Friday, January 21, 2011
Breaking News: Judge Dismisses Wilco Attorney's Lawsuit
Just in: Apparently Bell County Judge Rick Morris has dismissed Williamson County Attorney Jana Duty's lawsuit demanding removal of County Judge Dan Gattis. Austin American-Statesman story here.
Republicans Get Serious
Among the Texas Public Policy Foundation's legislative agenda items for this year is a call to "Eliminate programs and agencies that are outside the Constitutional vision of limited government." The TPPF statement is reflective of the mood of American voters who are demanding cuts to government spending and reduction of the national debt. Happily, it seems elected Republicans are heeding the call and taking action accordingly, and some of the programs they want to cut aren't just outside of the Constitutional vision, they're just plain crazy.
At the Federal level, House Republicans are now taking up the Spending Reduction Act of 2011, which calls for $2.5 trillion in spending cuts over ten years. In addition to holding non-security spending to 2008 levels in 2011 and to 2006 levels thereafter, the proposal includes over 100 other cuts, many to programs that fall outside the role of limited government.
Take a look at some of the cuts: Cutting PBS (government television) would save $445 million annually, and elimination of the Amtrak subsidies would save a whopping $1.565 billion annually. Other proposals include the elimination of "duplicative education programs" for a savings of $1.3 billion annually, and, get this, requiring collection of unpaid taxes by federal employees for a savings of $1 billion. (Self, don't us non-gubmit folks go to jail for tax evasion?)
No doubt the Liberal-Progressives will scream that these cuts will eliminate jobs, (yesterday State Rep. Donna Howard was already wailing about that on the state level), but these are government jobs that contribute little to the economy and often end up as employment entitlements that long outlive their original purpose.
Texas lawmakers are also taking a scalpel to spending, and state Republicans from the top down are promising to balance the budget without raising taxes. The first draft, released this week, starts off with $31.1 billion in cuts, and while the first draft is never fully adopted, it is a very good starting point for limiting government.
Now the question is, will local government entities do the same? Most of our federal and state lawmakers have gotten the message that voters want government to do what every American family has to do: cut spending in the face of decreased revenue. Local governments, county, city, MUDs and school districts should stop trying to squeeze more money out of the taxpayers, and start looking for their own ways to cut the budget. Voters are better informed than ever before, and you better believe they are watching.
At the Federal level, House Republicans are now taking up the Spending Reduction Act of 2011, which calls for $2.5 trillion in spending cuts over ten years. In addition to holding non-security spending to 2008 levels in 2011 and to 2006 levels thereafter, the proposal includes over 100 other cuts, many to programs that fall outside the role of limited government.
Take a look at some of the cuts: Cutting PBS (government television) would save $445 million annually, and elimination of the Amtrak subsidies would save a whopping $1.565 billion annually. Other proposals include the elimination of "duplicative education programs" for a savings of $1.3 billion annually, and, get this, requiring collection of unpaid taxes by federal employees for a savings of $1 billion. (Self, don't us non-gubmit folks go to jail for tax evasion?)
No doubt the Liberal-Progressives will scream that these cuts will eliminate jobs, (yesterday State Rep. Donna Howard was already wailing about that on the state level), but these are government jobs that contribute little to the economy and often end up as employment entitlements that long outlive their original purpose.
Texas lawmakers are also taking a scalpel to spending, and state Republicans from the top down are promising to balance the budget without raising taxes. The first draft, released this week, starts off with $31.1 billion in cuts, and while the first draft is never fully adopted, it is a very good starting point for limiting government.
Now the question is, will local government entities do the same? Most of our federal and state lawmakers have gotten the message that voters want government to do what every American family has to do: cut spending in the face of decreased revenue. Local governments, county, city, MUDs and school districts should stop trying to squeeze more money out of the taxpayers, and start looking for their own ways to cut the budget. Voters are better informed than ever before, and you better believe they are watching.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Dr. King and His Enemies
As the nation pauses to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we should also mourn the success of one of the most powerful enemies of black Americans. King taught that our nation was built on the "promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," and to a great extent he helped attain those goals for all minorities. However, our still predominantly pro-abortion culture continues to exact a heavy price on black America.
The nation's most ardent and profitable purveyor of abortion, Planned Parenthood, continues to assault the black population. It was founded by eugenicist Margaret Sanger, who considered blacks "unfit" members of society. Sanger and early managers of Planned Parenthood specifically targeted blacks in their birth control and abortion efforts, with the goal being that "minority groups who constantly outbreed the majority will no longer persist in doing so..." Former president of Planned Parenthood Alan Guttmacher worked to encourage outside groups to speak out as a means of 'mainstreaming' birth control and abortion, especially amongst the African-American community.
Sanger's vision is alive and well today. Sadly, the overwhelming majority of abortions are perpetrated on black babies. According to the Guttmacher Institute, (the research arm of Planned Parenthood, and yes, named after the above-mentioned eugenicist,) while blacks make up about 12% of the population, they account for about 1/3 of all abortions. In fact, since the full legalization of abortion in 1973, it is estimated that approximately 30 % of the black population has been eliminated via abortion.
The abortion legacy, however, is not the whole story of Sanger's assault on minorities. Sanger was not only a proponent of abortion and birth control, but was hostile to traditional sexual morality and marriage. She advocated libertine sexual attitudes, which not only increases the demand for abortions, but also breaks down the family unit. As many notable black Americans have pointed out, one of the root causes of poverty and violence in their culture, is the absence of a father and stable family unit in African-American homes.
Dr. King's niece Dr. Alveda King has been working to remind America that her uncle was a social Conservative who opposed abortion and favored abstinence before marriage. In recognition of the terrible consequences of abortion on black Americans, Alveda has written extensively and traveled the nation urging blacks to rethink their tolerance of the assault on their people via abortion.
Ironically, our celebration of Dr. King, falls only days before the 38th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, which opened the gates for America to develop the most liberal abortion laws in the world.
This Saturday, January 22, thousands of Texans will gather in Austin to march and rally in protest of the slaughter of some 3,700 babies each day. Participants will meet at the southeast corner of 17th Street and Congress at 1 pm, and march to the capitol for the Rally For Life at 2 pm. Following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s example, we will gather to peacefully demonstrate and work to end a terrible injustice. All are welcome.
I think Dr. King would approve.
The nation's most ardent and profitable purveyor of abortion, Planned Parenthood, continues to assault the black population. It was founded by eugenicist Margaret Sanger, who considered blacks "unfit" members of society. Sanger and early managers of Planned Parenthood specifically targeted blacks in their birth control and abortion efforts, with the goal being that "minority groups who constantly outbreed the majority will no longer persist in doing so..." Former president of Planned Parenthood Alan Guttmacher worked to encourage outside groups to speak out as a means of 'mainstreaming' birth control and abortion, especially amongst the African-American community.
Sanger's vision is alive and well today. Sadly, the overwhelming majority of abortions are perpetrated on black babies. According to the Guttmacher Institute, (the research arm of Planned Parenthood, and yes, named after the above-mentioned eugenicist,) while blacks make up about 12% of the population, they account for about 1/3 of all abortions. In fact, since the full legalization of abortion in 1973, it is estimated that approximately 30 % of the black population has been eliminated via abortion.
The abortion legacy, however, is not the whole story of Sanger's assault on minorities. Sanger was not only a proponent of abortion and birth control, but was hostile to traditional sexual morality and marriage. She advocated libertine sexual attitudes, which not only increases the demand for abortions, but also breaks down the family unit. As many notable black Americans have pointed out, one of the root causes of poverty and violence in their culture, is the absence of a father and stable family unit in African-American homes.
Dr. King's niece Dr. Alveda King has been working to remind America that her uncle was a social Conservative who opposed abortion and favored abstinence before marriage. In recognition of the terrible consequences of abortion on black Americans, Alveda has written extensively and traveled the nation urging blacks to rethink their tolerance of the assault on their people via abortion.
Ironically, our celebration of Dr. King, falls only days before the 38th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, which opened the gates for America to develop the most liberal abortion laws in the world.
This Saturday, January 22, thousands of Texans will gather in Austin to march and rally in protest of the slaughter of some 3,700 babies each day. Participants will meet at the southeast corner of 17th Street and Congress at 1 pm, and march to the capitol for the Rally For Life at 2 pm. Following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s example, we will gather to peacefully demonstrate and work to end a terrible injustice. All are welcome.
I think Dr. King would approve.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Good News: More Elections Coming
Now that the noise from the partisan elections has died down, we are gearing up for a whole new set of campaigns this Spring. There will be numerous municipal and school board elections in May, and candidates are already in preparation. Late last year Craig Morgan announced his candidacy for Round Rock City Council Place 5 (Councilman Rufus Honeycutt is not seeking re-election,) and today Cedar Park Councilman Tony Dale announced his re-election bid.
Although these races are 'technically non-partisan,' both Morgan and Dale are known Republicans. Morgan has volunteered in GOP campaigns for years, and has served on the city's Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Dale was appointed to the Cedar Park Council in 2009, was unopposed in his special election in 2010, and now must run for a full term in 2011. During his tenure, Dale has tackled city issues with a commitment to balancing the budget and keeping taxes low while still providing core services.
Less encouraging for area residents was the announcement that Diane Cox would seek a third term on the Round Rock ISD School Board. A staunch Democrat, Cox was a die-hard supporter of former Representative Diana Maldonado, and appeared in her television commercial in 2010. Allegedly, Maldonado will serve as Cox's campaign manager.
The filing period for these races begins February 1, and ends on March 1, so we do not yet know who the candidates will be. However, rumors are swirling about the RRISD race, since many parents and residents have expressed deep dissatisfaction with Diane Cox and her approach to the Board. I predict there will be a strong challenger and Cox could very well be unseated this year. If so, hopefully she will not follow her purported campaign manager's example in giving one of the most classless concession speeches of 2010.
Although these races are 'technically non-partisan,' both Morgan and Dale are known Republicans. Morgan has volunteered in GOP campaigns for years, and has served on the city's Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Dale was appointed to the Cedar Park Council in 2009, was unopposed in his special election in 2010, and now must run for a full term in 2011. During his tenure, Dale has tackled city issues with a commitment to balancing the budget and keeping taxes low while still providing core services.
Less encouraging for area residents was the announcement that Diane Cox would seek a third term on the Round Rock ISD School Board. A staunch Democrat, Cox was a die-hard supporter of former Representative Diana Maldonado, and appeared in her television commercial in 2010. Allegedly, Maldonado will serve as Cox's campaign manager.
The filing period for these races begins February 1, and ends on March 1, so we do not yet know who the candidates will be. However, rumors are swirling about the RRISD race, since many parents and residents have expressed deep dissatisfaction with Diane Cox and her approach to the Board. I predict there will be a strong challenger and Cox could very well be unseated this year. If so, hopefully she will not follow her purported campaign manager's example in giving one of the most classless concession speeches of 2010.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Texas Legislative Session Begins: Updated
Today marks the first day of the 82nd Texas Legislative Session, and in all likelihood, Joe Straus will be re-elected Speaker. By a show of hands, he received 70 of 100 votes at yesterday's GOP House Caucus. No further vote was taken. Warren Chisum has bowed out and endorsed Ken Paxton, but for all intents and purposes, this race is over.
While a Straus re-election is disappointing, it certainly is not surprising, and I just cannot share the feelings of 'doom and gloom' expressed by some of my compatriots. This campaign has pushed Republicans to debate important issues, and has allowed the grassroots to send the message that we are informed and we have high expectations for this session. I think that while Straus may not personally agree with most Conservatives on certain issues, he realizes that he will have to permit a more conservative agenda in this session.
The pomp and circumstance of the swearings-in will take place today, and then the Texas House will have 140 days to complete the business the voters hired them to do. We need to acknowledge Straus' victory and take comfort in the fact that the other two Texas GOP leaders, Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, are pretty conservative and will lead the charge for our issues.
Update: Apparently Warren Chisum is not endorsing Paxton after all. He released a statement today indicating support for Straus.
While a Straus re-election is disappointing, it certainly is not surprising, and I just cannot share the feelings of 'doom and gloom' expressed by some of my compatriots. This campaign has pushed Republicans to debate important issues, and has allowed the grassroots to send the message that we are informed and we have high expectations for this session. I think that while Straus may not personally agree with most Conservatives on certain issues, he realizes that he will have to permit a more conservative agenda in this session.
The pomp and circumstance of the swearings-in will take place today, and then the Texas House will have 140 days to complete the business the voters hired them to do. We need to acknowledge Straus' victory and take comfort in the fact that the other two Texas GOP leaders, Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, are pretty conservative and will lead the charge for our issues.
Update: Apparently Warren Chisum is not endorsing Paxton after all. He released a statement today indicating support for Straus.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Gonzales Supporting Warren Chisum for Texas House Speaker
House District 52 Representative-elect Larry Gonzales has announced his support for Rep. Warren Chisum of Pampa for Texas House Speaker. (see the text of his statement below.) Republican House members will caucus today to try to come to an agreement on a Speaker, and hopefully either Chisum or Paxton will come out on top. If not, we will have another two years with Moderate Republican Joe Straus at the helm.
As of this morning, it still appears that Straus has enough votes to retain the Speaker's gavel; and many of his supporters continue to denigrate the challengers. They are actually suggesting that Straus opponents have spread 'lies' about Straus and have violated Reagan's 11th Commandment: "Thou shalt not speak ill of any Republican."
As usual, the so-called Reagan's Eleventh is taken out of context to try to shut down the discussion. Reagan did not actually formulate the commandment (California GOP Chair Gaylord Parkinson did,) and Reagan quoted it to stave off attacks on Conservatives from liberal Republicans. Now however, it is typically used to try to stop the Conservatives, Tea Partiers and Libertarians from daring to question incumbent moderate Republicans. Reagan of course did not always apply the Eleventh, and was more than happy to debate policy differences with fellow Republicans.
Despite some inappropriate rhetoric on both sides, I assert that this discussion has been a good thing. We are not mindless party robots, but citizens who care very much about the future of our state and country. We need to engage in discussions about what it means to be Republican and what it means to be Conservative. If re-elected Joe Straus will have heard loud and clear that the grassroots are informed and watching to see if these guys are serious about the issues important to the people.
As of this morning, it still appears that Straus has enough votes to retain the Speaker's gavel; and many of his supporters continue to denigrate the challengers. They are actually suggesting that Straus opponents have spread 'lies' about Straus and have violated Reagan's 11th Commandment: "Thou shalt not speak ill of any Republican."
As usual, the so-called Reagan's Eleventh is taken out of context to try to shut down the discussion. Reagan did not actually formulate the commandment (California GOP Chair Gaylord Parkinson did,) and Reagan quoted it to stave off attacks on Conservatives from liberal Republicans. Now however, it is typically used to try to stop the Conservatives, Tea Partiers and Libertarians from daring to question incumbent moderate Republicans. Reagan of course did not always apply the Eleventh, and was more than happy to debate policy differences with fellow Republicans.
Despite some inappropriate rhetoric on both sides, I assert that this discussion has been a good thing. We are not mindless party robots, but citizens who care very much about the future of our state and country. We need to engage in discussions about what it means to be Republican and what it means to be Conservative. If re-elected Joe Straus will have heard loud and clear that the grassroots are informed and watching to see if these guys are serious about the issues important to the people.
Thank you for contacting me about the race for Texas’ Speaker of the House. It has been about 9 weeks since Election Day and many, many events have transpired in that time.
As you know, my colleagues and I are scheduled to meet in a House Caucus tomorrow afternoon to discuss the Speaker’s race. I voted for a caucus because I wanted to hear every candidate for Speaker of the House to give me their best sell as to why they should be the one to lead us into the 2011 Legislative Session. I have made it known that I am also OK with that vote being public.
That said, there are a lot of questions surrounding tomorrow’s caucus procedures. It is unprecedented and the rules governing the caucus vote for Speaker do not exist. I agree there may be legal problems as we proceed in caucus; however, I want to caucus – even if a vote is non-biding - because I think as Republicans we should have this very important conversation.
Once in caucus, I intend to vote for my good friend and mentor, and EASILY the most proven, qualified, experienced, and conservative member running for Speaker, Rep. Warren Chisum from Pampa, Texas.
Warren is a true, proven conservative. He has been our champion of conservative ideals and principles in the Texas House since 1989. There is nobody with a better voting record of conservatism than Warren. He is proven on the very important issues of life, family, and issues fiscally and socially conservative.
Warren is experienced. In his 21 years, he has been trusted to serve as Chairman of multiple House committees, leading a strong, solidly conservative agenda. He has ALREADY done what so many others say they WILL do.
Warren is a leader. When the House gets in a bind, or an important piece of legislation is in a precarious position, we conservatives look to Warren for help and guidance. His leadership is so important to us on the House floor – and has been for over two decades.
Warren is respected. No matter who you ask, people will tell you they respect Warren Chisum. His passion and enthusiasm and commitment to the issues he (we) feels are important are admirable. Members may disagree with Warren, but they all respect him. He’s honest, trustworthy, and treats people with the upmost respect, and in return, they treat him the very same way.
There is not a doubt in my mind that Rep. Warren Chisum is the best person to lead us into the 2011 Legislative Session. He is someone we can rally behind and we can feel confident our conservative agenda will have his full attention.
For those who have asked about Rep. Ken Paxton, I offer you this – I know Ken, and he’s a nice guy who votes correctly, I’ll proudly give him that, but that’s all he brings to the table.
Again, thank you for the email. I look forward to serving you in the Texas Legislature.
Larry
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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