Letters from our Readers - March 2006

More Words of Wisdom from "Kay"
First off I would like to thank the senator for taking the time from her busy schedule to teach us this history lesson “America has been Blessed with Strong Leaders“. I had never heard this information before in all my 46 years of living. You used to be able to learn this kind of stuff in school before the republicans "left no child behind". 
I eagerly awaited this installment from the brilliant mind of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Since her last 2 letters covered such magnificent concepts as "Controlling the Weather”(December 2005) to one day landing on Mars "We Need To Control The Weather and The Universe“ (December 2005) I just knew this one would be even more stupendousmous! (to perhaps ,coin a future word for "dubya"). 
Anyway, I guessed it would be about establishing a government bureaucracy (annually funded by at least $100 million dollars to keep up with the Chinese) to control the space-time continuum or perhaps God himself! I guessed wrong.
Instead this elected official sent in some thinly disguised propaganda where she attempts to equate the two george bush's with some of this country's greatest leaders. I am sure that it worked for many of the steadfast party faithful who continue to ignore the truth -but not for me. I did get a good laugh because like a true republican representative she makes statements without thinking about what she said two sentences before. In other words, she likes to hear herself talk -a lot- but doesn’t seem to care about nor remember what she said. 
For instance, she talks of her deep respect for George Washington and how "His leadership... paved the way for America to emerge as the bright, shining star that it is today." Too bad she doesn’t read the newspapers outside of this country that shows that this george and his cronies have done exactly the opposite. She admired Washington's self-restraint in not abusing his military power and becoming a "King" of our young country. Again, she fails to acknowledge that this george does want to be a king and he likes to abuse his military power. Unlike Teddy Roosevelt "dubya" likes to scream loudly while he hits you with a big stick. She points out that Washington was "unanimously" elected and voluntarily stepped down from power after only 2 terms."
The first george bush was so successful that he was soundly defeated by the relative new comer Bill Clinton after serving only one term and that was after serving the previous 8 years as vice-president under Ronald Reagan. And george the second had to wait for a month after his first try to find out that the Supreme Court had selected him for the job. And only the republicans would call george's second margin of victory a "mandate from the people" -Diebold not withstanding.
She praises Lincoln for his decision to seek the "middle path" in dealing with the rift between north and south, his "policy of forgiveness", and offer of “malice toward none” and “charity to all.” But this george seeks the path to the extreme right, has malice towards anyone not on his side, gives charity only to those who don't need it and as for forgiveness? As governor he pardoned how many death row inmates? For his party's version of forgiveness wait until his last day in office when "dubya" forgives Delay, Lay, Libby and anybody else who doesn’t wiggle off the hook before November 2008. And to equate this version of the republican party as “The Party of Lincoln.” is a slap in the face to any of the people who adhered to the basic principles of republicanism before it was hijacked and corrupted by the people in power today.
She mentions that Dwight Eisenhower was born in Texas but does not mention his warning about the “Military - Industrial Complex“ that he felt threatened our country more than any other enemy. Dwight was right. And native-born Texan Lyndon Johnson’s success in handling the Vietnam conflict virtually guaranteed his exit from 16 Pennsylvania Avenue after one term despite his other accomplishments. 
What is so interesting about this Senator’s list of Presidential greats is the lack of mention of some notables such as “Tricky Dick” Nixon and “Uncle Ronnie” Reagan. Why Kay? Don’t they count because Nixon is a little too hot right now or neither were born in Texas? If that is the case then may I remind you that NEITHER of the bush boys were born in the great state of Texas. George the first was born in Milton, Massachusetts and george the second was born in New Haven, Connecticut. So what makes either of them great or even a Texan? Because they say they are? 
Kay just couldn’t finish her praises of Presidents Day without showing her true motive for the article which is her continued and unabashed support for “w” no matter what the consequences may be. Her last sentence “Our president has valiantly kept his word to defend America in the war on terror.” was the true reason for her letter. Some facts for you Senator. 9/11 happened only AFTER george bush was firmly installed as president. It’s as if the perpetrators wanted him to be in charge when they attacked. They could have hit while the election was still in doubt in which case Clinton would have been faced with the dilemma or waited until Gore was sworn in. For some silly reason the terrorists seemed to prefer a tough talkin’ naturalized Texan who was strong on military might as their adversary instead of some “wimpy liberal” like Al Gore or Bill Clinton. Why? Maybe September 11 was their last day to use their frequent flyer miles? 
They say those who don’t remember history are destined to repeat it. Will somebody please give this administration a crash course in recent American History? And no reading from Kay’s notes!
Richard Amburgey
Spring, Texas

Guard the Gate to the Texas Supreme Court
The four contested seats on the Texas Third Court of Appeals in Austin are emerging as the most important judiciary battles in the state for 2006. Texas Liberal
Democrats are plotting their comeback in this judicial election, developing a project called "Four for the Third," an attempt to capture a majority on this very important court. Conservatives must rise to meet this
challenge.
The Third Court is literally the "front gate" to the Texas Supreme Court; all legislative and administrative appeals originating from state government are heard in the Third Court before they reach the Supreme Court. Republicans hold a 4-2
majority on the Third Court, but three of the four Republican seats, along with one open Democrat seat, are up for grabs this year. 
Place 2 is held by Republican Alan Waldrop. Waldropn was a respected civil defense lawyer prior to his appointment to the court by Governor Perry. Liberal
Democrat Jim Coronado, an Austin Criminal District Court magistrate, will be challenging Waldrop.
Republican Justice David Puryear holds Place 5. Having authored over 700 opinions, Puryear is the Conservative engine that drives this court. He will be opposed by Liberal Democrat Mina A. Brees.
Place 6 is held by Republican Bob Pemberton, a former legal counsel in the Governor's office. He won a narrow victory over Diane Henson in 2004 for an unexpired term. In this election for a full six-year term, Pemberton's Democrat opponent will be Austin attorney Bree Buchanan.
Democrat Henson, an early favorite of liberals, is now running for the Place 3 seat vacated by Democrat Justice Bea Ann Smith. The Republican candidate will be the winner of a four-person primary to be held March 7th. The early standout is former State District Judge Will Wilson, Jr., a Clements appointee and the son of former Attorney General Will Wilson, Sr. Wilson
has captured the endorsement of the Texas Alliance for Life and the Texas Medical Association, and has a reputation as a strict constructionist who supports the election of judges.
Democrats will be beating the anti-Tom Delay drum in effort to whip Travis County liberals into a frenzy to win these seats. The remainder of this district - San Angelo to LaGrange and Temple to New Braunfels - is
conservative, and the turnout must be high in these counties to counter the Austin Liberal hysteria.
Voters residing outside of Austin do not look kindly on a Democrat ticket composed of "a bunch of Austin liberals." We the People must fight this battle with our time, our money, and our enthusiasm, as the
Democrats plan to pump hundreds of thousands of liberal dollars into these races. 
Gina Parker 
Waco, Texas

What it Means to Be a Republican 
The vice president shoots you in the heart and in the face. Then you apologize for all the trouble it’s caused him. That’s what it means to be a Republican. 
Despite almost hysterical warnings the president stays asleep at the wheel. He does nothing about terrorism and 9/11 happens. He responds by running away to Nebraska. Three days later he makes a supposedly impromptu speech with a bull horn on the rubble of the World Trade Center. He is universally cheered as a hero. That’s what it means to be a Republican. The president puts together false claims to go to war with the wrong country. His party universally supports him. That’s what it means to be a Republican. 
The administration mismanages the war in Iraq so that it creates chaos, a breeding ground for terrorists and political opportunities for Islamic fundamentalists. Along the way, the reasons for going to war are exposed as false. The president runs on national security as his main issue. He is re-elected. That’s what it means to be a Republican. 
The president cheerfully gives away the surplus to the richest people in the country. Then he runs up record debts, just to throw more money their way. He claims it has helped America’s economy. People act like they believe him. That’s what it means to be a Republican. 
The administration continues it’s magnificent tradition of going to sleep when it is warned of disaster. It does nothing when Katrina is coming. It continues its record of doing nothing when disaster arrives. As New Orleans was lost, just as when the World Trade Center was lost, the president got as far away as possible. But he can’t be blamed for what nature did. That’s what it means to be a Republican. 
The president orders wiretaps without warrants, a straightforward violation of the constitution. When the Attorney General is called to testify, the head of the Judiciary Committee insists that his testimony not be under oath. The head of the intelligence committee suggests that the law be changed, now, to make it legal after the fact. That’s what it means to be a Republican. 
Alberto Gonzales helped come up with the program that rejected the Geneva Conventions, that permits torture, that says that the president is above the law and that “I was only following orders” should be a defense against a charge of war crimes. Ah, if only the Nazi war criminals who were hung at Nuremberg had Gonzales there to defend them. The president nominates Gonzales to be his new Attorney General. He is confirmed with little debate and no outrage. That’s what it means to be a Republican. 
This needs to be understood. 
What it implies is that Republicans can’t be dealt with as if reason and facts will sway them. Because it wont. It’s hard for reality based people, regular Democrats and Liberals to understand that.
What it let’s us know is that reality based people, Democrats, Liberals, real Conservatives, old-fashioned Republicans and non-profit Christians have to take more vigorous and rigorous stands. Or reality and real American values and the American landscape will disappear, not just temporarily, but forever.
Larry Beinhart 

Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Heading to Navasota, TX
Paul McGuire The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a wild horse and burro adoption in Navasota, Texas, March 9-11, 2006. The three-day event at the Grimes County Fairgrounds will feature approximately 90 spectacular animals available for adoption adult and yearling horses and burros. These are wild mustangs and burros that once roamed free on public lands in the West and are protected by federal law. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the open range and makes them available to the public for adoption. 
Preview of animals begins Thursday, March 9, from 4-6 p.m. Doors open again Friday, March 10, at 8 a.m., with a competitive bid adoption beginning at 10 a.m. Following the competitive bid adoption Friday morning, walkup adoptions will continue until 6 p.m., then resume Saturday, March 11, from 8 a.m. 'til noon. Those interested in bidding are encouraged to come Thursday afternoon or early Friday to complete their adoption applications in time. The minimum adoption fee is $125 per animal to qualified adopters. 
To qualify to adopt, bidders must be at least 18, with no record of animal abuse. In addition, adopters must have suitable facilities and can adopt no more than four animals. All animals must be loaded in a covered trailer with sturdy walls and floors no drop ramp trailers.
Wild mustangs are renowned for their strength, endurance, agility, and intelligence characteristics bred into them in the wild.
This event presents an opportunity for the public to share in their American heritage. Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 210,000 horses in approved homes across the country. 
For more information, call toll-free 1-866-4-MUSTANGS.
Paul McGuire

Animal Abuse
The rodeo is town, and even in a city as urbane as Houston, everyone wants to be a cowboy for a week (“These boots are made for cowboys,” Feb. 27). And that would be ok if not for the animals who are abused to satisfy the vicarious fantasies of the city folks who attend the rodeo.
Animals used in rodeo are subjected to abusive conditions in order to guarantee they’ll perform as expected by the paying public. Without the use of spurs, tail-twisting, and bucking straps cinched around their abdomens and groins, these frightened and often docile animals typically wouldn’t even buck. The rodeo experience for animals consists of electric prods, twisted necks, and being violently slammed into the ground. “Retirement” is a one way trip to the slaughterhouse. 
People who care about animals would prefer the rodeo to be put out to pasture. 
Jennifer O'Connor
Norfolk, VA

Who Are These Sheep?
Why do some people still support president-select george w. bush? Even his masters- the extremely wealthy- surely must realize that his disastrous policies will eventually adversely affect them also. Later perhaps, than the rest of us but soon enough. After all that his regime has done to the people of this country and the rest of the world I wonder how anyone could still have anything positive to say about this administration. But it dawned on me that most of the people who rally around him today don't have anything positive to say about him at all. What they do say are things like: "No matter who our president is, we have to back him and support him," (actual quote !) 
There were a lot of Germans who said the same thing about one of their leaders some time back.
So why do people still support "W' ? I have a few theories have a cousin who is mildly retarded and I find myself rallying behind him because of an instinct inside me that says to defend the less advantaged. So that could be one answer. When I listen to "Dubya" speak naturally- when he does not have a script to read or a transmitter in his ear- I could almost understand why this instinct would manifest itself in some people. But I would ask these same people if they would allow "Dubya" to do brain surgery upon them. Most would say no because he does not have the necessary qualifications to do the job right. So am I saying my cousin should be President of The United States of America? No, of course not- he lacks the necessary abilities to do the job right. But then again, I believe that he would do a better job than this corrupt and compassion less group that presently occupies The White House. 
I think some people just can't acknowledge being wrong. They had their reasons why they originally voted for him but they can't justify those reasons now. Because their self-image is more important to them than reality, to admit to being misled or deceived is a fate worse than death itself. So they steadfastly stand by their man no matter the situation or the consequences. Maybe they hope their guy will do something right -given enough time- because even a broken clock is right twice a day. 
Some people just want to ride the gravy train. They ride the train as long as it has enough steam to take them to where they think they want to go. When the rails get too slippery they simply jump off and wait for the next one. 
Many people want to be associated with a winner -period. The definition of a winner could matter less to them. They desperately need people to believe that they are part of a winning team to cover up their own lack of self- worth. So they put those "W '04'" stickers on their old clunker cars and pick-up trucks and park next to the SUVs at the mall like that vinyl sticker gives them membership into the "wealthy elite" club. It's as if they are screaming "Please look at me! I am not a loser! I am a winner too!" 
Sadly, like sheep or cattle, too many people simply wander throughout life following the shepherd or the rump ahead of them hoping- I am sure -that they are led to green pastures instead of a slaughterhouse. But does anyone besides Dubya's misguided supporters see the green pastures ahead?
Richard Amburgey 
Spring, Texas

Great Story
Thank you for the great story exploiting the slaughter house business and horses of the US. I am getting out of state calls or email. People are listening and this is something we have to push further and we are about to join small animal groups and large animal rescues and centers for animals to have a central point where anyone can reach out, see and learn about any of this business concerning the animals of the US(our pets and companions is the central reference here). We believe a voice in united concern(not all in perfect agreement by any means) But a voice of the people united in a cause and a plan for the future is how most see it. Yes there are plans but it is hard to invoke steps until the grief comes to an end. What a shame we need laws and interpretations to live a life in good form and some balance. But it will take some laws and agreements in all areas of animal life to bring a comfortable place for life. But it is doable and it is new thinking to all in US, but most see the tragedy of horse slaughter and the abuse and violence that prevails and we see the fluff of hair on the roads and highways where someone's pet is lost its life and other pets left at empty homes and apartments( what are the choices and why )? So let's as a community, we can join with other communities who share in this very similar need and often common lack of information and responsibility. 
We can come up with the best of answers for all the animals and while we are working on these needs it would not surprise us if some human issues aren't cleared as well. 
We walk a fine line with the ani we do not really move far outside that worldly balance bestowed on us, excepted by many asstewards of the non human lives.
Kat Matrician
Willis, TX.

Mexican Tejano Martyrs
On Texas Independence Day, March 2, 2006, Texans of Mexican American heritage have much to celebrate with great pride. We have a rich legacy left to us by Mexican Tejano heroes who fought and died in the Alamo in the struggle for independence from Mexico. In spite of the fact that there are some today in Texas who would prefer to ignore, diminish or deny their contributions, these Mexican Tejanos shared the same dreams of freedom and independence for Texas as those of the Anglo colonists. With reverence, they will always merit our respect, remembrance and acknowledgment. 
Of 189 men who fought in the Alamo only six were actually born in Texas, and, most were members of Captain Juan N. Seguin’s company. The total number of Mexican Tejanos who died in the Alamo was nine though it needs to be stated that this was only a small number of the many Hispanics who fought in the War for Texas Independence.
Juan Antonio Badillo (born in Texas) remained in the Alamo when Captain Seguin left to rally more reinforcements. 
Carlos Espaller (born in Texas) and a protégé of Jim Bowie was only seventeen when he died at the Alamo. 
Gregorio Esparza (born in Texas) chose to stay in the Alamo along with this wife and four children. He died from a gun shot and a saber wound while manning a canon. He was the only Alamo defender granted a Christian ceremony and burial since his brother, who served in the Mexican army, was granted permission by Santa Anna.
José Toribio Losoya deserted the Mexican army to enlist with Seguin’s company. His wife and three children survived the siege in the Alamo mission chapel.
Antonio Fuentes (born in Texas), Damacio Jiménez, Guadalupe Rodríguez, Juan Abamillo (born in Texas) and Andrés Nava (born in Texas) also stayed and fought heroically along side other defenders until the bitter end.
These Mexican Texano heroes are hardly ever remembered and given due credit. Nevertheless, Texans need to acknowledge that these heroes were true and worthy founding fathers just as equal to the Anglo founding fathers. What more could have been asked of them than to give their lives for the cause of freedom and independence from tyranny? Their sacrifice, even if they may not have spoken English, was no less than the sacrifice made by the Anglo colonists. Their blood still ran just as red along side of the other defenders. Perhaps, it could be said that their sacrifice was a bit more significant since they had to give up their allegiance to their mother country so that their dream for Texas could have a new beginning.
Today, the crucial question that needs to be asked by everyone concerned is "For what purpose did the Mexican Tejanos die fighting along side of the Anglo colonists?" Was it so that Hispanics in Texas would forget their cultural and language heritage? Was it because they wanted Hispanics to become low class citizens? Was it that they wanted Hispanic land owners to lose their lands? Was it because they thought that Hispanics should always be governed and never govern; or, was it that they wanted Hispanics to be offended and assaulted constantly by the stupidity of prejudice? 
The sacrifice made by these Mexican Tejano heroes laid a foundation of courage, dedication and heroism which to this day continues to be demonstrated by US Hispanics serving their country in many capacities. Their sacrifice makes it possible for Texas Hispanics to hold their heads up high with pride while remembering that they stand on the solid and heroic foundation laid before by courageous and dedicated Mexican Tejano martyrs who died at the Alamo. Recuerden el Alamo!
Bob Montanez
Odessa, Texas

The Uncivil Liberties Board
The Los Angeles Times (February 20, 2006) published an article by Richard B. Schmitt entitled, Privacy Guardian is Still a Paper Tiger. It lamented that the White House Civil Liberties Board had not met --- indeed, had not even been fully staffed. 
Imagine a Board appointed by President Bush --- and staffed with wannabe-Attorneys-General. And this Board is going to protect our civil liberties from an imperial Executive! 
This Board's purpose is to bail the Executive out when it gets caught. It is just one of the government's innumerable institutionalized tools of deception. 
The staffing delay is because it takes time to find people with the specialized loyalties of an Alberto Gonzalez, a Janet Reno, and a John Ashcroft. When the Board convenes, it must be ready to rescue, cover-up, delay, obfuscate, or do whatever is necessary to keep the American People in the dark about the government's violations of their civil liberties. 
You got to admit though --- Civil Liberties Board sounds good. 
Mike Ford 
Austin, Texas

Public School Finance Too Much For One Session
A special session of the legislature will soon be called by our Governor to address public school finance. Texas property owners must join together for this upcoming debate because it will decide if lobbyists win and taxpayers lose, again.
We must say loud and clear that we have been overtaxed. We must make sure that legislators are responsible with our tax dollars. There is a long line of people demanding taxpayer dollars from the legislature. Our legislators must resist the temptation to throw more money at every problem presented to them.
State leaders have suffered because of raw politics. Unable to get real numbers from the comptroller, they have been unable to make reasonable and timely decisions. The Comptroller “cooked the books” on a scale that would make Enron executives blush. What is becoming clear is that we now have a budget surplus somewhere in the $4 to $5 billion dollar range.
Until the legislature can decide on a permanent solution to our out-of-control property taxes they must use this money for immediate tax relief. 
Of the $4.3 billion surplus, up to $1.9 billion is earmarked. However, at least $2.4 billion is, as Deputy Comptroller Billy Hamilton recently put it, “free money” that the legislature can use as they wish. Instead of being “free money” for the legislature to spend, this money belongs to the people and should be returned to the property taxpayers who have been bearing such an increasingly heavy tax burden.
Texans will only be taxed so much. There is a limited amount that you can tax without destroying the tax base and losing the support of the governed. The legislature must prioritize; that is their job. 
Public Education is being squeezed out by run-away welfare and entitlement budgets. A welfare state leads to crime, single parenthood, un-employment, bad health, and low educational attainment. Our legislature is going to have to choose. Do we subsidize bad habits and behaviors and imprison, or do we educate? 
If money were the solution we would have one of the best school systems in the world. Money is not the answer. To reform our public schools, the hearts and minds of parents must be reformed. The data on this is clear. Children of parents who support educational attainment do very well. There is no law that can be passed to make a child learn or a parent care. A lot of well intentioned mandates fail and drive the cost of education out of sight. It takes a family to raise a child, not a village, or a blank check book.
We must make education more relevant, with additional emphasis on a track for the non-college bound to live and work in the community they were raised in. Our education system must help us take back our industrial might by producing the most proud and capable workers in the world. To do less will make Texas a third world state.
Teachers cannot be held accountable for all the ills of society. A teacher’s job is to deliver education to the students. The largest waste of taxpayer’s dollars is the misuse of a teacher’s time. The misuse of just 10% of a teacher’s paid time amounts to over $1,200,000,000.00 ($1.2 BILLION) per year. No legislation or mandate should be passed until a “fiscal note” has determined the true cost in lost teacher time. The sure fire way to educate a child is for a loving, qualified teacher to spend time with them. Taking teacher’s time away from teaching should be avoided.
We do not need a state income tax or any new taxes or tax schemes. We already have a surplus due to over taxation. 
All these problems will not be solved in a special session. Use the budget surplus to end Robin Hood and provide for immediate property tax relief. Then the legislature can get to work on prioritizing the $60 billion we already give them.
Ben Bius 

There Is No Trade GAP
We traded 725 billion dollars worth of our productive wealth to other countries to balance the account. I assure you we did not get the products from the rest of the world for free. We traded our factories, our farms, our businesses and our skills for products made in other countries.
We traded the cotton farm instead of the cotton. The garment factory instead of the garments. The cow instead of the milk and cheese. In other words we trade all of the things that produce products instead of the products.
We are also trading millions of jobs instead of the products made by our own workers. This is economic suicide! Africa practiced this same idiotic insanity in the 17th and 18th centuries and look at the plight of Africa today. Congress should immediately stop this lie that there is a Trade Gap with an export tax of at least 99 percent imposed on our factories, farms, and forests, that are being traded for cheap oil and cheap plastic junk.
We need free trade for the products that America can produce with American labor. We should not be trading the basic wealth of America to China and other nations, especially for items that we can produce at home.
Suicide is supposed to be against the law and Congress is turning a blind eye to this self inflicted murder of the United States.
Kenneth L. Russell
Huntsville, TX.

Honorable Service 
I am a Vietnam Era Veteran with an Honorable Discharge. Here is my story: 
I was in college maintaining a "B" average. I was very concerned about being drafted without having a choice as to which branch I could go in. I talked to a Navy recruiter and he informed me that, if I enlisted, I could get my college paid for after I was discharged. He also told me that I would have all my medical expenses paid for, for the rest of my life. This made sense. Especially since I thought that there was a good chance that I would be drafted anyway. For this reason I quit college and enlisted in the Navy. I was found to be in good health when I enlisted and I passed the required tests, so they approved me for service. 
I served my country as instructed and was discharged. I was discharged from the Corpus Christi Naval Station in Texas. I had been in the hospital there due to a hunting accident I suffered while on leave. During this hospital stay it was found that I had very high blood pressure. They ran all kinds of tests as to why and it was diagnosed as liable essential hypertension. I was put on medication and have now been taking it for my entire life. I'm 58 years old now. The Veterans Service Officer visited me in the hospital to discuss my hypertension. He told me that it was service connected and that I should apply for a service connected disability compensation. I told him that I was brought up to stand on my own two feet and would pass on his request. He visited me several times after that and, even though he admired my upbringing, he just could not understand my reluctance to something that I earned. 
After I was discharged, for financial reasons, I did not return to college, even though it was free. I went to work instead. I never had any contact again with the Veterans Administration until 1992. I paid for my own medical care and hypertension medications. 
In 1992 I went to the Veterans Hospital in Dallas, Texas. I had rectal bleeding and needed it checked out. The doctor that treated me, asked me about how long I had to wait in Triage. I told him over four hours. He asked when I got discharged then he became visibly upset and instructed me to follow him to the Administration Office. Once there he instructed them to issue me, what he called, a blue card. He also told them that I was Vietnam Era and that I should not have to wait for over four hours. He then told me to hold on to this blue card. It would guarantee me free medical care and better service for the rest of my life. Shortly after all of this, I went to the Dallas Hospital once again. I had a herniated disk in my neck. The service was definitely better and the wait was shorter. To this date I have not used the Veterans Administration again. 
Due to no insurance, costly healthcare and after the advice of several friends and relatives, in January, of this year, I began to inquire as to how I could start using the VA medical facilities again. They have a local clinic here in Tyler. I was told that I had to complete an application. I explained my story, as outlined above, to each person I talked to, at the VA. They insisted I complete an application. It was sent to me and I completed it. After sending, faxing, writing, and talking to several people, I finally spoke to a Cathy Brooks in Bonham, Texas. She was very nice. She, at first, said I could not use the VA without divulging my income. I explained my story, and stated that I was promised free care, and that my life completely changed because of it. I told her in a very polite way that I did not feel right giving anyone my income. She worked with me and did a lot of investigation which took quite a while. Finally, she stated, that since I used the VA in 1992, I was grandfathered. She said she could approve me. She said I would receive a letter of approval in a few days. I did. It was dated 2/13/2006. After a few more days, I received another letter of approval from the Tyler Clinic. Today I called the Tyler Clinic to make an appointment. They said that I was denied coverage on 1/19/2006 almost a month before the approval letter was dated. I called Cathy's office again. She was not in, but Michelle told me that if I had used the VA prior to January 1, 2003 I would be in the system. I told here that I did use it in 1992. She basically said that that did not count. 
Here is my concern and my question: 
Basically what I have derived from all of this: I did not use my free college and I only used the VA very little. I actually saved the government thousands of dollars. Now, if I had used my college and used the VA regularly, regardless of income, I would be getting free medical care, as promised. In other words, help the government save money by not using your entitlements and you get penalized! 
Is this the way we treat our Veterans? Do I have any recourse? How do I get, what was promised to me, by our government? Can I get my service connected disability now? I need some help please. 
Why do illegal aliens get free medical care and a Vietnam Era Vet has to go through this? 
John L. Sulak 
Tyler, Texas 

We Have to Stop Them
This horse slaughtering thing has me sooooo upset!!!! Dear God, it`s so un-American!!!!!!! These animals were NEVER put on this earth to be tortured like that and consumed! Do you think we really CAN stop them????? We HAVE to!!! This thing has me sick! It`s just so hard to believe there`s people like that who will do anything for money. That`s all they`re worried about. The bucks. We need to shut them down and make them go get decent jobs like everybody else! 
I`ve loved horses all my life, even though I`ve never been lucky enough to own one. I think they are beautiful, intelligent animals. I`m also a dog lover. I feed the neighbors cats. Stop when I see a turtle on the road! LOL! THAT kind of a person. An animal lover. I don`t think there`s room for any other kind of person in this world. It rips my heart out to see this happening. And I hate the people that`s doing it! I`m asking my friends to email these Senators also. A friend sent this to me in the first place because I was sending info to her about this. I certainly hope we can do something here! We can sure give it a good try!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We HAVE to! They depend on us!!! 
Linda Dooley 

Democratic Leaders Are Warmongers
The pacifistic Democratic Leadership truly earns of the title “war monger” when it comes to their axis of evil. You know who I am talking about. The real evil in America stems from pharmaceutical companies, oil companies, Walmart, and conservative or traditional Americans.
Dems normally demure pacifistic individuals are seething at the intelligent students, who weathered their advanced socialist indoctrination program (college), emerged capitalistic scientists. Their anger is not muted by the fact that the drugs capitalistic ventures have created, saves lives and relieves the pain of many, many millions. These capitalistic American companies must be punished and punished now.
The “punish the oil companies” cry is gaining some traction since oil profits have gone up significantly due to the world economy. Of course each year, dividends paid by oil companies put hundreds of millions of dollars into the hands of the public, who just won’t spend it right for the Dems. Oil profits are at the 8-10% range, in the lower third of all corporations. Oil capital investments are huge, and employment of American workers in the oil business is on the upswing, but oil is evil and must be punished. Ever wonder what the Legal Profession’s profit margin is? Democrats don’t want you to go there, that’s “their cash cow”.
Walmart is the biggest employer in the country, $285 billion in sales, $10 billion in profits, 1.3 million employed, or are they enslaved as the Dems would have you believe. They cannot tolerate successful capitalistic ventures. Dems thrive on victims. In their war on America there are allies, weapons and casualties. 
The first casualty was honesty. Dems cannot be honest or their vision of America, a Europeanized, socialistic, nirvana for nere do wells where you acquire prosperity through the voting booth would be revealed. 
Their primary weapon is the WMD, Wanton Mean-spirited Disillusionment. They run down America at every turn, aided and abetted by the mainstream media. They play the race card, the age card, the wealth card, the heterosexual/ gender card, the religion card, they have a whole deck. Anyone who disagrees with them is a dangerous, bigoted, insipid dolt.
Dems are funded by the allies who reflect their core; Hollywood, the purveyors of perversity, trial lawyers, the kings of money for nothing, and union money that was extracted from members regardless of party affiliation and funneled to the DNC. They are supported by the alphabet fringe; NARAL, ACLU, NAACP, PETA, NOW, and some very rich pinko’s; George Soros, Peter Lewis, Steven Bing to name a few.
Listen carefully to their fine whine, they only complain and point out fault. They seek to create victims and malcontents. They cannot elucidate their vision. Socialism does not resonate with the majority of Americans. Hopefully it never will. If they win traditional America loses.
Theodore Pierce
The Woodlands, Texas

America's New Breed of Managers
I was in Africa last week and one of the African Managers was telling me a story of the new MBAs and their Management style. The story reminded me of America and how our Corporations are run today.
The story goes something like this.
A new bridge was built over a river near my home. It was a farm-to-market bridge and was extremely busy. The local government decided they could make some extra revenue by charging a small toll or fee for using the bridge. They hired a policeman and had him stand at the bridge to collect the toll. The bridge became so profitable they decided to hire an accountant to account for the money. The accountant recommended the local government hire a financial officer for the revenue was even greater than they imagined. The bridge was so profitable, the accountant explained, he would need help finding ways to invest the toll money coming into the revenue chest. The local government was delighted. They immediately decided to hire a Manager who would be needed to oversee the daily operations.
After a few months, the payroll begins to get out of hand. Management went into “Crisis Management”, a new plan was needed, and a decision was made immediately. The only thing to do was to cut the toll policeman hours to reduce payroll, and open the bridge part-time to reduce upkeep and wear and tear. The management explained this to the local government representatives. The representative, although not in complete agreement, decided that professional management had more knowledge on this subject than any of them and went along with the recommendation.
The Crisis seemed to get worse. After a few more months the “Crisis Management Team” was back in session again. There was only one thing to do, payroll had to be cut to a minimum. The Question being: “Who gets laid off?” Of course we all know the answer, the POLICEMAN who collects the toll.
When I look at the Management skill in America, i.e. Airline Industry, almost all bankrupt; Auto Industry, in desperate shape; I wonder, “what is wrong with America”? We have the highest paid executives in the world. British Airways had the best year ever in 2005. Air France, Singapore Air, Japan Air, Eva Air all had banner years. Ford and General Motors are terminating people and closing plants. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are building plants in America and having record sales and profit years. The Japanese make 33% of what the American Executive makes, and Europe about 50%. The American Economy, once built on manufacturing, is no more. Today manufacturing represents about 12% of our economy down from 25% twenty years ago.
Whirlpool, who once manufactured home appliances in the United States, now manufactures these appliances in Germany. The appliances are then exported to the U.S. for resale. I realize I am not a professional manager, but the Germans make 50% more than the Americans in the same job. Somehow that does not sound like a wise management decision to me. (Whirlpool an article I read in Newsweek in Paris last week) The article goes on to mention that Sweden, Norway, Iceland and other European countries manufacture products and ship to the U.S. All of these countries have a higher pay scale and standard of living than the U.S.
Instead of terminating American workers and moving to Asia, or South America, perhaps we should hire our CEO's and CFO's from Europe or Asia. If you look at their results, they seem to be doing much better than American Management. The one thing management in America has done better than other country is they have increased their pay and golden parachutes to exceed every other country in the world. Only 15 years ago management pay was 5% of the gross income, today it exceeds 12%. If you look at this data closely, you would probably say, in the words of Winston Churchill, “Never have so few awarded themselves so much, for doing so little.”
I have read a few books on “Crisis Management”. The only thing I have learned is: if you are in Crisis Management, “you were not managing to begin with.” 
“Crisis Management” is a great term to sell books. “Crisis Management Team” is a great term to use to show you are taking action. When you put the terms together toss them around a few times, it is just an attempt to justify what a poor management team you really have. SO, stockholder, beware of these wonderful terms that people use to cover up how incompetent they really are. Vote your stock; do not let others vote it for you. Check executive pay and benefits. Do not reward those who do not deserve a reward.
J R Gibson
Montgomery

I’m Voting For Kinky
I am a second year student at Montgomery College. This will be my second time to vote (2004 was my frist). I really enjoyed the article an Carole and Kinky. I agree with many points made by both of these candidates, but I have to say I will be voting for Kinky. I like the fact he is not afraid to speak his mind, even if he throws a curse word in there. I think too many people today are afraid to be themselves because of censorship and how the "Christian" community will look at you. Especially when most Christians are not living up to there expectations. I agree no one is perfect, but don't be the pot calling the kettle black. I would like to see a change in Texas politics, education, the criminal justice system and gambling. The only way things change in this world is by people going against the norm and by people thinking differently. If that is so wrong then why were people created differently? People fear change because they don't understand it and they are afraid of the outcome. I say give it a shot, you'll never know what you like until you try it. So take chances and let you voice be heard. 
Rebecca Hammond

Thanks 
On behalf of everybody here at Triad Entertainment, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your interest and article on Ms. Vicky Emerson. Your newspaper captured Vicky's love for music as well as her country. Thanks in part to your work; her tour to Conroe was a total success. Many of the attendees at the concert had read your article and came thanks to the publicity you had given her. We could not have asked for a better story highlighting this event. Thanks again for everything and take care.
Chris Wieman

The Tale Of Two Chambers
Before I start laying out my case let me disclose I am a disgruntled Democrat who questions leadership that has lost elections in Chambers County for the first time since my great grandfather was a teenager. Despite my party preference, right is right and wrong is wrong. 
The Chamber of Commerce and small town politics is different here in Chambers County than where my nephew lives. My nephew lives in a small town with a Chamber of Commerce and a population slightly larger than Anahuac's . The communities have a great deal in common except my nephew's town has a much different attitude and shuts down any attempt by any member of the Chamber to take partisan advantage of their affiliation. In Anahuac the President of the Chamber is also the County Chairman of the Democratic party. In almost every county in Texas these two positions are not filled by the same person, but that just leads to my point. It would not be acceptable in my nephew's town for someone to hold both positions and make limitless phone calls and hold meetings for partisan political purposes from the Chamber offices. In my nephew's Chamber they carefully scrutinize each and every event to keep peace between their members and avoid political bickering. In Chambers County this kind of behavior may be part of the reason we have been introduced to defeats in recent years. 
As unbelievable as it seems, the neighboring county has formed the same bad habits. This time it is a Liberty County Republican and President of a local Chamber. Their Chairman has endless partisan meetings and phone calls in the Dayton Chamber offices as if is an extension of party headquarters. Republicans in Liberty County, not to be outdone, hold these meetings in spite of having a very nice headquarters with huge white columns on the porch outside near the courthouse. All of the Democrat's in my nephew's town would raise cane over their Chamber dollars supporting Republicans. I would agree with them. 
Terry Johnson

Willie In The Woodlands
Great story in support of the concert. I don't know all about Willie's background and what he did; I just like his music over the years and his genuineness. However, the statement made by Carroll Griffin Cocchia needs to be given a second look or second opinion. She states "Contrary to popular belief, Native American casino profits are not a major source of revenue for those living on reservations. Virtually all profits from casinos located on Native American reservations are forwarded to the National Indian Gaming Commission, which runs the casinos.” 
I offer the attached statement from Sandra Ashton, Office of General Counsel, the National Indian Gaming Commission for your review. 
I am an elder at the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation and I question the statement made as follows: 
"Although the NACC has hosted golf tournaments to raise funds in past years, this is the first time the organization has hosted a benefit concert -- an event the NACC hopes to make into an annual affair. Cocchia says the organization hopes to help those living on poverty-stricken reservations around in the U.S. -- including the Kickapoo Reservation near the South Texas town of Eagle Pass and the Alabama Coushatta Reservation in Livingston, along with reservations in Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma." (not in Livingston, but 17 miles east of Livingston) 
Any infusion of new resources to our land is a welcomed sight. There are many unmet needs that we have as it may be with any Tribe, county government operations or towns across America. However, to label us as a poverty stricken reservation is somewhat of a misnomer. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is the second largest employer in Polk County. Over 200 tribe members are employed in a community of 500 adults, youths and toddlers. As a federally recognized Tribe, the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs provide operation funds in accordance with their trust responsibility. However, the Tribe provide the majority of the operation funds necessary. 
We are not a wealthy Tribe by all means but our foundation is the three churches in our community that keeps our Tribal people in good accord with life in general. 
I am not an official of the Tribe but your story begs for a follow up to give gaming, the NACC and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe a broader prospective and a correct picture. 
Roland Poncho

Profits Tax
I read with interest your support of an extra profits tax on oil companies. Why limit your support of this practice to oil companies? Even though the IRS already taxes profits, we need an IRS Plus to make sure that nobody earns more than (you fill in a number here) dollars per year. This will also help to legitimize the notion that property belongs to the people - collectively, not to the individuals who bought it. 
We shouldn't worry about the economic details either. It isn't in our interest to calculate an oil company's future expenses for the purchase of the more expensive crude that will have to be bought to replace the stocks now being refined, or their upcoming expenses for repairing hurricane damaged refineries. Macro economics isn't the business of the government.
And why stop there? The relatively unregulated electronics industries have historically brought out faster and better equipment almost on a monthly basis - for lower prices. Shouldn't the government be able to take some of that added value which customers are now getting for free? Some would see this whole issue as legitimized socialist theft, but they would be ignoring the fact that our government officials depend on being able to continue to satisfy the needs of those who do not contribute anything but their vote.
Joe Rogerson
Pinehurst, TX.

Conroe's Best Burger Joint
I'm just a humble consumer -- and can't figure out why Burger Fresh (Conroe's best burger joint) is missing from your restaurant list! 
This local jewel serves the best angus burgers, fresh fries, and handmade
malts/shakes I've ever eaten. (Lots of the eateries on your list aren't even in Conroe!)
Please do the public a favor and add Burger Fresh to your list of restaurants. And if you haven't eaten there, head down to Gladstell Road west of I45 and have the best meal you've had in years.
Love your paper...pick one up every week at Burger Fresh!
Jennifer Lee

The Bunnymen
Just read the summary of some of the acts appearing at SXSW. What an impressive list - shame I can't make it. 
I would point out, however, that Echo and the Bunnymen are still actively recording and performing around the world (they played in Tel Aviv and Athens this past week or so!!) and released "Siberia" last year - the FOURTH album since the 1997 comeback and hailed by many to be the best album since the first four classic albums of the 80s. They are very much still around. 
So writing that "they reunited in 1997 to record three more albums" seems a bit final, in my eyes at least .... :-) 
The Bunnymen's third single off "Siberia" is due for release in May. 
Diane 
London, UK

Abortion Games
I read today that South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signed legislation banning nearly all abortions in his state. The bill would make it a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison for a doctor to perform an abortion unless the procedure was necessary to save the woman's life. It also would make no exception for cases of rape or incest and Rounds says abortion opponents already are offering money to help the state pay legal bills for the anticipated court challenge.
Obviously emboldened by the recent Bush appointees to the Supreme Court the Governor defended this action by stating "In the history of the world, the true test of a civilization is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless persons in our society. I agree with them,"
It would seem that the Governor is one "hellava" compassionate man to take such a stand. So I e-mailed the governor and asked him how many abandoned black "crack babies" he has adopted or intends to adopt in the near future. I wonder how many such orphans a compassionate man would adopt? I'll let you know his answer in a future letter.
Meanwhile, I would like to ask the same question to any person who believes like Mr. Rounds. How many of you staunch anti-abortion people have proven your compassion for your fellow human beings by adopting "the most vulnerable and most helpless" in our society? There are hundreds of thousands of babies across America already born with birth defects, drug addictions, mental and psychological disorders and fatal or incurable diseases who need caring for by people with big hearts and even bigger bank accounts. The next time you are staging a protest outside of an abortion clinic instead of showing pictures of aborted fetuses why not show pictures of the children that you have personally rescued- or better yet- bring the children themselves. I imagine nothing could deter a woman thinking of abortion more than the sight of you kind folk comforting your many crippled and severely retarded children with the love and devotion you claim to have for all of God's children. 
I would ask the citizens of South Dakota (or any other state that finds itself in a similar situation) to take some of that money to be used on defending legislation in the courts and use it to help the babies that are already here- or don't they count anymore once they are born? If you are having trouble finding such children (there may be a shortage in the rich neighborhoods because those folks can afford to send their women to a state that allows abortions) just drive to any "bad " part of town. The good news is that thanks to your efforts in reducing abortions the richest and most powerful nation on the planet has an abundance of neglected children to choose from. Supplies in certain stock may be limited- let's face it the beautiful and perfect blond models do go fast- but I am sure your hearts are color-blind anyway. 
The only abortion Mr. Rounds will approve of is one that tries to save the life of the mother or mother-to-be. I am sure it was a "typo" that caused the fetus itself to be omitted from the same consideration. I know many of you caring souls make no distinction between a grown woman with a husband and other children who has an established life and a partially formed fetus -even if it was the result of a vicious rape or incest. To you they are equal. 
Now Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania "Walks the walk". He and his wife Karen have such a deep respect for life that they refused to abort their son even when a sonogram showed that the fetus had a fatal birth defect and would die shortly after birth. At 20 weeks his wife lay near death in the hospital with a 105 fever. Doctors warned that his wife could die (which could be a bummer for their other children) unless they induced labor. The Santorums considered that an abortion. But Gabriel Michael Santorum was born without any assistance and then died at the age of 2 hours. The parents spent the night in the hospital bed with their lifeless baby between them. Then, according to Santorum, "The next morning they brought the palm-sized corpse to Karen's parent's house. They had their other children pose for pictures and cuddle with Gabriel. They sang lullabies and held a private mass." Santorum keeps a framed picture of Gabriel on his desk although I do not know if it was taken during the 2 hour time frame when he was alive or when he was a corpse. Now match that anti-abortion protesters! 
Sorry, but until a "defender of life" shows me the proof of their beliefs in the forms of people they have personally saved I will continue to believe that the whole anti-abortion issue has little to do with the "reverence" of life. I will continue to believe that the true goal of the anti-abortion movement is to force one person's beliefs onto another.
If you do not believe in abortion then don't have one- it is as simple as that.
As creepy as I find the Santorum's situation I will defend their right to choose one path even if it is not the one I would choose. I ask that people like them extend the same courtesy to me. 
My cousin once proclaimed that as a Christian and a Republican he was opposed to abortion in all it's forms. Like too many people I think he thought that such a statement would impress me by demonstrating what a fine person he was. ALL of it's forms I asked? to which he replied "Yes". So I put his convictions to the test by asking him what he would do if his 15 year old daughter was raped and impregnated by a crack addict who had A.I.D.S. To further accent my point I added that the man was black. Was I to believe that my white middle-class cousin would cuddle and kiss and proudly show his new grandchild to all of his friends and fellow worshipers at church? Without hesitation my cousin stated that he would force his daughter to have an abortion. So much for the strength of his convictions.
Unfortunately, I have a feeling that the great majority of anti-abortion advocates share his degree of strength. 
Richard Amburgey
Spring, Texas

Neil Bush
Thank you! Please do much more about the Carlyle Group and all the subjects covered in Kevin Phillip's book "American Dynasty" ---- the Bush family's four generation meddling in the US foreign affairs is not being reported.
Caroline Caine

Willie Nelson
I recently picked up a copy of your newspaper for the first time at a local sandwich shop. As I was eating my Ruben, I was reading your article about Willie Nelson and other Country acts performing this weekend at the Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands to raise money for Indian reservations. As I was reading, I read a comment in the article that almost made me choke. 
As an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma myself I read the article with large amount of interest. I have been involved with the Native American Chamber of Commerce ("NACC"), the organization sponoring the event, in the past and I am glad that the organization seems to have pulled off a great coup to get someone of Mr. Nelson's legendary status to participate in an event with such a worthwhile cause. 
However, as someone who has been working in Indian Country for over 20 years, I have some serious concerns that need to be addressed. 
In the article you interviewed Ms. Carroll Cocchia, the President of the Chamber. Ms. Cocchia purports to represent, and I quote your article directly, "a combined membership of more than 500 corporate and Native American-owned business enterprises with members in 31 states, NACC is one of only 13 Native American chambers in the U.S., assisting both corporations and small businesses through numerous programs." 
I'm not sure that you asked Ms. Cocchia who the 500 businesses are, but I can assure you that Ms. Cocchia would be hard pressed to come up with a list that long. Also, I would asked Ms. Cocchia how does the organization work? Who are the officers and how are they elected? The mission and goals of the organization sound solid and important, but the implementation of that mission and the goals seems to have little to do with Native American-owned businesses. 
I realize that your article was not a critical piece. It was a general interest piece that basically attempted to provide some background information about the Willie Nelson concert; however, it would have been enlightening for you, and your readers, if you had done some critical analysis and research. If you had then you would have noticed that some of the comments that Ms. Cocchia made are not based in fact. 
For example, Cocchia says the NACC wants to draw attention to the “terrible economic conditions affecting reservations. Contrary to popular belief, Native American casino profits are not a major source of revenue for those living on reservations. Virtually all profits from casinos located on Native American reservations are forwarded to the National Indian Gaming Commission, which runs the casinos.” 
This statement is simply not true. There is absolutely nothing in reality that backs up that claim. The National Indian Gaming Commission ("NIGC") does NOT run casinos. That is absolutely not true. The NIGC is a federal government board that works in conjunction with sovereign Indian Nations to provide an accounting process to the operations of gaming on Indian land. Indian casinos are run by Indian Nations, not by the NIGC. Ms. Cocchia's comment is completely off-base. It is not true and it is so far from the truth that it calls into question whether Ms. Cocchia truly knows very much about Indian Country. The profits from casinos go to the Indian Nations themselves, into their general budgets to pay for police service, health services, hospitals, social services, etc., all services run and controlled by the sovereign Indian Nations. There are over 500 sovereign Indian Nations in the U.S. and I can guarantee you that the vast majority of officers, directors, employees and members of those 500 tribes, over 2 million Indian people total, would find Ms. Cocchia's comments to be absolutely disrepectful and shameful. She stated, "Virtually all profits. . .are forwarded to the [NIGC]." That is an insulting and incorrect statement. She should retract that statement and apologize. 
The gaming tribes, not all Indian Nations approve of gaming, decide what do with the profits, not the NIGC. Ms. Cocchia is just making up stories for a reporter. Since Ms. Cocchia's statement is so far from reality, shouldn't someone be asking the question where is the money from this concert going to go? I believe Ms. Cocchia should provide a complete accounting of how money will be made from the concert and is it really going to go where she claims that it is. 
I hope that the concert is successful, but I don't want to see a misuse of those funds. The people of Indian Country need to be careful when people that know very little about Indian Country such as Ms. Cocchia use the plight of Indian people to raise money--a worthwhile cause--but they do not necessarily have the best interests of Indian people at heart. 
On another note, I really enjoyed reading an alternative viewpoint from Montgomery County. Keep up the good work! 
Charles R. Shirley (Cherokee)
The Woodlands, Texas

Cities Close Churches
Do not bother to lock the door to your house, your church, or your business. Thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court in Kelo v. New London last June, locking your door will not protect your property from seizure by city government. It may work against a petty burglar, but not against a powerful development interest that wants to take your home from you. 
In Kelo, the Court’s liberal majority said cities have the power to use eminent domain to take private property and sell it to Mega-Lo-Mart in order to create a better tax base. This is one more example of the loss of private property rights to the power of government – something worldwide communism has pressed for since Karl Marx wrote the Communist Manifesto. 
Before last June, cities had to prove that the seizure of private property was for "public use," like building a school or a new highway. Now, if a developer likes the location of your home, the city can take your house away from you and sell it to build a parking lot for the newest home center. The Court considers this commercial need to be a permissible “public purpose,” a phrase not found in the Constitution. It makes one wonder, “What has become of the American dream in the hands of the liberals on the Supreme Court?”
Since Kelo became law, cities across the country have been using their power to force citizens to sell their properties against their wills. For example, the City of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, wasted no time in using the Kelo wrecking ball to take the property of Centennial Baptist Church to make room for the new “economic development plan.” 
Centennial’s pastor, Rev. Roosevelt Gibson, said the church could not afford to move elsewhere. He asked, "And if we can’t move, and they take our building, what happens to the church? If we leave, who is going to minister to the black community in Sand Springs?" Think about it: government is forcing a church to sell the property bought and paid for by its members' faithful tithing and to relocate not just the church property but leave an area where its congregation heard the call to minister to the needs of a community. 
Thanks to the Kelo Court, every church, synagogue and non-profit center is now a target. Because of the growth of cities, churches today own some of the most prized real estate across the nation. For example, First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas sits in the middle of downtown Dallas. The use of Kelo’s expanded eminent domain power puts government in control of where churches can be located and what communities they will serve. Where is the separation of Church and State when you need it? 
Gina Parker
Waco, TX

Time To Change Course
The majority of Americans should be unhappy with our nation's growth and evolution --- or, if you believe it, intelligent design. It doesn't matter if you're Republican, Democrat or Independent. It's of no importance if you're middle class or poor, religious or atheist. As Bob Dylan sang during the 1960's, "You don't need a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows." 
On the national, state and local levels generations of Americans will have to struggle to change the last decade of harm generated by special interests and the elected officials they have placed in their pockets. 
Most Americans, individuals and families, are hurting. 
To achieve vast wealth and power, generations of our children have been placed on a back-burner. They and their grandchildren will continue to pay the price for our folly, which was to permit leaders to squelch or circumvent constitutional laws to gain more profits. The American people have been deceived. Here is a list of some of the ways: 
• Started a needless invasion and war with Iraq 
• Sent our children on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, which were ill conceived with no victory in sight 
• Cut taxes for the rich, while spending more than $3 Trillion of war costs 
• Determined U.S. policies behind "closed doors" 
• Providing false and/or misleading information and intelligence to the American people 
• Eliminating urgently needed social programs for children and poor citizens 
• Decreasing quality of public education 
• Permitting increased health care costs despite eliminating "frivolous" medical lawsuits 
• Permitting astronomical costs of fuel ---- gas, oil, electric 
• Permitting increasing costs of tuition for higher education via deregulation 
• Outsourcing millions of American jobs and services 
• Lying to the people of New Orleans and for NOT providing the emergency financing and services during the Katrina fiasco in a timely manner 
• Selling off American public lands and ports for special interest gains 
• Permitting only special interests to bid on lucrative service contracts 
• Permitting the "sale" of American government to the highest special interest contributors 
• Privatizing the Medicare programs recklessly and irresponsibly for special interest gains 
• Pushing to privatize Social Security for special interest gains 
• Increasing cases of voter fraud and lack of voting machine integrity manufactured by special interest campaign contributors 
• Cutting financing for public education during the past decade and diverting those tax dollars to other interests 
• Promoting irrational and unneeded toll road plans to generate more profits for special interests 
• Freezing gas taxes, which build and maintain roads, and/or diverting gas taxes to other special interest needs 
• Permitting loose or no enforcement of immigration laws 
• Illegal spying and wiretapping by the U.S. government on private citizens.
The list goes on. These are criminal and/or reckless irresponsible actions by U.S. elected officials against the American people. There's a "cowboy" in the White House who needs to be "lassoed and reigned in". The Bush administration has failed the American people, families and children. It has done so unabashed and without a conscience. 
It is time for the American people to take back their nation from lackluster special interest motivated elected officials. Impeaching top members of the Bush administration is in order. It is time to create strong campaign laws that tell billion dollar corporations they no longer can purchase "the best government money can buy". American is a rogue nation and is distrusted by the world. The Bush administration cannot be permitted to be religious zealots and blatant imperialists. America must be the nation of, by and foremost for American citizens! 
Peter Stern
Driftwood, TX

Iraq
When Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq, there were no terrorist bombings, no threat of civil war, no coalition forces killed, no curfews, no interruption to oil supplies, no insurgency, and no infrastructure to build weapons of mass destruction. The number of Iraqis Saddam massacred is but a fraction of the number of Iraqis counted as "collateral damage" since the start of the war. The extent to which Iraqi state treasures have been looted, and buildings and infrastructure destroyed, far exceeds the damage to property that Saddam inflicted on his opponents. Once-reliable infrastructure facilities such as water supply, sewerage, electricity and transport are now a shambles. The streets and markets are no longer safe. Roadblocks, men with guns, and ruined buildings are everywhere.
Coalition forces are looking for an exit strategy. 
The only way to prevent Iraq from sliding into total chaos is obvious. 
Get Saddam out of jail and running the country again. 
Brian Farber 
Gladstone, Queensland 

Trauma Care
Your article (Bullpen 3/22/06) brings up some sad points. I have worked on ambulances since 1980 and am amazed that people place such a low priority on their health. 
I have spoken with many people over the construction of a trauma center in south Montgomery or North Harris County and some do not want to see it built with state funds. They see nothing wrong with Montgomery County residents, with and without insurance, being forced to go to downtown Houston or Galveston for major trauma care. 
The sad fact is that one or more trauma centers will be build in the Houston area within the next ten years (Many people are spreading the word that the Houston area has less trauma care than San Antonio, Dallas, or possibly any major population area in Texas and lobbying the Texas Legislature to correct the problem). And, Montgomery County could miss it's chance to have it built here. Ironically, Montgomery County DWI fines, the source being considered by the Texas Legislature, may be going to support a facility in another county. 
Don't take my word about how bad the problem is, check out what a group of Houston emergency room doctors are saying about the problem (Complete with tragic stories about some of your Montgomery County neighbors): 
www.saveourers.org/crisis.html  
Jim Becka, Licensed Paramedic 
MCHD Board Candidate 

Led To The Slaughter
I just wanted to commend you for the wonderful piece you wrote on horse slaughter and the USDA’s recent actions that circumvented the Congressional ruling removing federal inspectors from U.S. horse slaughter plants. United Animal Nations (UAN) is very interested in this issue as, for the last decade, we have worked to educate women about the hormone replacement drug Premarin, which is made from the urine of pregnant mares. We also operate a Web site, PMURescue.org, where horse rescuers can post adoptable PMU horses. Since late 2003, more than 1,300 horses once fated for slaughter have found new homes through PMU rescue.org. (www.pmurescue.org)
Again, thank you for your interest in and coverage of this topic!
Alexis

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