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.

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September 13, 2006

Ann Richards - RIP


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4185429.html

We lost Ann Richards tonight. She was a great lady and a great Texan.

Sept. 13, 2006, 9:51PM
Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards dies

Associated Press

AUSTIN — Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, the witty and flamboyant Democrat who went from homemaker to national political celebrity, died tonight at her home surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer, a family spokeswoman said. She was 73.

Richards was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March and underwent chemotherapy treatments.

Richards had said she entered politics to help others - especially women and minorities who were often ignored by Texas' male-dominated establishment.

``I did not want my tombstone to read, 'She kept a really clean house.' I think I'd like them to remember me by saying, 'She opened government to everyone,' `` Richards told an interviewer shortly before leaving office in January 1995.

Richards served as Texas governor for one term. She lost her re-election bid to Republican George W. Bush.

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June 07, 2006

In Memoriam - Mary Kay Merriman

From Stan Merriman:

Mary K Merriman, 69, suddenly passed on Tuesday, June 6. A resident of Houston since 1968, she is survived by her husband, Stan and children Gregory, Julia, Timothy and Moira, grandchildren Graham, Kaetlin, Emma and Hadley, and great grandson Jake. She made her mark on her community with a positive, winning personality and keen intellect. She was an avid advocate of social justice expressed through activism with the civil rights and women’s movements. She served her community by offering herself as a candidate for the State Board of Education and volunteer organizer for the school integration movement called Citizens For Good Schools. Over the years she has served on a variety of boards and held offices with such groups as the League of Women Voters, Houston Works, the Museum of Fine Arts Guild, the Theresians, volunteered with the Museum of Natural Science and the Heritage Society of Houston. She was loved as a teacher with HISD, much of her tenure served at Travis Elementary from which she retired in 2003. She also distinguished herself as a grassroots activist and precinct worker with the Democratic Party. Her life made a difference. She got results. She is widely loved for her respect for all people. She was an unequaled mother, grandmother and loving marriage partner for 46 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:30 pm. on Tuesday, June 13 at The Rice University Catholic Student Center, 1714 Rice Blvd. Friends and family will gather to celebrate her loving, giving life. Come early and stay after to visit with family and her many friends. Parking at clinic nearby, in alley and paid parking at entrance 21 on the Rice Campus. No flowers, please. Donations might be made to the Gathering Place serving the mentally ill.

I'd like to share David Van Os' thoughts on the sudden loss of Mary Kay:

Dear Friends:

The sudden and untimely passing today of Mary Kay Merriman is an occasion of the most profound sadness and sorrow.

As we traverse our lives, we all encounter individuals with whom we are blessed to enjoy rare spiritual connections. Stan Merriman, whom I unabashedly call brother, is such an indiividual to me. And that made Mary Kay such a relationship also, because Stan and Mary Kay were and are the rare couple whose mutual synchronicity brings joy to all who are around them.

My heart is breaking for Stan. Let me relate the comment made to me by immediate past Texas Democratic Party Chair Charles Soechting this evening when I called him at his home to inform him of Stan's loss. In this remark by Charles, no truer words have been spoken: "God, I feel so sad for Stan. In the political world we are so surrounded by self-serving egotistical agendas, but with Stan, even when I found myself disagreeing with him, you just can't help but love him because he is the rare person who has a pure heart, and everything he does is for principle and for a better world." I can do no better than endorse that remark. Right now, on the eve of a Convention that will reflect another forward step in the magnificent work of party-rebuilding that has occupied so much of Stan's attention for the past 4 years, to think of Stan having to deal with such a blow rather than go to Fort Worth and enjoy another step forward in the fruits of his labors, honest to God breaks my heart.

Make no mistake about it, friends. The fact that we are going to have a wide open, democratic election for state party chair is in large part a result of Stan Merriman's labors over the past 4 years to re-democratize the Texas Democratic Party. The fact that the Progressive Populist Caucus meeting is going to draw huge interest and will have heavy impact is a direct result of Stan's labors over the past 4 years in building the Caucus. The fact that the State Party Platform of 2004 was one of the most progressive in the history of the Texas Democratic Party is a direct result of Stan's labors. The fact that the 2006 platform will no doubt continue the same spirit is likewise a result of Stan's work. The fact that the face of the Texas Democratic Party in Convention this week will reflect a much more grassroots oriented party than it did 4 years ago is likewise a direct result of Stan's ceaseless labors, much of which are unknown to most but are undeniable to those who know.

My friends, please think of Stan. Please shower him with your love. This man is a warrior of the heart, a warrior for justice, a warrior for peace, a warrior for a better world.

And as you go forward with our Democratic convention this week, and as you engage in the vigorous debates of a vigorously contested party chair election, remember that the real enemy is in November, and do not break the Party apart over the party chair contest. Whatever you do, do not break the party apart over it, but go from the Convention determined and united to wrest this state away from the robber barons in November and return it to the people. Please do this for Stan. It is a reward he has justly earned and deserves.

David Van Os

I couldn't say it better. Stan, I'm so sorry for your loss.

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June 06, 2006

Mary Kay Merriman

Mary Kay Merriman past away suddenly today. Our prayers and sympathies go out to her husban Stan Merriman, Chair Emeritus of PPC.

Posted by Lyn Wall at 09:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Our deepest condolences

to Stan Merriman, chair emeritus of the Progressive Populist Caucus, whose wife Mary Kay passed away today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Merriman family.

Posted by Perry Dorrell at 09:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 23, 2006

Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr., 1921-2006

One of our titans is gone.

Much can be said of him, but this single paragraph from Cragg Hines in the Houston Chronicle is apropos:

During much of the last three decades, Bentsen was one of the most respected and important voices in the nation, and sometimes beyond, on federal fiscal policy.

Please share your reminiscences of Lloyd Bentsen in the comments and go sign the guest book here.

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December 13, 2005

Marguerite Reed - Great Activist and Friend

Marguerite Reed and Leah BurrisAs some of you know, early last month, we lost one of our bloggers, Marguerite Reed (left, pictured with Leah Burris) to illness. In addition to leading the reading club on the blog, she was active on the steering committees of Democracy for Houston and the HCDP Communications group.

Marguerite ReedShe contributed to Democratic and Progressive causes in many ways. She was always available to help plan events, work party and DFH tables and take on just about any task. If you have picked up any buttons from HCDP or DFH, they are probably her handiwork.

Marguerite was a very private person and went out of her way to avoid sharing the seriousness of her illness with family and friends, so her passing was very sudden. She insisted there would be no memorial service or obituary.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to have her touch our lives and hearts will never forget Marguerite. I invite you to share your thoughts about Marguerite here.

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December 10, 2005

Two poems by Eugene McCarthy


MY LAI CONVERSATION

How old are you, small Vietnamese boy?
Six fingers. Six years.

Why did you carry water to the wounded soldier, now dead?
Your father.
Your father was enemy of free world.
You also now are enemy of free world.

Who told you to carry water to your father?
Your mother!
Your mother is also enemy of free world.
You go into ditch with your mother.

American politician has said,
"It is better to kill you as a boy in the elephant grass of Vietnam
Than to have to kill you as a man in the rye grass in the USA."
You understand.

It is easier to die
Where you know the names of the birds, the trees, and the grass
Than in a stranger country.

You will be number 128 in the body count for today.
High body count will make the Commander-in-Chief of free world much encouraged.
Good-bye, small six-year-old Vietnamese boy, enemy of free world.

VIETNAM MESSAGE

We will take our corrugated steel
out of the land of thatched huts.

We will take our tanks
out of the land of the water buffalo.

We will take our napalm and flame throwers
out of the land that scarcely knows the use of matches.

We will take our helicopters
out of the land of colored birds and butterflies.

We will give back your villages and fields
your small and willing women.

We will leave you your small joys
and smaller troubles.

We will trust you to your gods,
some blind, some many-handed.

More here.

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October 24, 2005

RIP Rosa Parks

Rosa ParksFrom ClickOnDetroit.com:

Local 4: Civil Rights Pioneer Rosa Parks Dead

POSTED: 9:35 pm EDT October 24, 2005
UPDATED: 9:47 pm EDT October 24, 2005

Civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks has died, Local 4 has learned.

Parks, 92, reportedly died around 7 p.m. Monday, a city source said.

Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Ala., in 1955 landed her in jail and sparked a bus boycott that is considered the start of the modern civil rights movement.

Parks, was born on Feb. 4, 1913. She now lives in Detroit.

Posted by Lyn Wall at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

July 08, 2005

RIP, Andy

A tireless warrior for the cause of "irregularity"-free elections lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last night.

You can pick up the torch and honor his memory by visiting Velvet Revolution, a non-profit organized to pull together the disparate groups and elements focusing on election irregularities, and specifically the ones created by paperless electronic voting machines.

Posted by Guest Blogger PDiddie at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

May 06, 2005

State Representative Joe Moreno - in Memoriam

Rep. Joe MorenoOur condolences go out to the family of Rep. Joe Moreno who died in a single car rollover accident last night on the way back from a Rockets game.

Due to Rep. Moreno's passing, plans for tonight's Texas Heroe's Salute are pending. Please check back throughout the day for the status of tonight's event.

From the Austin-American Statesman:

Rep. Joe Moreno killed in accident

Rep. Rafael Anchilla, staff member of third representative hurt in one-car crash in Fayette County

Texas State Rep. Joe Ernest Moreno was killed early today in a one-car accident on Texas 71 in Fayette County; a second state representative and the chief of a staff for a third representative were seriously injured.

Texas Department of Public Safety officials said Moreno, D-Houston, died around 2 a.m. at the scene of the accident between Ellinger and LaGrange.

State Rep. Rafael Anchia, 36, D-Dallas, was taken to Brackenridge Hospital with non life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Monica Lisa Pinon, 28, who is the chief of staff for State Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, was also taken to Brackenridge Hospital with broken bones. She reportedly is in fair condition.

DPS investigators said the 2004 pickup truck that Moreno was driving was headed west of Texas 71 when it left the road. The driver apparently over-corrected and entered a ditch, when the truck rolled over several times.

From the Texas Democratic Party:

Texas Mourns the Tragic Death of Representative Joe E. Moreno (D-Houston)

Family and colleagues were shocked by the tragic death of State Representative Joe Ernest Moreno (D-Houston) early this morning in a traffic accident between Houston and Austin. Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) and Chief of Staff to Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso) Monica Lisa Piñon were injured in the accident as well. Today, the Texas House of Representatives adjourned early in memory of Representative Moreno and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus is holding a memorial mass in Austin.

Representative Moreno leaves behind a loving family which includes his mother and father, Alice and Frank Moreno; his brother Mario and sister-in-law Margot; sister Sarah Blancett; nephews Drake, Andrew, Matthew and Taylor; and grandmother Olivia Moreno. Alice Moreno is the principal at Berry Elementary.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Moreno’s colleagues are in mourning, saying:

“Joe Moreno was our friend--a friend who fought with a smile and a passion for his family, his community, and the hard-working men and women of Texas.

“Joe lived every moment of his life, and he lived to help others have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. He was a champion for Houston’s East Side and all those whose needs are too often overlooked in the halls of power. Joe was a big man with a big heart who fought with a big smile and an unyielding spirit to improve the lives of the people he represented.

“In his community, Joe worked with volunteer organizations to make health care available for all families. In the Capitol, he led a successful effort to create jobs by opening up the Port of Houston to allow it to become an international coffee exchange port, creating thousands of jobs. And even this week, he was fighting for clean air, better schools, and access to health care for the people of the East Side.

“We stand here today for Joe - dedicated and committed to carrying on in his indomitable spirit and belief that we can make Texas a better for all families.”

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Charles E. Soechting said:

"Texas Democrats are saddened by the tragic death early this morning of our friend, Joe Moreno. ”Joe represented Houston's east end with integrity and aplomb. His deeply rooted commitment to mainstream values made his constituents proud and embodied what his party stands for. Our prayers are with his friends and family."

______

Joe E. Moreno was born in Houston, Texas on August 12, 1964. The first of three children, Joe Moreno grew to love his community and the Houston area. He graduated from St. Thomas High School, and later attended the University of St. Thomas and Texas Southern University. He was elected in November 1998 to serve in the Texas Legislature from House District 143.

As a long-time activist in helping to improve his community, Representative Moreno was involved for many years in the Resurrection Catholic Church, Harris County Tejano Democrats, and the League of United Latin American Citizens Council Number Sixty. He also served as Harris County Precinct Judge for Precinct 62. During his tenure as a Legislator, Representative Moreno received various awards, including "Legislator of the Year 2003" from Justice of the Peace and Constables Association. He received the outstanding legislator award from Coalition of Texans with Disabilities in 1999 and an appreciation award from East Harris County Manufacturing Association in 2001. Other appreciation awards include the Annual Houston Gulf Coast Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement award in 2002 and an appreciation and participation award from the Hispanic Contractors Association Greater Houston Area Inc. in 1999. In 2003 he received the Legislative Hero award from Harris County Democrats.

Representative Moreno considered it a privilege and honor to serve the residents of District 143 and used his experience in the Legislature to provide the highest level of representation for the people of Southeast Harris County. Representative Moreno was a resident of Denver Harbor and represented Magnolia, Manchester, Jacinto City, Galena Park, and parts of Pasadena and North Shore.

The thoughts and prayers of the Texas Democratic Party are with Rep. Moreno’s family tonight, and we hope for a speedy recovery for those injured in the accident as well.

_____

www.txdemocrats.org

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