I’ve said it before:

We have a saying here in Texas “We do things bigger in Texas”. It isn’t really true, but its a cheap simple minded saying to make Texas seem like it’s something it isn’t. But Texas does have some of the biggest idiots elected to office.

Case in point. According to CNN:

Starting this fall, adults in Texas can openly carry knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches. In fact, swords, spears, daggers, sabers, bowie knives and machetes are all perfectly fine to tote around. Pretty much anything you can whip out in a Dungeons and Dragons battle is fair game.

As someone on Facebook said “You never know when you might be attacked by a snake or bison.” So not only do we have to watch play soldiers walk around with their hands on their guns we also have to worry about Texas sized idiots carrying knives, swords, and machetes!

From The Christian Post

Donald Trump met with his evangelical “christian” buddies for a prayer session. Trump offered the following:

Oh Lord  Let us prey.
Let us prey on the poor for they cannot afford to fight.
Let us prey on the sick for they cannot afford insurance.
Let us prey on the Hispanics for they will not vote.
Let us prey on the Black for their lives do not matter.
Let us prey on the disabled for they are weak.
Let us prey on the Muslims for they are now targets of hate
Let us prey on the Immigrants for they do not belong here.

And oh Lord
Let us prey on my supporters for they are too ignorant to know we are preying on them

For Immediate Release

[Baytown Texas] A yellow alert has been issued for Texas Congressman Brian Babin of Congressional District 36. According to the Texas Department of Missing Persons:

The Congressman has been reported missing throughout his district. He has not attended any town hall meetings or had any association with his constituents. We have issued this alert so his constituents can confront him about his stance on gutting Medicare, Medicaid, and throwing 22 million off of healthcare. Babin is considered armed with dangerous misinformation and should not be trusted to tell the truth. Last seen with Donald Trump.

Babin will not meet with his constituents or even ride in a 4th of July parade. He will not face the people he represents to understand their concerns. Instead he has Telecon Town Hall meetings accepting only screened questions from his friendly audience. He, like Trump, is a yellow bellied coward.

If you know when and where Babin will appear, give us a heads up so we can attend.

From the Texas Tribune

We have a saying here in Texas “We do things bigger in Texas”. It isn’t really true, but its a cheap simple minded saying to make Texas seem like it’s something it isn’t. But Texas does have some of the biggest idiots elected to office. Case in point State Representative Tony Tinderholt.

This past session Tinderholt filed a bill that would completely ban abortions. From Elle:

Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) introduces the Abolition of Abortion in Texas Act, a bill so extreme that it would criminalize abortion and make women “personally responsible” for having sex. The bill, which went nowhere, would ban all abortions, even in cases of rape and incest. It would give law enforcement permission to charge women and their doctors with murder.

From WhatWouldJackDo.net

Ted Cruz, the weasel he is, figured a way to stuff his “Defend and Resform” town hall meetings with friendly constituents. Cruz is having a town hall in Houston on July 8th at 12 noon. It is sponsored by Concerned Veterans of America. CVA has been described by Source Watch as a front group:

Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit whose major funders through the years have been the Koch brothers and their donor network; as such Sourcewatch.org considers CVA to be a Koch Brothers front group.[1] The Koch donors network appears to use CVA to advocate for reductions in federal spending, to attack the 2010 Affordable Care Act and to advance other “free market” policies. 

An investigation by ProPublica found that Concerned Veterans for America is funded submits its IRS filings under the name Vets for Economic Freedom Trust. Those documents list former Koch Industries managing director Wayne Gable as a trustee.[2]

So I bet Cruz alerted CVA which invited their friendly members and friends then sent the invite to the public with few seats left. The event is sold out. No word on a rally outside of the venue but I would bet there will be one. The invitation is available on EventBrite.

I’ve said it before:

It’s hard to believe a so-called “conservative” can still hold their head up and claim they are American patriots including our own Congressman, Brian Babin. If Babin doesn’t have the integrity to stand up and demand that Trump stop misleading the country, then he is just as much a liar as Trump is.

Shortly after the Alexandria shooting, Babin wrote a Facebook post blaming the shooting of a Congressman and staff on the hateful rhetoric of…..wait for it…..the left. Much like Trump, Babin simply lies through his teeth. He has forgotten the hateful rhetoric Trump used to become President. He forgot Trump made human targets out of Muslims, Latinos, the Gay community, and anyone who opposed him during his campaign rallies. They have been subjected to hate speech and threats many of them in Babin’s own district yet Babin did nothing. Babin said nothing. Babin endorsed this behavior and now he is doing it too.  No, Congressman. It is not the left. It is the Republican Party, the Party of Liars, who have enabled the gunnuts of America.

Babin, like Trump, has endorsed this way of governing, by simply lying like a 2 year old. For Trump it worked but eventually people understand you can’t continue to trust a liar. It begins to wear thin. Trump is beginning to realize this even as his cabinet members kiss his ring and praise his many accomplishments during an open Cabinet meetings. 

It is hard to keep up with the lies concerning the firing of the FBI Director or the tapping of Trump Towers, or his voter fraud allegations, or illegals voting, or any one of the Pants on Fire lies that has come out of his mouth. But we knew Trump was a liar when he was running for office. He has just took his lying to the next level as the leader of the most powerful nation in the world, all while the “Party of Lincoln” has done nothing but stand by and endorsing it.

It’s hard to believe a so-called “conservative” can still hold their head up and claim they are American patriots including our own Congressman, Brian Babin. If Babin doesn’t have the integrity to stand up and demand that Trump stop misleading the country, then he is just as much a liar as Trump is.

It is clear we cannot trust a single thing that the republican party says. If they claim their healthcare bill will cover pre-existing conditions, they are probably lying. If they claim the Russian/Trump situation is fake news, they are probably lying. If they are opening their mouth, they are probably lying.

Lincoln would be ashamed.

This is called a Texas sized whoopin. From CCISD:

On May 6, 2017, the Clear Creek Independent School District community approved the CCISD bond referendum, with 63.59% percent voting for and 36.41% percent against the $487 million bond, based on unofficial election results. “We are appreciative of the community’s support of our schools, our teachers, and our students,” said Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools. 

The tea party challenge came from Citizens for CCISD, a Special Purpose Committee (SPAC), chairman Dale Huls. In their two reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission they listed a total of about $4700 in contributions with $550 coming from their treasurer and $3000 from one donor, Mr Middleton II who lives outside of the district in Houston. Mr. Middleton is the President of Middleton Oil according to the ethics reports. About $1700 was spent on various items.

Over 2/3 of the money raised came from one person, someone who does not live in the CCISD district, and who is a board member of multiple right wing organizations like Empower Texas.

His money went to good use. The bond passed with over 63% of the vote.

From History.com:

During the French-Mexican War (1861-1867), an outnumbered Mexican army defeats a powerful invading French force at the small town of Puebla de Los Angeles. The retreat of the French troops at the Battle of Puebla represented a great moral victory for the people of Mexico, symbolizing the country’s ability to defend its sovereignty against a powerful foreign nation.

It’s not Mexico’s Independence Day. That is September 16th which is not generally celebrated in the United States but it is a national holiday in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States but not generally in Mexico. It is a holiday in the State of Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration honoring the courage of those who fought against a heavily armed, large foreign enemy. They were outnumbered 6000-2000 but forced the French army to retreat. They stood up when necessary putting their lives on the line.

Maybe the Mexican Americans here in the United States will do the same by registering to vote and voting in the next election. It doesn’t take losing your life to vote. It’s easy. It’s important. It’s not your right, it’s your duty.

The republicans leading this state and nation have authored bills that will target those who look “illegal”. They have made fun of our language. They have called us rapists and murderers. They say we bring disease and have “calves the size of cantalopes”. And they keep doing it because there are no consequences. We, as a group, do not vote. Every other group does. The Muslim, African American, the gay community, and others vote. We don’t. If we would simply vote our power, this invasion of our community would stop. Immediately.

So we can either lay down our arms and just give up or we can simply go vote.

I was invited to a meeting of the Bay Area Democrats Resistant Movement last night and it did not disappoint. There were a large number of new people who were anxious to “do something”. They are off to a very good start.

As the meeting progressed they monitored the election in Kansas, discussed Texas Senate Bill 522, and reviewed the many controversies surrounding the White House. Clearly many in the audience were very serious about getting involved and were already educated on the issues.

One of the speakers, Imam Ibrahim Ezghair from the Clear Lake Islamic Center talked about the local Muslim community and their commitment to be involved and to vote in local elections as well as on the national level.

Pic from the Houston Press

Dayna Steele addressed the crowd announcing she was considering a run for Congress against Brian Babin. Dayna is currently getting her ducks in a row, researching the district, and doing her homework, something every candidate should do when considering a run for office. She started by saying she wanted to talk about some of the controversies surrounding the White House but there were just too many. As she said “It is only day 82!”. Dayna “is a radio and television personality, entrepreneur, author and keynote speaker.” Her enthusiasm and positive outlook for a better district and country is contagious. She is expected to make a decision within the month.

The leader of the group, Kim, didn’t let everyone leave before handing out assignments of contacting their election officials on specific issues to attend various rallies and protests in the area such as the Tax Day protest and the March for Science. The next meeting is May 9th Tuesday. If you are interested in a positive group of women (and men) this is a group to be involved with.

I’m looking forward to becoming a part of this organization. There was a lot of positive hopeful energy ready to be put into action. As Governor Ann Richard said “Honey get over it and get on with it!”.

They have. They are.

What a bunch of losers.

Maybe someone should have reminded the republican party they had won the election back in November. Or maybe they should have paid a few more protesters to show up to at least make it look legit. Or maybe someone should of at least brought donuts or breakfast tacos to enlist more protesters. Or maybe they should have devoted their time to something more productive like protesting John Kerry for his loss to George W. Bush back in 2004. Or maybe protesting Al Gore.

Next up for the Harris County republican party? Their Lincoln/Reagan/Trump dinner featuring some has been in republican politics. Protesters are not invited since it will cost money.

March 20, 2017

AUSTIN – Lt. Governor Patrick issued this statement today following the filing of House Bill 4260, the “Man’s right to know” bill.

“Texans have a long history of independence, free from over reaching restrictions to a man’s well being and health. HB4260, which restricts a man’s right to masturbate, is not only an insult to the freedoms men have fought for, it is an embarrassment to the House and Senate. I urge both Houses to rise up and denounce this frivolous bill as nothing more than a knee jerk reaction.”

“I want to make sure all my conservatives in the great state of Texas to know that I will lead the charge in beating this bill. What a man does in his own bathroom, bedroom, office, closet, or 2nd floor cloak room is no ones business. Regulating a man’s right to masturbate will rub many men the wrong way and will lead to a slippery and sticky slope.”

“I pledge to all the men in Texas that I will beat off all supporters of this bill with both hands. Now please enjoy the complimentary cigarettes and paper towels.”

Couldn’t happen to a more deserving jackass of a Congressman. From Channel 2 in Houston:

HOUSTON – Steve Stockman, who served two stints in the U.S. House of Representatives, spent part of Friday in federal court. Stockman, a Tea Party favorite who courted controversy thorough two congressional terms, was brought into court Thursday shackled and handcuffed.

Stockman represented the Clear Lake area for 2 years and was nothing but a jackass. He accomplished nothing. His entire 2 years was devoted to making wise ass comments on twitter, questioning Obama’s place of birth, and gun nuttery.

There is amble background for his problems. From the Office of Congressional Ethics who issued subpoenas to Stockman and his staff in 2014:

According to the preparers, Stockman offered varying explanations for the apparently illegal contributions from two employees of his congressional office, Thomas Dodd and Jason Posey. Although the contributions were initially made in the names of family members of the staffers, they were reattributed after Sunlight reported that one of the supposed donors had no knowledge of the contribution. When Sunlight pointed out that campaign contributions by congressional staffers are illegal, Dodd and Posey were fired. The OCE reported quoted Stockman as explaining he thought his staffers were “culpably gullible.”

A proud member of the texas tea party, Stockman now faces up to 5 years in jail for stealing campaign cash from a charity. His staff members probably turned on him. I bet he doesn’t have enough money to spend on a good attorney so look for a plea bargain.

And take his guns away.

I believe the new Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party must understand the rules and regulations of the Texas Ethics Commission.

One of the most important responsibilities of the Chair of the HCDP is to know the rules of the Texas Ethics Commission governing campaign finance. Ignorance could easily place the party in trouble and in the news. The GOP would pounce on it, complaints would be filed, and fines would be paid. It’s something the Party cannot afford. The Chair should have a good understanding of the rules or hire someone who does.

I searched the Ethics Commission’s website to determine if the candidates for HCDP Chair had appointed treasurers. According to the TEC, before money can be spent, including your own, a treasurer must be appointed and filed with the TEC. The TEC publishes a List of Candidates With Current Treasurers. The latest update was posted today and includes Dominique Davis (Filed 1/20/17), Johnathon Miller (2/11/17), and Lillie Schechter (Filed 1/30/17).

Missing are Chris Spellmon, are Keryl Douglas.

The Campaign Finance Guide for Political Parties states:

Candidates for county chair (or a specific-purpose committee supporting or opposing such a candidate) must file a campaign treasurer appointment and campaign finance reports with the Texas Ethics Commission. 

Maybe there is a good reason why the three candidates did not file. Maybe there is an exception for this particular race. I have not found one. I have left messages for all three and have not received a response. Candidates for the office of Chair should not only know the rules of the TEC, they should follow them.

Hopefully they did follow the law and I will be glad to admit my mistake.

The disappointment continues.

Start the video  at 47:00

A video of the candidate forum from SD13 for the Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party has been posted on Facebook. It raises questions about some of the candidates concerning the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) and those who opposed it.

Take a minute to review the video starting at 47:00. The question was asked if the candidates supports HERO followed by if as Chair would they accept money from anti-HERO donors. As I said, I was disappointed in the answers provided, especially by Eartha Johnson.

Eartha rambled on referring to the “bathroom” issue which was just a very small part of the ordinance. The HERO opposition successfully branded the ordinance the “bathroom” bill and distracted their mindless followers from the real purpose of the HERO. Johnson clearly was ignorant of the issue and would have been better off just stating so. Following the lead of Keryl Douglas, she  stated she would follow the “will of the people”.

Following the will of the people is good for deciding a budget or whether to have a cake sale, but not for deciding equal rights. This showed an incredible amount of ignorance on those who used the “Will of the people” excuse including Johnson, Lark, and Douglas.They also said they would accept money from anti-HERO donors including the most hateful of them all Dave Wilson, Jared Woodfill to name a few. It’s much like accepting money from the KKK.

Our gay community has supported the Democratic Party with their money, ther time, and their extrodinary effort on many campaigns. They are are friends, our relatives, and our fellow Democrats. They deserve our respect, gratitude, and friendship.

And we all deserve a Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party who respects this.

Note: Lille Schechter and Johnathon Miller were the only candidates who were clean on their support for HERO and said no on the donations. Dominique Davis did not answer because she was late.

First the niceties:

Kudos to Sherrie Matula and those who conducted this forum. It was very well done! And kudos to the candidates and especially the standing room crowd who were respectful to the moderator and the candidates. Great job Democrats!

Now let’s get down to it:
This forum whittled down the competition to two young women, Dominique Davis and Lillie Schechter. (Notice, I am  biased but lets give credit where credit is due.) Precinct Chairs should look closely at their resumes and experience.

The others bring their own lists of accomplishments and experience but fall short of being able to successfully manage the Democratic Party of the 3rd largest county in the nation. It is hoped, if they are not selected, they will volunteer their services to move the Party forward.

Lark and Spellmon. Neither have the necessary experience within the party or the understanding of responsibilities of the Chair. Hopefully they will use their experience to volunteer for the party and help us move forward, if not elected.

Johnathon Miller. Young and energetic is a great key to leading the party but it’s not enough. Miller has a full time job, has little experience in the skills needed for the job. The job requires being able to respond to issues and incidents with little or no advanced warning. It also requires extensive knowledge of the running of a campaign and ethics laws in Texas. This is not a position for on the job training. Hopefully his enthusiasm for the party will continue as a Precinct Chair and volunteer for the Party.

Eartha Johnson. I was impressed with her resume but I was very disappointed in the lack of participation in Party politics. Well spoken and well financed (I hope she has filed the correct ethics reports) she presented herself well, but the glaring lack of experience in the Party was overwhelming. Before running for chair of the Party, you really should be part of the Party and know what the Party is responsible for. Again, let’s hope she will use her experience to move our Party forward.

Keryl Douglas. Keryl passed out a very lenthy, 8 page resume. It was too long to read. Her past experience with the GLBT community during her run for Chair in 2012 is very troubling and should disqualify her.

That leaves Lillie Schechter and Dominique Davis. As Mr Lark said, “Do the google” and vote March 6th.

NOTE: I have endorsed Lillie Schechter for Chair.

When I first heard Lillie Schechter was considering running for the Chair of the HCDP I said “You can’t go wrong with Lillie”. Today I can still say it.

Pic From Off the Kuff

Democrats concerned about the continuing success of the Party in the 2018 and 2020 elections cannot go wrong with Lillie. I hope precinct chairs, who are responsible for selecting a new chair, would strongly consider her.

Against a couple of very well qualified candidates Lillie stands above the rest for a number of reasons. Her activism in campaigns starting on the ground turned into a successful political consulting firm helping progressive candidates on all levels of a campaign. The Party will be served well by a Chair that understands campaigns including planning, strategy, technology, activism, and compliance with election laws. What stands out to me is her experience in fundraising and her vast connections with the Democratic community. HCDP has the responsibility to run a coordinated campaign which demands experience in campaigns it also requires money and someone who has the ability to raise significant amounts of it. Lillie has this experience.

In the political world where the average age of participants is about 60, Lillie can’t be consider a young upcoming political activist. She is young but she has been involved and active for many years and has the experience and knowledge necessary to carry this Party in the next elections.

Precinct Chairs have a great opportunity to continue and expand the success of our Party with Lillie Schechter as the Chair of Harris County Democratic Party.

John “I turn 61 in March” Coby

It’s a sad day for our country. Trump is the most unqualified person in the history of the United States to become President. He is also unqualified to be considered a decent human being.

In 2008 President Obama campaigned on a promise of hope for America. Faced with the greatest downturn of our economy since the great depression, Obama called upon all Americans to rise, as we have before, and work together to rebuild our economy and restore faith in our government.

In contrast Trump campaigned on a promise of hate towards Americans. Faced with an economy that has created 11 million jobs over the last 8 years, an unemployment rate cut in half to 4.6%, a stock market that has solidified retirement accounts,  and a nation healing from the unnecessary wars of the last republican in office, Trump resorted to simple minded attacks towards specific and vulnerable Americans. And it worked.

The list of those he attacked and blamed for America’s short comings was long. He started on day one with his racist remarks against Latinos followed by his attacks on our press, African-Americans, Muslims, Gold Star family members, the Gay community, Hollywood, teachers, government employees and women. If that wasn’t enough, he then mocked a disabled American.

He instigated hatred towards other Americans at times calling for physical harm. His words and actions encouraged the racists and those with hate in their hearts to come out into the open. All while the republican leadership did nothing just like they did when Joe Wilson yelled “You lie” to the President of the United States during a State of the Union Address.

Make no mistake about Trump’s campaign. Trump only yelled what the republican party has whispered since Obama took office. The hatred for Americans Trump successfully used to win the Presidency was endorsed by the so called “conservatives” of the republican party and those who voted for him. They endorsed his racists remarks. They endorsed his mocking of a disabled American. They endorsed grabbing women. They endorsed his hatred towards Muslims. They endorsed targeting of specific Americans based upon religious beliefs and color of the skin. They endorsed this filthy excuse for a human being just in order to win. And they won. This is the new “family values” of the so-called conservative party.

In just a few hours Trump will asked all Americans, even those he attacked, to put aside our differences, let bygones be bygones, and to join hands to sing Kumbaya. It’s like kicking someone in the whatnots then expecting them to shake your hand to work together.

I can’t do it. I’m still on the floor trying to get over his mocking of a disabled human being.