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October 31, 2006

November 4th Teach In - It's Worse Than You Think!

It's Worse Than You Think... Where is the Bush administration taking our nation? Why MUST it be stopped?

Join us for an interactive, educational,
emergency Teach-in!

Saturday, November 4th
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
University of Houston,
SEC Building, Room 201
Call 713-894-0932 for more information

Neither the full magnitude nor the staggering implications of the Bush regime are well understood. The Bush administration is currently seeking to dismantle our constituion and system of checks and balances. The Bush administration systematically lies about its actions, while the media allows them to frame the issues. The Bush administration lies about its agenda, while the media fails to accurately and fairly portray the actual state of things.

We currently face a grave emergency. The very nature of U.S. society and its relationship to other countries is being reshaped in a dreadful way by corrupt neocons before our very eyes. Yet the full implications of these sweeping changes are not widely understood, even among those who oppose the Bush administration. This MUST change!

YOU are cordially invited to join us for an afternoon of edifying education and insightful information. Everyone is welcome.

Join us for panels, speeches, networking, and lively discussion. We will also be presenting/screening footage from the Bush Crimes Commissions.

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Halloween Funnies

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October 29, 2006

Sunday Funnies (Election Day countdown edition)

More ... --->

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Sunday Funnies (Limbaughtomy edition)

More, but no more drug-addled spew from a right-wing blowhard ... --->

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October 27, 2006

A Little Instant Karma for Greg Abbott

Even with the current state of the mainstream media, once in a while, the truth about corruption sees the light of day.

Tonight, WFAA in Dallas is due to report that Greg Abbott has been busted using state employees and state equipment on state time to produce campaign ads. You can watch it at Can O Fun

David Van Os, when contacted by WFAA commented: "I did not know of this specifically. But I'm not surprised. It is representative of the way Greg Abbott has used the Attorney General's office for four years, to promote himself. It was only a matter of time before he got busted."

I don't think anyone is surprised that Abbot has committed this violation. But I'm extremely surprised that the media is reporting on it. This came about that way - the karma of truth caught up with Abbott without any attempted control or manipulation of news on the part of anyone connected with the David Van Os campaign.

A Dallas friend reports: "They showed his campaign ad, and talked about the money he spent. They have archival footage of Abbott in 2003 saying that the videotapes are important. They said you can go to his political website where all of his videos were shot using taxpayers money... they were very clear, kept saying "YOUR money" etc. Gloria Campos reported "David Van Os is not surprised at Abbott's use of the taxpayers money, and that it is representative of Abbott's last four years in office."
So let's remember what David's campaign is about. He is seeking a new purity in our political process. A new morality if you will. Trust the people, tell the truth, and trust in the power of truth to spread itself.

On November 8, we will have something new, an Attorney General Elect we can be proud of. One who will work for the people, replacing an Attorney General who used his office as a means of promoting himself.

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

October 24, 2006

Matula vs. Davis, Wednesday 10/25

You are invited to attend the House district 129 debate between Democratic challenger Sherrie Matula and State Representative John Davis on Wednesday October 25, beginning at 7:00PM with meet-and-greet at 6:30PM.

This debate is sponsored by Students for Political Debate, an organization of high school students committed to providing the public with the opportunity to hear from the candidates vying to represent them.

The debate will take place in the auditorium of the Bayou Building, at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

* Travel south on I-45 to the Bay Area Blvd. exit.
* Continue east on Bay Area Blvd.
* Follow the signs 4 miles to UH-CL.
* Enter Entrance 1.
* Follow the signs to the Bayou Building.
* Park in visitor parking behind the Bayou Building.

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October 23, 2006

Images from 254 Counties

Many thanks to DVO's webmistress, Snarko, for this slideshow:

Posted by Perry Dorrell at 07:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

The Wizard of Os

From the Texas Observer: The Wizard of Os by Ronnie Dugger. The article is not available online, but we have permission to share this PDF version with you:

Posted by Lyn Wall at 07:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Early Voting Starts Today!

Vote early so you can work for your favorite candidates on election day! Everything you need to know about this year's election is available at HCDP.org

Posted by Lyn Wall at 07:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 22, 2006

Sunday Funnies

More ... --->

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October 17, 2006

BAR vs. KBH, Thursday 10/19, 9 p.m.

(actually you should click here)

Eyes of Texas Debate Watch Party

Jax Grill, 6510 S. Rice Ave, Bellaire, TX 77401 * 8-10 pm

Contact: Linda Rabinowitz, 713-729-5631

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October 15, 2006

Sunday Funnies

More ... --->

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October 14, 2006

Are you For the People, or Against the Pedophiles?

Texans for Public Justice, the people who brought you "The Big Buy: Tom DeLay's Stolen Congress", has an alarming report on the money distributed in the Texas Attorney General's race:

Texas voters definitely have a choice in this November’s attorney general race—although few of them may be aware of it. Nonetheless they can expect to hear soon from the incumbent Republican. Attorney General Greg Abbott has raised almost $9 million since his 2002 election. Although he still retained $7 million in his war chest at the end of June, Abbott pledged to spend heavily to ensure that voters know about his accomplishments. At the top of his list, he says, is busting Internet pedophiles.

Meanwhile voters should not expect to hear from Democratic challenger David Van Os—unless they mosey down to their local court house on the appointed day. A longtime labor lawyer, Van Os is running a populist campaign—and has the bank account to prove it. Since his 2004 race for the Texas Supreme Court, Van Os has raised $104,081, spending all but $3,242 of it by the end of June. Unable to buy much advertising, Van Os is well on his way to fulfilling his pledge to hold political rallies at each of Texas’ 254 county courthouses. Here Van Os rails more often against the kinds of rapacious corporate interests that have stocked his opponent’s war chest than the perverts who populate the World Wide Web.

(Libertarian Jon Roland, who has not reported raising or spending any money, says his priority will be to squash the corruption of public offices.)

Apart from message and the sheer size of their war chests, a key difference between the two major-party candidates is in the size of the contribution checks that they received. Checks of $5,000 or more accounted for 75 percent of all the money that Abbott raised and just 19 percent of Van Os’ total funding. In contrast, checks for less than $1,000 accounted for 57 percent of Van Os’ money and 5 percent of the incumbent’s cash.

Researchers identified the interests behind more than $8 million of Abbott’s campaign money, finding that business interests accounted for more than 99 percent of his total. Abbott, an ex-Texas Supreme Court justice and former corporate lawyer, received the most money ($1.4 million) from the Lawyers and Lobbyists sector (led by Vinson & Elkins). He also received more than $1 million from the Miscellaneous Business sector (led by Houston beer magnate John Nau). Abbott’s top overall donor was, of course, Houston home-builder Bob Perry, who gave the attorney general a remarkable $470,265. The next-largest donors were Kenny Troutt, who made a fortune from his Excel phone company, and energy and water investor T. Boone Pickens.

Read the entire entry, including the graphs of he contributions, come to the Courthouse Whistlestop next Wednesday, and cast a vote for the people.

And not the powerful.

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October 12, 2006

Thank you Kuff!

Harris County election judges have possession of Hart InterCivic eSlate System Judge's Booth Controllers (JBCs) for up to 72 hours before elections.

Support David Van Os, your Texas Democratic Party Judicial Candidates and James G. Pierre.

Great interview with Rice University computer science professor Dan Wallach, a member of the Brennan Center Task Force on Voting Security.

Click here to listen to the inverview: Interview with Dan Wallach

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October 08, 2006

Sunday Funnies (moral high ground mudslide edition)

More. Much more ... --->

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October 07, 2006

Immigration: Some Talking Points for the Homestretch

The end is in sight. While nothing is certain, the Foley scandal has legs and it carries a real punch. In politics it is the kiss of death to be associated with a dead girl or a live boy (even if only by implication or vague intention).

Crossposted at Texas Kaos .

This posting offers a way to talk about the immigration issue. It also provides a link to a much more complete "They Say - We Say" analysis which provides tools for us to fight back effectively on this issue. I don't claim that these are the "killer framing" of this issue, but it represents the fruit of an open forum, and the long reflection on my part with the editorial aid of  some key colleagues.
The Short story is this:

Immigration: Let's be Fair, its About Jobs and Families

1. We need their labor, they need our jobs
2. Immigration reform begins with fair trade, not free trade!. 3. Free trade destroyed their livelihood, justice demands fair trade.
4. Everyone has a right to provide a decent living for themselves and their families.
5. Papers or no papers, hungry, desperate people will seek work and opportunities
6. Immigrants want what we want : a decent job at decent wages, a fair chance for their kids to live, grow up, and achieve.
7. If a wall could not keep East Berliners inside at the risk of their lives, no wall will keep our desperate neighbors out.

Quotations: "Many immigrants come because they want to live out the values we celebrate Labor Day - hard work, providing a decent living for one's family, contributing to the community, a life of dignity, and opportunity through hard work." Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D., Bishop of Brooklyn

"The minimum wage in Chiapas is 500 pesos a day. A worker can earn that much in an hour in California." Ernesto Cortes, Jr.

"No person is illegal" Toni Medellin, J.D. Kingwood College, Department of Government,

The issue of immigration is an emotional issue that draws its power largely from an appeal to racist values and not so hidden attitudes of elitist white superiority. Associated with immigration is the issue of national security and the threat of terrorist intrusion; however, this is mostly secondary since immigrants from most 3rd world countries are focused primarily on their own welfare, not on terrorism.

Immigration is being used as another wedge issue by the Republicans, one that distracts from more pressing and higher priority issues of this cycle. If we let them use their framing unchallenged, the truth will be obscured and our perspective on the issues will again be over shadowed by these secondary points. Their frame: fear the illegal criminal immigrants. They are a danger to your personal security and to your jobs. That these are lies is easy to prove.

First, most undocumented immigrants have committed NO crime. Being here without proper paperwork is a civil offense, not a criminal offense. Second the overwhelming number of undocumented immigrants is here for one of two reasons: escaping political persecution or trying to provide for their families. Fact: the single most effective "foreign aid" program we have is the remittance these workers send home directly to their families. So, when the first words out of Repugs mouth on this issue is M-15 gang members or drug cartels, they are lying by omission, trying to score points against people that can't fight back , playing the cowards trump card : beat on the weak.

What drives people to such desperation that they would leave their homes and families, uncertain of ever seeing them again , place themselves in the hands of people called "coyotes", cross desert waste that has claimed 1,954 lives since 1998 just to get a sub-minimal wage job? The answer of course , is the dismal lack of opportunities in their own homelands. So the first insight on the problem is that undocumented immigration is it a humanitarian crisis, a crisis of jobs and families, both theirs and ours.

The second insight on the problem is that mindless free trade rather than fair trade policies, combined with our support for repressive regimes throughout the Cold War years has been the engine generating this crisis.

Now we can begin to see how deep is the hole we have dug for ourselves. Solutions to the immigration problem require that we admit our culpability and stop digging the hole deeper with more free trade which is not fair trade. It requires that we really do respect democracy , even when the results do not please us. That is long term.

What about now, short term? I have an idea, let's start enforcing work place rules that say you must pay every worker minimum wage. Better, lets raise the minimum wage and mandate healthcare to all workers! This would mean that employers would have to ask themselves a simple question: who is worth 5.25 or 7.15 or whatever an hour to do this work? If the undocumented worker had the skills , pay him and hire him. If the American worker had the skills , pay him and hire him. What the business man would lose is his cheap exploitable labor, what we would gain is a reduction of the incentive for poor workers to come here. We would also gain the benefits of facing reality, of acknowledging our real problem and the real source of that problem and it isn't criminal gangs or drug cartels.

But of course the Repugs want to have it both ways. Bush is the good cop. He wants amnesty ( which means keep the cheap labor we have and keep it coming) and he wants the reputation of being tough on the border (send in the National Guard). The House Repugs get to play bad cop. Build the wall, militarize the border, send them all back. At the end of the day, the Repugs business supporters keep their cheap labor and the Repug politicians get re-elected. The American people get nothing, just fooled again...

Here is a sample of the they say, we say material , the rest of which is located here

They say:
Militarize the borderline! Send in the National Guard!

WE say:
Since when do we shoot or arrest people for trying to feed their families? There are over 1500 miles on the southern border and an equal distance on the northern border. The northern border is not being scrutinized to the same degree as is the Mexican border, so leaving one open to potential terrorists at the expense of the other is shortsighted and naïve. There aren't enough Guardsmen to police these borders and they are not trained for this purpose, even if it was a good idea.

They say:
No amnesty! We should not reward law breakers!

WE say:

The immigration system we now use is ‘broken’ and this failed policy is what rewards illegal behavior! There is NO legal immigration to the US and the backlog to process immigrant requests dates to the early 90s. Employers who seek out vulnerable workers gain an unfair advantage over law-abiding competitors and smugglers make millions by ferrying workers to jobs inside our the border . Practically, immigrants seeking to work and hoping to join loved ones in the US do what they must to enter. By combining a path to legal status for those already here, legal channels for those who otherwise might come illegally, and implementing tough enforcement that makes the new system relatively air-tight, we will replace widespread illegality with a legal, orderly system. (TMO Flyer)

Posted by Murvin Auzenne at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Bell beat 'em like a pinata

(cross-posted from here)

In my humble opinion.

Of course, you don't have to take my word for it; you can read the comments at Burnt Orange or the Chron's Texas Politics or the Bell blog or Coyote Mercury, or Vince's analysis or Hal's take or Muse's musings.

There's enough play-by-play at those links to suit anyone, so I'll summarize my favorite moments:

-- Bell opening with "I'm glad to be here with my three Republican opponents";

-- Grandma not knowing the recently-elected president of Mexico's name;

-- any of Kinky's disjointed ramblings, but particularly when he turned to Bell and asked, "What do you think the heroes of the Alamo would think of (our cowardly governor refusing to debate more than once)?";

-- the relentless pummeling given the incumbent from three angles, so badly was he hurt that he actually ducked out on the post-debate media Q &A.

Chris Bell was poised, confident, and articulate. He never got cut off for time, and he answered the question he was asked and didn't just spout some talking point. It was such a strong performance in comparison to his inept three stagemates that he likely sent himself to the Governor's Mansion tonight.

Quorum Report quotes moneybags trial lawyer John O'Quinn as saying Bell will not only get his financial help but also that of his fellow Democratic rainmakers:

Houston Attorney John O'Quinn, prominently featured tonight in Chris Bell's post-debate appearance, said he would do whatever it takes to raise Bell's profile in the race. Pressed by Wayne Slater of the Dallas Morning News in a post-debate press gaggle, O'Quinn said he was ready to put at least a million dollars into the Bell campaign, if not more.

"Chris Bell will not lose because of a lack of resources," O'Quinn said.

Thirty-three days to go, and we'll have a new Governor in Austin.

Update: Somervell County Salon got video of several parts of the debate, but this is the best part. KHOU has the full debate here.

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October 06, 2006

Debates, brunches, and more events for this weekend

Katy Area New Democrats Candidate Appreciation Brunch & Candidate Forum
Saturday, October 7, 2006
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cinco Ranch Public Library
2820 Commercial Center Boulevard
Katy, TX 77494

Nick Lampson, Candidate for U.S. Rep. District 22
Maria Luisa Alvarado, Candidate for Texas Lt. Governor
Dorothy Bottos, Candidate for State Rep. District 28
Hank Gilbert, Candidate for Texas Agricultural Commissioner

Visit www.katykando.org for more information.
Call 713-304-2975 or 713-269-7781 if you have any questions.

*************************************************
Kay Bailey Torture is too scared to show up, but Barbara Ann Radnofsky and Scott Jameson, the Libertarian candidate will be present for the first US Senatorial Debate. Please come and participate, as we're told audience questions are permitted, and there's a reception for all candidates and supporters afterwards.

Satrurday, October 7: Radnofsky and Jameson, US Senatorial Debate
Location: Rice University, 117 Humanities, Houston
Time: 7 pm
Public welcome, reception afterwards for all at the Lovett House

***************************************************

Gubernatorial Debate Watch Parties TONIGHT!
Around the state * Notify your friends and family * Take a friend!

Houston
Little Woodrow’s
4235 Bellaire Blvd
Call 713-524-0009 for more info

Dallas
Hamby's Bar and Grill
1510 Pacific Avenue
Call 713-524-0009 for more info

We also have info to share on these other events ...

More Gubernatorial Debate Watch Parties, tonight, in:

Austin
Texas AFL-CIO Headquarters
1106 Lavaca
Call (512) 477-6195 for more info

Denton
Hannah's Off The Square
111 Mulberry Street
Email jberthume@gmail.com for more info

Edinburg
Home of Aaron Pena III
1905 Ariel Lane
Email aaronpenaiii@hotmail.com for more info

Rosenberg
Fort Bend Democratic HQ
4800 Ave H. (Hwy 90a)
Call 281-238-9006 for more info

San Antonio
Bexar County Coordinated Camp. HQ
129 Goliad Road, Ste 129
Email RAMONASSOCIATES@aol.com for more info

Tyler
Smith County Democratic HQ
401 E. Front St.
Email party@smithdems.org for more info

The Texas Democratic Party is also sponsoring debate watch parties in the following cities across the state. If you are intersted in atending one of these events, call Jennifer Dean of the TDP at 512-478-9800. Events are scheduled for:

Bandera, Bullard, Cedar Hill, College Station, Edna, Graham, Hempstead, Huntsville, Hutto, Lancaster, Laredo, Leander, Mabank, and Waco

***************************************************

Saturday October 7, 2006

Heights First Voter Registration Drive, Casa Ramirez Folk Art, 245 W. 19th St., "all day", to volunteer email ghdc@gmail.com

Precinct 222 Democratic Club Voter Registration, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, in Rice Village, Rice Blvd. @ Kelvin. Join us as we register voters and distribute candidate yard signs and materials. Candidates welcome throughout the day.

Kingwood Area Democrats Fall Luncheon & Candidate Forum, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Kingwood Country Club, Pavilion, 1700 Lake Kingwood Trail, Kingwood. Join the Kingwood Dems for "Turn the 'Burbs Blue!" Fall Luncheon & Candidate Forum. For more information, contact Jenni Strader strader1@mac.com or Toni Medellin medellin@kingwoodcable.com or call 281-361-8209 or 281-361-8568.

******************************************************

Sunday, October 8

Jim Henley Countdown to Victory Rally
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm, River Oaks High Rise, 3435 Westheimer in the Claremont Room
Jim Henley invites you to our COUNTDOWN to VICTORY RALLY! Bring your friends and family. For more information contact Aimee Mobley Turner- Aimee@Henley forCongress.com

Sixth Annual Fun Day in the Park and Meet the Candidates
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Karl Young Park, 7800 Stella Link near N. Braeswood

1. Dog judging: best in breed (any breed will do), mixed-up breed, cute, owner look-alike, and costumed canine.
2. Meet the candidates and (and dog show judges) in the November '06 elections.
3. Games and face painting for kids
4. Food Concessions
5. Blood Drive
6. Vendors (tables/2chairs available for $50.00 donation).
Admission is free
$15.00 dog entry fee
Donations welcome.
For more information, contact Sandy Steigerwald at 713 664 8083 or e-mail bssteiger@houston.rr.com

Kristi Thibaut Reception - Help Win District 133
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Home of Karen & Tom Wolff, 12214 Rip Van Winkle

Meet Kristi Thibaut Reception hosted by the Wolffs and Demarks. Enjoy wine & cheese. RSVP 713-461-3285. Suggested minimum donation $20. Help us win this crucial House race.

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October 03, 2006

RIP Robert Sack

Lyn Wall's father, Robert Sack, passed away yesterday after a brief illness. There is a short bio here.

I know that she would be grateful now for your expressions of condolence.

Posted by Perry Dorrell at 07:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBack

Tuesday Funnies (GOP* edition)

*Grand Old Perverts.These just can't wait for Sunday:

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October 02, 2006

David Van Os Whistle-Stop Tour Coming to Houston 10/18

David Van OsDavid Van Os is in the midst of his 254 county WHISTLE-STOP tour of Texas, and it is his desire to take his message to small town, rural Texas where he believes the roots of populism still survive. David’s 252nd Whistle-stop will be at the  Harris County courthouse at 1001 Preston on Wednesday, October 18 at 4:00 p.m

In the tradition of Jim Hogg, the PEOPLE of Texas will finally have representation in the courts when David is elected, and corporations will be held accountable for breaking the law. David has a unique ability to communicate dynamically and effectively with people of all political persuasions and those who ascribe to no particular political party. When elected as Texas Attorney General, David will restore state government to the people who rightfully own it and will truly represent all Texans as the PEOPLE’S LAWYER.

David was born and raised in Kilgore, Texas, attended the University of Texas on scholarship and received his law degree from UT in 1976. He has been named as Texas “Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly Magazine in 2003, 2004, and 2005. He now owns his own law firm in San Antonio where he champions constitutional law, labor, and civil rights

big oilDavid will be discussing issues of relevance to Texans such as the Trans Texas Corridor and its impact on farmers/ranchers and the environment, the high price of gasoline, oil and gas company monopolization as well as insurance company monopolization and the high price of homeowner’s insurance in Texas. Ask David tough questions, and broadcast his answers on the air. You and your listeners will be impressed with David’s knowledge of these particular issues and others that directly affect Texans. He communicates with a straight shooting, firebrand oratory style that Texans appreciate and identify with.

If you would like to learn more about David and his historic Whistle-stop tour of Texas please visit his website at http://www.vanosfortexasag.com.

Posted by Lyn Wall at 04:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

October 01, 2006

Sunday Funnies II (This is torture)

More tortured logic, but without the boiling oil ... --->

Posted by Perry Dorrell at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Sunday Funnies I (The high price of low gasoline)

Posted by Perry Dorrell at 06:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack