Letters from our Readers - March 2004

Idiot with no name

You or whomever wrote that garbage is very narrow minded and must like to hear him/herself talk. You are an idiot in my opinion. 
I will at least put my name on what I think. 

M. Wilson

HEART Endorses Wilkerson

Healthcare Excellence and Responsible Taxation (HEART) has endorsed Walter D. (Wally) Wilkerson, Jr., M.D., for reelection as Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party because of his role in developing the party into a model political organization and his 40 years of experience in the leadership position. 
In announcing the decision, Steven H. Farber, M.D., president of HEART, said "Dr. Wally," as he is widely known, is the clear-cut choice due to his untiring efforts to bring unity to the party and keep it a dominant force in Montgomery County politics. "Dr. Wilkerson understands that our citizens require dignity and integrity from their leadership. He delivers," Farber said.
Farber noted that Dr. Wilkerson has been such an influential factor over his four decades of service that only one Democrat Party candidate is seeking office in 2004. HEART believes Wilkerson is a leader who exemplifies qualities that are noble and that fuse people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. As a retired physician and former Chairman of the Texas Health Department, Wilkerson is always aware of the pulse of this community, Farber said.
"Dr. Wilkerson has the courage of his convictions as has been evidenced by his thoughtfulness and his respect for those around him, even those of other political parties and beliefs," Farber said. "HEART firmly endorses Dr. Wilkerson as a strong and stable leader. He should stay in the role until such time as he decides that he has finished the work he started more than 40 years ago.”
Wilkerson retired from practicing medicine in 1996. He is a former chairman of the Texas Board of Health and also served on its Strategic Management, Health and Clinical Services and Health Financing and Strategic Managements committees. He practiced medicine in the county for more than 40 years and also was a member of numerous professional affiliations. He has been highly active in civic work, including the United Way, Salvation Army and various Texas A&M organizations. He was named Outstanding Citizen of Montgomery County in 1974.
HEART is dedicated to making healthcare accessible, accountable and affordable to those who cannot provide for themselves by influencing the actions of government and public officials.

Jeanne Knapp

Letter to Mike McDougal

I would like to address several issues. 
1. I only want to state that the facts that you state are false were provided by documents that were scrutinized line-by-line received from your office thought the Texas Open Records Act. I was personally involved in tabulating the information and am appalled that you would insinuate that I would lie and provide false information. I used the information that your office provided so if it is false, you need to have the records in your office corrected. 
2. If you would take the time to investigate the charges instead of taking the easy way out and dismissing the cases, you would have more support from the Law Enforcement Community. Sure, the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Association endorsed you, but ask the members how many will actually be voting for you. I don't know too many and I know several that have voted the other way already. 
3. If you cared about the men and women of this county, you would not have either dismissed the cases that were on the 300+ page report provided from your office, you would have prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We need to stop the crime and violence. If I wanted to live in an area with high violence and crime rates, then I would live in Houston where I work. But I chose to raise my one child in what I thought would be a safer environment. 
Please either get tough on crime our go back to being a defense attorney. 

Name Withheld
Montgomery, Texas

To C.J. Hart, RN 

Shame, shame, shame on you for posting your wrong-minded political message without first checking your facts! From the information you provided in your letter, I believe that your "acquaintance" who was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, hours before he committed suicide in the house that they shared in the Woodlands, was more than just an "acquaintance" to me. Her name was Trish Tankersley. 
If I am right about the name of your nurse acquaintance who was the victim of this awful family violence crime (and I think I am) then you have grievously misstated the facts surrounding Trish's death. Trish was a beloved member of my family before she graduated from nursing school, left her husband, and moved in with the man who eventually killed her. Trish did not deserve her tragic death any more than Mike McDougal deserved your vicious accusation that the District Attorney's Office failed to protect Trish from her attacker. 
I came to work for Mike McDougal as an Assistant District Attorney shortly after Trish's death. With the help of some of Trish's family and friends, I researched the circumstances of Trish's application for a protective order. There was, indeed, an application for a protective order. But, the application was not made to the District Attorney's office. The request for a protective order was denied by a local magistrate, and not by anyone connected to Mike McDougal. 
In my years as a prosecutor, I have learned that Mike McDougal is an honorable and fair District Attorney. Plus, he is also probably the finest trial attorney in Conroe. It is personally offensive to me that Mr. McDougal has been accused of being soft on family violence offenders. The prosecutors who work for Mike McDougal bust their tails to prosecute these very difficult cases, often without the cooperation of the victims. You might be hard pressed to find any criminal defense attorneys in town who would agree that the District Attorney's office is easy on family violence defendants. 
I'm not sure how your candidate, Gary Beauchamp, got to be an expert on family violence prosecution. But, I'm sure that he did not gain his expertise by trying family violence cases in Montgomery County Courts at Law. I don't recall ever seeing Mr. Beauchamp in criminal court trying a case. Has he ever tried a criminal case? 
C. J. Hart, I think that you owe Mike McDougal an apology. You may support Gary Beauchamp for your own reasons, but you should not support your candidate by spreading misinformation about Trish Tankersley's tragic death and exploiting her memory for political purposes. 
Anyone who exhibits dishonesty and deception while campaigning for public office does not deserve to serve as District Attorney. I encourage all voters to support the only candidate for District Attorney who has NOT spread distortions and misrepresentations during this campaign: Mike McDougal. 

Brett Peabody 

Guy Williams

I stand behind Sheriff Guy Williams. In law enforcement, there is no higher accolade than to say a man is honest and has integrity. No one can say, no one has ever said that Sheriff Guy Williams has any flaws in this area. His is honest, sometimes too honest, for the politicians at the Courthouse. He is straightforward in his thinking and in his actions. He doesn’t mince words when it comes to what is right and wrong. You always know where you stand with him. The trouble is.... these aren’t necessarily the qualities of a good politician. Please don’t forget that they are the qualities of a good lawman.
The Courier has taken the next step in its plan to defeat Guy Williams. The unfavorable stories, their refusal to print the whole story so many times, their reliance on gossip and innuendo instead of research and honest sources - and now this endorsement. They have played their final card in this hand that is so typical of a small town newspaper. They have been led in this game by the powers that be, by the police Unions and by their own ineptitude.
The facts are these: Tommy Gage has neither the experience, nor the education that are necessary to be Sheriff of a County this size. In fact, if Tommy Gage applied to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office today, he would not qualify for employment. Two years of college is mandatory. He could be hired, however, because he is “grandfathered” in. He would qualify for the lesser level jobs, certainly not one in management, nor one that required technical expertise.
He is bought and paid for by The Woodlands, local politicians, ex-cons, bail bondsmen and wrecker drivers. How do you think he has raised almost $200,000 to buy signs and ads in the paper? Licenses for Sexually Oriented Businesses must be signed by the Sheriff. No license - no strip joint. Will Tommy Gage continue this policy??? 
Many of Gage’s supporters have been fired by or did not qualify to be hired by Sheriff Williams. The Police Union is pulling their strings. Their campaign tactics, their personnel files, their obvious adherence to the “good ole boy” system will take the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office back to the “bad ole days.” 
Tommy Gage is a nice man, personable and friendly. These are fine qualities in a man, however, they are not the qualities that make a Sheriff. I need to know my Sheriff is above reproach, that he will do what is right no matter what is popular. I don’t want Unions or Commissioner’s Court to rule law enforcement, I don’t want The Woodlands to rule law enforcement. I stand behind Sheriff Guy Williams.

Holly Arbuckle

Response to a Mail-out from Guy Williams

I recently went to my mailbox and retrieved my mail. With this was a letter from you and your campaign for sheriff. I read the outside and it asks..."Is your vote for sale?" I wanted to answer your question. NO, MY VOTE IS NOT FOR SALE.
I am not voting for you because I think it is time for a change in Montgomery County. You sent a Memorandum to your staff last year and told them to choose a candidate that they wanted to support and get behind them. Many of the men and women did just that. However, after you realized that they had a different idea about who they wanted to lead them in this county, you decided to put your name back out there and this is where you made a crucial mistake. The men and women that work for you found out that you decided to run again, not from you, but from and article in The Courier. You did not respect them enough to let them know yourself and I promise, this is part of the reason some that use to support you, do not now. There comes a time, when everyone must make a decision about their life and what they are doing and stick with it. You had an opportunity to make several changes, but in the end, you are known for allowing money to disappear from your department, terminating employees when you found out that they were trying to better themselves and move so that they could make more money to support their families, and your leadership style of fear and intimidation.
MY VOTE IS NOT FOR SALE and I don't believe that anyone is trying to Unionize law enforcement in Montgomery County. The men and women of the MCSO work hard and it is about time that their voices can be heard without the fear of losing their jobs. 

Name Withheld 
Montgomery, Texas

Tommy Gage, before the election, on the election

My opponent has attempted to label my campaign for Sheriff as one beholden to “special interests”. Well, I would like to set the record straight. If elected, yes, I will be beholden to some “special interests” and I will be happy to tell you what they are.
The citizens of Montgomery County have a special interest in making sure that they are safe, they have a special interest in knowing about crimes that are happening in and around their neighborhoods. They have a special interest in knowing that when they drive the streets of Montgomery County that they are well patrolled and that the traffic laws are enforced.
The Constables and Chiefs of Police in Montgomery County have a special interest in working with a Sheriff that includes their departments rather than excluding them. They have a special interest in sharing information that protects the citizens in the areas that they are responsible for. They have a special interest in sharing information so that criminals known to one law enforcement group are known to ALL law enforcement groups in and around our county.
The County Commissioners have a special interest in seeing a Sheriff’s department meet their budget requirements and spend the money wisely. They have a special interest in having a Sheriff that works with them and not against them, they have a special interest in having a Sheriff that does not repeatedly have the County paying out six figure lawsuit settlements for improper conduct by the Sheriff and those under his leadership.
Finally, and maybe most importantly the Deputies and other employees of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department have a special interest in a Sheriff that does not retaliate against perceived slights or a lack of support for his campaign. They have a special interest in fair treatment and a Sheriff that leads by example, with integrity and a fair hand guiding them through often difficult circumstances. They have a special interest in having a Sheriff that listens to them and understands that they, not any one man, are the backbone of excellent law enforcement in Montgomery County.
So if my opponent thinks that I have allegiance to the “Special Interests” in this county, well, its because I do. The issues and concerns of the citizens, elected officials, and employees of this County are ALL of special interest to me and will continue to be so if you elect me as your Sheriff on March 9th.

Tommy Gage
Republican Candidate for Sheriff of Montgomery County

Greetings from Spirit Acres

Thank you so much for taking your time to visit the farm Wednesday. I hope our struggling and growing facility will represent what will be part of this countries initiative to take responsibility for its horses and at the same time give back to its community in many ways from helping disadvantage youth and people in general, we enjoy sharing with regular visitors here with terminal health conditions who find healing and great peace in the horses who share with those in need.
This is a big picture but we Americans and Texans as well, have always been able to plan and solve the problems of our own doing, that is to simply care and give of yourself for an initiative that does return a positive and natural balance to life as it needs to be for now and the future. We at Spirit Acres are devoted to bringing this farm with its animals/horses and the great people of Montgomery County together for the betterment of the community. We do need all the help we can get and we are run on donations and contributions, our programs are developing as we move into our second year as a Texas non profit 501-c3.
Did you know several of the local Feed stores have collection jars up for us where cash can be donated and they also will take feed donations right in the store and they will set the designated feed/alfalfahay and regular hay aside for us. This is a good way to feed the horses directly. Drop by J&R Country store, on 105 Conroe and see Kelly, or Montgomery County Milling in Willis, Kathleen Goodney, and Rancher Supply is a feed store in New Waverly, Terry Giese. These 3 stores actually reach out to help in our needs. Tractor Supply in Conroe stepped up to help as well. And there are several restaurants and taverns who have openly offered to help with donation jars.
Donations can be made directly through our secured paypal station, our web site which is growing now and will have some nice photos and information soon on the entire farm and its programs. 
Again thank you for all you do. 

Kat Matrician
Spirit Acres Horse Rescue and Sanctuary

Need more in Porter

I am a student at New Caney High School. I am writing you about having more activities for kids in Porter and New Caney. The kids here have nothing to do for fun after school. We have no parks, no basketball court, or anything except tha mall. I personally get tired of going to the mall. So if you can please post a letter to tha government about having more activities for kids in Porter and New Caney.

Jeromy Handy
Porter, Texas

Thanks

I want to personally thank you for your decision to publish my article submitted 2-19-04 titled "The Time Is Now." The only other paper who shares your desire to do the right thing is the Observer papers. The Courier, Tomball-Magnolia Tribune, Montgomery County News & Magnolia Potpourri all chose NOT to for one reason or another. I am a firm beleiver in The Constitution & The Bill of Rights of our great nation, and I admire those who follow these documents & respect the rights of the citizens of our nation, too many Americans have lost their lives upholding the words & guarantees afforded by these foundation documents. Being a police officer I took an oath to uphold these rights to our citizens, (to do the right thing), which I do with pride. In Deuteronomy 6:18 we are commanded to do the right thing, all of us have this instinct inside us, but unfortunately not everyone applies it. I will keep you & your paper in my prayers. 

Michael Aikins 
Montgomery, TX. 

Thank You 

Good work Bulletin on keep the area posted on the current fascist politics going on right under our noses. Without your publication we would be in the dark as the hate mongers try to take over our political system. Go get em and keep it up. 

TC

Check us out

Hey Mark Williams the music editor at the bulletin has been kind enough to write about our band(the pawnshop junkies) and I don't think alot of people have had a chance to come and check us out, so i thought i would post a link to our MP3's . We are working on a new album. If you guys are interested, please check it out. Thanks to the bulletin for all the help you've given us, and thanks to anyone who checks out the site.
The Junkies : http://battle.ernieball.com/bb8/view_band.php?band_id=1309

Rachel
Pawn Shop Junkies

Tommy Gage Thanks You 

Thanks to the ones who gave of their time, their labor, their money, their endorsements, their prayers, and their vote. 
My wife and I want to express our deepest appreciation to everyone who supported my campaign for the office of Sheriff of Montgomery County. We stand in awe of the outstanding labors and unceasing dedication to a common goal - to elect a Sheriff for all the people. 
I look forward to serving you and making the Sheriff's Department a part of the community, and not apart from it. 
Again, to all of you who worked so hard for me - Thank you and may God bless all of you. 

Sheriff Elect Tommy Gage 

George W. Bush - Humanitarian or Warmonger? 

I am an aspiring humanitarian. If the President and the GOP-led Congress would adopt compassionate priorities – then I could also be a patriot! The Merriam-Webster definition for patriot, “one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests”, does not necessarily imply goodness or righteousness. Now a twist on the definition George W. Bush style: one who is self-indulgent and is abusive of his country’s authority and interests.
I’m not one to say that some self-indulgence isn’t OK, but it’s not OK when it results in harm to others. The President, by title, has chosen a public life to make decisions on behalf of the people of the United States. He has the power to inflame the citizens and to instigate support for war, even if deceptions must be used in the process. 
The most significant victim of lying politicians is humanity’s future. The future of mercy, the future of understanding, and the future grounded in fairness. The voters of America have the opportunity to correct the wrong, even if many incumbents must pay with the loss their government seats. 
Americans need to realize no “model” society is demonstrated by any country that forfeits good behavior to untruthful leaders. President portrays his wartime deeds as if they are deeds of kindness. No one starts a war as an act of kindness; never in history, not now, and certainly not in any desirable future. 

Randall Gerber, 
Coudersport, Pa.

Hey there Mr. Editor,

Just wanted to express my gratitude for your Bullpen feature on Dubya's lies. Your spicy language and brave honesty are impressive- even more so coming from a
small, suburban publication. Kudos to you and to the Bulletin for providing the northside with unvarnished opinion.

Melissa
Cleveland, Tx

Reopening of the ACEC 

Can you tell me if any of the rumors of the reopening of the ACEC, and will this happen soon? We have head that there will be a SPECIAL Seccession being held on April 1, 2004 in reference to the reopening of the ACEC. I was employed there from October 4, 2001 until the nite we were ordered to close, I am now a Private Investigator, but the job I had at the ACEC was by far the best job I ever had and certainly the most fun I ever had. I would be very interested in knowing if these rumors are true, we were like family and I would like to have a Family Reunion, I went on the walk to Austin, and I am willing to help in anyway to promote the REOPENING OF THE ACEC I was raised around and went to school with several of our Tribal members. I could not have ever asked for a better 
Employer than the Alabama-Coushatta Indians they would stick up for their employees and they took care of their workers, which in turn made us proud to be part of their heritage and proud to say I worked for them. In being a part of making something good happen in South East Texas such as a good clean family athmosphere that everyone could and would feel everytime they stepped throught the doors of the Entertainment Center. Please E-mail me back an let me know if these rumors are true and what can we as individuals do to help futher the passing this Bill to REOPEN THE ACEC. 

Charles Edwards

Jenkinistas

The election is over and another assault by the RLC Jenkinistas has been thwarted. This morally superior minority’s persistent pernicious attempt to take over the Montgomery County Republican Party is alienating many voters.
Their lofty goal appears to be to legislate morality to create a party in their own image. An exclusionary party with litmus tests concerning very personal beliefs possibly administered weekly. 
Suspect activities regarding the removal opponent’s signs and other election code violations calls into question their own interpretation of fairness. I believe in their ends justifies the means mindset, their morality trumps fairness. This is a precarious perspective to an allegedly moral group.
Legislating morality is not Republican. It is not even American. Freedom is the essence of the Republican Party and America. Qualifying the freedom to fit your personal religious beliefs would be the end of our party.
Congratulations to Dr. Wilkerson for the affirmation of your steady leadership, integrity and fair play. Thanks to the voters who took the time to examine the issues and recognize the strides that have been achieved in our county.
We are facing a very tough election this year. We do not need a divisive, insular, moral minority undermining our party. We need inclusivess. We need reasonable, rational, mature leadership exemplified by the tenure of Dr. Wilkerson. We will not maintain control of our government without it.

Theodore Pierce
The Woodlands, Texas 

Party Platforms and Big Tent Politics

First off, please allow me to congratulate all of the winners of the March 9th Montgomery County primary elections, from sheriff, to each of the precinct chairpersons, and to thank them all for all of their hard work and efforts. The political process is exciting, rewarding and frustrating, all at the same time.
Now for the meat of my letter… 
I am a first-generation “Republican”, born to a long line of dedicated, “dyed-in-the-wool-Democrats.” Needless to say, I was overjoyed in 1992, when I first moved to the area, to learn that Montgomery County was governed by “Republican” officials in every elected position. 
Prior to that, I had always thought that “Republican” meant “Republican” as defined by the National and State Republican Party platforms. From Webster’s Dictionary we get…
par·ty Pronunciation: 'pär-tE Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural parties Etymology: Middle English partie part, party, from Old French, from partir to divide -- more at PART
1 : a person or group taking one side of a question, dispute, or contest
2 : a group of persons organized for the purpose of directing the policies of a government
3 : …
and…
plat·form Pronunciation: 'plat-"form Function: noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle French plate-forme diagram, map, literally, flat form
1 : PLAN, DESIGN
2 : a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands; especially : a declaration of principles and policies adopted by a political party or a candidate
3 :…
I grew up with the understanding that party labels such as “Republican”, “Democrat”, “Independent” and “Green Peace” were there to aid voters in understanding a particular candidates position on core issues such as taxation, family values, small or large government etcetera, and that accepting such a label indicated some sort of adherence, at least to the basic principles or planks of that party’s platform. (I have read both the National and Texas State Republican platforms and can state that I am in accord with each of their principles, and so have no problem being labeled “Republican”). 
Recently, I was introduced to a new term (at least new for me). That term is “Big Tent Republican Party”. It is my understanding that this philosophy states that anyone who has simply voted in a Republican primary can run as a “Republican”, regardless of his or her acceptance of all, or even any of the “Republican” party principles. Additionally, this philosophy appears to deny a need to publish any statement of position by any candidate or to hold candidates accountable in any way. This way, we end up with great numbers of “Republicans” in office, and everyone is happy. Right?
This being the case, I would suppose that if I were a “dyed-in-the-wool” Democrat, in a county that was 100% “Republican”, I would have absolutely no problem voting in a “Republican” primary, for every candidate that was the most “Democrat-like”, so that I could gradually affect changes towards my own principles. What choice would I have? Also, in so doing, I, myself, would then be “qualified” to run as a “Republican” and, if elected, operate my office as I see fit, (as a Democrat) without accountability to the Republican party, or to those that elected me thinking I was more than “Republican-In-Name-Only” (RINO, another term I learned only recently).
At the end of the day, we are only lying to ourselves when we say that our county is governed by 100% Republicans. The proof is all around us as we see ever-increasing numbers of government entities, ever-increasing taxation, fees and licenses, immorality in our public institutions and free medical benefits for illegal aliens, when our own elderly can’t even get sub-standard treatment.
It has been said, “A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.” Let me add “A dirty sock, even called a “rose”, still smells like stinky feet.” In other words… if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, … call it a duck, not a “Republican”.

Stephen J. Chauvin

PS, Also, just because someone labels them self “Democrat” doesn’t necessarily mean that they adhere to all or any of their party’s principles. Several of my “Democrat” friends and family strongly support the principles of the Republican platforms (when discussed without party labels) over those of their own party, but continue to vote for “Democrat” candidates out of a sense family or party loyalty.

know what you are talking about 

hey just to let you know i am a die hard fan of clay walker and the rodeo first of all clay walker is from around tomball not beaumont. i hope he did not read your article and second you are writing about the rodeo like you are making fun of it. Rodeo Houston is a Texas tradition besides the national finals in Las Vegas every year hundreds of participants get ready for our home town rodeo and lets not forget how much revenue the rodeo brings in to Houston. The live stock show its self is a child hood dream to a lot of FFA and 4-H members who have raised animals all year to participate in the shows in hope of a champion animal and that some one with money like Mattress Mack helps make their dreams come true by spending over fifty grand for the purchase of their grand champion animal Just ask Mattress Mack and Stone Cold Steve Austin about how they feel about the rodeo. maybe i just read your article the wrong way but you are probably just a city boy trying to act country for an article when country folks i know see thru you. Just don't try to make fun of the rodeo 

Mary Ditzler

Child custody reform

My exwife took our children from New Jersey to Huntsville, TX. In the custody hearing that ensued in a NJ court, she and I, along with our respective attorneys, agreed to shared parenting wherein our children would spend equal time with each parent rotating on a weekly basis. The Hudson County judge (Maureen Sogluizzo), acknowledging that the parents are the individuals that know their children best, thanked us for the agreement/ parenting plan. She signed it into an order, specifying that AT ANYTIME I relocated to Texas, provided I resided within 30 minutes of my sons' school, the children would live with me as stated in the order.
With the NJ court order in hand, I drove 1600 miles to Huntsville, TX. Before I could unload my UHaul, my exwife went to Judge Barbara Hale of Walker County (Huntsville) and asked that she be given temporary primary custody. Just like that, Judge Hale threw out the NJ orders.
Six months later, without me nor my lawyer being notified, a hearing was again conducted. Judge Hale finalized the temporary order and declared me a default, awarding sole custody to my exwife. In addition, among many other oppressive provisions, my high school graduate exwife was given exclusive rights to make educational decisions. I am a teacher, a physical therapist, a former veterinarian but cannot make such decision?! 
Moreover, she can relocate without geographic restriction. I was allowed no more than 6 full days a month with my children. I can see them 2 hours on Wednesdays but only during the schoolyear. The child support payment was not only doubled, it was made retroactive to the past 10 months to a time that I was still looking for work. 

Mark T. Bitara
Huntsville, TX

To Tomi Phillips

I read with interest the letter from Tomi Phillips, "Censure President Bush." His letter inspired me to perform a little research of my own on this topic. After researching 20 quotations from prominent Democrats, please allow me to submit the following: 
"We urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end it's weapons of mass destruction." (Letter to President Clinton signed by Senators Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others), October 9, 1998. 
"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of weapons inspection process." (Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D.CA), December 16, 1998. 
"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them." (Senator Carl Levin (D.MI), September 19, 2002). 
"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout the country." (Al Gore, September 23, 2002). 
"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." (Senator Ted Kennedy (D.MA), September 27, 2002). 
"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force--if necessary--to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security." (Senator John Kerry (D.MA), October 9, 2002). 
"He (Saddam Hussein) has systematically violated, of the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do." (Rep. Henry Waxman (D.CA), October 10, 2002). 
"Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime...He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation. And now he is miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction. So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real." (Senator John Kerry (D.MA), January 23, 2003). 
" In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including Al Qaeda members... It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." (Senator Hillary Clinton (D.NY), October 10, 2002). 
Mr. Phillips says "Our Senators must act to censure President Bush." It appears to me that if President Bush is to be censured, many Democrats within the United States Senate and House of Representatives, will also need to be censured. 
Incidentally, Mr. Phillips, does the date September 11, 2001 mean anything to you? 
Some people simply need to get the facts straight on Iraq, face-up to the truth, and perhaps stay off liberal web-sites like Moveon.org. 

Buck Buckner 
Montgomery, Texas 

Passion

The soul less secular lefty movie critics are attacking Mel Gibson’s “Passion”. They feel that the cruxification is portrayed way too graphically.
If Mel would have had a Kid “J” Diddy up on the cross grabbing his crotch, dipped in urine, smeared with elephant dung rapping down to a topless Janet J, that would have been art. They would now be shouting his praises from the rooftops.

Theodore Pierce 
The Woodlands, Texas

More Passion

On 2/24/04, Ashe Wednesday, I went to see The Passion of Christ at one of its many early show times. I didn't really know what to expect and i want you to be prepared. I walked in, and the audience was smilling and talkative about the previews, but as soon as the movie started it was dead silent. Within the first fourty five minutes of this movie a Woman in Kansas suffered Heartfailure. The entire audience was in tears within thirty minutes, and over the next hour, most were at some point...uncountrolably shaking in their seats. By the time Jesus was carrying the Cross, I was frozen and felt numb to what I was seeing. Honestly at some points you feel extremely angry, but the Lord's Message lifts that off of you. You think you can look at this film as being "Just a Movie", but when you see it... Someone quoted the Pope as saying "It is as It was." I'll never forget walking out after seeing it, the faces on people who saw us as they were going into see it, Dramatically changed as they past by us. When you made it outside you felt different, and you couldn't wait for everyone you know to see it. Pray for Mel Gibson, this has cost him much more than his own money. This is thee most Moving movie i have ever watched, and a Firm Wake-up Call. 

Mark E Young 
Hendersonville, NC 

Consequences

During the Vietnam War the reserves and National Guard were truly reserved for the rich and politically connected people of our society. 
The open slots were few and far between and quickly filled. Maybe 6,000 of these brave souls were called to active duty, unless you missed your monthly drill. If you missed your monthly drill, you are automatically classified active military and obligated to serve 2 years as a grunt. 
Why didn't our current president serve his two-year commitment? After all, he missed at least five months of drills and failed to show up for a flight physical. I don't understand how a rough, tough Texan would duck out on his patriotic duty, here is his chance to kill some commies. 
This is a good example of the phoney we have for a president, a hollow shell, a bully, a coward, yet willing to send your sons and daughters to die for a trumped-up war.
Get him out. 
Yeah, I served, '67 to '70. I served proudly.

Dan Lavielle 
Seattle, Washington 

Let Greenspan cut his pension first

In reference to Alan Greenspan's call to cut Social Security benefits, let me just say, "Let he who is without big, fat, government pension (are you listening senators, congressmen, and federal employees at all levels) be the first to cut."
I receive $590.00 a month in Social Security disability benefits because I am a T-4 paraplegic who is paralyzed from the armpits down. Alan Greenspan, the head of the Federal Reserve, believes that cutting future benefits to people such as myself is going to save the country. This type of absurdity leads me to believe that Alan Greenspan is given credit for the economy that he does not deserve.

Charles Henry Schoonover
2004 LP Presidential Candidate

Conroe

You certainly gave the readers a lot to think about with your comments about the way Conroe functions. Enjoyed reading the article. 

Jim Becka
Splendora, Texas

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