Texas Governor Abbott “Texas is not for sale. Someone bought it already”

August 3, 2023

Greg Abbott has some balls to be claiming Texas is not for sale.

Abbott has sold Texas to the highest bidder for decades. Who do you think runs the state? Who do you think bankrolls republican candidates across the state even candidates against Greg Abbott?

I’ll give you a hint, Texas oligarchs and their PACs. There is the PAC, Defend Texas Liberty, who has pumped millions into races including $10,000 into our local CCISD races. Two Texas billionaire oligarchs funded this PAC, Farris Wilks and Timothy Dunn. They donated nearly $12 million in just 3 years to their PAC. It is an unlimited source of money as documented by CNN.

There are the Weekley brothers, David and Richard, homebuilders and developers. They own Greg Abbott’s ass. They donated $28 Million over the last decade. There are PAC’s like Texans for Lawsuit Reform that has raised millions to fund candidates that would, and have, weakened our civil justice system. There are Home Insurance PACs, funded by the insurance industry, claiming to be advocating for the homeowner. LOL.

These PACs are responsible for our sagging education system, high insurance, electricity, and college costs, our out of control health care costs. But don’t trust me, just look at your damn bills. So spare me with your stupid bullshit Abbott and Fox News. Texas has been sold already. Bought and paid for. How about focusing on that instead the pissant donation by George Soros?

But….Soros has single handedly funded a PAC called Texas Majority with a $750,000 donation, a small drop in the bucket compared to the millions donated by Texas oligarchs. In their last report TM has spent about $650,000 on consultants, travel, salaries, and polling. I’ve listed their contributions and expenditures below. Soros has been known to fund candidates in deep blue areas with far left candidates and after losing his money dries up. I would keep an eye out for this PAC.

Contributions
NameAmount
Democracy PAC II$850,000
Others$2,040
Total$852,040
Expenditures
Consulting$356,763
Polling$108,574
Overhead$47,239
Fundraising$32,053
Travel$30,397
Other$15,524
Legal$6,377
Food$585
Fees$573
Total$601,216

Leave a Comment » | Consumer, Political | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

CliffsNotes: Trump’s Jan 6 Indictment

August 2, 2023

I took one for the team and read the 45 page indictment against Trump. Here are the highlights.

Everyone who testified are Republicans

  • Everyone who told Trump he lost including his staff, his cabinet members, the AG, the State Secretary of States, State Legislators are all republicans. Every. Single. One. Of. Them.
  • Trump knew he lost. Over and over again he was told he had lost. There was no election fraud. He even admitted it.
  • Pence, Senior leaders of the Justice Department, the Director of National Intelligence, The Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure, Senior White House Attorneys, Senior staffers on the 2020 re-election campaign, State Legislators and officials from 7 states (all republicans), State and Federal Courts, all told Trump there was no election fraud.
  • Everyone in the indictment that testified against Trump are republicans. Every. Single. One. Of. Them.
  • Co-Conspirator #1 is Rudy Giuliani. Co-Conspirator #2 is former Trump lawyer John Eastman, Co-Conspirator #3 is former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, Co-Conspirator #4 is Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark. Co-Conspirator #5 is pro-Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro. Co-Conspirator #6 is unknown. None have been indicted. Yet.

No Election Fraud Found

  • Trump claimed 10,000 dead people voted in Georgia. Republican Secretary of State testified this was false.
  • Trump claimed there were 205,000 more votes than voters in Pennsylvania. Trump’s AG and Deputy AG testified that this was false.
  • Trump claimed there was a suspicious dump of 105,000 votes in Michigan. The AG, Speaker of the house, Majority leader of the Senate testified this was false. (all republicans)
  • Trump claimed there was tens of thousands of double votes in Nevada. The SOS testified this was not true as did the Nevada Supreme Court.
  • Trump claimed that 30,000 non-citizens voted in Arizona. Trump’s campaign manager and the Speaker of the House testified this was not true.Trump claimed that the voting machines in various states were hacked. His AG, Acting AG, Deputy AG, all testified this was not true.
  • Trump paid for a recount in Wisconsin which resulted in more votes for Biden. Trump claimed there were more votes than voters. The AG testified that was not true. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled against Trump.

Fake Electors

  • Trump and his co-conspirators developed a “fake elector” scheme to marshal individuals who would have served as the Defendant’s electors, only if he was successful in flipping the state in seven targeted states Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania,and Wisconsin.
  • This turned out not to be true. The fake electors were to be submitted only to create a fake conspiracy and stop the certification.
  • State officials were enlisted to provide access the fake electors access to the State Capitols.
  • These lists of fake electors were provided to the Senate with help from the Chair of the Republican National Committee.

Illegally Leveraging the Justice System

  • Trump wanted to replace the Acting AG with Co-Conspirator #4, Jeffery Clark, and environmental attorney with no experience with criminal law in order for Clark to stop the certification.
  • Clark issue a letter to the Acting AG, Deputy AG, demanding they sign it falsely claiming the DOJ had found significant election fraud claims. They refused.
  • If Trump had replaced the Acting AG with Clark, he would have sent the letter to the States causing the certification to be stopped.
  • On Jan 3 Clark informed the Acting AG that he was accepting the position. The Acting AG
  • Trump met with Conspirator 4,the Acting Attorney General,the Acting Deputy Attorney General,theJustice Department’s Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel, the White House Counsel,a Deputy White House Counsel, and a Senior Advisor expressing his plan to replace the Acting AG with Clark.
  • Trump was advised it would lead to mass resignations of the Justice Department and his own White House Counsel. Trump relented.

Screwing over Pence

  • Trump on multiple times told Pence to use his ceremonial powers to overturn the election.
  • Pence on multiple times told Trump he did not have the power to do that.
  • On Jan 6 Trump falsley claimed at his rally that Pence refused to follow the law. He turned their anger towards Pence

This is some really fucked up shit folks. You can take an hour of your own time to read the entire indictment here. https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/trump-jan-6-indictment-2020-election/1f1c76972b25c802/full.pdf

Leave a Comment » | Political | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

Myth Busting: Texas health care system is the best

August 1, 2023

We do things bigger in Texas. We have bigger liars.

How many damn times do you hear elected officials say “We have the best health care system in the world”? Well guess what? We don’t. In fact we suck.

According to the Austin Statesman Texas ranks #45 in health care services. There were many factors including in this ranking including cost of premiums, % of insured Texans, and number of doctors. For you newbies in the State, Texas passed major tort reform putting limits on lawsuits against doctors and hospitals promising lower health care cost and lower insurance premiums. Guess what? It didn’t work.

But it gets worse. Over the last 20 years Texas used to be the best State to do business. And now it’s a lousy State to live in. In fact Texas has dropped to #7 for business and #1 in the worst state to live in. This ranking included health care, inclusion, and workers protections. So our health care system ranks 45th, we hate the gay community, Blacks, Mexicans, Muslims, non-christians. We love unlimited access to guns. Our public school system is one of the worst funded in the country. It’s harder to vote in Texas than in Iraq. We have the most corrupt government in the United States. And we won’t even let workers take breaks during the heat of the day. Yeah Texas!

But it gets worse. Most Texans don’t care. They almost enjoy being deceived and charged out the ass for everything from electricity to healthcare. As I said in “Texas by the Numbers”:

After 20 years of republican rule in Texas with 8 years as Governor, here is Abbott’s record:

Leave a Comment » | Political | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

Raising Campaign Cash: Harris County District Attorney Candidates

July 31, 2023

It’s a bit early but candidates for Harris County District Attorney have filed campaign finance reports.

Incumbent DA, Kim Ogg, raised $55,695, spent $28,571, has an outstanding loan of $48,489 and has $274,748 Cash on Hand. Nothing unusual about her report.

Her opponent in the Democratic primary, Sean Teare, raised $748,317, spent $102,192, no outstanding loans, and has $608,269 Cash on Hand. There are two major donations to Teare, one from Laura Turek for $100,000 and $500,000 from Scott Freeman. Without these donations he raised $148,317.

Harris County has no restrictions on the amount that can be donated to a candidate. I expect Mattress MAGAt Mac to pour a few millions into a republican candidate but that candidate has not filed a treasurer appointment yet.

1 Comment | Political | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

HISD to convert libraries into paddling rooms

July 30, 2023

We knew it was coming.

As part of the State takeover of the Houston Independent School District libraries across the state are being turned into disciplinary centers.

“There is nothing better than a good old fashion paddling to straighten out and humiliate a child.” said an Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Corporal punishment, including hitting a child with a paddle, a belt, rope, or electrical cord, was outlawed decades ago except in the Catholic Church where knuckle whacking with a ruler is still performed.

Parents had mixed feeling about the proposed punishment. According to one parent, “I have no problem with a teacher whipping the snot out of my kid just as long I can do the same to the teacher if my kids grades don’t improve.” According to the new superintendent “Paddling centers will be implemented across the district. Paddlings, whippings, and slaps will continue until parents show they are capable of discipling their own kids. Maybe we could extend the paddling to parents.”

And welcome to Satire Sunday.

Leave a Comment » | Political | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

Who hasn’t filed campaign finance reports for Houston City races

July 24, 2023

If you are going to run, then run. Or don’t.

Today begins the filing period for Houston City races. The period runs till Aug 21. According to campaign finance reports for the period ending June 30 there are a number of candidates for each race that are serious about running and there are those who are not.

The filing deadline for submitting campaign finance reports ended Monday July 17. Candidates were to have submitted their reports electronically or via paper at https://www.houstontx.gov/council/reports2023.html. Even if a candidate does not raise or spend money the reports must be filed showing $0 raised and $0 spent. It’s isn’t that hard. The following candidates have not filed reports for this period.

Mayor
Gaylon Caldwell
Julian Martinez
Theudis Daniel

At Large 1
Anthony Dolcefino

At Large 3
Bernard “Bernardo” Amadi
Ethan Michelle Ganz
Richard Nguyen

At Large 5
Chad Cossey

Controller
Orlando Sanchez

Leave a Comment » | Political | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

Defend Texas PAC that tried to influence the CCISD election

July 19, 2023

The Defend Texas Liberty PAC, based out of Willow Park Texas, attempted to influence the CCISD election and lost.

Candidate Glencora Rogers was given $5000 for her race but she returned it. Peter Lauzon received $5000 which was the bulk of his donations. He lost. Since then Defend Texas PAC continues to raise money from a few donors and attempt to influence elections and the impeachment of Ken Paxton.

According the Texas Ethics Commission the PAC raised $3.5 Million in the last 15 days from just two donors Timothy Dunn and Farris Wilks, the two billionaires who were featured on an investigation on campaign donations in Texas by CNN. Of the $3.5 Million only $48.03 was from another donor who probably thinks they are donating to something good. He isn’t.

During this 15 day period the PAC gave Lt Governor Dan Patrick $3 Million. Dan Patrick is presiding over the impeachment of Attorney General of Ken Paxton. It should be clear what he is going to do. They also gave $100,000 to State Representative Tony Tinderholt. Tinderholt is a right wing, devout christian who has been married 5 times.

How does Bowen fit into this mess? He has personal ties to this organization. They will most probably finance his race for State Representative.

Leave a Comment » | Political | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

Clear Lake State Representative Dennis Paul to quit?

July 18, 2023

According to the Texas Ethics Commission Dennis Paul is quitting. Sort of…..

After serving just 8 part time years in the Texas House, it looks like Dennis Paul is going to cut and run with a nice retirement and free healthcare for life. Paul filed his July report with the Texas Ethics Commission and it leads one to believe he is leaving.

In his last report he only raised $9,600, spent $19,450, leaving a balance of just $3,118 and an outstanding loan balance of $40,000. All his donations except for $1,500 came from PACs and one third of his entire donations was paid to his Treasurer. Paul has never been a great fundraiser and depended upon a $150,000 loan from his company to win his primary. Instead of spending his money running for office during the 2022 election he repaid $70,000 of the partial balance of his loan. Based upon all of this it looks like he is quitting.

But, don’t cry for Dennis. According to the retirement system Paul’s 8 years of partial service will be quite rewarding! For the rest of his life he will receive a $25,760/year pension. Most people work their entire lives and will never get a $25k pension, or anything more than a retirement cake and a watch. But, it gets better. Paul will also receive free healthcare for himself and his spouse for the rest of his life! It truly is a sweet deal especially after just 8 part time years doing pretty much nothing.

After 8 years of representing House District 129 Paul leaves a legacy of having no town hall meetings, keeping his constituents in the dark, and being rated as “furniture” by the Texas Monthly. To me he will always be remembered for giving easy access to assault weapons to an 18 year old who killed 19 children in Uvalde.

To top it all it looks like he is grooming his replacement. From doing nothing to doing something worse.

Leave a Comment » | Political | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

CCISD to hold public meetings on bond proposals

July 17, 2023

Along with many school districts in the State of Texas, CCISD is reaching an unprecedented financial crossroad. From crippling inflation costs to inaction by the Texas legislature failing to adjust the basic student allotment, CCISD is leaning on our community to ensure that our students continue to reach their full potential, while improving their learning environment at a minimal impact to taxpayers. CCISD is seeking public input on a proposed Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) and three Bond proposals options to address critical capital needs. The community is invited to attend one of the following public meetings to learn more about the proposals and provide feedback.

LEARN MORE: www.ccisd.net/electioncentral

Leave a Comment » | Political | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

Raising Campaign Cash: Houston City Elections FINAL Update

July 14, 2023

NOTE: To be far, many candidates contribute to their own campaigns. Some with non refundable donations our of their own pockets and/or loans. Candidate for Mayor Gilbert Garcia has reported raising $3,290,664 in donations, but $3,030,000 came from his own pocket.
Fred Flickinger, candidate for District E is also self financing.

JulyJan
CandidateRaisedIn-KindLoansCOHRaisedLoansCOH
Gilbert Garcia$3,290,664$5,000$0$2,895,819
Sheila Jackson Lee$1,218,886$1,398$0$1,033,982
Lee Kaplan$478,479$0$300,000$1,356,488$465,180$200,000$1,164,527
John Whitmire$371,517$0$0$9,893,611$1,148,015$0$10,100,086
Robin Williams$75,100$0$52,700$0$188,995$52,700$188,995
Robert Gallegos$60,348$0$0$151,794$48,837$0$133,471
M J Khan$58,750$0$85,000$108,308$0$15,000$1,453
Derrick Broze$10,827$0$0$6,998
Naoufal Houjami$585$0$0$294
Chanel Mbala$200$0$0$326
Gaylon Caldwell$0$0$0$0
Julian Martinez$0$0$0$0
Theudis Daniel$0$0$0$0
At Large 1
CandidateRaisedIn-KindLoansCOHRaisedLoansCOH
Melanie Miles$189,366$0$50,000$161,052
Conchita Shelly Reyes$80,592$15,994$0$30,577NANANA
Leah Wolfthal$55,961$1,064$0$44,892$43,812$0$24,953
Julian Ramirez$32,671$1,630$20,000$40,892
Kendall Baker$3,795$0$0$1,070
Anthony Dolcefino$0$0$0$0$0$0$0
At Large 2
CandidateRaisedIn-KindLoansCOHRaisedLoansCOH
Nick Hellyar$125,507$6,021$0$135,248$65,854$0$44,710
Danielle Bess$113,550$11,037$0$109,525$0$0$0
Holly Flynn Vilaseca$109,182$3,958$0$89,585
Marina Coryat$12,050$0$0$9,914$13,714$0$1,562
Willie Davis$9,500$0$0$9,500
Obioha “Obes” Nwabara$20,316$0$20,000$0
At Large 3
CandidateRaisedIn-KindLoansCOHRaisedLoansCOH
Twila Carter$160,485$0$4,000$190,096$85,926$4,000$78,768
Richard Cantu$38,623$5,000$10,000$30,038
Casey Curry$18,212$850$0$15,670
James Joseph$10,060$0$102,755$82,351
Donnell Cooper$23,977$0$0$9,189$25,977$0$9,189
Ericka McCrutcheon$2,725$0$0$920
Bernard “Bernardo” Amadi$0$0$0$0
Ethan Michelle Ganz$0$0$0$0
Richard Nguyen$0$0$0$0
At Large 4
CandidateRaisedIn-KindLoansCOHRaisedLoansCOH
Letitia Plummer$57,814$0$7,000$100,392$4,125$0$24,741
John Branch$4,358$0$0$752
Roy Morales$18,435$1,417$205$12,854$0$5,838$0
At Large 5
CandidateRaisedIn-KindLoansCOHRaisedLoansCOH
Sally Alcorn$166,625$0$0$406,170$155,531$0$206,273
Chad Cossey$0$0$0$0
District E
CandidateRaisedIn-KindLoansCOHRaisedLoansCOH
Martina Lemond Dixon$18,064$0$0$13,871$254$100$84
Fred Flickinger$13,126$0$103,000$101,186$0$50,000$0
Controller
CandidateRaisedIn-KindLoansCOHRaisedLoansCOH
Chris Hollins$528,576$12,136$0$639,806$167,034$0$1,062,754
Shannan Nobles$64,458$0$50,000$30,975
Dave Martin$1,850$0$0$152,495$8,250$0$161,851
Orlando Sanchez$0$0$0$0

Leave a Comment » | Political | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by johncoby

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »