Texas democrats stand for what's right

The 2003 House Democrats will go down in history - for all the right reasons. They showed courage, conviction, and a deep commitment to the people of the state of Texas. 
We have much to thank them for. In a blatant partisan attempt to create more Republican congressional seats in Texas, Congressman Tom Delay and House Speaker Tom Craddick were trying to jam through an outrageous redistricting plan.
The Delay-Craddick Plan would have: 
Thrown out congressional districts that were drawn in 2001 and then approved by the U.S. Supreme Court. The districts were used during Texas congressional elections in 2002. Districts are never redrawn in the middle of a decade absent a court order requiring them to do so. 
Ignored an opinion issued by the Republican Texas Attorney General this spring stating specifically that the Legislature was not required to act on redistricting. 
Forced the Legislature to set a dangerous state and national precedent by bringing up redistricting twice in the same decade and sending the message that Legislatures across this country can use the redistricting process on a whim to exact revenge on an opposing political party.
The DeLay-Craddick redistricting proposal also would have dumped rural voters into districts dominated by suburban voters, denying a voice to Democratic and Republican voters in small town Texas. Long-standing minority neighborhoods also would have been divided, probably in violation of the law and certainly against common sense.
Every major newspaper in the state editorialized against the plan, as well as the tactics used by Delay and Craddick. Still, the two Republicans persisted in their power grab, leaving House Democrats with no choice but to do what they did.
After the Democrats broke the quorum and left Austin, the Republican response was sometimes laughable and at other times disturbing.
It was laughable when Craddick, joined by Governor Rick Perry, claimed that the Killer D's were threatening efforts to protect health care for children and education. It was laughable because Perry, Craddick and many House Republicans had advocated all session long for cuts that would decimate children's health insurance and destroy the high education standards we've set in Texas. And they had done it by literally running over the Democrats in the House.
Their response became disturbing when reports surfaced that Craddick had dispatched Department of Public Safety troopers to harass the legislators' families, friends and staff. DPS troopers even showed up at the neonatal unit where Representative Craig Eiland's twin babies, born premature, were hospitalized.
It became a bigger outrage when it was discovered that an obscure arm of the Department of Homeland Security was used in an attempt to track the airplane of former Speaker Pete Laney.
On top of that, we now know that the DPS - in Watergate-like fashion - has shredded all documents related to these events. The fallout will continues for weeks and months to come. 
The 53 House Democrats sacrificed by taking a tough stand. Some will criticize them for leaving Austin, even though what they did was legal under the House rules. The critics will say they should have stayed and let Delay, Craddick and Perry run over them.
But those critics are wrong.
When a House majority shows no respect for the minority and decides to pull an outrageous stunt like redrawing congressional lines in the middle of a decade, their arrogance and lack of respect for the process must be stopped. 
Meanwhile, our House Democrats will continue doing what they have been doing all along - working for the people of Texas. 
The Democrats are fighting to ensure that children get the health care they need. They are working hard to make certain that public education standards and funding are maintained. They will, as they have from the beginning, give everything they have to stop the state of Texas from balancing its budget on the backs of the children, senior citizens, and families. 

Molly Beth Malcolm
Texas Democratic Party Chairwoman 

Resources Needed 

I would really appreciate a voice to this story, for the sake of my children, and me, their mother, struggling to keep them in the only home they have known for 12 years.
My ex-husband, who is a very wealthy man working at Halliburton Oil, is fighting me in court to take custody of our children to evade his child support duties. Robert Fox, who makes over $125,00 a year and worth millions, became angry when the Attorney General's office informed him he was to have an increase in child support. As most rich spoiled adult children do, he and his wife threw a tantrum, and determined to take our children away so they can save the money for the children to spend on other things. Robert is furious that he cannot pay cash for his new luxery cars and travelling. In court, his attorney treated me like a hardened criminal. For 12 years now, our two children and I have been bullied by this beast and his wife, and now, we are being put through literal hell. Our children and I have lived in fear of this man and his constant threats to us for so long. Right when I finally got the courage to go to the Attorney General for help, I found out that he has the right to have me legally harrassed, pay half of all the bills he incurs during his harrassment, and since I do not have the money for an attorney, I was told I would probably lose custody of our children. All the talk you hear of your children having rights does not apply, as they are forced to go to the home of the ones they are afraid of. Anyone at any time can decide to take your children away, and there is nothing you can do about it. If I do not get an attorney within a week and a half, I was told I will probably lose my children. Although I have all the facts and paperwork of the abuse over all the years, it will not do any good in court, as I do not have an attorney. Nobody is allowed a court appointed attorney unless they have committed a crime, and the only legal help available for people like me are clinics, where they just answer questions. There is still noone to go to court with me, which is what I need. Our government may be great in winning wars, but protecting our innocent children and their parents raising them just does not exist. All the advice I got on how hard it is to just take children away is wrong. It is very easy -- too easy. My children are torn apart in this mess, and there is nothing I can do but just wait for them to come and tear apart our home. 
The Halliburton lifestyle Bob lives is one of obscession for his work, leaving him no time for his children. I did not divorce him because he was a nice guy. He was very abusive to me and our children. He is a rich bully, and now, because of his money, I am told he will probably get our children. I've emailed and called about 200 attorneys. I cannot find anyone who does pro bono who will handle family matters. Everyone in the law industry I have contacted seems to be detached from what is truly the point of their profession; protecting the rights of the people. Robert has never once called to wish our children a happy birthday, Merry Christmas or any other greeting, and rarely shows up for visitations. He is angry at our children for being afraid of him, and I know he will punish him severly for not wanting to go. How can someone who says they love someone want to force them to be with them? All our children do at his house is play on the computer, Internet and wonder about the neighborhood. Their stepmother has been mean to them and they abuse our handicapped daughter like they were ashamed of her. There is 12 years plus of abuse, and I cannot do a thing about it, as he has money and I do not. 
What is our country coming to when it listens only to money and not to the heart of the children and the parent raising them alone? We have people following us around, sitting outside our doors at home and at work, and normal life as we knew it is non-existant. I have had no charges bought against me yet and already me and my children are completely dominated by "the system". All because Robert and his wife are mad about having to pay a few hundred dollars more a month in child support. As far as the social studies being done? I am a simple single mom, struggling to make ends meet, in the absence of a father figure and helper. I am sure if there is a blade of grass too long or a dish not done if they just "pop in" unannounced, it will go on paper. Robert's wife, on the other hand, will probably just hire a few people to clean up, and no doubt have the house remodeled for the occasion. 
If anyone reads this can help, I plead to you on behalf of my children and I, please contact me at: helping_a_friend@email.com.

L. Fox
Dallas County, TX

Texas' Children 

I need your help to make a difference in the lives of our state's children.
In the sixteen years as the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Texas, I have come to understand that the amount of child abuse and neglect in our state and country is of epidemic proportion. 
The number of cases of child abuse and neglect continues to rise. There were over 3,000,000 reports of child abuse and neglect last year, and experts believe that only one-third of all incidents are actually reported. We also know that economic uncertainty is a family stressor that often leads to an increase in child abuse and neglect. In addition, it is now believed that every day, at least three children are killed by abuse or neglect in this country.
The longer-term effects of child abuse and neglect involve some of our society's greatest ills: substance abuse, juvenile delinquency and other criminal behavior, poor school performance and others. And, tragically, child abuse and neglect is a behavior that too often goes from generation to generation in families.
I truly believe that child abuse can be prevented. For nineteen years, Prevent Child Abuse Texas has worked on the state and community levels to prevent child abuse in all its forms. We are striving to create a society that values children, strengthens families and engages communities in nurturing their children. 
Our long-term goals include finding answers to preventing child abuse and neglect through our ongoing research, establishing prevention as a public policy priority at state and local levels, and promoting effective prevention strategies and programs in communities. I believe that Prevent Child Abuse 
Texas can achieve its goals with your support and the support of people like you.
With your help, we can stop this violence _ and bring hope to America's children. Thank you for your consideration of this very important cause. For your convenience you may contribute on line or contact me at WTeltow@PreventChildAbuseTexas.org.

Wendell Teltow

Blitz

Regarding Tabitha’s letter to Blitz: 
You sound like a disgruntled Blitz groupie-wanna-be who got kicked to the curb.
When you get a band together that is half as good as they are, then you can talk shit! 
The only thing you have missing is a life so keep searching.

James Parker
Bass Player, Grace Hellstorm

Joe Spann 

I am glad to see you no longer publish how great TOOBADMICE is. Their singer has caused so much misery for his family and friends by his actions it is unreal. I know you have seen and heard some of it. Now they have a person check the forum on their website almost hourly to delete the things that family members post about Joe. It’s tough to watch a guy in his mid 30s try to act like a 25 year old and pretend to be a star. They are a talented band and could move on in the Conroe area without Joe. A National Touring Act. NOT! Their too old and just a cover band. Their originals are copies of others. Don’t get me wrong, I love Joe like a brother. I am related. He is only surrounded by Fans who like to be seen with him. In short to support TBM is to support a deadbeat dad, a violent women beater, and a man who needs the help of Rehab and Zoloft. I enjoy your paper and your reviews of Bands. Their have been many Spins put on Joes past including the many lies about his age. There is a side of that is a big Hearted Man. It must have left him for some reason. I wish him only the best. The best for him would be no more telling him how great he is. 
Please keep my email address out of anything you might do with this. 
I can be identified as someone who loves Joe dearly, and pray he comes out of this alive. I fear someday I will hear he did not. 
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Joe Benfield

A new name for Blitz 

Hi Mark, its me Tabitha your always faithful Mark Williams reader. And I would like to think that what you just wrote was a suggestion, and not an insult. Just like my Blitz name suggestion. You see the reason why I am so hard on Blitz is because when you printed what I suggested they started acting like whining little BITCHS acting like they where shocked to find out that I said that. Now if they were a real hard core bad (like all their fans wish they would be) they would stop crying, grow up, and start playing better songs,(or at least stop singing through the nose, and sing from the soul.) I knew they would act like that, so my suggestion stays. And I think that Blitz needs to get their shit together, and take the good with the bad. There will always be a critic out there. 

Tabitha

The old lady is REALLY mad this time !!! 

I hear a lot of people yelling for peace and security but I have not heard of a plan for peace or security. So, here's one plan: 
1) The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past & present. We will promise never to "interfere" again.
2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No more sneaking through holes in the fence.
3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of who or where they are. France should welcome them. 
4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 30 day visits. No one from a terrorist nation would be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself, don't hide here. Asylum would not ever be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers. 
5) No "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home, baby. 
6) The US will make a strong effort to become self sufficient energy wise. This will include developing non-polluting sources of energy, but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while. 
7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. 
8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not "interfere". They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides, most of what we give them goes into the pockets of their politicians. The people who need it most get very little, anyway. 
9) Move the UN Headquarters to an island some place. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, it would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens. Or we can use the buildings as replacement for the twin towers. 
10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, "You want a piece of me?" 
Now, isn't that a winner of a plan? If EVERYONE who likes this plan would CUT IT OUT OF THE PAPER and MAIL IT to the president at: 
President George Bush 
The White House 
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 
Washington DC 20500 
We may get something done to correct the problem, but EVERYONE must do it, for it to work. Lets cover them up with mail. Yes, I know it will cost you 37 cents. 

L.J. Hodgkinson 
Orange.TX 


Senator Byrd is a bird

Hope to see many of you in Post Falls Idaho very soon; those of you who are redneck USS George F. Elliott veterans. Those of you who are not USS George F. Elliot veterans best wishes to you also. 
Having survived World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, a couple of scuffles with the Cubans and those Middle East Folks, plus the depression of the 30's, I am getting pretty old. and my memory is not what it should be. SOME THINGS I CAN'T SEEM TO REMEMBER: How long it has been since I opened my chest freezer, and what I wanted wasn't on the bottom of all the other items...When the French Forces abandoned Vietnam...When my wild oats turned to resins...When nations came to fight, and conquer; instead of fight, conquer, and feed the anti-democracy inhabitants for years...What Senator Robert Byrd's military service was...If it were France or Britain who sanctioned Czechoslovakia's dismemberment at Munich in 1938...If Italy signed a pact with Germany and Japan before they got whipped during the World War II era...When the United Nations approved partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states...When British and French forces left Lebanon and Syria so it could become a dictatorship...Why they arrested the Chinese Gang of Four and their leader Chiang Chin...France winning a major war on their own, since the days of Waterloo...What the Baghdad Pact of 1955 was all about...If Senator Joseph McCarthy ever positively identified one Communist Party member...If the United States ever received any foreign aid from another nation in the last seventy-seven years...A dumber philosophy than, "It won't happen to me."...If Belgium ever voluntarily went to the aid of another Western Nation who might have been having an emergency...Whether Senator Robert Byrd spent more time in a KKK uniform or in baby diapers...If Cameroon is some kind of a space shot! 
BUT THERE IS ONE THING I REMEMBER … WAY BACK... JOURNALISM... NEWSPAPERS AND TELEVISION ARE TOO INTO SENSATILIZATISM TO GIVE THE PUBLIC THE STRAIGHT TRUTH THAT SENATOR ROBERT BYRD, IS A ....BIRD, AND GEORGE W. BUSH IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL MEN IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND. 

Jake Miller

East Texas Music Festival

Good Afternoon, I'm looking for some information on the upcoming East Texas Music Festival. When, where, who, how much? Thanks for your assistance. 

Mark Yeager
WhyMark@aol.com

Blitz names

to the bitch on the remarks on the blitz band: if you only new how retarded you sound and what a big laugh you are. If blitz really suck so bad, why do you keep spending your time writing about them weekly. Your insults just show how jealous you really are. And singing through the nose is better than singing out of key!!! After all, mikey is the real bitch for hiding behind a girls name. And if blitz is not the best band, who is? urinal or ugly pricks, or how do they call that sorry excuse of a band? note to the blitz band, i want to thank you for covering for us on the benefit you done to help raise money in the sara morgan case to help her children. i think personally you kick ass and the type of band that you are will go somewhere. I like the name free zone!

j.c.
blitz fan

Joe Spann article 

Bullentin, 
The article wrote about Joe Spann was un-called for and should not have been posted in your paper or on your web-site. You have gone so low as to put trash about a band instead of doing your job and telling us what is up in the music world (I say you but it is Mark Williams who has done most of it). I think the band is owed a apology. You have hit the limit you have said stuff about the band this band has lots of potential and could go very far if it wasn't for editors who let stuff like this in there papers. Real editors filter the trash that is sent to there papers. I love and respect this band they are great musicans and Joe may work off of the Plublisity that he gets but do you not think all of these other stars dont (Eminem, Creed, Kenny Chesney, ETC.) the list goes on. I would love for you to post this message and you can keep my email on it. And for thoose of you who do not know the band or has never seen it you should really come check it out!!!!! And I strongley sugest a apology be put on there forum at www.toobadmice.com. 
Thanks 

#1 Mice fan 

Ps! Be a good paper and filter the TRASH and give a apology and maybe my friends and I will read it again!

New state law allows seizure of nursing home patient's homes 

State senator van de puette and state rep carlos uresti sponsored this 78th legislature ill conceived law. In 1987 (d) sen grant jones' defeat was the result of a backlash from his backing of a similar bill and lawmakers later repealed it. 
i am a 71 year old living on $789 (social security) and maintaining my 88 year old mother's vacant home while she is in a nursing home. Her $1000.00 + home owner's insurance premium cost me a month and a half income and despite poor health i have to cut the grass because i can't afford to have it done.
needless to say we are not the wealthy family that shifts assets to shelter a large mansion from medicaid requirements.
the thing most precious thing in my mothers life is her modest home. She will not be told that her only possession will go to state when she dies and i will continue to endure the hardships and expenses of maintaining her home until the state takes it.
this law should be repealed or at least amended to exempt a $50,000 to $100,000 home. 

Allen kirk 
Dallas, tx 

Reunion Info 

We are having problems finding people from our grad class, Class of 93' Oak Ridge High School. Our reunion date is set for Oct ‘03. If you are an ‘30 grad of ORHS or know where one is, please call Crystal Chambers for more info at 281-296-7849 or cell 832- 515- 0697. 

Rob Jenkins

Power Grab II: The Return of Delay

"Rick Perry has turned himself into Tom DeLay's puppet, and it's going to cost the people of Texas $1.7 million.
"After saying in 2001 that redrawing congressional lines would be "a waste of taxpayer's money," Perry has flip-flopped and joined in Tom DeLay's power grab. "The people of Texas are sick and tired of these Republican political games. The Republicans just passed a budget that will hurt hundreds of thousands of people. They abused and misused state law enforcement officers when the Killer D's broke the House quorum.
"Even though the U.S. Supreme Court approved a congressional redistricting plan in 2001, Perry has decided to follow Tom DeLay's lead and redraw the lines again. What a waste of time and money!
"In the regular session, the Republican redistricting plan needlessly divided up Texas, marooning rural voters in districts dominated by suburban voters and cutting off urban voters from long-standing neighborhoods. Rural Texans, Hispanics and African-Americans all lost under the DeLay redistricting plan. There is no reason to believe they won't try again to jam down our throats the same sort of outrageous plan. "Rick Perry and the Republican Party will rue the day they became Tom DeLay's puppet. The people of Texas don't want this redistricting plan, and they will hold the Republicans responsible for wasting their tax dollars on a special session. 
"In the end, I believe the Republicans will fail, and power mad Tom DeLay will be denied his power grab.”

Molly Beth Malcolm
Texas Democratic Party Chairwoman 

SPAM

Thanks for the advice concerning the SPAM! I too, have no penis to enlarge, but I get e-mails daily asking me if I would like to enlarge it! 
I am so sick of the FILTH!!!!!!!! 
I hate to have to change my e-mail address, but I certainly will give that a try. If it helped you, maybe it will help me! 
Thanks for the suggestion,

Jo Ann Atkinson
Conroe, Texas

Library thanks

On behalf of the Montgomery County Library System Advisory Board, the staff members and library users, we are writing to thank you and your coverage of System activities. Your positive approach and attention to detail have been greatly appreciated.
“To enrich lives by providing access to information, ideas, and interactions” is the vision statement of the Library System. Inherent within this is support of the First Amendment rights that both THE BULLETIN and MCMLS strive to honor as we connect citizens with the information they need.
Your coverage has helped turn the challenges encountered during this last year into opportunities and enlightenment. We are extremely grateful for your ongoing advocacy.
Once again, thanks for telling the Library’s story so well.

Jerilynn A. Williams
Library Director

Dick Judge
Advisory Board Chairperson

I agree

After reading the story in your June 12th Edition, titled “Resources Needed”, I can relate to this woman’s dilemma.
There seems no law exists for people like ourselves, who go on battling, whilst our husband, because of money, get away with everything.
As a single mature woman with little resources trying to purchase a property of $124,00, yet I am not making headway. 
If this was possible I would give our friend and children a home.
My husband does not concern himself with any of my problems, with all his money he could buy the house outright - and let me live out my years with no problem.
I’m just praying for a miracle. 

Name Withheld
Austin, TX

Who can we trust?

Recently, the President addressed Congress and citing Iraq’s attempt to purchase nuclear material from an African nation, received funding for a war. The evidence cited was later found to be a forgery.
The Attorney General appears before a Congressional Committee to ask for additional revisions to the so-called “Patriot Act” and testifies that because of police surveillances on public libraries and customers, Ted “Unabomber” Kaczynski was captured. Oh? 
No, the Unabomber was captured when his brother David read one of the Unabomber Manifestos published in a newspaper and realizing who wrote it, called the FBI.
My point is: What can we trust? The proposed revisions of the current Patriot Act will give the offices of the President and Attorney General near doctorial powers that include among others, searches without a warrant, arrest, possibly even loss of one’s citizenship and also, execution. And all without due process or even an announcement of arrest to family or friend!
These are the types of powers usually taken by dictators and totalitarian regimes and are foreign to American democracy. Ben Franklin once said:” Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Harsh words, but I’m convinced that we’re still made of the same steel as our forefathers. America has withstood every foe for over 225 years because of our constitutional guarantees and our desire to live free. And America will continue to over come all foes, foreign and domestic because of our love of liberty. 
We need to let our government officials know that we can win any war against terrorists or any other foe and still maintain our constitutional rights for all citizens. 225 years of shed American blood has made it so and will, by God’s grace, continue that heritage for the coming generations.

Scott Zorc
Buford, GA

Indian gaming 

I agree that if Texas allows gambling on the Lottery, horse and dog racing, why are the Indians being denied the right to operate gaming on their reservation. I don't understand, what's fair for one should be fair for another. As a registered voter I would vote yes for casino gambling on the reservation. At next election I will vote against those who oppose the reopening of Indian gaming in Texas. These elected officials may fool others into believing that the Lottery, horse racing and dog racing is not gambling, but we voters know differently. 

Lana Mericle 

Disappointed with Doyal 

After seeing several articles about the proposed Improvement District in Southwest Montgomery County I have to say that I am extremely disappointed with Commissioner Craig Doyal.
Past conversations with him had led me to believe that he was committed keeping the size of government and government spending under control. Now I see that he is pushing for the creation of yet another government agency with additional taxing authority to help “promote” economic development.
The problems facing this part of the county are mobility and infrastructure. These problems can not be solved with a public relations firm. In fact, these problems can and should only be solved by the existing elected officials in our community. We do not need, nor can we afford yet another government agency.

Tom Villman
Conroe, TX

How Much Is Enough?

I don't understand why we need to create a new bureaucratic agency to promote economic development in our community. If you have driven through Montgomery County lately it is obvious that encouraging growth is not the problem.
We need solutions to traffic congestion and flood control. The Southwest Montgomery County Improvement District will have no authority to solve either of these. It is just the latest attempt by our politicians to grab more money out of our pockets.
Between Craig Doyal, Rob Eissler and Kevin Brady, government already takes half of every dollar I earn. Apparently, that still is not enough. How much more do they need?
If my family can get by on half of my salary, I believe they should do the same. If I come up short at the end of the month, I can't go to my neighbor and ask him to make up the difference.
The voters of the county approved $60 million in road bonds in 2001. If our existing elected officials can't do the job with the resources they are given, perhaps we should look for someone who can instead of going back to the taxpayers to tell them they aren't paying enough.

Michael L. Ringenberg

So much to say

I was at Shell and when I looked at the front page, I had to pick it up and read. The MCHD, I have so much to say about that place. But there is not enough time. 
I can say that the clinics are so crowded and not on time getting to the patients. And when you do get to see a Dr. they rush through there like it's an race. "Who can get the most patients" 
Being my father and Mother was one of them, I went there quite often. I know the system very well. 
My father was the one I got very upset with MCHD. For the Dr. was in such a hurry to get done for the day that he and another Dr. KILLED, my father. 
A very simple procedure, that is all it was supposed to be. My father went in and had his toe worked on, yes I said Toe. 
The Dr. told him "Do not wash it or change bandage until you come back Friday. Now this was 4 days. When my father came back, the Dr. said "Oh my god", "Sir you have gain Green, we need to submit you into the Hospital and cut it off". 
Do you know how devastating that was to my family. And my father, who has been a working man and provider for the family all of his life. 
Now has to come to the reality that he is losing his toe. He went in on a Friday and the following Thursday, another Dr. came in and said " Sir we need to Cut your leg off" Now the Dr. did this without anyone with my father. He got the news by himself. To me and many others, this was out of line of the Hospital and the Dr. 
The next thing he said was,"I have set you up for surgery for tomorrow". Me and my mother said NO. and the Dr. seem to not hear us, for when Friday morning came and my father had eating and drink all night and had morning coffee. The nurse came in and said " Are you ready". and again we said "NO" and told her we wanted to speak to the Dr. She called him and told him. The Dr. was MAD!!! oh he was pissed off. But we had said the day before we wanted to speak to him. And he never returned our call. Well the Dr. came down and on his way to my fathers room, he yelled, at the nurse. Not knowing we were around the corner, and could hear everything. Then he turned and seen us. He tried to tell us how wrong it was to not have the surgery. And we asked, "would one more day be so bad"? And he said no but he had plans for the weekend and it would have to wait till Monday." Then me and my mother told him how wrong it was that he told my father the news about his leg with NO ONE" there with him. He was devastated", the Dr. just shrugged his shoulders and said well he seems OK today." 
Well to end this story, I lost my father, a week later. Such a simple procedure turned out to be the death of my loving father. And 18 days later my mother. The hospital was responsible for that one also. The same Dr. 
I feel someone needs to look really hard at a few of the Dr.'s and the things they do. We our not numbers, or cattle. 

T Darnell

Too Bad Mice

Greetings Mark Williams,
As a fan of your column and supporter of the local music scene, and drummer for Too Bad Mice, I wish to comment in reply to the letter published on June 13 by a person using the name Joe Benfield. I have a unique perspective from within the band to cast a voice of concern to the inflammatory statements stated by the author. 
I too love Joe Spann like a brother. I have been there through many low and high points but the author's comments lacked the good points of Joe Spann and Too Bad Mice. 
Joe has made huge sacrifices in our run for the top of the local music scene, also shared by many other emerging talents such as solid local rock cornerstones Hollister Fracus, Chrome 44, Blurcircle, Paris Green, and many others, written about in this paper. Every member has either divorced or broken off their relationships except for myself. 
The personal cost of what we do is huge and our true fans and "brothers" have been there through it all and have seen the best and the worst and some have shared in the sacrifices. 
Our position is moving up almost daily on barstar.com, and we are currently in the top 20 of Houston's Hottest 100 Bands rated on their website. 
The things posted on our website's forum by Joe's family members are deleted because they are slanderous and inflammatory. Those who verbally abuse their family members on a public forum related to their livelihood as an entertainer is not someone I would call a "brother" either. Personal attacks by those who thought Too Bad Mice would fall on their face are directed by anger and hatred. Two emotions that blur rational thought and sane behavior. 
We play the songs that our fans want to hear, we do this for them. If it weren't for the support we receive from the fans we would have packed it up a long time ago. We are human beings who have worked hard to acheive the acceptance of our peer bands and the local scene. We are not interested in airing our individual personal matters, that is why it is called "personal". 
This band is strong and held together with blood, sweat, and sacrifice, A TRUE "BROTHERHOOD". 
Our original songs will stand for themselves as our creations and others are coming, as we currently take a break to write new material, which we plan to break out with July 4th at Freedom Fest at Banana Bay. 
Since when did age start mattering in Rock-n-Roll anyway? I am reminded of a Kiss concert I saw a few years ago where 50+ year old men rocked with the soul of a teen and filled an arena twice. 
Our time on earth should be spent on ventures of Spirit and Heart. We play from the soul and love what we do. Our direction is determined by us. This is what we have built, it is ours to tear down, but don't hold your breath. 
A shout goes out to Rachel Hansboro of Pawn Shop Junkies and Blitz. Keep up the good work! I respect a band that can hold together in the hurricane that is Rock-n-Roll. 
I also extend my appreciation to Mark Williams and the Bulletin for all you've done for the local music scene and Too Bad Mice. 
Thanks to you fans also and the foes will be consumed by the fire of their ire. ROCK ON.

Tomcat
TOOBADMICE

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