What Issues Concern You?
In our efforts to be a voice for independently minded people, maybe we should listen to what the people are saying. So here you go folks. Rant away.
Where are you from? What are your top three issues you’d like to see change? What are some specific local issues facing you or your community? What are some statewide and national issues that really hit home with you. What’s on your mind Texas, and hell, you too America, what’s bothering you? Be articulate and do a little research. Offer solutions or suggestions. This is your time, use it.
Rob Hinojosa Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 2:51 pm
For me, this independent movement should at least accomplish these two specific issues:
Ban (Diebold Elections Systems) in Texas similar to other states, due to (thousands of complaints of inaccuracies) and (evidence of fraud).
(Political Reform)
Not in any particular order.
Robert Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 4:44 pm
I would like to have paper ballots instead of an electronic voting machine. Simply because it leaves a paper trail. I don’t trust the electronic voting machines at all.
Juli Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Rob, those are two excellent suggestions. Get rid of Diebold (and ES&S and optical-scan counters, they’re all suspect). Make it easier for people to run statewide as Independents. I would add, make it easier to vote: move Election Day to a weekend. It’s crazy to keep it on a Tuesday, this is obviously done to discourage the working class.
Beyond that, offer a statewide spay-and-neuter program to reduce the homeless animal population.
Offer a truly objective, non-partisan evaluation of candidates in major races, so perhaps we can steer people away from straight party and get a few to pick the best in each race.
Sharon Ohnikian Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 4:50 pm
Rob, I just watched Hacking Democracy. Very scary! This should be the number one issue. Like they said if your vote isn’t counted and counted correctly we do not have a democracy. I nearly passed out when I saw the returns because I couldn’t believe that (1) Perry got that many voters; and (2) that Kinky didn’t make a better showing. I used a paper ballot where you ink in the spot, no where on that ballot is a place for my name or number. In the long run, e-voting is going to be the cheapest and most accurate method, but we have to have accountability. In this day of advanced technology, there is no reason why voters should not get a paper receipt immediately upon casting their vote (ATM machines do it every day) so we can immediately confirm our vote was entered as we intended. There is also no reason why that same receipt could not be automatically e-mailed or somehow sent to each campaign so each campaign can do their own verifications. Voters could send their receipt to the campaigns as needed for confirmation. E-voting machines and their technology should not be secret or trade-mark or patent protected. If they are going to be used every voter in this country should be allowed to review it and have legal access to it. THIS IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE!
2) Affordanble Health Insurance for all
3) Raise minimum wage
4) Get rid of lobbiest and special interest groups.
3) Immigration, border.
……
Morgan Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 4:56 pm
1. Equal State funding for elections with free, equal, and balanced airtime on television and radio.
2. Allocate 5% of the taxes from legalized casinos to pay for elections, 95% for schools.
3. Decriminalize non-vilent drug “crime”.
4. Encourage “Solar Farms” in the vast west Texas void. Build ‘em around the oil wells. Afterall there ain’t much there outside of Jackalopes and Chupacabras anyway.
5. If you’re going to tax Cigarettes an additional $1 a pack and then tax the tax via the sales tax… charge an extra buck for each 6-pack of beer. (and no, I don’t smoke)
Sharon Ohnikian Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 5:03 pm
Me again. I live in Rowlett, Texas a small bedroom community on the outskirts of Dallas. The DROUGHT and subsequent restrictions are killing us. We’re running out of water. I don’t know if building new reservoirs are the answer, so much as implementing building moratoriums. Current residents can only cut down so much and its real hard to watch all the new housing developments go up because those new residents will add to the consumption. A moratorium on new housing will also have the advantage of raising property values.
Also, we need to get away from toll roads and more freeways in general and invest in viable mass transist. I work in downtown Dallas – a 20 miles commute every day. Driving takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours or more one way, twice a day. There are no cross-town systems, and Rowlett has been paying into DART to get light-rail for years and no light rail yet. The nearest train or bus station is 20 minutes drive away. Not feasible. People will use it if you will build it.
Renewable fuels – we’ve got enough hot-air and wind bags in Austin they could tap (just kidding). I was hoping Kinky and Willie were going to take care of this.
Jacquelynn Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 5:04 pm
1. City by city, we need a FREE clinic for FREE animal spay and neuter. Just get a caring vet, vet assistant and receptionist on payroll, and start taking appointments.
2. NO COAL BURNING PLANTS. In a state with more frigging sunchine and wind than anywhere else, why the heck are we going to burn COAL??????????? Sometimes I wake up here in the morning in my Houston suburb and the air smells like NAIL POLISH REMOVER. On top of that they want to burn coal? There’s a reason we have more CANCER FACILITIES here in Houston than anywhere else. WE ALL ARE GETTING CANCER.
3. Slots for Tots. Thank you Kinky for a great ideal. But ALL the profit needs to go to our school systems. Galveston Island is the place to start. It will revitalize their economy. The island is already raised and has an 18 foot seawall to protect against hurricanes. Lots of cheap land. Nice historic district. Already a cruise ship port. Bring ‘em in.
Whatever political party you want to start, I’m in. Let me know when and where and I’ll get my clipboard.
Jacquelynn in Houston
James Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 5:15 pm
First of all for there to be any change we need to have a political system similar to those of Europe with many parties and independents. I always comment that you never go into a Research and Development meeting with just two people, you go in with as many as you can have to come up with the best solutions. We only have 2 people in that meeting, we need more.
If there is one area in which we need to improve on it is including many types of parties and independents in the electoral process. There are simple ways to do this. (I did a whole research paper on voter apathy and solutions)
Not listed in any order.
1.)Instant Runoff Voting- http://www.instantrunoff.com/
2.) Abolish Electoral College
3.) Fair Debates- http://www.opendebates.org/ —-applies nationally but could be applied locally.
4.) National ballot access legislation
5.) Proportional Representation—- http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/polit/damy/BeginnningReading/howprwor.htm
6.) National Voting Holiday
7.) Same day voter registration
8.) Lower voting age to 16 and include education in school before elections to get them going for life. And some pay taxes, help with insurance costs, etc.
9.) Publically Financed campaigns
10.) NO-Confidence vote in both state and national level.
just some ideas. most importantly instant runoff voting is probably the best step and easiest.
John Lahtinen Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 7:44 pm
Election Reform!
* standardized debates: no less than 3, and scheduled to maximize viewership.
* debates should be inclusive: anyone who is on the ballot should be allowed to participate.
* debate format should be standardized as well, with an objective to avoid the game-show model.
* rights to the debates should not be exclusive: all networks should be able to televise them, and they should be freely available anywhere online.
* same-day voter registration
* publically financed campaigns/spending caps on
* full 2 weeks of early voting
* election day/last day to vote should be on a Saturday.
* paper receipts for e-voting
kerry llewellyn Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 9:21 pm
get the youngsters riled up – interested in their country. get them educated! let them know what’s happening in our country. we need to get the people of the united states to see that they are the united states. do you get my drift? kerrylle
Jared Janhsen Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 10:06 pm
I’ll tell you what will really make a difference. If people would stop taking the bait from the politicians on the BS issues, Gay marriage, abortion, the 10 commandments. This is NOT the responsibility of government. The government’s job is not to force one group’s morality on another. The role of government is to maintain order and make sure that every citizen is able to live their lives as they see fit. Don’t beleive me?
“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
I know it’s cliche to quote the constitution, but read that, the preamble basically states the purpose. How does banning gay marriage establish justice? If you’re gay it sure doesn’t. How does forcing the Bible on us Provide for the common defense?
What Kinky had laid out in his campaign was more in-line with the preamble of the constitution more than any of the other candidates.
I hate the fact that elections these days are being decided on the most idiotic of issues, ones that really don’t effect anyone in any fashion. I got nothing against Christians, or the Bible, but cram your morality down my throat on your own time and not OUR government’s. Remember, this government belongs to EVERYBODY not just people that subscribe to the Bible, or the Quran (sorry to any islamics out there for my terrible spelling), or the Torah, or the teachings of Buddha. One of the reasons I no longer support any Republicans is because they’re basically the Christian version of the Taliban to put it bluntly. The problem is they’re representing the Pat Robertsons and Jerry Falwells and Jim Bakkers of the US, not folks who have a full understanding of Jesus and the Bible.
Sorry for the rant, but one of the reasons I supported Kinky was because he wasn’t any of what I’d just ranted about above.
Nancy Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 11:09 pm
1. Adhering to the Constitution (the Founders’ intent)
2. Someone mentioned above a minimum of 3 debates. I think this is a great idea. I also think they should be longer to allow in Kinky’s case and force, in others’ case, to cover their ideas in more depth. The voters need more than sound bites to be able to make intelligent decisions, whether they realize it or not.
3. I think the idea of changing the voting date to Saturday is a wonderful one.
4. I am also concerned about what I have researched about the optical scanning machines and the electronic voting machines. The way it stands now, the results can be easily hacked and there is no audit trail of our votes. This is very important to fix. Watch “Hacking Democracy” on google video or check out http://www.blackboxvoting.org
5. Insurance reform. Many people can’t afford medical insurance and those that are self-employed do not have access, regardless of money, to the same level of insurance. Furthermore, hospitals make more money off of people that are under-insured or not insured, than those who have insurance. This needs to change. 60 Minutes ran a special on this during ‘06.
I liked Kinky’s idea on taxing the hospitals and insurance companies. If it works for Minnesota, why wouldn’t it work here?
6. Illegal immigration and securing the border. I liked Kinky’s ideas; however, some of the more recent folks need to be sent home. We need to enforce our current immigration laws.
7. Alternative energy sources.
8. Root out the corruption in our government. We need to put the crooks in our own government on notice. If you break the law, you’re going to jail.
9. Stopping the Trans-Texas Corridor. Texas is on the front lines here. This road is part of a larger deal called the NASCO corridor, which will stretch from Mexico to Canada. And this is only one of the “big roads” that will be built from Mexico to Canada.
10. I shouldn’t have put this last, because I think it is one of the most important. Texas needs to pass legislation to counteract some of the federal legislation that has been passed recently, that violates states’ rights, not to mention the Constitution. For example, stipulations in the Patriot Act, the Military Commission Bill (which Constitutional scholars agree provides for American citizens to be picked up and jailed, indefinitely, all at the President’s whim) and John Warner’s Defense Authorization bill, which provides for Federal control over our state’s National Guard, amongst other power-grabbing things. This apparent hook-up between the military and our state and local law enforcement is also more than a little troubling and should be stopped with legislation.
Megan Said:
on November 9, 2006 at 11:40 pm
I agree with you all! The thing that concerns me at the moment is the importing of fuel when we can help make it here in Texas! I mean this really isn’t hard or really expensive. Just something that nobody who is in office now wants to look into . ( forgive me if I am wrong) It would help the farmers ( who are in dire need ) and help the air quality in our home state. What’s to lose? Not only that but ,if we did this right it would inspire other states as well so we wouldn’t have to be looking into destroying national parks and the Artic for our fuel.There are already cities getting in touch with renewable resources as we speak so why not all cut down and make this something to be proud of ..As Kinky says “Texas needs to be number 1 in something”.
Another thing….Get rid of the straight party ticket! I also disagree on the newspapers being allowed ( DMN November 7th) to have their recommendations posted in the back of the newspaper. All candidates need to be given equal media attention. There shouldn’t be a huge spread of one certain person time and again just to remind people who they think they should vote for. I know there is probably quite a few people who look to these such editorials so they know who to base their vote on. This isn’t right and has to be stopped!
TexasForeignLegion Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 12:29 am
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4320981.html
Well …here you have it folks…not even a full day into it and the guy says hes not even serious about finishing out… But I guess if your going to force a nationwide NAFTA toll road all the way thru to Canada, its kinda tough to do it from Texas.
And not for nuthin’, the same guy who sandbagged Kinky with outdoorsmen and gun owners want to now offer Kinky a job in Park sand Wildlife..???
Robert Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 1:55 am
Megan, you hit the nail on the head!
Get rid of the straight party ticket!
All candidates need to be given equal media attention.
Seperately:
He who has the most money towards a campaign wins?
Sorry this is wrong, and should be dealt with ASAP!
Fair is fair, but $$$ should not buy positions!
Votes decide positions!
Robert Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 2:02 am
Illegal Immigration bothers me most!
The mainstream media (MSM) does not help with this problem by calling them undocumented immigrants or workers.
If I drive a vehicle without a license can I be called an “undocumented driver”?
Nate Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 2:40 am
1) Election/Debates/Political/Lobbying Reform
2) Energy/Environment – “It’s not a political issue, it’s a moral issue.”
I care about other issues, maybe even more, but I think these are the two things the parties aren’t going to deal with unless there’s some hand forcing. What kind of reforms do I want in those areas? See above/Kinky’s platform.
Bev Okin-Larkin Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 5:16 am
Problems, and these are specific to Texas:
Bev Okin-Larkin Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 5:33 am
Whoops, let me try that again:
1. Re-evaluating how we handle health care, especially in my particular career area – residential living for individuals with disabilities. There are families who are having to choose between trying to eke out enough services for their family member with mental retardation, mental illness, Cerebral Palsy, etc. -OR- placing their loved one in a state institution for services. Either way it’s a LOSE/LOSE scenario. I’ve worked for TDMHMR for over 18 years, when I started we had funding.
Under Bush’s leadership, funding was cut – and actually the funding that was available from about 1987 until 1996 was the result of a class action lawsuit to prevent individuals from being warehoused in our state institutions without retaining their basic life skills and having as normal as life experience as possible. ONCE the lawsuit was considered settled by one of Bush’s own “actvivist” judges – no bucks, no funding, no programming. We are warehousing our disabled again!
Staff are expected to work with NOTHING! It takes months to order furniture for living areas, departments that provided services are CUT to the bone.
So, basically when Kinky said we were last guys – he was RIGHT! And I was one of the people who told him about it. We are the worst in taking care of our more vulnerable members of society here in Texas: children, elderly and disabled.
And to make it worse, Perry (and a hideous creature called House Bill 2292) is still taking funding away. Where I work – the state institution in Corpus, staff are pulling 16-18 hour shifts WITHOUT OVERTIME. They having a hiring freeze of sorts on, so that you could be hired – trained over 2 weeks and your FIRST DAY on the floor, they might keep you over your shift since they are CHRONICALLY short of staff! It’s INSANE.
Anyways, we need to have the government really look at what they are doing – when Perry discussed his “10% cuts from all State agencies” – guys this isn’t four guys with shovels looking busy he’s referring to – we’re talking about people who provide services with NO RESOURCES, NO OVERTIME PAY (they get compensatory time they can never use, since they are so short) working in stressful conditions for 16 or more hours.
My main priority for the people we serve through what is now called DADS or DSHS is that staffing and funding need to return to limits that make sense so we can provide services for the people we serve.
2. Health care so we can all afford it, and get ACCENTURE (another House Bill 2292 mess) out of the picture. They are IDIOTS and should not be making decisions about people’s lives. Can you envision people who are totally down on their luck being told “You call this toll free number for food stamps?” Well, kids that is exactly what the state/Perry’s cronies are doing. That is how the kids got dropped from CHIP, plus CHIP was made harder for parents to maintain, what used to be once a year approval now is every 6 months. The morons at ACCENTURE (which is basically little over minimum wage phone bank people using a book to guide them with practically no training) have allowed personal information to be lost, things faxed to Wisconsin of all places. And basically as the military would call it – tis a SNAFU.
3. Energy/Environment – I hate seeing the smog in the morning. Perry and Bush get the EPA to look the other way – it must stop. Texas needs to be the LEADER in how we make energy,
//off my soapbox
Matt Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 5:52 am
I’m still concerned with the border. Bringing Mexico to the table and curbing the drug-flow up I-35 will go a long way to stabilizing the drug-related gang violence in places like my hometown of Fort Worth.
Kathy Middleton Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 8:18 am
What concerns me most? The fact that middle class working people/couples/family’s have to choose between paying their utility bills or buying food. And one of the factors to this problem in Corpus Christi is poor workmanship and low standard codes in the 1980′ s. I have a small 3 bedroon home, 1060 feet to be exact. I have recenlty had to replace me circut breaker box due to over heating of the wires and $700.00 electric bills for 1 month. Only 2 people reside in this home and they both work. Upon replacing the box the electrician found a melted wire behind AEP’s meter. Which again we have over heating, high resistance and high electric bills. AEP has informed me that the only thing that belongs to them is the meter it’s self. That any wireing behind the meter is mine to take care of. Now, the meter is AEP’s which the have locked and for me to have some one look at it is $200.00 for them to cut of their lock. The wires that are over heating are the wires from the underground line which AEP ran when the house was built. I never would have known about the wires if I did not have to have to the electrical repairs done to circut breaker box in the 1st place, because me nor any other person would have cut the lock to AEP’s meter, pulled the meter off etc… BUT IT’S OUR PROBLEM!!!!!
Now AEP wants to raise rates. So I can look forward to $1000.00 a month electric bills for the summer months. These bills are more then my mortgage.
Will you help me , Kinky. This problem is a neighborhood problem. My neighbor’s bills are about $300.00 a month and she runs the air 24/7/12. The neighbor across the street has high bills like myself, while her neighbor has smaller ones and more people live in the house. The problem has been traced to the wiring in the homes, homes of middlet class people who work from paycheck to paycheck. I was hoping someone could contaxt me and help me solve this problem not only for my family, but for all the others in my neighborhood who suffer as well.
THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN THAT NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO OUR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ATTENTION BEFORE HOMES START GOING UP IN FLAMES, BECAUSE OF UNACCESSABLE WIRES THAT ARE THE HOME OWNERS, BUT CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED BY AEP FOR A FEE OF $200.00
Kathy Middl;eton
tiburonski Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 9:45 am
While I am concerned about the TTC, TXU’s plants, Education and Border security, all of these issues can be traced back to our broken election system. Once elected, these people do not feel in any way beholding to the people of Texas.
We can not ignore the issues and would be remise in doing so, but if we really want to make a long term change IMO, we have to put a great deal of our efforts into fixing how we elect our leaders.
Stop undue lobbyist influance.
Campaign finance reform with spending limits.
Stop the dirty attacks and force them to concentrate on issues.
Have “real” debates.
Increase voter turnout to 75% or better.
Ballot access.
Get more people to run as Independents.
All of these depend to some extent on fixing one of the other issues so where to start?
One thing is for certain. This group of people have the smarts and just as importantly the heart to actually pull it off!
Megan Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 9:45 am
Robert,
You are right! Who has the most money wins?! What happened to the better guy winning? immigration is a HUGE concern that’s not getting better. At quite a few jobs you apply for now you have to be fluent in Spanish as well or they aren’t going to hire you! I’m not lying ,both my friend from San Antonio and my brother ran into this problem here lately. While looking for a job my brother asked why he had to be fluent in the other lanuguage and they said simply because of the customers request. Mind you while he was vistitng Mexico he had the impression you better know Spanish or they don’t care. It’s alright if they are legal but for us to have to change our lifestyle to accomadate illegals is a topic we need to really look into.
Megan Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 9:54 am
tiburonski,
That’s getting to the point exactly! I better get something for my head (maybe only 2 hours sleep is doing it) before I mispell anything else! It’s visiting! Sorry! Later ya’ll!
suzi Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Same day voter registration
A receipt for every ballot
No idle zones at schools (parents run their engines for 30 min. waiting to pick up students)
Investigate the gross coruption of school boards across Texas ( millions of $s poured out to
sweetheart deals)
Get rid of the freakin’ TAKS teast
Jacquelynn Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 12:36 pm
If I moved to France, I would be expected to learn French.
If I moved to Russia, I would be expected to learn Russian.
If I moved to Poland, I would be expected to learn Polish.
If I moved to Mexico, I would be expected to learn Spanish.
Does anyone see a pattern here? We need to make ENGLISH the OFFICIAL LANGUAGE of Texas and the USA. If you are coming here to reap the benefits of living in the BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, then you better learn the darn language. My grandparents did it. So should everyone else.
Thank you. Jacquelynn
JohnnyMc Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 1:04 pm
1) Illegal immigration is my number #1 issue. And yet, I don’t think anything will ever be done about it.
2) The TTC, which really goes along with my number 1 issue (illegal immigration). The reason, neither will be stopped, is because big business wants this Free Trade B.S. And because of that, the TTC will be used to bring in tons of products from all over (mostly from China, shipped through Mexico) up the TTC into America, and then Canada. And also, Big Business wants the cheapest labor it can find. So, the TTC and Illegal Immigration will neither be stopped, as long as Big Business, with its’ “bribes” to politicians, gets its’ way.
3) As others have stated, an end to Straight Ticket voting. I don’t think this will ever happen though, since the Repubs and Dems control the legislature and know Straight Ticket voting, is in their favor.
4) A wacky one, which probably wouldn’t be allowed by the Courts…..but I wish that the publishing of polls before elections……was outlawed. Talk about a vote suppresser. I think the #1 thing that hurt Kinky, was that so many folks bought into the “a vote for him is a wasted vote” crap. I mean, don’t you think, more folks would come vote, and vote their conscience, if they truly had no clue who might win????
(Like I said though, courts would probably say this idea violates free speech…..or something).
And one more thing….off the subject. Are the rest of you folks (especially volunteers and Coordinators)……feeling a huge VOID in your life, since the election? I sure am. I was involved in this campaign for about a year and a half…..and now that it’s over…..I do feel a huge VOID.
But doggone, it sure was fun…………and well worth it. I’d do it all again, in a New York (or maybe New Boston) minute.
John (Bowie County Coordinator)
Le Lowry Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 4:18 pm
There have been three issues I have tried to address as an elected Representative of the Poor and a candidate for a community college trustee seat. One is poverty, in particular the need to support Community Action programs that provide emergency and transitional assistance out of poverty. When we can really help the poor help themselves to economic independance it tends to work its way up the economic ladder.
Two is education, there seems to be a great lack of accountability on this issue. We need to fully fund public education, greatly reduce the number of school districts in the state, lower class size and school size.
But it will be difficult to address most issues without addressing the issue of political reform. I believe the two that would have the most dramatic effect would be full public financing of campaigns and removing the party line from all ballots. Full public financing makes all candidates accountable to voters including incumbants and removing the party line is a good reminder that we elect individuals and not parties to represent us. Whether you have two or twenty political parties, they do play a vital role in getting out the vote and caucusing behind issues, but we should be mindful that we do not elect parties to represent us.
Norberto Gomez Jr Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 4:23 pm
All great things!
Here’s one that is rarely mentioned:
Reemphasize the ARTS in education versus sports etc.
we need to give our young people the spirit of creativity
again!
this can even extend to a sort of contemporary WPA: cleaning up our cities with murals!
Norberto Gomez Jr Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 4:25 pm
i nominate me as Art Czar lmao
David Crosby Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 6:27 pm
Im in New Braunfels, and I’m damn dissapointed that Kinky didn’t get more votes. That being said, Some of the things I would like to see changed are:
The trans Texas coridor needs to be voted on by the people.
The educational system needs to be re-structured. Right now the tail is wagging the dog. School boards do not need to meet in boardrooms. They should meet in school cafeterias. They should see the schools at every meeting. We do not need schools that are modern marvels as designers try and out do one another at tax payer expense. Make the school comfortable and cunductive to learning, sure but some of these schools that are being built are a waste of money that would be better spent on teacher salaries. Getting e-textbooks into schools. Less expensive to replace and update in the long run. Administrators do not need to make more money than teachers, period.
Property taxes need to be brought under control.
Term limits for ALL elected officials.
I have many more, but I’m heading out with the family so I was in a bit of a hurry. Please forgive any serious spelling mistakes.
Joy Shivers Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 8:04 pm
local meeting on TTC in Kaufman County at theTerrell High School 400 Poetry Road Terrell
Nov 18
5-8pm
obviously HB3588 and the TTC issue is my greatest concern. Looks like its coming through my house.
Ladyranger Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 8:15 pm
other meetings on this can be found on the website http://www.CorridorWatch.org
Ladyranger Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 8:18 pm
TTC local meeting Kaufman County
Terrell High School
400 Poetry Road
Terrell,Texas
Nov.18
5-8 pm
Jim Bates Said:
on November 10, 2006 at 9:20 pm
Alexis,
I am willing to talk about what I have learned as an unpaid lobbyist for a local, state and federal non-profit oraganization.
- Jim Bates (Tarrant County)
Robert Said:
on November 11, 2006 at 1:05 am
David Crosby, i agree with you, I went to Junior high in Aransas Pass. The school was built in 1913, I was in that school in 1975/76. May Allen building. The new high school had just been built! So what i am saying is, yes the floors squeaked, and it was sound building, but I still learned! I didn’t need new. New buildings don’t make education better,…… teachers (bless their hearts) and curriculim matter! Pay those teachers more. get rid of the TASK tests, start teaching those kids, (they are our future). !
nikki perez Said:
on November 11, 2006 at 7:43 am
I’m in Odessa & the day after the election while listening to KBAT radio station the DJ Cotter was actually bashing voting! He said he might vote in a couple of years. What an idiot! All this apathy is what got us to this! And there were actually more idiots calling in support. I do plan on calling the station manager & complaining!
I do not want to have to press 1 for English! If you don’t want to learn English go back where you came from. I want illegals OUT of Texas. We need to put our troops along the border & anyone caught can do basic training & go to Iraq (since it is another Vietnam) & fight for this country & earn their citizenship! Anyone on welfare should be required to do community service. And not be able to stay on welfare by breeding like rabbits. Cut them off @ 1 kid.
TAKS needs to be thrown out with the trash! Wonder who got a pocket full of money off that worthless piece of nonsense? No child left behind my ass! Kids are getting diplomas & they can’t even read!
Marijuana needs to be legalized & NOW! Alcohol is the “gateway drug”. I am 55 yrs old & really thought it would’ve been legal a long time ago. The taxes alone could be a BIG help in reducing Shrub Bush’s defecit. Not to mention saving lives (how many pot heads have accidents & take innocent lives?) and there is also the medical benefits for chemo patients & people with glaucoma.
Term limits need to be put in place. We don’t need Mr. BigHair reigning on the Gov’s throne for as long as he wishes.
My heart is broken that Kinky didn’t win. He would’ve been so GOOD for Texas!
One last thing. I want all dog pounds to be NO KILL unless the animal needs it. And stop gassing them. Give them a shot to put them to sleep. Thanks for reading!
Nicole Said:
on November 11, 2006 at 8:55 am
This is in no particular order but is what is important to me:
1) Water reclamation – right now so much water goes to waste. We could be using grey water to water the lawns, etc. while using what is in our reservoirs for household water. This would go far toward the water conservation efforts and might just put a dent in the shortages we are having. There are other states to our West (Arizona, for instance), that use grey water for watering and I think it’s great!
2) Cleaner/greener energy – I have worsening asthma that ONLY acts up when the air quality is bad or if I am exposed to chemical fumes. I am the canary in the coal mine folks. We will not live out healthy lives if something isn’t done about our air quality, and fast! We also can’t keep using and abusing our natural resources they way we have been. At some point Mother Earth is going to shake all of us fleas off of her back if we don’t stop being pests and start being better caretakers.
3) Cheaper energy – I’m getting tired of big energy taking home record profits while I go bankrupt.
4) Slots for tots and teens- pay the teachers more, put more money into our schools, and see what we can do about paying college tuition for A/B students for their first 2 years to encourage them to study hard to earn the grades and then continue on to college.
5) Campaign Finance Reform – I’m tired of this democracy being bought, sold and traded on the open market by Big Business and Special Interest Groups.
6) Election Reform – First off, it shouldn’t be so difficult for an Independent to get ont the ballot. While we shouldn’t have a process that would allow hundreds of people on the ballot for the same office for an election, the process we have now is arbitrarily and unnecessarily difficult.
7) FAIR REDISTRICTING – that favors NOT the politicians, but the people they represent. I find it a little odd that so many incumbents were turned out of the lower level offices, but the ONLY house or senate seat that turned over this election cycle was Delay’s due to the write in issue. Anyone else smell something fishy?
9) Term limits for all elected officials
10) Regulations that prevent lawmakers from becoming lobbyists for a defined period of time (preferably years, or at least an election cycle) after they leave office
11) Same day voter registration
12) Receipt balloting that would enable to voter to ensure that what they voted is what was counted, something I don’t honestly think has happened in decades.
13) Education reform – the TAKS test teaching is a broken system. There should be teacher accountability, make no mistake. I have seen some people teaching who had no business being in the position they were. However, the testing needs to be done on the teachers to ensure they have the skills they need in order to teach the subjects they are teaching, not the other way around. If the teacher has the skills to give the students the education they deserve, then the rest will fall in place.
14) Health Care for the Poor – again, here is a broken system. I can’t even begin to tell you how many uninsured or underinsured are going without basic care. This creates issues down the line when they come up with major diseases costing hundreds of thousands or even into the millions to deal with that could have been avoided, fixed or managed had they been caught earlier.
15) Environmental protections – so many of our natural areas have been lost due to mismanagement and overdevelopment. We need to restore the natural areas to their former beauty and protect them so that they will not be lost.
16) Make election day a national holiday. Though rescheduling it for the weekend is a great idea, there would be some who argue that Saturday is their holy day and would be up in arms, just like if we put voting day on a Sunday. Tuesdays seem to be the one day no religion is fighting over.
17) Immigration reform. First, they should have to apply for permission to work. They should have to go through extensive backgroundchecks that they pay for with the application fee. They should all be issued taxpayer ID numbers so that if they are participating in our system, they are paying into our system. They should pay for the registration just like we pay for our drivers licenses and every other darned thing we do. Businesses who hire immigrants who have not been vetted in this mane should be heavily fined and then those who came illegally rather than through the more than fair system by which they can come and work legally should face a lifetime ban on entry to the US for any reason. Our borders, for the record, should be more secure than they are. It’s far too easy for illegals of any nationality to cross in as it stands.
18) Other education reforms:
Year round school- call me crazy, but when students have months off in between classes, they have to go back and relearn much of what is taught in the previous year before they can move forward. If the year round school model was implemented, students would still get breaks but they would be shorter ones and they would be spread across the year rather than lumped together. This would, in my humble opinion, enable the teachers to have better continuity and get more accomplished int he classrom.
Uniforms in all public schools – students who are not focused on fashion are better focused on learning. This levels the playing field, gets rid of the fashion caste system that goes on in the schools whether we like it or not.
Bring back the arts in schools, let funding for sports (away trips, uniforms, etc) come from outside the schools.
Decrease the class size so that it isn’t a free for all. Teachers barely have the time to teach because of the discipline issues they face with the large class groups. If teachers in Texas were being paid more, there would be more teachers, which would enable the better teacher/student ratio.
Teach the rugrats manners from the lower grades on up. Follow the Montessori model. My child came up through a public Montessori school and from a very young age the kids are taught manners, respect for others, and good conduct. Mind you, I also teach those things to my kid at home, but none of the kiddos coming out of that school model are the ones who disrupt classes in later life. When we don’t set clear boundaries for our kids, they make poor choices much of the time. In order to get the classroms back under control, make them SAFE for our students and the teachers and make them once again a place for learning, we have to establish a code of conduct from the early grades on up that students are expected to adhere to. This has to be taught in a positive way – ruling with the iron fist will only lead to worsening problems later. However, the classrooms have GOT to be brought back under control. Why, otherwise, would so many parents be turning to charter schools, private schools and parochial schools when the Texas Public School System fails them? I drive 25 minutes each morning to take my daughter to a public charter school out of my district so that she can spend her day learning instead of fighting for her survival.
19) Get rid of that Trans Texas Corridor idea. There may be a need to improve our highway system here in Texas, but the TTC is NOT the way to go.
I think that is the majority of what is most important to me. Not a lot, I know, but it’s a little something. (-:
Nicole
John Lahtinen Said:
on November 11, 2006 at 4:05 pm
I also keep thinking that there needs to be a moratorium on polls pertaining to elections beginning 2 months prior to election day. Such polls seem to color people’s perceptions of the race, and have the potential to manipulate the results into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
John
Jaime Said:
on November 11, 2006 at 11:42 pm
hey guys
I’ve had this idea since just before the kinky campagin. My concern: illegal pitbull fights. Along with pitbulls having lesser chances of a fair trial. As in this breed gets punished more than the animal abuser that trains them. Lets face it! People aren’t the only ones endangered when it comes to pitbulls and other dog breeds that are considered “dangerous”. I would like this whole mess of having fear of getting attacked by an animal and one of the many illegal operations that goes around here in our OWN state of Texas. Which is pitbulls. I have this whole idea I have been begging to tell people. I mentioned it to the kinky campaign and I KNOW kinky would of liked my ideas.
I don’t want to go into great detail right now but I will say something that involves the issue I wanting to get under control.
A few months ago I tried to grab 6 pits freely roaming in my neighborhood. Now I managed to grab 3. Their collars were skin tight. I grabbed these dogs to try to see if they would be able to be adopted. So I wait like maybe 3 hrs (till 2:20am) to get them transfered to HoustonSPCA. As the guy was loading the dogs in the spca van. He told me “future reference if you find a pitbull its most likely going to be put down in 4 days if the owner doesn’t claim them.)
note: Now I might sound nuts when I am thinking these pits are adoptable. But you have to consider this IS an animal and they ARE bred to be aggressive. They are not naturally aggressive they ARE BRED to be.
The next day I went down to the spca to complain about what I had heard earlier that morning.
They told me they were not adoptable because of previous law suits. I have nothing against the spca. The fact that its a policy to put down pitbulls because of previous complaints and law suits, pitbulls can not be adopted. This policy was made by those who didn’t know how to TAKE CARE of a pitbull. Has nothing to do with the spca. After talking to the director of the spca. I was disgusted of what she had said. Which was even if they could be adopted that there is no way in hell they could tell if the person who wants to adopt one would know how to take care of one legally. That is what really piss me off. Now there is this place called spindle top a pitbull rescue. which is the only pitbull rescue in my entire city. Houston. Splindle top is so full there is a looong waiting list for pits to be place in spindle top. I was so outrage because there are few laws and restrictions and organizations to keep this problem under control. Illegal pitbull fights operations and breeding the pits for fights seem to be very hard to find. People that want a dog but don’t know anything about a pitbull adopts them anyway. Thats including possibilities of animal cruelty. To me when someone abuses an animal its like looking at a sexual predator. I do not believe that pitbulls are the problem. I believe the people that mistreat or are ignorant about a pitbull are the problem. We take an animal into our civilization and not really think of the consequences.
People what I am trying to say is. To focus on safety for people and pitbulls or other “dangerous dog breeds” we must take action to gain control of the situation. The animal is not the only problem its the people who handle them. Remember we did breed these pitbulls to be aggressive! If we got them to be aggressive we can get them not to be aggressive. why? because they were not naturally aggressive! But still we do definitely need to consider them an animal just like the rest of the pets in America. I want to make it safe, fair, and a better life for Texans and dogs who are considered too dangerous.
Jaime Said:
on November 12, 2006 at 3:13 am
another thing to mention.
My father, a retired teacher is still working as a teacher 2 jobs i might add. He’s been around along time witnessing what happens in the education department and has very realistic opinions on what Texas should do to make it a hell of alot better. Teachers like him need a higher income. He has and is still quite dedicated to his work. He gives his heart out. ….alot. Also my mother is a social worker for h.i.s.d. in Houston. She too has dedicated herself in helping her clients. She goes out on a limb most of the time. She also makes more than my dad. They both voted kinky. They both work with kids and the schools in houston for a very long time. What I’d like to say from what I gather from their thoughts is. There is just no fairness, no communication, and no negotations on that issues that need to be discussed anymore. My folks have alot more to say than what people were describing as a middle finger vote.
my opinions on edcuation department. I do believe some school buildings need maintence. Why? because I’ve seen it where it needs it the most. Check out Furr high school NO not the magnnet program the actual school beside it. I’m sure its the same since I left it since 99.
I still feel that teachers need more than a lil pocket change to work. A room full of kids trying to teach them all at once education they need to graduate to go to college….all day 5 days a week even. Teachers have homework too. They have to grade papers and make test all the time. It is NOT easy! but i’m sure ya’ll know all of that.
One thing I am annoyed at is this stupid TAKS. In my opininon they think its so important they even change the abbreviations! I’m sure ya’ll agree teachers do NOT get paid do what their really supposed to do. Which is to teach education. Not a stupid test! They have to squeeze that into thir schedule. They have no choice I’m sure its fustrating to everyone! especially the teachers! It just makes sense those numbers those scores don’t even come close to what they should be learning. Memorizing answers instead of learning them???? wtf! I don’t think its about the kids when it comes to this TAKS. I think its the schools and the school districts for theirown benefit. The education and schools seem like politics already maybe. For a good while actually because what my parents have told me. But the teachers and the student’s parents don’t have a say what I feel. This is BS! Kids need an education and teachers need to be let down to really do their job.
Jaime Said:
on November 12, 2006 at 3:23 am
I forgot to mention that I think ALL kids not just some should have medical care. I feel that any kind of insurance screws in someway especially for the kids. Think about it if your job gives you medical insurance that screws you the wrong way when it comes to your kids health. how would you feel about that? There are families out there that need their kids on medical insurance that have no advantage with or with out insurance. But I pray that one day there will be an answer to those families that really really need that insurance for that baby of theirs. I think that is one major issue I think that needs to be addressed
Jaime Said:
on November 12, 2006 at 3:30 am
FYI: The green party is trying to fight to ban Diebold Elections Systems already I think.
betty dougia jasper Said:
on November 12, 2006 at 8:20 am
We the people, for the people. Have I lost something along the way? I know I did not get much schooling but I do remember being taught, that I lived in America and we are a free Nation. That meant we had freedom of choice to choose for ourselves what was right for each individual. It was my parent’s job to give me the morals in which to live by the choices I have made. Is it I or is this a deeper issue than we realize? What happen to the right to defend my family, I do not need law enforcement to fight my battles. God said an eye for an eye. I am not a Christian or anything; I am a sinner, but something’s or just right to live by. Laws are designed, to protect the criminal not the tax-paying citizen. Why can’t decent people have laws to protect us? Punish the ones who are the true violators. It appears to me that it is a few ill responsible people or the ones that make life impossible for everybody else. Why should I pay the price for their sins, I’ve got my own to answer for.
As far, as taxes go. Between land, school, and IRS my husband and I pay out approx. 28,000.00 (twenty eight thousand) dollars each year. This dose not includes spending money or gas and tobacco products. Do not impose any more taxes on me.
School and the lottery, well if someone would find out were all our tax money is you may find out we have enough money to run our public school system maybe even collage. Has anyone ever thought about giving the money back to the citizens in the form of free daycare for everybody, employing the public to sit with the elderly?
In my opinion what is right for me may not be right for you so all I can say is if smoking weed and same sex couples are right for you then who am I to judge. Different strokes for different folks. To comment a law against one self is a sin, to comment a law against another is a crime. Punish the crime let god punish the sin!
Betty Dougia Jasper.
Hardin
T.J. Said:
on November 12, 2006 at 11:48 am
I believe the basic ussue should be election reform–cap on campaign spending, equal air time, and a paper trail for voting results. If we don’t start by repairing the foundation, it will be fruitless to try to alter the structure which rests upon it.
T.J.
General Said:
on November 12, 2006 at 12:03 pm
I agree wholeheartedly TJ. Rob
kerry llewellyn Said:
on November 13, 2006 at 12:16 am
i say again – get people involved in our country. don’t let the politicians run the country. let the people of the country run the country. that’s the way it’s supposed to be. mandatory voting – or at least – like australia – at least, one has to appear at the polls on election day. that’s when real change is going to begin in this country. kerry
Megan Said:
on November 13, 2006 at 12:30 am
That’s getting to the point exactly T..J. I must add my two cents in the last several posts I have read…I agree with you Nicole on quite a few issues but I really have to say that the school uniform idea is just wrong..Everyone is titled to their opinion I know but, if we have PUBLIC schools controlling what the kids wear ( I don’t have children myself but 2 little sisters) now then what will they have control of in the future? Don’t give anyone more control than they already have in this case….The kids parents can control what they wear. I feel it a way to express ones individuality in your clothing…We don’t want to help the government form our youngsters into little robots. The TAKS is already trying that..Mind you my sister had her second practice test the other day! What’s wrong with these people?! Her homeroom teacher fully supports the idea and I must admit if you think only teaching a child how to fill in the blank or bubble than what kind or teacher are you? There are really good teachers out there and I just wish they could all get together and express their outrage on such a test…Ok I am off my rambling. We are supporting independent thinkers and we should encourage the children of today to let their minds grow and their hearts soar no matter what .
Nicole Said:
on November 13, 2006 at 6:13 am
Megan, as a parent whose daughter has gone to school in a public school environment where uniforms are required, and as a person who grew up through a school district that did not require them, I can tell you in all honesty that the uniforms actually free the children to be individuals in the right ways. The children are far from being automatons, but learn instead that what you wear has nothing to do with what kind of person you are, and more importantly, who you are is all about the choices you make. It took me nearly 20 years to figure that out on my own coming up through the public school system, and my daughter has known it all her life. Self expression is a wonderful thing, I agree, but there are so very many ways to do that that don’t create distractions inside the classroom. The way these children write, speak, create their works of art or inventions in science, behave toward one another, all of those are forms of self-expression. Further, no one controls what the kids wear outside of the classrooms once learning is done and when they are hanging out with their friends.
Schools all across the country have clamped down on the dress code because of the hyper-emphasis on fashions. This is not the world I, or many of us grew up in. Kids are being killed over a pair of hundred dollar sneakers. Children are having to pass through metal detectors and have their belongings searched every day as they enter their schools in cities across the country. As fashion became the end-all, be all, it became more difficult for teachers to control the classroom environment and actually teach, the job they are paid to do when they are not having to play referee. Coming from a city where I don’t send my daughter to the school across the street from me because of the lack of personal safety, and instead drive 25 minutes every morning along with several neighbors and friends to the school where smaller class size, an enforced code of conduct and uniforms are the norm, I can tell you that uniforms are not the evil here.
Given that many of these kids are going to finish school and go out in the business world where they are required to wear suits or dress suits during the day and ‘express themselves’ at night, uniforms in the classroom give them a better sense of reality once they leave the shelter of the classroom.
As you say, each of us is entitled to our opinion, I just wanted you to understand that mine was formed on a sound and well-thought out basis, not from the standpoint of an adult who has forgotten what it is like to be a kid. I do not form my opinions easily or lightly, tend to research things into the ground when it comes to making important decisions. Sending my daughter to a school where uniforms are required was one of the easiest decisions I have had to make.
Just one person’s experience/opinion.
Nicole
jimmy simonds Said:
on November 13, 2006 at 8:55 am
WE are not done yet.
I will join up.
Jimmy
Rush Said:
on November 13, 2006 at 3:58 pm
The petition system requiring paper petitions is long outdated, as was exposed this year when two high-profile candidates had to surmout it. There has to be a way to modernize it while still setting some kind of standard of ensuring there is enough public sentiment behind an independent to get him or her onto the ballot. I know Kinky mentioned using the Internet in some form or another, so that’s something to look into.
Something I would really like to see done here on the state level is something that they are already beginning to implement on a national level. Congress has given the OK for an online searchable database with detailed information on all government spending. Anyone could logon at home and see exactly where the money is going, how much to where, etc. This is ridiculously cheap (I think it is costing $2 million to build and $1 million per year to maintain on a national level.) It may be much cheaper on a state level, but I see no reason not to have this. The only ones against it would be the politicians with something to hide.
Annette Spanhel Said:
on November 13, 2006 at 8:50 pm
Top issues (there are just too many!!):
Initiative & Referendum – give power to the citizens! Our elected PUBLIC SERVANTS have forgotten they are performing a public SERVICE. THIS IS my top priority!
Campaign finance reform
Abolish legal killing of our citizens by abolishing the death penalty
Local – ban the chaining of our non-human friends, canines in particular. Austin is working on this. Yea!
TOTAL revamp of our MHMR system. IT”S awful! Shrub’s funding cuts are ruthless and supposedly “compassionate”. It’s a disgrace.
Health care for ALL Texans!
Very low cost or free spay neuter for our furry canines and felines. Thousands upon thousands of innocent animals are executed in Texas each year.
This is to name a few…
Annette
Bastrop County
Betty Said:
on November 14, 2006 at 6:48 am
Timber Theft
Some forests getting hard to see for the thieves
In the movies, cattle rustlers always wore the black hats.
Many a Saturday movie matinee featured a “low-down, no-account” band of thieves who dared to pull off a cattle heist. Hot on their trail, the local sheriff and his deputies–in white hats, naturally–would chase down the bad guys and identify the stolen dogies by their distinctive brands.
Today, a new kind of rustling has hit East Texas-timber theft. While the cattle rustlers stole herds from unsuspecting farmers under the cover of night, today’s outlaws steal trees from absentee landowners in broad daylight.
East Texas has long been associated with the timber industry. In fact, the Piney Woods provides almost all of the state’s commercial timber–about 500,000 acres harvested a year at a value of almost $900 million. Timber is the No. 1 agricultural commodity in East Texas, and the forest industry is the leading source of manufacturing employment in the region. East Texas timber goes to make a variety of products: furniture, plywood and paper.
Statewide, timber is the ninth largest industry. As an agricultural commodity, timber ranks third in Texas behind cotton and cattle. For individual landowners, growing and selling pine, oak and hickory trees means thousands of dollars of income a year.
That’s why local residents and law enforcement officials are increasingly concerned over an outbreak of unethical loggers who cut down trees without permission, falsify bills of sale and scale readings, break contracts and ignore property lines.
Trouble in timberland: The daily stream of log-laden traffic on East Texas roads provides a convenient disguise for tree heists. According to the Texas Forest Service, thieves can easily cloak illegal timber cutting by simply blending in with the flow of legitimate logging operations within the 11.8 million acres of forest grown for commercial purposes.
While the vast majority of Texas loggers run reputable businesses, the encroachment of illegal loggers escalated more than two years ago after lumber prices in the southern U.S. reached new highs. Prices surged when reduced logging in other regions of the country upped demand. In recent years, strict federal rules have been imposed on government and private lands in California and the Pacific Northwest to protect endangered species. Also, devastating hurricanes triggered periodic runs on plywood.
The Texas Forest Service estimates timberland owners have lost millions of dollars to thieves, but the agency has no exact figures. Louisiana, with 13.8 million acres of forests, estimates that $12 million to $15 million of timber is lost annually to theft, and Oklahoma, with 7.5 million acres, sets its losses at $9 million a year.
Unlike branded cattle, stolen trees are hard to identify. Rarely are logs traced to a certain tract of land. Loggers caught on the wrong piece of property may blame poorly marked boundary lines. They may even offer to pay for the timber, but by then it is too late to accurately assess the value of the timber when it was standing, not to mention the damage to the land left scarred by tire ruts, fallen logs and trampled saplings.
The regional theft spree has hit private landowners, industry and even national forests.
The Texas Forest Service reports that absentee landowners are easy targets. About 7.2 million acres–almost two-thirds of East Texas timberland–are owned by non-industrial private landowners, and much of that land is isolated. Often the land has been passed down through generations, so current owners may reside in other areas of the state.
Timber thieves can identify absentee landowners through county tax records, say state forest officials. In one scheme, outlaw loggers phone absentee landowners to erroneously report their timber has been stolen and to offer cleaning up the mess for a fee. Thieves then use the clean-up contract to cut and steal the timber, duping the landowner into paying a logger to rob them.
Timber companies employ elaborate security devices on their lands, even resorting to hidden cameras. But with massive land holdings, the companies still lose trees from their most isolated sites.
Even national forests have been targeted. In 1995, 11 East Texas men were charged in federal district court with stealing and/or selling timber from the Sabine National Forest, east of Nacogdoches. Investigators estimated the illegally harvested timber was worth $175,000.
Timber theft has touched almost every county in East Texas, say state foresters, who received 50 to 60 reports of timber theft last year. In one case, a trespasser stole most of the trees off a 160-acre tract of land in Cass County. Only trees lining the perimeter of the property were left standing, which prevented anyone driving by from noticing the clear-cut land.
In another case, a single logger has been charged with stealing from 40 to 50 timberland owners in Texas and Louisiana. Value estimates on those combined timber thefts reach as high as $1 million.
The Texas Forestry Association, representing about 3,200 members, offers a $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone involved in timber theft. If criminal intent is proved, felons in Texas face up to two years probation for a theft valued under $20,000, and two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for a theft valued at more than $20,000.
Lowering the boom: Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma have passed laws to crack down on timber thievery. Oklahoma, for example, now requires that property owners clearly mark their property lines and notify neighbors when planning to cut timber; loggers must show a bill of sale to the mill validating where the timber was cut; and convicted felons have to pay the victim three to 10 times the value of the stolen timber.
While such laws might deter some theft, they still won’t protect landowners who make uninformed decisions.
The Texas Forest Service, in cooperation with county tax appraisal districts, has issued cautionary guidelines to timberland owners who plan to harvest their lands: use a professional forester, clearly mark and measure all trees included in the sale, get several bids, check loggers’ references, have a written contract and, above all, keep an eye on the property in person or through a neighbor.
Meanwhile, timber prices have stabilized for now, judging by the early months of 1996. Contributing to the price drop was this year’s dry winter, which allowed sawmills to overstock, thus temporarily increasing supplies. But even with the recent drop in prices, timber theft in Texas continues to provide high financial rewards and few threats of penalty.
Contributing to this article:
Colin Strother
Vona Van Cleef Said:
on November 14, 2006 at 2:34 pm
I agree with most of what has already been submitted as priorities.
My top three would be:
Universal health care (and that’s why I finally voted for Kinky);
Education (reducing the emphasis on the TAKS test; not a bad thing in and of itself, but I grew up with the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and it measured just that. Graduation didn’t depend on it; teachers’ salaries didn’t depend on; administrators’ jobs didn’t depend on it);
Border issues (schools would do better on the TAKS and AYP if we didn’t have border jumpers who speak little or no English and don’t care to learn; perhaps an entrance test if they want to attend school here and aren’t residents, at the very least); I’m not racist, I just think our teachers don’t have a snowball’s chance in Texas without some controls over who attends our public schools).
T.J. Said:
on November 17, 2006 at 5:44 pm
I have seen some very worthy causes posted here! However, if we become too fragmented we will fall apart in our infancy. It is my opinion that we need a central focus which we can all rally behind, such as election reform. If this is not addressed, all these wonderful ideas will never come to fruition.
TJ
taz Said:
on November 17, 2006 at 6:12 pm
When a crime is committed and the person pays their debt (sentence) to society that should be it. If he commits another, make his debt increase, etc. etc. BUT, when all is said and done let him live life without the shadow of past mistakes. If he continues to wrong society that’s his problem, but there are those who have wronged time and time again but have realized that life of crime is not one they wished to live ( a concerted and successful effort to rehabilitated); many have trouble finding jobs, entering college, getting housing, simply because their mistakes from 16 years ago still follow them. In my opinion, this is not right. Give these folks a chance, especially if they have genuinely made an effort and worked hard at becoming law-abiding citizens and have left their life of crime behind.
It sucks when you go apply for a job and aren’t even considered because 16 years ago you were convicted of a felony DWI (but nothing else since- not even a speeding ticket). It doesn’t matter that no one was hurt or killed, or that your sentence was 2 years probation and a small fine. It does not matter that you have made every effort to do good and make something of yourself.
Society would rather see these kinds of people on welfare and the likes instead of giving them a chance to be productive members of society. Society would rather keep paying their hard earned money in taxes used to support these programs like foodstamps, medicaid etc.
Many are good people, work hard, and have turned their lives around. They go to college but can’t get a job. Many are capable and willing to volunteer, but why bother? No one seems to care about them and their lives.
Many are being forced to turn to public assistance because we, as society, are not forgiving enough to say, “hey this guy has made an honest effort to straighten up his life and he deserves another chance, yes he’s screwed alot in the past but it’s been a long time since then.”
Yes, consider the crime before hand. I don’t mean the hardened criminals who don’t try at all.
I’m talking about the guy who had a drinking problem but has since taken control and has been sober for years on end. Statistics show he’s not going to do that again, The guy who has honestly and genuinely turned his life around and only wants to contribute his fair share now that he can.
Ed Weirdness Said:
on November 22, 2006 at 4:01 pm
Address the illegal immigration issue clearly and forcefully. Either it is a crime, or it isn’t. If it isn’t, than our legislators must insulate our citizens from the negative consequences and costs of illegal immigration (and not through new taxes or shifting the financial burden). If it is a crime, than our law enforcement must be charged with enforcing the law, and given the tools and resources necessary.
Cap Property taxes to prevent local and county morons from being able to “write themselves a check” through the appraisal process. Define regulations whereby the local taxing entity would be required to “purchase the property” at the appraised price in contested appraisals.
I would suggest that local issues and “tax issues” have seperate elections. Originally the thinking was that communities, by placing local issues on the same ballot with state and fedearl elections were doing so as a convenience and cost saving measure. Now, as a result of the declining voter turn-out, these issues are increasingly being advanced as a means of assuring their passage (i.e. those with a “dog in the fight” tend to turn out, whereas those of us who end up paying for the these measures must be motivated by other factors, like a candidate we respect).
Independent candidates should be able to run with out the present impediments to getting on the ballot. If nothing else, a surety bond equal to some percentage of the candidates “projected campaign contributions receipts” would serve to seperate “real candidates” from “nutcases” and “the 15 minutes of fame crowd”.
I’d also sugget that an effort be made to advance initiative and refferenda at the state level. Let those governed have a say about the laws under which they are governed.
I would support Term limits for all statewide and county elected offices. There can be no justification for allowing unproductive individuals to remain in office, and then “pension off” at taxpayer expense. Millions would be saved in our judicial system alone by term limiting Judges. Frequently changing judges would result in closer adherance to the “laws on the books” rather than our present “country club crony”, “wink and a nod”, reliance on “judicial disgression”.
I would advocate for clear cut legislative and citizen oversight of Judges, rather than our present “quasi-governmental” judicial conduct commission. This commission acts to cover up the wrongdoing of Texas Judges, rather than expose those that are incompetent or corrupt. The Judicial complaint system is designed to protect bad Judges and prevent redress of citizens grievances.
Above all, Term limits is the most pressing issue, and would doubtless address many of the problems with our present electoral process in Texas.
Tom McAleer Said:
on November 27, 2006 at 7:21 pm
1. Eliminate Straight party ticket voting. Make the mindless sheep who wish to vote straight party to at least go through the motions of selecting each candidate on the ticket.
2. Make it illegal for candidates for judge to accept campaign contributions.
3. Easier ballot access for independents.
Betty Said:
on December 30, 2006 at 9:25 am
12-12-06
You asked us to tell you about the issues that concern us, I am not sure if this qualifies but it should because it is a prime example of how the backbone of Texas is stomped on by the government that has been elected to protect us. I was informed yesterday that I had lost my appeal at the Supreme Court in Washington DC. To have the motion for summary judgment overturned. This case would have benefited every one in the state of Texas who has timber on their property because it would have put a stop to the state governments intentional deceptive misleading willful and fraudulent timber appraisals. it would have forced them to do their job the right way. The lawsuit is against the texas forestry service and texas a&m university. The fact of the matter is, because of these two entities everyone in Texas who owns timber will be defrauded by them through the color of law. The question is when? The truth of the matter is the American way allows the state entities to lie cheat and steal your hard earned money from the sell of your trees with no questions asked because they have immunity from being helt accountable for their crimes. I lost my appeal because the attorney I hired to represent me took my money and then did nothing to benefit my case and me. I do not feel I, should be held accountable for his incompetence when it was the state of Texas who gave him the license to practice, then advises me to hire a licensed attorney to represent me. I thought the constitution was written so the government would have to be helt accountable, but what do I know I’m just somebody who pays taxes, help put food in their mouths, clothes on there backs oh yah fuel in their jets. Where is my jet? If I am wrong then let it be proven in a court of law in front of 12 of my peers let the people decide if they want this kind of treatment for themselves and their love ones. Not a bunch of judges who do not have a clue to the meaning of standing for the people. My case has not been allowed to go to court period. I now must ask the texas forestry service why do you do your appraisal in a manor that only allows approximately $30.00 to $40.00 dollars per ton to the landowner when the logger is selling it to the mill for $65.00 to $85.00+ dollars per ton. Why want you do an investigation, pull the loggers contracts at the mills then most important now lesson up follow the paper trail known as mill tickets even when there is diversion. You do know how to investigate don’t you? Can you also ask yourself this question? Are you really doing the land owner a fair dollar value if you count stumps, miss no less than 35% of the total trees taken then slab the log (to make square so to speak) take the bark off cut it into board feet using the largest saw kerf then use the weight of 1000 feet of those boards to compare the weight of a tree to. (That’s 100 1X12X10’s, that’s a stack of boards approx. 8 feet high 12 inches wide and 10 feet long now go out side and look at your pine tree that’s 14 inches at the butt with 40 to 50 feet of log in it and you will see a tree that has less than 50 board feet you do the math.) Is that fair to the landowner. I do not think the state government should be allowed to get away with this. It appears to me the timber industry along with the texas forest service’s action hinges on organized crime. In addition, why do you condone timber theft through your actions of non-investigations only opinions of the value of the trees removed? Just my opinion but not all of the tools in your shed are very sharp when it comes to stopping timber thieves in Texas. I am going to alleges that the only thing that separates the timber thieves from the law enforcement division of the texas forest service and texas a&m university system is the immunity they have and that is it. Why dose the texas forest service have to be so chickenshit when it comes to a more accurate knowledge about appraising the true value of timber stolen either by deception or taking without the landowner’s knowledge. My issue is if I am a tax-paying citizen then why cant I have the same rights as the common criminal you know my day in court. A free lawyer would not be bad either.
What happen to our rights where did they go? Have we watered down the constitution so much that it no longer has validity over our life?
I do not understand, our constitution says we have a right to our day in court but the government says to hell with the constitution you will never get to court. What happen to my right to a jury trial? I pay my taxes, I am one of those fragments that make up the backbone of this great state and country, so why is it, rapist murders and so on get their day in court and free legal representation? This battle has cost me eight years of my life. Not to be vain but the last years of my youth and a moderate sum of money, where is my justice? Where was the judicial system when I need it? In addition, I am willing to pay to be there to prove my point. They to are on the side of the criminal under the color of law. I do not mind loosing if I am wrong just let me fight! do not tell me those sonsabitches win when they never stepped foot in the ring. Do not tell me I loose just because I showed up for the fight. It appears to me that the state of texas is a coward, a yellowbelly, and chicken. want even fight a 5foot 2inch woman and that is wo-MAN to you tfs. Put a stop to timber theft and we the people will have money to send our children to collage with, money to pay our land taxes with, leave our children an inheritance, who knows maybe even retire. This dose not just effect me it also effects you to, if our government is allowed to get away with this, what else will it be allowed to get away with. The mentality of my thinking is if you are not going to do what I pay you to do then get the hell off my payroll and I will do it myself. No, I am not mad. I’m pissed!!!!
I am a victim of timber theft once, a victim of the judicial system multiple times to many times to count. If a criminal is allowed justice, then were is mine?
I did not capitalize certain things because they deserve no respect from me.
Betty Dougia Jasper
Betty Said:
on January 28, 2007 at 9:11 am
IS IT;./ THE GOVERNMENT OR IS IT THE PEOPLE??????
If we the people make up the government both state and federal then is it really the government’s fault if it is corrupt. If we the people allow laws to be passed that are against the people instead of punishing the true violators should we complain when we get no justice? Do we really have a right to complain? If the city ordinance tells me, I cannot smoke in any restaurant. Whose fault is it that there is no choice between a restaurant that is for smokers and one that is for non-smokers. It appears to me we fight for all the wrong reasons we live in America. If we have freedom of choice then were is it. Alternatively, should we be fighting for it? Should we be fighting for laws or freedom of choice? If I am willing too do without smoking to eat at a non-smoking establishment then that should be my choice not the law and visa versa. Freedom of choice is what we should be fighting for. Why should I be punished because I can have a drink and is still capable of driving? Accidents have not went down so the laws do not work, now if our judicial system would punish those who have no respect for themselves are society the roads would be safer. Punish me when I have committed s crime against the people not when I stopped, bought a beer and am drinking it on the way home.
HELLO!
The death penalty- no innocent person should ever die in these days and times. To many was to prove something so is it our fault we have people who commit violent crimes against the people or is it the locale governments? I look at it this way if a person is not willing to hand their love one over to be torchered raped murdered molested or abducted then you really don’t have a right to vote no for the death penalty. Me I am not willing to sacrifice anyone I love I vote yes! My daddy always told me you should never ask someone else to do something you are not willing to do yourself. God’s law tells me an eye for an eye.
I raised two children one a whooped and one I did not. The one I whooped is one of the best kids the one I did not is spoiled and I am not sure about. My daughter is 26 she tells me to this day that she was thankful she had discipline in her life. I must also say she is 7 years older than her brother and as they were growing-up she would tell me that I was making a big mistake by not whooping her little brother. The child was right!! Should we take away the parents right to whoop their child or should we put a can of whoop-ass on a parent who feels the need to abuse a child. I vote for the can of whoop-ass. This is just food for thought. If I have stirred-up any emotions please let me know. The only way for any one to know how you feel about what needs to change in Texas is by voicing your opinion.
Dose this happen because people do not care, or feel like they cannot make a difference. It does not concern them. Or is it because our government dose not care enough to listen and you cant fight them because you are not going to win anyway kind of like sour grapes. We should have freedom of choice on everything we do that pertains to our lives.
Betty
Levi Said:
on December 18, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Politicians these days are wanting to control everything. I guess the people up in congress must be getting alsheimers, because they seem to have forgot what the word freedom means . But when it comes to Kinky he still has a straight mind. I mean he seems to be the only person in the history of politics to know the REAL benifets of marijuana. I guess it’s cause the people in congress are still stuck in the days when people thought people thought that if you smoked a whiff of grass you would kill your brother. But credit for this theory doesn’t just go to congress but also the makers of the 1930’s anti-marijuana propaganda film “Reefer Madness”. In all of this I guess what I’m trying to say is GET WITH THE TIMES PEOPLE! BE LIKE KINKY!
And there has never been a count of someone dieing from a marijuana related death.