Citizen Journalism Focused on Liberty, Conservatism and Independent Thought

 

Newsletter: TxDOT keeps toll study SECRET, refuses to divulge financial terms ahead of 281 vote By Terri Hall, TURF (Picture Source: The Walker Report Blog)   www.TexasTURF.org Citizens and MPO Board members alike have more questions about the 281 toll rates than answers. Questions like...  · Is there anything that could make the annual toll rate increase higher than CPI?   · How much traffic will divert from the tollway onto neighborhood streets to avoid paying a toll thereby increasing traffic, putting the safety of neighborhood streets in jeopardy, and increasing the cost of road maintenance for the City or County? · Where are the entrances and exits to the tollway so a person can calculate how many fees or other hidden costs add to the cost per mile?  · Is the tollway feasible if gas prices exceed $3 a gallon (as other studies have concluded)? · And most importantly, will the bond investors require a NON-COMPETE agreement that would prevent any new roads or the expansion of existing roads near the 281 tollway, like Bulverde Rd., Red Land Rd., Stone Oak Pkwy., and Blanco Rd.? So we did an Open Records request to see the 281 market value and toll feasibility studies performed by TxDOT and the RMA. The Governor's counterfeit toll moratorium bill, SB 792, includes a nice wide open loophole for TxDOT to leap through to make these financial studies "draft" documents not subject to Open Records requirements. Convenient, eh? So they're refusing to hand over this vital financial information prior to a key vote to approve the rates at the upcoming December 3 MPO meeting.  TxDOT SHROUDED IN SECRECY Then, State Representative Nathan Macias (www.NathanMacias.com) whose district is affected by converting 281 into a tollway, asked for the 281 studies. TxDOT also refused to give the studies to Rep. Macias UNLESS HE SIGNS A CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT! This means the Legislature approved a bill, SB 792, at the behest of the Governor and special interests that prohibits a public servant from getting access to information on a tax hike prior to a contract being signed and let. So much for open government! If he or any other elected official were to sign a confidentiality agreement, he cannot share any of the information in the toll studies with ANYONE, including the press, his constituents, other legislators or the MPO Board members! What a violation of representative government! TxDOT's insistence on operating in SECRECY to HIDE vital tax information from the public is clearly taxation without representation and a complete assault on transparent government. Ironically, Rep. Macias is the one who tried to strip this problematic language from SB 792 (after we brought it to his attention for this precise reason, knowing TxDOT would use it to keep more document SECRET), only to have it thrown in his face when he tried to get access to toll tax information prior to any final decisions being made.  IN THE DARK The MPO Board is being asked to approve the market value study and toll rate formulas on December 3 without knowing ANYTHING other than what the RMA or TxDOT has told them in a 10 minute briefing. We all know how horrifically the public has been betrayed regarding toll rates and financing to date, so this "trust me" is certain to have a BIG FAT GOTCHA for politicians and taxpayers just around the corner! How can a SINGLE ELECTED OFFICIAL sign-off on anything while still being in the dark and prevented from openly discussing any toll tax variables, especially whether or not the City or County can expand nearby streets? Make no mistake, the taxpayers will be fleeced or forced onto congested surface streets if the MPO Board approves this plan. DEMAND THE MPO VOTE "NO" ON THE 281 TOLL RATES DECEMBER 3! Send an email to the MPO Board here: Listen@TexasTURF.org. RON PAUL SUPPORTERS RAISE $4.2 MILLION IN ONE DAY! "Ron Paul's extraordinary fundraising success is a clear sign that there is a yearning by the Republican grassroots for the party to return to its historic small-government roots. Paul's message of limited government, free markets and peace obviously has touched a chord. Perhaps the other candidates and the big-government conservatives in Washington should take notice." -Michael Tanner  Ron Paul on the Trans Texas Corridor/NAFTA Superhighways: "The ultimate goal is not simply a superhighway, but an integrated North American Union--complete with a currency, a cross-national bureaucracy, and virtually borderless travel within the Union. Like the European Union, a North American Union would represent another step toward the abolition of national sovereignty altogether." - Ron Paul, October 30, 2006

Veteran Ceremony at Ft. Sam Houston-Nov. 11th Picture and Commentary by Steve Walker/Walker Report "Although the Veteran Ceremony at Ft. Sam Houston, Sunday, November 11th drew a lesser crowd than normal due to conflict in church schedules, it still was emotional and stirring as veterans and friends turned out for the ceremony." LINK to more pictures of ceremony

Larson to Run for Congressional District 23 Report and Commentary from Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans It is almost official.  Commissioner Lyle Larson has told a well-connected activist that he will definitely be running for the Congressional District 23 position.  This is the seat that was once held by Republican Henry Bonilla.  It is currently being occupied by Congressman Ciro Rodriguez.  It looks like Lyle has made a choice. Commissioner Larson will be on the ballroom dance floor soon.  The stage is set for a wonderful performance to be viewed and influenced by all of the players: activists, journalists, donors, voters, political bosses and business types. Who will go on as the Republican general election candidate?  It will be your turn to vote soon. There will now be two dancers on the floor: Mr. Quico Canseco and Mr. Lyle Larson.  We will decide who gets voted off the dance floor.  This is going to be fun and exciting.  Let me tell you why. The voters and grassroots activists have to make a primary election decision based on two factors:   1)    Who can defeat Congressman Rodriguez in the entire district?  District 23 is enormous and it is very diverse.  That will be the key.  Who can take on Ciro in 2008 and take the whole enchilada?  Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be in San Antonio on the 17th for a fundraiser benefiting Congressman Rodriquez.  Democrats are not going to let this seat go without a fight.  Again, who can take on Ciro next year and WIN?  That is a key question. 2)    What kind of leader do we want to represent us?  This will be challenging one for all of us.  Why?  We will have to ask these candidates some very tough questions.  What kind of leaders will they be?  How will they lead?  What are their values and beliefs?  I can tell you that a candidate who is NOT independent and conservative will have a challenge.  The grassroots is tired of Republicans who get elected and go to work for special interests instead of the people.   This newsletter is the first to confirm that Commissioner Larson is unofficially in the race for the 23rd Congressional District.  We intend to be a dependable source for information about this exciting race. Lyle Larson Announcement This WEEK?  The Republican Men's Club of Bexar County sent the following notice last week.  Commissioner Lyle Larson is the featured speaker.  I predict there is a 50% chance he will announce his intention to run on this day.  The Men's Club is an establishment organization for this kind our announcement. Original invitation:   The Republican Men's Club of Bexar County Is Looking For a Few Good Men!                                     THIS IS A REMINDER!!! Our speaker for the November 15, 2007 luncheon at the Water Street Oyster Bar in Lincoln Heights Shopping Center at the corner of Broadway and Nacogdoches will be Lyle Larson, Bexar County Commissioner, District 3. ALSO... At this meeting we will have the election of new officers for 2008.  So, be there and vote! COMMISSIONER Lyle LARSON Please make a reservation so that we can properly plan for the number of members that will be eating. If you plan to attend, call Robert Colunga at 210-316-9256 or e-mail him at rfc3@rfc3.com.

Debbie Responds to 11/5 Newsletter: Hillary & Latino Men: A GOP Opportunity     Joe, Your insight into why Latino men would not vote for Hillary- because she thinks of them as hired help- really struck a nerve. Let me give you this middle-aged/ female/anglo's reason why that 25% might be a little high. Self-respect. Hilary is the 60's radical/feminist/pseudo- professional that would look at another woman and ask in a condescending way "what do you 'do'?''.   When the reply is "I stayed home with my kids-and was a military wife. Yep, I stayed home and baked cookies". Women like me- at all educational and skill levels, chose the cookie life because we loved it and yes- we have our self-respect. However with women like Hilary, we are several rungs below 'hired help'.  But then, ask us what we think of a woman who would tolerate a husband, or any man, that would violate a girl the age of our own precious daughter?   That is not a leader- that is someone that has no self-respect, not capable of protecting a country, and will never get my vote.

The Marshall Plan Speech- 60 Years Ago   On June 5, 1947, Secretary of State George C. Marshall outlined a program of economic assistance to war-torn Europe at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. It became known as the Marshall Plan.   (Picture source:National Portrait Gallery, Washington) Mr. President, Dr. Conant, members of the board of overseers, ladies and gentlemen:   I'm profoundly grateful and touched by the great distinction and honor and great compliment accorded me by the authorities of Harvard this morning. I'm overwhelmed, as a matter of fact, and I'm rather fearful of my inability to maintain such a high rating as you've been generous enough to accord to me. In these historic and lovely surroundings, this perfect day, and this very wonderful assembly, it is a tremendously impressive thing to an individual in my position.*   But to speak more seriously, I need not tell you that the world situation is very serious. That must be apparent to all intelligent people. I think one difficulty is that the problem is one of such enormous complexity that the very mass of facts presented to the public by press and radio make it exceedingly difficult for the man in the street to reach a clear appraisement of the situation. Furthermore, the people of this country are distant from the troubled areas of the earth and it is hard for them to comprehend the plight and consequent reactions of the long-suffering peoples, and the effect of those reactions on their governments in connection with our efforts to promote peace in the world.   In considering the requirements for the rehabilitation of Europe, the physical loss of life, the visible destruction of cities, factories, mines, and railroads was correctly estimated, but it has become obvious during recent months that this visible destruction was probably less serious than the dislocation of the entire fabric of European economy. For the past ten years conditions have been abnormal. The feverish preparation for war and the more feverish maintenance of the war effort engulfed all aspects of national economies. Machinery has fallen into disrepair or is entirely obsolete. Under the arbitrary and destructive Nazi rule, virtually every possible enterprise was geared into the German war machine.   Long-standing commercial ties, private institutions, banks, insurance companies, and shipping companies disappeared through loss of capital, absorption through nationalization, or by simple destruction. In many countries, confidence in the local currency has been severely shaken. The breakdown of the business structure of Europe during the war was complete. Recovery has been seriously retarded by the fact that two years after the close of hostilities a peace settlement with Germany and Austria has not been agreed upon. But even given a more prompt solution of these difficult problems, the rehabilitation of the economic structure of Europe quite evidently will require a much longer time and greater effort than has been foreseen.   There is a phase of this matter which is both interesting and serious. The farmer has always produced the foodstuffs to exchange with the city dweller for the other necessities of life. This division of labor is the basis of modern civilization. At the present time it is threatened with breakdown. The town and city industries are not producing adequate goods to exchange with the food-producing farmer. Raw materials and fuel are in short supply. Machinery is lacking or worn out. The farmer or the peasant cannot find the goods for sale which he desires to purchase. So the sale of his farm produce for money which he cannot use seems to him an unprofitable transaction. He, therefore, has withdrawn many fields from crop cultivation and is using them for grazing. He feeds more grain to stock and finds for himself and his family an ample supply of food, however short he may be on clothing and the other ordinary gadgets of civilization. Meanwhile, people in the cities are short of food and fuel, and in some places approaching the starvation levels. So the governments are forced to use their foreign money and credits to procure these necessities abroad. This process exhausts funds which are urgently needed for reconstruction. Thus a very serious situation is rapidly developing which bodes no good for the world. The modern system of the division of labor upon which the exchange of products is based is in danger of breaking down.   The truth of the matter is that Europe's requirements for the next three or four years of foreign food and other essential products - principally from America - are so much greater than her present ability to pay that she must have substantial additional help or face economic, social, and political deterioration of a very grave character.   The remedy lies in breaking the vicious circle and restoring the confidence of the European people in the economic future of their own countries and of Europe as a whole. The manufacturer and the farmer throughout wide areas must be able and willing to exchange their product for currencies, the continuing value of which is not open to question.   Aside from the demoralizing effect on the world at large and the possibilities of disturbances arising as a result of the desperation of the people concerned, the consequences to the economy of the United States should be apparent to all. It is logical that the United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world, without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace. Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos. Its purpose should be the revival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist. Such assistance, I am convinced, must not be on a piecemeal basis as various crises develop. Any assistance that this Government may render in the future should provide a cure rather than a mere palliative. Any government that is willing to assist in the task of recovery will find full cooperation, I am sure, on the part of the United States Government. Any government which maneuvers to block the recovery of other countries cannot expect help from us. Furthermore, governments, political parties or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery in order to profit therefrom politically or otherwise will encounter the opposition of the United States.   It is already evident that, before the United States Government can proceed much further in its efforts to alleviate the situation and help start the European world on its way to recovery, there must be some agreement among the countries of Europe as to the requirements of the situation and the part those countries themselves will take in order to give proper effect to whatever action might be undertaken by this Government. It would be neither fitting nor efficacious for this Government to undertake to draw up unilaterally a program designed to place Europe on its feet economically. This is the business of the Europeans. The initiative, I think, must come from Europe. The role of this country should consist of friendly aid in the drafting of a European program and of later support of such a program so far as it may be practical for us to do so. The program should be a joint one, agreed to by a number, if not all, European nations.   An essential part of any successful action on the part of the United States is an understanding on the part of the people of America of the character of the problem and the remedies to be applied. Political passion and prejudice should have no part. With foresight, and a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibility which history has clearly placed upon our country, the difficulties I have outlined can and will be overcome.   I am sorry that on each occasion I have said something publicly in regard to our international situation. I've been forced by the necessities of the case to enter into rather technical discussions. But to my mind, it is of vast importance that our people reach some general understanding of what the complications really are, rather than react from a passion or a prejudice or an emotion of the moment. As I said more formally a moment ago, we are remote from the scene of these troubles. It is virtually impossible at this distance merely by reading, or listening, or even seeing photographs or motion pictures, to grasp at all the real significance of the situation. And yet the whole world of the future hangs on a proper judgment. It hangs, I think, to a large extent on the realization of the American people, of just what are the various dominant factors. What are the reactions of the people? What are the justifications of those reactions? What are the sufferings? What is needed? What can best be done? What must be done? Thank you very much.   This transcription of The Marshall Plan Speech is taken from a tape in the George C Marshall Foundation archives, which was made as Secretary Marshall gave the famous address. The principal differences between this transcription and earlier written versions of the speech distributed to press and others are the opening and closing paragraphs which Marshall added while delivering his address.    Source: The GeorgeC. Marshall International Center FREE BONUS: MARSHALL Interview transcript link

TINA BENKISER SPEAKS AT REPUBLICAN CLUB OF COMAL COUNTY The Republican Club of Comal County was privileged to host Tina Benkiser, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas as guest speaker at its First Membership and Renewal Event on Tuesday, October 30, 2007.  Enthusiastic and positive, Ms Benkiser encouraged the audience to work together with other Republicans to continue to move our conservative agenda forward. She first pointed out that America is the only country in the world created by declaring the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  She then stated that it is "Only when you have a moral code based on Judeo-Christian principles that you have true liberty." Ms Benkiser urged the audience, that as a party, Republicans must stand for conservative values, provide the infrastructure for those of like mind to be elected to office, and insist that those officials carry out our principles.  She then told of the Republican Party of Texas training program, which begun in 2005 and emphasizes aggressive work at the local level. This is what led to tremendous success in Texas in 2006, despite somewhat dismal results across the country, she said.  "We must concede no ground to the Democrats in 2008", she declared.  "We must invest our time, talent and treasure in order to be successful."  Ms Benkiser complimented State Representative Nathan Macias of District 73, and a member of RCCC, as being an excellent advocate for the conservative cause and for standing strong in this regard. The Party Chairman concluded by warning that the attitude that "if so and so is the nominee, I won't vote," is very frightening, "You only have to look to one thing:  The responsibility of appointing our Supreme Court Justices." The next meeting of the RCCC is scheduled for Monday, November 26 at the GVTC Auditorium at 7pm. Regular meeting days are the last Tuesday of the month, with some exceptions. For information to attend or to join contact Sonja Harris at 830 228 4846 Bill Harris Publicity Chairman, RCCC 830 228 4846

"The Republicrat PLUS" (A Moderate Viewpoint) This is a series by 3 anonymous political insiders in Bexar County and one in Webb County. The views of this section do not represent the views of South Texas Republicans PAC. Bexar County Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez kicked off his re-election campaign last week with all the heavy hitters including Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Commissioner Tommy Adkisson and Commissioner Elizondo.  All the other usual characters where there including Henry Munoz III and Carri Baker Wells.  This lady has to be the best dressed Democrat in San Antonio.  I love her Chanel suits and those "to die for" pumps that always match her clothes.  At one point, I was jealous of her, but I have learned to live with it. Carri Baker was raised in San Antonio and has to be the best connected political woman in BexarCounty. I also love her zippy Mercedes.    "Chico" faces Robert Tejeda who has no chance in hell of winning.  My fellow Southside sources tell me that this fight is already getting nasty.  Chico is losing between 3 to 5 street signs every night.  Expect the bloody battle to get even worse in 30 days.  Why?  It is personal between these two families.  They don't fight with knives in the Southside.  They take each other out with whisper campaigns, dirty tricks and heavy grassroots campaigning.  I think State Representative Robert Puente decided to leave his spot because he knew Councilman Roland Gutierrez was going to put a big dagger in his back.  I do not blame him for leaving his seat.  Roland is amiable fellow, but he has ice in his blood when it comes to ambition.  Nothing is going to stop this guy.  Ironically, he always seems detached and aloof when I see him. That is not rare for some lawyers in San Antonio.  They are programmed to be cold and calculating.  Only my lovely Councilman Justin Rodriguez is different.  He has a heart of gold and I predict he will be a San Antonio Mayor within 8 years.  Getting back to Chico: Things are getting tough for the Rodriguez family right now.  Bexar County Commissioner Lyle Larson is planning on taking out Chico's brother, Congressman Ciro Rodriguez in 2008.  It is weird at the courthouse because one of Congressman Bonilla's former campaign advisors is helping Lyle.  Her name is Jill Young.  The intrigue is amazing down there.   Local Democrats have been keeping their mouth shut about her.  Why?  They are hoping that all of the Bonilla advisors get behind Lyle.  Why?  They did a great job taking down Bonilla with his stupid "Ciro is Terrorist" ads and poor grassroots campaign.  They are just praying that Lyle gets the same advice.  I know it is cruel to say this, but it is the truth.  How could Bonilla lose?  It was poor advice and arrogance. Will someone please tell Councilwoman Diane Cibrian to get a decent hairdo?  I love Diane.  Her family has been so great to me over the years.  She has so much energy and passion for serving.  I just wish someone would tell her that District 8 is full of really nice hair salons. Girl, do something with your hair.  You are so hot, but your hair needs work.  Keep using that red lipstick, it goes well with your black hair.  Finally, please, please, please slow down your speech pace. What is the hurry?  Honey, take a chill pill please.  There are times that my blood pressure peaks when you speak.  Baby, take a deep breathe before you speak.  Measure your words and go at a slow pace that we can follow.  And whatever you do, stay off the Joe Pags show on WOAI. You can't win with talk show hosts. You don't have to embarrass yourself anymore by campaigning at street corners with your signs. You made it!!!  Act like a leader now and for the love of God, get your cute behind to a hair salon for a professional hairdo. Ask Carri Baker Wells where she gets her done.  She knows her stuff. What is with Councilman Phil Cortez drinking Red Bull at a recent city council meeting?  Sweetie, do you know what kind of message you are sending to the community? It is simple: I am so overworked I need RED BULL to keep my awake and alert. That is what you are telling seniors and children.  Will you please quit drinking that crap in public?  Honey pie, drink water or something else, but please don't drink that stuff.  That drink has so much caffeine and sugar.  You could stand to lose a few pounds, so stay away from that junk.  Don't even let me see you drinking Diet Red Bull. It is the same message.  That is the moderate view, I am the Republicrat Plus!

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)