Letters from our Readers - February 2006

Glad to find your "Powerless" article 
Any idea of when south Montgomery County can expect some competition for Entergy? My fuel adjustment charge was more than my actual electric usage for Dec-Jan bill, and I am sick of it! I feel held hostage by this company. I will be contacting Entergy to complain, and then complain to the Texas PUC.
Maybe there is another article here for you.
Kay Schlembach, 
Woodlands, TX

Vicious Democrats
I must agree with Theodore Pierce who claimed in his letter to the editor that he would vote for the" vicious and savage" Democrats if they were as tenacious in their pursuit of terrorists as they are of (Supreme Court nominee) Samuel Alito. Like "Teddy" I know I was outraged when the Democrats "viciously" filibustered george bush's call for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq thereby preventing the U.S military from invading those countries. And when the Democrats "savagely" filibustered the Patriot Act I'll bet Teddy was screaming as loud as I was that we needed that act to listen in on Saddam's phone calls to Fidel Castro. 
All Sam Alito wants out of life is to receive a job for life where he can rule and decide on laws affecting the lives of a couple hundred million people without having to give away any of his "personal and private" information such as his views on ...anything. Who would'nt want such a job? 
But the Democrats are nothing if not vicious. Like when they smeared Vietnam Veteran Max Cleland (a triple amputee war hero who was running for re-election) by implying that he was a "wimp" who was incapable of personal sacrifice. No wait, that was the Republicans... Ok, how about Hurricane Katrina? The Democrats had "tenaciously" steered the Hurricane to New Orleans to try and humiliate our fearless and competent leader. So poor george was forced to cut yet another vacation short- 2 or 3 days after the storm hit -and fly over the devastation in his private air conditioned jet at 5,000 feet. When "Dubya" and "Heck of a job Brownie" and their fellow Republicans tried to rush aid to the homeless guess who was hiding the keys to the Fema trailers? Thats right! And who told the evacuees in the Astrodome that they were better off huddled together in a huge dome in a strange city with only the clothes on their backs rather than be in their own beds in their own homes in their own city? The liberally biased media attributed the quote to george's mother Barbara Bush but the truth is that a ventriloqiust "threw his voice" and made it sound like she said the cruel and stupid statement. Can you guess the ventrioquist's political party? Bingo! 
Yes Theodore I agree with you. If the Democrats would turn their tenacious and vicious savagery towards the never ending mountain of brush on george's "ranch" our glorious leader would have more free time to spend on catching Osama Bin Laden. Remember that guy? You know the one I'm talking about. He supposedly led an attack on the United States on September 11, 2001 ,4 1/2 years ago? Ring a bell yet? If you still can't remember don't be dismayed, you are in esteemed company cause "W" forgets him too. But "Connecticut Cowboy" george could catch Osama if only the Democrats would stop giving tax cuts to the wealthy, destroying the economy, passing legislation that gives the oil, pharmacuetical, insurance and other special interests free reign to abuse the American people, allowing corporate lobbyists to bribe thier members, exposing the identity of covert intelligence agents and prevent gay male escort/ journalist (Jeff Gannon / Guckert) from having unchecked access to White House press briefings - even on days when there were no briefings! No, wait, the Republicans did that also. Jack Abramoff...no, Tom DeLay...no, how about Ken Lay...ah hell, nevermind. Wait!, I've got it! Hitler was a Democrat!
ps. It really warms my heart to know that misdirected tenacity is the only thing keeping Woodlanders like Theodore Pierce from voting for a party consisting of "vicious and savage" representatives.
Richard Amburgey
Spring, Texas

A special Thanks From Some Special Seniors:
Many goods deeds often go unnoticed. The value of the “good deed” is often tremendous, but so many of us are simply too busy to stop and simply say “Thanks.”
My words of gratitude are belated, but my heart-felt appreciation is strong for those that supported The Friendship Center's Santa for Seniors. As a result of the generosity of our community, The Friendship Center was able to give the seniors of Montgomery County a wonderful holiday experience. The six centers, located in Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, New Caney, Splendora and The Woodlands, hosted holiday parties for over 750 senior adults. An additional 550 gifts and meals were distributed to seniors unable to attend the activity centers, such as clients who participate in the Meals-On-Wheels, Transportation, Housekeeping and Senior Programs.
As the Chairmen of the Board of Directors, I had the privilege of attending many of the center parties. The community centers were packed on these days - packed with volunteers who came to help serve lunch, with sweets lining the walls, with presents for all and with school kids dancing and singing. But most importantly, the centers were packed with seniors who were smiling, laughing and enjoying fellowship. Simply put, the seniors were filled with the love of our community throughout the holiday season. Thanks go out to all of those in our community who do so much and who are not thanked enough. A special thanks to the following organizations that played a key role in making the Santa for Seniors such a success: Conroe Noon Lions Club, Lake Conroe Area Republican Women, The Woodlands High School High Steppers, St. James Episcopal Church, Southwest Furniture, Northshore Republican Women, Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints, First National Bank, H.E.B. Central Market, Business Staffing Inc., American Title Co., April Sound Church and Fellowship of The Woodlands.
Laurie Sapp
Willis, TX 

Robbery!
Now I’m just one of those ol’ boys that might not be as highly educated as some of you folks in Washington. I try to think pretty simple and organize my life in much the same manner. No big ups, no big downs, just a pretty steady flow.
Now having said all of that, I’ve got a bit of advice for some of you young, aggressive politicians trying to make your way to the top (like most of you Washington types do!). You and I both know it takes votes! Right? You bet I’m right! And there are all kinds of ways to get votes and I’m sure you know a lot more than I do. You can get ‘em honest! You can get ‘em crooked! You can buy ‘em! And I imagine you can even sell ‘em! Bottom line though, you have to give the folks what they want or, at least, appear that you are.
Okay, let’s look at this. I bet you that about seventy or eighty percent of Americans are in credit card debt, in one form or another (you can check me out on this). And I’ll bet that just about every one of them don’t like it one bit! Yeah, I know, they signed the form and everything is legal and proper, but I bet over half of them had no understanding of what they we getting’ into! I mean, have you even bothered to look at some of the interest rates they’re getting’ hit with? It’s amazing! I mean we’re talking upwards of twenty-seven percent! Why, I bet some New York City loan sharks probably charge less than that and they’re operatin’ illegal! Think about it!
You know I’m one of the lucky ones! I was able to pay off my high credit card. Thank God! But I can’t help and think about all the ones that can’t. You know you boys regulate just about everything. Industry, Stock Market, Highways, Fuel, Insurance, Forest, and I can go on and on and on! And you’re pretty good at enforcin’ the law when someone breaks it. Hell, you even manage to feed some hungry folks and take care of a few poor folks (even though, I’ll bet, most of them don’t vote).
Well enough of all this! Here’s the deal! I’ve attached a copy of my Sears Master Card bill that I just paid off. Look at the interest rates. They, in my opinion are outrageous! I think buy now you’re getting’ the picture. If you were the bright young man that started promoting some regulation on this end of the ol’ political game, well, I believe your votes would be overwhelming! Think about it! And, in the long run, whether you’re crooked or straight, I believe you’d rise to the top! Now that means more money and more power! Or it could mean you just helped out some good ol’ folks that would appreciate what you did for them. 
John L. Sulak
Tyler, Texas

A Culture Corrupted
Bravo, Mark. You have brought out many of the things I have been trying to change for a number of years. On Monday or Tuesday of this week, I plan to discuss your excellent article with my long time friend, Dr. 
Wally Wilkerson, Montgomery County Republican Chairman, after which I intend to send a copy to Representative Kevin Brady and our two Senators, requesting their comments and also a personal meeting. 
I would consider it a pleasure to also meet with you when it is convenient. I try to attend City Council, Commissioner's Court and CISD meetings when possible. Have I perhaps missed you at any of these? It would be my pleasure to meet you at some future meetings, or at your office. 
Keep up your good work. 
Warren Willkomm 
Conroe, TX.

Get Out The Big Wood Chipper
Mark Cadwallader isn't getting my vote in the March 7 Primary Election. He is a Republican candidate running for Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner. I'm a Republican, a Christian, and a member of a local Baptist Church and I'm still not voting for him.
Mr. Cadwallader said in a recent interview that he "will propose to commissioner's court a new library materials selection policy that would keep smut off the children's book shelves."
I decided to see for myself if the Montgomery County Library had smut in the children's department. I did a keyword search for "smut" in the card catalog. No books came up in the children's department. No titles were listed.
I went over to one of the nice ladies who works in the children's department and asked if there was any smut on the shelves. She assured me the library did not carry smut in the children's department.
I was bewildered. Mr. Cadwallader says there is smut in the children's department of the library. But I couldn't find any. Does Mr. Cadwallader know something I don't know?
I think Mr. Cadwallader's intentions are more insidious that just wanting to remove his idea of smut from the library. I think he wants to control what the public can, and will, check out and read from the library. If Mr. Cadwallader is elected is he going to come in with the library police and demand that certain books be removed from the shelves? Is he going to have a big bonfire outside the library so he can burn all the books he thinks are smutty? It would be a lot faster than feeding books through a wood chipper, that is for sure.
In 1933 20,000 books were burned during a rally as the Nazis rose to power in Germany. You think it can't happen here? Think again!
I wonder what Mr. Cadwallader would do if someone wanted to remove books from the library that he likes. One of these days someone may want the Bible removed because it is found to be "indecent." What goes around, comes around.
No, I'm not voting for Mark Cadwallader. His words are inflammatory, designed to provoke an emotional response that is not based on fact. There is NO smut in the library, not in the children's department or anywhere else. I want to send a message that Mark Cadwallader can't dictate what I check out and read from the Montgomery County Library. It's none of his business.
Ken McKee
Montgomery, Texas

They Still Hang Horse Thieves, Don't They?
We have arrived at a new low --- whether it's via basic evolution, intelligent design, psychological propaganda or just plain corruptive biological genetics. Our American society is the most corrupt to date. Corruption has become a way of life, top-down domino effect that has caused our society great harm. The Bush administration and its special interests have picked-up the reins from previous generations of greedy demigods and have transcended corruption to greater heights, which has filtered down throughout state and local governments. At one time corruptive influences and actions merely were fractions of our society, unfortunately now they are the norm.
These are terrible times with horrendous role models for American children, who now comprehend that they must do anything and everything in their power to attain wealth. They are taught that corruption breeds astronomical wealth and power, which are now held in esteem as life's greatest achievements. The corrupt society honors athletes who can catch, throw and hit balls, pucks and each other. We revere Hollywood's stars who achieve greatness by being great at pretending to be someone else in imaginary or real world lives and situations. Our imaginations have become reality, while our reality has become imaginary.
We have created a topsy-turvy world that pays tribute to officials who have used human step-ladders to climb to the Everest of our system. On the other end of the scale, we overlook teachers who provide one of the most worthwhile services imaginable, to educate our children. Instead, we underpay them and tell them to get kids to pass useless state exams. Generations ago education was a most worthy endeavor, now schools generally are places to house children enmasse --- a place to keep kids off the streets and hopefully out of trouble. Teachers have become babysitters.
Whatever happened to real learning? At one time and throughout most nations of the world, teachers were revered. They were held in highest esteem because their job was the most important position imaginable for the good of the community. Families invited teachers into their homes to join family dinners as a tribute to what they were doing for the society. Today our corrupted leaders aren't interested in educating children. They aren't interested in doing what is best for the community at-large. Corruption is a gigantic mutated octopus with far-reaching tentacles extending into and breaching every facet of American society, ultimately corrupting our American ideals. Those same misanthropes proudly go to churches on Sunday to pray to their almighty God and are forgiven their many sins. Today, corruption has discovered a life of its own.
Will corruption ever end? Even as I write this commentary we have a President and/or members of his administration who may face impeachment trials. We are surrounded by multi-level scandals that seem to grow in volume every day. We have the DeLay's and Abramoff's who feel they are above the law, parasitically feeding off taxpayers, disrespectful of our historic American way of life and bringing dishonor to their oaths and responsibilities.
Corruption has become like a satanic cult ritual during the past several generations, and you just have to wonder when American voters will have enough and will start to vote-out the parasites in a major effort and overhaul to pump new blood into the diseased system. There may come a time when American citizens via impartial committees will provide oversight, including honest objectives and long-range goals as a cure for the corruption that plagues American families and creates havoc with our American way of life. Until then....
Peter Stern,
Driftwood, TX

Focus on the Future
We seem to be awash in a sea of headlines of massive deficits and mounting evidence of Congressional corruption. The silver lining could be changes for the good that will let us do what we must to thrive as a country and society - Focus on the future.
With Mr. Abramoff pleading guilty and becoming a "witness for the prosecution," it is predicted that a number of members of Congress will be found involved in bribery and other flagrant crimes in the months ahead --all of them presently running for re-election.
One of the top names is Mr. Tom DeLay, who has said that the charges were all "politically motivated" since it was a Democrat prosecutor who filed the felony indictment on him. 
But with Mr. Abramoff as the prosecution's witness, spilling the beans on who was involved in what scheme, the "jig is up." It is like Al Capone's bookkeeper telling the feds where Al hid the illegal money and who was involved in the bootleg operation. 
So if Rep. Ney took a trip to Scotland and Mr. DeLay took a trip to the same exclusive golf club with Mr. Abramoff, then it is a safe bet it was all part of the same operation. If DeLay was a key beneficiary of $1 million the Russian government paid to a trust in 1998 to get a favorable IMF vote, then Mr. Abramoff will provide the proof. 
One thing is clear. With a federal indictment looming, DeLay's plea that the felony charges are just "politics" is gone. 
Rather than wait for the courts, the great thing about this country is that the people can act individually to help change our 
leadership. They can do it by voting or with their wallet. 
This campaign is looking to the future - representing what Congress should look like instead of what it has become - a "law for cash" club. 
I believe we need to tighten ethics laws in Congress. We need to stop turning the people's legislative branch into a money-for-favors brothel. 
We need representatives who focus on real problems like our runaway deficit (Congress spending $1,000 when the government has $100), high taxes and the need for education enhancements to compete in a global economy.
If you believe we need to get rid of corruption in Congress and start focusing on solutions instead of playing politics, then you can do something about it if you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder. 
You can go to my website and make a donation to let me replace Tom DeLay this March by supporting my campaign at:
http://www.MikeFjetland.com  or 
http://ReplaceDeLay.com 
Do it today if you want to dump DeLay - and clean up Congress. 
Encourage your friends to do the same - it will take donations from people like you across our great country to defeat the Congressman for sale. Thanks!
Michael Fjetland 
www.MikeFjetland.com    

Absolute Power
The idea that, via presidential signing letters, the President of the United States can unilaterally transform whatever Congress has passed is outrageous --- and completely contrary to the Constitution. The fact that Judge Samuel Alito supports this idea is --- by itself --- sufficient reason to reject his nomination. 
Neither George Bush nor Hillary Clinton should be able to use "presidential signing letters" to transform --- in whatever way they like --- bills passed by the Congress. No rational American wants the Presidency to have such power. Furthermore, the Constitution does not permit it. 
Mike Ford 
Austin, TX

A House Built on Sand
I read that Ford Motor Co. is expected to close more plants and cut thousands more jobs in North America directly due to poor SUV sales. Politicians from several states scrambled off to Detroit to offer tax credits and other incentives- otherwise known as wellfare and bribes- to keep Ford from closing facilities in their states. This after Ford had already restructured its North American operations twice in the last four years (closing five plants and cutting 35,000 jobs) Ford's plants operate at 79 percent capacity while Toyota operates at 100 per cent. 
Meanwhile, Ford is expected to report a worldwide PROFIT for 2005. What's wrong with this picture people? Like too many American corporations Ford built it's house upon sand and now that it is sinking it wants someone else to pay for their stupidity. And our cowardly and inept representatives are pumping OUR tax money into the pockets of these morons to keep them locally where they will continue to guarantee only more failures.
I say let these so-called American corporations move their operations to {insert enemy nation here} where their rampant greed and lack of business sense will destroy that country like a cancer. Drop Ford a line and let them know that we don't encourage nor reward incompetence. Then prepare a similar letter for just about every other corporation that waves an American flag while it moves it's operations to China.
Richard Amburgey
Spring, Texas 

8 - Liners
This is suppose to be a free country...We should be able to make our on choices. Why should we have to drive so far and to other states, why does every one in government etc.... try to be our mommy & daddy and tell us how to spend our money, we are suppose to have freedom of choices. 
Name Withheld

Vote No on Garbage Dump
I am a resident of Midway, Texas. As such I have a great interest in the Precinct four Commissioner race. Our current commissioner, Ed Rinehart, proposed the landfill in Midway. He is the reason that we are having to work so hard to fight it now. A second candidate, Mark Cadwallader, designs landfill liners for a living. 
The third candidate, Monte Lane, has been standing up against the landfill ever since we first heard they were putting it in. I hope everyone in Midway, and all of Precinct four will vote for Monte lane, so we can have someone to represent us who will stand up and fight against more landfills in our county.
Holly Darsey,
Midway, Texas

The Need to Know
The voters need to really know what candidates are all about. Our votes are our only way of expression. Still we question why some candidates have such money to run for office. The corruption that is controlling our system by outside interests has destroyed truth. 
I ran for congress in 2004 and got 31% of the vote. The incumbent 69%. He spent $670,000.00 and sent 3 million to the Republican Retention Fund. We have never received knowledge of this fund. Another Delay tactic? With NO reporting required? 
I believe the voters need a fair choice. We must have honesty and purpose to get reform. 
James "Jim" Wright
New Caney, Texas

The Bulletin Is Awesome! 
I enjoy reading the Bulletin so very much. The freedom of speech you offer in your publication is priceless! The Bulletin has become a real community voice for Montgomery county.
Rev.Dr.Carl Ray Marshall Sr. 
Conroe,Texas

A Good Rag
Thank God that it is a Republican Rag, I don"t think I would be able to swallow the "crap" that would be dished up if it was a Democrat's Rag. It's a pleasure to read something written by people that has sense enough to know up from down and able to tell the truth about something instead of telling one lie after another. 
Hopefully, your web sheet will last as long as there is an inter-net. 
Name Withheld

We Get Together to Read The Bulletin
My husband and I were at the Drury Hotel in The Woodlands and saw this issue of the bulletin. We were so impressed with the cover, and especially your article.
We wanted to share them with several friends (not too many out here think like us).
A friend who knows several of us has planned a get-together to read your article - and see the cover - next week. Incidentally, we all live in active-retirement patio homes, and we ALL vote. It should be a very interesting meeting.
Thanks for the article - and keep up the good work!
Mary S. Kelly
San Angelo, TX

Why Can’t They Be Civil?
Mont Python's "Life of Brian" lampooned the life of Jesus from birth to crucifixion. A lot of devout Christians were upset and demonstrated, petitioned, wrote letters and lobbied against the film. But I don't recollect a single theatre being burnt to the ground. No actors were threatened with death, nor was the British film industry boycotted. There were no shootings or bombings by fanatical fundamentalist Christians, and in fact no-one died as a result of the film's screening.
I must say that Christendom has matured enormously since the Spanish Inquisition. I just wonder whether Islam will similarly become more tolerant and peaceful with developing maturity, or whether the apparent growing intolerance of its masses around the world is inherent in its nature, and is something that those inside and outside of the religion are desperately attempting to ignore. 
Brian Farber 
Gladstone, Queensland 

We Will Never Surrender to Evil
Courageous leaders throughout history have cautioned us against allowing fear to dominate our actions. Mark Twain explained, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.” In 1933 in his First Inaugural Speech, President Roosevelt reminded us, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” 
In his 2006 State of the Union Address, President Bush recognized that the greatest threat to our continued national survival is not external, but internal, and is found within each of us. He correctly noted, “Lacking the military strength to challenge us directly, the terrorists have chosen the weapon of fear.” We will defeat the terrorists if we refuse to surrender to fear, and thus deprive them of their strongest weapon.
Many Americans, regardless of political affiliation, have been brainwashed by the liberal media into believing that the Iraq conflict is not winnable and our attempt to encourage democracy in the Middle East is an idealistic dream. The simple answer to this pacifism is to remember why we fight. 
Our efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq have freed millions of human beings from tyranny and oppression. Women, who once lived in fear of stoning or government-sanctioned rape, now vote and hold office in local and national government. A vicious dictator – who gassed his own citizens and filled countless mass graves with thousands of innocent men, women and children – is on trial for his crimes against humanity by his own countrymen. These reasons alone should fill every American with pride – yet this is not primarily why we fight.
We fight because on September 11, 2001, over 3,000 innocent people were killed on American soil by terrorists. These agents of evil did not plan simply to take the lives of Americans, but to strike at the heart of America. Initially, we did not cower in fear, but we were united in our common courage and followed the dictates of Sir Winston Churchill in World War II. Churchill warned his people never to turn their backs upon “threatened danger” and run, because you “double the danger.” He wisely commented, “… if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half.”
However, Americans lacking resolve have allowed our memories of September 11, 2001, to fade, our rage to cool, and our focus to shift from images of planes striking the World Trade Center to headlines lamenting the long-term struggle in the Middle East. President Bush has acted boldly and courageously in the face of fear, while others have urged temperance and caution. As President Bush resolutely stated to our enemies and our friends: “The United States will not retreat from the world, and we will never surrender to evil.”
Each day, soldiers like Staff Sergeant Dan Clay conquer fear, even making the ultimate sacrifice. Sgt. Clay wrote to his family that he proudly “faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to.” We the People are at a crossroads; we must decide whether we will follow the example of President Bush and Sergeant Clay or will we choose to be conquered by our fears. 
As the 18th century English philosopher Edmund Burke so aptly stated: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Let us stand strong in the face of fear, never let the evil of September 11 fade from our national memory, and “never surrender to evil.” 
Gina Parker
Waco, TX

Democrats can Lead our Country
Democrats have the opportunity to become the leaders that America is waiting for. Democrats can lead our country – a nation now standing at a fork in the road. Democrats can articulate this fork – do we build a country of hierarchies as the Republicans want, or a country that exists for everyone as the Democrats want?
With the frame of hierarchies, we expand what George Lakoff says in Don't Think of an Elephant: progressive values are fairness and equality while conservatives family values are those of a strict father family – authoritarian, hierarchical, every man for himself, etc. Moving past just the family, the frame of hierarchies encompasses all our issues, domestically and globally.
We stop this fighting and finger pointing. We give Republicans credit as we show they are good at building social and economic hierarchies as it fits their values and expertise. The CLUES in the book Clueless at the Top www.cluelessatthetop.com give us the tools to interpret for the American public why we can say that Republicans build hierarchies and make it stick even in heated debates.
The speeches of Howard Dean since he became Chair of the Democratic National Committee in February 2005 show that he and the Democrats recognize individual components of a hierarchical frame, but do not yet see the complete frame.
From Howard Dean: “The one thing that we have to do as a Democratic Party is not be afraid to be different than the Republicans” (6/2/05)
From Howard Dean: “We don’t have to change our core values; we have to change the way we talk about our values.” (7/19/05)
From George Lakoff: “Be able to explain why they believe what they believe. Use their weakness to your advantage.” (Don’t Think of an Elephant, pages 33 & 22).
The time is now. Our country is great, and we have the foundation to weather this storm. 
American Values, the American Spirit, and the trends of history are on our side. Here is a frame that will unite us, clearly articulate our values, and foist us into a leadership role.
We’ve been addressing and overcoming hierarchies for fifteen years. We’re sure our country’s future can be radiant. 
Harriet Childress, Ph.D.
Clueless at the Top

In God's Name
A Question of Morality and Humanity just read this book on the churches, governments and multi nationals, then i read about the lobbyists and enron, i then see the story about hamas, did this man have a crystal ball, then we see the facts on global warming and the greenland icefields, boy are we in a mess, i cannot believe some of the things the churche have done in the past, what secrets do they still cover up, they still live in the 13th century. my grown up children are now reading this book and they call me each night to talk about the things they have read about 
shame on the church 
shame on the governments 
we can see were the power really is 
christine

America has been Blessed with Strong Leaders
Texas celebrates Presidents’ Day each year on the third Monday in February. Our first president, George Washington, was born February 22, 1732, and many states celebrate his birthday with a holiday bearing his name. In fact, the federal government officially recognizes the third Monday in February as Washington’s Birthday. However, individual states observe their own holidays, and, since 1971, Texas has honored all presidents by celebrating Presidents’ Day. 
I have a deep respect for George Washington, who led our Revolutionary Army against the British in the fight for America’s independence. His leadership in the formative years of our country paved the way for America to emerge as the bright, shining star that it is today.
He also had unparalleled self-restraint. At the end of the Revolutionary War, even though he controlled a powerful army, General Washington rebuked those who urged him to become king of the new country. Instead, he resigned his post as commander in chief and dissolved the army, allowing for a peaceful transfer of power. 
Six years later, the country unanimously elected George Washington as our first president. Despite his great popularity, he retired from office after two terms to set the precedent of voluntarily giving up the country’s highest office. When King George III of England — the very man America revolted against — learned President Washington had stepped down, he stated that the president’s self-restraint “placed him in a light the most distinguished of any man living,” and made him “the greatest character of his age.” 
Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, was also born this month. President Lincoln stood out for his pragmatism and moderation. When the country was being torn apart by people from two political extremes, he sought to find a middle path. Toward the end of the Civil War, many northerners wished to punish the South, but President Lincoln refused. In his famous second inaugural address, he announced a policy of forgiveness, offering “malice toward none” and “charity to all.” 
General William T. Sherman perhaps best summed up who Abraham Lincoln was when he said, “Of all the men I ever met, he seemed to possess more of the elements of greatness, combined with goodness, than any other.” To this day the Republican Party is often referred to as “The Party of Lincoln.”
In addition to Presidents Washington and Lincoln, I am happy to recognize all our other presidents on this holiday. Their sacrifice and service contributes to the distinguished reputation the presidency has today in our country and throughout the world.
Thomas Jefferson, our third president, greatly affected the early years of our country, championing of the idea of government by the people. He drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, at the young age of 33, before being elected president 20 years later. One of his most notable achievements was the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States and ushered in an era of westward expansion that led to the settling of Texas.
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, became the youngest president ever at the age of 43, following the assassination of President William McKinley. President Roosevelt, a hero of the Spanish-American War, led the United States’ emergence as a world power. Believing in diplomatic persuasion backed up by military might, he was known for quoting the West African proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Texas has sent its share of leaders to the White House. Dwight Eisenhower, who served two terms as the 34th president, was born in Denison. Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president, was born in Stonewall. More recently, George H.W. Bush, the country’s 41st president, began his political career in 1969 by representing Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives before eventually becoming president.
Of course, we also have a Texan in the White House today: our 43rd and current president, former Texas governor George W. Bush. Our president has valiantly kept his word to defend America in the war on terror. 
Please take a moment this Presidents’ Day to appreciate our commanders in chief. We are blessed to have had so many strong leaders over the years.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

Don’t Shake, or Kiss Me on My Lips
I believe that we could vastly improve the health of our citizenry and save billions of dollars in costs associated with colds, flu and other illnesses if we, as Americans, would adopt the practice of bowing when greeting one another, rather than shaking hands.
Millions of Americans at any given time are infected with various viruses, the symptoms of which are often concealed by the use of the vast array of medications available, which allow sick people to continue working, rather than stay home in bed where they are less likely to infect others.
This fact was brought home to me this past week, when after working in the cold and rain for several hours, I came down with bronchitis-like symptoms. I should have stayed in bed for a couple of days to avoid contact with the outside world, but an extremely heavy work-load forced me to medicate myself to the point that I could continue working.
I made a point of staying away from my aged parents' house during the time that I might have been infectious, and further made a point of standing back from people when visiting with them. Yesterday evening, even though I was feeling much better, and felt that I would no longer infect others, I made a point of sitting at least two seats away from my family and guests at supper.
The biggest problem that I faced was in avoiding shaking hands with friends, new acquaintances, and business associates during the period that I felt that I was somewhat of a danger to society's health. When I would be approached with an outstretched hand, I would stand back a step and bow with my hands behind my back, or bow with my palms touching with my hands against my heart as do the Hindus.
At first, several of the people I encountered felt a certain degree of offense that I refused to shake hands with them, for in this country, refusal to shake hands is a sign of disrespect up to and including malice and even hatred.
Some friends even tried to insist that I shake hands with them, in spite of my attempts at explaining why I preferred to bow, especially while as a potential disease carrier. I would say, "It is because I love you and care for you that I prefer to bow - not because I am mad at you or don't like you.”
If that explanation seemed to fail, I would continue with, "If you were my adversary, I would not only shake your hand with great gusto but would kiss you on the lips as well." That further explanation would always do the trick.
After each explanation, the friends or associates would accept my polite bow and bow in return. They would even express gratitude when I explained how human hands are significant disease carriers due to natural, unconscious human mannerisms, such as sneezing against the back of one's hand, coughing into the palm of your hand, or rubbing itching or watery eyes and nose.
I believe that if enough prominent Americans, would begin to politely bow in public and before the media rather than shake hands, that many if not the vast majority of Americans would abandon the unhealthy practice in favor of the polite "bow for health." 
George H. Russell
Huntsville, Texas

It Shouldn’t Be a Federal Offense to Offend
Americans have recently learned that wearing the wrong clothes in the U.S. Capitol can get you arrested. During President Bush’s State of the Union Address, anti-war protestor Cindy Sheehan was handcuffed and removed for her shirt stating, “2245 Dead. How many more?” Meanwhile, Beverly Young, wife of Congressman Bill Young (R-Fla.), was similarly ejected for her shirt that read “Support the Troops - Defending Our Freedom.”
While members of Congress are now criticizing the arrests, they are emperors with no clothes when it comes to such madness. After all, it is Congress that is responsible for the proliferation of over 4,000 federal criminal laws that put all Americans in danger of arrest. Young will not be charged and the U.S. Attorney is reportedly dropping the misdemeanor charge against Sheehan for “disruptive conduct.” However, the rest of us must live knowing there are thousands of similarly vague federal crimes lending themselves to arbitrary enforcement. 
For example, annoying someone on the Internet is now a federal crime punishable by up to two years in federal prison. The provision is buried in the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act signed into law by President Bush on January 5, 2006. A provision entitled “Preventing Cyberstalking” was added to the bill by Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.). 
The provision, which appears in Section 113 of the legislation, states: “Whoever... utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who receives the communications...shall be fined under Title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.”
This new law could be used to prosecute anonymous blogs that ridicule politicians or even anonymous messages sent through dating websites. What the sender considers to be a romantic greeting could be found annoying by the recipient. The provision almost certainly violates the First Amendment in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1995 decision in McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission, which struck down state restrictions on anonymous political pamphlets. Surely, constitutionally protected speech in print is also protected online. 
Another example of federal over criminalization is the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), which began on a voluntary basis in 2004 and becomes mandatory this year for 25 percent of premises where animals are kept. The sweeping U.S. Department of Agriculture program is in response to hyped fears about mad cow disease. All premises must register their animals with the government by 2009 or face criminal penalties, including a fine of $1,000 per day. 
Each state can determine the definition of a “premise.” Most states are likely to follow Texas in excluding private pets, but persons who raise or transfer animals will be covered. Thus, if a litter of kittens is born and the owner wishes to sell or give them away, the owner must register his premises and tag the kittens with a 15-digit electronic identification device. While large agribusiness operations may have the wherewithal to implement this scheme, small farmers throughout the nation are bracing for an unbearable regulatory burden. And certainly not high school 4-H or FFA programs, which are included.
Finally, while immigration reform is needed, it also raises the specter of over criminalization. Legislation passed by the House is pending in the Senate that imposes a three-year mandatory minimum prison sentence on anyone who, with an expectation of financial gain, “assists, encourages, directs, or induces” two or more foreigners to illegally reside in the U.S. While this provision is likely intended to apply to large businesses that employ illegal immigrants, it could also imprison ordinary Americans who unwittingly hire an illegal immigrant as a housekeeper, nanny, or gardener.
As the arrests of Cindy Sheehan and Beverly Young demonstrate, criminal law is a blunt instrument. It should be reserved for conduct that is blameworthy and threatens public safety, not wielded to enlarge the power of government at the expense of ordinary Americans. While the intentions of many proposals to expand the scope of criminal law may be noble, unintended consequences are inevitable. Civil laws and free market incentives can be used to achieve the same goals with a scalpel rather than anvil. 
Ultimately, if the government is empowered to arrest us for annoying messages on t-shirts, all of our freedoms are in danger of being stripped away.
Marc A. Levin
Austin, Texas

Give It Back To Saddam
Howdy from a Southern Neighbor. 
Just a quick note to let you know that I may have to change my opinion of the VP now that he's taken to shooting Republicans. 
Also, I've come up with a final solution & Iraq exit strategy - Dress the Pres in a flight suit with a big Mission Accomplished back drop & Give it back to Saddam! 
Just think! We could have the troops home before the elections, use the $250 Billion we were going to spend there on Corporate Welfare - I mean energy research & to arm Saddam to take care of Iran. The Pres's poll numbers would be huge! 
Ben Wilson 
Spring, Texas

Mark, You Rock 
Thank you for that fabulous, fact-filled and accurate article about horse slaughter. That should be an AP story so that everybody in the USA can read what is happening. The greatest thing we can do to stop this is to educate the public. I just did a public access show on it that will air next week on Comcast Hollywood, and believe me, I showed the slaughterhouse footage. If the networks don’t have the courage, we will get the story out anyway. Thank you for helping to inform the public accurately!
Cathy R. Atkins
Hollywood, CA 

Thank You From Me & My Horse
Thank you for this very insightful article on horse slaughter. It’s about time that someone had the backbone, morality and humanitarianism to stand up and tell the real story about this horrendous practice. I’ve been very active in the effort to get our representatives to co-sponsor and pass HR 503 and/or S 1915. As the owner of a PMU mare, this subject tears at my heart as she was one who was headed for the slaughter line until the rescue group saved her and now she is with me, her own forever companion.
I hope to be able to do more in the near future as this has prompted me to finally get some land and get more involved. 
I hope to see more of your writing as you have become a hero in my eyes (as you are in many others) and I’m sure that if the horses could read or even talk, they’d be saying the very same thing.
Thank you from me and my horse (Chia) for caring enough to stand up and be heard!
Terri (and Chia)

Gina Can’t Handle The Truth
I was amazed at Gina Parker's letter. She connected President George W. Bush to President Franklin Roosevelt. Roosevelt fought fear by creating jobs for millions of unemployed Americans following the greatest depression ever to hit America. Bush created fear to invade a country we were at peace with. 
Yes, we lost 3000 with the loss of the twin towers by Al Queda led by Bin Laden. We properly invaded Afghanistan because that was where Bin Laden and Al Queda was and they were being supported and protected by the Taliban government. However, after the overthrow of the Taliban we foolishly let Bin Laden and a lot of Al Queda get away by sending the majority of our troops to the middle east to prepare for an invasion of Iraq. 
Bush and his administration began to spread fear that this small country was a threat to us and had Al Queda terrorists inside it's boundaries suppported by Saddam Hussein. They spread fear of weapons of mass destruction even though the inspectors had not found any and did not believe there were any. We all know that was NOT true now but we are quagmired in a civil war between religious factions. We are getting close to having 3000 American deaths now in Iraq with thousands more with loss of hands, feet, eyesight, and their sanity. There has been over 100,000 Iraqi deaths, homes and businesses have been blown to smithereens. Iraq is filled with orphans and widows. Yet, Ms. Parker like a lot of Americans, have bought this administration's claim that these people are better off now. 
There is really fear among the Iraqi people now and they are afraid to leave their homes. If a family is fortunate to have a man, and he is fortunate to have a job, the family has to worry if he will return every day he leaves for work. The Sunni's do not want the majority Shites to rule them so they are NOT for a democratic country. They are the terrorists as they fight to stop Iraq from becoming democratic. They also have to fear that the Shites will unite with the Shite 
majority of Iran and create a fanatical fundamentalist Islamic government as Iran has that does not allow any dissent or freedom of religion. 
Meanwhile, 80% of all Iraqi's in a recent poll said they want ALL foreign troops out of Iraq as they are a part of the problem, NOT a part of the solution. It has been said that if we forget history we are doomed to repeat it. President Johnson lied to get us into the Vietnam war and now President Bush has lied to get us into the Iraqi war. Once again, we are in a no win civil war because we forgot the Vietnam war. How many more young Americans are we willing to sacrifice before we say, as we did about Vietnam, ENOUGH. That is not fear, it is courage to admit we were wrong. Most of the rest of the world opposed our invasion of a country who was not a threat to us. They consider it an illegal war. Today, we have relations with Vietnam and thousands of Americans lost their lives for what? All the fears the Johnson administration created did not come true as the domino theory was proved false. 
We can not create a democracy in the middle east, only the citizens can. We support other dictatorships in the middle east that are just as evil as Saddam Hussein was. They are afraid of a democracy being created in Iraq and will oppose it as they are doing. They are behind the spreading of the cartoons to the moslem people to appeal to their religious fanaticism and stop any movement to democracy. The people of the middle east are not like western people and do not tolerate free speech especially when it insults their religion. The common 
people support their religious fantical leaders and we are not welcome so we are in a no win situation. It is not fear to face facts and admit you were wrong, it takes courage to do that. We got the courage to leave Vietnam and we should get the courage to do the same in Iraq. 
The war on terrorism has been put woefully on the back burner to appease the war hawks who had been wanting to invade Iraq since the first Bush refused to do so. They used the war on terrorism to lie to us, and took our troops from fighting Bin Laden and Al Queda, to invade a country who was no threat to us. 
Yes, Gina, let's be fearless to stop a illegal war and go back to fighting the terrorists and hunting down Al Queda and Bin Laden in Afghanistan where they are at as they are not in Iraq. 
Yes, Gina, let us remember the twin towers and defeat and destroy the terrorists that caused it. 
Bin Laden sits in Iraq in peace making tapes criticising and taunting us as we are diverted. The Iraqi terrorists are the Sunnis and their Moslem supporters. It is time to admit we created a hell in Iraq and we need to leave and let them solve their problems. We are not wanted and so we need to leave. It is time to get back to the war on terrorism and defeat Al Queda and capture Bin Laden and bring him to justice. Do we have the courage to demand that of the Bush administration? Oh, where is the liberal media, Gina? Turn on the radio and all you hear is Rush Limbaugh and those who are copycatting him. Is he liberal? The Houston Chronicle like most newspapers supported Bush for president and their papers are full of support for him and his policies. The tv stations offer no criticism either. Papers like the Bulletin are a lonely voice in the conservative wilderness. That is why I travel over 10 miles every Friday to get a copy of the Bulletin... so I can read the truth. 
Bill Talley 
Houston, Texas

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