a few supplies and went to work. My nurses started triaging patients and sent them to myself and a wonderful OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner who saw anyone that was pregnant. 

My first patient was a nine month old child with a temperature of 104 and who was lethargic. Those wonderful San Antonio EMS folks who I see at University Hospital on a daily basis were there. They transported the child to Methodist Children, upon arrival the childs temperature was 106. The mother told me the child had been that way for 2 days. 

My second patient was this very nice man who probably had a fractured patella. He told me he had been tennis pro for 28 years. His two elderly neighbors both had Alzheimers; he took them under his wing and got them to the Super Dome. This elderly neighbor could not take it after about two days. He flipped out.  He went after him, and others in the dome thought he was attacking the old man. He got beaten up by others before he could explain what he was doing. The elderly man with Alzheimers got away. He made his way back to the elderly mans wife. She went to look for her husband; he never saw either one of them again.

My third patient was middle age man with a complaint of infected feet. He told me he had carried his 80 year old mother on his back, for four miles through the water to the Super Dome. His feet were a mess. He started crying. I asked him what was wrong? He said I was the first person who had shaken his hand.  He said it made him feel human again. 

My fourth patient was a woman who had lost her two children and she didnt know where else to go but the clinic. We got her to the right people.

My fifth patient was a 78 year old lady in a wheelchair. She had just about every medical problem known to man or women!  She has to do bladder catheterizations 4 times a day  because of a neurogenic bladder. I offered to put a catheter in and leave it in because there is no privacy in the shelter. She said no.  She still had her pride.  She had done it for years and was going to still take care of her business.  We got two in-and-out catheterization kits from San Antonio EMS and she was on her way.

My sixth patient was an HIV positive man who needed his medicine. He said he had been on the street and in the water without his medicine and he new he was getting sick. His CD4 count was already low and he had fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. We sent him to the hospital. 

My seventh patient was a man with his daughter who had diarrhea and vomiting. He told me a story about a rape he had to watch in the dome because a gang of thugs prevented anyone from helping the girl. He said he held his own daughter so she would not have to see or hear the event. 

We saw about 40 people in 6 hours. At about 2 the line stopped. My relief was here and I went home to my house, my wife and two children.  There were 2,000 people sleeping in an open room, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. My heart went out. Their lives and homes were gone in an instant. I felt guilty going home.

A few general observations of the first 6 hours I spent at Kelly USA. There was no one in charge. No one really had any direction. But the beauty of this was everyone stepped up. In Texas we say Cowboy Up!  We MADE it work. A bunch of people with nothing in the middle of the night MADE it work, and those who were truly sick got care. I suspect someone will throw stones at the medical care the first 72 hours. But we must remember this is/was a disaster. I spent 20 years in the Army, and one thing you will quickly see is that the American soldier and in this case the Texan Americans will use their innovation, good-old boy American know how to MAKE it work. Our ability to take three completely empty buildings and in three days house 7,500 men, women and children who came with nothing is truly amazing.

These people are physically and emotional devastated. But their self-esteem and their pride have not taken a hit. Something as simple as a handshake can bring them back to life. A little joke with a child will bring a smile and a high-five.

We as a nation and a state have an opportunity to truly make a difference. We have a chance to break the cycle of poverty. All we need to do is give our guests hope and a little opportunity to live and work in Texas. I dont know if New Orleans will be rebuilt, but I can tell you we are building something in San Antonio right now. I have to admit I had my doubts about those coming to San Antonio. But in 6 hours I learned something about them and myself. Hope, kindness and opportunity is the greatest gift we can give anyone.

Steve Salyer PA-C

COMMENTARY by South Texas Republicans:  WE salute Mr. Salyer and the rest of the medical professionals of Texas for making us proud in this time of need. 
 

Louisiana families temporarily relocated in Texas, which Maria and I talked to over the past weekend as we volunteered at the Centers here in Austin, were extremely appreciative of the can-do attitude of Texans as so many of us rolled up our sleeves to help. Gov. Rick Perry should be commended for his immediate action to take in those who were displaced, and provide for the essentials: shelter, food, medical aid, getting their children in schools. He is working hard to make sure Texas receives the federal assistance to cover the costs while helping these Texas guests put their lives back together. If Gov. Perrys leadership had been in place in Louisiana, citizens may have been better prepared for Katrina.

You Are Invited To Attend A Re-Election Reception Hosted By The Honorable Judge Phylis Speedlin, Justice On The 4th Court of Appeals

JUSTICE PHYLIS J. SPEEDLIN

Justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals

Cordially invites you to attend a reception to support her re-election on Thursday, September 15, 2005 between 5:30p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Paesanos Restaurant, located at 555 E. Basse Rd. in San Antonio.

Donor Levels As Follows:

Sponsor $1000  

Host $500 

Advocate $250   

Friend $100

Guest $50


Business Attire

Judge Phylis Speedlin's Campaign Address: 8 Waldenshire, San Antonio, Texas 78209
 

Wed, 7 Sep 2005
 

Bexar County Invitation:  Come Join Judge Tim Johnson And Friends As They Kick Off The Last Campaign (for county court)

Time:  5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Acenar Restaurant (146 Houston, San Antonio)

Cost: $50 per ticket

Information:  Annabelle Trevino (210) 849-5635

Judge Tim Johnson, County Court 5 since January 1,1987

-19 years on the bench, over 48,000 sentencings, more than 500 criminal trials, more than 100 civil trials, creator of the Jail Court, Creator of the Trial Impact Courts, Started the DWI Victim Impact Panels, Created the Drug Education and Diversion Program, 6 Terms as Administrative Judge, Past President Texas Association of Court at Law Judges.

Mailing Address: Judge Tim Johnson, P.O. Box 690207, San Antonio, Texas 78269
 

Independent Banker's Association of Texas Endorses Susan Combs for Texas Comptroller.

Susan Combs is a proven leader with an outstanding record as Texas Agriculture Commissioner, said Christopher L. Williston, President and CEO of IBAT. She is a conservative with a can-do philosophy.

The IBAT fully and enthusiastically endorses Combs and believes she will be a great Comptroller for all the people of Texas. With her record of achievement and conservative convictions, she will do a tremendous job managing the states money. She will be a Comptroller that makes government work for the taxpayer.

As Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Combs has done more with less. She has cut the budget and reduced staff. She returned $2 million this year to the state budget. She has helped expand the national and international market for Texas agriculture products, helping to boost the Texas economy.

Prior to her 1998 election as Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Susan Combs served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives, where she sponsored landmark private property rights legislation. She also was a strong supporter of legislation on juvenile justice reform, tort reform, education reform and welfare reform.

Combs is a Republican candidate for Texas Comptroller.

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas represents the exclusive interests of over 550 community banks across Texas.

New Braunfels Republican Women will host Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 19, 2005. The 6 PM meeting will be open to the public and will be the second meeting that the group has held at the Seekatz Opera House. (265 West San Antonio Street in downtown New Braunfels)

Reservations may be made by contacting Gayna Wommack at 830-629-5922. More information about the September meeting and about the NBRW as well as links to contacts can be found at the website, www.newbraunfelsrepublicanwomen.org.

Submitted by Beverly B. Nuckols, MD, Publicity Vice President.

Alamo City Republican Women Monthly Meeting

Date:  September 20, 2005

Time:  11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location:  Oak Hills Country Club, 5403 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio

Special Guest Speaker:  Agricultural Commissioner - Susan Combs, candidate for State Comptroller

Cost: $17 - Personal checks ONLY made out to ACRW-PAC ($20 if reservations are made after 12:00 Noon, Friday, September 16, 2005.)

RSVP Contacts:  Barbara at 210-342-5482 or Carolyn at 210-493-6210 or you can even make your reservations on the internet at reservations@acrwomen.org. All reservations must be made by noon, Friday, September 16, 2005.

TARGET 2005 in 2005!!! Your assistance is needed today!! Please help us distribute 2005 Susan Combs bumper stickers in Bexar County by December 31, 2005. FREE bumper stickers will be available at all Rough Rider and Stone Oak Republican meetings this year. Please contact Joe Solis if you would like bumper stickers sent to your club meetings for distribution. (SolisJoe@sbcglobal.net)
 

Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Hays County Host Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo

Time: 7:00 PM

Location:  Merrill Gardens a Retirement Residence, 1720 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, TX 78666, 512-392-7200

For more information, or directions, Call Brian McAuliffe, Vice-Chairman RNHA of Hays County 512-554-4741

A native of Abilene, Texas, Victor Carrillo joined the Texas Railroad Commission in February 2003 when Governor Rick Perry appointed him to fill the unexpired term of Tony Garza who became U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. The Texas Railroad Commission oversees the Texas oil and gas, pipeline and mining industry. Carrillos colleagues unanimously elected him Chairman in September of 2003. In November, 2004, Chairman Carrillo won his first statewide election garnering almost four million votes and securing a six-year term of office. He is the highest-ranking Latino state official in Texas

Carrillo chaired the Governors Texas Energy Planning Council that created a Texas Energy Plan to help ensure that Texas remains the premier energy producing state in the nation.
 

He will be learning a great deal from the best conservative minds in the country such as Vice-President Dick Cheney, U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, and Senators Mitch McConnell and George Allen. There will be hands-on sessions from grassroots activism to cutting edge media strategies. There will also be national TV, radio, and newspaper reporters covering the entire conference.

While there, Schuylar expects to:

1.) Recruit nationally recognized speakers for our Rough Riders of Bexar County Educational Series

2.) Build new relationships with national conservative organizations and individuals for South Texas Republicans, P.A.C.

3.) Utilize these contacts to gain support in terms of resources and finances for the P.A.C., and our South Texas Candidates at the state and federal levels

4.) Demonstrate the strength of the Republican Party in South Texas at the grassroots level

The costs to attend this event will be about $1,400. The package to attend all 3 conference days (including the Presidential and Reagan dinners) and gain admittance to the exhibit halls/book signings, will cost $425. The hotel room on location (Omni Shoreham in D.C.) will cost $555 (plus tax) for all 3 nights. Roundtrip airfare is expected to run about $400 (plus tax).

Ideally, he would like the funds available before November 1st, 2005. This would allow for plenty of time planning arrival and transportation while in our nations capitol.

It would take only 28 people giving $50, 14 people giving $100, 7 people giving $200. Of course any amount you can give will put him that much closer to his goal.

Checks can be made out to Schuylar Crist, and mailed to:

9570 Autumn Shade

San Antonio, Texas

78254

You may also reach Schuylar by phone at (210) 663-6093 or via e-mail at skyskyrider@hotmail.com
 

The location of the meeting is:

Sea Island Restaurant
11715 Bandera Rd at Bandera Point (Rt. 1604 and Rt. 16)
San Antonio, TX 78015

Come join us at our September 27th, 2005 meeting to hear
Grace Kunde discuss her campaign.

The meeting time is as follows:

6:30pm to 7:00pm - Social and networking time.  Dinner is optional and on your own
7:00pm to 8:00pm (time-certain) - Formal Meeting

Please RSVP your attendance to our Secretary Karen Stewart: Phone: (210) 488-3108 or email (gospursgo10@hotmail.com) her with your reservation
 

Honoring Our Military

Guest Speaker: 1 SG Kawanda Dixon

Topic: Women: Called to Serve

Saturday, September 17, 2005

Location: Ocean Star Seafood and Grill; 1039 N.E. Loop 410/210-822-9788

12:30 P.M.  Social

1:00  2:30 P.M. - Program

Please, RSVP by September 15, 2005

$16.00 with RSVP; $18.00 w/o RSVP, at door

 Marlyn 496-5024/Marlynfeliciano2005@yahoo.com; Jane 691-9695; Alicia 682-3569  
 

Source: San Antonio Bar Association

Gov. Perry Appoints Price as Judge of 408th District Court in Bexar County (8/23/05)

Published 9/2/2005 11:59:59 PM

***UPDATED: Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005, 2:13 p.m.***

A few truths, for those who have ears and eyes and care to know the truth:

1.) The hurricane that hit New Orleans and Mississippi and Alabama was an astonishing tragedy. The suffering and loss of life and peace of mind of the residents of those areas is acutely horrifying.

2.) George Bush did not cause the hurricane. Hurricanes have been happening for eons. George Bush did not create them or unleash this one.

3.) George Bush did not make this one worse than others. There have been far worse hurricanes than this before George Bush was born.

4.) There is no overwhelming evidence that global warming exists as a man-made phenomenon. There is no clear-cut evidence that global warming even exists. There is no clear evidence that if it does exist it makes hurricanes more powerful or makes them aim at cities with large numbers of poor people. If global warming is a real phenomenon, which it may well be, it started long before George Bush was inaugurated, and would not have been affected at all by the Kyoto treaty, considering that Kyoto does not cover the world's worst polluters -- China, India, and Brazil. In a word, George Bush had zero to do with causing this hurricane. To speculate otherwise is belief in sorcery.

5.) George Bush had nothing to do with the hurricane contingency plans for New Orleans. Those are drawn up by New Orleans and Louisiana. In any event, the plans were perfectly good: mandatory evacuation. It is in no way at all George Bush's fault that about 20 percent of New Orleans neglected to follow the plan. It is not his fault that many persons in New Orleans were too confused to realize how dangerous the hurricane would be. They were certainly warned. It's not George Bush's fault that there were sick people and old people and people without cars in New Orleans. His job description does not include making sure every adult in America has a car, is in good health, has good sense, and is mobile.

6.) George Bush did not cause gangsters to shoot at rescue helicopters taking people from rooftops, did not make gang bangers rape young girls in the Superdome, did not make looters steal hundreds of weapons, in short make New Orleans into a living hell.

7.) George Bush is the least racist President in mind and soul there has ever been and this is shown in his appointments over and over. To say otherwise is scandalously untrue.

8.) George Bush is rushing every bit of help he can to New Orleans and Mississippi and Alabama as soon as he can. He is not a magician. It takes time to organize huge convoys of food and now they are starting to arrive. That they get in at all considering the lawlessness of the city is a miracle of bravery and organization.

9.) There is not the slightest evidence at all that the war in Iraq has diminished the response of the government to the emergency. To say otherwise is pure slander.

10.) If the energy the news media puts into blaming Bush for an Act of God worsened by stupendous incompetence by the New Orleans city authorities and the malevolence of the criminals of the city were directed to helping the morale of the nation, we would all be a lot better off.

11.) New Orleans is a great city with many great people. It will recover and be greater than ever. Sticking pins into an effigy of George Bush that does not resemble him in the slightest will not speed the process by one day.

12.) The entire episode is a dramatic lesson in the breathtaking callousness of government officials at the ground level. Imagine if Hillary Clinton had gotten her way and they were in charge of your health care.

God bless all of those dear people who are suffering so much, and God Bless those helping them, starting with George Bush.

****
More Mysteries of Katrina:

Why is it that the snipers who shot at emergency rescuers trying to save people in hospitals and shelters are never mentioned except in passing, and Mr. Bush, who is turning over heaven and earth to rescue the victims of the storm, is endlessly vilified?

What church does Rev. Al Sharpton belong to, that believes in passing blame and singling out people by race for opprobrium and hate?

What special abilities does the media have for deciding how much blame goes to the federal government as opposed to the city government of New Orleans for the aftereffects of Katrina?

If able-bodied people refuse to obey a mandatory evacuation order for a city, have they not assumed the risk that ill effects will happen to them?

When the city government simply ignores its own sick and hospitalized and elderly people in its evacuation order, is Mr. Bush to blame for that?

Is there any problem in the world that is not Mr. Bush's fault, or have we reverted to a belief in a sort of witchcraft where we credit a mortal man with the ability to create terrifying storms and every other kind of ill wind?

Where did the idea come from that salvation comes from hatred and criticism and mockery instead of love and co-operation?

Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He also writes "Ben Stein's Diary" in every issue of The American Spectator.
 

Well, if a new toll mandate without a vote of the people isn't bad enough, try a gas tax hike on top of it! Reading this guy's comments form this week's Transportation Forum hosted by SAMCo:

Ex-Transportation Commissioner Says Lawmakers Have to Raise Gas Tax IN ADDITION TO TOLLS!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA090905.8B.forum_highway.80a1119.html

What's particularly egregious about Laney's comments is his misstatement of the facts. The gas tax isn't going away nor has it dropped, even a smidge, in the last 20 years even with alternative fuel vehicles on the rise. Gas tax revenues continue to rise. Just take a look at the graph that illustrates this trend from the State Comptroller's Office own web site.

So get ready, if Laney floats this concept at a major transportation event, we can expect our legislature to take a few cues. ARE THEY NUTS?  They say we HAVE to pay tolls because increasing the gas tax is politically unpopular and now we're supposed to passively take a one two punch and accept a gas tax increase tied to inflation on top of it! If this is the mindset and thinking of policy shapers, we need to make our voices heard. To echo the words of our Senator John Cornyn, WE ARE NOT TAXED TOO LITTLE; THEY SPEND TOO MUCH!

It's time for an independent third party to review TxDOT's "wish list." As outlined in previous articles, by TxDOT's own admission they do NOT NEED to toll US 281; they're simply levying a targeted tax on 281 users in order to be able to build more toll lanes, not free lanes, on roads 281 users may not use. TxDOT has shifted cost estimates on this toll project 4 times in just 3 months. They have a FUNDED, VIABLE, CHEAPER, LESS INVASIVE alternative plan for improvements on 281 as a FREE road, and yet they march ahead to build it as a toll way with impunity! It's past time for accountability. Zachry and its partners were awarded the contract for that first leg of US 281 as a toll road the same day Laney spoke at this transportation event. It's not too late for a review or to take action!

It's time for a taxpayer revolt the size of Texas! Go to our web site to sign the petition: www.TexasTollParty.com and/or contact me directly at terrih@gvtc.com.
 

The following clubs will be holding important events and South Texas Republicans encourages participation by local activists:              

Alamo Pachyderm Club 

Do you have event information?
You can reach Schuylar either by phone at (210) 663-6093 or via e-mail: skyskyrider@hotmail.com

Click here to view the calendar for details on these and other events