Date: October 2nd (Monday)

Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Cost: FREE

Topic: "America's Foreign Policy Challenges"

Location: Crowne Plaza San Antonio Airport Hotel; 1111 NE Loop 410 in San Antonio, Texas; 210-331-5307

The Crown Plaza Website

As a Senior Fellow of the Heritage Foundation, Peter Brookes’ primary responsibility is to communicate Heritage’s stance on foreign policy and national security affairs through media appearances, interviews, ongoing research and speaking engagements. He is also a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Commission.

In addition, he is a weekly columnist on foreign policy, defense and trade issues for America’s 6th largest paper, the New York Post. Brookes’ column also appears regularly in the Boston Herald, Orange County Register, Japan's Daily Yomiuri, Taiwan's China Post, Townhall.com, RealClearPolitics.com, and Military.com. He frequently appears on TV and radio including FOX, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, NPR and BBC. During 2005-2006, Brookes hosted The Brookes Report on WMET 1160 radio in Washington, D.C. He is the author of A Devil's Triangle: Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Rogue States.

Brookes served in the George W. Bush administration as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs, where he was responsible for the development, planning, guidance and oversight of U .S. security and defense policy for 38 countries and 5 bilateral defense alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. He was a principal drafter of the 2000 GOP foreign policy platform at the Republican convention in Philadelphia and subsequently supported the Bush Department of Defense Transition Team. In 2004, he served on the Bush campaign's foreign policy and veterans’ advisory boards.

Prior to joining the Bush administration, Brookes worked as a Professional Staff Member with the Republican staff of the Committee on International Relations in the U.S. House of Representatives focusing on East and South Asian affairs. He also served with the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, focusing on global political affairs, arms control, and weapons proliferation. Just prior to his CIA service, he worked on international economic issues for the State Department at the United Nations, and in the private sector in the defense industry.

He has a distinguished military background in the U.S. Navy, including active duty in tours in Panama and Japan during the Cold War and in support of military operations in Iraq/Kuwait (Desert Storm); Haiti (Restore Democracy); and Bosnia (Joint Endeavor) as a reservist. He has over 1300 flight hours aboard Navy EP-3 aircraft, flying reconnaissance missions in East Asia and the Persian Gulf. He is currently a Commander in the Naval Reserves.

He is a frequent public speaker and has testified before both the Senate and House of Representatives on foreign policy, defense and intelligence issues.

Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.

Note From Schuylar Crist of South Texas Republicans:

I want to express my sincere thanks to you, the supporters of South Texas Republicans. For without you, I would not have been able to attend the Foreign Policy Communications training in Washington, D.C. last May. It was there where I met Mr. Brookes when he came to speak to our group. Shortly thereafter, I was able to correspond with Mr. Brookes via e-mail and invite him to speak to our Rough Riders of Bexar County group.
 

Please join the Alamo City Republican Women and surrounding areas on

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

11:00am - 1:30pm at the Oak Hills Country Club, 5403, Fredericksburg Road

Guest of Honor: The First Lady of Texas, Anita Perry.

Cost: $20.00 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.  Men are welcome at all events.

Space is limited. Deadline for Reservations Noon, Friday, October 20th.

Contact: Carolyn 493-6210 or Barbara 342-5482

OR Email reservations to: Reservations@ACRWomen.org

ALL E-MAILS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: your full name and phone number.
 

Posted on 09/12/2006 6:36:00 A.M. CDT by SwinneySwitch

Free Republic Blog Posts

I find your commentary totally without basis. Since when does the word IMMIGRANT mean ILLEGAL immigrant. I'm an immigrant (legal), so I don't appreciate being categorized in that group. I happen to know Ambassador Garza personally and know that he truly represents the interest of the United States. You must be a Democrat at heart the way you twist words and meanings around. I think you’re writing for the wrong party newsletter.

I, like the Ambassador, strongly believe that the US needs to control its borders better, and that the Mexican government is the true Culprit.

Antonio Escobedo

***

Joe,

The mail lists that I have send me a different message. The conservatives (all of whom no longer are Republicans) exhibit a vigorous anti-incumbent mood. Their message is that they will vote for someone other than those who have an (i) besides their name.

Jim Ret

Veterans Advocate

***

Dear Joe,

I applaud you on you reporting this speech and on taking Tony Garza to task...but, until our elected Texas Representatives back up the conservative population, there will be absolutely nothing done. (It would be interesting if each of our State Reps and, of course, our Senate and Congressional Reps would be asked how they feel about this gentleman and his views...I know a couple of local reps that #1 won't answer you and #2 will give an answer that doesn't really answer. In questioning a couple of them, in passing, how they feel about our border situation.... the answers will surprise you...and) for a while now, I have become very disenchanted with our government...we do not owe Mexico, Canada or any other country that the illegal flee from, our friendship. I know that the other countries believe that they owe us no allegiance and so why do we bend over backwards to "receive" their fleeing population??

 
 Tony Garza is only a small part of the problem...it has gotten to a point that the pat answer is that no one else wants the jobs that these "illegal" immigrants are filling...so it shouldn't be illegal...Why do these politicians think that they have the right to change the law when it suits them or their feelings of guilt because we are the "haves" and the illegal aliens are the "haven nots"?? (I have been accused of being a racist.... (Born here in San Antonio and spent all but a couple of years here) and my friends are from many backgrounds and cultures....) I am (just) a realist asserting the facts that you can't keep letting people come here without having them able to provide for themselves...(My friends don't think of me as a racist....) A majority of these illegal aliens come here with no thought of working or being a productive citizen...they come here to have their babies...get welfare for the medical costs and get education for these  welfare  babies........ALL FOR FREE !!!!!!! To them...not us.... It isn't free for those hard working individuals and their families that have to pay for not only themselves, but for those who stand with their hands out... The first thing I'm told is that not all of them are looking for handouts...well, the majority are on our welfare rolls and their children are receiving free medical and free breakfasts and lunches at our schools. Mr. Garza is just a small part of this growing problem...and yes, he should be replaced with someone who has a more realistic view of our laws...and is strong enough to stand up and defend this country from criminals who are daily - standing with hands out and demanding that we accept them. (The crime statistics along our border with Mexico are rising daily and yet few politicians want to address the insanity.) These illegal aliens need to apply for entrance, SPEAK ENGLISH, and provide for themselves and their families...LEGALLY. Our country was built on the "free enterprise"
 system...not the "free" system.

 Thank you for keeping us informed.

 Kathi Bennett
 

For more information, please contact:

Luke Pohl

South Texas Field Rep.

lfpohl@hotmail.com

(512) 415-3900
 

Save the Date: October 4th (Wednesday)

Time: 6pm-8pm (Remarks at 6:45pm)

Location: Mamacita's Mexican Restaurant 8030 I-10W in San Antonio

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

Justice Karen Angelini has served as a judge on the Fourth Court of Appeals since 1997 when she was appointed by then-Governor George W. Bush to fill a vacancy on the Court. In her nine and one-half years of service on the Court, Justice Angelini has served the court with honor, integrity and fairness, authoring more than 1300 legal opinions in both civil and criminal cases. The civil cases involve all areas of law, including personal injury, family, probate, real estate, and contracts. The criminal cases include all felony and misdemeanor cases from the 32-county district, with the exception of death penalty capital murder cases. The cases the Court decides are vitally important not only to the parties involved but also to the citizens of the district and the State of Texas.

http://www.justicekarenangelini.com/index.html
 

STATE INCOME TAX- Bexar County Democrat "We need one!!"

State Senator Jeff Wentworth is facing an unknown Democrat who stated at a recent candidate forum that we need a state income tax. We have one piece of advice for this candidate. Please encourage your fellow Democrats to start singing the same song. I love it!!!

Side note: Did you know that between 4,000 and 6,000 Democrats in South Texas read this newsletter every week? Janelle McArthur, one of the founders of the Republican Party of Bexar County, chided us three years ago about this. She was not happy Democrats were reading our newsletters.

Our position: The Internet has changed everything. There is no way you can “hide” an online political newsletter from the public. It is a net benefit when Democrats read about our top-notch judges and officials. We need them to vote for our good people. Their votes in South Texas and Bexar County are important. Many of our Democrat readers tell me that they may not agree with our views, but they enjoy different segments of our newsletter. We are on the side of spreading our message to as many people as possible every Monday.
 

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 5:30pm-7:30pm 

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
 

When: Friday, September 22, 2006

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

Time: 6:30pm

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
 

While we are a conservative medical family, I do blame many of the issues facing medicine today on the insurance companies. In their focus to make money, they have practically used extortion to sign physicians onto their plans, demanding they accept payments below their break-even levels, if they want the patients to be eligible for their medical care. Then you only have to watch the stock market to see where the high premiums are going. I have often wondered why the insurance companies don't work with physicians to develop allies in this "health care crisis" by treating them with respect and developing contracts that work for their small businesses.  

Believe me, we know government payment is just as bad, even worse, and know government levels of medical payment will be a significant negative to access of quality medical care. Most physicians do prefer the private payer system, so why not work together with insurance. This can only happen when insurance stops their offensive minimum payment strategies, holding physicians hostage to their demands. What's the choice, Medicaid, Medicare? Great options........!
 

Against all experience the belief persists: reams of new regulations are the only solution to environmental threats, including, for example, contamination of the Edwards Aquifer. Detailed mandates and constraints are an assault on our individual liberties, and they are nearly always the worst way to achieve environmental goals. Our precious aquifer and its recharge zone are too important to entrust the details of protection efforts to the political process.

It’s not about personalities, competence, expertise, or budgets. Government, which means politics, is just not a good institutional mechanism for resolving intricate details of any kind, much less the management of diverse properties in a complicated, rapidly changing world economy.  Government is at its best when it reacts to widely shared objectives by creating incentives that harness individual initiative and creativity to resolve details. Government is at its worst when it micro-manages the property of others. The result, like most zoning ordinances, quickly grows into a monstrous document that stifles free enterprise and innovation, and promotes litigation and slight of hand to change boundaries and the interpretation of key phrases.

There is a simple, cost-effective alternative to monstrously detailed environmental rulemaking. The key words are financial responsibility. For example, for aquifer protection, a financial responsibility approach would mean that property owners on, or upstream of, the recharge zone, would be assessed impact fees when land uses have certain detrimental effects. For example, for plugging a sinkhole, the fee should be the cost of replacing the lost recharge (hundreds of $$/acre-foot per year). When creating impervious cover increases run-off, the fee should be the per unit capacity cost of flood control structures.

When land uses create serious risks, but detrimental effects are not certain, property owners should carry insurance coverage sufficient to pay for damages and clean up if an accident occurs.  For instance, gas station operators would have to be insured for the cost of clean up and damages from spills and underground storage tank leaks. Truckers that haul potential contaminants over the aquifer would have to be insured for the cost of clean up and damages from accidental spills.

A financial responsibility approach (FRA) has several major advantages over micro-management. The FRA does not prohibit or mandate any behavior. For example, applying FRA to recharge zone protection eliminates the need to draw boundaries, determine appropriate safeguards, or create lists of prohibited businesses. The FRA works through the market, not against it. To minimize the cost of the insurance, landowners can offer appropriate safeguards that can quickly change with new technologies. If the feasible safeguards don’t lower the threat enough, landowners will find the cost of insurance prohibitive. The insurance companies will have a strong financial incentive to monitor implementation of the promised safeguards, and to assist in the advancement of appropriate technologies. The policies will be offered if there is a demand for them.
 

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

11:30am

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
 

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: 8:30am– 10:00am (Remarks:  9:30am)

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

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

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 a civil trial court that represents all who live in Bexar County. It is one of thirteen civil district courts in Bexar County. There are a total of twenty-five district courts in Bexar County. Each district court represents everyone in Bexar County. Twelve of the district courts handle only criminal cases.

The 225th District Court, like the other twelve civil district courts in Bexar County, handles cases involving the following:
• Families
• Small Businesses
• Homeowners
• Employees and Employers
• Nursing Homes
• Health Care
• Automobile Accidents
• Business Damages
• Taxes
• Contracts
• Eminent Domain
• Municipal Issues
• Oil and Gas
• Complex Business Litigation.

The 225th is a trial court. In fact, it is the highest level of trial court in the Texas Court System. There are jury trials and non-jury trials in the 225th District Court. Non-jury trials are tried before the judge only. In both jury and non-jury trials it is critical that the judge have good knowledge and experience in applying the rules of evidence and procedure fairly in every type of case, no matter who the parties are and no matter how complex the litigation might be.

Most cases never go to trial, but many do. Although the parties file the cases in court, they often settle their cases before the trial date. However, many times there are pre-trial hearings before the judge that are necessary for the preparation of the trial or for the settlement of the case. Pre-trial hearings are common in many cases, and can be very helpful in giving the parties involved the necessary information for working toward a reasonable and fair resolution of their case. Understanding the rules of discovery and the rules of evidence and procedure as applied to the variety of different types of cases is critical to the fair and impartial application of the law for everyone who comes before the court.

It is important to have a jurist with the broad base of experience necessary to handle the wide variety of cases that come before the court. Marialyn Barnard is the only candidate for the 225th District Court who meets those criteria.

http://marialynbarnard.com/index.html

Event details will be provided in our upcoming newsletter.

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

It’s a tough year to be a Republican. We’re in the midst of the most unique gubernatorial race in Texas history, and everything seems to be a wild card. Conventional wisdom need not apply. Rick Perry has put down ticket Republicans in jeopardy due to HB 3, the lack of meaningful property tax relief (no appraisal caps), and, of course, the Trans Texas Corridor and tolling existing highways (using secret deals that put our infrastructure under foreign control). Even on immigration, he hasn’t done anything until 3 months ago.

Even up in the reddest of red Hill Country, discontent among Republicans is at an all time high if the grassroots response we’re getting is any indicator. People are fed up with high property taxes and creeping appraisals, they’re in shock over the Governor pushing and passing a whole NEW tax on business (written by a Democrat while we have an $8.2 billion surplus), and can’t believe their main arteries into San Antonio are going to become toll roads (I-35, 281, and studies conducted on I-10). If we can’t get rid of these things in 5 years under Perry with a Republican majority, then when can we? We’re just supposed to continue to allow the size of the government to grow unchecked, watch our taxes go up, and keep voting for you because you have an (R) after your name and because "we're not as bad as Democrats"? I don’t think so, and clearly the MAJORITY of Texans share this sentiment since 60% have already committed to vote for someone other than Perry.

The grassroots will not continue to be your doormat. We’re tired of special interest politics that have led to this overbearing, bloated, and abusive government. Thankfully, Republicans have a choice this November and we can vote for the TRUE FISCAL CONSERVATIVE in this race, Carole Strayhorn. What astounds me is how our Party betrayed her simply for standing up for what’s right and standing down an incumbent who clearly doesn’t represent our values anymore and who needs to be sent home. He no longer represents the folks who elected him.

He arrogantly (and foolishly) ignores tens of thousands of Texans who have pleaded with him to stop this DOUBLE TAXATION and taking away our existing FREEways and replacing them with toll ways. Thousands more have made impassioned pleas to stop the Trans Texas Corridor and begged Perry NOT to take their land (under the quick takings clause in HB 3588, it can be done in less than 90 days) only to hand it over to FOREIGN COMPANIES for commercial gain (the Kelo case wrapped up in a different colored bow). ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

This week, polling data shows Perry below 35%. Zogby’s poll isn’t scientific, but Rasmussen is a reliable pollster and was the most accurate in the last presidential election. Read more here.

With an editorial in the Washington Times last week showing that personal income has dropped for 5 consecutive years in a row, while taxes, gas prices, health insurance and cost of living have exploded, we can’t honestly say, as we could in the Reagan years that we’re better off today than we were four years ago. Perry is not only vulnerable, he’s about to get a ONE WAY ticket home from Austin as should EVERY INCUMBENT who has failed to heed the will of the PEOPLE and who has put their special interest cronies ahead of the public good.

GET THESE BOOKS:

Get The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money by Timothy Carney and Tax Revolt by Phil Valentine and read them cover to cover before November 7. It’s time for a taxpayer revolt and to put the power back in the hands of the PEOPLE!
 

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. 

Another week has passed and the big news is obviously the untimely death of a great icon and legend, former Governor Ann Richards. A role model for women of all ages, she opened up the government to minorities and those who would not have normally been included.

You don’t see many politicians, male or female like that. We will miss you, Ann Richards. I believe her funeral will be held in Austin later today. Word is that former President Clinton will give the eulogy at the memorial service.

So what is happening in the Congressional District 23? It is certainly quiet on the Southside. Word is that the white guy, Lukin Gilliland, opened a campaign headquarters on Goliad Road.

Driving down Goliad the other day, I noticed some big signs with his name blaring off of them. Guess he is hoping that the five Hispanic Democratic candidates will rip each other apart and he can slip into a run off with Henry the “Horrible.”

It is rumored a bunch of Southside Democrats and others are jumping on the political bandwagon for Henry the “Horrible.” How sad is that. It is also rumored that President Bush will come to Texas to campaign for him. Now there is a story to tell. I guess if Henry’s polls begin to sink or crater somewhat, we will see the Commander-In-Chief make an appearance. There goes the neighborhood.

Speaking of polls, the recent Zogby Poll and others are showing that Democratic candidate for Governor of Texas Chris Bell’s numbers are on the rise, with better name ID and support. It appears that Governor Slick Hair is fading in popularity. Oh, how sad. I heard that Chris Hughes who worked for Governor Ann Richards is now working on staff with Chris Bell. I guess it can’t hurt the cause.

Then of course there is Kinky the one-liner politician. Can you believe he wants to legalize pot? It is like a flashback to the 60s. That ought to get him some votes. His ads now quote the Book of John in the Bible. How weird is that, considering he is Jewish!

Grandma appears to be making a run at it, too. But considering she has lots of money on hand, you can see why she is moving up in the polls. By November this race could be a barnburner. Who knew?

The other good news for Democrats is that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is also falling in the polls and Democratic Senatorial nominee Barbara Radnofsky is moving up as well. Again, we are looking at an interesting race. I can’t wait to see that debate between Barbara Ann and Kay Bailey. Who knows, it might be the bout of the century. 

Well, with lots of women in the political hunt this go-round, it could make for a real interesting election cycle. With Governor Richards now gone, it will be interesting to see what woman will stand up and try to fill Richards’ shoes in the State of Texas. It is hard to follow a legacy.

On one side you have high levels of estrogen and on the other side you have out of control testosterone. We know how those races will turn out.

But before I close, let me relate an interesting story. Seems that at the Alamo Area Home Care Council “Meet the Candidates” luncheon, September 13th, Fourth Court of Appeals candidate Eddie De La Garza attempted to distance himself from the “Testosterone Twins” controversy.

He was heard to say that he was not one of those two candidates who spoke out in favor of bringing back testosterone to the 4th Court of Appeals by voting out two female justices on the court. 

The 4th Court hopeful made it clear, “I hope you don’t punish me for that since I am NOT one of the offenders. 

As it happens, Editor Joe Solis has been on a grassroots campaign against the “Testosterone Twins” in the past few weeks. I have a strange feeling that Eddie De La Garza will be dragged along for the ride. 

As I always say, only time will tell.

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