This short essay will make the argument that our ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza is not representing the national interests of the United States on the immigration issue. 

Special Note: 

I admire all immigrants who believe in the American Dream. Let there be no doubt that we should all support legal immigration for those who believe in the values and ideals of this nation and tough enforcement of our border laws.

123rd Commencement Address to U.T. Graduates in Austin, Texas: “La Musica Por Dentro” by The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza

Speech segments:

“And if you ever need a reminder of all that we have, simply ask any of the hard working immigrants here and why they endured days in a scorching desert or why they crossed an ocean in a crowded boat to get to the United States. They will tell you that they came in search of opportunity…in search of a better life. They will tell you they risked their lives just so they, too, could have a shot at achieving our American Dream.”

“Sharing that dream is one of the great challenges of our time – and one that requires both wisdom and compassion. Simply building walls does not speak America to me. I know we can be both a welcoming society and a secure and lawful one.”

Original Source: The Alcalde Magazine, July/August 2006 Edition (Texas EXES Magazine)

Commentary:

The speech by Ambassador Garza is quite articulate and very high-minded, but you have to ask a very serious question: Which country is the Ambassador representing? He commends without hesitation the “hard working immigrants” who “endured days in the scorching desert” because they wanted a “shot at achieving our American Dream.” The Ambassador is essentially saying: I salute all those lawbreakers who violated the national sovereignty of the United States because they wanted the dream.

Whoa!!! Why isn’t he condemning Mexico for not fostering an economic and political climate that will encourage people to stay and create their own American Dream? Imagine this statement by the Ambassador: “Folks, we love you for wanting to have a shot at the dream. I have some bad news for you and your amigos. You have to get in line with the rest of the world. It is nothing personal, but one neighbor cannot export 12 million of its citizens every 10 years.”

Where is the tough love from the Ambassador? Why is he openly celebrating people who have broken our border and employment laws?  Does this make sense to you?

What about this line? “Simply building walls does not speak America to me.” Ambassador Garza wants us to continue this charade that is leading to increased violent MS13 gang activity along on the border, massive ongoing drug smuggling between our two countries, and the entry of radical Islamic terrorists among the 500,000 illegal aliens who are entering this nation. 

Note to President Bush and Mr. Karl Rove: Let me tell you why so many conservatives are going to stay home this November. (I know this because they have told me.) You talk tough but your Ambassador to Mexico is openly praising lawbreakers in Austin, Texas. Your ratings are stuck at 35% because a big portion of the base has no faith in you and your immigration policy. You trash the Minutemen as “vigilantes” when they are willing to do something about the chaos along the border. 

We Want BORDER SECURITY FIRST!!! What part of this equation do you not understand? One final thing since I’m on a roll….

Fire your Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza and send down a real patriot who is willing to talk tough with our neighbors. It is time for change over there.
 

(From Top To Bottom) 1. World Trade Center South Tower Struck; 2. Site Of Pentagon Crash; 3. Site of Flight 93 Crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania

The images above are a stark reminder of the day our world changed forever. On the morning of September 11th, 2001, we were jarred awake from the dream of virtual invincibility. On that day, a lion was roused from his slumber! The terrorists sought to destroy America, to tear us apart. Instead, they brought us together, a unified voice of freedom!

Our nation will never be the same again. We are a nation at war, not simply with tyrannical leaders, but with a deadly ideology. We now face the truth, that those who hate freedom and every other value America stands for, are willing to do whatever it takes to destroy us. Nay, not just us, but our values, our principles! President Bush is right to say that we are safer 5 years after 9/11, but we are not safe. We will never be truly safe as long as those who hate freedom seek to take it from us.

1. 2,823 innocent people lost their lives in the twin towers that morning

2. 189 innocent people lost their lives in the Pentagon

3. 45 innocent people lost their lives in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania

Flight 93 fell in that Shanksville field. Those on that flight took charge and fought back to prevent the White House or the Capitol from being attacked. From recordings obtained from that plane's black box, it is strongly believed that the attackers had all been overtaken. This is believed because one of the passengers was heard on the recordings encouraging another and telling them how to level out the plane. Unfortunately, the brave souls aboard that plane could not pull it out of its dive in the final seconds. They displayed the embodiment of courage, selflessness and heroism.

We cannot afford to forget what happened on September 11th, 2001. We must continue the fight against terrorism, using every tool available. Strong leadership is required in these times. We must continue to take that fight TO the enemy, wherever they may be. We cannot allow those who died that fateful day to have died in vain, or allow their loved ones to suffer their loss, without justice having been served in full measure.

"If there is going to be trouble, let it come in my time, so that my children may live in peace."
-Thomas Paine
 

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), chairman of the Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship subcommittee, on Wednesday said the Mexican government must show a greater commitment in locating the numerous missing persons from the Laredo area.

Cornyn sent a letter to Tony Garza, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, noting that “the good work of U.S. law enforcement will never be enough without serious commitment and strong efforts from Mexico.”

“I therefore respectfully request that you call upon the Mexican government to assist the families and friends of missing persons by helping them obtain information about their loved ones,” Cornyn wrote to Garza, “and that you would provide me with timely updates so that I may inform and support the families who have been affected by this senseless violence.”

It is reported that 27 United States citizens are missing from Laredo alone, and more than 400 persons are missing from Nuevo Laredo. Cornyn met recently in Laredo with several families whose loved ones are missing.

“The ongoing drug wars in Nuevo Laredo are spilling over into Laredo and nearby communities in the United States,” Cornyn wrote. “I fear the threat of violence to our citizens who live and work in border regions will only continue to escalate. This condition is unacceptable—and Mexico must act immediately to end this situation.”

Cornyn introduced legislation last year to combat narco-terror in response to violence in Nuevo Laredo. He is also the author of The Comprehensive Enforcement and Immigration Reform Act, S.1438. The bill would dramatically strengthen enforcement, bolster border security, and comprehensively reform our immigration laws.

--Below is the text of the letter Sen. Cornyn sent to Ambassador Garza--

April 5, 2006

The Honorable Tony Garza

American Ambassador to Mexico

United States Department of State

Washington, D.C. 20520
 

Dear Ambassador Garza:

Thank you for your service to our country. I am writing to express my concern over the growing number of missing persons in and around Laredo, Texas. To date, it has been reported that 27 United States citizens are missing from Laredo alone, and over 400 persons are missing from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

One tragic example involves Brenda Cisneros and her friend Yvette Martinez – a 27-year-old mother of two young girls. On September 17, 2004, the two women were celebrating Brenda’s 23rd birthday at a concert across the border in Nuevo Laredo. Neither has been seen since.

The ongoing drug wars in Nuevo Laredo are spilling over into Laredo and nearby communities in the United States. I fear the threat of violence to our citizens who live and work in border regions will only continue to escalate. This condition is unacceptable—and Mexico must act immediately to end this situation.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials along the border routinely seize guns, ammunition, drugs, and illegal aliens. Additionally, Border Patrol agents face hundreds of assaults each year ranging from shootings, to rock throwing, to attempts to run them over. In late August, I sent a letter to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales requesting that additional resources be allocated to remedy this situation. The Attorney General and the administration quickly took action to protect the people of Texas, sending a Violent Crime Impact Team to address the violence, particularly the problem of missing persons.

However, the good work of U.S. law enforcement will never be enough without serious commitment and strong efforts from Mexico. I therefore respectfully request that you call upon the Mexican government to assist the families and friends of missing persons by helping them obtain information about their loved ones, and that you would provide me with timely updates so that I may inform and support the families who have been affected by this senseless violence.

Considering the urgent nature of this request, I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience to discuss this issue. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN

United States Senator
 

TODAY!!! Join Alamo City Republican Women And South Bexar Republicans for PATRIOT DAY On September 11th with Special Guest: Chief Albert A. Ortiz (Former San Antonio Police Department Chief)

Featuring Steve Hilbig, Candidate For The 4th Court of Appeals

When: September 11th (Monday)

Where:  Grady's Bar-B-Q, 6510 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216

Phone: (210) 805-8036

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Remarks at 6:45 p.m.)

Cost: FREE 

Buffet Dinner Courtesy of Alamo City Republican Women and Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans

Note from Joe Solis: Friends, it is time to rally around Steve Hilbig for the 4th Court of Appeals. He needs our support in this very important race. We are hosting this dinner for his campaign. Please bring your friends, family members, business associates and neighbors to this dinner. 

Donations to the Steve Hilbig campaign will be accepted: $10, $20, $50 and $100 donations can make a difference at this point. We encourage you to donate.

http://www.stevehilbig.com/

The Fourth Court of Appeals is one of 14 intermediate appellate courts in Texas court system. As an “intermediate appellate court,” each court receives appeals from the trial courts located within the court’s geographical jurisdiction. The decision of the Court of Appeals may be further appealed to a higher court although most decisions are not accepted for review by the higher courts.
 
The Courts of Appeals review both civil and criminal cases. If one side wants the decision from the Court of Appeals reviewed by a higher court, that review is conducted by a court that specializes in either civil or criminal law. For cases involving civil law, the appeal is made to the Texas Supreme Court. If the case concerns a criminal question, the case is appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
 

Our own Schuylar Crist, is a HAM Radio Operator (callsign KE5VIP), and he will join Hill Country REACT Team #4804 in sponsoring a WTC911 Commemorative Special Event Station on the anniversary of 9/11. He will be in attendance with this set up you see here on the left, a handi-talkie connected to a 2m/70cm antenna that also fits in a telescoping unit that allows the antenna to go as high as 14 feet in height.

The City of San Antonio City Council and Bexar County have both issued a proclamation declaring Monday, September 11, 2006 to be "National Family Emergency Preparedness Day" in San Antonio in honor of the 5th anniversary of the World Trade Center Disaster on 9/11/2001. This FREE event will be open to the public from Noon until 8pm that day.

Contact: Schuylar Crist
Telephone: 210-663-6093
E-mail: skyskyrider@hotmail.com

"K5BCR" will begin 8AM and operate until 10PM and can be found on the upper sections of HF Bands 15, 20 and 40 meters, all SSB.

A special color QSL certificate will be mailed to each station making a contact that sends a LARGE 10X13 SASE with their QSL card to the QRZ (http://www.qrz.com) address of K5BCR. If you hear us, please work us and post this operation so others may work our station.

The event at Brackenridge Park will be free, and will feature such things as...

• Lots of family fun that fits the family budget (i.e. Free),
• Live Music to teach kids about safety while entertaining them,
• Free hotdogs and refreshments,
• Free pony rides (from 5pm-8pm only),
• K9 Dogs Search & Rescue Demo,
• Amateur "Ham" Radio Stations,
• SA Fire Department's Safe House will teach you and your kids how to escape a burning house (without the risk of fire this time around).
• SA Police fingerprinting for kids
• Safety Mascots - McGruff, Tex the Turtle, Sparkey, Water Safety Whale, Blue Bear, etc.
• 9/11 Mobile Remembrance Display w/photos and names of victims from the World Trade Center Disaster.
• Face Painting
• Other exhibits and demonstrations to teach you how to prepare your family for emergencies.

Location: Joske Pavilion @ Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, where the river crosses Brackenridge Drive, south of E. Hildebrand Ave, and North of Tuleta Drive.

Participating agencies include:

Alamo Regional Citizen Corps, City of San Antonio Police, City of San Antonio Fire, City of San Antonio EMS, American Red Cross, SA VOAD, San Antonio Food Bank, Catholic Charities RSVP, Bexar Co Emergency Services Rehab, Texas Medical Rangers, and Other Agencies

Special Thanks to:

San Antonio Parks & Recreation

San Antonio City Council, District 6 Councilwoman Delicia Herrera's Office

About the Sponsors:

Hill Country REACT is a non-profit 501(c)3 all volunteer radio communications team that provides public service and emergency communications support in the San Antonio Metro area and four area counties (Comal, Kendall, Bexar and Guadalupe), working with area emergency management agencies and other authorities. For more information about Hill Country REACT, visit http://www.HillCountryREACT.org or call 210-771-7075.

The Alamo Regional Citizen Corps Council is made upof a twelve county area and its members represent all sectors of the community, including elected officials, emergency management and first responders groups, volunteers in community service, faith and community-based organizations, academic institutions, medical facilities, and others.

This program is administered through the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management/Fire Marshal’s Office, located in San Antonio, Texas. For more information call 210-335-0399.

For a map to the location and more information about this event, visit http://www.SanAntonioHams.org or call 210-771-7075.
 

September 11, 2006

The nascent ECI aims to be another weapon in the never-ending battle against failure to confront bad policy; hopefully better targeted and sharper than what is already in our arsenal. Current events provide plenty of examples where persistent bad policies underlie terrible results, or will soon do so. 

We need ECI to discredit policymaking based on misleading numbers and dubious assumptions, and foster the leadership that will demand a public debate on solid footing of relevant facts, and appropriate analysis. Governments spend a lot of money on studies that address questions not worth asking. The correct questions are precious, yet generally inexpensively produced. An abundance of misleading numbers and inattention to critical questions is pushing health care to the brink of a major disaster. We’re talking 1/6th of our economy!! We are going to be a lot sicker and poorer unless we re-orient the health care debate away from ‘Code Red’ hype and nonsense. ECI can do that.

Heroic assumptions about human nature and how children learn sustain a school funding and governance process that that has repeatedly produced gold-plated academic disasters. We have a ‘Nation at Risk’ education emergency, but rarely confront the assumptions that underlie repeated failures to do right by our children. ECI can do that. There isn’t enough entrepreneurial leadership correcting misperception and pushing public opinion towards proven solutions. Freedom works every time it is tried. Leading public opinion is risky, but the returns to our country and the personal benefits (higher office, acclaim) to the leaders that succeed are high. ECI can help by reducing the risk.

We need focused leadership to change or repeal outdated and poorly conceived laws that stand in the way of science-based, proven solutions. Some examples: 1.) A poorly thought out state law is pushing our urban areas towards bizarre transportation approaches that could increase construction spending too much, yet leave most people stuck in traffic, and put a high price tag on the toll lane escape hatch; 2.) The Clean Air Act often finds ‘non-attainment’ where air quality is adequate, and spreads policies that cost time and money without addressing the specific problems of many urban areas; and  3.) The Endangered Species Act spreads distress and extinction. ECI can help change that. ECI can identify the critical impediments, the sound alternatives, and make advocacy less risky to those willing to accept the mantle of leadership, and seek its rewards. 

Additional examples, and explanations, could fill many additional pages. Future commentary in this newsletter will chip away at that. The point here is the enormity of the challenges and opportunities, and the inadequacy of current weapons deployed in this fight to keep the world’s shining beacon of liberty and prosperity.

The ECI vision needs your support, every conceivable kind of support.
 

Time: 6:00p.m.-7:30p.m. (Remarks at 6:45p.m.)

Cost: FREE Buffet Dinner

SPECIAL GUEST: Dawn Lothringer, State Republican Executive Committeewoman, Senate District 21 Ms. Lothringer lives in Pleasanton, Texas (Wilson County)

Hosted by Alamo City Republican Women, South Texas Republicans, & Quico Canseco.

 

Honored Guest Speaker:  U.S. Senator John Cornyn

Saturday, September 16, 2006 –

Location:  San Antonio Country Club

Time: 10:30 a.m.  (11:30 a.m. Luncheon) 

Silent Auction (benefiting the Center for the Intrepid)   

RSVP to:  Betty Hill at 210-681-9468

Cornyn For Vice-President! Tell Your Friends. We Can Make This A Reality!!!
 

Time: 11:30am

Location: 123 LaSoya the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Hotel

Cost: $35/person; Corporate Table: $350

Contact: 229-2119 for Registration
 

Date: Sept 21 from 5:30-7:30 

Location: Acenar on the River, 146 E. Houston

Cost:  Tickets are $50 and can be bought at the door or mailed to Tim Johnson Campaign, PO Box 690207, SA 78269.  Info at www.votejudgejohnson.com.

For more information:  Call 210-332 3112
 

Invites you to the

2006 AMERICAN DREAM AWARD LUNCHEON

Honoring

The Honorable Greg Abbott

Attorney General, State of Texas

&

The Honorable Ted Cruz

Solicitor General, State of Texas

2006 Rising Star Awardee

Friday, September 29, 2006

11:30 am

Austin, Texas

Ticket Price:  $50 per person

For more information or to RSVP please contact Suzanne Bellsnyder,

512-804-1106, suzanne@haprogressinstitute.org

The Hispanic Alliance for Progress (HAP) is a platform for policy, advocacy, development and delivery of innovative solutions targeting underserved Hispanics. HAP seeks to improve the lives of Hispanics by ensuring access to the economic mainstream, while reinforcing the traditional value systems of the Hispanic culture, and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. HAP is a 501 (c) (3) organization. 

Texas Headquarters Address

111 Congress Avenue, Suite 400 - Austin, Texas 78701

Phone: 512-391-3852
 

We are proud to announce that South Texas Republicans will be hosting a small business breakfast summit featuring Marialyn Barnard in the next few weeks. This event will be FREE and open to small business owners and citizens interested in small business issues in Bexar County.

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 10th!! 

The 225th District Court is NOT a “Children’s Court.” This community cannot afford to elect a judge who has no experience in the business world. Please inform all of your friends and family members about this important fact. Marialyn Barnard is the ONLY candidate for this open seat who has experience and knowledge of family and business law. 

This is not “Child’s Play.” This is serious stuff. 

Let’s elect the right candidate, Marialyn Barnard, on November 7th.

Event details will be provided in our upcoming newsletter.

Hosted by Alamo City Republican Women, Joe Solis/ South Texas Republicans, & Quico Canseco
 

This is our 7th FREE and “Open to the Public” event in support of our judges during this 2006 election season. No other political action committees in South Texas are providing this kind of grassroots support of our judges. We encourage you to get involved this year.

PLEASE come out and support our judges this election season.  

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

Location: Golden Corral, 9451 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78230 (210-690-3642)

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Remarks:  9:30 a.m.)

Special Note: We only have 30 seats for this special breakfast. 

Please R.S.V.P. with Melynda Gulley <melynda_gulley@sbcglobal.net>
 

TxDOT now claims it "needs" $ 19 billion just in San Antonio alone in the next 25 years. That's like saying they need more than $15,000 in NEW taxes from every man, woman, and child in San Antonio! That $19 billion figure is up from $8.4 billion, and then it became $16 billion, now $19 billion (all in the span of about 3 months). Wondering how they come up with these figures? Wonder no more. Governor Perry cleared it up for us in a Statesman article August 20 (http://satollparty.com/post/?p=374). They base these figures on wish lists "if money were no object" then go out there and call them "needs" to create a "congestion crisis" that requires a new toll tax on every highway possible.

Read more here:

http://satollparty.com/post/?p=392

http://satollparty.com/post/?p=385
 

"If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without tribute.”

– Thomas Paine (Rights of Man, 1791)
 

When: Friday, September 22, 2006

Where: Aggie Park Banquet Hall 6205 West Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78213

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $32.50 per person

(Hors d’oeuvres, libations/beverages and $1000 play money included)

Contact: Mary Fox 210-341-8262, mafox2@aol.com OR Carolyn McCollister 210-493-6210

Limited 200 guests - reserve your tickets early - dressy casual.

DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 19, 2006

Ace’s Table:  10 Tickets - $750

King’s Table:  8 Tickets – $500

Queen’s Table:  5 Tickets -$250

Jack’s Table:  2 Tickets - $100

(The Ace’s Table, King’s Table, Queen’s Table and Jack’s Table will be listed as sponsors.)

All proceeds go to our local candidates.

Political ad paid for by Sharon Kemp, ACRW/PAC Treasurer
 

This is a series by an anonymous political insider in Bexar County. The views of this author do not represent the views of South Texas Republicans. 

Apparently, everyone survived the Labor Day weekend without incident. I actually attended two Democratic events that were interesting to say the least. The first one was the Union’s Sunday breakfast at Granada Homes.

The fact that a large crowd attended at a time when most people are in church surprised me.

I guess it feeds into the stereotype that Democrats are heathens and non-Christian oriented. What does that say about me not attending my church? Would you believe Saturday night Mass?

Any way, our Democratic nominee for Governor, Chris Bell, spoke to the huge gathering about everything from the TAKS test to the miserable failure of the Governor and the two Independents he labeled Republicans in disguise. I guess he is finally becoming more polished about speaking to a crowd and getting them somewhat motivated. At least he dropped the tired line he used to say when he first came to San Antonio about Rick Perry not being able to lead a silent prayer!

Rick Perry came out with his ads this past week and they too are really lame. Where is Kinky when you need him for a good laugh?

The fact that Bell has no money to spend on advertising and not much name ID doesn’t say much about him. But then again, politics is volatile in Texas. Things could change for the worse.

Then the nominee for Senator, Barbara Radnofsky, spoke. She showed fire and passion in her carefully chosen words. She is a much better speaker that Bell. She talks lovingly about her father who served in World War II and is passionate in her support for the military. She attacked Senator Hutchison for selling out to the Chinese and made light of her dropping in the polls.

The other event I attended was held at Brackenridge Park on Labor Day. Again a large crowd came out, and we listened to candidate after candidate give their stump speech in preparation for the November election. Some of them were really good, too. Some of them were not.

Barbara Scharf-Zeldes spoke well in front of the crowd.  Considering she is running against Tom Rickoff, the Probate Judge that has two sons who were stopped for street racing and never charged for it, I say she will do extremely well. Another woman candidate that spoke well was Kathi Thomas who is running against State Senator Jeff Wentworth. Other than the fact that nobody knows who she is, she too did ok. 

Over all, the women spoke better than the men, while once again some of the men fell way short in their presentation. I won’t single them out other than to say that some of them could have been better prepared.

Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, however, did speak well. Considering he has no opposition, he has no pressure to be less than stellar. I will say that John Courage tends to get tedious with his worn out liberal message. But enough said about the picnic.

On the Southside it is still extremely quiet. We are still waiting for the fireworks. We are also told that Southside operative JoAnn Ramon is running Lukin Gilliland’s campaign for the 23rd Congressional District. She will make good money from that campaign, but a win?

No small task. Like I said last week, how can a ”boleo” from Alamo Heights win in the Southside? It is probably not going to happen. Neither is Augie Beltran nor Rick Bolanos from El Paso going to get many votes on the Southside. But what do I know? Only time will tell.

That is the moderate viewpoint. I AM the "Republicrat"!