Letters from our Readers - September 2006

Illuminating Our Readers 
Regarding your article, "Deep in the Hole", Mr. John Gill is one of those unsavory businessmen who has wrongly chosen 
to do business dishonestly. The rest of your article, however, regrettably regurgitates much of the same unfounded criticism about payday loans. Given that certain portions of the article demonstrate a lack of knowledge of how payday loans work in Texas, I am presuming you to be somewhat uneducated about the product. Below is a rather lengthy discussion of the product, which I hope you will find illuminating, and share with your readers. 
(The Long PR Piece For The Uneducated:
Who are the industry's opponents? 
Opponents of the Payday Lending industry fall into four main categories: The Uneducated Activist, The Philosophical Opponent, The Lobbyist, and The Media.
The Uneducated Activist We believe the vast majority of opponents fall into this category. They often appear in the form of an activist organization. They do not understand, nor have they made an attempt to understand, how the product works or the economics of the business. Consequently, they believe lenders are "predatory" and out to "exploit the poor". Their arguments are emotionally-based, and have neither logic nor fact to support them. They believe payday loans should be banned, or have their fees capped by government intervention.
The Philosophical Opponent Although some of these opponents are also uneducated about the product, some have studied it. They simply believe the fees are too high and that government should regulate the industry.
The Lobbyist This opponent is paid, usually by an activist organization, to attack payday lenders. Their interests are purely mercenary, taking advantage of the naivete of the Uneducated Activist, and they do not care how their actions harm the lenders and their customers.
The Media This opponent is also self-serving. 99% of all newspaper articles on payday loans are negative. This is because a story about how a consumer got "trapped by a loan shark" makes for a better story than how someone was helped by a payday loan. 
Who are Payday Lenders? Of the 22,000 stores in the United States, two-thirds are independently owned and operated. They are the small businesspeople of our country -- average American entrepreneurs who have invested their own money or gotten a bank loan to build a business. 
They are young couples in their 30's. They are Southern businessmen in their 50's. They are ex-military with families to support. They are black, white, Asian, and Hispanic. 
They are, for the most part, NOT fat-cats who make several million dollars a year.
How Much Money Do Payday Lenders Really Make?
The media and opponents of the industry spend a lot of time talking about the fees associated with payday loans. But they never spend any time talking about the costs of running such a business. 
Here is a real-world example: A moderately successful payday loan store that has been open for a year will have extended about $2 million in loans to customers. Let's say they're in a state that permits a fee of $15 per hundred borrowed. 
Opponents ignore the fact that, on average, 5% of these loans will never be repaid despite collections efforts. That means $100,000 of that $2 million loaned is never returned. Thus, the lender will only earn money on $1.9 million of loans.
$1.9 million x 15% = $285,000 in total fees
An average store will cost about $10,000 a month to run. That includes paying employees, utilities, insurance, rent, and so on. Thus, total store costs for a year will be $120,000. $285,000 total fees - $120,000 expenses = $165,000 in store profit.
But where do you think a payday lender comes up with $2 million to loan out to people? Where do you think they get the money to cover their expenses? Many of them take out a loan. Many would be lucky to get a $500,000 loan at 8%. That means they are paying $40,000 in interest on that loan per year. $165,000 store profit - $40,000 interest = $125,000 in net profit
This owner will likely contribute up to $25,000 to his 401 (k) for retirement.
$125,000 net profit - $25,000 retirement = $100,000 in taxable income Now they must pay federal and state income taxes. If this operator has a 4-person family to support, their taxes will be $15,000. $100,000 taxable income - $15,000 = $85,000 in take home pay In the final tally, $85,000 for a small business owner of one payday advance store is a very nice annual income, but hardly the level of wealth opponents claim that payday lenders achieve each year.
Are payday advance fees "too high"? 
Opponents often translate a payday advance fee into an Annual Percentage Rate because 1) the law requires lenders to do so, and 2) it makes the lender look like they deserve the label "loan shark". 
But let's examine how a change in fees affects a payday lender's business. This is the kind of analysis the Uneducated Activist has never performed. They look at the fee and then make a judgment, forgetting that every business has expenses. 
Let's use our single-store example from above. Keep the default rate the same at 5%. If we lower the fee from $15 per hundred borrowed to $14, this will decrease the lenders revenue by about 7%. Net profit will decrease 15%. But take home pay will decrease 44% to $48,000. 
Many activists want to see fees cut to $10 per hundred borrowed, or even lower! In that case, our store owner would be left with a store profit of $20,000. He can't survive on this, so he's out of business. Recently, the activist group OurOregon pressured the state legislature to cut fees to $6.50 per hundred borrowed. 
This will put Oregon payday lenders out of business, despite the activist group's claims that this legislation allows payday lenders a "fair profit". 
What will happen if payday lenders are put out of business? 
Opponents would like you to believe that consumers would be better off without having access to payday loans. Yet if payday lenders are run out of business, these same activists never offer alternatives. Just because payday lenders vanish from a state does not mean that the demand for short-term emergency cash loans will vanish as well. 
Here are the facts about what will happen if payday lenders are forced out of business: 
1) Lenders may find another way to offer loans. In Texas, payday lending was essentially outlawed by FDIC restrictions. The lenders now offer loans under a different section of the state's Finance Code. Before the FDIC got involved, consumers were charged about $16 per hundred borrowed. Now, they are charged $20.
Pennsylvania outlawed payday loans. Now lenders offer a new product under a different section of the state's laws. This product is more expensive for consumers, costing $30 per hundred borrowed.
2) Consumers will get their loans from the internet A few websites offer low rates for first-time customers. However, after the initial loan, the fees approach $30 per hundred borrowed. There is also the added risk of identity theft, because consumers don't really know who they're dealing with. They may also have no recourse if the lender is in another state or is an offshore entity.
3) Consumers will return to bouncing checks, which is what they did before the payday loan era. Consumers will write a bad check for each bill they owe, hoping to pay them off for real when they get their next paycheck. Unfortunately, each bad check will generate an NSF fee of $25-30 from the bank, and $15-25 from the merchant. That's a $40-55 charge per bill. As most payday loan consumers have regular bills that are small in denomination, bouncing checks will be far more expensive than a single payday loan.
Do payday loans "trap" people in cycles of debt? Opponents that do not believe in personal responsibility make this statement. They believe merchants should bear the burden of protecting customers from the use of the product they sell which, of course, is impossible. The only person who can control how someone uses a product is the consumer himself. 
Thus, a consumer may trap himself in a cycle of debt by using a payday loan irresponsibly. Can you define "irresponsibly"? The responsible use of a payday loan means using it to make up for a sudden shortfall of cash. Sometimes that shortfall may last several weeks. But a payday loan is like any other product -- it can be used irresponsibly. 
Driving while intoxicated is irresponsible. If there is an accident, what caused it? 
The car or the drunk driver? A parent giving a 3-year-old a toy intended for an 8-year-old is irresponsible. If the 3-year-old is injured, is it the toy's fault, or the parent's? Eating fast food every day is irresponsible. If you become obese, is it the food's fault, or your fault? 
A consumer is using a payday loan irresponsibly if: 
1) They aren't sure they can pay it back. 
2) They do not alter their budget so they can 
pay it back on time.
3) They take out multiple loans. 
4) They do not seek alternative ways of meeting a cash shortfall. 
A payday loan does not trap anyone. A consumer traps himself by using the product irresponsibly. 
Do payday lenders "target" or "prey" on specific demographics or neighborhoods? 
The Uneducated Activist does not understand that all businesses want to be in neighborhoods where they have the best chance of attracting customers. The Lobbyist uses this statement to portray lenders as "predatory". 
The word "target" is used to make it seem like lenders have singled out a group of people to attack. The reason is that activists have already judged payday loans to be "bad", thus lenders must be "targeting" people. 
Here is a quiz. Which of the following businesses has chosen the right location to do business in? A BMW dealership in a low-income neighborhood. A Saks Fifth Avenue in a low-income neighborhood. An ice cube stand in Alaska. A Payday Loan store in Beverly Hills. Answer: None. 
Payday lenders will place themselves where their product is more likely to be needed. The people who use payday loans generally make $20,000 - $60,000 in gross annual income, so they will set up shop in those neighborhoods. 
What about loans to the military? 
Military personnel enjoy discounts from businesses such as Southwest Airlines. We would prefer it if payday lenders could find ways of making loans available to military personnel at a substantial discount. Unfortunately, military default rates are no different than civilian rates, and that makes discounts difficult to offer and still allow a lender to stay in business. 
Pending legislation in California and the U.S. Congress will cap military rates at 36% APR. On the surface, this is great for the military. Unfortunately, storefronts that do a majority of their business near military bases will not be able to make a profit. They will vanish. Military personnel will be forced onto the internet to obtain loans, where they will likely face higher fees. 
It is, regrettably, a "Catch-22" with no obvious remedy in practical terms. 
We have expressed our concerns about low military pay to our representatives in Congress. 
We are also exploring ways of offering an inexpensive, alternative loan product to military personnel via the internet. 
Are there "bad" payday lenders? 
Yes, but every business has its share of unscrupulous vendors. Consumers must shop around to find the best proprietors. 
We believe that all shop owners should run a business honestly. An honest businessman can generate more than enough revenue to be profitable. 
Do payday lenders use harassment to collect on defaults? Some do and some don't. We support lenders that abide by state and federal guidelines regarding reasonable collection efforts. Remember, most payday lenders have a vested interest in keeping their customers. Overzealous collection efforts are more likely to result in a loss of a customer than getting one to visit the store again.)
Lawrence Meyers 
Payday Loan Capital LLC

(Writer's Response: Well, no surprise here. I knew someone would come out and defend their wretched little business. Guess it doesn't matter what the Texas AG's office had to say about it. And if someone was going to write in, the least they could do is put their information into some sort of interesting, readable form. What's funny is at the end of their little screed, they admit that there are "bad" payday lenders and that many of them harass customers to pay off their so-called interest. And here's something funny: in today's first round of e-mail, I got an offer from an internet lender to give me $1500 -- if I give them my bank acct #, my SSN, and, of course, my first born... Mark Williams)

Payday Loans
I just read the latest article on payday loans in your paper and just thought you ought to know that the DA's office will not prosecute post-dated checks as "hot checks." 
So, if the companies in Montgomery
County are threatening their borrowers with filing hot check charges against them, they are sadly mistaken.
MAM
DA Montgomery County

Slam
Thank you for sponsoring the Bluebonnet Poetry Slam. 
My wife and I were first time attendees at the Slam this year. We were greatly impressed by the performances of the participating poets. It's nice to know that one can attend quality events in Conroe without having to drive to Houston or The Woodlands. We'll be back next year and bring some friends! Thank you. 
Bill Traylor 
Montgomery, TX 

Two Term Kay 
A few weeks ago I wrote a letter to this paper concerning Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's campaign to run for a third term in the Senate. This was after she was quoted in several newspapers (The Dallas Morning News, The Austin American Statesman) as saying she was a firm believer in term limits and would not run for a third term. I asked the rhetorical question: "Is Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison a liar?". After several failed email attempts and "no comments" from aides in her Houston and Austin offices I finally got a reply from Chad in her campaign headquarters. Chad said that Kay's vow would only be good if all the other politicians agreed to do the same. He also said that he doubted Texans would want to lose such an esteemed representative. When I pointed out to Chad that there were no conditions or disclaimers in her quotes he told me to have a nice day. Goodbye.
I asked a simple question but could not get a simple answer.
Perhaps the campaign office should have said something like "The Senator's fingers were crossed when she made that statement" or "Do not let it be miss construed that she does not disapprove" or "If you try to hold politicians to their word then the terrorists win!" or " Look, There goes Bin Laden!" or even "It's Bill Clinton's fault!". So what else that the Senator says to the public or the media or anyone for that fact can we "let go in one ear and out the other?" What percentage of Kay Bailey Hutchison's beliefs or promises is she not expected to keep? And does her beliefs only count if everyone else goes along with her? Talk about flip flopping! - or is that only a phrase to be used by republicans to describe democrats? 
So if you plan to vote again for "Two Term" Kay and all of the above does not cause you to hesitate and reconsider her trustworthiness or character for even a moment then go right ahead and cast your vote. There is no remedy for what ails you. But by her own admission Senator Hutchison's name should not even be on the ballot.
Richard Amburgey
Spring, Texas

In the Name of National Security
I applaud U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor's guts to uphold the U.S. Constitution against a bully. We forget that a judge's job is to uphold the laws of our land, not make their own laws. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights were written and attested to by a much wiser group of leaders as compared to the Administration and Congress of today. If we allow President Bush or his Republican administration to conduct wire tapping without due process or law, then the next step will be an attack on the First
Amendment in which The Bulletin, The Courier and The Montgomery Co. News will have to submit all stories and opinions to the censorship of the rulers in the name of U.S. security.
If we want to strengthen our national security in the most effective manner, close BOTH BORDERS today, this hour, this minute and increase our shore patrol to close off the water entrance.
Let's not keep adding gasoline to the fire in the registration of the 11 million, 12 million, 13 million, 14 million (whoever you listen to) or so illegal immigrant, by continuing to allow additional immigrants to flood America.
Speaking of water, I'm reminded of Lake Conroe's hydrilla problem which was discovered in 1999 and left unchecked until 2004, whose ever growing size since then is a much bigger problem today due to not enough being done at its discovery.
By the way, the British authorities had a legal warrant for the wire taps and subsequent arrests in the "jetliner terrorism" plot.
Chris Zora
Montgomery, Texas

Citizens Contract Ignored
Every day our citizens make thousands of contracts for goods, services, or other reasons. Each party to the contract is expected to abide by it. However, there is one contract that seriously affects every citizen and very few pay attention to it. It is the U.S. Constitution, a contract between our citizens and the federal government. The President, Vice-President, all Members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Secretaries, and others take an oath to abide by it—but few if any do.
We are creating a police-state type government by allowing the many violations of this contract. The Patriot Act is a good example. It trades some of our freedoms
for a false sense of security. Go to www.thenewamerican.com/focus/patriotact/ 
for details of how this is happening.
Permitting our servant—the federal government—to restrict any of our constitutionally protected rights implies that we accept it as our master. Governments are happy to assume that role. Ours certainly is, and it will continue to do so until enough citizens pay attention and demand that the Constitution be strictly adhered to.
Kathie Shaffer
Sylmar, CA 

Roy Head
Wow, I didn't know that Roy was doing anything. When I lived in Houston in the 70's, Roy use to sing at a club on 34th St. called Club Shavagio's (sp) which no loner exist. A reporter at the time wrote an article in the Houston Chronicle saying that Roy's bar bill was more than he made. I'm glad I got to talk to him on several occasions and since then, I always wondered what happened to him. 
Ralph Hackemack 
La Grange TX.

SHECO
SHECO is determined to go down a path that will cost Coop Members dearly. They are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to promote a plan that will more than likely lead to more costly lawsuits and settlement claims. They are doing all of this with SHECO MEMBERS MONEY.
We all had a rate increase in the July 2006 bill from SHECO. That is just the beginning. Sure the higher cost of producing electricity played a part in that increase. But, the squandering of profits by not complying with requests by the Texas Historical Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife, other government agencies and land owners to route the proposed138 kV transmission line around Waterwood and FM 980 is also part of the picture. SHECO's legal bill is being paid out of rate payers pockets.
Nine route options were laid out in SHECO's Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity with the Public Utility Commission. All of those routes except Route 1 would negatively impact Waterwood and FM 980. Their preferred route is number 9, right down FM 980.
Route 9 = 8.7 miles Route 1 = 7.9 miles
Cost of the 8.7 mile l38 kV transmission line is stated to be $3,116,360 or $358,202 per mile. Assuming the same costs of poles, wire, insulators, right-of-way, etc. the cost of Route 9 would be $286,562 more than Route 1.
Commercial property in the vicinity of FM 980 and Waterwood Parkway has an appraised value of up to +/- $25,000 per acre whereas raw land in the vicinity of Route 1 has sold for as low as $800 per acre. ROW costs are estimated to be $180,950 more for Route 9 than for Route 1.
In September 2004 “reliable source” information placed the estimated legal cost for Route 9 to be $500,000 and the legal cost for Route 1 to be $100,000.
Cost of maintaining Route 9 would be $37,157 per year and for Route 1, $31,054. Over the 40 year life expectancy of the line SHECO's preferred route would cost $244,120 more.
A line run through uninhabited pastures and other isolated rural lands would not create a decrease in values of lands adjacent to the right-of-way. However, the placement of the line along FM 980 would have a serious negative impact on adjacent land values, causing high value commercial, residential and recreational land to drop at least 20% in value for at least 500 feet inland from the ROW. A series of class-action lawsuits against SHECO would more than likely result in at least an additional $500,000 in legal defense costs. SHECO rate payers would be stuck with an additional $1,218,500 in inverse condemnation costs, plus interest for 40 years. This does not include the possible cost of having to move or bury the line.
Development planned between FM 980 and Lake Livingston would be negatively impacted.
SHECO, because of its gross failure to recognize the toxic impacts of EMF exposure could be forced by the courts to either place the power line underground or re-route it along Route 1 at a later date at huge additional costs to COOP Members.
The estimated additional cost to SHECO to use the FM 980 routing is around $2 million. The cost of $2 million over a 40 year amortization period is nearly $5 million. This does not include the additional maintenance cost of $250,000. Nor does it include any possible cost for having to move or bury the line. Nor does it include any possible cost of litigation and settlements.
SHECO Board Members are upstanding citizens of our community. However, they need to hear how they are being led down a costly and destructive path concerning the placement of the Staley-Pointblank transmission line.
The December 31, 2004 Annual Statement (Note 9-Long Term Debt) shows:
FOR THE YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31
2005 $3,540,373
2006 3,779,065
2007 4,035,453
2008 4,310,544
2009 4,446,081
2010-AND THEREAFTER $100,599,472
We have already seen a rate increase in 2006. Look at what is ahead in four short years. 
You CAN make a difference! Voice your concern to the SHECO Board of Directors. 
Sam Houston Electric Coop 
Board of Directors
P. O. Box 1121
Livingston, Texas 77351
936-327-5711
936-328-1244 (fax)
Email: service@samhouston.net 
More information can be found at www.shameonsheco.com 
Peggy Caldwell
Pointblank, Texas

Save A Horse
To support the bill, HR 503(American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act)..all you have to do is call 202-224-3121. The person will ask you for your zip code and then will put you in contact with your Representative's office. You then tell her you want him or her to vote in favor of this bill. It is simple emough and will help, but you can still use your other avenues as well to be sure you are heard.
We are doing this work with forethought and strength when we are united in our focus to stop slaughtering America's horses. Lets make this happen and it take YOU to provide the support needed now!
Blessings one and all.
Kat Matrician

Get Hydrilla Problem Solved Now
A grassroots effort of property owners and businesses on Lake Conroe has composed a petition calling on Governor Perry to step in and direct the TPWD to take immediate and appropriate action to eliminate the hydrilla. If we don't get more fish in this lake quickly, we might as well write off the Summer of 2007! This lake will continue to provide a perfect environment for hydrilla to spread. We need to demand action now. I don't need to remind you how this issue will adversely affect your income in the coming years. 
We need to have at least 3,000 signatures to present to Governor Perry by mid-September. It is an election year. 3,000 signatures translates to 3,000 votes! He has 3 very viable competitors this year and you can bet when they receive a copy of this petition, they'll pay attention! 
Please sign this petition. Print out copies and take it around to your neighbors and have them sign. It is critical that we get as many people to sign the petition as possible. There are a couple of ways to do this: 
1. You can Sign a Petition Online (completely legal). To do this, go to:
http://www.petitiononline.com/hydrilla/petition.html  
2. Print and Sign Petition. To do this, go to: http://lakeconroe.com/documents/petition_hydrilla.pdf   
Please gather as many signatures on your petition as you can. Take it around to your neighbors and have them sign it. 
PLEASE: Forward this email to your friends and colleagues. We need to have at least 3,000 signatures by mid-September! 
As always, continue to visit the website for updates. www.lakeconroehydrilla.com , and keep writing letters to the Governor, TPWD Commissioners and elected legislators. 
Name Withheld

Legalize Gambling in Texas
How foolish and blind can the Texans who are against the eight liners and other forms of chance, or so called gambling be. Over 65% + of Texans travel across the LA border everyday to give revenue to the great state of Louisiana. Where are the stats that claim crime, and violence are higher in Louisiana than in Texas. The people who seek entertainment in Louisiana would surely perfer giving this revenue to their own State. Please leave this decision to the people to' vote' on instead of letting the 'closet' group skip over the border. Nothing is MORE gambling than the horse races and lottery. PLEASE TELL ME THE DIFFERENCE!! 
How many of the so called 'against' gambling group buy lottery tickets? TEXANS WOULD SURELY SEE MANY ADVANTAGES IF THE COMMISSION IS MADE UP OF HONEST AND NOT GREEDY PEOPLE. Look at the lottery bunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and learn a lesson on who is put into the positions of handling the state revenue. I VOTE" FOR" LEGALIZING, BUT ACCOUNTING FOR THE TOTAL DISTRIBUTION OF ALL THE FUNDS . VOTE 'YES' 
Jake Favreau

I Vote For State Parks
As a parent, and now a grandparent, Texas state parks have been exceptional places to share the natural beauty of our great state and create lasting family memories. It is reprehensible that our elected officials have neglected these beautiful resources that belong to all Texans. Our parks, and the future generations who will inherit them, deserve a lot better than this. It's time for the Texas Legislature to take immediate action- long overdue- to substantially and sustainably fund our state parks. I will vote FOR state park funding and AGAINST legislators who continue to neglect and attempt to sell off irreplaceable parkland.
Kathie Alexander
The Woodlands, TX

Small Town Girl
A wonderful heartwarming article, hope Conroe and Area will be able to show a heartwarming response by attending the play. 
Nancy Johnson
Montgomery, TX

Oh, I'm Scared All Right...
The Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan research and educational institute, asked over 100 terrorist experts within our country whether or not we are safer five years after the 9/11 tragedy? The experts came from conservative, liberal and moderate political viewpoints. Unfortunately, 86% of the terrorist experts stated that, with all due respect to President Bush's recent statements, we are not winning the war on terror, and the world is becoming more dangerous for us by the day. 
Way back in October of 2003, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld was asked if the US was winning the global war on terror? He responded by saying that the US lacked metrics to know if we were winning or losing. He added, "Are we capturing, killing or deterring or dissuading more terrorists every day than the madrassas and the radical clerics are recruiting, training and deploying against us?" The Center for American Progress was able to answer that question in their report issued on September 8. The answer was a resounding "no"! Due to the strategic disaster in Iraq and the global isolation and antagonism generated by the actions of the Bush Administration, we are creating more and more terrorists daily. 
But, just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, it appears that the neo-cons have Dubya's ear again and an attack on the "nuke-u-ler (Bush's word) plants under construction in Iran may be bombed by us before the year is out. Oh yeah, Bush and Bolten talk of diplomacy through the UN but, remember, we heard that song and dance well before the Iraqi invasion. That's the same old window dressing before "our" cowboy goes for his six gun again. But, in all seriousness, if we do bomb Iran, we all better prepare for oil to jump to $150 a barrel and for the real potential for WWIII. 
Bush, Cheney and crew are trying to scare us again before the '06 mid-term elections. They are telling us that they can protect us better than the Dems. Well, let me tell you, they have me scared but for different reasons. I'm afraid that they will blunder into further catastrophes in the Middle East and we will be fighting a war without end there! 
Jim Farrell 
Oak Ridge North

Help Defeat The Liberals 
One of the most important elections in Texas this November will occur below the radar and could affect the gains conservatives have made over the last decade through a single Court of Law. The election is for four positions on the Texas Third Court of Appeals in Central Texas. This twenty-four county area − stretching from Bell County on the North to Comal County to the South and running as far west as the San Angelo area and as far east as LaGrange − contains the most important court in Texas of which you may never have heard.
This Appeals Court holds jurisdiction over state government and administrative law in Texas. Therefore, cases involving vouchers, home schooling, abortion, and prayer in public school could most likely pass through this court enroute to the State Supreme Court. Additionally, cases involving challenges to health and human service state benefits to illegal aliens could pass through this court as well. Since roughly only 5% of all court cases make it to the Supreme Court, the Third Court is often the last word on many vital issues affecting all Texans.
As liberals and Democrats have conceded statewide judicial elections to Republican candidates for the short term, they have chosen to focus their attention on intermediate courts as they plot their comeback. The liberal Democrats have specifically targeted the Third Court of Appeals for takeover since Austin is included in this district. Currently, Republicans hold a 4-2 majority on this Court and Republicans hold three of the four seats up this year.
Democrats are using openly gay former State Rep. Glen Maxey to run a coordinated campaign to turn out their vote. Maxey led the campaign against Proposition 2, the Traditional Marriage Constitutional Amendment, before running his own losing campaign for Chairman of the Democrat Party of Texas.
Our candidates are at risk if we do not fight voter apathy and work to turn out our "red County" vote for these fine Judges (as well as our other candidates). With both Kinky Friedman and Carole Strayhorn muddying the political waters with their independent candidacies, their candidacies present an unknown effect on important down ballot offices. 
Justice Alan Waldrop was appointed to the Court in 2005 by Governor Rick Perry following the suicide of liberal Democrat Justice Mack Kidd. Waldrop, a highly respected attorney and jurist, was instrumental in leading the tort reform movement in Texas.
Waldrop faces Santiago "Jim" Coronado, a Travis County Magistrate and product of the Travis County Courthouse legal system. Criminal defense lawyers from Austin are bankrolling Coronado’s campaign. 
www.alanwaldrop.com 
Former Judge Republican Will Wilson faces liberal attack dog Diane Henson in the race for Place 3 open seat on the Court. Wilson is a highly respected former State District Judge and Municipal Judge while Henson is an avowed liberal who publicly sought and received the endorsement of the Austin Lesbian /Gay Political Caucus. Henson has spent her career suing both the University of Texas and Texas A & M and publicly attacked Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht at the Democrat State Convention. www.willwilson.org 
Republican Justice David Puryear is seeking a second six-year term on the bench. He is the first Republican elected to the Court in his own right. Puryear has served as a County Court at Law Judge, a Justice of the Peace, and a County Prosecutor. Justice Puryear − author of over 700 legal opinions − is one of the hardest working judges in Texas.
Puryear is being opposed by Democrat Mina Brees, a doctrinaire liberal and former wife of a Travis County District Judge. Brees has never served as a Judge or Prosecutor and has a curious history of supporting such liberal organizations as Atticus Circle, an Austin group promoting gay marriage and same sex parenting. Brees also supported Maxey in his race for State Democrat Chairman and has contributed to the liberal opponent of Congressman John Carter this year. www.davidpuryear.com  
Republican Justice Bob Pemberton is seeking his first full six-year term on the court. Appointed to the Third in 2003, Pemberton won election to the court in 2004 by defeating now Place 3 candidate Diane Henson. Pemberton has won high marks for his thoughtful approach to the law and his strict constructionist philosophy.
Pemberton's 2006 opponent is Austin lawyer Bree Buchanan who has a history of supporting liberal causes and groups in Austin. Buchanan has no experience as a Judge or a Prosecutor, and she lists among her supporters the Lobbyist for the far left group People for the American Way as well as a Gay Rights Lobbyist who has openly attacked Evangelical Christians and Christian Author Rick Warren. www.bobpemberton.com 
Never before has there been such a distinct and clear difference between conservative values and liberal activists. These fine candidates need your prayers, your votes, your hard work, and especially your donations as they face an onslaught of liberal money.
Gina Parker
Waco TX.

The Confuser
The Bush administration says critics of their policies are suffering from moral or intellectual confusion. But I'm not confused at all. 
I know President Bush couldn't find Iraq on a map, didn't know a Sunni from a Shiite, didn't know the history and culture of Iraq and failed to listen to or seek advice from those who did. 
I know Bush was itching for a fight with Saddam Hussein long before 9/11. I know he misled us all about the reasons for the war, ignored dissenting opinions, prematurely removed the weapons inspectors, exaggerated the threat and created, without evidence and despite his denials, a nonexistent link between Saddam and 9/11. 
I know, to gain political advantage, Bush deliberately morphs the war in Iraq into the war on terror when they are separate, distinct and unrelated. I know he used extreme and excessive violence to force democracy upon Iraqis who may not care, understand or live to see it and the world has lost faith in our judgment and values because of what he did. 
I know Bush uses scare tactics to win elections and he's doing it again. And I know we went to war for the wrong reasons in the wrong country, and it's wrong to stay there sacrificing our troops indefinitely. 
Unlike the Bush administration, I'm not confused. Not morally. Not intellectually. Not at all.
Alan L. Light
Iowa City, Ia.

No More Slick Rick 
Texans do not warrant another term of Slick Rick Perry. Is Texas to become the first state owned by a foreign country or countries, such as Spain? Fact, Slick Rick has asked the legislature to cut budgets, but, not his 273 person staff! Is Eagle Mountain Lake for sale? Slick Rick is the author of Texas' largest tax increase! TP&WC was to receive $105M, but, received only $21M, what went with the remaining $84M? Fact, property tax issues should be left to the cities. Fact, The System Benefit Fund, was used to help balance the budget, not to help the poor pay electric bills, which the money is set aside for. Fact, Perry's signature, like Texas now, is for sale. After signing certain legislation, TXU paid him for his autograph, something which Slick Rick is well known for. Fact, 1 in 6 Texans live in poverty. Fact, Texas ranks 49th in park spending. Fact, Texas has nation's lowest per capita in park spending. Fact, Texas ranks 5th in overall poverty. 
I could go on and on with the list of embarrassing and truthful facts, but, I think you get the picture. Fact, the Office of Governor of Texas, is morally and ethically bankrupt. Now, to more facts, the Dems can't win in Texas, Kinky can't, a Libertarian can't, 3 unknown Independents can't, and a Socialist write-in can't. Fact, Perry has a very personal vendetta against his only real opponent. Enough is enough, time for Carole Keeton Strayhorn!!!
Fred Gough
Kilgore, Texas

State Parks Need Our Help!
State parks have provided my family with many hours of inexpensive and 
instructive activities for many years. They have fallen into such disrepair that they are no longer are able to do this. If the state cap on "sporting goods tax" is removed and all of it given to the parks, they will be able to resume their role of teaching and 
enjoyment for families.
Connie Alexander
Spring, TX

Why All the Secrecy about the SAT? 
Texans have a right to know where their students stand on reading and grammar usage on the SAT. The College Board decided not to release any data regarding the 49 multiple-choice grammar/usage questions. This is outrageous since this part of the Writing test is worth close to 70% of a student’s Writing score. 
We Texas State Board of Education members need all the 2006 SAT data because the SBOE is presently in the process of rewriting the curriculum requirements for English / Language Arts / Reading. It is important to us to know how well prepared in grammar/usage our Texas students really are. 
To make matters worse, The College Board also did not release the 2006 SAT data which shows how the Texas students did on the essay part of the Writing section. 
Why is The College Board deliberately burying the 2006 SAT data? How can state policymakers use the SAT to help them assess their students’ progress when The College Board only releases partial information? 
I personally feel we have not taught grammar well in our schools for over twenty years. When Corporate America has to spend over $3 Billion annually to train workers to speak and write correctly, something is badly wrong with our schools. 
Even if the SAT results are poor, we Texans still need to know the truth. If we need to improve grammar instruction, we need to know that. It is important for us as SBOE members to gain a realistic picture of our graduates’ strengths and weaknesses so that we policymakers can make informed decisions. The SAT could be a helpful instrument; but if only partial data is released, we members only get a partial view of our graduates’ abilities. 
The College Board's partial release of data honestly makes me wonder if their leadership has been unduly influenced by progressive ideologues who do not support the direct, explicit, and systematic instruction of grammar. 
One thing is for sure: The College Board’s management of the 2006 SAT data does nothing to help bring meaningful reforms to our classrooms.
Under a new $275 dollar per student allotment (Grades 9-12) approved by the Texas Legislature, Texas Education Commissioner Neeley has told the public that schools can use that money for SAT registration fees or for programs that would improve scores measured by the test. It would be a smart thing for The College Board to practice full disclosure of their SAT data since taxpayers’ money may well be funding an increase in the number of SAT test-takers. 
At this point I am not impressed with the position that The College Board has taken to cloak their 2006 SAT data in secrecy. Perhaps the Legislature needs to take the position that the failure of testing companies to provide complete data might result in a demand for them to refund Texas taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.
Terri Leo
State Board of Education District #6
Spring, Texas

The Test
This election will be a great test to see just how dumb the American public is. After years of any excuse for big oil to get together with big government and raise prices. They take the pressure off a few months before the election. After a couple of years of record profits they sacrifice the large fortune they make this quarter for a small fortune. 
Look for any excuse to raise prices after the election.
M. Smith 
Conroe, TX.

Misleading Republican Website
If you have seen the Montgomery County Republican Party website, you might be a bit surprised, then again, maybe not. There’s a page titled, “Local Elected Officials,” and right there listed under the 284th District Court Judge is the name Cara Wood. Wasn’t Cara Wood appointed to that position, not “elected?” The election is not until November, and to date, no one has been “elected” to this position. 
Let’s recap: This November she will face Nancy McCoy in the general election. Instead of facing Nancy McCoy and the voters fairly, Woods accepted the appointment from Governor Perry (R) in a move that many considered underhanded. Now the Republicans are listing her on their website as an “elected official.” Technically, the 284th District Court Judge shouldn’t even be listed on that page because no one has been elected to this position yet. It’s misleading, it’s deceptive, and it’s wrong. The Republican Party wouldn’t intentionally mislead the voters, would they? Is this really the type of “fairness” we want in a judge? 
Unfortunately, such blatant misrepresentations of the facts (read: lying) has become a common Republican strategy because Bush, Cheney, and Rove have made these practices standard operating procedures. The voters of Montgomery County deserve better. My vote goes to the more ethical candidate for the 284th District Court Judge, Nancy McCoy. 
Kim Kingsbury 
Spring, TX

Three Sayings For Texans To Cherish: 
1. "I did not want my tombstone to read, 'she kept a clean house'. I think that I'd like them to remember me by saying, 'she opened government to everyone.' " 
2. "Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did, only backwards and in high heels." 
3. "Poor George, he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth.”
Former Texas Governor, Ann Richards, only 73- Although gone now, forever embedded in Texas history!
Mary Elizabeth Rumsey

Falling Through The Cracks 
All three years that I sat in place as a member of the San Angelo I.S.D. School Board of Trustees, when it came time to vote on raises for teachers, you don’t know how many times I wish I could’ve picked and chose which teachers got one and which ones didn’t. I’ve said time and again that I thank God for all the good teachers out there striving to make a difference in the lives of our young people, but shame on those that make it more difficult on them than it has to be. 
The year was 1973 and I was a brand new 7th grader at what will always be to me, Edison Jr. High School. I was an excited, bouncing-off-the-wall young student thrilled to finally be on a new campus. Two of my favorite subjects while at Fort Concho Elementary were English and Math and I was eager for a new challenge on a higher level. I excelled in English all the way through high school after having met one of my heroes, Mrs. Anita Adkins. In fact, if it hadn’t have been for her, I might not be sharing this story with you today. 
My math journey didn’t turn out so well. That’s a whole different story.
I first entered Mrs. Schwartz math class and I can still remember how clean and bright white the walls were. Her room was on the second floor of the old Edison Administration building. Of course that building is long gone and now you’ll find an empty football practice field where it used to sit. The second floor windows to her room were all open and there was a nice breeze coming it. You know how word gets around and the talk was that she was a tough teacher and that you’d better be on your toes.
If I had to guess there must’ve been at least 25 to 30 students in her class that first week. The desks were neatly lined up on that golden wooden floor. I sat in the middle of the second row closest to the windows. Martin Ramirez, a student I had just met sat across from me. Mrs. Schwartz warned us about an upcoming math test and for us to be ready for it. Sure enough, the very next day we all began taking the test. I remember putting my head down as I jumped into it. I went from problem to problem very neatly writing down my answers. I have always been somewhat of a perfectionist and I was really focused that day. I can still remember the teacher as she paced up and down the aisles looking over our shoulders. 
The next day we all eagerly filed into the room and we finally settled down in anticipation. She stood in front of the classroom and began to explain to us that the test results from the day before had turned out okay. There had been a few 80’s, some 90’s and there had even been two 100’s, myself and Martin. I was thrilled to hear the good news and I felt good about myself. I can still remember all eyes on us as we sat there grinning from ear to ear. Wow I thought to myself, I’m going to like this class.
The teacher turned around and went and sat down at her desk. I looked over at Martin and we gave each other a high five. We felt like kings of the mountain. The next thing I know, she’s calling me and Martin to come up to the front. My adrenaline began to flow as we both stood up. We stopped in front of her desk and as we stood there, she asked us, “Did you two cheat?” You could’ve heard a pin drop. I couldn’t believe my ears. I was confused as to why she was asking us. I responded, “No ma’m, of course we didn’t cheat.” I thought she asked us up to the front to congratulate us and maybe pat us on the back but instead she sat there questioning whether we had cheated. I went from a state of feeling good about my accomplishment to a state of shock and disbelief. She told us what a coincidence it was that we scored the only 100’s in the whole class and we happened to be sitting right next to each other. It felt like I had been slapped across the face.
She then began to tell the both of us that the classroom was too big and asked us if either one of us would mind it if we went to a different classroom. Being a very naïve seventh grader, I volunteered and I told her I wouldn’t mind changing classes. Looking back, little did I know that I was being let down by the system at that very moment.
I was escorted down to the basement of the old Edison not knowing what I was getting into. I entered the new classroom and Mr. Neel was standing at the front of the room. I found it kind of strange that he didn’t say anything to me. He didn’t say hello or welcome, nothing. I sat down and the first thing I noticed was that the classroom was a lot smaller.
I looked around and there must’ve been no more than 10 people in the classroom. Some students were flinging paper airplanes at each other and weren’t paying attention at all. A few others were throwing paper balls across the room with no worry in the world that the teacher would catch them. In fact, “Mr. Neel” turned around a time or two and noticed the action and said nothing about it. I thought nothing of the change and I didn’t think to go home and tell my mom about it. Little did I know that entering this new classroom would be the beginning of my struggles in math. Needless to say, I math and I didn’t get along all through high school. 
I often think back to that day when I scored a perfect hundred and I ask myself, why? Why did that teacher pull me out of class? Did she not want me to succeed? Why had she accused me of cheating? I think that episode will haunt me for the rest of my life. I went on to work in banking where I handled hundreds of thousands of dollars, accounting, bookkeeping, I was trusted to buying and selling fed funds in the hundreds of millions of dollars and I even managed a Finance Company a few years back. I often think of how today I could’ve been a Scientist or a Chemical Engineer. Maybe today I could’ve been working at NASA building Space Shuttles or maybe even a College Professor teaching Trigonometry or even Physics. I was let down that day and allowed to fall through the cracks. 
I often wonder where Mrs. Schwartz is today. I wish I could talk to her and ask her why. Why sweep the rug out from under me? Why not encourage me and praise me for a job well done? That teacher made an impact on me that I’ll carry for the rest of my life. Every time I hear about the high Hispanic dropout rate, she always comes to mind. 
Performance-based salary…I look back and I’m convinced that it’s probably not a bad idea. As a new school year soon begins, I want to thank God for all the teachers out there that’ll make a positive impact on our children this year. You are the ones that need to be rewarded. Don’t you ever forget that you make an impact on our children’s lives on a daily basis. It’s your choice what kind of impact it will be.
Johnny Silvas
San Angelo, Texas

“Politics and Man's Best Friend”
Republicans and Democrats a few years back held a retreat to get to know one another better. For the good of the nation. 
They got along at the retreat. But as frustrated Americans know -- it didn't last.
I've found a way to scale back the divisive partisan politics. Every member of Congress should be required to get a dog.
A year ago I noticed a sprightly neighbor walking a big German Shepherd down my block. I was in my yard at the time, watching my pooches, Wally and Buddy, poop in a neighbor's yard across the street.
The dogs caucused and the shepherd walker introduced himself as Kevin Moomaw, the shepherd as 'Chaco.' We chatted. Politics came up.
Kevin announced that he was a republican and that chaco was a Republican, too. I am a yellow dog Democrat. So are my pooches.
Chaco was a chewer, destroying about a tennis ball a week. Wally and Buddy, my pooches, are lickers. The Republican shepherd and my crossbreed Democratic pooches got along fine.
So did I and my new Republican pal who in fact, is a right hand man to Texas Republican Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst.
In fact, Kevin Moomaw and I found that we agree on many legislative destinations. We just want to journey there in different ways.
My new Republican pal, distressed, e-mailed me last week. Chaco had developed liver cancer. He went on to doggie heaven.
I explained this to Wally and Buddy. Somehow, I think they already knew.
I shed tears on the passing of the Republican dog along with its guardian believe me, Chaco was the “master”-- and I suspect my Republican pal and I will become even better friends now, for we have shared a loss together.
One day a month our senators and Congresspersons -- Republicans and Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives -- should have to take a dog to work with them.
They would get along better. So would the nation.
Austinite Bob Mann is a lecturer a the University of Texas at Austin and is a former Press secretary to U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.

The Evil Doers
Islamic Fascists, or plainly put, The Evil Incarnate, are being given more 
than equal time and an appearance of legitimacy in the public arena ". The 
Democrats and their Media minions are succeeding in convincing 'some' folks 
you can and should make deals with the devil, ignoring even the bloody and 
'historically' recent peace pacts "made in their next of kins image, Stalin 
and Hitler ".Some of us are falling in line like docile sheep on their way 
to the slaughter house with this spineless way of thinking. No wonder they 
don't respect us and are confident we will bow down like "cowering heathen 
dogs" according to Irans blowhard leader Nassarallah.
We keep hearing this incessant, inane drumbeat of the dinosaur, liberal 
Media --They are listening in on our phone conversations!" They are violating our civil rights by searching our back packs. They are racially profiling folks. Isn't that awful! Well-- Ya think so?? I'll bet those 3000 plus people and their "orphan children" and "widows" will tell you it's not nearly as awful as having your ultimate civil right violated-your "Right to Life". The other two rights "Liberty" and the "Pursuit of Happiness" are 
a meaningless fraud if you don't have your life.
Fascists and Socialists disguised as Liberals have folks cowering, and 
apologizing by calling them racists, bigots, homophobes and "fascists", and God forbid that ultimate terror group "right wing Christians. These phony liberals definitely fit that old adage "takes one to call one" Or as those who are wise enough to learn from the histories of Hitler's Fascists and Stalin's Socialists regimes of terror; it's that they project the very evil that's in their own hearts onto those they wish to destroy. They then 
proceed to enslave those who help them accomplish their murderous goals. At 
least there is a bit of poetic justice in that last statement. But history also demonstrates "everybody" loses, especially the minorities and 'have nots'-or "useless eaters" as Hitler called them
It appears they have already accomplished much of their goal of putting 
everyone on their Socialist/ Fascist Plantation in one form or another. They 
have succeeded by demonizing the minority who take responsibility for their own families safety and education, thus intimidating much of the majority into not even daring to think about doing the same.
At the same time they exhort the rights of the Islamic Fascists and other criminals in the name of protecting "your" civil rights. WHAT CIVIL RIGHTS?? Having to have armed guards in our children's "locked" schools, locking ourselves in gated communities. Fear of flying, Fear of going out at night or even in the daytime in many cities, even fear of "praying" ..Wake up!!, 
were being conned by the 'real' Fascists .the Liberals
Many of us have experienced it or know "Law abiding citizens" who have already lost their civil right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness thanks to the success of the Democrats/ Liberals defense of the Islamic 
terrorists and other common criminals. Add to that the Democrats carrot and stick, Sirens song, "the Government is your nanny and if you object you can kiss goodbye your fanny". In short if we don't get off our fanny soon and "act up" were not going to have one to get off of. And that's about as nice 
as it can be put in a family newspaper.
Paul Lebedzinski
Huntsville TX.

Don’t Even Think About It
The kooks, spooks and goblins are out early this year. 
Up in Conroe, there’s a guy who wants to nuke all the “Islamic Fascists” in the entire Middle East. Another creep thinks Heaven is a red state and he’s calling for a 20 foot high wall along both the Mexican and Canadian borders. 
In the Chronicle’s Sept. 25 Viewpoint, Patrick Diorio compares George W. Bush with Franklin Roosevelt and demands for Bush to have a third and maybe a fourth term! 
When President Roosevelt was elected for a third term, he had brought us out of the Great Depression. We found ourselves in a true world war that we didn’t start AND the rest of the free world was with us. 
There is one time when changing horses in the middle of the stream is a good idea. That’s when the horse you are riding happens to die in mid-stream. Dead horses are notoriously bad swimmers. 
Franklin Roosevelt was a great president and he served this country well through three terms and part of a fourth. George W. Bush is riding a dead horse and he’s no Franklin Roosevelt. 
Bill Barnes
Spring, TX

I Speak To You Anti-Immigrants
You are blind and ignorant. Because you don’t know who builds those big houses you live in and buy cheap. You don’t know who works in the restaurant for no money so you can eat cheap.
You don’t know about lazy Americans who are too good to work just because they were born here. The Catholic Church and Salvation Army feed these lazy people every day. Ask your politicians to put these people to work. 
We come to America illegally because it is impossible to come by other means. You get to work where you work because you are American citizens. We are not criminals. We believe in God. We know about guys who commit crimes. Without illegals this county will get poor. We love this country, God bless you America.
Pablo Serto
Conroe, TX.

Judges Should Interpret Law, Not Be Tough On Crime.
I appreciate Kim Kingsbury bringing attention in her Letter to the Editor in your September 22nd edition that the Republican Party web site did not note that Cara Wood was appointed the the 284th District Court bench, The web site has been edited to indicate this action. I look forward th having her monitor our web site in the future.
But in the contest for judge of the 284th District Court in the General election campaign, Judge Wood’s appointment is not the paramount issue. The paramount issue is judicial philosophy. The paramount issue is judicial philosophy.
Judge wood is a conservative Republican who strongly believes that Judges should interpret the law, not attempt to enact or make law and be tough on crime.
She has experience in both civil and criminal law in the private and public sector, and has been an active participant in our community and her church for over twenty years.
Her opponent is a Democrat who has experience in corporate law and academics, but little or no experience in criminal law. While we have heard very little about her judicial philosophy, we do know that Democrat judges are much more likely to legislate from the bench and be soft on crime. There is no need to take a chance. We should return Judge Cara Wood to the 284th Judicial District bench on November 7th.
Walter (Wally) Wilkerson
Montgomery County Party Chairman

Get Involved
I haven’t been involved in politics for about 30 years… not since right after college. But, there is one particular race in Montgomery County that has me working again. I’m getting involved because I believe in the two-party system… and I believe in voting for the most qualified candidate, regardless of political affiliation. 
That’s why I am rolling up my sleeves to work for Nancy McCoy. Nancy is a tough-on-crime lawyer who not only knows the law but has contributed to textbooks that teach litigation in our law schools. Among her many qualifications, Nancy has practiced law in the district courts of Texas for 20 years, is partner of a law firm that handles civil cases and complex business suits, representing both plaintiffs and defendants and has taught Civil Trial Advocacy and Pre-Trial Litigation at the University of Houston Law School for more than 10 years. 
She has authored two chapters of the Texas Litigation Primer, a textbook used at UH, as well as numerous articles for law reviews and journals. Nancy is a frequent speaker at symposiums for professional, educational, civic and charitable events in Texas and Washington.
Ms. McCoy has served as president of the Montgomery County Food Bank for five years. Nancy truly is the real McCoy. Our area is fortunate that someone of her background and intellect is running for elected office. A number of my friends – both Democratic and Republican – agree that this is the time to put party politics aside and put an experienced, capable and imminently qualified individual on the bench. 
Please join us in supporting Nancy McCoy, Democratic candidate for 284th Judicial District Court.
Barbara Peyton 
Montgomery, Texas 

The Real McCoy is Fearless
I would like to share the reasons why I know Nancy McCoy would be a great judge for the 284th District Court. 
A couple of years ago, I was sued in Harris County in a frivolous lawsuit and faced the prospect of spending a fortune I didn't have in attorney's fees to defend myself. 
Other lawyers I talked to wanted thousands of dollars up front but Nancy agreed to represent me and let me pay by the month. 
There were many lawyers in the case including big Houston law firm lawyers but it was soon clear that I had the toughest and the best lawyer of all of them, which made me feel really good, and somehow safe. Nancy believed in me, worked hard, and got me out of the case quickly and cheaply by fighting back as hard as it took. 
I got to know Nancy and saw that she was a good, compassionate person who was at the same time tough and utterly fearless. That's why I know she make a great judge, and why I hope you will vote for her.
Please feel free to contact me at the address or phone numbers listed below.
(Home #) 281-290-6471
Address: 11823 Westwold Dr.
Tomball, Texas 77377
(email) anharland@AOL.com 
Amy Harland
King Chapman & Broussard

Is Voting a Useless Exercise?
Recently, Chris Zora of Montgomery wrote into the paper to criticize those who continue to vote straight Republican no matter what, since such action results in government not of the people, but rather one designed solely to carry out one party's political agenda. He also opined that the November elections will be a "useless exercise" since we are a "GOP dominated county." 
I must respectfully disagree. The Democrats are indeed running candidates in the local fall elections, in some races for the first time in years. And, given those candidates' credentials and the prevailing dissatisfaction with Republican-run government at all levels, they have an excellent chance. 
One example is Nancy McCoy, the Democratic candidate for Judge of the 284th District Court. Nancy is considered, pretty much across the board, more qualified than her Republican opponent. She is experienced and will be even-handed to all. And it is a position that shouldn't be political, anyway. 
I do agree with Mr. Zora that people need to stop mechanically voting straight Republican and vote for the most qualified candidates, regardless of political party. If they do, I believe many of them will proudly vote for candidates like Democrat Nancy McCoy. 
Tomi G. Phillips 
The Woodlands, TX

Wildfire Scandal: A Crime of the Century 
Another un- controlled fire season is upon us bringing terrible destruction and loss of life, with fire officials AGAIN expected to continue restricting the ONLY effective tool against uncontrolled wildfires. Namely the 747, DC-lU (now in limited use), & Ilyushin-76 Super Tanker type aircraft (see: Evergreen Supertanker (on internet) that corrupt government aviation and firefighting officials have restricted from service since 1995! Meanwhile, as usual, we’re forced to endure untold lost lives and destruction in these fires across our country while self-serving government fire and aviation officials drag their feet and protect their fat paychecks, pensions, and vested interests built on the carnage of American citizens by what morally amounts to criminal malfeasance and mass murder. A 747 pilot told me a Supertanker can control massive wildfires in ONE day when used. We must investigate and prosecute these officials at the top of the FAA, Forest Service, and state and county fire agencies, who obviously care nothing about human life and suffering, for deliberately protecting their ‘vested interest in error’ for a decade by facilitating massive death and destruction by restricting the Supertankers, and meanwhile demand the Boeing 747 (or any) Supertanker aircraft be used to save lives NOW! Supertankers mean the END of uncontrolled wildfires in America! 
Ed Nemechek 
Landers, Ca. 

Why Has Wal Mart Gone Gay
On August 21, 2006, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce announced a "partnership" with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. This means that Wal-Mart is now a "corporate member" of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
According to The Family Research Council in Washington D.C. this new partnership will involve at least the following three activities:
A Wal-Mart vice president will now serve as an advisor to the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. 
Wal-Mart will now sponsor (pay for) some of the programs of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, including two conferences. 
Wal-Mart will go out of its way to purchase products from businesses with"Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered" owners. 
Why should any vendor get preference based on anything other than quality and price of their product? Most people have the courtesy of keeping their sex life a private matter. Why do lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals make their sexual preferences a matter of business dealings? 
In the past Wal-Mart has sought to keep its reputation as a "family-friendly" store. One can only wonder why Wal-Mart’s leaders have chosen to pander to radical homosexual activists. The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Wal-Mart’s new "domestic partner," favors abolishing the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Everywhere that the American public have had the opportunity to vote to protect traditional marriage, they have done so overwhelmingly. Why has Wal-Mart chosen to attach itself to these radical homosexual activist and therefore forsake mainstream America?
The day I read about Wal-Mart’s decision to become partners with the NGLCC, I had already been to a local Wal-Mart and made a purchase. The next morning, I returned my purchase with a copy of the article about Wal-Mart and the NGLCC. I then emailed Wal-Mart’s Customer Service Department explaining why my family will no longer be shopping with them. I would rather spend a little more money elsewhere than to support in any way the radical homosexual activist’s attempts to destroy the American family, which could ultimately lead to the moral collapse of our nation.
Steve Casey 
Stonewall, La

Basics of Americanism
Relatively few Americans have a good understanding about our rights. Yet, our
Founders clearly defined both the source of our rights and the proper role of government 
over two hundred years ago.
The Founders studied thousands of years of history and were very familiar with 
different forms of government. They incorporated their knowledge into the
Declaration of Independence and later into the U.S. Constitution.
On July 4, 1776, in the first fifty-six words of the second paragraph of the
Declaration of Independence, the birth certificate of our nation, the fifty-six signers
stated:
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, That to secure these Rights,
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed....
Here, we have the basics of Americanism:
Each person is born with the right to life, liberty and property. Each can do whatever he or she pleases except interfere with the equal rights of others.
The only legitimate function of government is to help protect the rights of
its citizens. To accomplish this, government needs to use only the minimum force
necessary to keep people from harming each other, to compel them to keep their contractual agreements, and to protect them against possible aggression from a foreign
power.
Founded on these principles, the United States became the greatest nation in
history. However, when our government assumes other powers, as it has for many years, it threatens our lives and freedom, and eventually we will be living in a police
state.
John A. Clibourn
North Hills, CA 

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