An Open Letter to Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst:

You are a good man. It is obvious that you have a genuine passion for serving the citizens of Texas. This is something I admire and respect.

Repeat sexual predators are terrible human beings. These sick and perverted people should be locked away under the toughest possible laws you have articulated in recent political speeches. 

This makes sense because the children of Texas deserve no less. 

This legislative year you are advocating the death penalty for repeat sexual offenders. This does not make sense. Sir, there is something that is not right with this concept. Think about this for one moment.

Are Texans supposed to rally around the notion that we should double or triple the number of executions in this state because this group of criminals is very unpopular in the mainstream media? I don’t get it. 

Are we supposed to feel good about this? 

Will this make us safer as a society? 

Will the children of Texas be safer?

I don’t think so.

The culture of death, in my opinion, revolves around the fact that our problems will disappear if we execute or eliminate the people we really dislike. History has shown us that this is no way to conduct our affairs in a civil society. We all know the stories: Nazi Germany, Darfur, and ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia. 

You are going down a very dangerous path. Let me ask you two final questions.

Which group is next? When does this end?

In two years, will you call for executions of people who sexually abuse seniors or some other group? What other group of people will you and your legislators go after? Remember, we are talking about putting these people to death.

It is common knowledge that talk show commentator Bill O’Reilly is publicly pressuring you and Governor Perry to be “tough” on repeat sexual offenders. 

It is simply astonishing that the two of you are taking your orders on this issue from a New York commentator just so you can prove you are “Texas Tough.”

I oppose your efforts to impose the death penalty for repeat sexual offenders. Yes, go ahead and toughen our laws this legislative year. Give them life with no parole. Do whatever you have to do to find a way to deal with this ongoing problem.  

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, please take a step back and reconsider this move as you launch your run for Governor in 2010. 

We get it. You love the children of Texas. Your goal is to protect them. You want to score points with voters.  Got it.

A new round of mass executions in the great state of Texas is not the final solution to this problem.

It takes vision, discipline and strength to deal with tough challenges.

This is one of them.

We can do better. You can do better.

Thank you,

Joe Solis

Director, South Texas Republicans
 

Let us not perpetuate the Culture of Death by allowing our Lt. Governor and Governor to set off a new round of executions. There has to be a better way to become more popular in the eyes of voters. This nonsense of being “Texas Tough” by killing more people in this state is insanity.

Please contact your legislators and let them know what you think. Visit our web page to obtain their contact information: SouthTexasRepublicans.com
 

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Dewhurst wants crackdown on sex offenders

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is making a crackdown on sex offenders who prey upon children a priority for the legislative session that begins in January.

Good.

Although all crime is reprehensible, there's something particularly ugly about the sexual victimization of helpless children. And it doesn't seem to be a problem that's going away.

According to El Paso Police Department figures, we're seeing a steady increase in the number of registered sex offenders. From 2003 the number went from 392 to 430, then to 454 and finally to 495 in 2006. And according to state statistics, of the 46,000 registered sex offenders living in Texas, 21,000 committed a crime against a child.

Dewhurst wants to eliminate probation as the minimum sentence and instead make the minimum 25 years in prison, followed by lifetime monitoring with a GPS system to keep close track of the offender. A second offense would bring the death penalty.

Dewhurst said, "I become very, very angry when, on a daily basis, I hear of cases where adults abuse our children.

And, if they do it a second time, it's the death penalty. We've got to send a strong message that you can't do this in Texas."

The legislation being proposed by Dewhurst, called the Texas Children First Package, also would require background checks on every individual who works at a public school. Good idea.

Dewhurst will run into opposition from those generally opposed to the death penalty and those who think that the death penalty might actually be counterproductive. There's room for some healthy and productive discussion here.

But a crackdown on those who sexually abuse children is welcome. A slap on the wrist in the form of registration and probation is insufficient punishment and deterrent.
 

“Passage of this amendment protects the first amendment rights of Americans, enabling them to continue letting their voices be heard on issues being addressed in Congress. Hearing from the American people is a key part of accountability, accessibility and openness in government. I’m encouraged that we safeguarded these important rights guaranteed by the Constitution and are allowing the Democratic process to continue freely.”

Section 220 of the Ethics Bill would have imposed onerous disclosure requirements on issue-advocacy organizations that engage in grassroots lobbying. The Bennett amendment removes those provisions.
 

Copyright 2007 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved

If Republicans are wondering how best to shorten their time in the minority, they could do worse than to build on this week's Senate earmark victory. That reform success proves how good policy translates into good politics.

The Senate on Tuesday passed significant earmark reform, 98-0. But that unanimous tally masks the bitter battle that preceded the vote. When Republican freshmen Tom Coburn and Jim DeMint first launched an effort last summer to make earmarks more transparent, they struggled. Republicans had to be dragged into even minimal reform, and among their first acts after losing the election was to attempt to slip thousands more earmarks into their lame-duck spending bills.

Still, minority status has a way of focusing the mind, and combined with continued DeMint-Coburn shaming, Senate Republicans appear to have re-embraced some principles. When Majority Leader Harry Reid last week attempted to water down House Democrats' earmark reform, Messrs. Coburn and DeMint rallied enough fellow Republicans (and a few Democrats) to outmaneuver the spenders. Red-faced at getting caught trying to submarine their own party's plan for reform, Senate Democrats did an about-face and jumped on the earmark-reform bandwagon.

The result was a mini-competition as to which side of the aisle was tougher on earmarks, and a final bill that goes beyond even the House reform. Senator DeMint passed (98-0) an amendment that broadens the definition of an earmark; even those slipped into last-minute conference reports will have to be disclosed. Under the original Senate legislation, 95% of earmarks would have escaped scrutiny.

More amazing was Democrats' new enthusiasm for oversight. Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin -- who started off trying to tank Mr. DeMint's reform -- finished by passing an amendment (also 98-0) that requires lawmakers to post their earmark requests on the Internet 48 hours before a vote. (The House version of the bill simply requires a public disclosure form.) California Democrat Dianne Feinstein also joined in, passing by voice vote a provision that would bar lawmakers from including earmarks in the classified parts of a bill or a conference report unless they also included language in unclassified terms describing the project, funding levels and sponsor. Classified reports were among the ways that former Rep. Duke Cunningham -- now in federal prison -- hid his earmark payoffs.

None of this is to suggest earmarks will disappear in Washington. The real test will be whether lawmakers can restrain themselves from inserting pork-barrel projects. The news isn't encouraging. We hear federal agency telephones have been ringing off the hook, as Congressmen use back-channels to secure earmarks that they'd rather not appear in public.

Still, the reform is a good start. Republicans made headlines with their demands last week, and the news stories were a welcome change for a public appalled by Congress's spend-happy ways. If conservatives had shown this sort of commitment to their small-government ideals back when it mattered, they might still be in the majority.

 URL for this article:
 

The Alamo City Republican Women's Club will be hosting a membership reception on February 20 at 11:00 in Historic Monte Vista. Elizabeth Ames Jones, one of Texas' most powerful women, will be the featured speaker. Ms. Jones is the former State Representative of District 121.

 She is currently Chairman of the Railroad Commission in charge of regulating our oil and gas industry. Cost to attend is $35.00 which includes a year's free membership in Alamo City Republican Women. 

For reservations or information contact Barbara at 342-5482, Carolyn at 4993-6210, or ACRWreservations@gmail.com
 

Dear Friend,

Greetings! I have been called by God to run for the position of Mayor of San Antonio. I am humbled by this call and want to do everything I can to honor the experience as an opportunity to glorify God. My guide is the Word of God. My strength and direction will come through prayer.  These are the values by which I live my life. Together, let’s glorify God in San Antonio!

You are cordially invited to attend a fundraiser dinner Thursday, January 25, at 6:30 PM, at my restaurant, Joseph’s Storehouse Restaurant and Bakery at 3420 N. St. Mary’s.  Music will be provided and we will enjoy a fun time together! Please contact Ms. Jean Yates at 674-5400 today! Space is limited, so you will want to be sure to RSVP for this very important event before January 22!

God bless you! We look forward to hearing from you today!!!!

Patrick J. McCurdy    

Mayoral Candidate                      (please cut along dotted line and return lower portion)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

____ Yes, I will attend. I would like to purchase a total of _____ dinners at $30 each.

____ No, I will not be attending. However, I would like to contribute to your campaign. Enclosed is my best gift at this time for $_________________.

Note: The price of dinners purchased is considered a political contribution. Donors must be U.S. citizens. Mayoral candidates may not accept more than $1,000 per donor (but not per household), nor may cash donations exceed $100 per donor during the election cycle. Corporate checks are prohibited. (per San Antonio Campaign Finance Laws)

San Antonio Municipal Ethics Commission requires the following for all political contributions:

______________________________      ______________________________________

Name                                                 Employer

______________________________      ______________________________________

Street address                                    Occupation

_______________________    _____      _____________     ______________________

City                                     State        Zip Code              Phone Number

Please mail checks payable to:  McCurdy Campaign
                                                   9707 Five Forks
                                                   San Antonio TX 78245
Pol Adv pd by Patrick McCurdy

3420 N. St Mary’s  ▪  San Antonio TX  78212  ▪  (210) 638-8453
 

“We cannot continue to fund military construction and base operations at fiscal year 2006 levels,” explained Congressman Smith, who represents Fort Sam Houston. “Outdated funding levels will not address the new and growing needs of our local military installations.”

Democrat leaders presiding over the 110th Congress have indicated that they will rely on a continuing resolution at fiscal year 2006 levels to finance most government operations through the remainder of fiscal 2007, which ends September 30, while they craft appropriations bills for 2008.

As a result of base consolidation, Fort Sam Houston is due to receive 11,000 new military personnel starting in 2007.

“Fort Sam and San Antonio’s other military bases must have adequate funds to absorb thousands of new people and successfully complete the Base Realignment and Closure transition,” said Smith. “I am reaching out to other Members of the Texas delegation to urge their support to correct this potential funding crisis.”

The “Fiscal Year 2007 Military Construction Appropriations Act” contains over $154 million for three San Antonio military installations: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base.

“This funding will provide local military personnel with the medical education, training, health care and quality of life they need to accomplish their missions at home and abroad,” concluded Smith. “I will continue to make every effort to ensure that our San Antonio military bases receive the amount of funding they need to protect our country.”

Congressman Smith is the Chairman of Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. Read more about Congressman Smith's positions on high technology.    
 

Samuel Scott Courage

Born: January 19

Time: 8:58 AM

Weight: 9 lbs., 13 ozs.

Length: 21 1/2 inches

Mom and baby are doing great! 

Express-News Ed Board softens; questions TxDOT's credibility after putting out false figures

Concludes: Texans deserve to make the choice between gas tax system versus toll proliferation

http://satollparty.com/post/?p=504

Some lawmakers want to rein in TxDOT's toll roads

http://satollparty.com/post/?p=503

Extremely informative article on tolls & the Trans Texas Corridor in Ft. Worth Weekly

Only thing bigger than Trans Texas Corridor is rebellion against it!

http://satollparty.com/post/?p=502
 

This version of the Republicrat Plus contains several independent opinion pieces attached. The Republicrat has been writing a column in this newsletter for slightly over one year. We are stirring up emotions on both sides of the political spectrum. Good. One of the writers below asks the following the following question: “Mr. Solis: What are you thinking?” [in reference to publishing this column].

The Republicrat presents the views of insiders in the Bexar County Democratic Party. We are publishing information certain insiders want to distribute. Do they have an agenda? Absolutely. Our willingness to let the Executive Director of the Bexar County Democrat party shows we are willing to present the opposing viewpoint. We are fair to both sides.

Yes, we are stirring things up. We are also making people think. A local Democrat judge told me recently that she learns about her own party from our newsletter. This newsletter can be called an “Information Broker.” We broker political information and commentary. I would like to add we have never had to correct any story beyond a title and some minor date.

We are publishing what people are saying and thinking even if it includes dirty laundry which insiders in the Democratic Party feel is relevant. I would ask my readers the following? Why do local Democrats publicly fight in such an intense manner in my newsletter? In my opinion, there is battle for the heart and soul of the party. It is Texas politics at its finest. Enjoy because you won’t find this good stuff in the San Antonio Express-News or any other publication. I promise you that.

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. 

Over the past two issues, I have discussed the Chairs of the Democrat and Republican Party. I have pointed out their flaws and attributes. The history of poor leadership is nothing new on either side.

Let’s take a step down memory lane for a moment. Let's start with former Bexar County Democratic Rudy Casias. Democrats are still trying to figure out how he came out of nowhere to become the Party Chair. Considering no one knew who he was or still don’t remember ever seeing him at any Democratic function up to that time, it is still amazing.

As a Party Chair, he obviously failed miserably.

Let's for the time being move to the right of Rudy Casias and talk about the Republican side for a moment. The last Republican Chairman was Roy Barrera, Jr., a former district court judge appointed by Gov. Bill Clements. He is a lawyer who specializes in high-profile cases including representing Alan Hawthorne who received a prison sentence for his involvement with the murder of his wife in Florida. 

Where am I going with all of this? Roy Jr., or "Little Roy", has always had a reputation of kissing up to all the judges at the courthouse when he was Chairman. I observed it myself when I was at the Courthouse.

Non-judges complained about his lack of interest in helping them. His very close relationship with judges has made him very valuable to clients who need help with their criminal cases. This makes perfect sense. You help select judges while you are chair, you help them raise money and you help them stay in office. Duh?

It is a slick game to make judges beholden to you. That is how he played the game very successfully. It is painfully obvious why he endorsed the current Chairman Richard Langlois. He is also a criminal defense lawyer. Attorneys in Bexar County take care of each other as well as judges.

Business is business and woe to either political party that gets in the way. What happened to the Republican Party during the Barrera years? My sources tell me that he neglected it and it withered away. Roy laid the foundation over the past 12 years. He gave fancy and motivational speeches at grassroots events but he was glaringly absent after the dinners and luncheons in Alamo Heights.

My Republican friends soon learned that the foundation "Little Roy,” put into place was nothing more that dirt. Why you say? Reports say that he never returned phone calls or followed-up with the precinct chairs who desperately wanted to grow his party. That sounds strangely familiar to me as Democrats complained about Rudy for the same reason. The current Democratic Chair Carla Vela is known to be that way, also.

I digress. Many say that “Little Roy,” was the ultimate cocktail party Republican. Show up for high-end parties, make exciting speeches and mingle with his buddies. Business is business, as I said. Democrats love this because Republican after Republican lost during his tenure.

So what has “Little Roy” been doing? He brings luck to Democrats!! Yes. He backed Congressman Henry Bonilla, Judge Richard Price, Judge Rene Diaz, Marialyn Barnard and Judge Mark Luitjen. Where are they now?

They all lost in November. Here is the best part. He backed Democrat Judge Al Alonso, Judge Barbara Nellermoe & District Clerk Margaret Montemayor, all who won.

His support of Comptroller Carole McClellan Rylander Strayhorn is astounding when you think about it. Why would he back an obvious loser in the Republican Party as a former Republican Chairman, himself? He is the ultimate opportunist who has been very successful in life. Who can beat great wealth, name ID and a Teflon personality? And the beat goes on.

Meanwhile back at the Democratic Party, we have Party Chair Carla Vela who I believe is really trying to do a good job except when she makes outlandish statements, and continues to keep the likes of Executive Director Madeleine Dewar in position to do all the trash talking and deflect the pressure and heat away from her.

Next to Madeleine, Carla is beginning to look better all the time. Seems that Madeleine, is having a field day spewing trash talk. She inserts her feet with the funny shoes, into her mouth every time she speaks. She writes in the Republican newsletter with venom and invective and then signs her column with, “Peace, Love & Serenity.” Talk about an oxymoron. What is that all about? And why is she writing in the Republican newsletter brandishing her title around. She is embarrassing good Democrats like me!

I hope she continues to write a column in the Republican newsletter. She makes me look good. I don’t wear funny-looking circus shoes, but professional size 7 pumps!

One of our privy Democratic sources says that the reason why Party Chair Carla Vela started her administration so strongly was due to the input of the infamous “Barrio Boys.”

The story goes that numerous local Democrats signed on to a lawsuit against the-then Party Chair Rudy Casias to force him to follow State Democratic Party policy.

This embittered insider source says that many party members supported Carla over the infamous trash-talking Dan Ramos at the time, because she promised to raise money, deal with the local Democratic officials and she would allow them to create the foundation for the party by setting up committees and rules and regulations to follow. Even the parliamentary procedures guru was ecstatic that there would be law and order.

According to the very vocal source, Carla’s task was simply to insure inclusiveness and allow for an open administration with checks and balances. Our insider says, Carla’s mood changed, turning dictatorial, issuing directives, acting paranoid and dislodging local committee members for other Democrats, she felt non-threatening.

The revelation is a number of Democrats faced two choices: ousting or walking away from the Party, leaving a bitter taste for some Democrats.

Moving on to more pleasant news, it looks like more women are announcing to run for City Council. You have Mary Alice Cisneros in District 1, Gloria Sanchez and Diane Cibrian in District 8, Lourdes Galvan in District 5, of course Sheila McNeil in District 2, Elena Guajardo in District 7 and Delicia Herrera in District 6. Looks like the Year of the Woman. This is good for us women. By the way, none of them wear funny looking shoes!

I AM the Republicrat PLUS.
 

Why I think True Conservatives and True Liberals are closer than most people think

Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:34:11 -0600

This is a conservative writer who I respect. I don’t agree with everything he suggests and of course the one area where we often disagree is the “how” to get from point A to point B, but as I was sitting in this cold morning I happened on his blog and thought I’d share a few entries with you.

http://bartlett.blogs.nytimes.com/?th&emc=th(I subscribe to Times Select.  If you are unable to access this I’ll be glad to forward the rest of his articles)

Bruce Bartlett is the author of "Impostor: How George W. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy." In the 1980's, Mr. Bartlett was the executive director of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. He later worked in the Reagan White House and in the Treasury Department during the administration of President George H.W. Bush.

Part Two

I am writing this one last post to the South Texas Republican Newsletter in response to the Republicrat and then I will be done. I refuse to continue encouraging a column that has degraded to the level of sewerage. Frankly I’m surprised that Joe Solis is continuing to allow this level of drivel to contaminate his otherwise commendable newsletter. I have told him many times that I wish we Democrats had something as informative on our side.

I felt it necessary to defend Carla, but I’ve belatedly learned that nothing I could say would make any difference.

I have no problem with the silly things he [The Republicrat] is saying about me. As a matter of fact my “circus clown” shoes are consistently complimented. I am a rebel and I choose to allow myself that freedom in my retirement. That freedom also allows me to volunteer full time for the party and/or candidates of my choice like John Courage. I’m like the Red Hat ladies except that I choose my rebellion to be in the political arena with my very visual van, my T-Shirts, my political buttons and my Birkies, the crazier the better.

I do have a problem with the things he [The Republicrat] is saying about Carla, but many of the long time party activists, elected officials and others have told both Carla and I that they are very pleased with the progress the party is making. They are suggesting in writing and through the spoken word both publicly and privately that we should not waste our time on this balderdash and put our continued efforts toward bringing Bexar County totally into the Democratic column. 

Oh, one last thing. I will gladly name these people. None of them feel the need to hide in anonymity. Many have already stated their opinions in public blogs and groups with their names attached.

Peace, Love, Serenity and Adieu,

Madeleine
 

But actually, I am questioning one of The Republicrat's statements:

"Here is a guy [Tom Craddick] who is reported to be a very religious Catholic and he acts that way?"

What way? Let me see. He's effective. He gets things done that the Republican Party wants done. He is pro-life. He's pro-marriage.

And then The Republicrat castigated Tom Delay. Wait a minute. Has he been convicted of a crime? No. And he won't be. The Demos just wanted him out.

Why?

It was because he too was effective for the Republican Party, and so the Demos sicked their lackey Austin DA on him. The Demo's mainstream media lapdogs went along for the ride and now "everyone" believes Delay is some horrible criminal. He is not. He was effective. Heaven forbid an effective Republican. They will be demonized, thrashed and wrung out to dry.

Oh, and by the way, Madeleine Dewar's sign off of "peace, love and serenity"

makes me gag every time I read it.

God save America from blinded liberals

A True Republican
 

I was curious about the reference to someone who calls herself the Republicrat and this person known as Madeleine Dewar. Having lived in Bexar County all my life, and having affiliated with both high-ranking Demos and Republicans, I am quite uncertain as to who are these so-called Insiders.

The Republicrat claims to be from the Southside of San Antonio, and Ms. Dewar has the auspicious title of field director, precinct chair, and SDEC member. I went to the Republican newsletter to learn about both of them.

Now, I remember when Joe Solis was a purveyor of fine jewelry, and aspirations of elected office. It appears his political connections have allowed him a space to blog Republican happenings.

I am confused as to who is the most messed up in this hotbed of intrigue—Mr. Solis, Ms. Dewar, or Ms. Republicrat.

Mr. Solis, thank you for the opportunity to help me clear my head of the confusion that now abounds due to what I have read recently in your newsletter and the Walker Report.

I need to dissect this in order to make some sense. 

First, Ms. Republicrat: Where in the heck do you get your information? As a former teacher from the “Pride of the Southside” as one Superintendent dubbed us, and having worked in the next-door district of now House Rep Ciro Rodriguez, I take exception to some of your rhetoric.       

Obviously, you love gossip and spreading drivel to titillate the masses. I am sure there are minute shards of truth in what you report, but as in all gossip, only a shard needs to start drivel.

The Southsiders I know have much more dignity than what you display, and would never stoop to your tactics. Why can’t you reveal who you are, or are you too ashamed to let your real identity being known?

Secondly, Ms. Dewar: Where the heck do you get off trying to be the Spokeswoman for the entire Democratic Party in Bexar County. If I didn’t know better, I would say “Psycho Bitch” is back, and in her uniformly disrupting manner.

I remember she gave herself that title when she was Field Director beginning with Walter Martinez back in the 1990’s. Most of us chalked up her behavior to lack of medication and not being from Bexar County. I believe she was from Indiana or Illinois, I can’t remember which.  

Poor old Gabe Quintanilla brought her back for a second round after Rolando Rocha got rid of her. Now we have you. What is your excuse for your ranting and ravings, and airing dirty laundry for the party? Is it a lack of medication, or just not a clue as to how Bexar County works?

As I recall there are rules as to your conduct in the purported offices you now claim as yours. If you continue these behaviors, someone in much higher office will be questioning your qualifications, and may demand a recall, recount, and repositioning of your over-rated worth.  

If the current Party Chair finds these behaviors acceptable, then perhaps the Democrats need to rethink of a possible recall election, and get someone who is up to speed to fill that position as well.

I know I will never send another dime to support the Democratic Party if this is what we have to deal with. I am not alone in this thought, and know other persons who like me lay quite a bit of money on some candidates who wish to remain Democrats. I am not sure of their reasoning at remaining in a dysfunctional organization as this has become.

Finally, Mr. Solis: What are you thinking? You are a Republican with a fine newsletter. You report Republican happenings and take your party to task when necessary. I understand your quest to know what the other side is thinking and doing, but couldn’t you find better choices to listen to?

I also understand that these two women make for interesting reading, but they have gone beyond good taste in their rantings. I also send money to candidates of Republican leanings, and admire many. I no longer wish to claim either Party as my own, as I cannot stomach our current President, and his cronies.

I was born a Democrat, and often can identify with many of their ideas, but not to the extent of loving radicals and their tirades, and I love some of the principles of the Republican party, but I can’t go along with thinking elitism is okay.

Again, I wish to thank you for allowing me to try to make sense of what is found in cyberspace. I think I will go back to my surfing, and try to find what I originally sought—information on home repairs.

In the spirit of the Republicrat, I am and will remain anonymous.