« December 2005 | Main | February 2006 »

January 31, 2006

DEMOCRATS FOR PEACE - Today

DEMOCRATS FOR PEACE Will debut on Tuesday, January 31, 2006

At the DRIVE OUT THE BUSH REGIME
STATE OF THE UNION PROTEST

1945 Allen Parkway
Across the street from the Channel 11 Studio
Between Montrose Boulevard & Taft Street

Millions are outraged over revelations of secret NSA spying, the continuing unjust war in Iraq, the prospect of Alito on the Supreme Court, and the whole radical remaking of society in a fascist way. The failed policies of the Bush administration must end; their regime is immoral, unjust, and indictably criminal.>>

Join DEMOCRATS FOR PEACE at a protest to coincide with Tuesday evening's State of the Union address. We will gather at 7:00 PM for a rally with music, speeches, and chants. At 8:00 PM, when President Bush begins his State of the Union speech, we bring on the noise and drown out Bush's lies with kazoos, signs, noisemakers, and anti-war mantras. We will demand that Bush and his cronies be held accountable. Please bring signs, banners, pots, pans, stickers, flyers, metal spoons, wooden spoons, noisemakers, costumes, instruments, buttons, or anything else that you think will reinforce our anti-Bush, anti-war message. Come out and join fellow progressive activists to protest the fascist, divisive, and unconstitutional acts of the Bush administration!

I am out of town, but I hope we get a great turnout of Democrats for this effort!

Posted by Lyn Wall at 07:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 29, 2006

Sunday Funnies (Courage and Integrity Edition)



More... --->



Posted by Perry Dorrell at 07:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC). The house that Bob Perry built.

perry.jpgA TRiCC on the Public by John R. Cobarruvias Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings

In 2003 the Texas Legislature created the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC, pronounced "trick") by passing House Bill 730. This bill, written by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB), was promoted to our elected officials as providing protection for new homebuyers from costly construction defects. Unfortunately the recent audit of the TRCC by the Comptroller of Texas concluded the TRCC "functions as a builder protection agency". It is clear from this audit, the TRCC is nothing more than a TRiCC on the homebuyers of Texas and our elected officials.

The TRCC was created due to an outpouring of complaints by angry homebuyers with construction defects, yet not one single consumer advocate was consulted when Mr. John Krugh, senior vice president and corporate counsel for Bob Perry Homes, drafted the bill. Mr. Krugh was later appointed, by Governor Perry, as one of members of the Commission.

The bill was filed by State Representative Alan Ritter(D Beaumont), a lumber salesman and a member of the Texas Association of Builders. He was later honored by the TAB for his role in passing the bill, creating the Commission.

The Commission was granted authority to create a "State Sponsored Dispute Resolution Process" (SIRP) a mandatory process to assist homeowners mediate their complaints with a builder. It authorized the Commission to create "Warranty and Performance Standards" to define standards for new home construction. And it created the Arbitration Task Force to research the continued abuse of mandatory binding arbitration used by homebuilders.

As the audit disclosed, the resolution process is a costly, lengthy, and complicated process requiring the assistance of an attorney to navigate, exactly the opposite of what it was advertised. The warranty standards originally created by the builders and fashioned after the "worthless" 10-year warranties provided by homebuilders, provides less protection for the biggest investment of a lifetime than a cheap foreign made new car. Once again the builders falsely claimed these standards would benefit the homebuyer.

The arbitration task force was to research the continued abuse of arbitration to resolve defects in new homes. All of the initial task force members had ties with the homebuilding industry or the American Arbitration Association. Membership also included the President of the TAB. Needless to say, the results of this task force has been slanted and the homebuilder industry continues to claim arbitration is good for the consumer.

The homebuilding industry's response to the Comptroller's audit is predictable: "Trust us. It will get better." But trusting the homebuilding industry to fix the TRCC is like trusting a fox to fix hen house security. They have tricked the consumers and fooled our elected officials long enough. Our elected officials, regardless of party, should stop protecting this industry and start demanding protection for new homebuyers. If they can't be trusted to provide simple protection for the biggest investment of a lifetime, then they can't be trusted with our health care, insurance, our teachers, and our children's education. And in November the voters in Texas should demand massive reforms of this agency from all candidates.

The audit by the Comptroller has validated our long lasting concerns since House Bill 730 was filed. The TRCC, built on a cracked foundation, was created by the builders, for the builders, with no input from consumer organizations. Until the foundation is fixed, the TRCC will remain nothing more than a huge "TRiCC" on the consumers of Texas and on our elected officials.

John R. Cobarruvias
Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings
www.hadd.com

John R. Cobarruvias has been an advocate for new homeowner rights and is President of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings, Texas. He testified against House Bill 730 and has since provided research on the Commission and the rules and procedures.

--
John R. Cobarruvias
Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings
john.cobarruvias@hadd.com 14646 Cardinal Creek Ct
Houston, TX 77062
281-486-5203 H
281-536-2457 C

http://www.hadd.com

Posted by John Cobarruvias at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 27, 2006

Builders Commission responds to Carole Keeton Rylander Strayhorn Cougar Mellencamp Crosby Stills Nash and Young

lghrf0165.jpg
The Texas Residential Construction Commission responded to the critisism by the Texas Comptroller. Here is a shortened version of the response:

Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander Strayhorn
Comptrollers Office
Austin, Tx

Comptroller Strayhorn,

We have read your report on our Commission and rest assured, we aint' goin to do squat, so stick it!

Sincerely,
Bob Perry Homes
The TRCC Commission

Posted by John Cobarruvias at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 23, 2006

Comptroller Rylander nails Texas Homebuilders Commission

lies.jpgToday Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander issued a very stern review of the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC pronounced "trick") which was to help homeowners with construction defects. "After reviewing the TRCC and its enabling statue, it is clear that the agency functions as a builder protection agency." states the report.

"This report validates the concerns we have had ever since this Commission was proposed in 2003. The TRCC has been nothing more than a trick on the homebuyers of Texas and our elected officials." said John Cobarruvias President of the Texas chapter of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings.

The report criticizes the Commission for being stacked with builder friendly Commissioners, including the Vice President of Bob Perry Homes, Governor Rick Perry's biggest donor. The mandatory inspection process was found to be expensive and nothing more than a bureaucratic roadblock. And the Commission lacks any enforcement over the builders who refuse to make repairs.

Comptroller Rylander concludes "...if it was up to me personally, I would blast this TRCC builder-protection agency off the bureaucratic books"

"I reluctantly agree. This Commission was built on a flawed foundation which cannot be repaired. It must be torn down and we must start over" said John Cobarruvias.

The complete report can be found at: http://www.cpa.state.tx.us/trcc/.
--
John R. Cobarruvias
Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings
john.cobarruvias@hadd.com

Posted by John Cobarruvias at 07:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 22, 2006

Sunday Funnies (His Fraudulency's special edition)





More ... --->







Posted by Perry Dorrell at 08:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 20, 2006

For Immediate Release: Radnofsky press conferences in Houston and Austin outline anti-corruption initiatives

January 20, 2005

Campaign Contact: Seth Davidson, Communications Director, 713-865-0416, seth@radnofsky.com

Democratic U.S. Radnofsky, with state and local Democratic officials and candidates, will hold two press conferences to announce her anti-corruption initiative. She will hold her press conference in Houston on Wednesday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Harris County Democratic Party offices (1445 North Loop West), and in Austin on Thursday, January 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the state Democratic Party offices (707 Rio Grande). Congressional candidate Mary Beth Harrell will attend the Austin press conference.

“A major moral cost of corruption is our children growing up in a world where lying, cheating, and stealing appear to be acceptable. It’s a world where leaders embrace perjury, take money under false pretenses, and lack any code of honor so they refuse to try to correct the wrongs in which they’re involved,” says Radnofsky.

Radnofsky will detail her anti-corruption initiatives at the press conference.

“The cost of corruption is economic loss, waste, higher taxes, poor health care and education systems, and our inability to compete,” Radnofsky says. “Corruption has forced the early retirement of teachers under the ‘windfall elimination’ bill, has raised drug prices under the prescription drug bill, and robs Texans with unfair transportation funding formulas.”

Texans now recognize the cost of corruption, and recent polling shows the trend. Since the last Zogby poll in November, Barbara has improved her numbers among Democrats from 63% to 73%. This is among all likely voters, not Democratic Primary voters. While 14% of Democrats remain undecided, less than 1% favor a candidate other than Radnofsky or Hutchison. Looking towards the general election in November, Radnofsky continues her steady gains among moderate voters and now leads Hutchison 45% to 38%. This is a reversal from September when moderates favored Hutchison over Radnofsky 51% to 36%. The poll was conducted by Zogby International January 6-12 among 1097 likely voters as part of their year-long Battleground States Survey. Margin of error is 3.0%.

Matt Angle, Texas political strategist and former executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, commented on the poll saying “John Zogby is a well known and respected national pollster. His survey of the Texas Senate race is interesting. Clearly Barbara Radnofsky has the opportunity to build a coalition of moderate and progressive voters that, over time, could make this race competitive.”

Radnofsky’s initiative will include the following “to do” items for Sen. Hutchison:

  1. Renounce perjury
  2. Return the money she accepted from El Paso's Tigua Indian tribe, who were defrauded by indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff
  3. Make good on the promise she made to the people of South Texas recently when she echoed Radnofsky’s call for a VA hospital south of San Antonio.

    4. Press packets can be obtained via e-mail from seth@radnofsky.com, or from the web site, http://www.radnofsky.com under the Press section.

    ###

    Seth Davidson
    Communications Director
    Barbara Ann Radnofsky US Senate 2006
    www.radnofsky.com
    713-865-0416

    The Harris County Democratic Party supports and promotes all Democrats. The HCDP encourages and welcomes all Democratic candidates, even those with opponents in the March primary, to send HCDP news and events for posting.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 05:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

    Day of "Inclusion" Did Not Include HCDP

    Guest Blogged by Melissa Taylor, Excecutive Director, HCDP

    The media billed this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Grande Parade held on Monday, January 16th in downtown Houston as an event of "inclusion." Charles Stamps, Executive Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Foundation, was under court order to collaborate with the Black Heritage Society, another parade organization who organized past MLK parades. Unfortunately, the media did not cover the story about Stamps denying the Harris County Democratic Party (HCDP) the opportunity to participate in the celebration of one of our nation's greatest civil rights leaders.

    Throughout the days leading up to the event, Stamps showed reluctance in the HCDP’s participation. He claimed the participants marching with the HCDP in previous years did not follow the parade’s strict guidelines prohibiting the endorsements of political candidates and what Stamps referred to as ‘electioneering.’ Melissa Taylor, the Executive Director of HCDP, assured him that she would attend the parade and monitor the participants closely to ensure that all participants followed the parade’s rules. Although Stamps initially agreed to allow HCDP to participate in the parade, he regrettably reversed his decision several times over the next few days. Despite the tireless efforts of Ms. Taylor, Houston City Councilman Ron Green and his aide Kassaye B. Kassaye, and telephone calls from many local Democratic office holders, Stamps made the final decision to exclude the Harris County Democratic Party in the parade late Sunday night.

    Other community groups were denied the opportunity to participate in the parade, as well. For example, Stamps spurned a group that marched in the MLK Parade with Martin Luther King, Sr. in 1978 in celebration the parade’s inaugural year in Houston.

    The Party wishes to thank all Democrats and Democratic organizations who volunteered to march in honor of Dr. King. Special thanks go to Houston City council member Ron Green and his council aide Kassaye B. Kassaye for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Democratic Party. We thank the many Democratic office holders who made calls to Stamps on the Party’s behalf—there are too many to name. In addition, several Democratic office holders and candidate withdrew from the MLK Parade as a sign of solidarity with their Party. These brave Democrats include: Dr. Alma Allen, State Representative for District 131, Ron Green, Houston City council member, and James G. Pierre, candidate for Harris County Clerk.

    The Houston Chronicle and Channel 11, which broadcast the parade, are probably not aware of the exclusion of the Harris County Democratic Party. It is a sad day when an organization whose mission mirrors Dr. King’s vision for inclusiveness and civic empowerment is denied their opportunity to express those sentiments to the community.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 02:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    Tell Rick Perry to Stop Funneling Our Tax Dollars to DeLay/Abramoff Cronies

    This week the Houston Chronicle reported that Texas taxpayers have been funding exorbitant lobbying contracts for two Tom DeLay-Jack Abramoff cronies, Drew Maloney and Todd Boulanger. Here's what their editorial on 1/19 said:

    “Together, the two deals will hand the pair of lobbyists more than $1 million in taxpayer funds by the end of next year, needlessly embroiling the state in the Washington lobbying scandal.”

    The Longview News-Journal echoed:

    “The more important question raised by (Rep. Jim) Dunnam is why Texas lawmakers ever thought it was necessary to appropriate more than $1 million for lobbyist contracts when the state — at the time of the decision — had a president, two powerful senators, (and) the House Majority Leader…to represent the state's interests in Washington.”

    And the Fort Worth Star-Telegram made it three newspapers on the same day, publishing more of Rep. Jim Dunnam's comments:

    "Governor Perry should not continue to waste huge sums of taxpayer money to fund the unnecessary lobby contract of [someone] who is directly involved in the unseemly activities of Tom DeLay."

    So who are these two men at the center of this controversy, Drew Maloney and Todd Boulanger?

    Before Rick Perry hired Maloney's Federalist Group for $180,000 a year to lobby the US Congress for the state of Texas, Maloney had given only $250 in campaign contributions. After Maloney was hired by Perry, he contributed over $75,000 to Republican candidates, committees and PACs, including Tom DeLay’s TRMPAC. This hardly seems like a coincidence.

    Todd Boulanger has a close business and personal relationship with Jack Abramoff. Boulanger shared lobby contracts with Abramoff, worked with him at the same firms and even served on the board of the Capitol Athletic Foundation, Abramoff’s sham charity. Texas taxpayers should not pay $15,000 per month to someone with direct business ties to a lobbyist who has pled guilty to federal corruption charges

    “Boulanger was a member of Abramoff's lobbying team during the time it defrauded Indian tribe clients out of millions.” (Houston Chronicle, 1/19/06)

    Contact Governor Rick Perry and tell him to do the right thing and cancel the needless contracts he awarded to two Tom DeLay-Jack Abramoff cronies. Texas taxpayers deserve better than this.

    To reach Governor Perry:
    Call 1-800-252-9600
    This is the Citizen Opinion Hotline. You may leave a recorded message -- unless the 'mailbox is full'.

    E-mail Perry at:

    http://www.governor.state.tx.us/contact/#contactinfo

    Posted by Perry Dorrell at 01:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Harris County Democratic Party to host Delegation from Bulgarian Parliament

    Monday, 1/23/2006 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

    HCDP Headquarters
    1445 North Loop West, Ste. 110
    Houston, TX

    The HCDP invites you to join us for a fascinating discussion between members of Bulgarian Parliament and leaders of the Harris County Democratic Party [Gerry Birnberg (Chair), Martha Cottingham (Primary Director) and Melissa Taylor (Executive Director)].

    According to the host organization, institute of International Education, here are the objectives and background.

    Objectives
    The program is designed to introduce influential non-English speaking MPs in Bulgaria's new National Assembly to U.S. foreign policy objectives. The goal is to provide leading MPs with an intensive, first-hand look at U.S. foreign policy, especially with regard to Trans-Atlantic cooperation, U.S. foreign policies in Central and Southeast Europe, assistance policy and international security issues. The program will also focus on the issues of Trans-Atlantic ties and relations between the U.S. and the European Union, which Bulgaria hopes to join in 2007. The SCP will allow participants to gain first-hand knowledge of contemporary American society and the U.S. political system.

    Background

    Bulgaria's new parliament was formed in July 2005 following the June 25 general elections that produced inconclusive results with no party winning a clear majority. This outcome resulted in the formation of a Socialist-led government backed by the largest coalition in the Balkan state's post-communist history. This program targets MPs from the ruling coalition, which comprises the three biggest political parties - the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), the National Movement for Simeon II (NMSS) and the predominantly ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF). The three parties in the ruling majority hold 169 seats in the 240-seat parliament and dominate all parliamentary committees. Their representatives head the key committees in parliament, including the Foreign Policy Committee, the Defense Committee and Legal Committee. The program targets leading members of these committees as well as up-and-coming political figures poised to play an important role in the legislative process in the new parliament.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Tune in to KPFT Right Now

    This Friday on KPFT Open Journal at Noon("The No Hate Zone"), John Basel will interview Texas House Rep. Garnett Coleman. They will discuss his positions on key issues, particularly school vouchers and school finance reform. Gerry Birnberg, Harris County Democratic Party Chairman. will discuss the various upcoming primary elections.

    This promises to be stimulating discussion. Join it by calling the KPFT Studio call-in number - 713-526-KPFT.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 19, 2006

    Sign Up Now for Texas Candidate Training!

    Are you a socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidate running or considering running for any level of public office in the 2006 Texas elections? Don't miss this exciting opportunity for you and up to four members of your campaign team to participate in intensive and affordable candidate training by successful campaign experts from around the country and right here in Texas.

    Apply now to attend Texas Candidate Training, January 20–22, 2006 (5 p.m. Friday–5 p.m. Sunday) at the Holiday Inn–Town Lake in Austin, hosted by Democracy for Texas, with curriculum developed by Latinos for America and Democracy for Texas.

    Our goal is to empower Texas progressive candidates through assistance in building winning campaign plans and training in carrying out those plans successfully.

    Space is limited! Click here to find out more about this rewarding opportunity to maximize your campaign successses and help take back Texas!

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Wesley Clark in Houston and Corpus January 26

    General Wesley Clark will be in Houston on Thursday, January 26th, 2006 for a fundraising luncheon and reception for Bob Gammage for Governor and a later rally with Bob and State Representative Hubert Vo. The luncheon begins at 11:30 am, and the reception from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm at Hotel Derek, 2525 West Loop South at Westheimer, in the Galleria area. RSVP here.

    Gammage is currently in the middle of his "New Day for South Texas" tour, visiting the cities of Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, Corpus and others.

    Clark will join fellow veteran and state representative candidate Juan Garcia for a formal campaign kick-off rally for Garcia's campaign for Texas House District 32, also on January 26 in Corpus Christi.

    Juan Garcia served under Clark's command during Kosovo, and the two men later became friends when Garcia was selected to serve as a White House Fellow, the nation's premiere leadership development program, whose alumni include Clark, Colin Powell and Henry Cisneros.

    Kickoff rally @ 4:30 p.m. Thursday, January 26 in the Selena Auditorium. Fundraising reception begins @ 6:00 p.m.

    Posted by Perry Dorrell at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 18, 2006

    A Day for Sheroes and Heroes

    PPHouston Luncheon.jpg

    From left: Muriel Stubbs, Mona Williams, Ann Rojas, Sarah Weddington, Charlene Tanner, Flora Medellin & Toni Medellin

    by Toni Medellin, Guest Blogger

    Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas’ annual Roe v. Wade Pro-Choice Luncheon is always my favorite event of the year. This year, I had even more to look forward to: Dr. Julianne Malveaux was their featured speaker. I had seen Dr. Malveaux speak on CNN, PBS, and even Fox News. I had read her columns in USA Today and Ms. Magazine. I was, naturally, very curious to hear what she had to say about the future of Roe v. Wade, Alito’s nomination to the Supreme Court, and the relationship between reproductive choice, race, and poverty.

    Dr. Malveaux’s remarks did not disappoint. She tackled these issues head on with humor, compassion, and clarity. The most moving anecdote she shared was about her freshman year at college, when her dorm sister from across the hall became pregnant and attempted to self-abort. The young Julianne, sworn to secrecy about the attempted illegal abortion, knew she couldn’t keep her secret when she saw blood running out from under the door to her friend’s room. She called her mother, who called authorities. They were able to save this young woman’s life; but how many other lives were lost because women did not have access to safe and legal abortions and reproductive health care services?

    My group of progressive Democratic women arrived early and stayed late. Our HCDP/Kingwood Area Democrats group included me, mom Flora Medellin, Charlene Tanner, Mona Williams and Ann Rojas (Kingwood College students sponsored by KAD), Karen and Bruce Menke, Pat Day, Lavon Thomas, Karen Kaufman, and Muriel Stubbs. Several ROADWomen were also in attendance with Charlotte Coffelt, Alia Najar, Elsie Cook, Jim & Judy Doughtery and others sponsoring another table. ROADWoman extraordinaire, Muffie Moroney, served as chair of this year’s Pro-Choice Luncheon—in my humble opinion, the best one yet.

    HCDP’s new Director of Party Administration, Melissa Taylor, was there as a guest of legendary Houston City Council member, Eleanor Tinsley. Several Democratic Elected Officials were in the house, too. Representative Sylvester Turner and Senator John Whitmire received awards from Planned Parenthood. Representative Turner quoted Martin Luther King in his acceptance remarks. Senator Whitmire was not able to attend; his Chief of Staff accepted the award on his behalf. Also spotted at the Luncheon were Representatives Jessica Farrar, Senfronia Thompson and Ana Hernandez, Trustee Jay Aiyer, Controller Annise Parker, and too many others to name individually.

    Ellen Cohen, candidate for State Representative District 134, was working the room and inviting progressive minded attendees to her Campaign Kick-off on Thursday, January 19th from 6 to 8 p.m.

    Spending a day surrounded by like-minded men and women is truly my idea of a perfect day. Heroes and Sheroes were in abundance, but my dream really did come true when I got to meet one of my greatest sheroes, Sarah Weddington, the attorney who successfully argued Roe v. Wade at the United States Supreme Court in 1973. This brilliant woman spent time with my students, Mona and Ann, allowed us to take way too many photographs, and was just plain nice. I want to thank my friend, Pat Day, for making the introductions and taking the group photo.

    All in all, it was a day to celebrate our past successes and prepare ourselves for the fight ahead. If you haven’t already done so, call, write, fax and email your Senators. Call your friends and family all around the country and make sure they do the same.

    See you at next year’s luncheon.

    Note: More Photos Here

    Posted by Stace Medellin at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    State Rep: "Education is not my area of expertise"

    dunce.jpg
    Well, I have to agree with State Representative John Davis (in DeLay's district). At a PTA meeting where he was invited to discuss the special session on school finance and education, he stated on a number of occasions "Education is not my area of expertise." And based upon his record on education, I have to agree.

    It is unfortunate for the teachers, students, and parents in attendance that their elected official, representing them in Austin and making decisions on education, has no expertise in education, or hasn't taken the time to do so during his 6 years in office. Instead he read a list of statistics that would spin the head of anyone trying to listen or trying to figure out why he doesn't know anything about education, especially since that has been the hot topic over the last few years.

    See the entire review here.

    Posted by John Cobarruvias at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 16, 2006

    Ellen Cohen Campaign Kick-Off Thursday, January 19, 2006

    invitation

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 08:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 15, 2006

    Regrettably, HCDP Will Not Particpate in the MLK, Jr. Parade Tomorrow

    Regrettably, the Harris County Democratic Party will not be included in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade line-up on January 16. Parade organizers have declined to accept our participation in the celebration of one of our nation's greatest civil rights leaders.

    The Party wishes to thank all Democrats and Democratic organizations who volunteered to march in honor of Dr. King. Special thanks go to Houston City council member Ron Green and his council aide Kassaye B. Kassaye for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Democratic Party.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    Harris County Democrat Party ROCKED On Saturday!

    Thanks to Mellisa Taylor, Stan Merriman, Jane Vidales, Victoria Hawkins, and Phillip McNutt for bringing the "Take Back Texas" precinct workshop to Clear Lake. We had about 80 individuals show up, had some fantastic training, great lunch, then we went out to block walk using what we learned.

    I encourage other clubs to contact Melissa Taylor to bring this training to a club new you.

    Again, THANKS!!!!!!

    John Cobarruvias, President
    Bay Area New Democrats

    Posted by John Cobarruvias at 06:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack

    To honor Dr. Martin Luther King

    "We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, militarism, and economic exploitation are incapable of being conquered. A nation can flounder as readily in the face of moral and spiritual bankruptcy as it can through financial bankruptcy."

    Beyond Vietnam, April 1967

    Click on this link (broadband, Macromedia Flash necessary) and listen to Dr. King in his own voice.

    And join Houston Democrats in tomorrow's parade.

    Posted by Perry Dorrell at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    Sunday Funnies





    More funnies on the jump...





    Posted by Perry Dorrell at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 13, 2006

    Upcoming events

    1.     Turn Texas Blue Precinct Development Workshop

    2.     Martin Luther King, Jr. Grande Parade

    3.     Small and Minority-Owned Business Meeting Invitational

    4.     Campaign Kick-Off Rally

    1)  Turn Texas Blue Precinct Development Workshop

               Who: Harris County Democratic Party, Democracy for Houston, the Progressive Populist Caucus, and the Bay Area New Democrats invite you to a workshop for precinct organization.
      Where: Franca's Real Italian Restaurant, 1101 East NASA Road 1, Houston, TX   View Map
      When: Saturday, January 14.  9:00 am-12:00 pm (8:00 am registration, social, coffee and donuts)
      RSVP: http://www.evite.com/johncoby@sbcglobal.net/workshop or call 281-486-5203 (John Cobarruvias, BAND)
      Cost:   FREE to all Democrats and progressives

    2)  Martin Luther King, Jr. Grande Parade

    Monday, January 16th      8:30 am line up

    Near Minute Maid Park (details forthcoming)

    Parade slot is unknown at this time.  Please check the website at www.hcdp.org for final details. We will post them as soon as we have them.

    The Harris County Democratic Party will participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade.  The parade will be televised on Channel 11.  The HCDP banner will be the first in the parade line; after that, we welcome Democratic clubs in Harris County to carry their own democratic club banners.  In addition, we welcome Democrats to hold handmade signs, such as Vote, Your Vote is your Voice, This is what democracy looks like, etc.

    In order to participate in the parade, the HCDP and its participants must follow certain guidelines:

    ·       Candidates will not be allowed to participate in this parade with the HCDP entry.

    ·       No parade participant may show any signs that suggest political endorsement of any candidates.  No buttons, t-shirts, signs, push cards, etc.  This rule will be strictly enforced.

    ·       Anyone who does not comply with these guidelines will be asked not to participate.   Melissa Taylor will be at the parade, and she will make all final determinations.

    3)  Small and Minority-Owned Business Meeting Invitational

    Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the National Basketball League, and the Houston Rockets are Collaborating to Create Opportunities for Houston’s Small and Minority-Owned Businesses during the NBA All-Star Game Weekend

    Houston Rockets Chief Executive Officer, George Postolos, Bill Miller and NBA officials will be meeting with various small and minority-owned businesses in Houston to facilitate a diversity of participation during this year’s NBA All-Star Game Weekend.  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has contacted interested businesses owners to partake in Monday’s meeting.

    In reference to the date of the meeting, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee stated “On the day we honor the great Martin Luther King, Jr., this meeting and its progress thereafter are symbols of togetherness and inclusion that Houston represents.” Greater Houston will benefit enormously from the NBA All-Star Game and its proceeds.  It is important that the community who is hosting the Game is intricately involved in planning and facilitating stages of this grand event.

    The meeting will offer an opportunity for those of you who have submitted requests to do business with the NBA during the all star game or seeking to do business at this time. This is an opportunity to get more information directly from NBA officials. We look forward to seeing you at this important meeting that can help you develop a relationship with the NBA.

               Who: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, NBA, and Houston Rockets.  All business owners are invited.
      What: Small and Minority-Owned Business Meeting Invitational
      Where: Toyota Center, 1510 Polk Street, Administrative Entrance (where Clay dead ends)
      When: Monday, January 16, 2006
      Time: 4:00 p.m. 
     
    Please RSVP to Jeanine Lewis, 713 655-0050 or Jeanine.Lewis@mail.house.gov ASAP.

    4)  CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF RALLY

    Sponsored by:

    Harris County Democratic Party, Battleground Democrats, Bay Area New Democrats, Katy Area New Democrats Organization, Kingwood Area Democrats, Meyerland Democrats, West Houston Democrats Club, and others

    Saturday, February 25th, 5:00-8:00 pm

    Drexler's World Famous BBQ & Grill

    2300 Pierce St
    Houston, TX 77003  

    RSVP TO JOHN.COBARRUVIAS@BAYAREANEWDEMOCRATS.ORG, 281-486-5203, http://www.bayareanewdemocrats.org

    MARK YOUR CALENDARS, TELL YOUR CLUB MEMBERS, AND CONTACT JOHN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE EVENT.

    CONTACT YOUR CANDIDATES AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO ATTEND.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 06:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 12, 2006

    Protestors greet 3 stooges of corruption: Perry, DeLay, Culberson

    A small, but loud group of protestors greeted Governor Rick Perry at the Greater Houston Builders Association during one of the Governors campaign stop. "If the citizens of Texas knew what this Governor and his party has done to them, they would never vote for him again and would join in our protest" said John Cobarruvias.

    The event was highlighted by the arrival of Congressman Tom DeLay indicted for money laundering and Congressman John Culberson now implicated in the Coushatta Tribe controversy. "No place can you get the three stooges of corruption, Perry, DeLay, and Culberson in one place at one time, except here in Texas. It looks bad. It smells bad. It is bad." said Margaret Tyler one of the protestors.

    Perry was visiting at the Greater Houston Homebuilders Association and is awaiting the results of an investigation by Comptroller Carol Keaton Ryllander Strayhorn into the Texas Residential Construction Commission, a Commission created by the homebuilders to oversee their own industry. "Rick Perry acts as if he is bought and paid for by the homebuilders in this state." said Francis Rankin.

    The Governor and his supporters were greeted as they left with a sign that said "Adios Mo Fo".

    Posted by John Cobarruvias at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

    January 11, 2006

    Meet Dot Nelson-Turnier, Democrat for SH-150

    Dot Nelson-Turnier is running against Republican incumbent Debbie Riddle in the 150th district of the Texas House of Representatives, which comprises the northernmost portion of Harris County -- north of FM 1960 and east and west of Interstate 45 (map, .pdf). Riddle is infamous for the following comment:

    "Where did this idea come from that everybody deserves free education, free medical care, free whatever? It comes from Moscow, from Russia. It comes straight out of the pit of hell. And it's cleverly disguised as having a tender heart. It's not a tender heart. It's ripping the heart out of this country."

    Dot recently responded by e-mail to the following questions:

    ========================

    Why are you running? What are your goals in office?

    I am running because I feel no Republican should run unopposed. We have to give people a choice. My focus is on what I call the Killer E’s -- Economics, Education, Equity, Equality and Environment -- and I do not think the incumbent Republicans have been making much progress on these issues.

    ========================

    Read the rest at Texas Tuesdays.

    Posted by Perry Dorrell at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

    January 10, 2006

    'Set the Record Straight' tour in full swing

    Texas Democratic candidate for Governor Bob Gammage is currently touring the state as part of the "Set the Record Straight" Tour, a four-day, 13-stop airplane whistle stop tour of Texas to officially kick off the 2006 campaign. Gammage is joined on the tour by Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Ben Grant, and Democratic candidate for Comptroller Fred Head.

    The campaign swing began in Sugar Land -- Tom DeLay's current district and the district Gammage represented in the U.S. Congress -- on January 9th, is winding through East and Central Texas and will finish with a wrapup press conference in Austin on January 12th.

    MONDAY January 9th
    9:00 am SUGAR LAND Press Conference
    11:00 am BEAUMONT Press conference
    1:00 pm LUFKIN Press Conference
    3:15 pm LONGVIEW Press Conference

    TUESDAY January 10th
    8:30 am TYLER Press Conference
    11:00 am TEXARKANA Press Conference
    2:00 pm DALLAS Press conference
    3:45 pm FORT WORTH Press Conference

    WEDNESDAY January 11th
    8:30 am WICHITA FALLS Press Conference
    11:30 am WACO Press Conference
    2:15 pm SAN ANGELO Press Conference
    TBD SAN ANTONIO Press Conference

    THURSDAY January 12th
    11:00 am AUSTIN Press Conference

    ================================

    Vince at Burnt Orange Report has a good summary of the tour's first day, including links and excerpts from the local newspapers covering.

    Posted by Perry Dorrell at 05:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 09, 2006

    Sunday Funnies (Monday edition)

    Answers on the flip...

    Posted by Perry Dorrell at 03:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 08, 2006

    Some New Voter Registration Cards Reverse the Flow of Time

    At least two friends of mine who are residents of Harris County are reporting that their new yellow voter registration cards they received this weekend are valid

    From 1/1/2006 through 12/31/2005

    Mine is correct, I suggest you check yours.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 09:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Carolyn Keeton Rylander Strayhorn hammers the builders.

    lies.jpgThe comptroller will be releasing an audit of the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC, pronounced “trick”) this week. This Commission has been heavily criticized for its overbearing bias towards the homebuilding industry. Instead of providing protection for new homebuyers, the commission has provided ample protection for the builders.

    Rylander's audit has already been under fire even before the report has been released. Representative Swinford has asked the Attorney General to determine whether Rylander has the authority to audit the Commission. That request can be found here.

    Needless to say, Rylander could be playing politics since the commission is Governor Perry’s personal playground. He appointed John Krugh, the VP of Bob Perry Homes, to the TRCC -- the commission that should regulate Perry Homes. This was right after Perry gave Perry $100,000. (Confused yet?) Krugh wrote the bill which created the commission and also wrote the warranty standards.

    This commission is sick. It is a complete joke. The Texas Association of Builders claimed this commission was to provide consumer protection. Instead they played a huge TRiCC on the public and our elected officials.

    Watch for the fireworks coming soon.

    Posted by John Cobarruvias at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 06, 2006

    Carole Keeton Rylander Strayhorn Cougar Mellencamp

    Foghorn Leghorn Ish Kabibble, Texas' latest candidate for governor, has apparently instructed the media to call her simply Carole Keeton Strayhorn.

    She had more names than she could shake a stick at, and now she can't stick to her names. On the other hand, perhaps the print media is simply trying to conserve ink by editing her by 25%.

    By the way, have you noticed that two of her progeny are prominent members of the Bush Monarchy?

    There is of course Scotty "Pillsbury Doughboy" McClellan, the president's press secretary. He's bravely weathered a string of personal embarrassments, from shielding Jeff Gannon to confusing John Murtha with Michael Moore.

    But there's also big brother Mark McClellan, the FDA goombah who is fighting to "protect" American seniors from the "dangers" of affordable Canadian drugs which are not sold at the outrageously inflated prices set by the Bush no-bid-giveaway to the pharmaceutical industry.

    What a legacy this family will have. Someday.

    If you have some suggestions for One Tough Grandma's new name or nickname, let's hear it in the comments. Trolls: I'm pretty certain one of them will never be 'governor'.

    Posted by Perry Dorrell at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    January 03, 2006

    Barbara Radnofsky Campaign Events

    Mark your calendars for these Barbara Radnofsky campaign events:

    Date: January 9
    Time: 2:30
    Location: El Paso County Democratic Headquarters, El Paso
    Description of Event: Press Conference
    Event Contact: Seth Davidson, seth@radnofsky.com, 713-865-0416

    Date: January 12
    Time: 11:30-12:15
    Location: Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1501 E. 6th Street, Austin
    Description of Event: Luncheon and speech
    Event Contact: Alicia, cadw@cadw.org, 512-619-2735kim.grout@radnofsky.com

    Date: January 12
    Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
    Location: Offices of Phil Durst, 4101 Avenue C, Austin
    Description of Event: Reception Fundraiser
    Event Contact: Seth Davidson, seth@radnofsky.com, 713-865-0416

    Date: January 26br> Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
    Location: Lufkin
    Description of Event: Reception Fundraiser
    Event Contact: Kim Grout, kim.grout@radnofsky.com, 281-693-1801

    Date: January 28
    Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
    Location: 300 W. Plano Parkway, The Wild West, Plano
    Description of Event: Campaign Kickoff
    Event Contact: Kelley Van Auken, Kelley.vanauken@radnofsky.com

    Date: January 29
    Time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
    Location: Stephenville
    Description of Event: Reception Fundraiser
    Event Contact: Kim Grout, kim.grout@radnofsky.com

    Date: January 29
    Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
    Location: Abilene
    Description of Event: Reception Fundraiser
    Event Contact: Kim Grout, kim.grout@radnofsky.com

    Date: January 30
    Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
    Location: Dallas Downtown Public Library Auditorium, 1515 Young Street
    Description of Event: Reception and speech
    Event Contact: Michael Thomas, 214-403-8657, pgroveson@aol.com, Kelley
    Van Auken, Kelley.vanauken@radnofsky.com

    The Harris County Democratic Party supports and promotes all Democrats. The HCDP encourages and welcomes all Democratic candidates, even those with opponents in the March primary, to send HCDP news and events for posting.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 08:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    James G. Pierre for Harris County Clerk Campaign Kickoff

    Invitation

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 08:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    David Murff Announcement Party

    David Murff, who's running for Congress in District 7 will have an announcement party January 11th at Christie's Seafood and Steaks at 6029 Westheimer from 6pm through 8pm.

    The event was originally scheduled for January 3rd (today), but has been rescheduled.

    The Harris County Democratic Party supports and promotes all Democrats. The HCDP encourages and welcomes all Democratic candidates, even those with opponents in the March primary, to send HCDP news and events for posting.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Join the Galveston County Democrats and Turn Texas Blue on Saturday 1/7

    Turn Texas Blue
    Dear Democrats
    On Saturday evening, January 7, 2006, the Galveston County Democratic Party will host a banquet titled “Turn Texas Blue.” The event will be held at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center, 7 Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas. It will begin with a social hour at 6:00 p.m. to be followed by dinner and the program at 7:00 p.m.
    The purpose of this letter is to invite your participation and attendance. The program will begin with a message from D.N.C. Chairman Howard Dean to be followed by Leo Gerard, General President of the United Steelworkers Union. Texas humorist Jim Hightower, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Charles Soechting, Texas AFL-CIO President Emmett Sheppard and Congressional candidates Nick Lampson and Shane Sklar will also speak at this event. John Patrick, the D.N.C. member from our area, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
    This will be a big Texas event! The Texas Democratic Executive Committee, the Texas AFL-CIO and others throughout the state who share a common interest in electing Democrats and defeating Tom DeLay and Ron Paul will also be present. On Saturday during the day, the State Democratic Executive Committee will be holding meetings. At noon we will have a rally featuring our statewide Democratic candidates.
    All funds raised by the banquet will go to “Getting out the Democratic Vote.” We also plan to sign up those in attendance to invite them to return to the district during early voting in 2006 to join us in block walking for Democrats in the DeLay and Paul Congressional districts. “DeLay’s defeat will be our gift to America!”
    The rally is free. The banquet is $50 per seat and will feature a fabulous Italian buffet.
    Your participation will benefit a great cause for our state and nation. We will need to know your decision prior to January 1, 2006. To make banquet reservations, make your check out to the Galveston County Democratic Party and mail to P.O. Box 519, La Marque, TX, 77568. You can purchase through our web site www.DemocratsWin.com.
    If you are interested in staying over at the Moody Gardens Hotel, you can get a special rate ($119 per night) by calling reservations 888-388-8484 and telling them you are part of the Texas Democratic Party.
    Thank you for your service and support for our Party. Join us in preparing for this important victory in 2006.
    Sincerely,
    Lloyd Criss
    Galveston County Democratic Party
    email: democratswin@galvestoncountydemocraticparty.com
    web: http://www.DemocratsWin.com

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

    Abramoff Reaches Plea Deal

    Not a good day for the Hammer.

    CNN and MSNBC are reporting that Jack Abramoff has agreed to plead guilty to corruption charges. In case you've just crawled out from under a rock, Abramoff has close ties to Tom Delay and up to 20 other members of Congress may be involved.

    Since Patrick Fitzgerald gave us Fitzmas, perhaps we should call this Abrakah?

    And he has 3 challengers in the Republican primary.

    Posted by Lyn Wall at 08:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

    David Van Os on Filing Results

    Dear Steering Committee:



    No other Democrat filed for Attorney General, thus we do not have a contested Democratic Primary to win. This is a credit to your hard work. Since this campaign had no great amount of money to deter any potential Primary opponents, we had to establish strong, visible grassroots viability in order to remain uncontested for the Democratic nomination, and that is exactly what you did. Congratulations!

    I am very happy to report to you that Democrats came in strongly to file for Republican-held seats all day long. Contrary to what the cynics of the embedded corporate media predicted, the Texas Democratic Party will be fielding a full statewide ticket in the general election. There are Democratic candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Land Commissioner, Railroad Commissioner, Texas Supreme Court, and Court of Criminal Appeals. The Democrat who came in to file for Comptroller caused a flurry of excitement - Fred Head, well-known as a champion of reform and ethics, who served in the Legislature for 14 years as an old-time populist East Texas Democrat, who was a member of the "Dirty Thirty" that rose in 1971 to put an end to the corruption of an earlier day, and whose East Texas support base is solid as a rock. Already Fred has made it known that he is campaigning fiercely against what Republican one-party rule has done to the people of Texas; as he put this afternoon, he is going to "light fires." There are 4 Democrats running for Governor, 3 for Lt. Governor, and 2 for Agriculture Commissioner.



    The filings for U.S. House seats are equally encouraging and exciting. Democrats are running in 31 of the 32 U.S. House seats in Texas. In total, 39 Democrats are running for those 31 seats, due to more than one Democrat filing in some of them. The most telling sign of Democratic fires burning hot is that 20 of the 21 Republican incumbents in the U.S. House from Texas will have Democratic challengers in the general election. The fires are burning so hot in fact, that 25 Democrats filed for the opportunity to run against those 20 Republican incumbents.



    The number of State Legislature filings are not yet assembled in one place because candidates for multi-county districts