58 petrochemical tank terminal coming to Clear Lake?

September 5, 2018

Candidate for Harris County Commissioner, Adrian Garcia, has raised the flag on a proposed petrochemical tank storage facility at Clear Lake City Blvd and Hwy 3. From his press release:

“I’m taking a stand against polluters who are making our families and children sick,” said Garcia. “It is reported that Hurricane Harvey’s biggest polluter, Magellan Midstream Tank Terminal in Galena Park, now wants to build a massive petrochemical tank terminal of 58 tanks at the edge of Clear Lake on land that flooded Horsepen Bayou so badly a car was swept off Hwy 3, drowning the driver during 2015’s May rain event,”.


The proposed location is across the street from Ellington and could contribute to an high flooding risk area. During heavy rains this intersection floods easily as well as Clear Lake Blvd from Hwy 3 to the Bay Knoll subdivision. Last Friday I saw a crew putting up the for sale signs for this property that has been home to oil rigs and cattle for decades. About 10 years ago the community killed a proposal that would allow the dumping of sewer waste on the property as “fertilizer”. They were full of fertilizer. NASA management helped stop this by citing a hazard from birds to their aircraft. 

A map provided by the Southbelt Leader shows the proposed 58 storage tanks from Hwy 3 to I45 on Clear Lake City Blvd. Click on the pic for a larger view.


Besides the flooding hazard, according to the press release, the company proposing the tank terminal, Magellan, had a spill of  ½ million gallons of gasoline during Harvey. So we will need to keep an eye on this proposal. Clear Lake residents have been successful in stopping the fertilizer dumping, the proposed San Jacinto Rail carrying explosive chemicals north of Clear Lake, and was successful in stopping the development of the old golf course. 

Surely there will be hearings on this. 

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Posted by johncoby

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton' #whitepower Problem

September 5, 2018

Is this is an incredible display of racism by a member of the Paxton legal team during the Kavanaugh hearing for Supreme Court? Or it is nothing but a simple hand jester that is saying “Nothing to see here. Everything is fine.” You decide. Zina Bash was appointed by Paxton as the senior counsel on his  executive leadership team in July of 2018. From the Washington Post:

Popular Twitter personalities and accounts such as Amy Siskind, Eugene Gu and the Palmer Report tweeted that Bash had flashed a “white-power” symbol, drawing a flurry of engagement on the social media platform.

While sitting behind Kavanaugh Zina directly in camera view Bash was seen flashing the white power sign. According to the Post this really isn’t a racist hand signal, it is nothing but the OK sign. Like OK I’m flashing a white power signal. 


Her husband, John Bash, the United States attorney for Western Texas, took to twitter and claimed the following:


Yea. Right. He claims she was just resting her arms in a natural manner. I can’t remember ever sitting, standing, or sleeping while flashing a known white power sign. Ever. I ain’t buying it and Ken Paxton shouldn’t either. Wake up folks.

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Posted by johncoby

Harris County Republic Party fails at voter suppression

August 31, 2018
Alan Vera (from village republic women)

I said it last week:

According to the Press the Harris County Republican Party’s Ballot Security Committee has issued 4000 challenges to voter registration which the County Tax Assessor must respond to with the letter received by residents of the Third Ward. According to republicans this is a legal tactic much like conspiring with Russia to win an election. I wonder what would happen if the County Attorney took action and investigated this a bit deeper.


Well, they did. From the Houston Chronicle:

The Harris County Attorney’s office said Tuesday that the 4,000 voter registrations challenged by a county Republican Party official were invalid, and the voter registrar should not have sent suspension notices to more than 1,700 county voters.


And BOOM! Bitch. I guess I need to rescind my challenge of Alan Vera, the chairman of the Harris County Republic Party’s Ballot Security Committee. Its sad that they even have a Ballot Security Committee. You would think someone like Vera, a former Director at Greater Houston Partnership would have something better to do than voter suppression. Maybe like voter registration or trying to convince a group of young people of color that the republic party isn’t a bunch of racist, politically ignorant, lying, corrupt bag of dicks.


According to the Chronicle Vera will “Take up follow-up actions” so I guess reaching out to young people of color isn’t going to happen. SAD!

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Posted by johncoby

TX AG Ken Paxton: Party invitation for killing pre-existing condition coverage

August 30, 2018

On Sept 10th, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will lead the legal team of Republican attorneys and AG’s across the country to once and for all kill the pre-existing coverage mandate. According to a press release, Paxton will throw a party to celebrate:

AG Paxton Invites Texans to Celebrate the Death of the Pre-Existing Health Insurance Mandate

Thursday, August 30, 2018 – Austin 

Attorney General Ken Paxton invites all Texans to celebrate with him and his attorneys when they successfully kill health care coverage for pre-existing conditions. According to Paxton “We will celebrate restoring freedom of choice of coverage for all Texans. For the many Texans without an ailment like diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, or other pre-existing conditions, they will have the freedom to choose a policy that covers only healthy individuals at a substantial cost benefit.”
Paxton, as the Texas AG has been selected to lead the challenge to the Affordable Care Act. If successful health insurance coverage will revert back to pre-ACA policies. This along with removing the mandatory coverage mandate of the ACA will result in a successful dismantling the protections provided by the ACA. “Since Congress was not able to repeal the ACA, as they have promised for 10 years, I will do it piecemeal. In the end pre-existing coverage will end and we will celebrate!”
The Texas Attorney General invites all healthy Texans to the South Lawn of the Texas Capitol Sept 10, 2018 at 5:00 PM. No accommodations will be provided for the disabled, except for Governor Abbott since he has tax funded health care for life to protect him and his family. Their pre-existing conditions will always be covered as will mine. Everyone else should consider getting healthy, losing some damn weight, quit drinking and eating fried chicken, or go find some free healthcare somewhere. Consider Mexico or Canada. 

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Posted by johncoby

Why do you have to be a dick about everything: Donald Trump

August 29, 2018

As I have said in the past:

I’ve always wanted to start a new series called “Why do you have to be a dick about everything?” dedicated to the elected officials who just act like a bag of dicks.


My first was about Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert and today it is Donald Trump. For the Donald, it isn’t hard to be a dick. That is what he is. A dick. Maybe he shouldn’t be allowed to compete for this title since he is such a dick every moment of every day but today he gets a special mention.

Senator John McCain passed away from his battle with brain cancer. For anyone who has witnessed a loved one dying from cancer, it leaves a mark. I’ts a horrible disease and yet Trump found a way to make it worse. He refused to issue a statement on his passing. He refused to leave the flag at half staff only reversing his order after pressure from Veteran organizations. He refused to answer questions about John McCain’s passing or his legacy when directly asked during a press conference. Instead he sat with his arms crossed like a 32 year old coworker who’s idea at the team meeting was rejected due to lack of research. He pouted.

He finally released a statement from the White House that was tepid at best, late, and as sincere as an email from a coworker apologizing for his behavior at the last team meeting.

His actions just begs the question: Why do you have to be a dick about everything?

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Posted by johncoby

Political signs 101

August 28, 2018

Signs don’t win elections, but….as part of a well balanced campaign of fundraising, voter contact, and media outreach they can definitely help push a candidate to victory.

Studies have shown the ton of signs at a polling location does not increase turnout or votes in favor of the candidate. Remember the last time you were undecided, or didn’t know what the hell you were doing, and saw the polling landscape littered with signs and thought “Gee, I think I will vote for that person”? Neither do I. Will this stop a group of people going out at 4:00 AM to polling locations in their area and put up a strategically number of candidate signs? No. So expect to see a ton of signs on November 6.

Signs in the yard are great to show your enthusiasm and to strike up conversations with your neighbors. It also brings out the opposition to put up signs of candidates they probably don’t even know just to show opposition. (You know who I am talking about) Signs in the yards encourages those doing the heavy lifting of block walking. Sometimes they would drop by just to thank the owner for having the courage of putting one up.

Signs in the medians and right of ways are illegal but many supporters still do it especially those who think signs can win an election and have bought way too many early on in the campaign. It is fun to drive down a busy street and see your favorite candidate’s signs at every corner. Again, it encourages those doing the heavy lifting. These signs do not last long with the “bandit” sign police in force during the election season.

And then you have the big signs scattered throughout the district on fences, on empty lots, businesses and personal property. Most businesses will not put up signs for fear of losing customers or when their candidate is not well liked like Ted Cruz. It’s a pretty big turn off. Putting up signs on empty lots are mostly tolerated since the owners are probably no where near the area and the management company couldn’t care less.

So, get a yard sign, put it up, and go vote. Just remember “Signs don’t win elections” but I sure do like seeing the BETO signs all over my neighborhood!!!!!

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Posted by johncoby

Isn't 16 years of Dan Patrick enough?

August 27, 2018

Texas Lt. Governor is too embarrassed to defend his record of achievements in Texas with his opponent Mike Collier, so he is going to debate Geraldo Rivera instead. From the Austin Statemen:

Democratic rival Mike Collier, who has been pressing to debate Patrick without success, was less than pleased, calling the Rivera challenge a stunt and dismissing Patrick as a “clown.”


From the San Antonio Express News

Clown is right. Patrick is the leader of the white wing of the republic party, the far white wing. He is lucky those in education, including teachers, parents, administrators, etc, still won’t take the time to vote and those who do vote the wrong way. That goes for those in law enforcement, public sector employees and Hispanics. His record of leadership is one that would make any white winger proud.

Under Patrick’s leadership teacher’s salaries have not kept up with the national average. Spending for our public schools has dropped to record lows. Texas now ranks (or reeks) #43 in the nation for public education. Health care costs for retired teachers have skyrocketed and retirement benefits have been cut. This is nothing to brag about or debate your opponent about.

Patrick ushered in open carry of loaded assault rifles in Texas against the wishes of the law enforcement community and just about everyone else. He had the power to stop this insanity but instead fully endorsed it as if walking around the streets with a loaded assault rifle makes our streets safer. (it doesn’t) When 5 policemen in Dallas were gunned down with an AK-47 type of weapon Patrick was silent. He was silent about his open carry bill when 26 were killed in Sutherland with a Ruger AR-556. He finally spoke up after 8 students were killed in Santa Fe by donating metal detectors for an ill conceived, limited protection, gimmick that did not address the issue of gun violence.

Patrick as a Senator and Lt Governor has created a tax haven for businesses in Texas passing the deficits on to the tax payers of Texas. Cuts to education and services followed, as planned.

Patrick has been the champion of the so-called “Bathroom bill”, another brain fart of an idea. Instead of addressing gun violence, or teachers salaries, or property taxes, Patrick has focused on the number one issue on the minds of Texans, which bathroom kids should use.

So with his record of cuts to our teachers, assault weapons on demand, property taxes out of control, and policing of bathrooms, just to name a few,  it is no wonder Dan Patrick would decline an opportunity to debate his opponent.

Watch Geraldo kick his ass.

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Posted by johncoby

The GOP: Comrades of Corruption

August 26, 2018

Remember when the republic party was the party of “conservative”family values? Neither do I.

The list is growing each day of republicans who are stealing their donor’s money, profiting from insider trading, committing conspiracy to defraud the United States, tax evasion, cheating on their spouses, etc etc etc. It’s sickening. Here are just a few examples of republican values in recent action:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Currently serving and is up for re-election. Indicted 3 years ago on 3 felony counts of security violations. Trial scheduled for next year.

Former State Representative Joe Driver (Texas) Plead guilty to a felony of abuse of office, served 5 years probation, retained his $57,000/year pension and free healthcare.

Former Congressman Steve Stockman (Texas) Found guilty on 23 counts of 24 felony counts of campaign finance abuse. He is currently serving in the Harris County jail pending an appeal.

Former Congressman Tom DeLay (Texas) Resigned from Congress. Was found guilty of money laundering in 2010. 


Congressman Joe Barton. (Texas) Still in office. Divorced 3 times. Was found to have sent “dick pics” to a number of women. Has refused to resign but will not seek re-erection…..election.

Former Congressman Blake Farenthold. (Texas) Resigned in disgrace after he was found to have used tax payers money to settle a sexual harassment suit against him towards staff members. Vowed to repay the tax payers, “I will deliver a check for $84,000 to the Speaker of the House”. He never did and never will. He resigned.

Congressman Chris Collins. (New York) Indicted for insider trading. Initially said he would still run for his seat in Congress but has since withdrawn.

Congressman Duncan Hunter (California) He and his wife has been indicted for using over $250,000 in campaign donations for personal use including trips to Europe, braces, entertainment. He has blamed it on his wife and will continue to seek re-election.

Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. Resigned from Congress. Pleaded guilty to the felony “structuring” charge, and the charge of “making false statements” (lying to the FBI). Spent over a year in jail. 

Congressman Jim Jordan (Ohio) Has been accused of looking the other way as sexual abuse was occurring in the Ohio State wrestling team.

National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Plead guilt to lying to the FBI. Is currently cooperating with the FBI.

Donald Trump Jr. Dumped his wife for a younger model. Is the Mr. Trump’s son.

And you know about Manafort, Cohen, Papadopoulos, Gates, and a slew more stemming from Special Prosecutor Mueller. That complete list can be found here.

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Posted by johncoby

Spending Campaign Cash: Congressman Duncan Hunter

August 23, 2018

After reading about Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter’s spending habits of his donors money I thought “There are over 200 more republicans to look at….”.

Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter and his wife were indicted for misuse of their donors money. According to the 47 page indictment reported by CNN:

“The Hunters illegally used Campaign funds, among other things, to purchase the following: Hotel rooms, airline tickets and upgrades, meals and food, and entertainment expenses for vacations for themselves and their friends and family, including more than $14,000 for a family Thanksgiving vacation in Italy in November 2015; more than $6,500 for a family vacation to Hawaii in April 2015; more than $3,700 for a family vacation to Las Vegas and Boise in July 2015; more than $2,400 for a Las Vegas couples vacation in August 2011; and more vacations to destinations such as Lake Tahoe, Pittsburgh, London, and Washington.”


It’s staggering to think Hunter and his wife used $250,000 of his donors money on personal items. His treasurer must have turned on him because finding these abuses are extremely hard by just reading financial reports. I should know, I have filed many ethics complaints on the state level. It’s not easy. 

Ten years ago a small group of activists found major abuses with republican lawmakers in Texas. These abuses included using donors money to buy a condo, hiding personal purchases behind a credit card, and much more. Over 50 complaints were filed with about 48 accepted. Fines ranged from $1000-$75,000. Here are some of the more interesting complaints:

  • The $75,000 fine was against Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole. The complaint alleged using nearly $250,000 for personal items including antique western wear, antique books, golf, and Starbucks to name just a few.
  • Senator Jane Nelson hid $2000/month behind a fictitious company called Twin Star when in fact the payment was to her husband to buy a condo. The Ethics Commission, after a year, dismissed the complaint and sealed the investigation.
  • Former State Representative John Davis purchased a pair of $1500 cowboy boots using his donors money. It had the State seal on the front.
  • A state representative from Lubbock paid his wife over $30,000/year for accounting services. He only raised $75,000. He was told to stop by the TEC. A year later he was paying an accounting firm $36,000/year for accounting services. The firm was newly created and was owned by his wife. He did not seek re-election.
Maybe it is time to start looking again……



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Posted by johncoby

Federal employees warned about Pence coming to NASA on Thursday

August 22, 2018


 You have to wake up pretty early in the morning to make up stuff like this. According to Fox Orlando:

NASA has announced that Vice President Mike Pence and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine will visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on August 23rd. They will discuss the future of human space exploration and the agency’s plan to return to the Moon as a forerunner to future human missions to Mars.

In preparation for the traffic jams and the visit to JSC NASA HQs has issued the following statement:

NASA/JSC Employees, 

On Thursday the Vice President of the United States will visit Johnson Space Center to discuss plans to return to the Moon with select civil service employees. He will address these employees in Bldg 2 at noon. Invitations to this event will be sent late Wednesday. 

For those privileged enough to attend this great event with the Vice President, we ask you to adhere to a few simple guidelines. 1) Arrive early to complete the security process, 2) No signs will be allowed into the auditorium, and 3) With the extraordinary events of Tuesday we ask all employees to refrain from chanting “Lock him up! Lock him up!” instead consider “Back to the Moon!” or “Mars of Bust” or if you cannot be creative just chant “USA USA USA”.  

For those who will not be invited to see Pence please consider taking a day of leave, or call in sick, or work from home. Do anything to avoid the traffic and embarrassment of watching the Vice President acting like nothing has happened over the last few days. Please plan to return to full work conditions on Friday.

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Posted by johncoby

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