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10/1/07 Newsletter Citizen Journalism Focused on Liberty, Conservatism and Independent Thought |
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Newsletter: District 23: Who will take Lyle Larson to the Dance? Commentary by Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans
(Picture source: Bexar County Web Site)
We are waiting. We're all playing the waiting game.
Will Bexar County Commissioner Lyle Larson run for Congressional District 23?
What is he thinking? We know he wants it.
You can feel it. I can feel it. Yet, something is wrong. He is sitting on the bench for various reasons. He is waiting.
Lyle was not expecting serious competition. It was going to be a coronation for the handsome one. The pretty cheerleader is always the first one to be asked to the dance.
This prom is different. The rules changed while his feet were on the couch.
Quico Canseco and Jim McGrody are out there. They are in the arena in a big way.
Jim is back in the race. Bruce Davidson of the San Antonio Express-News gave him a big wet kiss a few weeks ago in his Sunday column. It was cute. Jim looks like he is having so much fun with his newsletters and commentary. Good for him.
Quico Canseco leads a grassroots calvary backed with television ads, high dollar supporters, a campaign infrastructure and his devote loyalists throughout the district. (They love the guy.) Early on, he pulled out his checkbook to show he is really serious.
One of these individuals is going to be taken to the dance.
Unfortunately, all of us are still waiting for him- Lyle.
Will the grassroots of the party take Lyle Larson to the dance?
Will the high dollar supporters take Lyle to the dance?
Will he do it? We wait, wait and wait.
He could do us all a big favor.
Lyle, step up and just say something.
End the drama.
Why?
We want our elected officials and potential candidates to play big time. It is about backbone. We want them to be serious about things that matter. Winking at everybody in the lobby is getting old after all these months.
It would be so easy to step up.
It would take some courage though.
What's it going to be big boy?
We need to focus on Ciro now. This is Showtime.
It time to get off the couch amigo. Turn off the television and finish your nachos.
There is nothing more unattractive than the reluctant warrior.
Nobody wants to take that person to the dance.
Lyle, what's it going to be?
Let's Roll guy.
This is getting old.
Just decide.
Now.
(Disclosure: Jim
McGrody was one of the founders of South Texas
Republicans 3 years ago. He left the P.A.C. one year
ago. Quico Canseco has been a friend and a financial
supporter of South Texas Republicans for close to 2
years. The editor of this newsletter is listed as a
private individual supporter of Mr. Canseco.)
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Sir Winston Churchil, June 4, 1940, House of Commons
 (Speech Segment)
I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty's Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation.
The British Empire and the FrenchRepublic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.
We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
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 "The Republican Environmental Leadership Conference is being held in San Antonio at the Hyatt Riverwalk October 5-6. The conference line up includes several nationally known speakers and will offer candidate training to local, state, and federal candidates and office holders on conservative approaches to conservation. Republicans for Environmental Protection, the organizer, believes that Republicans must claim the leadership role on conservation issues in order to take back seats in Congress. Any person who signs up for the conference and mentions this newsletter will have their conference fee discounted to $200 from $300. Call Rob Sisson at 269-651-1808 or visit REP's website at www.rep.org to sign up." |
Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom, Terri Hall (www.TexasTURF.org)Texas taxpayers through TURF sought a temporary restraining order to keep TxDOT from spending any more of our hard earned money to advocate for toll roads and the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC) and to make themselves look rosy in the process. Each is against the law! So why didn't Travis County District Court Judge Orlinda Naranjo grant the TRO? TxDOT pulled a rabbit out of its hat (which we knew about by the way).
The Texas Legislature passed a special law that allows TxDOT, but no other state agency, to advertise to put money in its own pocket (let's call it the unaccountable government slush fund). The citizens invoked another law that says they can't (Chapter 556, Texas Government Code). We believe their ability to advertise toll roads is limited to the "Get your TxTag here" variety, but the Judge didn't want to go out on a limb and immediately enjoin a state agency until she hears more.
So Round I went to TxDOT, which is no surprise given that taxpayers are now David versus Goliath in taking on just about EVERY area of government. However, after at least five expert attorneys reviewed the two statutes, all were incredulous at how the Judge ruled.
At the end of the day, there is no legal authority for a state agency to use taxpayer money for ANY POLITICAL PURPOSE, whether to sway public opinion in favor of tolls and the TTC or to lobby Congress for legislation to buy back existing interstates in a TRIPLE TAX toll scheme that puts a HEAP of money in TxDOT's pocket! The conflict of interest is obvious. Round II is Wednesday.
Sparks fly at MPO as McNeil strips agenda item repudiating TxDOT's ad campaign Leibowitz comes unhinged: |
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A Federal Truth in Taxation Idea
By John Merrifield, Professor of Economics Director, Entrepreneurial Conservatism Institute
The best idea is to abolish income taxation. It attacks productivity, and its enforcement requirements, combined with mind-boggling complexity, are utterly anti-liberty and anti-privacy. The IRS' own inability to understand the code means that the vast majority of 1040-filers have violated the law, and live in jeopardy of severe punishment at the whim of the IRS and random audit bad luck.
That said --which is important because many don't realize that and others live in denial -- what can we do with the income tax to make it less threatening? Of course, lower, flatter rates, would spur economic growth, but many others are doing a great job of making that case. The elimination of withholding in favor of a monthly check to pay your taxes would create pressure to cut rates.
My idea is worth considering with the current rate structure, or with a flat rate, and with or without withholding. It boils down to this. To get more of our money (inflation-adjusted) next year than this year, make the congress vote to raise rates. Here's how it would work. Based on an independent official economic forecast for the upcoming federal fiscal year, a new law would specify that the income tax rates would adjust downward each year, automatically, so that projected income tax revenue is no more than the previous year's revenue adjusted for inflation.
Such a law would also create an insightful, and mostly benign, economic experiment. Would the political fallout of having to vote to raise rates to increase income tax revenue reduce the rate of growth in spending, or just increase borrowing, or prompt rate increases for other taxes?
The weak link in my proposal is the economic forecast. We'd need an apolitical source with a great reputation for accuracy. Is the Federal Reserve sufficiently insulated from political pressures to be the designated source of the official forecast? They already do sophisticated economic forecasting. It's worth thinking about. |
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"The Republicrat PLUS" (A Moderate Viewpoint) This is a series by 3 anonymous political insiders in BexarCounty. The views of this section do not represent the views of South Texas Republicans PAC. Over the past 2 weeks, I have focused too much attention on candidate for U.S. Senate Mikal Watts. The thought of all that money gets this girl so excited. "Honey, can you call American Express tomorrow? My Platinum card is wearing out again." Think about it. What a life.
The San Antonio Express-News reported that Mikal has made $40 million dollars over the past year. I have to use my stupid Macy's (formerly Foley's) credit card to buy my designer purses on sale. God, I miss those Red Apple sales. Can you believe they charge 22.9% on those cards? (Scam APR!!) What is my point? I have to live in the real world. Let's talk about the real world candidate who is hoping to defeat Senator Cornyn. That person is State Representative and Lt. Col. Rick Noriega.
There is something about men in uniform. I don't know what it is. Could it be the dirty and worn out boots that have sexy appeal? Could it be the starched shirts? Could it be shiny buckles? Or, could it be those slick and polished shoes that rock my little boat?
I think it is the authentic feeling that they are real heroes. They are putting themselves in danger for our democracy. My brother served in Vietnam so I know what the meaning of sacrifice is. It is real and solid. That is why Rick Noriega is on a roll.
His base of support in San Antonio is incredible:
State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer gave Mikal Watts $10,000 from his campaign fund a few months ago. This boy, who has never heard of a decent haircut or moderation in eating, is going to have a tough time explaining this one.
Gina Castaneda is the political consultant for Congressman Ciro Rodriguez who many credit for encouraging him to get back into the race when he quit for lack of money against Bonilla. She is also the one who is partially responsible for the slow demise of another political consultant; Alice Guerra who many say has worn out her welcome for her nasty attitude and verbally abusive manner to staff and candidates.
State Representative Joaquin Castro. He needs to tell his brother that there is no chance in hell he will be elected Mayor of San Antonio. His day is history. A moderate like Justin Rodriguez will eat his lunch at the ballot box.
Councilman Justin Rodriguez. I am biased. I love this guy.
Gerardo Menchaca is the pretty boy lawyer fundraiser who loves to
let everybody know that he is the man to know.
His name appears on just about every fundraising invitation. Those
darling eyes probably keep his evenings busy if you know what I
mean. Then of course, we have Henry Cisneros and Councilwoman Mary Alice Cisneros and access to out of state money supporters. Henry's state of approval means big corporate dollars are on the way. These folks are more connected than AT&T on Mothers' Day.
State Representative Pete Gallego of El Paso is the Hispanic Golden
Boy of the House. This guy needs help with his
speeches. I'd rather see my dentist than hear this guy speak.
Ernest Martinez is the son of Jaime Martinez, National Treasurer of
LULAC. Ernest is an up and comer in the local
LULAC organization. Expect to see more of him in the next few years.
Fortunately, he is more moderate in his views than Rosa
Rosales or his father, Jaime. Eddie Alderete, a Senior Vice President of IBC Bank. The CEO of IBC is a pro-immigration advocate and quasi-open borders advocate. Eddie is the San Antonio mouthpiece for his boss based in Laredo. Will someone tell Eddie that you can get through life without being so incredibly arrogant?
Others in support of Rick are a "Who's Who" of San Antonio powerbrokers. You have old-timer Joe Bernal and Henry Munoz III of the "Henry Munoz III Museum downtown. The Alameda Museum should carry Munoz's name on it somewhere. It is his baby and he lets the world know.
Then there is flaming liberal Senator Elliot Shapleigh, Senator Leticia Van De Putte and "Mr. I went to Harvard and you did not" & "Let me explain tax legislation while you hang yourself," State Representative Mike Villarreal.
Mikal Watts lives in San Antonio and Rick is eating his lunch in the AlamoCity. I get a kick out of seeing Watts have his picture taken with elderly Hispanic women on the Westside. Does anyone really believe those women are going to vote for new San Antonio citizen who happens to live in castle in the north part of town over a Latino military man? After the Ken Burns documentary debacle, Noriega is a slam-dunk with this crowd.
I feel sorry for poor Christian Archer, the Watts political consultant. This was going to be his ride to D.C. He was going to play with the big shots. In the short run, he can probably buy a summer house in Corpus where he can cry in his beer after Noriega whips his behind. There is always another race in this town. I feel your pain hommie.
I do have one concern about Noriega. I think he is too close to the MoveOn.org crowd. He went to their National Convention recently and received a hero's welcome. God only knows he played it up over there. They just love the guy and plan to back him up. This is trouble because moderate Democrats in the North of Texas are going to have a hard time voting for a Democrat who is perceived to be too liberal or too MoveOn.org. The Cornyn folks are going to slam him hard by playing off the fact that he is just another crazy liberal supported by a bunch of online wacko liberals.
Again, it is over for Mikal Watts in San Antonio. You gave it a good
shot, but the political establishment has spoken. They want Rick. If
you can't keep Trey Martinez Fischer in your camp AFTER he gives you
$10,000, you have problems.
Realities, Myths and RoorbacksSenateDistrict- 21
The Republicrat from Webb County
This week was a front-page headliner for Senator Zaffirini down here in WebbCounty. She cut ribbons and was photographed with Lt. Governor David Dewhurst over at the TexasA & MInternationalUniversity. She is publicly celebrating programs funded 2 years ago at the last session. Maybe she hopes nobody will notice not much happened for us this last spring in Austin. Her polls are out asking shadowed questions in relation to her opponent's possible popularity. As is customary the questions are linked to the other candidates by her proposal of their unacceptable behavior. She hopes to start creating negative characterizations of them that will discredit their viability as candidates.
We think the people of WebbCounty are getting smarter and will read between the lines: it is about what you have done or failed to do Senator, we elected you not them and we might have to vote one of them in to replace you. It is your record that is under scrutiny. You can't get away from the truth and with 20 years in office we know there are many failures and unusual conditions that will be reported. Showing up at work and calling it your "perfect attendance record" or "your legendary work ethic" (as quoted from her website) is an obligation not a courtesy to us.
Obviously your presence hasn't been enough. Some people show up on time but accomplish very little while some accomplish even less. It could be said that sometimes they are very distracted by their families and their own personal interests.
That is all for now.
That is the moderate Viewpoint, I am the Republicrat Plus.
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| Thanks for reading the new edition of South Texas Republicans. We welcome your comments, complaints and suggestions. Joe Solis, Founder and Director (SolisJoe@sbcglobal.net) |