Letters from our Readers - March 2007

America's Wealth-Oriented Economy
Once upon a time in America, there was a large working middle class --- but that was then and this is now. 
I've been writing about the brutal American economy for the past seven years, since the Bush administration's special interest budget and political power-plays began forcing more Americans to and below the poverty level. Finally, as America's rulers are gaining vast wealth, they also are eliminating the remainder of America's middle class. 
The middle class has become an endangered species much as the Amazon rainforests, African elephants and mountain gorillas, India's Bengal Tigers and our own American Timber Wolves. We have viewed our government of hell-bent money mongers swoop-down on the ideology and reality of making profits above all else. 
We are watching helplessly as our government pushes for toll roads and coal plants and for the protection of the wealthy in the eyes of what once was the proud laws of our American Constitution, which has become a political and legal table tennis platform for all sort of amendments and modifications approved to offer more protection for the Kings and Queens of America. 
Even the famous playwright Arthur Miller could not have prophesied in his writing the true American Tragedy we all currently are witnessing. 
The end of the American middle class is approaching and millions of Americans have no jobs, no way to pay their mortgages and daily living expenses. The Bush administration via its recurring pro-legislations for the business and credit corporations have forced more Americans into poverty than since The Great Depression days of the 30's. Home foreclosures are at an all time high. American jobs continue to be sent overseas for cheaper labor. The businesses of energy (oil, gas, electricity), technology, religion, health care, pharmaceuticals, etc., all are doing VERY well and are reaping vast fortunes. The majority of Americans are scavenging to earn their living expenses. Most of us are trapped inside some invisible prison trapped by our overuse of revolving credit with huge sums of interest flying over our heads. The majority of us are doomed. 
America's government is doing more for people overseas than for our own citizens. We do more for illegal immigrants working here than we do for our own. 
Computer multi-millionaire Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, has the audacity to write an article in the Washington Post (of which his wife Melinda is a Director) that innovation and competition is the key to a greater American economy. This from a man who has forged a monopoly in the computer field, having fought "tooth and nail" for all technology companies to use his Windows Operating System. Gates writes in his February 22nd article titled How to Keep America Competitive: "Two steps are critical. First, we must demand strong schools so that young Americans enter the workforce with the math, science and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in the knowledge economy. We must also make it easier for foreign-born scientists and engineers to work for U.S. companies."
The great Tao philosopher Lao Tzu (600 BC) is credited with stating, "Beware of the man who blows hot and cold in one breath." This prophecy, my friends, often holds very true for men like Bill Gates. 
In one breath we're told by Gates and our elected officials that educating our children is the most important issue we face and in reality we ensure that the public school systems fail throughout our nation and a higher education for most is unattainable. Our children are our most precious natural resource; however, we exploit and neglect them as we've done to most of our natural resources. 
In the same breath we're told by Gates and our elected officials that we should make it easier for those outside our nation to come into America to work at American jobs if companies can't get Americans to do the technical and other jobs. But how can American children get those jobs if the cost of higher education remains unaffordable to them, yet we make it easy for immigrants from, e.g., India and China to receive full scholarships and/or work Visa's and then will work for less money than American counterparts often without health and other benefits? 
According to an article titled, "U.S. economy leaving record numbers in severe poverty" by Tony Pugh of McClatchy Newspapers, Sunday, February 25, 2007: 
"The portion of poor Americans who are living in severe poverty has reached a 32-year high, millions of working Americans are falling closer to the poverty line, and the gulf between the nation's "haves" and "have-nots" continues to widen." 
One thing is very clear, the US economy cannot continue to deny American citizens the basic needs of daily living. Our nation has swiftly moved from a Representative Democratic Republic to a Fascist Monarchy in which only the chosen few get the wealth and perks. In short, we are hurting our own people socially, politically and economically by denying them successful lives.
' We must all stand up and demand accountability and a big change in America's management, that our government provides all Americans with:
Jobs at all skill levels for any American who wants to work 
Affordable public schools and higher education that provide quality programs for all children 
Affordable and quality health care 
Fairer distribution of taxation 
Holdback on "rogue" cutthroat profiteering 
Decrease/stop outsourcing of American jobs 
Provide affordable Rx medication 
Provide our veterans with the services they need 
Develop more controls on the financial credit/cards industry and high interest rates 
Provide more tax dollars for domestic needs and decrease the budget for overseas ventures.
Most of all, whatever happened to that great American virtue of getting "an honest day's pay for an honest day's work"? 
While it's true that the America we once knew has changed over the past several generations, there are values that still should be employed by all of us to make this nation great again. We can't do that if our leaders continue to be irresponsible. They can't continue to ravage profits all over the globe, like unruly children grabbing for all the merchandise in a candy store. 
I look at this once great nation and sadly shake my head, remembering what it once was and how we all once worked together to keep it great. Are those days gone forever? 
Peter Stern
Driftwood, TX

Support the Troops
Why has the media been so silent about the revelation of the appalling conditions at Walter Reed Hospital? An "infestation of roaches and rats", mold on the walls, 
rotten boards with holes in the walls, ceilings and floors. 
That is how Walter Reed hospital for our veterans has been described in a recent report. What a disgrace and national scandal this is and yet where can it be found in the media? 
Finally, today, there was a cartoon about it on the editorial page of the Houston Chronicle but no editorial denouncing 
the appalling conditions at Walter Reed. 
A terrible cut in benefits to Veterans Hospitals has caused neglect of our veterans hospitals and services for our 
veterans. I do not understand, how is that "supporting the Troops?" 
Whether a person is a far rightie or a far leftie, whether they support the war in Iraq or not, shouldn't we all, as Americans, 
support the troops when they return wounded? 
How can the administration ask the American people to support the troops going off to war but ignore them when they return? 
It is time for the American people to demand the services and clean hospitals for our wounded young Americans Surely, this is one subject all Americans can agree on. Republican or democrat, Liberal or conservative, we should all agree our troops 
deserve the finest medical care available. 
Please support the troops by demanding of our elected officials that they support the troops by giving them the money to get the medical attention they need and deserve in our Veterans hospitals. 
Bill Talley 
Houston, Tx 

We Have Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself
It always amazes me that when the democrats try to step in to help ordinary Americans; Republicans scream “Big Government!” Do they think that we miss the irony here? Under the Republican controlled Congress and the Bush administration, the size and scope of government has grown most dramatically. I would not be surprised if it wasn’t greater than all the past administrations combined.
Ideally, the two Party system should keep each side honest and encourage debate on a broad range of ideas. The hope being that Congress will produce legislation or action that works for the benefit of the entire country. The new democratic led Congress must be held accountable, but not with spin, or catchy hypocritical political phrases designed to manipulate the masses through fear and disinformation. 
Just last week, the Senate Republicans successfully blocked the floor debate on the Iraq war when this issue should be at the top of their agenda. Really, is it too much to ask that their priorities be the same as ours? What do they fear will come out in the debate that the public doesn’t already know? Iraq is one of the greatest tragedies of our lifetime and they don’t want to debate it? Instead, they choose to play political power games with the Democratic leadership when everyday, lives are lost. Regardless of the fact that the whole world knows we have failed and the polls show that the American people are against escalation and want redeployment, we are told that if we debate the issue, we will embolden the enemy or send the wrong message and undermine our troops.
It seems that every time we hear fear based reasoning from the Republican leadership regarding any government action or legislation, there is some corrupt greedy special interest set to make a fortune from it, leaving the American people to pay in the end. Sustaining the occupation in Iraq is no different. Big oil and military contractors are reaping extraordinary fortunes. 
Understanding what drives the Republican leadership to use these scare tactics can be a little complicated. Maybe they simply use fear because that is all they know. Maybe it is easier to rally their base in this way. Or maybe it is a simple diversion and as long as they can keep us all scared, we won’t hold them accountable. In contrast, a great leader once said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
Peggy Walton
Conroe, TX

Take a Deep Breath
You just inhaled more than 4,000 chemicals – 60 of which are known or suspected to cause cancer – if you’re in a public place or workplace in Texas that still allows smoking.
Secondhand smoke is a known killer. It’s the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Yet Texans in just 14 communities breathe smoke-free air in all public indoor places, thanks to local ordinances. Another 33 communities have smoke-free ordinances that include some exceptions.
All Texans deserve to breathe smoke-free indoor air when they’re out in public. That’s why Smoke-Free Texas is asking the Texas Legislature to pass a comprehensive smoke-free law that covers the entire state.
State Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) has filed such a proposal, Senate Bill 368. If passed, Texas would join 16 other states with a comprehensive smoke-free law.
Sixty six percent of Texans support a comprehensive, statewide smoke-free law that would prohibit smoking in all indoor workplaces and public facilities including public buildings, offices, restaurants and bars, according to a recent poll conducted by Baselice and Associates and commissioned by Smoke-Free Texas, a coalition that includes the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association and Texas PTA.
The health dangers of secondhand smoke are undeniable – exposure kills 53,000 Americans every year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Cancer, heart disease, chronic asthma, bronchitis, low birth weight – I could recite statistic after statistic about the diseases or medical conditions caused in adults and children by secondhand smoke.
In fact, “scientific evidence indicates there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke,” according to the 2006 U.S. Surgeon General report, the most comprehensive scientific report ever produced on the health impact of secondhand smoke.
What is being debated is how to protect the public from these dangers.
Some believe it’s acceptable to allow smoking in special smoking sections or rooms with separate ventilation systems. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers has said that these ventilation systems can’t removal all of the harmful chemicals from the air. 
Others believe smoking should be allowed in bars. But what about employees who work long shifts in smoky environments or even nonsmokers who want to enjoy an evening out? Levels of secondhand smoke are four to six times higher in bars and restaurants that allow smoking than in other worksites. 
Why safeguard some Texans and not others? The only way to protect everyone from the health hazards of secondhand smoke is to completely eliminate their exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoke-free policies are the “most economic and effective approach for providing protection from exposure to secondhand smoke,” according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
About 22 percent of Texans smoke. They have the right to smoke, but the other 78 percent have the right to safe air in public places.
While the city-by-city approach to passing smoke-free ordinances has been a great first step, a statewide law is needed.
City ordinances do not extend to the 5.6 million Texans who live in unincorporated areas. In addition, not all city public smoking ordinances are strong enough to fully protect the public health – some exempt workplaces, bars, or restaurants.
Restaurant and bar owners concerned about losing money by eliminating smoking have nothing to fear. Extensive analyses of sales tax data for Texas cities and studies analyzed by the U. S. Surgeon General’s report do not reflect a decline in business since going smoke-free.
By contrast, businesses that allow smoking are paying a price. Secondhand smoke costs the United States an estimated $10 billion a year in health care bills, lost wages and other costs, according to an August 2005 study by the Society of Actuaries.
Secondhand smoke costs all Texans, whether it’s our health or our business. It’s time to stop paying this price by passing a statewide, comprehensive smoke-free law.
Dr. Mark Clanton
Austin, TX

Debunking Global Warming
It is amazing that so many people believe global warming is real and is caused by humans. This myth has been largely promoted by the major media that gives much attention to those who support it and very little to those who debunk it. 
For example, in December, U.S. Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma chaired a “Climate Change and the Media” meeting. He said that global warming is a hoax. The meeting received almost no major media attention.
At this meeting, Dr. David Deming, a geophysicist at the University of Oklahoma, stated, “I was contacted by a reporter for National Public Radio. He offered to interview me, but only if I would state that the warming was due to human activity. When I refused to do so, he hung up on me.” 
Deming also said that he received an astonishing e-mail from a major researcher in climate change that read, “We have to get rid of the Medieval Warm Period.” From about 800 A.D. to 1300 A.D. we had the Medieval Warm Period where the world was as warm or warmer than it is today. But, it is an obstacle to those maintaining that the current warming is abnormal. 
People who want to hear the other side can go to www.oism.org/pproject  for a scientific debunking of global warming. Also, listed are the names of more than 17,000 scientists, meteorologists, and other technical people who have signed a petition stating that there is no convincing scientific evidence to support global warming. 
Robert W. Van de Walle
Granada Hills, CA

Prescription Drug Abuse
There is a new and increasingly dangerous threat facing America, a threat that is getting all together too little attention: crimes associated with prescription drug abuse.
Young people are selling, or giving prescription drugs to their friends as a cheap high. Young people are often abusing these drugs under the dangerously mistaken belief that because they came from a reputable manufacturer, or were originally prescribed by a doctor, that they are safe to abuse.
Rapists are exploiting the effects of these drugs to make it easier to commit their terrible crimes. Law enforcement increasingly fears that they are drugging rape victims in hopes that it will make the crime less often reported and/or diminish the victim’s ability to help the prosecution build a winnable case.
Increasingly often people are mixing these drugs with alcohol, and then going out on America’s roads, thereby endangering untold thousands of our citizens by driving impaired.
When otherwise safe, legal drugs are used by other than those for whom they are prescribed, when sold or taken by people to get high, when used by rapists to aid in the commission of their vile crimes, or when abused by a person who then drives impaired, crimes are committed!
America’s law enforcement community is trying to sound the alarm on this dangerous threat.
Prescription medicines are prevalent in our communities and they are often converted into the illegal drug market.
Abuse of prescription sleep medications is on the rise: The United States Drug Enforcement Agency is concerned that prescription sleep medicines are quickly replacing GHB, Rohypnol and ketamine as the new date-rape drug. 
They are also becoming an increasingly popular teen party drug. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that the number of teens misusing sedatives has nearly doubled over the last decade; a survey revealed that 1 out of 14 high school seniors admitted to taking sedatives (without a prescription). 
Those who take these illegal drugs, mix in alcohol, and then drive impaired, are a danger to the entire community. About 3 out of 10 Americans will be involved in an impaired driver related crash. Drugged drivers kill. And yet, many states do not test for prescription drugs when processing those arrested for driving under the influence. 
When abused, otherwise safe and effective prescription medicines can be as dangerous as crack cocaine. Abusing prescription drugs can lead to terrible suffering, including memory loss, brain damage, rape and even death. 
Law enforcement officers understand first hand the needless pain and suffering caused by prescription drug abuse. Doctors, media and the public must come to realize that when people abuse prescription medicines they are committing a serious crime. 
Sadly, the courts, the media and the public often believe prescription drug abuse is not really all that serious. After all, it’s just a medicine or just a sleeping pill. Don’t be fooled.
Drug dealers are not just common criminals, they are often your child’s classmates passing out or selling their parents’ prescriptions. When dealers are caught selling this these drugs, it must be considered criminal behavior – the same as dealing meth amphetamine or crack.
Law enforcement believes public education and awareness -- combined with the support of the medical community, parents and the entire criminal justice system -- is the only way we can hope to prevent the needless loss of life and harm caused by the growing criminal misuse of these prescription medicines. The focus needs to be on the criminal actions of those who put our society in danger, not on the medicine they are abusing.
Parents need to be watchful for the signs of drug abuse in their children and they should guard their prescription medicines. All Americans need to stand with law enforcement and heed this wake-up call.
James J. Fotis, Executive Director, 
Law Enforcement Alliance of America, Inc.

Voting for a Few Special People
Like so many others, I am outraged by Congressman Kevin Brady’s continued disregard for public interest by voting strictly along partisan lines. By opposing the legislation before the New 110th Congress, he has voted against regular hardworking Americans, National Security and our senior citizens. His disregard for the common people; who represent the true backbone of this country, continues undiminished. 
By voting against the Fair Minimum Wage Act, he voted against the millions of working poor across the country. Everyone benefits when American workers can pay their bills and have money to spend. 
By voting against Implementing the 9/11Commission Recommendations Act, he voted against our National Security. Clearly, he would continue to leave us vulnerable to terrorist attacks than cross Party lines.
By voting against the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, he voted against our senior citizens. Frankly, it is about time that Congress strives for a sensible solution to the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs that so many of our seniors depend. Negotiated Drug prices would remove the red tape, penalties, limitations and loopholes written into the current Medicare Part D drug plan which was obviously designed to appease the drug companies and discourage enrollment. 
Given Congressman Brady’s record of closely supporting Bush’s policies, I have no doubt that he will continue to vote in favor of the richest 1% of this country, the mega-corporations, the ultra rich oil companies, insurance companies, telecommunications giants, media conglomerates, financial institutions and pharmaceutical companies. There is upcoming legislation that will remove tax breaks for oil companies. I suspect that he will certainly cast his vote against this legislation; knowing that those billions will be reinvested in alternative fuel development which will create new jobs, new industries and greatly reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, as well as foreign oil. How sad to think he will vote against the good of the people in this district, this state, this country and the environment.
Another critical piece of legislation is the Ethics Reform Bill which goes a long way in cleaning up Congress. I wish it were a bit tougher, but it is an excellent start. We can’t afford to suffer more corruption in Congress, regardless of which Party has control. Money and power just seems to change everything. 
Even as the New Congress passes these bills without Congressman Brady’s support, getting past President Bush’s veto pen will not be easy. Still, it is reassuring that the rubber stamping of the extremist Bush agenda no longer has the power it once had and the gap between the rich and the poor can slowly narrow. There is hope that this New Congress might actually perform much needed oversight regarding the staggering deficit that borrows against our children’s future, as well as the failures of our Middle East ventures with its unprecedented war profiteering. It is tragic that there are those getting obscenely rich while our men and women make the ultimate sacrifice, not to mention the needless death and destruction of an entire civilization.
It is up to us to make our voices heard beyond Election Day. We have an opportunity every day to let our Congressman know how we feel about these issues. The lobbyists certainly do. Every elected official is running for re-election every day. I urge you all to contact Congressman Brady’s office and urge him to cross the aisle on issues that truly support the public interest. 
“Let me submit to you that we are too concerned with horizontal politics in America today. Perhaps the people out there eating dinner tonight aren't as concerned about the horizontal politics of left and right, but with the vertical politics: are we lifting them up or tearing them down” - Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR)
Peggy Walton
Conroe, TX

Bush's “Surge” Budget 
Coming on the heels of humiliating defeats at home and abroad, President Bush persists in adding $100 billion more for the Iraq war and would cut billions from domestic programs.
National Priorities Project reports that the budget proposes cutting $13 billion in discretionary spending and billions more cuts restricting eligibility in Medicare and Medicaid. He also proposes to make tax cuts for the wealthiest 5% permanent, costing trillions over the next decade. 
Here's what the Honorable U.S. Representative, Kevin Brady, said in support of the “Surge” budget:
”Madam Speaker, watching television late last night, I was reminded of the vivid contrast between Congress and the war on terror. On the one channel I watched Members of the House theatrically debating this non-binding resolution, while the other channel showed an American chopper hit by a rocket, billowing black smoke, falling and killing all American soldiers aboard.”
Mr. Brady callously exploited this heart-rending vision of Americans dying to further Bush's remorseless adventure of mindlessly adding to the 3,169 already dead with possibly 21,000 more bodies while the Pentagon has been outrageously derelict in caring for those 23,417 already wounded. Brady lacks credibility due to the fact that he is one of those who supported this misadventure in the first place.
But this “representative of the people” still doesn't get it. Congress voted 246-to-182 against Bush's decision, reflecting the will of 75% of the American people who want to end American deaths in this maniacally mismanaged cause - not to add to it. 
Brady is one of Bush's dwindling gang of delusional neoconservative paper tigers that is running out of excuses. I pray it won't be long before the flag of phony self-serving patriotism with which they have wrapped themselves is torn from their shoulders and their dream of world hegemony is finally exposed as the insane apostasy it truly is. 
Bill Barnes 
Conroe, TX 

Roy Head O’MGod
I have been and still is a huge fan of Roy Head. So imagine when I found out Sundance Head is his son.....o'mGod! It just blew me away. Please tell me there is a chance to see Roy perform on the American Idol show!? When Sundance sang "Mustang Sally" it was so reminiscent of Roy. Will he sing your signature song, "Treat Her Right?" I think if Sundance remains in the roots of his daddy, he can win the idol. It is in his blood but he doesn't really know it nor how to unleash it. Please give him the guidance and influence he needs to become at least half the singer his father was....which will be a lot. Tell me what I need to do to get Roy Head to sing at AI and I am on it. He and Joe Tex was my teenage years. I use to live three blocks from Joe Tex's mother's house and see Joe Tex there all the time in Baton Rouge La, my birth place. He too like Roy Head was a terrific talent and loving caring people. God bless you and your son Sundance. 
Jackie
Texas

The Boy Could Go Big
I grew up in Crystal City. Been to Roy's home back in the 60's, with his cousins. Funny, I never really thought he sounded black....... my family was from Alabama....... that's just how people sounded. Sundance 
has a sound that tops his dad's on any day, a special quality that mother nature gave him. 
Sure hope he can get a manager that can lead him through a wonderful career. Something Dad was not able to let happen.
Simone C's interest was so peaked watching Sundance perform last week. 
Maybe he can pair him up with a star maker. I'm ready for the boy to go big.
Zuni
Central TX

Great Article On Roy Head
I was informed that Roy's son is in competition on American Idol. This inspired me to do a search for an update of the 60's rocker and it lead me to your article. The article, via Google, was dated today and I wanted to verify with you that it was recent.
Good job on the history of Roy, his background and I loved the James Brown
story. Where would be the best place and time to catch a Roy Head concert?
My friends and I loved watching him in the 60's.
Rick Vilines

We Can Only Hope
My husband was in Willis last week and picked up your newspaper. We were impressed with your editorial "You're Fired". 
Thanks for articulating this great perspective on our poor choice of a leader. Your conclusion resounds that we have to be more careful about choosing our next leader. We hope everyone is paying attention. 
Barbara Ewing

Las Fuentes
There seems no end to the shining patriotism that truly makes it worth it all that our soldiers have to endure for this country! My husband is a Staff SGT in the United States military and it melts our hearts every time we come into contact with a patriot who longs to thank my husband for the service that he provides this country. During drill in the Conroe area, my husband has experienced the gratitude of a few citizens who wish to express thanks in the way of picking up the tab for his entire squad. 
The last time this country displayed any appreciation for its soldiers though, was during WWII, which also happens to be the last time that American soil was seriously disturbed by the hand of a foreign enemy. It would be awesome if this patriotism were displayed every day whether in our country's crisis or in its flourishing. Before the most recent attacks afflicted our land, maybe one home in a thousand paraded our gorgeous flag, now it seems like one for every ten. There are so many thanks to give because our soldiers put forth more of themselves than most realize. Even reservists often lose their families, their careers, and even their mobility in the name of what our glorious flag stands for. 
Throughout the various thank you from individuals we have received for the sacrifice of my husband and his family, we have never once received a thank you from any single business until a restaurant in Magnolia (Las Fuentes) handed us our bill for the night. My husband happened to be in uniform and when he turned the bill over, his eyes watered. Our bill read precisely as follows: We hope you enjoyed your dinner. Thank you so much for your service to our country! In their eyes, my husband didn't owe a dime. The family that owns the restaurant was just so thankful that he has voluntarily taken a stand for what this country is all about!
No Name Given

Global Warming
Regarding Robert W. Van de Walle's letter to the editor last week :"Debunking Global Warming". I do not know if Global Warming exists or not. I have not done any research to make any claims. I must rely on the efforts of many other people and trust that their motives are pure and their conclusions are based on logic and fact. I do believe -unlike many of my fellow citizens- that man's actions can destroy this world. Author Michael Crichton' s book "State of Fear" debunks Global Warming while Al Gore's documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" debunks the debunkers. Who is right? Both are intelligent men who use other's data to make their point. Are they "cherry picking" the data that props up their views or does the truth lie somewhere in between their scenarios? What are the consequences for rejecting these two opposing ideas? If we agree with Crichton, does that give us license to continue to abuse this planet with abandon? If Crichton is wrong, what would be the price to pay? If we agree with Gore then we need to clean up our act right now. If Gore is wrong, what would be the cost? I agree more with Gore simply because I cannot see the downside to finding cleaner energy sources, reducing pollution etc. The main arguments against Gore's beliefs is that our economy cannot handle the actions necessary to implement his ideas. In his film he says we can do it- i agree. 
Rick Amburgey
Spring, Texas

The Globe is Just Fine
Early in February, the national news media informed America that the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had concluded the Earth had warmed and that human activity is “very likely” the cause.
There are two problems with this report. The first is that the UN document is a 21 –page “Summary for Policymakers” not the full report of close to 1,500 pages due to be released in May. And the second problem, of much greater importance, is that while it is correct to state that the Earth has warmed slightly in recent years, many competent scientists from various parts of the globe dispute the claim that humans have caused it.
In England, climatologist Duncan Wingham debunks the widely touted notion that Antarctica’s entire ice shelf is melting. In Denmark, space scientist Henrik Svensmark points to changes in the sun’s magnetic field as the reason for the warming, not mankind’s burning of fossil fuels. In the United States, atmospheric scientists Dr. Fred Singer of George Mason University, Dr Patrick Michaels of the University of Virginia and Dr. Richard Lindzen of Massachusetts Institute of Technology are only some of the scientists who claim that there is no evidence that humans are responsible for the small amount of warming.
Ed Suriano
Schenectady, NY

A Lump of Coal
For the past few months Central Texas residents have been battling against TXU’s proposal to add up to 16 new coal-fired power plants across the state, nine of which would have been within 50 miles of Waco.
Although it is well known that as Texas continues to grow, more energy will be needed, but at what cost to its residents? Are we willing to sacrifice our health or our future economic interests? 
State Representative Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco) took the lead from the beginning and began asking questions early, such as why did Governor Perry sign an Executive Order authorizing these plants to be “fast tracked”? What was the rush?
Thankfully, state District Judge Stephen Yelenosky agreed and ruled Governor Perry had overstepped his authority and the citizens most likely affected by the new coal plants should have the opportunity at least to learn more and voice their concerns before drastic measures were taken. 
As Representative Anderson commented, "I have said all along that we need more time to come up with the best possible long term answers for both our energy needs and our health needs. It is vitally important that we focus on the big picture to maintain clean air and strong economic growth for Texas."
In addition to Representative Anderson’s strong commitment to protecting our citizen’s health, he is now working on legislation to provide both incentives for clean energy initiatives and stronger research guidelines, which the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must use when analyzing future plants. 
Heart of Texas Young Republican President Josh Tetens noted, “Representative Anderson should be commended for seeking to represent and protect his constituents over politics, and I hope his colleagues in the House and Senate recognize the importance of passing legislation that addresses the concerns and priorities voiced by Anderson from the very beginning.”
As Representative Anderson said, “This is no time for us to relax or be lazy.” Although we have won a victory by slowing down the process in order to ask more questions and analyze more research, we must be vigilant and encourage our legislators to take a careful look at this issue. Whether it is Waco today or Midland tomorrow, we should not be willing to sacrifice our health and future economic growth without watchfully considering all of our options. 
I would ask that you each monitor this issue in your area and keep an eye on my website for future updates and alerts because as Representative Anderson believes, “It can be a win-win situation. We can have an adequate energy supply and clean air for our quality of life. We must, however, lead rather than react.” 
Gina Parker Ford
Waco TX

Barry Kaye
Barry has ALWAYS been awesome! Ask him if he still carries his "Pink Daddy Rabbit" card. Back when Barry was in Beeville, Texas, I was the president of his fan club. I have known Barry since he was Barry Keller of Corpus Christi, Texas. 
Tell Barry that I think of the old days often. Congratulations Barry on all of your amazing achievements. Oh, I still have my copy of "Feelings" - still the BEST!!!!! 
Melba Ohlenbusch Carter

Playing Poker
During the mid-night hours as the Senate was preparing to adjourn for the elections the Senate passed the Port Security Act. Senator Bill Frist attached the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) to the Port Security Act. Most of the Senators had already left the Senate floor, there was no debate or discussion of UIGEA.
The UIGEA does not make online gaming illegal, but rather prohibits the banks or credit card companies from using their services to fund gaming accounts. The Government has taken the position that online poker or gaming comes under the Wire Act of 1964. According to a Federal Court Decision the internet does not fall under the Wire Act.
Because of the Senate’s handling of the UIGEA and it includes online poker, like hundred of thousands of poker players I am displeased. Several surveys were taken prior to passage of UIGEA of those voters polled up to 70% did not want the bill passed.. What happened to the Government by the people for the people? All the online gaming sites are on foreign soil. In 2006 had online gaming sites been permitted in the U.S., the Government would have realized $3,OOO,OOO,OOO in taxes. Poker has reach a level .uh.edumoney. It has been estimated profits could reach 150,000,000,000 by 2025. There 50 million to 70 million poker players in the U.S. These players have been responsible for 65 to 70% of the profits on the foreign poker market.
I am a member of The Poker Players Alliance, a non profit organization comprised of online and offline poker players who have joined together to speak with one voice to ner165 Jessie Street, San Francisco, CA. 95050 415-975-0897 website at pokerplayersalliance.org e-mail Marketing Director at randy@pokerplayeralliance.org
The PPA seeks: legislation that will permit Casino or companies to operate online poker sites in this country. That sites be licensed and regulated to assure the fairness of play, and taxed. The above would cause a great increase in the number of poker players online, more profit more taxes.
Although the membership of PPA is 150,000, we still need more members. Our goal is one million for 2007. I ask you to let the poker players of Texas know of the PPA, giving them the opportunity to join us, at pokerplayeralliance.org and stand with us so our voice can be heard in Washington. It’s time America for poker players to united and show those in Washington that back door politics are unacceptable.
William W. Grey 
Fresno, CA.
w.grey@sbcglobal.net 

Governor Perry Again Kisses Butt
You have to wonder where it all ends... 
According to articles in various media publications, Gov. Rick Perry --- the "darling" of the medical and health care profession --- recently provided more taxpayer dollars to the industry. 
"Gov. Rick Perry awarded $12,000 in grants to the Texas Medical Board for continued regulation of medical practice in the state. This funding provides for additional personnel, investigation of medical malpractice cases, addressing cases scheduled for the State Office of Administrative Hearings, and expediting licensure of Texas physicians."
Hasn't the medical and health care profession received enough taxpayer dollars and made more than enough revenue thanks to the Governor's push two years ago to eliminate "frivolous" medical malpractice lawsuits? Certainly, we all know that all doctors are above reproach and are always perfect in their diagnoses and surgical operations, but isn't there a chance that one or two of them may cause serious damage to a patient? 
Oh well, not to worry! If Perry can't win the GOP Vice Presidency in 2008 he'll certainly be able to receive a lucrative position as lobbyist for the medical profession. 
The real concern for Texas taxpayers and the majority of individuals and families is that health insurance premiums and Rx medications remain unaffordable. We hear lip-service by the governor and legislators that they are aware of the problem and that they plan on working on resolving the problem, but to date little has been accomplished. 
In the new age where businesses are being permitted to eliminate health care programs for their employees or to charge workers for them, and in a more business-friendly Texas environment that attempts to attract more doctors and providers to the state, how in the "Wide, Wide World of Sports" can average Texans get affordable health care services and Rx medications? 
Include the issue with providing free health and emergency medical services to illegal immigrants and those lower-income Americans who cannot afford to pay for them, we have a real problem. Affordable health care is a major concern that requires immediate attention. 
So, will the Texas legislature review the urgent issue, act on it and resolve it? 
The past decade of legislative inaction and political turmoil tell the story --- it's doubtful any real, intelligent and earnest resolutions will come forth in the immediate future. 
After all, we Texas taxpayers wouldn't want the medical and health care profession to lose any of its precious revenue. One can only assume that the governor, legislators believe it's better to let Texans and their children suffer.
Peter Stern
Driftwood, TX

You Gringos Suck
Some people in the United States are all upset because Mexico is trying to help their people by providing a way to contact authorities if they are found in danger while crossing into United States. The fact is that Mexican people will continue to penetrate our country and no one, not even the Mexican government, can stop that. Let’s remember: Spanish people were in America hundreds of years before all other Europeans. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive in this “new world!” Yet some folks still fail to understand Mexican culture. 
In Mexico, human life is valued beyond our understanding. Unlike Texas and other states in our nation, Mexico doesn't practice capital punishment, killing citizens. When a Mexican citizen is to be executed outside Mexico, their country quarrels over the execution. 
Also, Mexico didn’t help in our war in Iraq because Mexico won't go out to fight other peoples’ wars (killing innocent women and children) without all the facts. Now we know, the United States Government didn’t have all their facts together. Many citizens now regret going to war in Iraq because Iraq didn’t have the weapons that were the reason for the attacks. 
While the U.S.A. currently fights other peoples’ wars all over the globe, Mexico is struggling to make peace with all countries. In spite of this (recently), some United States officials have been insulting and humiliating the Mexican people and Government. It reminds me of the Holocaust; sore losers always say that the others (more productive peoples) are taking all the jobs. All the same, we should never underestimate Mexico’s military power here and abroad. 
Samuel Cavazos
Weslaco, TX

El Presidente Bush
El Presidente bush paid a visit to his home country of Mexico today and gave his fellow citizens some encouraging words concerning their troubles with their neighbors to the north: "My pledge to you and your government, but more important to the people of Mexico, is I'll work as hard as I possibly can to pass comprehensive immigration reform," Too bad we don't have a president who cares about our people as much as El busho cares about his.
El shrubo was trying to sooth the worries of his superior- Felipe Calderon (another world leader "elected" under shady circumstances) who lambasted "w" by saying that "...both countries need to improve Mexico's economy to lessen the desire to seek work in the United States." 
This is exactly what I have been trying to say for years now! But we can't achieve this goal of making Mexico prosperous without the cooperation of the Mexican government and their citizens. Lord knows, Americans have done their part. We leave our borders completely open, we set up rest and water stations for the "pilgrims", we give them refuge in our churches (in exchange for their worship- AND their monetary support), we give them welfare, Social Security, free medical care, educate their children and we give them jobs and then -with the help of U.S. businesses like Western Union- show them how to send all their tax-free income back to Mexico. Our police allow them to break our laws with relative impunity. Those same police, under orders from our government, make sure that rival protesters like Cindy Sheehan are harassed and arrested so as to not interfere with our Latino "guests" as they march down our streets waving their Mexican flags and protesting American selfishness. 
Calderon also explained to El Presidente "w" why our drug war -in regards to Mexico- was not working. He stated: "Knowing that while we will not reduce the demand for drugs in a certain area, it will be very difficult to reduce the supply in ours." Translation: We won't stop supplying the drugs until you stop us. With friends like that ,who needs enemies?
It is obvious that the citizens of the U.S. have not done nearly enough for our wonderful neighbors down Mexico way. So here is what I propose: their schools teach their students (the ones that don't live here) that the U.S stole California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas from them years ago and it is their duty to "get them back". So lets give them what they want. It is just a token gesture on our part because Mexico has already successfully invaded these states anyway. Texas may have won the battle of independence but Mexico -with the help of people like "w","bleeding heart liberals" and "Lazy, rich Conservative Republicans" Mexico is going to win the war (and while we are at it, lets give the Louisiana purchase back to France). We can go even further to help El Presidente "w" help the people of Mexico. Soon, thousands of their trucks will be roaring down our interstate highways bringing desperately needed supplies to our beleaguered nation. Stay out of their way! We need millions more hard-working and proud Latino workers to show us lazy, fat Americans how to build a true "paradise on Earth" like they have done in Mexico. So c'mon America! there is more work to be done! Let's change our national language to Spanish, lets finish that 16 lane superhighway from Mexico to Canada so Canada can share our experiences! And for Heaven's sake, use more drugs! Mexico could use the money!
Richard Amburgey
Spring, Texas

Ann Knows Faggots
“Sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt you.” is a comforting phrase we heard from parents while growing up in the ‘40’s, ‘50’s and the beginning of the ‘60’s. Not so these days in our politically correct environment, where left-leaning media, sensitive, over-civilized folks, the ACLU and underemployed lawyers of every stripe are poised to pounce.
Ann Coulter was beaten up for using the six-letter “f” word by a whole crowd of people who purported to know what she meant by saying “faggot” which amounts to the third meaning of this word. A few decades ago, as a schoolyard taunt, it was usually meant to accuse another of being a coward, a wuss, one who folds like a bundle of sticks in a difficult situation, as it’s second meaning.. During that period, the word for someone demonstrating homosexual behavior was the adjective “queer.” Ann Coulter and the rest of us should defer back to the original word meanings. If Coulter was referring to pederasty among the Democratics, (they don’t like being called members of the Democrat Party) say that. If the reference was to a bunch of cowards, say that. If you’re talking about wood kindling for a fire, say that.
Long ago, back in the 300’s at the time of Thermopylae, according to historian Ephraim Lytle, assistant professor of Hellenistic history at the University of Toronto, the Greek verb “to Spartanize” meant “to bugger” when pederasty was a frequent target of Athenian comedy. Words have always been deliberately mis-applied from their original meanings by innuendo and by the pictures that certain words create in our minds. Isn’t it time we put the worst of these words back to their original meanings and debated whether we want our children to consider the behavioral acts inferred by these slurs as normal, or not, in our society?
Such word usage doesn’t need to be insulting, if incisive and accurate meanings are used without the hyperbole.
The target groups throughout history have often been the originators of their own self descriptive words or at least have adopted those words in their own discourse. Language has an almost infinite inventory of innocent words that groups hijack for their own use. “Gay” should again mean “happy.”
The word “gay”, a second meaning, was hijacked by homosexual behavioralists, probably from the Gay Nineties (1890) or perhaps during the Roaring 1920’s, I’m not sure.
There are many other words hijacked into the mainstream, some used mostly in Europe, like puff, Father-Hand-Bag, Feather-Duster, MoPed, “I’m going to the Queer Place” (for, “ I’m going to the Men’s Room”) and many more. I can think of one expression the pederasty practitioners should stay away from. Ireland is often referred to as “The Auld Sod” in song and verse. If the pederasty community hijacks this to mean an aging homosexual, there will be 40 Million Americans of Irish decent rioting and filing class action suits… faster than a bricked camel sucks up 30 days of water!
Once the words are out of the way we should look at the real issues. If the Congress of the United States can insist that they are against the war, but very much in favor of the troops, without turning into a pillar of salt like Lott’s wife, then it follows that there’s nothing objectionable about saying that being a homosexual is OK, but at the same time condemning homosexual behavior as immoral, wrong and anathema. General Peter Pace’s personal opinion is that homosexual behavior is immoral. Benedict XVI is of the same opinion and has recently directed that active homosexuals cannot enter the priesthood. Who can blame him when priestly pedophilia has cost the Church over a billion dollars so far. Unlike some “experts” who claim pedophilia and homosexual behavior are different things altogether, it looks like the Pope has figured out the connection.
Trying to gain better acceptance for homosexuals joining the priesthood, an organization called “Courageous” was started in 1990 by an Oblate priest of St Francis de Sales which encourages “chaste” homosexuals to pursue the priesthood. How successful or accepted it will be is yet to be determined. If heterosexual priests can be unmarried and chaste, why not homosexual priests. The Bulletin’s Word Power word today is “abstain”, the next issue’s word could be “pederasty.”
Ed Kelley
Elkins Park

Battered Voter Syndrome
For Those Suffering from This Debilitating Disorder, New Poll Suggests Recovery Has Begun. 
A recent poll taken at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C. shows conservatives are fed up with the current political regime and want a new batch of leaders.
The poll (ConservativesBetrayed.com) shows 82% of those asked think the Republican Party no longer represents them. The results of the poll are tantamount to a “no confidence” vote and come in the wake of the Republican Party’s stunning defeat in November.
“Like battered spouses, many voters held on, believing time and again the promises the Republicans made about limiting government, staying true to conservative ideals and getting the country back on track” commented Constitution Party (www.constitutionparty.com) National Chairman Jim Clymer. “For far too long voters endured the disappointment of years of broken promises from those they trusted. Now, it appears voters are quietly packing their bags, filing for divorce from their abusive political party and moving in with a party that has never strayed from its constitutionally-sound platform” Clymer noted.
We Won’t Be Fooled Again. The CPAC respondents also registered their disapproval of the so-called ‘front-runners’ the GOP is offering as presidential candidates in ’08. Close to 90% of those polled said they’d vote for the conservative standard bearer Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo over such hyper-liberal GOP darlings as Rudy Giuliani (24%) and Arizona Senator John McCain (16%). In fact, those asked said they’d vote for a third party candidate if McCain wound up being the Republican nominee. Texas Congressman Ron Paul-who has a 100% constitutionally-sound voting record, but is assiduously ignored by the Republican leadership, polled at a high 62%.
“It appears conservatives have had their hearts broken far too many times to sit quietly by and take another beating,” said Constitution Party Communications Director Mary Starrett. “Even the most trusting party loyalists have come to the embarrassing conclusion that it’s time to seek a dissolution, cut their losses and recoup what’s left of their political pride. That is why the Constitution Party has become the third largest party in the country. Disheartened voters leaving both “Big Box” parties are contacting us daily, flooding the political blogosphere with posts about their new home at the Constitution Party and visiting our website (www.constitutionparty.com)  in unprecedented numbers,” Starrett added.
Time to Move Out. “My view is that the Republican Party is beyond repair” commented author Tom Kovach. One cannot be for border security and vote Republican. The leading proponents of border security within the Republican Party — US Representatives Tom Tancredo and Ron Paul — are being virtually ignored by their own party”, Kovach lamented. Jim Clymer noted: “Now that voters recovering from Battered Voter Syndrome are discovering there is a way out after all, the Republican policy makers will have to realize they have no one to blame but themselves”.
The Constitution Party is the only party that is pro-life, pro-gun, pro-secure borders and pro-limited government.
Mary Starrett
Communications Director
Constitution Party

Here We Go Again 
In Iraq, we found that the Bush Administration waged a war on the cheap and gave most of the contracts to rebuild Iraq to their cronies, Halliburton for Cheney and any other company that supported Dubya for the '00 and '04 campaigns.The result? Billions of tax payers dollars stuffed into the pockets of these treasonous scoundrels. 
Fast forward to the Hurricane Katrina debacle. Once again, Cheney and Dubya awarding contracts to their cronies to rebuild New Orleans and many coastal cities in Mississippi. The result? Americans still waiting for assistance while the companies that got the sweetheart contracts from the Bush Administration making money hand over fist. 
And now, the outrage at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington,D.C. Once again, this Administration eliminating federal workers and replacing them with workers from their crony companies in the private sector. The result? The horror stories that we have been seeing on our TV every night, showing veterans with eyes, limbs, and other body parts missing from Iraq war wounds and receiving care that is deplorable at best! 
Now, I realize many Americans feel that as long as they put a "Support the Troops" decal on their SUV, they're covered as far as doing their collective part in supporting our armed services men and women. But, frankly, we all know that's nonsense and does nothing to assist our wounded servicemen. What we really need to do is raise holy hell and get our local politicians, Kevin Brady and Kay Bailey Hutchinson in particular, to get off their behinds and make a concerted effort to ensure that our wounded veterans get the care that they deserve. 
While I realize that many who have supported this ill fated war effort are chicken hawks and have not served this country, I think even they will agree that our troops deserve quality health care when they return from Iraq or Afghanistan. It is , indeed, the least we can do for these truly patriot Americans. 
Jim Farrell 
Oak Ridge North

Who Gets Hurt by Clean Air?
In the March 23 Bulletin, Robert W. Van de Walle's letter, “Debunking Global Warming”, he referred to a scientific paper called the “Petition Project,” published by the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, founded by Arthur Robinson , who acknowledges he has done no direct research into global warming. 
In April 1998, Robinson's Oregon Institute, along with the Exxon-backed George C. Marshall Institute , released a petition on global warming and the Kyoto Protocol that was so misleading it prompted the National Academy of Science to issue a news release stating, "The petition project was a deliberate attempt to mislead scientists and to rally them in an attempt to undermine support for the Kyoto Protocol.” (Source: smog.com)
The Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine is located on a farm about 7 miles from the obscure little town of Cave Junction, Oregon (population 1,126). . The OISM would be equally obscure itself, except for the role it played in 1998 in circulating a deceptive "scientists' petition" on global warming in collaboration with Frederick Seitz, a 95 year-old discredited scientist who was once president of the National Academy of Sciences. Seitz had been a director and shareholder of a company that operated coal-fired power plants and a medical consultant for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Source: New York Times 4/22/98) 
Affiliated individual -Sallie Baliunas, Linked to 9 Exxon-funded organizations;The George Marshall Institute co-sponsored with the OISM this deceptive campaign to undermine and discredit the scientific authority of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and to oppose the Kyoto Protocol. Thousands of scientists around the country received a mass mailing urging them to sign a petition calling on the government to reject the Kyoto Protocol. The petition was a hoax designed to mimic the journal of the National Academy of Sciences and had not been peer-reviewed, published, nor even accepted for publication in that journal. The Academy strongly disclaimed any connection to this effort and reaffirmed the reality of climate change. (Source: Union of Concerned Scientists)
The George Marshall Institute is a conservative think tank. In 1989, the Marshall Institute released a report claiming that "cyclical variations in the intensity of the sun would offset any climate change associated with elevated greenhouse gases." Though refuted by the IPCC, the report was very influential in influencing the Bush Sr. Administrations climate change policy. The Marshall Institute has since published numerous reports downplaying the severity of global climate change.
The Institute received $5,757,803 since 1985 from conservative foundations including the Castle Rock Foundation (Coors), Earhart Foundation, John M. Olin Foundation, the Sarah Scaife Foundation, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, and the Carthage Foundation. GMI has also received $630,000 from ExxonMobil since 1998. (Source: Exxon Secrets Database)
Spin: Blame the Sun. The Kyoto Protocol is fatally flawed.
The Petition Project resurfaced in 2001 and now is apparently being re-distributed to The Bulletin by Mr. Van de Walle for reasons known only to him.
The Exxon/Mobil Connection 
Scientists and economists were offered $10,000 each by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), an ExxonMobil-funded think tank to undermine a major climate change report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The AEI has close links to the Bush administration. (Source: Ian Sample
The Guardian UK 02 February 2007)
ExxonMobil paid out over $3.5 million dollars in 2005 to some 49 front groups that actively campaign, lobby and publish website material against policies to solve global warming. Some also work with skeptic scientists to discredit mainstream climate science. (Source: Greenpeace Research Department June 2006)
The American Enterprise Institute was the sponsor of the “Project for a New American Century,” authored by Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Richard Perle, Paul Wolfowitz and other key members of the Bush Administration along with the president's brother, Jeb Bush. The AEI advocated the U.S. invasion of Iraq and is currently pushing for war with Iran. (Source: Various papers published on AEI's website)
Related Corporation-Funded Front Organizations:
Global Climate Coalition
Founded in 1989 by 46 corporations and trade associations representing all major elements of US industry, the GCC presents itself as a "voice for business in the global warming debate." The group funded several flawed studies on the economics of the cost of mitigating climate change, including their 1997/ 1998 multi-million dollar advertising campaign against the Kyoto Protocol. The GCC began to unravel in 1997 when British Petroleum withdrew its membership. Since then many other corporations have followed BP s lead and left the coalition, an exodus climaxing in 2000 when DaimlerChrysler, Texaco and General Motors all withdrew.
Spin: Global Warming is real, but it is too expensive to do anything about. The Kyoto Protocol is fundamentally flawed.
Affiliated Individuals: Sallie Baliunas, Linked to 9 Exxon-funded organizations; and Frederick Seitz.
Science and Environmental Policy Project (SEPP)
Founded in 1990 by S. Fred Singer, SEPP has mounted a sizeable media campaign -- publishing articles, letters to the editor, and a large number of press releases -- to discredit the issues of global warming, ozone depletion, and acid rain.
Spin: Moreover, climate change won t be bad for us anyway. Action on climate change is not warranted because of shaky science and flawed policy approaches.
Funding: Conservative foundations including Bradley, Smith Richardson, and Forbes. SEPP has also been directly tied to ultra right-wing mogul Reverend Sung Myung Moon's Unification Church, 
Affiliated Individuals: S. Fred Singer, Frederick Seitz
Greening Earth Society
GES was founded on Earth Day 1998 by the Western Fuels Association to promote the view that increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 are good for humanity. GES and Western Fuels are essentially the same organization. Both used to be located at the same office suite in Arlington, VA. Until December 2000, Fred Palmer chaired both institutions. The Western Fuels Assocation (WFA) is a cooperative of coal-dependent utilities in the western states that works in part to discredit climate change science and to prevent regulations that might damage coal-related industries.
Spin: CO2 emissions are good for the planet; coal is the best energy source we have.
All of these bogus organizations represent big money corporations whose only goal is to stay big. Although the coal and oil companies are competing for their share of the energy dollar, they have a mutual interest in derailing Al Gore's “Inconvenient Truth.” The automobile and related companies are fighting alternate fuels and government restrictions because they want to avoid the challenge and expense of building a better, more fuel-efficient automobile.
Existing technology and fuels make it possible for us to enjoy cleaner but still affordable cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans today. Unfortunately, automakers are attempting to block these laws, and refuse to make the clean and affordable vehicles Americans want. That's why the vehicle engineers at the Union of Concerned Scientists have built the Vanguard, a minivan that meets global warming emission standards simply by using existing technologies and fuels, saving money at the pump while maintaining high levels of safety and performance. http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/vehicles_health/ucs-vanguard.html 
Rick Amburguey stated in his letter to the Bulletin, Global Warming, “I don't know if global warming exists but, I agree more with Gore simply because I cannot see the downside to finding cleaner energy sources, reducing pollution etc.”
As with almost everything else these days, if you follow the money that is fueling the “debunkers,” you'll soon learn what's behind the academic facade and where they're truly coming from. It isn't hard to discredit them no matter how impressive their academic credentials are. 
When tempted by the lure of bribes from Exxon Mobil Corp., an oil giant that has posted the largest annual profit by any U.S. company - $39.5 billion, it then becomes apparent that scientists can be bought the same as politicians. 
Like Rick, I fail to see the downside of Gore's argument, so why should honest sincere people fight him? Give him a chance.
As the wise old Jewish mother said on the questionable medicinal value of her chicken soup, “It couldn't hurt.” 
Bill Barnes
Conroe, TX 

May I Pray?
Thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court, this is a question asked by school administrators, parents, and children on a daily basis in Texas public schools. However, what is the answer? Who can pray, when can they pray, and most importantly, where can they pray?
To answer these questions, State Representative Charlie Howard (R-Fort Bend) drafted House Bill 3678: the Religious Viewpoint Anti-Discrimination Act. The bill is currently in the House State Affairs Committee, and it needs your help to move forward.
No longer will there be any guessing, as the bill clearly codifies the many constitutional ways a student or groups of students may express their faith at school and at school-sponsored events.
“This bill leaves no doubt that individual religious expression is permissible in schools in a wide range of contexts,” said Rep. Howard. “It is a win-win for students and school officials alike, both of whom are now uncertain how to navigate what has become muddied, constitutional waters.”
Whether it is the fear of a frivolous lawsuit threatened by the ACLU or simply confusion as to what the law allows, the Religious Viewpoint Anti-Discrimination Act will provide parents and teachers with much needed clarity without treading into the emotionally charged debate over the separation of church and state.
Houston attorney Kelly Coghlan, who in 1999 obtained the first federal injunction against a school district for disallowing voluntary, publicly-stated-student prayer stated, “Schools are not faith-free zones, and teachers shouldn't be asked to be prayer police. Rather, schools are required to ensure a level playing field in treating student's voluntary religious expression the same as all other expression. This bill settles the issue once and for all.”
Not only does this legislation provide guidelines as to what is allowed, but also it further explains what schools are permitted to do under the law. No longer will school boards be caught between the crosshairs of worried school administrators, angry parents, or a looming lawsuit.
I encourage you to contact your representatives and ask them to support House Bill 3678, to finally answer the question can I pray? 
Gina Parker Ford 
Waco TX. 

Red Chinese Yellow American Leaders
I wish to speak out against the ’trade’ with Red China being promoted in congress and local governments after these public officials have, of course, abandoned their posts and public trusts to be wined and dined on paid junkets to Communist China only to come back extolling the virtues of aid and trade to that evil regime whose government still refers to America as “The main enemy” and whose military continues to threaten us with their missiles built with Western technology supplied by our own treasonous leaders (remember Chinagate?). Red Chinas’ products have been shown to be produced extensively by forced labor from death camps, worse than those of NAZI Germany, implementing production through starvation, torture, and execution for failure to meet production quotas, not to mention Red Chinas’ reported forced abortions, traffic in human organs from political or religious prisoners killed to order, and the kidnapping of thousands of American prisoners of war from Korea and Vietnam for forced labor and unspeakably inhuman live ’medical’ experiments covered up by our leaders. The truth is that Communist Chinas’ so-called industrial boom has been subsidized by our tax dollars through the U.S. Export-Import Bank and other agencies to the tune of untold billions of dollars over the years. We must stop our treasonous leaders from continuing to finance our deadly enemies and instead get off the backs of American business so we can re-establish American supremacy and force the barbarians of Red Chinas’ government into oblivion and China will truly be free. I wish to urge all concerned citizens to see: www.JBS.org  (The John Birch Society (search: china trade) and PROTEST aid or ‘trade’ with Communist China locally and in congress.
Ed Nemechek 
Landers, Ca.

www.averysjourney.org  
A few months ago we were told that my son Avery has a rare disorder called Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) Syndrome. There are only approximately 200 - 300 cases in the world. The major disadvantages of CFC are permanent heart malformation, development delays, and mental retardation. We've known that there was something different about Avery from the time he was born, but we were never able to get a firm diagnosis from anyone. So while the disorder is very serious, we are actually relieved to know exactly what he has.
Since CFC is a genetic disorder, there is no cure for it. We have been told that our best option to improve Avery's quality of life is to get him as much therapy as possible. Since we have racked up a large amount of medical debt over the past 20 months taking care of Avery and we have used up all of the available coverage our insurance provides for therapy, that makes things difficult. We have been approved for Medicaid, but it has required me to stop working in order for us to meet the income requirements. This also makes it hard for us to work out our existing medical debt ourselves.
So, we are asking for donations in order to raise money to take care of Avery. We are planning a big bbq benefit to be held at Tumbleweed Texas on May 19th. We are trying to find companies to possibly help sponsor the event to make it as successful as we can. We have set up a website and forums at www.averysjourney.org  to provide more information about Avery's care. Anything you could offer us would be greatly appreciated!
Brandy & Jeremy Clark 

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