Letters from our Readers - October 2005

Crime As A Political Tactic
Recently, I had several weeks of mail stolen in what I believe was a politically motivated crime. In the previous two weeks before the theft, I wrote several blistering columns complaining about oil industry price-gouging, calling for the possible nationalization of the oil industry and urging the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. My brilliant co-host, Al Lawrence interviewed and aired an excellent segment with Cindy Sheehan from Crawford, Texas on a local radio station. The timing seems to indicate that the mail theft was connected to these events.
Democratic Talk Radio has been the victim of mail crimes in the past that were directly connected to politics. In July of 2001, we received an anthrax hoax letter mailed from Newark, New Jersey. It contained a brownish white, clumpy powder and a photocopy of a New York Post article (about Clinton firing missiles against Bin Laden’s forces in Afghanistan and Sudan after the US interests were attacked). Written on the photocopy was the statement, “you guys make me sick.” A couple of days later, we received a flyer from Huntsville, Texas with different handwriting on which was written, “have you been checked for anthrax, yet?”
Coming the same week that Democratic Talk Radio received around ten thousand pieces of hate email along with several telephone death threats, we ignored the letters. Of course, the deadly anthrax attacks that were aimed at elected Democrats and media outlets including the New York Post would not happen for several months when we received our anthrax hoax letters. Personally, I believe the same individuals were responsible. The handwriting seemed similar but we discarded the letters after a couple of weeks.
Democratic Talk Radio was being attacked by Neal Boortz on his nationally syndicated Right Wing (allegedly Libertarian but seemingly Republican) talk radio show. The Free Republic website seemed to be a center for Internet organizing by Right Wingers to harass Democratic Talk Radio with hate mail and vandalism of our website http://www.DemocraticTalkRadio.com .
It is still unclear what stealing our mail was meant to achieve. If the criminals involved wanted to see our political contacts or financial base, they wasted their time. We are very public about our political contacts. We have no financial base worth mentioning. I had largely funded our low, low budget activities out of personal funds. My personal activities and a personal injury from an accident collapsed my finances. 
I have my house up for sale and will soon be homeless in large part because Democratic Talk Radio failed to secure advertisers, sponsors or donations. We are now a bare bones operation largely funded out of the personal wages of my co-host, Al Lawrence. No Democratic or labor donors have been keeping us going in the past year.
I injured myself seriously in a construction accident last Fall and was unable to work for months. I had no health insurance and faced huge medical bills. Credit card debts went unpaid for months. You can see that I am personally concerned over health care policy, changes in bankruptcy laws and changes in debt collection practices pushed into law by the Bush Republicans. Politics does matter in how we live and survive. Voting is important to survival!
The mail theft will create serious personal business problems concerning working out debt repayment issues with creditors. Legal notices and important business letters are missing. It will occupy some time and likely cost this writer some money. It will not curb any of my political activities.
I am largely a writer, thinker and commentator on political issues. It costs little to write, think or talk. Crime will not silence my political activities unless I am murdered. So far, Pat Robertson has not publicly called for my assassination!
A nationally syndicated Democratic talk show host received a small bomb in their mailbox. Several years ago, a Democratic campaign headquarters in Tennessee was burglarized and a list of campaign donors was stolen. Last year, another Democratic headquarters in Ohio was burglarized and voter lists were stolen. It looks like Karl Rove and others in the Bush White House have committed crimes in the Novak-CIA Traitorgate affair.
We are all familiar with Watergate and the other political crimes of Nixon’s Republican operatives. This writer thinks that the Nixon approach to political crimes is alive and well in the Bush Republican political machine.
Stephen Crockett
Co-host of Democratic Talk Radio

The "Old" Mainstream Media
The "Old" Mainstream Media cannot seem to "self discipline" itself, even as it proceeds to self destruct what little credibility it 'may' still have. 
These (self described) reporters for the old media have made much use of the old cliché that this disaster has brought out the best and worst in people as they self righteously describe both types of behaviors of the Hurricane victims.
Sad to say though, it has only brought out the "worst" in the reporters and their Liberal cronies in the political and religious spectrum. Examples of their worst ranged from Kennedy Jr. blaming the President for the hurricane, to the prominent, (apparently insane}. Jesse Jackson, Jr., suggesting we threaten God with retaliation for bringing this disaster on the Gulf coast. 
To some folks that could be possibly suggesting we nuke the Pope. Frankly, I don't think we want any part of antagonizing anyone who could reign down such awful destruction in just a moment in time. Go right ahead Mr. Jackson, shake your fist at heaven, --just don't stand next to me when you do it.
But the worst of the Old Main Stream Medias and their political and religious cronies' behavior has been the incendiary and literally hate laced, race baiting criticisms being heaped on those who are coming to help the storm victims. If you rely on the media you would think there were no white victims and that New Orleans was the only place people were trapped and suffering.
Astoundingly the mayor of New Orleans has so far successfully avoided any responsibility by directing profane diatribes at "other" govt. officials. He of all people knew what would happen to those people if the canal gave way. He "rolled the dice" sending citizens to shelters without adequate supplies or security. The citizens lost big time.
Then there were those who inanely compared the response to our disaster with the help given to the Asian Tsunami victims. This was particularly stupid, especially in light of the logistical presence of our navy in Tsunami area, the lesser debris blocking access, and above all, the behaviors of the Tsunami storm victims themselves towards those who came to help them. They weren't shooting at their rescuers and mass looting, raping and robbing their fellow citizens. The reporting on the on the New Orleans violence was probably a substantial factor in discouraging many citizens who could and would have eagerly helped to assist the victims. Even the N.O Police ran from them.
We need to come down hard on these thugs who smear and tar the rest of the decent black and white community by their brutal criminal behavior. We need to come down even harder on the "Old" main stream media who seem to be anally focused on reporting the deeds of these thugs disproportionately to reporting the many heroic deeds and acts of charity by many of the storm victims and their rescuers. Instead of calm, steady, responsible leadership and reporting, we were treated to a spectacle of inciting, hateful invective from the usual suspects, the Liberal politicians, preachers and media shamelessly trying to gain political advantage even as people were dying and suffering.
Yes disaster really does bring out the best and worst in people. The abundance of heroic and charitable acts more than offset the criminal behavior by some of the victims of this disaster. And by criminals I'm not talking about those taking food and water--try guns' and electronic equipment etc.
Unfortunately that wasn't the case with the Old Main Stream Media and their Liberal Cronies; they only presented their tiringly predictable worst side, like hovering vultures always trying to gain political advantage from tragedy instead of providing leadership. As the "Old" main stream media looks back on this opportunity to rise above the political fray and help, they will see the bow of the ship that carried their last opportunity to regain credibility sinking into the sewage and toxic waste of that once beautiful city called New Orleans.
When it's over their will be enough blame to go around, so stop the cheap shot blame game and become part of the solution as so many "ordinary" citizens are heroically doing, instead of being part of the problem... You may think your smarter than the average citizen your trying to manipulate, but your shrinking readership and viewer ship says otherwise.
Paul Lebedzinski
Huntsville, Texas

Dangerous Idiot
Your editorial correctly describes Pat Robertson as an idiot, but he is also a dangerous idiot. Pat Roberstson, along with Jerry Falwell, and James Dobson are the axis of evil IN America. They are the unholy trinity. They are a bigger threat to America's freedom than Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden and Hugo Chavez because they are determined to breakdown the wall that separates religion from our government.
Their insistence that America is a Christian nation, a theocracy, is frightening. We now have a foretaste, a preview of what America would be like. These three condemn the Islamic Taliban, but they are in effect and practice their counterpart. They are the Christian Taliban that desires to enforce its legalistic beliefs on others. They are systematically engaged in destroying the public school system that has served America so well, and wanting our government to subsidize religious schools with public money. This issue of using public funds for Christian schools came up early in our country's history and was discouraged and stoppd by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. 
They insist on pushing prayer in public schools. Thanks to the Constitution our government can't keep you from praying in your church. synagogue or mosque. Jesus taught his disciples to pray in privacy and he practiced what he taught. Jesus said the reward of those praying in public to be seen of men would be they are seen of men. But God will hear and reward those that come humbly to him in private prayer. 
Parents have the responsibility to teach and encourage their children to pray before they leave for school, pray in the privacy of their minds during school and pray at home after school and before they go to bed at night. No government can invade the privacy of a believer's mind. 
The unholy three's hatred of homosexuals is akin to that of Nazi Germany who sent homosexuals to concentration camps to be murdered. The New Testament teaches homosexuality is wrong, but the early church had FORMER homosexuals as members according to 1Cor. 6: 9-11. Paul mentions homosexuals in a long list of other sinful behavior that includes, greed, but he concludes with "and that is what some of you were". What the unholy trinity ought to concentrate on and denounce with equal vehemence is greed and especially the greed of corporate America. What is inconsistent is that the ""unholy three" Taliban in our country are pushing hard to add an anti-homosexual amendment to our constitution but find an equal rights amendment for women anathema. They call women in women's organizations Rush Limbaugh's enduring, loving term "femi-Nazis." 
Move over women of Islam and very soon thanks to the American Taliban American woman will have as much rights as you have. The "axis of evil" is so concerned about life destroyed in abortions but so unconcerned about the lives of our American military and Iraqis that are being destroyed by an unnecessary war. Pat Robertson is so concerned about human life that he advocates the assassination of another country's leader. There goes Jesus teaching of "Love your enemies." 
Talking heads on radio and TV and the writers of columns in the print media have a new term "Islamo-fascism" that they have coined to get people to believe that Islam is a threat to America and the world. They can't use communism as a scare tactic any more so they have coined "Islamo-Fascism" as the new "bogeyman" that threatens America's and the world's freedom. Someone should ask for a definition of fascism, and Islamo-fascism. Benito Mussolini , the founder of modern fascism defined "fascism" as "corporatism." That is when government and corporations join together to rule. Think of the lobbyists that are in the aisles of our congress openly buying our congressmen. Think of tax free corporate foundations or "think tanks" that exist solely to establish corporate legislative agendas beneficial to corporations Is it possible that Christiano-fascism is a bigger threat to America? 
One can go on and on about the "axis of evil", "the unholy trinity", the Christian "Taliban" in our country. They deserve to be called idiots but idiots can be dangerous. The "three stooges" of the Christian right should be laughed out of existence but they are not funny. Their Pharisaical, self-righteouus religious arrogance will inevitably lead to this nations destruction. An American patriot said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." 
America we need to wake up and focus on what is occurring in front of our eyes. Think America! Those who preach morality are the most immoral. 
Mary Kosmitis

Open Letter to Congress
Our government is hurtling towards bankruptcy. If one examines the actuarial projections for Medicare, Social Security, and Bush's new prescription drug plan, it is clear that each of these programs is really nothing more than an unstable Ponzi scheme living on borrowed time.
These gargantuan costs are being incurred in the backdrop of a government that is dedicated to maintaining military forces in over 120 nations across the globe.
When you "do the math," the government's balance sheet makes Enron look like Warren Buffet.
It is time for you, as my representative, to immediately cut the federal budget by 50%. Your spending is ruining the country. Your so-called war-on-terrorism is making us a lot less safe. The police state you are establishing with the mis-named Patriot Acts and your tolerance of torture as government policy are guaranteeing that our children will live under tyranny. 
STOP IT NOW. 
Mike Ford 
Austin, TX

America At Risk
The suicide bombings in Iraq could break out anywhere in America at any time. 
There are 1209 Islamic mosques in America teaching Muslim law. Muslim law divides the world into two entities, daru l-islam, the abode of Islam, and daru l-harb, the abode of war. Jihad, battling against the abode of war, is a duty for Muslims. The jihadist who dies in the battle against the infidels becomes a martyr, a shahid, and is guaranteed a place in Paradise where he will enjoy eternal sexual favors from his harem. 
Muslim law is behind England Prime Minister Tony Blair's recent call for deportation of Islamic fundamentalists. Freedom of religion does not cover murder. America, you are at risk also. 
Solamen David
Nacogdoches, Texas

Conserving On Compassion
Barbara Bush's remarks in the Sept.7 Chronicle Vignette section show her lack of compassion and understanding of other people's misfortune. If her home had been destroyed by a flood, she could afford a first class hotel room, not have to be jammed into a sports arena with no privacy, familiar surroundings, income or all the other
things we all take for granted. 
Putting on a denim shirt and showing up for a photo op at the shelter does not make her an expert on the situation. She has no idea of how they lived before, so how can she pass the judgment that they are 
now better off? I'm sure she has seen "The Wizard of Oz", but the message was lost on her: There's no place like home. (be it ever so humble).
Now we know that the lack of feeling is genetic, since her son continued his vacation and gave no attention to the 
disaster for three days. Perhaps he was reading "My Pet Goat" to see how it ended.
Mary Kosmitis
The Woodlands, Texas

Democrats Trying To Destroy The American Way
It's been awhile since I've looked at the "Letters to the Editor" section of the Bulletin.
I'm sad to say, not much has has changed. After reading letter upon letter from the supposed intelligentsia elite (insert liberal here), it's not hard to see why the liberal Democrats are not in power. Such mean spirited and rabid lock-step denunciation of George Bush only shows them up for what they truly are … out of touch. I can’t wait to read what else they blame on him (while they blithely ignore the role of the Democrats in trying to destroy the American Way).
Larry L. Melton
Conroe, TX

Montgomery High Recruiting
Just found out there are Military Recruiters at Montgomery High School. Supposedly they can set up their tables and hand out information at lunch time but not approach the students. But they are approaching. 
Spoke with Mr. Morrison's office, could not give me a reason why the recruiters are allowed on campus. Mr. Morrison was going to check at lunch time today to see if the recruiters are approaching the students. However, I am certain the recruiters will not be as pushy if Mr. Morrison is around. 
Mr. Morrison is suppose to call me back. The next school board meeting is September 20, 2005 at 7 P.M. at 13159 Waldon Rd, Montgomery....Mr. Alan Smith's office is 936-582-1333. Have called school, administration office and no one knows why these recruiters are allowed in the school. 
Would you have any information as to why this is allowed? 
Linda Woode

One Person Can Make A Deference
After faxing over the Section 9528 with the Government letter explaining it to the Superintendent Dr. Smith and to Mr. Bob Morris. Got a call this a.m. They are knocking the recruiting access to two days a month. Took the sign pointing to the office down yesterday. I am in shock ! 
Mr. Morris said no other recruiters, college or employment have asked to set up information tables. Hmmnm. 
Willis school district said, "we have an arrangement with the military, thats why we allow them in every day." Still waiting to hear from that Principal. But since it is not my district, I am out of luck. 
Conroe's legal department sent me to the government website for the information.. her comment was, " I am a mom too." They only allow recruiters on Career Day. 
Please try to print my letter that I mailed yesterday so those who read The Bulletin will know what is happening in their schools. 
Linda Woode

Katrina 
After reading the “Letters to the Editor” online this Sunday morning, I was compelled to reply. I am not a political activist or writer and would rather spend time getting ready to watch the Texans. However, there are so many misinformed I feel compelled to add some opinions and facts. 
Let me begin with the Louisiana Hurricane Evacuation Plan (search), which is what the mayor and the governor were supposed to follow. One key provision in that plan states, "The primary means of hurricane evacuation will be personal vehicles. School and municipal buses, government-owned vehicles may be used to provide transportation for individuals who require assistance in evacuating." 
But those government vehicles were not used on a large scale to get people out of town. Instead, Governor Kathleen Blanco (search) and Mayor Ray Nagin (search) decided to allow New Orleans residents to stay if they wanted, even though a mandatory evacuation order had been issued by the mayor about 14 hours before the storm hit.
The key to emergency management starts at the local level and expands to the state level. Emergency planning generally does not include any federal guarantees, as there can only be limited ones from the federal level for any local plan. FEMA provides free training, education, assistance and respond in case of an emergency, but the local and state officials run their own emergency management program.
The Red Cross was reportedly ready to deliver food, water and other supplies to flood-ravaged refugees who were sweltering inside New Orleans' Superdome last week - but the relief was blocked by bureaucrats who worked for Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco.
After asking and getting the federal government to declare the hurricane zone a disaster area two days before the storm hit, the governor failed to send any National Guard troops in to secure New Orleans and the surrounding parishes before the storm. Why?
The Bush administration has approved more federal funds for flood control in LA than any other administration. The voters of LA should ask their democratic Senator Mary Landrieu where this money has been spent and what legislation has she introduced to improve flood control.
The Democratic Party has run the state of Louisiana for many decades. Now, after gross negligence and failure, the Democrats, and left wing liberals, want to blame President Bush and all Republicans. Under Democratic leadership New Orleans has remained a city in poverty waiting for a disaster to happen. I think it is time for the voters of Louisiana to wake up and elect people to govern on qualifications and not on party alone.
I think we should all be appalled and run out of office, any politician, at any level, that tries to exploit this natural disaster for political gain.
In closing, I urge everyone to become more informed. It is impossible to do this by only reading or listening to one or two news sources. In addition to the Houston Chronicle and CNN, which are very liberal, I urge you to watch Fox News and listen to conservatives like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.
Also, go online and search any subject that is of interest and you will get both sides of the issue. By listening to both sides we can try to extract the facts and make up our own mind on what is best for our great nation.
Ben Bryant
Willis, TX

Federal Welfare For Big Business 
In a day when we are striving to send men and women to Mars, it is interesting that we still have not found a cure for Cancer or Heart Attacks. It seems that the government of the people and for the people is really a government for big business and the rich. As Americans die in the United States, Bush spends Billions,,,, Billions on a fake war he uses to provide Federal Welfare to the multinational oil companies.
His war is not for the benefit of the Iraqis and democracy but only a means to justify his own wealth and the wealth of his friends. The people of the United States are not the friends of George W. Bush but rather pawns in his effort to continue world dominance by the minority rich. Every time George Bush lies he gives a little smirk and he knows that the citizens of the US have their heads in the sand and cannot get beyond the policies of the Hippocratic rightwing conservative minority, even if it means their life, health, wealth and happiness.
George W. Bush uses incidents to justify his programs of domestic spying, civil rights destruction, Christian dominance, vaulting wealth for the rich, destruction of the US middle class, increased poverty and destruction of the true American Ethic and way of life. We as citizens of the United States of America need to become better educated and take an interest in domestic politics or we will die because we lack the convictions to get up and stand policies that contribute to the increased vitality of ourselves. We have allowed the political machine to grow into a menace of individuals who feel they are above the common people and should be treated as royalty, not as servants of the people. 
It is the fault of the American People that we find ourselves in a situation where our personal freedoms have been so diminished and the cost of living is exceeding our ability to live. It is the fault of the American People that healthcare, fuel, food and other necessities cannot be purchased because income levels have gone down while corporate CEO's income, plus bonus, have increased by leaps and bounds; even if their corporations show no profits or are in decline. We, the people, as the real government have to take responsibility for the political decisions and the representatives we elect. If we do not take an interest in our own government then the American of democracy is doomed to fail. 
M. Strozier
Conroe, TX 

The Bullpen
The 'Bullpen' column is very aptly named. Often, it is full of liberal BS.
Tom Noble
Lake Conroe, Texas


No Power For The Poor
I am appalled at this situation we have on our hands.
I live in Shadow Bay in Willis. For those of you unfamiliar with the layout, Shadow Bay is a mobile home community located off of FM 1097 on Longstreet. 
From what I've heard and seen, Bentwater and Point Aquarius, two affluent neighborhoods that are between half a mile and a mile away have both had their power restored. What's worse, the residents off of Dairyland Drive, a street DIRECTLY off of Longstreet, had their power restored as of 10:30 on the night of September 25th.
Today, we still have no power in our neighborhood.
Have any other residents noticed a trend in the restoration of power? It seems as though the low-income neighborhoods have been ushered to the side of Entergy's power restoration schedule. I'm not naive and I understand class systems, but this is getting absolutely ridiculous. I have family members that live on County Line Road, but because it's the "low income" area of County Line Road, they were informed they might not see power for two weeks or more. The same goes for African Hill Road. These three areas have elderly people and children in them and seeing as how most of these families live paycheck to paycheck, we couldn't seek a hotel room even if one was available. 
This hurricane was a tragedy.. But not to every area of Montgomery County. I understand that the energy companies are doing all they can to restore power, but that's not the issue at hand here.
The low-income citizens of Montgomery County are treated so poorly that it borders on abuse. We're looked down upon, spat upon, and treated as though we're a particularly odious stain on the shoes of the upper class.. And it's overlooked because Montgomery County ascribes to the "good ol' boy" political system. And there is no room in that system for people who live paycheck to paycheck.
My father is a heart patient that needs to have electricity. We need to be able to contact an ambulance should something go wrong, and we need to have power so he can use his breathing treatment machine. Those things are irrelevant, apparently, because Entergy informed us it could be up to a week before power is restored to our area. Actually, no, it will be a week before power is restored to SHADOW BAY, as our "area" is fully powered.
I hope that the higher-income families take note of this and realize how fortunate they really are. As if it weren't enough that we're left to fend for ourselves as far as security and road issues go, now we're being collectively slapped in the face because of Hurricane Rita.
For shame, Montgomery County. For SHAME.
Amy M. Vollert
Willis, TX

Failed Presidency 
I haven't read such b------t since the election campaign. Having gone through numerous hurrices and huurricane warnings in Florida I am aware that the responsibility to protect the citizens of a city or state begins with the mayors and the govenors. The federal government cannot act until the govenor of a state asks it to. Govenor Blanco was indecisive and failed the citzens of her state as did Mayor Nagin in New Orleans. How many people from the ninth ward could have been saved if the mayor had used the busses which were flooded? Answer me that one. Where did all the money the Clinton and Bush administrations gave Louisiana and New Orleans to upgrade the levees go? Why weren't the people of New Orleans instructed to have 3 days of water and food an hand as we were told to do by govenors Bush and Perry. I guess republican govenors can read there disaster preparedness manuals. Get your facts straight. 
PRH
Georgetown, Tx.

Bush is an American Idol
Good Morning America it is now time to get in the groove for the real thing. Let's not blame the problems of all the American people on one President for action's of the weather and it's wrath upon us in the USA.
More than one President's actions and actions of many other elected officials are a direct result of this country's problems starting with 911. I really give our President credit for being able to face the media and the American public every day since this nightmare started. I would say he is a real American Idol after all. At least he does not lack the will to look into the camera or speak to the American public. He can only be as strong as those whom work for him and whom he depends on to get the job done.
The Governor of North Carolina stated today 9-27-05 on Fox news that even the best plan did not prepare for the evacuation of so many people and where to put them all and care for them.. There would have been a break in comunication anyway and the system would have failed.. It has really never been done in American history before. I say we learn from our mistakes and try not to let it happen again. 
Our President is swiming in a sea of sharks and each and everyone of them want to take a bite out of him for things he has no control over. Truly this was not a consequences of his damage but of Katrina and Rita's damage. Not to mention misguided and irresponsible actions of former elected officials before him lets not say he is a fallen Idol but and injured one who hurts just like the rest of us do and needs time to heal. The fall out can be really rough on any human being even a President of the United States of American.
Reta Clayton
Online Reader

Are You Black Or An Idiot?
I am curious...Are you a Democrat, a black person, a card carrying member of the ACLU and among Jesse Jackson's cult of followers? 
Or perhaps you are simply an idiot who does not follow and pay attention to the facts, the truth and the chain of command procedures of our government? 
President Bush is doing his job and taking crap from people, like you, who have some cruel political agenda. 
President Bush warned Governor Blanco of Louisiana of the dangers and offered her National Guard troops. He advised her to order evacuations. 
She said Louisiana didn't need troops and that she would need 2 days to study Hurricane Katrina BEFORE she could make a decision. This was on the 27th of August. 
Ray Nagin, the filthy mouthed and corrupt mayor of New Orleans had a responsibility to his city to protect them and keep them out of harm's way if at all possible. 
He failed and continues to fail. 
Instead of helping the sick, the elderly, the handicapped and the poor obtain transport out of the city, he did NOTHING but bitch and complain, point the finger and blame everyone except himself and he used profanity and explicit language to add the sour icing to the cake! 
Even after Katrina had passed and he was repeatedly warned about allowing the residents to return to New Orleans, thick with bacteria, stench and unsanitary conditions, he whined and wailed and gnashed his teeth that New Orleans had to get back to rebuilding the city and bringing in "revenue". 
President Bush CAN NOT do anything without the approval of congress and he never makes a move without consulting every person holding an office in his cabinet. 
President Bush did not start the war in Iraq.He did, however, refuse to allow America to remain victims and he did stand up to a horrible tyrant and dictator. 
President Bush did not cause the gasoline problems we are now facing, nor does he have the power to control the resources or the prices. America and her people have caused the gasoline problems by buying gas guzzling autos and using no self preservation, paying no heed to conservation and caring little about tomorrow or the state we will leave this world in for the next generation. 
Finally, if President Bush were at fault for the Katrina and Rita Hurricane problems, then why in the hell did we even bother to elect a governor, a mayor, senators, representatives, and so forth? 
Kathleen Blanco is an idiot and often reminds myself and fellow Texans living along the Texas-Louisiana border of a crack head or someone seriously altered by meth! She is a puppet. 
Ray Nagin is another idiot with a filthy mouth who repeatedly shows his lack of moral and mental intelligence by allowing his mouth to run without restraint. Many of my fellow Texans, as well as many Cajun relatives belief that Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco are either siblings or intimately involved as that much corruption and stupidity could only come from blood or spending too much time together. 
Isn't it odd how less than one month later the next door neighbor to Louisiana was hit by Hurricane Rita and the mayors of Houston, Galveston, Port Arthur, Orange, Beaumont, as well as Lake Charles, Louisiana saw fit BEFORE the hurricane was near land to evacuate their residents and do so with grace, integrity and as much organization as a potential disaster evacuation would allow. 
And isn't it sad that just this morning Lake Charles, LA residents were saying, "Shut up about New Orleans and quit fighting. We need help here. New Orleans did not take a direct hit from Katrina. But we took a direct hit from Rita." Watch your television and see my fellow Cajuns, (Yep! there are many of us in Texas!), handle the Rita disaster without blaming race, President Bush or the government! 
Oh, and while our highways were jammed and the exodus from southeast Texas was a long and trying ordeal, none of us were caught unaware and none of us were left behind because no one bothered to help us evacuate. 
Our soldiers fight for our freedom and our safety so that people like you can maliciously and falsely attack anyone at any time. 
My 20 year old nephew died In Desert Storm for people like you and me. 
My 19 year old Army Specialist son is fighting for us now. 
Perhaps you should be turned on to God and say a prayer of thanks for all that YOU have and are allowed because some young soldier has shed his blood, given his life and/or is prepared to do so. 
J. Chandler of Shelby County, Texas and originally of Liberty County, Texas with relatives and ancestors from Sabine Parish, Louisiana, Houma, Louisiana, and Pass Christian, Mississippi. 

How Mothers Feel
He needs to know how Mother's feel when they lose their sons and if he had son's ,would he send them to the front. I doubt it.He dropped the ball in the hurricane with Katrina and should feel guilty for all those deats. Needs to wipe the smirk off his face. Feel sorry for him because he has a lot to live with.
Jean C. Frederick

You Should Be Car Salesman
Dear editor of the Bush bashing article - I think you would make a good car saleman (at least it would be better than trying to sell hogwash).

You Aren't Worth A Flip
The article about a "false idol" is just one man's opinion which isn't worth a flip.

I Enjoy Your Words
Hi, I am an Artist I live in Washington, DC. I am currently working on a Time Capsule on Canvas It is eight by twelve feet! I am Chronicling all things human kind, From the Mesopotamia era to present. I enjoy to say I am obsessed with the substance of thought and love constant beauty! 
I enjoy your words. 
James K Brock
Washington DC 

You Must Ask For Help In The Proper Manner
you can give your opinion but not the opinion of others. you are very limited in your knowledge of government and our laws. help must be requested before it can be given by the federal government and it was the locals who were too stubborn to ask for it in the proper manner. perhaps they share what i believe your mentality to be. if the federal government were allowed to just step in - for one i remember hitler. i prefer a democracy. i do not know what the delay in accepting help was by governor blanco and the mayor of new orleans but they havent veered one might. the mayor is allowing people to return to extremely unhealthy surroundings. how do you feel about him endangering lives in that manner? 
sissy

We Are Unsubscribing
You are a disgrace to journalism. You and the Mayor of New Orleans wouldn't know the truth if it hit you in the face. Thanks to the likes of you we are unsubscribing to this website.

News Or Hate
I am not big bush fan. However, the article Fall of a False Idol is a prime example of the ignorance of the public and media as to the workings of our own
government. I am sick of reading articles and watching TV about how much a reporter hates the democrats or the republicans with no real meaningful facts or solutions. Please start a movement to report facts and give solutions in stead of just being a forum for
haters!

Great Article
Wonderful sumerazation of mr bushs presidensie. I was once from texas
and some things never change with a person.

Grove For The Real Thing
Good Morning America it is now time to get in the grove for the real thing. Let's not blame the problems of all the American people on one President for action's of the weather and it's wrath upon us in the USA. More than one President's actions and actions of many other elected officials are a direct result of this country's problems starting with 911. I really give our President credit for being able to face the media and the American public every day since this nightmare started. I would say he is a real American Idol after all. At least he does not lack the will to look into the camera or speak to the American public. He can only be as strong as those whom work for him and whom he depends on to get the job done.
The Governor of North Carolina stated today 9-27-05 on Fox news that even the best plan did not prepare for the evacuation of so many people and where to put them all and care for them.. There would have been a break in comunication anyway and the system would have failed.. It has really never been done in American history before. I say we learn from our mistakes and try not to let it happen again. 
Our President is swiming in a sea of sharks and each and everyone of them want to take a bite out of him for things he has no control over. Truly this was not a consequences of his damage but of Katrina and Rita's damage. Not to mention misguided and irresponsible actions of former elected officials before him lets not say he is a fallen Idol but and injured one who hurts just like the rest of us do and needs time to heal. The fall out can be really rough on any human being even a President of the United States of American.

Your Words Ring True
Your strong words unfortunately ring true.
It is hard to imagine a greater loss in confidence.
Lisa A. Pineau
Chaplain, Major, USAF, Ret.

Thank You
Somebody has come forward with the truth about our president which has "done so much for this country". Having him in office has been a mistake. I know I'm only one of many people that have known this from the beginning. Too bad something even more tragic than 9/11 had to finally reveal his true colors to everyone else in the country.
Suzanne

The Real George Bush
I find that your article is right on the money when it comes to who the real George W. Bush Jr is and the fact that he has lied to the people of the United States not only in this 4 year term of his Presidency but He miss lead America in His first term as well. To me we need to do what is being done to the Major of Spokane in Washington State and that is to recall his election to office if that were possible. But sense it problemly is not, than maybe congress should look into impeaching him for the lies he told congress to go to war in Iraq during his first 4 year term. I never voted for Bush Jr to become president either time, and I still wouldn't vote for him. To me he has lied to Americans from the very beginning and continues to lie to the American people, and he will continue to lie until the end of his presidency. The news media Clintion vice president a puppet of Clinton's, but to me it is Dick Cheney who is George W. Bush's puppet doing what every Bush tells him to do and we don't need Cheney as the next president to continue to run down the United States as Bush is doing. 

Humpty Dumpty
What did a great prophet say about a great nation being led by the village idiot? Hmm seems he knew something. So was it the clone of the present busy that day? Maybe his promptor finally gave out. 
All will be revealed, no lie will go unturned. 

Death Threat
your going to hell, and by publishing leftist bombast like that, it isnt a question of when you are going there, but who gets the pleasure of sending you on your way.. .democrats never have and never will run this country because the party is based upon a bunch of spineless, incompetent twits

Can you say, Cronyism?
MSNBC reported today that Bush is now preparing a short list of candidates to fill Alan Greenspan's position at the end of this year. Bandied about for the position of Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, are more of his cronies. Most of them are, or have been, his economic advisers. Say it isn't so!!?? 
Surely the next economic czar won't be someone who is responsible for the country's recession, the spiraling deficit, record unemployment, etc.? 
If only Bush would act so swiftly when the country is confronted with disasters.
Come to think of it, it looks as though he's responsible for many of them, and in typical Bush-whacked fashion. he's about to create another one. 
J. Werner
The Woodlands

Bush and his incompetents must go
I have heard comments in the medial concerning "there will be time later to point fingers." I beg to differ. James Robbins, Editor of the conservative National Review, chief tax cutter, was on C-span at 6:00 a.m., Saturday morning, apologizing for Bush, laughing and grinning, saying things like "it could be worse," "help is on the way," the troops in Iraq from the Gulf Coast 
wouldn't make a difference in rescuing people." His was an absolutely disgusting performance.
We should point fingers now while tempers are sharp and feelings run high.
This was a disaster. I blame it on an incompetent president and a corrupt administration, corrupt like a bad computer file. The tax cutters crow about pennies in your pocket but never mention the huge loss of services as a result of the tax cuts. This slow response is Bush's responsibility. He named his campaign manager as head of FEMA, as if it's a patronage position. He is not qualified, his only experience is assistant city manager, hardly qualifies him to run FEMA. He is not qualified and yet Bush appoints him as a political reward.
Bush and his incompetents must go.
Dan Lavielle
Seattle, Washington

Incompetence At The Top
Well written. I lived in New Orleans for 30 years and the response from the Bush Administration is appalling……but not surprising. If this catastrophe or one like it had happened in Texas, the story would be much different. Bush doesn't have a clue of what's going on. I'll never forget his reaction when he was told of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers -- he was sitting in a kindergarten class and just stared with a blank face for what seemed like hours. His handlers later said of his actions that he didn't want to alarm the children. 
My God, he's the President of the United States -- how difficult would it have been just to tell the kids he had to take an important phone call and leave the room. Truth is, he didn't know how to react because he hadn't been trained for that situation. I'm embarrassed that this man has sat in this country's highest office and has made such a mess of our world. I look forward to waking up from this nightmare. Thanks for letting me vent. 
Naomi Baggett 
Dallas, TX

Delay And Brady
That Grand Jury also needs to look at Kevin Brady, Re: Three million he put 
in the Republicans pockets, "not reported in his campaign donations."
More more question: Will you support Brady to go before a grand jury? He 
violated his contract to represent us the voters in District when he refused ton answer a suit in State court. Remember this district elected him before the last election, butt he broke the law and admitted it Oct. 12th. at the Montgomery County College. Before about one hundred people. Now do you want justice?????????
James Wright 

Great article! Now I am going to try to answer your ending question...
But before VLT's are legalized in Texas once and for all, the question that should be answered is this: Once the costs are subtracted from new state revenues, will the lives of Texans truly be enriched by eight-liners?F
First off, are Texans lives enriched by any of the "gambling" already allowed to take place? You said in your article that many people already spend a lot of money on lottery tickets, and Bingo is a small fee to play to have a chance at a pot 50 times or more what you put in... but Bingo and Lottery are not losing money, they must be making more than they give out in order to keep operating, so the state seems to be doing just as bad...
If the lawmakers don't want to get rid of gambling altogether, then why are they going to try to say taking millions out of some lottery players hands to take some for taxes, then give to one person? If they do not want this all going on, it seems they should stop it all from happening...
My answer to your question, now that I have said all that, is that if we are not going to get rid of gambling, then we should enrich the lives of current 8-Liner players with the chance to actually win a limited amount of money while enriching future adults of Texas by giving more money to the education system. I am now a Senior in high school where there is a bit of a budget issue, but that is nothing new in my area. You have probably heard about Wilmer Hutchins and their problems and there is always talk about the "Robin Hood System." While I must say I do not know enough about any of these topics to make a very educated decision, it seems like Rick Perry is on the right track by offering revenue for Education... While his plan won't work because the mass amounts of games that would have to be put in those race tracks, it does show that the idea of legalizing 8-Liners for gambling purposes would enrich my life a lot...
In order to accomplish the goal of 40,000 games, it should be setup similar to how Bingo is... allowing building owners, mostly convenient stores, the chance to more effectively provide amusement with cash winnings; but at the same time limiting how much can be won, limiting a business to 4 machines (possibly also setting a minimum of 500 square feet for the business they are in to limit actual game rooms), and most importantly of all, a large percentage of all the money that goes into the machine (not just profit) needs to go towards education, pot holes, anything that would enrich our lives.
I know video games are already given registration stickers for operation, those same people could easily start regulating the 8-Liners registered in each location... law enforcement could run random checks to see if the business is running more than 4 machines, and the IRS could handle taxes and profit from all the 8-Liners the same way they take money from businesses now.
Please tell me what you think of my proposal! Thanks for your great article and time reading this!
On a side note, thebulletin.com is a very cool site! If I lived there I would surely use the local content you have easily layed out a lot... keep up the great work over there!
Justin 

The Conroe Courier Dear Ms. Flake.
I am responding to Kevin Brady's remarks about upholding the law as a 
representative. Should you uphold the Couriers responsibility to give the public knowledge. Kevin Brady broke his contract with us the voters when he refused to come to trial before us here in Montgomery County District Court. 
Legally he is not our representative. He violated states rights when did not answer the suit in our courts. Then used our money as taxpayers to get a congressional attorney to get the case transfered to federal court. Where a jury trial was denied. Brady broke his oath to uphold the constitution. 
Brady like DeLay put Three Million dollars into the Republicans pockets. Now 
who is a criminal?? You make your own paper subject to question should you not publish this truth.
Remember this: "We make our own records, can you dance to yours before the 
jury?"
James Wright
New Caney, Texas

You Have Been Lied To
This time Chairman Joe Barton has shown his loyalty to corporate America by heading a Republican initiative to open new coastal waters to oil and natural gas development. He and the Republican’s in Congress (Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and others) would have you believe the hurricanes are the primary reason for higher prices at the pumps. Nothing could be further from the truth.
It takes many months for crude oil to be refined into gasoline. It would, therefore, take many weeks for any decline in refining process to really effect distribution. It only took one day for the price of gas to sky-rocket. For the simple minded and naïve among you… you’ve been lied to. The increase in price at the pump is a gouge, nothing more. The oil and gas industry does it simply because they can.
The oil and tobacco industries own or have vested interest in most other large American corporations. Big tobacco, for example, owns most of the U.S. food industry (re: RJR-Nabisco, Kraft/Phillip-Morris, etc). Select corporate-congressmen continually support the oil and tobacco industries through subsidies and protective legislation. In turn, they (esp. Barton and Hutchison) get re-election super-funding. It’s just that simple!
What Barton is doing comes natural to him. He has continually protected the interest of super-corporations throughout his career. His loyalty to the super-corporations that make up the oil and tobacco industries is historic and unquestionable; and his Methodist/Christian demeanor an obvious façade.
Again Barton shows his true color, “Smokey Joe” blue. Again the residents of the Texas 6th District have failed to recognize the monster they have created.
Leonard Jensen
Fort Worth, Texas

Stealing Americans Blind
25 years ago I first heard the American political system described as a welfare-warfare state. 
I was stunned then. Now --- it is obvious.
Our political system consists of an axis of 2 cooperating gangs masquerading as political parties creating theater for the media --- as they go about their business of stealing working Americans blind. 
It is tempting to call these two gangs --- the War Party and the Welfare Party. 
The War Party has recently started two wars and is threatening more. The Welfare Party 
supports these wars --- because their polling indicates that opposing the wars might 
adversely affect their chances of getting what they really want --- control of the 
$2.5 trillion per year federal money spigot. 
Despite what they say, both gangs use warfare AND welfare to grow government. 
The cancerous non-stop growth of government over the last 60 years documents how successful these gangs are.
The greed of these gangs has destroyed our Constitution --- and is rapidly destroying 
the future for our children. 
Mike Ford 
Austin, TX

A Lesson From The Dean
I have one issue with your article: Dean didn't try to portray the R's as corrupt. He tried to EXPOSE the R's as corrupt. There is an absolute difference. He was dead-on-the-money! 
Marie Johnson 
San Diego

"Hollaback Girl"
I'm not surprised at Bush's latest choice for the Supreme Court. He's living proof that you don't have to have any experience to obtain a position of power, just connections. 
He's loading the Supreme Court with incompetence so they won't know how unethical it is to 'appoint' the next U.S. president in 2008. 
Harriet Miers has given new meaning to the term "Hollaback Girl". Since she'll be beholden to him for the appointment, and she doesn't have any experience as a judge, she'll have to contact Bush every time they take a vote. Boy George will 'holler back' on how she's suppose to vote. So Harriet is just George's 'Hollaback Girl.'
J. Werner
The Woodlands

I’m Hooked
Greetings. Every Friday I stop to pick up one of your papers; it is a weekly ritual of mine. I admire the fact that your brave enough to print a liberal perspective in a county drenched with conservative republicans. It's always healthy to be exposed to varying viewpoints. (Although some of the articles printed are backed only by your opinion [which is probably more credited than my own]). Otherwise, good job!
Also I am currently a senior in high school and would like to know if there are any opportunities for students, like me, to intern at The Bulletin? Im planning to major in journalism with special attention to politics and government so I'd really appreciate the hands-on experience. Thanks and Shalom.
Bethany

All The Presidents Men
Thank you for putting in writing a compilation of all the men in the current government under investigation. As tile goes on I guarantee the list will get longer and longer, 
Also thank you for putting it ourt for the public to see. I'm going to forward this information to every newspaper that i can and see if they decide to have the guts that you have in printing an informative list like this.
Again thank you for your informatin and keep em comming.
Nardo

Rolling Stones Article
Rough justice much better than Start Me uP. 
As a long time Stones fan never could figure out the Start Me UP craze. 
The rest of Tatoo You is great!! 
shaaaaaaadddoooooooooobbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
JC

Nice Piece On The Stones 
I saw them in, of all places, Hershey Park, Pa., last week and they tore through the set -- no ballads except for Keith's -- like they were doing it for the f*** of it, as if they had awakened from their slumber of years to realize, as you said, mortality was creeping when Watts got sick. Instead of "Hope I die before I get old," it was "Keep on burning." 
Online Reader

Texas Falling Further Behind
Texas falls further and further behind nation in average teacher pay.
Texas continues to lose ground in what it pays teachers compared to the national average, according to the latest American Federation of Teachers Salary Study released today. The figures represent salaries for the 2003-2004 school year.
“Texas is falling further and further behind the national average for teacher salaries each year, and it’s an unfortunate statistic that shows state leadership is not putting an emphasis on attracting and retaining quality teachers,” said Linda Bridges, Texas Federation of Teachers 
president. “The Legislature had at least two opportunities recently to pass pay increases supported by a bipartisan majority of legislators and the education community, yet those measures were blocked by state leaders bent on underfunding public education.”
Texas maintained its rank of 30th in the nation for average teacher pay, but the gap between the state and national figures grew by $515, so Texas teachers now earn $6,121 less than the national average (compared to $5,606 less in 2002-2003). Texas teacher pay again did not even keep up with inflation, with an average 1.3 percent increase in pay, well below the inflation rate of 2.7 percent.
“Looking beyond the salary figures, the outlook is even bleaker for Texas teachers, since these figures don’t include the ongoing annual cut of $500 in state health-care benefits that started in 2003,” Bridges said.
The salary study shows that teacher pay lags far behind private-sector pay for comparable jobs nationwide, not just in Texas. But Texas offers the lowest average teacher pay in the nation when compared with average private-sector pay in the state. “When you compare average teacher salary to the average of all salaries for unskilled and skilled workers state by state, Texas comes in 50th out of 50 states—dead last,” Bridges said. “We shouldn’t relish having bragging rights as the one of the worst state in the nation for average teacher pay, and the absolute worst for teacher pay compared to other workers.”
Rob D'Amico
Texas Federation of Teachers

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