Letters from our Readers - January 2006

Tired Of Being Treated Like Dirt
I am outraged and concerned about performance and integrity of those we have working in our local police department and jails. A member of my family was arrested on Friday the 9th, 2 days, might I add, before her little girl's third birthday party. She was arrested under suspicion of arson. 
D espite the fact that her husband was seen outside around the area the fire was started, and the fact that all her possessions in the house were vandalized (Although, nothing of her husband's was.) The police are still dead set on pinning her with this crime. They have no evidence on either her or her husband, yet they let him go and kept her due to a prior conviction she has on her record. As far as I am concerned, the police are not doing their job or at least not doing it properly, because if they were, an innocent woman would not be sitting in a jail cell. Instead, they need to do the job they are paid to do and that means get arson investigators to inspect the scene of the crime and catch the real culprit. 
Maybe they need to watch CSI and NYPD Blue to learn a few things -- be taught the real way to do their jobs. Another thing that concerns and upsets me is the way they treat the visitors of the inmates. They treat them as if they are criminals. My relative's mother was told Monday, I believe, that she could bring undergarments for her daughter to have when she needed them. That night, she went out and bought the items her daughter needed. She tried to bring them to her the following Tuesday afternoon, but the police suddenly refused stating: "We changed our mind." What a waste of time, gas (Because she lives quit a ways out), and money. Not to mention she had to load up the kids to take them to a babysitter. But what can she do? -- Nothing, because the workers in Montgomery County Jail, as though they are God's gift to society, are allowed to treat the inmates, visitors, and whomever they please like dirt. 
Truthfully, I don't feel safe living in Montgomery County anymore. I don't think I will until we get better law enforcement. If they can't catch a simple arsonist, how can they catch someone who has committed a worse crime, like murder? Do we really want to live in a society that makes it ok to wrongfully convict someone, just to ease the public by letting them know SOMEONE is doing time, instead of finding the real criminals? Do we really want to live in a society that thinks it is okay to be treated as if we are nothing just because we are not officers of the law or any other authority figure?
Name Withheld

We Must All Take A Stand
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments on a New Hampshire law, which required parental notification when a child under 18 requested to have an abortion or allowed a judge to waive the notification requirement. While liberal justices like Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg complained that there was no exception for the “health” of the mother, Justice Antonin Scalia noted, “It takes 30 seconds to place a phone call [to a judge].” 
Requiring a child’s parents to be notified prior to a child having an abortion should not only be supported by conservatives, but by every American. Even the mission statement of the pro-abortion organization Planned Parenthood states, “Adolescents should be encouraged, when possible, to involve their parents and/or other responsible and concerned adults in their reproductive decision-making.” Providing parents with vital medical information about their children is simply a good idea. Parents have the right to know whether their children are ill, need an aspirin, and most certainly that they are considering life-changing medical procedures such as abortion. As Henry Ward Beecher once remarked, “There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child.” The courts must not interfere in the relationship of a parent and a child.
Our elected officials carefully consider the effects of important laws such as parental notification before they are passed. The problem arises when courts decide to take matters into their own hands by rewriting the law from the bench. By legislating from the bench, the courts are denying the rights of every citizen to be represented by the elected officials they choose to voice their values in the capitol. The people’s laws are being struck down by liberal activist judges. From outlawing prayer in public schools to legalizing abortion, the judicial system has grown from the weakest of the three branches of government into the most powerful. This abuse of power is exactly why it is imperative that Judge Samuel Alito be confirmed in January as a justice of the Supreme Court.
Judge Alito, a proven conservative legal mind, understands that our Constitution provides for judges to interpret the law, not create the law. Whether it is a logical, important piece of legislation like parental notification or defining marriage as between one man and one woman, Judge Alito will not silence the voice of the people and will certainly not disregard the Constitution. 
We must all take a stand against judicial activism by continuing to support our elected representatives and encouraging them to support Judge Alito for the Supreme Court. As 2006 approaches, Election Day draws near, and new laws are written, we must take back our representative form of government. We must unite our voices against the tyranny of an out of control judiciary that denies the people their rights and freedoms and rewrites the Constitution.
Gina Parker

Check It Out
In her letter to the editor entitled: "A God-Free America?" the writer complains about atheists trying to remove God from our currency. Do people like her ever wonder why an Egyptian pyramid with eye at the peak occupies the back of our one dollar bill? Or why the Washington Monument looks like it does? Enter the word: "dollar bill and illuminati " and check out the resulting links. Then enter the words" washington monument and satan" in another search and check out the resulting links. Interesting - to say the least.
R Amburgey
Spring, Texas

Concealed Handgun Traveling Law
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some misunderstandings about a new law regarding a person's ability to travel in an automobile with a concealed firearm. For many years now it has been well established that a person who is traveling has a right to possess a handgun for personal protection. However, Texas courts have historically disagreed on the definition of "traveling".
A new Texas law, which went into effect September 1st (House Bill 823), reinforces the right of citizens to carry a concealed firearm while traveling if the person can prove he is traveling under a number of particular factual circumstances. The new law states that a citizen is presumed to be traveling if:
1. They are in a private vehicle with a firearm that is not in plain view.
2. They are not otherwise engaged in unlawful activity nor otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm (such as driving while intoxicated or recklessly).
3. They are not a member of a criminal street gang. 
In other words, a law abiding citizen should be able to transport a concealed firearm in a motor vehicle. HB 823 ensures that there is no longer the need for a law enforcement officer to apply a subjective definition of what constitutes "traveling". If a person is traveling under the particular circumstance previously described, the driver should be allowed to proceed on their way.
It is important to inform you that some law enforcement agencies are of the opinion that a police officer may still arrest a person who is carrying a firearm even if they meet the presumption of traveling. In reality the presumption of traveling is subjective by nature. Law enforcement officers always have the right to make an arrest if they feel someone is violating the law, but that doesn't mean the charge will necessarily stand in court.
If for some reason a driver is arrested for traveling with a handgun, HB 823 represents a presumption of innocence that should be afforded all defendants. The presumption that a person is traveling applies unless the prosecution proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the facts giving rise to the presumption of traveling does not exist. 
The presumption of traveling is a defense that may be used in court, but it is not an immunity from arrest. Often times, you may find that law enforcement agencies interpret the same law differently. Some agencies may allow their officers to make arrests and some agencies may discourage it. 
My best advise to anyone traveling with a handgun is to exercise extreme caution. The only sure way to avoid arrest is to obtain a concealed handgun license through the Department of Public Safety. Also, travelers should make every attempt to know and understand each county's policy towards travelers with handguns before they travel through a particular county. 
In conclusion, this new law is intended to assist law enforcement officers in doing their job while at the same time protecting the right of law abiding citizens to travel with a concealed firearm. While this new law and its implication may seem confusing, I would advise all persons who desire to travel with a firearm to be aware of the law and to exercise their very best judgment. 
Ruben Hope
Conroe Texas 

Brokeback Mountain
Critics are correct when they assert Ang Lee's new movie, Brokeback Mountain, has a social agenda. Any movie that dismantles damaging stereotypes and humanizes members of society denigrated to second-class citizenship has a social agenda. This agenda-one that attempts to educate 
and foster dialogue about the cruelty of social discrimination and hateful 
prejudices-is absolutely vital and long over due.
Most media venues fall victim to stereotypes and generalizations when 
portraying homosexuality. Shows like Will and Grace and Queer as Folk, while helpful in bringing gay-themed stories to mainstream media, do not fully embrace the wide diversity of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) Americans. This comes at a time when bigots in society 
continue their assault on the GLBT community, taking away their rights to 
marry, adopt, form partnerships, and even achieve health-care benefits for their loved ones.
If Hollywood and other media venues had the courage and vision to fight 
against stereotypes and educate people about the destruction of social prejudice and assumptions, it would be a lot harder to hate and discriminate gay and lesbian Americans. Bravo to Ang Lee for demonstrating admirable integrity by doing what's right, despite his critics; Brokeback Mountain bravely brings us a "social agenda" that calls for compassion, tolerance, and human dignity.
Ken Seifert
Former resident of Conroe
Arlington, VA

Save A Horse
Dear Friends, We will have a serious need this winter at the farm for Round bales of well cured hay. This hay is essentially the base requirement for horses year round but when grazing of fields is out due to drought, winter season and the many horses we service in these fields, we have got to keep up the supply. This not only nourishes them but gives the horse a sense of security as they have food when they need it. This is a good thing as you see.
Now it has to be good quality hay as horse require a better quality of grasses, hays and feeds than say a cow who has double stomachs and can digest less quality feeds easily. The horse like people needs clean, fresh quality type food (hay) to stay healthy.
Our supplier has sold out for the first time in 8 years, I am without hay rolls. I have found some at two feed stores and as long as they can hold out we can keep buying from them. This hay normally is $55 to 60.00 delivered to the farm weighing at 1200 pound, now is costing $75.00 at their dock and "we will pick up" with volunteer help or they will deliver for $25.00 trailer load.
We are pleading with you to help with this need, we have a winter of 4-5 more months and hay is not cut till May 2006 for horse, so there is a great worry to keep the need up.
We use 5 rolls a week on the average, putting a roll in our 5 fields weekly.
You can choose donation by paypal at our site or a check of course and these stores do have credit card options, I can furnish a receipt as well for the donations. Please consider this an important way to assist the horse's in this winter season and it is a life givng one as well.
The 2 local stores I have found who have these round bales are Steinhauser's in Magnolia, tx. they are now at $70.00 a roll and will go up as the demand grows they will deliver a load for an extra fee? Or I will ask volunteers to help with their trailers to get the hay here we can store the rounds here as well just need to cover them as a shelter from weather.
Their number is 281-356-2530 maybe they can reserve rolls if we prepay ?
The "best hay" rolls are from J&D Country Store in Conroe on 105, these rolls are wrapped for some protection from elements and are at $75.00 a roll, but quality is very good. This store also favors us when we have needs they can help with. Their round bales will also go up in price as need grows. Their number is 936-756-7667.
Several years ago in my own horse work, I paid $80.00 delivered here as we had a drought that year. Please note in Ft Worth at a commercial supplier called HAY USA, they were $80.00 a round bale in November and going up and little is available. 
This nutritional demand is an important one and thank you for your considering the crucial need for the horses. All you do makes Spirit Acres's stronger in its' care and work for the horses. Thank you so much.
Best of the Season to One and All.
Kat and the many Whinnies
17617 west fm 1097
Montgomery, Texas 77356
936-597-5316
http://www.spiritacres.org/ 

Don’t Kick A Bull Dog
I do not feel it is appropriate to kick someone like Montgomery County Hospital District Board member Erick Yollick when he is down. It would be hard for anyone to ignore the wishes of clients in favor of a $3 million commission. I'm sure facing disablement is punishment enough for him.
But the incident should draw attention to an important issue; we should look more closely at the individuals seeking public office. Yollick has been accused (by several entities) of buying the cooperation of a judge through a campaign contribution to the campaign fund of the judge, ignoring the wishes of his clients, and reporting possible delinquent taxes of his clients to the IRS in the hopes of extending his (Yollick's) services and increasing his lawyer fees. These charges may or may not be true, but they are cause for concern.
He (Yollick) has gone beyond the specifics of the incident into the realm of threatening newspapers with legal action for reporting the incidents, though we live in a country that is suppose to allow newspapers the freedom to report such events.
Individuals with a lot of money and a “Bulldog” approach to life should not be encouraged to go through life buying influence, threatening individuals and news organizations, and serving on boards that are intended to serve the public.
Many young people feel disenchanted with our system of government. They feel we are a system of rich politicians and big business buying influence and setting the agenda for what will happen to the public. We need to restore confidence in our political system by seeking out individuals such as Sam Rayburn. He returned to public life with the same amount of money he took to Austin and did not accept money from anyone.
The public needs to look beyond the expensive political advertising campaigns into the backgrounds of candidates for the subtle clues about the character of elected officials. 
Jim Becka
Splendora, TX 

Bozo Bush
R.T "Dan" Hanchey regarding "You Can't Handle the Truth" wouldn't know the
truth if it bit him in the posterior. I have more to fear from American businessmen and industrialists than all the terrorists in the world. These people pollute the environment which kills many more Americans than
terrorists. Their lobbyists have bribed politicians to spend 100 billion dollars on utterly useless things like a missile defense when that money could go to medical research. 
Bush has gotten 2000 Americans killed in Iraq and spent 500 billion dollars. Thousands of Iraqis have been killed as
collateral damage. And justifying their deaths as minimal on the basis of 50000 Americans dying from auto accidents is pathetic. How about those soldiers not dying and the money wasted in Iraq used to make our roads safer. Furthermore, the notion that Saddam would let terrorists have weapons is laughable. It's the last thing in the world he would have let happen because it would have legitimized an invasion. 
Bush policies have made the world more dangerous and America less safe.
Dale Stevens
Montgomery, TX

Stupid Is As Stupid Does
Here is something for those of you who love little-known political facts. I'm certain I'm not the only one who is extremely tired of various lackluster, special interest long-time incumbent elected officials. So, what's a guy or gal voter to do? Well, there are many new faces emerging across the nation and throughout our glorious state of Texas fixin' to do battle with those incumbent candidates who perhaps should consider immediate retirement (to put it nicely). 
Whether Democrat, Republican or Libertarian, in order to get on a party ballot the new candidate must consider whether to put-up the substantial cash fee or to file a petition after collecting 5-percent of the signatures of registered voters in that district. Obviously, most newcomers prefer to collect signatures; however, there's a "Catch-22" for those voters who sign the petition for a candidate of another party. 
In other words, if I'm a Republican and I sign the petition for a candidate who wants to run on the Democratic ballot, I lose my right to vote in the Republican Primary. I would only be eligible to vote in the Democratic Primary --- even though I'm registered as and still consider myself a member of the Republican Party! You CAN'T make this stuff up, folks! 
Perhaps this is a special interest perk so that any voter wanting a change of incumbents gets "punished" by his or her current party? 
Here is a case of when another archaic law should be "thrown out of the law books" and deemed unconstitutional! Why on earth shouldn't I or anyone else be able to support a new aspiring candidate over a lackluster incumbent and still maintain my party affiliation in the primaries? To quote the character Forrest Gump, "Stupid is, as stupid does." 
Peter Stern,
Driftwood, TX

Neil Diamond
...Absolutely beautiful, well thought out, terrific review of "12 Songs! As one who has followed his career since the late 60's, I think your review was 'right on the mark." Thank you for your honesty - it was deeply appreciated!!
Rev. Bob Washer 

More on Neil
Thank you for the beautiful review on Neil. We long-time fans know what he's
done and what he's doing now and how much we like it. However, some of his
critics just don't get it. It's not a new Neil, but a more mature in presence and thought Neil and we're growing old with him. Thank goodness some of the younguns are finding him too.
Karen

And more on Neil
I must say Mark, that your review is one of the most honest and open 
reviews I have read yet concerning Neil Diamonds "12 Songs". It is refreshing to read a review based on facts and not personal opinion. Weather you like Diamond or not, you at least recognize his body of work past and present.
Bill Clarke

Neil Diamond Sure has some fans...
Thank you for writing one of the most beautiful articles I have read regarding Neil Diamond. Being a Neil Diamond fan for many many years, ND is usually bashed and criticized by the critics and press, most of which probably never heard ND in concert or for that matter know what his songs are about. This is the type of review he surely deserves, thank you for being the one who wrote it. Happy New Year. 
Deb

Send Kay to Mars!
I just finished reading the letter sent to your paper by that "celestial thinker" Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison concerning.... (big drum roll!)... "...controlling the universe"!
Just when I thought that her last brilliant idea of "controlling the weather" couldn't be topped, Bam! she hits us with this cerebral epiphany! Whatever could be next ? Controlling God perhaps?
It's great to see this elected official devoting her energies to such crucial and basic necessities of life like the weather and the universe. Lord only knows she has solved all of the other problems facing Texans and Americans in general. So why not set our sights higher? It certainly doesn't hurt the situation that The Johnson Space Center is located in her state. No, no special interests there.
As the Senator states, there are some inherent problems to be overcome such as the fact that " The United States is facing increasing competition in high-tech industries. At present, just 32 percent of American undergraduates receive degrees in science or engineering compared to 59 percent of Chinese students." and "The advent of the internet has made it easier for people from other nations to compete with our workers." 
But these problems cam be overcome by a Trans-Pacific highway between China and California with an express lane to Houston. Think Insourcing! Imagine, thousands upon thousands of cheap Communist Chinese engineers working for the common goal of advancing American interests! Besides, we all know Americans are too lazy to do the work that Pakistani, Indian and Chinese people can do for less! 
Some crazy Liberals claim that outsourcing by greedy corporations is the reason for the drop in engineering graduates but Kay set that silly notion straight! It was that darned old' internet- created by Al Gore no less- that took the incentive away! Those pesky Democrats have been out of power for nearly 6 years and still they thwart the dreams of visionaries like Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and President George W. Bush! 
But there is an upside to this matter. As the Senator states: "... the Station will also act as a base for further exploration, eventually leading to an inspirational, manned trip to Mars, where the American flag will, one day, fly."
The United States planted Old Glory on the moon and look at all those colonies that sprang up there! Mars is the next logical step! All it will take is a couple of decades of time, a few more trillion dollars and one day 50% of all Martian-Americans will be living without heath care too!
And, after all is said and done, the people on the Space Station will need someone to ask them " Do you want freedom fries with that?" 
Richard Amburgey
Spring, Texas

Kay Wants to Control the Weather, Space & Conquer Mars on a Balanced Budget 
In a recent letter, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson writes, "The best action the federal government can take to balance the budget is to ensure a strong economy and to control spending." and "That is why I continue to work hard for smaller government, a balanced federal budget, and lower taxes.”
In less than 5 years, the Republican-controlled Congress of which Senator Hutchison is such a prominent member 
has increased its spending from $1.5 trillion per year to $2.5 trillion per year --- a 66% increase in less than 5 years. 
I guess when you are a Senator and get to SPEND the money --- rather than having it extracted from you, you have an entirely different idea of what "control spending" means.
Mike Ford
Austin,TX

New Candidates Rising to the Call 
Look around you. They're crawling "out of the woodwork". There's a reason why there are so many new faces charting a political course. Hard-working taxpaying average families have been overburdened and abused by the past five years of special interests ruling the direction of our lives and the actions of elected officials, who were sworn in to do the best job possible for the good of their constituents and the community. Guess what? They have failed miserably. 
It's no wonder that folks who NEVER cared much for politics are emerging now to run for office because, as the saying goes, "Necessity is the Mother of Invention." It's hard to sit by year after year and watch legislators approve one issue and law after the other ONLY for their special interests. It's also hard to watch as your neighbors lose their jobs and homes, and more. 
At the national and state levels the quality of life for most families has plummeted beyond recognition. Whether it's high gas prices, unaffordable college tuition for their children, astronomical cost of home insurance, sky-high property taxes, inconceivable costs of health insurance and prescription medication, high rate of unemployment and the rush to implement roads founded on toll taxes, we all have been privy to observing first-hand the demise of the middle class and its merger further with the poor into the larger evolution of the "huddled masses". During the French Revolution, Victor Hugo called this socio-economic group "Les Misérables" --- "The Wretched". 
The POSITIVE NEWS is that out of the muck created by the current group of legislative Neanderthals now arises the Homo erectus, the human being who stands tall on two strong legs, who will "walk the walk" and change the paths they walk on inside America's communities. Ladies and Gentlemen, mark your calendars for the New Year that highlights the emergence of the "New Breed" of honest, hard-working, caring, intelligent and determined men and women destined for political greatness, who will fight to redirect the previous special interest mentality to a higher plane of doing what is best for the community and hard-working families. Over the next several years these brave political pioneers will continue to grow in number until a new dawn opens on a better quality of life for all, and the America we once knew will achieve a political, economic and social rebirth of which we may all be proud. 
Remember, there's usually a reason for long periods of drought, plague, pestilence, and avarice. Mostly it's to appreciate the aftermath more, the "New Life" when it arrives. Let's kiss the old life "Adieu" by voting-out the old to bring in the new. Let's vote-out irresponsible incumbents and provide the new candidates a chance to ensure a better life for all of us. 
Peter Stern,
Driftwood, TX

You're Rather Good 
However, there are a couple more options to this mess created by our corporate lords, and one's that I am afraid they would love, at first. We must increase the troop level by 100k, or more, yes I said increase. We would have to institute a draft. 
At home, we must prosecute the White House cabal and the Hill supporters for the illegal invasion. After the determination of guilt, they must be publicly executed by hanging near the Washington Monument. All bureaucrat leadership must be held accountable for their decisions that violate simple criminal laws, be they committed domestically or foreign. Next, we must initiate an Amendment to the Constitution that precludes all corporate leaders and the entire lawyering institution from holding public office. We must begin a training program for young people that wish to pursue public office. The curriculum must be extensive, based upon the history of society, religion, morality, goals capitalism, democracy, etc.
Finally, current corporate king makers must be held accountable for their political workers that held office in DC. Immediate appropriation of profit to re-build the public money stolen is necessary. Stockholders of these corporations must be held accountable for sympathizing with profiteering self gain. I am not talking about communism nor socialism. I am talking about the beginning process of re-building the nation destroyed by the organized cabal concerned only for self gain; and not our children.
Online Reader

Born Again Republicans
Most born-again-fascia Republicans just can’t get their pews straight over the indictment of Tom Delay. How could one the squeaky-clean generals of GW’s party get so dirty so quickly? Well, the answer lies deep in the heart of Texas; or should I say, Texas Rangers baseball.
George W is a committed Christian. However, his management style has never been one of great leadership. Long before he ran for President, GW was on the management team for the Texas Rangers. Anyone in Texas should be able to admit; GW typically lets others lead and he just follows. The current controversy over torturing prisoners is a great example. GW is easily swayed from his roots.
The scary thing is that GW continues to be led by the Delay’s of the Republican Party. Vice Pres. Dick Cheney, Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) are typically of the unethical cowboys that bridle GW. 
As shown many times by the late Peter Jennings of ABC News, Barton and Hutchison are career corporate politicians and staunch supporters of the tobacco industries. Don’t you think it is strange that Barton and Hutchison represent a non-tobacco state? What do think their motives are?
While most people associate Delay and other Republicans with the Christian facade of Pres. George W. Bush; Delay and others have proven themselves otherwise. While most people assume the Republican Party carries Christian Conservative values; nothing could be further from the truth.
Leonard Jensen
Fort Worth, TX

Why Not Spend More on Education and Less on Prisons?
According to The National Education Association, Texas is the only state in the nation to reduce assistance provided to help students meet higher standards during the 2004-2005 school year. NEA's statistics show that expenditures for education per student fell by one percent. The state also dropped from 36th to 40th compared to other states educational investments. Why does Texas spend $ 1,440 per student less then the national average? Why have Texas teacher's salaries fallen for the 5th consecutive year and placed at 33rd in the country making $6,700 less then the national average? Last but not least, why does our state provide 35% or less of the funding for our public schools? 
Is our educational system not important enough to our lawmakers to place higher then 40th in the nation? In comparison to our educational system I would like to know why Texas has the largest prison population in the nation? It was my understanding that the increase in prisons back in the late 80's and 90's was to be tough on crime but why was the crime rate back in 1990 10% above the national average and today it is 23% above the national average? Ironically back in 1990 we had a prison population of 50,042 and today it is 168,105. 
It doesn't appear to me that the "tough on crime" policy worked but rather that you have taken away from my children's education. Can you explain why the entire Northeastern population of 52 million has a total inmate population of 170,000 and Texas has a population of 22.5 (which is on the high side) and an inmate population of 168,105? The Northeastern states consist of a total of nine states and I cannot understand how it is possible that Texas has as many as those states combined. There are billions of dollars being wasted on the prison system for our state that could be directed towards education. 
It is obvious that “tough on crime" didn't work. The figures prove that. The figures also prove that we are in the BOTTOM 10% in the nation on education investments for our children. Do you know that our children don't have books of their own. They have a "class set". When I was in school I had a book issued for each class and I was held responsible for that book. Why are my children not allowed the same advantages I had in the 80's? Have we taken a step back in time? Last year my son and a peer passed a petition to raise awareness to the deterioration at his school. Ironically, statistics show that 60% of Texas schools have one or more problems in regards to repairs that have not been met. I am well aware of the products that inmates provide to the states properties such as lockers, bleachers, flags, etc, but inmate labor cannot FIX those problems on the schools and I would like to know why those problems have been ignored? What about the 2500 guard shortage in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system? We have resulted in hiring young, fresh out of high school students to oversee the "criminal element" which just so happens to rank highest in the nation. Why would we let students that have received a less fulfilling education then 90% of the nation work in a prison system with a population that almost equals that of nine state's combined inmate population? Would it not make better since to decrease the prison population to a balance that is equal to the rest of the nation and spend those wasted tax funds on educating our children? By decreasing the prison population you would be able to increase the correctional officer's pay and afford them the training that they deserve. 
Keeping prisoners locked up for longer sentences is not the answer. All one has to do is look at the statistics. I am not happy with the statistics that I have discovered and I will make it my goal to educate as many senators, state representative , educators, and anyone else that will listen.
This is an absolute outrage and I believe in standing up for what is right. If you have children or grandchildren I am sure that you will agree. I am enclosing the statistics that will back my findings. I ask that you please take these very important issues into consideration as the legislature meets after the first of the year.
Melinda Wawak 

Savage Democrats
If the vicious, savage democrats would be as tenacious in their pursuit of terrorists as they are of Samuel Alito, I would vote for them.
But they won’t so I don’t.
Theodore Pierce
The Woodlands, Texas

How Are We Going To Rule The World If We Don’t Start Wars?
I heard on the radio news Sunday night that reports out of Europe and Turkey say that the Bush administration has been talking to NATO members about invading Iran sometime in 2006. 
Reports from Turkey also say that America has been asking for the right to use Turkey airfields in 2006 to launch an attack on Iran. 
This administration is filled with war hawks and does not appear to have learned from the mistake of Iraq. How many more young Americans must die and be 
maimed for the sins of this administration? I just wonder what lies they will tell to justify this war. 
I hope the reports are wrong as they sound so irresponsible but then, I felt the same way when they started talking about 
invading Iraq. 
Bill Talley 
Houston, TX

Thank You Conroe!
I just happen to be the lucky one to catch the Christmas Show put on by
Ricky Skaggs and family. I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed it and for sure the song that Sharon sang, Love come Gently. I still have the song in my head and now want to find the CD somewhere in Rapid City, So. Dakota.
We do have a Walmart and so will try there first. Again thanks for adding
another favorite to my list of Christmas tunes. 
Carole Budd
Rapid City, So. Dakota

Treated Like Dirt
In response to the letter titled "Tired of being treated like dirt". I would like to say, you need to know the facts before you start writing letters slamming the people that put themselves on the line everyday so people like you can write ridiculous letters about them. 
First of all people are not randomly selected for arrest. The has to be EVIDENCE that points to them being involved. You also left out exactly why "Your relative" is above suspicion, and why "Her husband who was seen around the house" is surely guilty! Having said that it sounds like you watch to much CSI and NYPD Blues, and that is probably why you think the way you do. There is no magic lab tucked in some building full of models fighting crime! Another point I would like to address is that if you feel so "Unsafe" here then you should move, maybe even out of Texas, try New York where their is virtually no crime and the police know how to do their jobs, according to you. 
In parting if your relative doesn't want to
miss birthday parties and wants her underwear and does not want to inconvenience her mother maybe she shouldn't get her self into these types of problems.
Name Withheld

Give Me My Scrubs
I suggest we discuss KPRC-TV Channel 2 Houston’s propensity to pre-empt popular shows like SCRUBS in order to air PAID PROGRAMS during prime-time--forcing viewers to tape delay such programs at the insane hour of 3am. How about running your PAID PROGRAMS at 3 am so that those who want to watch can tape delay them instead. 
I know TV2 won't do that because almost no one will tape delay such PAID programs. That means TV2 is placing the almighty paid dollar ahead of viewer preference by pre-empting popular show in favor of PAID Programs. 
My heart goes out to Vietnam and St. Jude's hospital---another paid program that TV 2 regularly INSERTS while deliberately publishing misinformation about the evening's programming in local newspaper as well as Direct TV’s programming guides so as to ENTRAP viewers by misleading them about what TV2 intends to run during prime time. 
This disregard for viewers shows a contempt that will be returned by more viewers than just this TV-watching family. We intend to make a deliberate effort not to watch TV2's Newscasts and other local programming in favor of TV 13 as our way of protesting TV2’s disregard for its viewers by regularly and without warning pre-empting NBC’s most popular shows during prime time to insert PAID PROGRAMMING which benefits TV2 rather than its viewers. Savvy advertisers watch television, too, and if they buy time during Scrubs that is shoveled off to a bizarre viewing time like 3am, it might become harder to sell advertising for TV2’s popular network shows in the future.
This policy is getting to be a habit that could come back to bite TV2 during ratings sweeps. It certainly will do little to endear KPRC-TV to us and I'm sure we are not the only family who has been irked by the frequency with which TV2 does this. 
Perhaps the Programming Director needs a new job in some other community. He or she is doing TV2 a disservice by trying to fool and entrap audiences who tune in expecting to find a first-rate popular show. Smart Programming? I don't think so. Put the audience first and the money will follow. Apparently today’s business colleges are teaching something else, but that assumes that TV2’s Program Director isn’t a victim of a variation of the Napoleon syndrome.
We shall request and obtain a Waiver from Direct TV to receive KPRC as our NBC affiliate since we have a DISH-equipped Recreational Vehicle and since we can prove that our residence is outside KPRC’s Class 1 signal field. We urge other viewers to do the same.
Name Withheld

Roy Head 
Mark, well written and interesting piece about Roy...stuff I never knew...I met him several times in mid 60s, Houston and Corpus Christi...just a fan from the Dome Shadows days...is your suggestion to come to Borski's current? What is venue of Borski's? Is Roy performing this weekend? today is Tues, Jan 10, 2006. Know anything status of other local guys of that era who may still be performing...Jesse Lankford, Dean Scott? I last saw Dean a few years back at the Sands on Westhimer...I know he used to hang with Roy and they are friends from way back. 
I've been away from Houston but back now...is there a popular doo-wop spot in town? B'grds, 
Patrick 

(Patrick: The article on Roy you read was originally published last summer and is only currently available on our website (as are all articles we publish), but I wouldn't be surprised if Roy returns to Borski's -- our local tavern with the best musical acts from Texas and elsewhere -- in the coming months.
No word on Dean Lankford, but Dean Scott is still around, playing shows with his band around the Houston area. As for doo-wop...well, there hasn't been a doo-wop club in many a year; however, you can find a more theatrical version of the great old sound of street corner harmonies on weekends at the Great Caruso Dinner Theatre in Houston. Call 713-780-4900 for information and reservations.
Thanks, Mark Williams, Bulletin Music Editor)

How To Keep Wages Low.
Do burglars have rights? 
When do burglars have the right to enter your home?
Do burglars have the right to live in your home if they can hide there long enough? If so, how long would they have to hide? If a pregnant burglar gives birth to a child in your home does the mother and child (as well as any other of their family members) have a legal right to live in your home? If a burglar gives half of their "earnings" to their children do the children have a right -under the law -to keep their share? Do burglars have the right to vote? To demand equal rights to your home simply because they coexist with you?
Now replace the word "burglar" with the words "illegal aliens" in the questions above and the word "home" with the word "country". Did you get the same answers? 
I consider myself a good person and I bought into the "more is merrier" idea fostered by many liberals that many of these are people are also honest, hardworking and decent folk wanting to live the "American Dream". But honest and decent folk don't sneak into your home under cover of darkness. And although some burglars are very hardworking we don't allow anyone associated with the crime to benefit from it. Because what makes the illegal alien a burglar is the fact that not only do they enter our home -our country- without any permission but they take something that belongs to us at the same time. They take opportunity and power from the legal citizens. Therefore, the vast majority of illegal aliens are not guests, nor pests nor even trespassers but burglars pure and simple. As such, they should be afforded the same rights as burglars: the right to be detained, the right to give up their ill gotten gain and the right to be tried and punished (deportation).
The mantra from the right is that we need the the illegals here because they "do the jobs Americans are too lazy to do". Nonsense! There is not a single job that an American will not do if the pay is fair. Illegal aliens allow the rich to be more "productive" by doing many of the everyday "menial" tasks that would take valuable time away from the rich person's never ending quest for more wealth. But force a rich man to pay the illegal alien a fair wage to mow his lawn or raise his children, in other words give up some of his "productivity' and watch the fireworks. When the rich can't use the illegal alien as a weapon to drive down wages by diluting the workforce or breaking the Unions they will finally use their power to secure the borders. These same conservatives are like the gatekeeper for a chicken farm who stands at an open gate and complains about all the chickens running through. They identify the problem -an open gate, they realize the consequences -chickens are getting
through the gate, they identify a cause -liberals enticing the chickens through the gate and they cry out loud for a solution. What they don't do is solve the problem by shutting the gate. The problem will continue only as long as the chicken farmer -the legal American citizen accepts the excuses and does not fire the gatekeeper -Congress. 
And the liberals do no service to anyone when they encourage, assist, or exploit illegal immigration. If they truly cared for their fellow human beings they would help these people solve their problems in their own country. The "bleeding hearts" solution is to give a man a fish- which will feed him for one meal, rather than teaching the same man how to catch his own fish thereby helping him to feed himself forever. 
What both sides do have in common however is the desire to get the votes of 11 million burglars. 
But If burglars can't vote then why are both sides courting them so much? 
To give them that power. And what is right about that?
Richard C Amburgey
Spring, Texas

Rest in Peace, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
With the beginning of a new year, another holiday approaches, however, this holiday loses some of its meaning every year as 1 year (1963) of his 12 years of “world changing” speeches is recognized and we have been left to think and believe that after 1963 he never said anything again that was noteworthy. It has gotten so bad that many of the populace, including some within the neo-Black Radicals/ Revolutionaries do not know that he had a shift in his thinking as he moved beyond “civil rights” to “human rights,” which are currently lacking. In his 1968 speech, “I See the Promised Land,” he stated the following:
And another reason that I’m happy to live in this period is that we have been forced to a point where we’re going to have to grapple with the problems that men have been trying to grapple through history…. That is where we are today. And also in the human rights revolution, if something isn’t done, and in a hurry, to bring the colored peoples of the world out of their long years of poverty, their long years of hurt and neglect, the whole world is doomed.
Now don’t you feel that it’s “time to break the silence” before our silence destroys the world that we call home? Can we continue to ignore the problems of the world today, sweeping them under the rug as if we don’t care about the future—some have their eyes on “the promised land”? Have we forgotten that there is only one “road to freedom” and that we must have “nonviolence” in our personal lives, communities, cities, states, country, and the world before that road can be traveled? Lastly, we must ask ourselves “where do we go from here?” and think about how our present actions will affect the next 7 generations.
We must not forget the past, nor can we limit our view of those we honor, only concentrating on their non-controversial years, as it does their life and soul no justice and undermines what they truly stood for and believed in before they died and/or were killed… rest in peace, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Obiora Embry
Lexington, KY

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