Letters from our Readers - January 2005

Watching Scotty Fry
Has anyone figured how much money it coast the taxpayers of this country to put on trial people like scott peterson, orenthal james simpson, charles manson, mark david chapman? Give me a break. wake up people. look around. do you see change in the near future? if you do can i have some of what your smokin? its time to put a end to the foolishness.have we nothing better do do with our lives then to pay any atention to some scank like a paris hilton because she has money, money she didnt earn, and likes to get taped on film. her dad must be so proud. 
I for one am tired of paying the tab for the scott pettersons of the world . Just send us the electric bill. 
Tom Dassing

You must be racist, black, selfish, mean, Republican, kin to DeLay
What do you mean white trash, Laci was not white trash she was beautiful happy young lady when her life and unborn child was totally taken away from a beautiful family.
You must be sick to call people white trash, you must be racist black person without any any feelings for other famlies that have suffered something that no family or mother should ever have to go through. 
You should be ashamed of yourself of course you live close to the Bush residents and it's understandable that you have had all that Republican trash rub off on you. 
What a selfish mean person you are I don't know how you sleep at night, oh, well all Republicans think and act just alike. We witnessed this last 4 years and people like you helped us to have to suffer another 4 years of misery and proverty. Are you kin to Tom Delay?. 
What A Jerk, 
Sylvia

Its that time again!
It is foolish to assume that your local appraisal district is either competent or ethical. Their primary task is to acquire funds from homeowners. The easiest path to success is to block and thus exaggerate property values. District appraisers and their management realize most home owners will not take the time or trouble to protest. Therefore, the county acquires enormous funding with little real effort or integrity.
I mention this because January of each year is the best time for homeowners to gather the data needed to protest property taxes. January 01 is the beginning of the "Appraisal Year" and the "Date of Valuation" of your property.
One of the more convenient proofs utilized by homeowners during a protest is a Comparative Market Analysis. You can ask your local real estate profession for one. You have to prove the Appraisal District is wrong. The Appraisal District has to prove nothing.
If you still have problems with your Appraisal District, then contact the state. State information on property tax (including complaints) is 1-800-252-9121 (the Appraisal District will not share this information with you). Additionally, the Texas property tax web site is at: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/proptax.html 
Please protest your property tax this year. Our American forefathers suffered much less taxation from King George. America was born in a tax revolt. As in 1776, unfair taxation is tyranny.
Leonard Jensen

The Humane Society
It is a sad shame that we, as a society, cannot control the animal population, and the fact remains that we do have to euthanize thousands of healthy pets everyday. We can't save them all, as much as we would like to. 
Parvo Virus is a potentially deadly virus that kills many dogs daily. It is extremely contagious, and may I say that vaccines are NOT 100%. If a shelter, like Humane Society had this virus in their facility, it would be most common for it to be spread rather rapidly. I won't go into details on the virus. I will attach a link. I just want the facts out there on prevention, and what exactly the virus does. It has nothing to do with the heart. It's an intestinal virus. 
I am not defending The Humane Society. I would like to remain indifferent when it comes to that organization. But, the fact is that many animals do get good homes because of them, and many "just don't get that far". But with lack of space and funding, we all do what we can. If more people would be more proactive and offer solutions and volunteer their time, instead of complaining, then MAYBE our animal shelters would actually be NO KILL shelters. 
Kimi Cook

Alberto Gonzales -- There must not be a Shadow of a Doubt 
The Bush Administration is refusing to hand over the torture memos written/ supervised by Attorney General-nominee Alberto Gonzales. 
This isn't national security stuff here. This is a confirmation hearing on the fitness of a nominee. Those memos go directly to the heart of his qualifications. 
American can not possibly have as its Attorney General some one who condones torture. The Attorney General, as the chief lawyer for the Whitehouse must be some one of intense integrity. The Attorney General must be someone of high moral caliber. 
Someone who writes legal opinions that justifies torture does not meet those criteria. 
The Senate of the United States has a responsibility to evaluate the individuals who are presented to it by the President. It is their duty to weigh the person's past history in order to attempt to predict his future actions. To make a decision on Alberto Gonzales without fully investigating his roll in any possible breaking of the law would be criminal in and of itself. 
This is a nonpartisan issue. Neither republicans nor democrats can afford to step aside on this matter. No stone can be left unturned. 
Republicans can not simply back Alberto Gonzales because George W. Bush has nominated him. They can not abandon their responsibilities as representatives of the people because of party loyalty. 
Democrats can not abdicate their responsibility to fully investigate Alberto Gonzales for fear of republican reprisal. To give ground now would make stopping bad decisions and nominees impossible in the future. 
The world has been in stunned disbelieve as we have allowed pragmatism to rule over moral values in the United States. Their opinion however is nothing compared to how American citizens should quake in their boots over the idea that the Senate would knowing confirm a war criminal. 
If Alberto Gonzales is innocent then let the facts be brought forth that exonerate him. If the facts say that he did not perpetrate torture by the policy memos he wrote then he could be confirmed if other criteria are met. On the other hand, if they do not, he must be rejected -- forcefully. 
Don't kid yourself. This is a big deal. 
Angie Pratt

Brady protects Good Buddy Self Interests in Congress
With Tom DeLay facing criminal charges it Austin, Kevin Brady sponsored changing the law in congress to protect members of congress from losing there power. This shows the good buddy interests in congress. Never forget the fact "Shady Brady" is Kevins nickname in congress. We elect people to congress to uphold the law not to go around it. The voters need to really look what they have elected. Consumers interests are overlooked by Brady and his group that seem more for the rich than for those who have to pay the bills to run our (???) government. The war in Iraq is becoming a burden on this nation but congress seems to care less. They are not giving up there sons and daughters to the slaughter going on over there. Think about the money spent by Brady for this election. Where did it come from? Do you ever think about that and who has gained by Brady's bills? Brady only has the rich support of the Woodlands and attorneys who gain from his actions. These are the facts. How many more will resign from the Bush good buddys when the facts come out? Will we ever have justice in America?
It takes money to win elections and now I am asking that the voters help fight Brady to protect there rights next election. Please donate so the voters have a choice.
Brady raised $607,000.00 and spent over $200,000.00, Plus he raised 3 million to keep control for the republicans in office. I spent less than $7,000.00 and I got 30% of the vote from responsible voters. Some people want a responsible representative to represent them not just the rich. 
James Wright

Medicare is the Problem
Consider taking a look at the root of the SS dilemma.. Its not SS security and the pension payout that is the problem---The real problem is Medicare and all the abuses associated with it. Yet we hear NOTHING about Medicare and related fixes. I believe the medical lobby might be bigger then what GWB wants to take on not to mention the various financial interests that may benefit by GWBs easy yet expensive fix. I hope the majority of people wake up before it's too late.
Ralph Bieker

The Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades
Thank you for the article by Mark Williams “After School Special”. I think he covered the most important issues regarding children and the after school hours. The greatest thing about my job is to see those children that were here when we started our “new programming” nearly eight years ago progress to the outstanding young people they are today. It is amazing to see Maricruz Cedillo who started here when she was a senior at Conroe High School seven years ago graduate from Sam Houston University last month and begin teaching at Anderson Elementary school this week. In Conroe the future is so bright we will all need sunglasses with the generation coming up.
Terry Berry
Community Centers Director
City of Conroe

Don't Just Phone This One In
This is a serious issue that needs serious attention. This is not a story that can simply be phoned in; it actually requires investigation and some digging worthy of a U.S. News agency. Our democracy is at stake and the public must be properly informed. In this technological age, we should expect and demand fair, accurate and secure voting systems that create a paper trail which can be recounted as many times as necessary to insure its accuracy. Not exposing and making examples out of election officials who are clearly partisan is the same as condoning Nazis in our government. There is so much talk about “Family Values” these days, but did we have to toss out Ethics? Whether intentional or not, you are making corruption and greed accepted family values?
Please give the proper attention to the serious issue of voting irregularities and fraud.
Peggy Walton

We Should Have A Tax Payer Revolt
I realize that Tx newspapers may not print this, since Hispanics are a large part of your customer base, but perhaps you could forward it to all your email contacts. You are welcome to trim it down if you like, but i think its important that the forwarded version remain intact. I have already submitted this letter to almost all the newspapers in the country, and circulated it on the net. You won't be the only one to print it, i can assure you. I was also told that in New England, the atm machines also ask you if you want it in Portuguese, Russian, and Polish. That makes this letter even more relevant as to the problem of unlimited immigration.
Within this past year, Oklahoma has experienced a spanish language invasion. Our atm machines, tv stations, discount stores, and drivers exams are going bilingual . I'm fairly certain that if we wanted to live in mexico, then we would all move to mexico, including the hispanic population. No one has the right to enter our country illegally, and then invade our homes or our businesses with a foreign language. Despite the fact that every poll indicates an overwhelming majority of the population oppose this trend, we have a handful of corporations and politicians that seem intent on forcing us to accept it. We don't have to accept anything! If they thought we didn't like the metric system, they haven't seen anything yet!!
We have already done more for Mexico, than a lesser nation would have done at great expense to our own economy. What the government doesn't tell you about the unemployment figures, is that it doesn't include the thousands of spouses who have lost their factory jobs, and have chosen to stay home, rather than search for a lower paying minimum wage job. 
The real danger here goes far beyond the economic realities. If illegal immigration is allowed to go unchecked, then we will have effectively allowed another country to just walk right in, and turn America into what they want it to be. There will be enormous consequences that most people have not even considered.
1) They will eventually want their own spanish speaking schools. We can barely afford to maintain the schools that we already have. 
2) Hispanic kids will have a distinct advantage in getting the higher paying bilingual jobs. Already police departments are paying more for bilingual officers, and passing up for promotion nonbilingual officers. Eventually, corporations will do the same thing and it will get so bad that you won't even be able to get a job at a fast food restaurant unless you are bilingual. Our kids should not have to learn another countries language in order to get a job in their own country! The very idea, that we would force 100 million of our kids to learn Spanish, instead of requiring a few million illegal immigrants to learn English, is absurd.
3) There is a real possibility that the border states may try to secede from the union someday, if we don't almost completely stop immigration, and Americanize the ones that are here already. 
4) Our highway signs will eventually go bilingual.
5) We have ex convicts and students looking for a decent job all the time, but they aren't going to work if illegal immigrants drive down wages. Wouldn't it be better to pay our own citizens a good wage, than to pay to incarcerate them or burden them with a college loan that takes forever to pay off?
6) Our kids will begin to grow up thinking that spanish language and culture is the real America, and we all know that it is not.
Every country has mountains, valleys, fields and streams, but what defines a country is language and culture. We all know that spanish language and culture is not American, but they are slowly trying to convince us that it is. Our kids will eventually believe this. We all have our heritage, but most of us have blended in, except for the hispanic population. 
Although we have every legal right to deport non citizens, there may be a better way to handle this problem. Every member of Congress and every Governor in the lower 48, now has a plan in their possession to control this problem. This plan does not grant them amnesty, but it does give them an id card with legal status for 3 years, that could double as their own drivers license. It also requires foreign workers to pass a basic English test, provides a way to collect taxes from the employer, and forces the employer to hire our own people first. In my opinion, the only people that should be considered for citizenship are people who already have school age children. This would prevent people from having kids solely so they could stay in the country. You can see this plan at www.politicalforum.com , look at other political issues, click immigration, click illegal immigration, go to the second page, it is the 6th post down. There is also a plan to eliminate bilingualism on the same page, 15th post down. I would urge you to contact your congressmen over the next several months, and let them know that some version of these plans should be implemented. If nothing else, then please urge them to enforce our current immigration laws.
If congress still doesn't get the message, then we should launch a taxpayers revolt. This means that no matter who is elected President, if we don't see a plan to eliminate bilingualism, and crack down on illegal immigration within 60 days of taking office, then everyone who owes federal taxes should file an extension and not pay their taxes until something is done. If the hispanic population decides to try to dissuade Congress by threatening an economic boycott, then we should cancel nafta and start massive interior enforcement. We have been far too nice, for far too long, and now look what is happening! We should also automatically vote every member of Congress out of office, regardless of other factors and political affiliation, until they get the message! We should start with the Congressmen who have an espanol link on their website. It seems that they currently care more about the hispanic vote, than they do ours. Congress must listen to the majority. There is no way to make everyone completely happy. As an absolute last resort, we should avoid any business that uses any language other than English. No one wants to do this, but we will if we have to. Congress should have no illusion, that they will use this plan to gradually make citizenship easier. We can use this tax revolt any time in the future as well, if they don't continually get tougher, and it will work simply because this is the one issue that the vast majority of Americans agree on.
Lastly, it is important to note that this is not a racial issue. African Americans will be at a disadvantage as well, in getting the higher paying bilingual jobs. If Germany was on our border invading our country illegally, and turning America into Germany, then it would be exactly the same problem. World Ward II veterans didn't die so that German language could invade our homes either. I have also been told that atm machines in New England are in Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish. Even more evidence to not only crackdown on illegal immigration, but immigration in general should be brought to a halt. Historically, when you start hearing people speak a different language, that means you have just lost a war. We don't have to lose this one, but we will if we don't take drastic action!!
Todd Neufeld

Long Live Rock
I enjoyed your take on the demise of my favorite radio station. I started listening to KLOL in 1977, at the ripe old age of 10. I loved it then, but unfortunately the commercialization of radio pretty much turned me off radio altogether.
The days of knowing your local DJ's are over. The playlists really do suck, on all of the rock stations. Trying to shoehorn Metallica into the "Alternative"
format of The Buzz ain't gonna cut it. And 90's rock is not "Classic", the same as a 94 Buick isn't classic.
Regarding your comments about XM radio, no way. I just don't see myself paying for something I always got for free. Perhaps the younger generation will bite, but few of my contemporaries have. I have sadly become a CD listener. I have a library of about 4000 songs that I create CD's from, and listen too in the car. I guess I'll finally break down and buy an IPOD to hook up to
my radio.
Keith Davis

Dean should be the National Democratic Party Leader
While every declared candidate for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee would do a good job, Howard Dean clearly offers some unique qualities and insights that would help advance both the Democratic Party agenda and future electoral prospects. Dean created in 2004 an energy in the grassroots activist base of the Democratic Party that was unmatched by any of the other Primary contenders. He would be a great public face and manager for the national Democratic Party.
Howard Dean understands the power of the Internet as a tool for matching the Corporate Media dominance of the rival Republican Party. Dean understands the threat to American democracy posed by media concentration. It is clear that Dean would act aggressively to support the creation of an alternate Democratic media outside the control of Corporate Republican interests. His list of roughly 3 million Democratic activists email addresses, developed in his Presidential race, would be an amazing asset for the Democratic Party and rivals closely the entire existing list currently being used by the national Democratic Party. 
More than any other contender, Dean has a unique ability to take often fairly moderate positions on issues, in order to help Democratic candidates win elections based on local conditions, without alienating more liberal activists within our broad Democratic Party coalition. He has a strong record as Governor of Vermont when it comes to balancing government budgets. His appeal as a fiscal conservative stands in stark contrast to the fiscally radical and reckless policies of the Bush Republicans. While often being unfairly criticized for comments taken out of context, Dean has reached out strongly to rural, working class and Southern voters currently being seduced by Republicans using social wedge issues and Republican Right-Wing spin into voting Republican. He makes the argument that these voters have strong economic reasons for becoming solidly Democratic voters. Dean believes strongly in civil rights, civil liberties, economic fairness, environmental responsibility, trade unionism, honest elections, personal freedoms and listening to the average citizen. Former Governor Howard Dean could help bridge the divisions between the grassroots activists, Party leaders and elected Democrats. He has the ability to mend the traditional, FDR- New Deal created, winning Democratic coalition. 
Dean connects with college students and working class youths in an exceptionally strong way very much like the Kennedy brothers in the 1960’s, Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Bill Clinton in the 1990’s. Dean understands that getting young people involved in the Democratic Party at an early age helps create lifelong Democratic voters. It has become clear that the Democratic Party at every level needs to concentrate more on creating lifelong Democrats instead of just trying to elect individual candidates in expensive last minute TV based advertising campaigns. The rival Republicans have been using this approach for the past 30 years and gaining advantages over the Democrats as a result. Dean understands this problem. Republicans and their Corporate allies will almost always be able to afford to out advertise Democrats in these last minute TV based campaigns.
In fundraising, Dean can build on the impressive record of our current DNC Chairman by using his Internet lists and grassroots connections. While Democrats will likely never be able to outspend the Republican-Corporate alliance, we can remain competitive in financial terms. Dean has an excellent record when it comes to raising funds especially from small donors.
On the very important personal level, Dr. Howard Dean has exceptional intellectual abilities. He is a warm, witty and compassionate man. Dean shows a real commitment to and passion for making life better for the average guy. His deep love for America shows in his every word and action.
In conclusion, Howard Dean would offer some unique new approaches to building the Democratic Party at the national level while integrating it with local activists everywhere. He would restore many of our traditional strengths while developing new ones. Out of the many good choices for a new national Democratic Party leader, Howard Dean should be the next Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
Stephen Crockett 

Free Packs of Camels
Statistically, 50% of smokers in a group will die from their habit and half of these will die in their productive years losing at least 20 years of their lives. Remember those stats next time you see a group of smokers.
Most Americans have been taught that smoking is just a "freedom of choice" issue. The fact is tobacco is a major burden on the cost of health care in American ($100 billion per year). Remove the $100 billion a year cost of tobacco related illnesses from the equation and your health insurance and health care costs would take a nosedive. Do you really enjoy high cost health care and insurance? Additionally, without tobacco about ½ of the cancer deaths in America would not occur. We would win half of President Johnson's fabled "War on Cancer". 
The primary tobacco problem is not "freedom of choice"; it is because we just can't seem to recognize the enemy. Isn't it ironic that the primary congressional tobacco supporters (Rep. Joe Barton and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison) come from a non-tobacco producing state? They have and will continue to consistently block anti-tobacco legislation.
Because of these bill-blocking congressmen, tobacco continues to kill 400,000 American per year (Drunk driving killed 17,000 in 2003). Worldwide the tobacco use picture is even bleaker. Tobacco is expected to be the largest cause of death worldwide by 2030 (10 million deaths per year). 
I witnessed free packs of Camels being handed out on 6th Street in Austin last Saturday night (mostly to UT students). You can bet the same has or will occur in Fort Worth, Dallas, and in your neighborhood. The tobacco industry will stop at nothing to addict the public. You need to stop and think before you vote for Barton or Hutchison.
Leonard Jensen

Judges are RUDE
I was recently lucky enough to experience the rudeness of the judj(es) in conroe, specifically child support court. When they say the truth, the WHOLE truth and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, so help you GOD-why don't they really want you to do that? 
I could not get a lawyer to touch my case with a ten foot pole, so when this question was asked of me I did the best I could since I am an atheist and a wiccan. I was asked if I chose to represent myself and was not forced to represent myself and I replied "I couldn't get a lawyer, so yes".She-the judge just about busted a vessel right there and repeated the question AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE without getting a fine herself for disturbing the peace. Basically if I were to argue the point WE ALL KNOW I WOULD BE IN JAIL. This is rediculous. .IT WAS THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH-just what was asked for. 
Look. we all know that if you get arrested in this town, and the police know you for whatever reason, and I'm not talking buddy kind of know you, the chances of getting to the jail house unscathed is slim. I have witnessed my husband get arrested for dwls and was TOTALLY COOPERATIVE get slammed up against the car TWICE by the same cop for no reason-AFTER BEING HANDCUFFED because he was on parole at the time.....now the judges feel they are being left out of the fun, so they do whatever they can to intimidate us. I mean really, what can you possibly do in a time like that with no lawyer? Who is keeping these power hungry judges in check anyway? I think common people (civilians) should be appointed to each court room each day keeping close tabs, taking notes, and submitting the names of these power trippers and the trip of that time in the newspapers to embarrass the hell out of them, at the very least...I have a few other ideas I am sure some of you would rather enjoy, but for now I'll keep 'em to myself.
Name Withheld

How do I help the Homeless?
My name is Cynthia Goytia and I live in San Antonio Texas. I was surfing the web for homeless ministries and I happened to run into this website where I read the response from Mr. Charles Henry Schoonover. I was amazed to see and hear things from an ex-homeless person's point of view. I have to agree with Mr. Schoonover! Maybe Mr. Schoonover can help us and give advise to how we, my friends and I, can reach out to the homeless without using religion as a turnoff. My goal is to let God use me to minister to others that they would see God in me but I don't want to use the same methods that many others use by using the gospel as a form of control for those who really need Christ. 
Cynthia V Goytia

Blown Away 
Congratulations to the citizens of Conroe on the success of the World Premiere performance of “Windblown” last weekend at the Crighton Theater. And congratulations on having a city government in place that truly cares about bringing arts and culture (and the tourism that goes along with it) of such class to Conroe. The excitement of the opening night with the spotlights, and VIP Parties was overwhelming and magical. The presence of Mayor Metcalf and council members demonstrated that their interest and support in this project was not just on paper. Especially in consideration of their individual contributions at the auction. This project not only raised the bar on the types of productions that can and will be brought to the Crighton, it raised thousands of dollars for the new lighting system in the theatre. 
During a radio interview to promote the production, Texas singer-songwriter Kimmie Rhodes who co-wrote the play along with Joe Sears (of Tuna Texas fame) made the comment that the people in Conroe were working hard to make Conroe a place where people can come to enjoy tasteful, cultural art and that they did so while being grown up about it. What a wonderful compliment! In another interview Mr. Sears proclaimed that Conroe is to Houston, what Fredericksburg is to Austin and the hill country. And now I hear that both of them are anxious to get back to Conroe with other productions, including those which will utilize local talent. 
Through my involvement in The Sounds of Texas Music Series at the Crighton Theatre, I have witnessed the very aspects of Conroe that attracts folks like Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Sears. I know first hand what she is talking about when she says we work hard and act like grown ups. I reside 60 miles east of downtown Conroe, but because of those qualities I chose Conroe, over Beaumont, Cleveland or Liberty to become a volunteer and eventually even sought employment here. And thanks, by the way to my employers Chris Beck and Ben Baker of Baker & Beck, P.C. for your support of my volunteerism. The support for genuine art and culture in this community is wide spread and something to be proud of. I hope that as Conroe develops as a destination for arts and cultural tourism that all of the separate entities that utilize the Crighton Theater and Heritage Park Amphitheater will join forces and work together to achieve the goals important to us all. 
Emy Kolander
Saratoga, Texas

Changing the Focus on TAKS Cheating
Recently, allegations of unethical educator conduct have brought TAKS testing results into question in various parts of the state. These allegations are troubling and certainly do not reflect the standards of the majority of Texas' teachers. And by no means does the state's largest educators' group, the Association of Texas Professional Educators, condone any action that reflects poorly upon the individual or the education profession.
However, we need to examine some interesting aspects of the recent developments. One: why would an educator even think of cheating or allowing cheating on the exam? And two: is there anything awry with the timing of these allegations (just prior to the start of the 79th legislative session)?
The first question is best answered by looking at what TAKS results mean for the student, the teacher, the school, the school district and the state. Students in the third-, fifth- and eighth-grades have to pass the exam to move on to a higher grade while students in 11th-grade have to pass the exam to graduate. 
Teachers are judged in part on how their students perform on the exam. It can help them or cost them in promotions, recognition and job retention. And obviously teachers are not immune to the pressure. The real problem here is that the TAKS test is not a diagnostic exam. It's given at the end of the school year rather than at the beginning. So, even if a teacher is successful in improving a student's knowledge and skills, it's difficult to tell how much of a role the teacher actually played. In other words, a student can score poorly on the exam but still be miles ahead of where they were when the school year began.
For the schools and school districts, TAKS exam results are the cornerstone of their success or failure. The results are a factor in how the schools and districts are categorized. The Texas Education Agency annually rates schools and districts using the Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) and awards the following ratings: Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. 
This rating is of such importance that it can make a difference in local real estate values and the overall community attitude toward a school.
Statewide, Texas is compared to the rest of the nation in terms of quality of education based in part on the results of this test. 
Clearly, the TAKS test is an extremely high stakes exam, so much so that it appears some are willing to break the rules to benefit themselves, their students, their schools, school districts and the state. This in no means excuses the allegations of cheating, and, again, in no way can we condone such behavior. But this is a result of a high-pressure system that has taken the opportunity to teach away from teachers.
We are not suggesting the TAKS exam be completely scrapped, but we are saying that the test is being used in an inappropriate way. The answer here is not a one-shot performance test at the end of the year but instead a diagnostic test. If the TAKS is moved to an early-year exam, many will benefit. The stress will be eased from the student, and the teacher will be given wonderful insight into each pupil's needs based on the information gathered. In other words, the teacher will be allowed to actually teach.
This problem is not easily dismissed, but it is not endemic either. If we treat it as such, districts will likely hire independent monitors to oversee testing on every campus. This will only add to the anxiety of students on test day as well as the expense of testing. However, it's an action the Houston Independent School District is already taking for testing in February and April. The current proposed plan calls for hundreds of monitors to show up at both assigned and random classrooms.
And finally, let's look at the timing involved in this issue. We are set to begin an incredibly important chapter in our state's history with regard to public school finance. The 79th Legislature convenes Tuesday. It's going to be a session in which, once again, the interests of students, teachers and schools are at the forefront. We have a funding method right now that is in limbo before the Texas Supreme Court. It will be easier for the Legislature to limit spending on education when there are questions about teacher integrity in the classroom.
We cannot state strongly enough that the allegations are not indicative of the behavior of the overwhelming majority of teachers in this state. Texas educators have an incredible desire to provide your children with an exemplary education. All they want is the opportunity to teach. 
Randall Iglehart

Don't Reform my Pension
The current demand of the President that Congress reform Social Security brings to mind a popular song of many years ago in which one of General George Custer’s troops just before the battle of the Little Big Horn was lamenting “Please, Mr. Custer, I Don’t Want to go…” It should be upgraded to fit this situation: “Please, Mr. Bush, Sir, Don’t Reform My Pension.” Remember, it was politicians and bureacrats of both parties who have a long history of reforms, re-organizations and makeovers which gave us: reform of the income tax codes which have made them interminable and nearly incomprehensible to even the IRS; reform of our passenger rail transportation systems which has made them nearly extinct; reform of our campaign finance laws which has made them as bad as or worse than before; these are the same people who brought us Watergate, the Savings and Loan bailout, WMDs in Iraq, duct-tape advice form the Department of Homeland Security (anothr reform), the Patriot Act, Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, Viet Nam, Somalia, Beirut, Bosnia, Panama, Granada and now Iraq; the same people who reformed the Army and Guard so that they are on their way to being inoperable; the same people who reformed agricultural subsidies, just to name a few. The American people deserve better. 
“Please, Mr. Bush, don’t reform our pensions!”
Kenneth Pichon

Did 58,000 Americans die so we could buy cheap stuff at Wal-Mart?
We fought the communists in Vietnam for years. We lost 58,000 young lives in Vietnam to keep the communist hoard from overrunning Asia and dominating the World.
Now we have Walmart supporting the communist Chinese, our enemy for nearly 60 years. Support Walmart and you support the Chinese communists.
Support Walmart and you support the destruction of your local small businesses, in my humble opinion.
Jim Kane'ala

You Choose. Death or Taxes. 
What happens when people have less access to medical care? Don't spend too long thinking about this question. There is no rocket science here. The answer is simple. People are not as healthy when they lose access to medical care. 
Let's take the great state of Texas as an example. The State cut the C (child) H (health) I (insurance) P program by making some 200,000 Texas children no longer eligible. In the six-county North Texas region that includes the heavily populated Dallas and Tarrant counties, CHIP rolls were reduced by 32%. 
The State did so ostensively to avoid raising taxes. 
What has the state achieved? Well … for one thing, by making cuts of about $206 million in the program, Texas did not receive about $550 million in federal matching funds. For another thing, infant mortality rose 8%.
Angie Pratt

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