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sonias
sonias's Journal
sonias's Journal
August 28, 2012
Way to go Obama DOJ!
Federal court blocks Texas voter ID law
CNBC 8/28/12
Federal court blocks Texas voter ID law
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal court ruled on Tuesday that a controversial Texas voter identification law discriminates against black and Hispanic voters, effectively killing the law before it could take effect for the November 6 presidential election.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued the ruling. The state law, passed by the Republican-dominated Texas Legislature in 2011, required voters to present one of six forms of photo identification before casting ballots.
Federal court blocks Texas voter ID law
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal court ruled on Tuesday that a controversial Texas voter identification law discriminates against black and Hispanic voters, effectively killing the law before it could take effect for the November 6 presidential election.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued the ruling. The state law, passed by the Republican-dominated Texas Legislature in 2011, required voters to present one of six forms of photo identification before casting ballots.
Way to go Obama DOJ!
August 25, 2012
Cruz and Sadler Agree to Oct. 2 Debate in Dallas
Texas Tribune 8/22/12
Cruz and Sadler Agree to Oct. 2 Debate in Dallas
Ted Cruz and Paul Sadler, who are running to replace U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, have agreed to a televised debate on Oct. 2 in Dallas.
The debate will be hosted by ABC affiliate WFAA, the station reported Wednesday. The debate will be in a "roundtable format" similar to a July GOP debate hosted by WFAA that featured Cruz and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. The format will allow moderators to ask follow-up questions and allow the candidates to address each other.
Cruz and Sadler Agree to Oct. 2 Debate in Dallas
Ted Cruz and Paul Sadler, who are running to replace U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, have agreed to a televised debate on Oct. 2 in Dallas.
The debate will be hosted by ABC affiliate WFAA, the station reported Wednesday. The debate will be in a "roundtable format" similar to a July GOP debate hosted by WFAA that featured Cruz and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. The format will allow moderators to ask follow-up questions and allow the candidates to address each other.
August 22, 2012
Effing 5th Circuit Court! Damned a-holes.
5th Circuit Court of Appeals: Texas can cut off Planned Parenthood funding
AAS 8/21/12
Appeals court: Texas can cut off Planned Parenthood funding
A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that Texas did not act unconstitutionally when it moved to expel Planned Parenthood from a health and contraceptive care program for low-income women.
The ruling overturned a preliminary injunction, issued in April by U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel of Austin, that banned Texas from enforcing rules designed to exclude Planned Parenthood from the Women's Health Program. Yeakel found that the regulations violated the organization's rights of free speech and association.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, however, sided with Texas late Tuesday ruling that the state had the authority to prohibit Women's Health Program money from going to health care providers that promote abortion or affiliate with organizations that perform or promote abortions.
Officials said Texas will act promptly to drop Planned Parenthood from the program.
(snip)
The program which provides screenings for cancer, hypertension, sexually transmitted infections and other conditions is primarily designed to provide birth control to women who would be covered by Medicaid if they were to become pregnant.
(snip)
The program does not pay for abortions, and participating Planned Parenthood clinics do not perform the procedure. But because the organization is the nation's leading provider of abortions and is a vocal advocate for abortion rights, Gov. Rick Perry and Republicans in the Legislature have worked to cut off its state money.
Appeals court: Texas can cut off Planned Parenthood funding
A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that Texas did not act unconstitutionally when it moved to expel Planned Parenthood from a health and contraceptive care program for low-income women.
The ruling overturned a preliminary injunction, issued in April by U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel of Austin, that banned Texas from enforcing rules designed to exclude Planned Parenthood from the Women's Health Program. Yeakel found that the regulations violated the organization's rights of free speech and association.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, however, sided with Texas late Tuesday ruling that the state had the authority to prohibit Women's Health Program money from going to health care providers that promote abortion or affiliate with organizations that perform or promote abortions.
Officials said Texas will act promptly to drop Planned Parenthood from the program.
(snip)
The program which provides screenings for cancer, hypertension, sexually transmitted infections and other conditions is primarily designed to provide birth control to women who would be covered by Medicaid if they were to become pregnant.
(snip)
The program does not pay for abortions, and participating Planned Parenthood clinics do not perform the procedure. But because the organization is the nation's leading provider of abortions and is a vocal advocate for abortion rights, Gov. Rick Perry and Republicans in the Legislature have worked to cut off its state money.
Effing 5th Circuit Court! Damned a-holes.
August 16, 2012
Texas Observer 8/15/12
One Year Later, Cuts to Womens Health Have Hurt More Than Just Planned Parenthood
More than 60 family planning clinics forced to closeonly 12 belonged to Planned Parenthood. Critics say conservative lawmakers are throwing the baby out with the bath water.
The first in an occasional series of stories examining the impact of deep cuts to family planning services in Texas.
Diaphragms. Depo-Provera injections. Oral contraceptives. Pregnancy testing. Pap smears. Screening for sexually transmitted diseases. Since July 1, basic services like these are no longer accessible to low-income women in rural San Saba County, two hours northwest of Austin. If a poor woman in San Saba hopes to prevent pregnancy, she now must pay a private doctor or drive an hour to a free clinic. But for the many poor women, teens and undocumented clients of San Sabas family planning programrun by Hill Country Community Actionboth payment and travel may be beyond reach. The large majority of the programs clients couldnt afford contraceptives; of the 2,500 visits to the program in the last nine months, only 28 clients paid full fee, according to program records. Now that Hill Country Community Action has lost state family planning funds, San Saba Countys ability to prevent unwanted pregnancies just became a great deal harder.
What happened in San Saba County is being repeated all over Texas. In the year since deep cuts to family planning funding took effect, the impact has become apparent. An Observer review of state records has found that 146 clinics have lost state funds, clumped mainly in the Panhandle, Central Texas and on the border with Mexico. More than 60 of those clinics have closed their doors forever. The number of organizations that help poor women plan pregnancy has shrunk by almost half. As in San Saba, low-income women in many areas of Texas now face a long drive, or worse, lack of access to birth control and health screenings.
This isnt news to conservative state lawmakers. After all, in its 2011 session, the Texas Legislature cut the states family planning program by two-thirds. Public health experts warned lawmakers at the time that by defunding Texass family planning system, clinics would close and a spike in disease, pregnancies and abortions would follow. Regardless, they slashed the budget. Lawmakers were quite clear about their motivation: They hoped to drive abortion providers out of business. Their specific targetPlanned Parenthoodalso provides family planning and preventive health care to low income women. In their zeal to attack Planned Parenthood, politicians designed a funding formula that caused collateral damage. They defunded many other family planning clinics that arent connected to Planned Parenthood and dont offer any abortion services.
Excellent coverage by The Texas Observer as usual.
Cuts to Women’s Health Have Hurt More Than Just Planned Parenthood
Texas Observer 8/15/12
One Year Later, Cuts to Womens Health Have Hurt More Than Just Planned Parenthood
More than 60 family planning clinics forced to closeonly 12 belonged to Planned Parenthood. Critics say conservative lawmakers are throwing the baby out with the bath water.
The first in an occasional series of stories examining the impact of deep cuts to family planning services in Texas.
Diaphragms. Depo-Provera injections. Oral contraceptives. Pregnancy testing. Pap smears. Screening for sexually transmitted diseases. Since July 1, basic services like these are no longer accessible to low-income women in rural San Saba County, two hours northwest of Austin. If a poor woman in San Saba hopes to prevent pregnancy, she now must pay a private doctor or drive an hour to a free clinic. But for the many poor women, teens and undocumented clients of San Sabas family planning programrun by Hill Country Community Actionboth payment and travel may be beyond reach. The large majority of the programs clients couldnt afford contraceptives; of the 2,500 visits to the program in the last nine months, only 28 clients paid full fee, according to program records. Now that Hill Country Community Action has lost state family planning funds, San Saba Countys ability to prevent unwanted pregnancies just became a great deal harder.
What happened in San Saba County is being repeated all over Texas. In the year since deep cuts to family planning funding took effect, the impact has become apparent. An Observer review of state records has found that 146 clinics have lost state funds, clumped mainly in the Panhandle, Central Texas and on the border with Mexico. More than 60 of those clinics have closed their doors forever. The number of organizations that help poor women plan pregnancy has shrunk by almost half. As in San Saba, low-income women in many areas of Texas now face a long drive, or worse, lack of access to birth control and health screenings.
This isnt news to conservative state lawmakers. After all, in its 2011 session, the Texas Legislature cut the states family planning program by two-thirds. Public health experts warned lawmakers at the time that by defunding Texass family planning system, clinics would close and a spike in disease, pregnancies and abortions would follow. Regardless, they slashed the budget. Lawmakers were quite clear about their motivation: They hoped to drive abortion providers out of business. Their specific targetPlanned Parenthoodalso provides family planning and preventive health care to low income women. In their zeal to attack Planned Parenthood, politicians designed a funding formula that caused collateral damage. They defunded many other family planning clinics that arent connected to Planned Parenthood and dont offer any abortion services.
Excellent coverage by The Texas Observer as usual.
August 15, 2012
Act to Save our Democracy
The United States Supreme Court decided in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case that corporations, unions and other similar entities have many of the same constitutional rights as people. In practical terms, this has allowed them to spend unlimited money anonymously to promote or attack candidates, thus influencing elections. Because this unlimited spending is drowning out the voices of "We the People," Americans across all political parties are alarmed and joining this movement to save our democracy.
The Citizens United ruling equated "money" with "speech" and declared that any attempt to regulate money-in-politics will be deemed unconstitutional. Without a constitutional amendment that specifically states that "money is not speech" and that "corporations are not people and can be regulated, no law can be passed to regulate flood of money inundating our election process today.
People are uniting to pass local resolutions in each community in Texas as a crucial first step toward restoring free and fair elections to the American people both locally and nationally. They are driven by real concerns about the health of our democracy and the impact the Citizens United decision has on every citizen and community in Texas.
PetitionBackground
It's time to stop the unlimited flow of money into our elections. It corrupts our political system. We call upon our local governments to pass a resolution in favor of a constitutional amendment to reverse the Citizens United decision and declare that money is not speech and only human beings are entitled to rights under our constitution.
By signing your name on this petition, you are showing support for our democracy and asking that your local government do so, too.
I urge my local government to pass a resolution that seeks an amendment of the U.S. Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that only human beings, not corporations, unions, or similar entities, are entitled to constitutional rights.
Add your signature.
Do it Texans! It's a start.
Texans United to Amend (United against Citizens United)
Act to Save our Democracy
The United States Supreme Court decided in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case that corporations, unions and other similar entities have many of the same constitutional rights as people. In practical terms, this has allowed them to spend unlimited money anonymously to promote or attack candidates, thus influencing elections. Because this unlimited spending is drowning out the voices of "We the People," Americans across all political parties are alarmed and joining this movement to save our democracy.
The Citizens United ruling equated "money" with "speech" and declared that any attempt to regulate money-in-politics will be deemed unconstitutional. Without a constitutional amendment that specifically states that "money is not speech" and that "corporations are not people and can be regulated, no law can be passed to regulate flood of money inundating our election process today.
People are uniting to pass local resolutions in each community in Texas as a crucial first step toward restoring free and fair elections to the American people both locally and nationally. They are driven by real concerns about the health of our democracy and the impact the Citizens United decision has on every citizen and community in Texas.
PetitionBackground
It's time to stop the unlimited flow of money into our elections. It corrupts our political system. We call upon our local governments to pass a resolution in favor of a constitutional amendment to reverse the Citizens United decision and declare that money is not speech and only human beings are entitled to rights under our constitution.
By signing your name on this petition, you are showing support for our democracy and asking that your local government do so, too.
I urge my local government to pass a resolution that seeks an amendment of the U.S. Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that only human beings, not corporations, unions, or similar entities, are entitled to constitutional rights.
Add your signature.
Do it Texans! It's a start.
August 14, 2012
I would hope that Republican voters in SD10 and equally importantly our U.S. Senate race in the fall will cross over and vote for the better choice against the extremism taking over their party.
Guest Column: Why Republicans Should Support a Democrat
Texas Tribune 8/14/12
Guest Column: Why Republicans Should Support a Democrat
When David Dewhurst is not conservative enough for Republican primary voters, then Republican primary voters are no longer conservatives theyre cannibals. I say this not as a Democrat (though I am one), but rather as a political strategist who is seeing a very changed landscape from the one weve grown accustomed to. Without the moderating influence of a healthy political minority, the political majority can chase its imagination down any number of rabbit holes. Dont believe me? Just ask David Dewhurst, Jeff Wentworth, or even Kay Bailey Hutchison.
The Texas Senate District 10 race is arguably the most important race in this state this coming November. As it stands today, two thirds of the Texas House of Representatives is controlled by the Republican majority. With the recent additions to the Tea Party wing coming from Ted Cruzs coattails, the House is likely to produce an extreme social agenda that will either delight or terrify, depending on your politics.
The Texas Senate is no bastion of liberalism and it isnt moderate by any measure. And yet, for some reason, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst was just accused of being somewhere to the left of John Kerry. So the upper chamber of our state Legislature ordinarily tasked with reigning in the impulses of the lower house will shift further to the right should SD-10 flip, replacing Davis with Republican Mark Shelton as the senator from Fort Worth.
What makes this more than just another numerical win is what happens when there is virtually a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House. Republican leadership will lose control of the agenda and the only bills moving forward through the 83rd Session will be those favored by social conservatives. Issues near and dear to any other type of conservative or Republican will bow before those dictated by the newly energized, newly elected, Tea Party wing. Sounds like Shangri-La for the Republicans, yes? Well, not necessarily.
===================
Mustafa Tameez is the founder and Managing Director of Outreach Strategists, a Houston-based Public Affairs and Communications firm.
Guest Column: Why Republicans Should Support a Democrat
When David Dewhurst is not conservative enough for Republican primary voters, then Republican primary voters are no longer conservatives theyre cannibals. I say this not as a Democrat (though I am one), but rather as a political strategist who is seeing a very changed landscape from the one weve grown accustomed to. Without the moderating influence of a healthy political minority, the political majority can chase its imagination down any number of rabbit holes. Dont believe me? Just ask David Dewhurst, Jeff Wentworth, or even Kay Bailey Hutchison.
The Texas Senate District 10 race is arguably the most important race in this state this coming November. As it stands today, two thirds of the Texas House of Representatives is controlled by the Republican majority. With the recent additions to the Tea Party wing coming from Ted Cruzs coattails, the House is likely to produce an extreme social agenda that will either delight or terrify, depending on your politics.
The Texas Senate is no bastion of liberalism and it isnt moderate by any measure. And yet, for some reason, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst was just accused of being somewhere to the left of John Kerry. So the upper chamber of our state Legislature ordinarily tasked with reigning in the impulses of the lower house will shift further to the right should SD-10 flip, replacing Davis with Republican Mark Shelton as the senator from Fort Worth.
What makes this more than just another numerical win is what happens when there is virtually a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House. Republican leadership will lose control of the agenda and the only bills moving forward through the 83rd Session will be those favored by social conservatives. Issues near and dear to any other type of conservative or Republican will bow before those dictated by the newly energized, newly elected, Tea Party wing. Sounds like Shangri-La for the Republicans, yes? Well, not necessarily.
===================
Mustafa Tameez is the founder and Managing Director of Outreach Strategists, a Houston-based Public Affairs and Communications firm.
I would hope that Republican voters in SD10 and equally importantly our U.S. Senate race in the fall will cross over and vote for the better choice against the extremism taking over their party.
August 13, 2012
Huffington Post 8/13/12
(LIVE UPDATES)
Texas A&M Shooting: 1 Officer, 1 Civilian Dead In College Station Shooting
Texas A&M reports that police took a gunman into custody 15 minutes after issuing a "Code Maroon" alert at 12:29 this afternoon. One officer was killed and one civilian, according to police.
An alert distributed electronically to students, faculty and staff warned people to stay away from the intersection of Welborn Road and George Bush Drive and part of Fidelity Drive in College Station, Texas, according to CNN. The message also told residents in the area, which is near the school's football stadium, to stay indoors.
Texas A&M Shooting: 1 Officer, 1 Civilian Dead In College Station Shooting
Huffington Post 8/13/12
(LIVE UPDATES)
Texas A&M Shooting: 1 Officer, 1 Civilian Dead In College Station Shooting
Texas A&M reports that police took a gunman into custody 15 minutes after issuing a "Code Maroon" alert at 12:29 this afternoon. One officer was killed and one civilian, according to police.
An alert distributed electronically to students, faculty and staff warned people to stay away from the intersection of Welborn Road and George Bush Drive and part of Fidelity Drive in College Station, Texas, according to CNN. The message also told residents in the area, which is near the school's football stadium, to stay indoors.
August 8, 2012
Ooops. Oh boy those family values drivers... Watch out for them.
Randy Travis arrested naked, charged with DWI
San Antonio Express-News 8/8/12
Randy Travis arrested naked, charged with DWI
DALLAS Randy Travis was charged with driving while intoxicated and threatening law officers after the country singer crashed his car and was found naked and combative at the scene, officials said.
It was the second Texas arrest this year for Travis, who was cited in February for public intoxication.
A Pontiac Trans Am registered to Travis, 53, had driven off a road west of Tioga around midnight Tuesday, said Tom Vinger, spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety. The vehicle had struck several barricades in a construction zone, according to DPS.
Vinger said Travis made threats against Texas Highway Patrol troopers and was not wearing clothes at the time of his arrest. He refused sobriety tests, Vinger said, so a blood specimen was taken.
Randy Travis arrested naked, charged with DWI
DALLAS Randy Travis was charged with driving while intoxicated and threatening law officers after the country singer crashed his car and was found naked and combative at the scene, officials said.
It was the second Texas arrest this year for Travis, who was cited in February for public intoxication.
A Pontiac Trans Am registered to Travis, 53, had driven off a road west of Tioga around midnight Tuesday, said Tom Vinger, spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety. The vehicle had struck several barricades in a construction zone, according to DPS.
Vinger said Travis made threats against Texas Highway Patrol troopers and was not wearing clothes at the time of his arrest. He refused sobriety tests, Vinger said, so a blood specimen was taken.
Ooops. Oh boy those family values drivers... Watch out for them.
August 1, 2012
Maybe it's time we broke that spell by really taking on the lunatic Cruz!
Congratulations to Paul Sadler, our nominee for U.S. Senate
AAS 7/31/12
Democrats selected Paul Sadler, a former member of the Texas House, as their nominee for the U.S. Senate. Sadler handily beat retired teacher Grady Yarbrough. A Democrat last won a statewide election in Texas in 1994.
Democrats selected Paul Sadler, a former member of the Texas House, as their nominee for the U.S. Senate. Sadler handily beat retired teacher Grady Yarbrough. A Democrat last won a statewide election in Texas in 1994.
Maybe it's time we broke that spell by really taking on the lunatic Cruz!
August 1, 2012
We can only hope that this is Perry's last term as our governor. And as for Dewhurst/Cruz - a pox on both their houses!
After Dewhurst loss, it seems Perry might have problems in 2014
AAS 7/31/12
After Dewhurst loss, it seems Perry might have problems in 2014
HOUSTON Well, this could be different. Texas government now is led by a couple of losers whose undefeated streaks at the ballot box have come to ugly ends.
Gov. Rick Perry's White House dream died in Iowa and New Hampshire. And Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's once-promising path to the U.S. Senate was dead-ended Tuesday by his own party in his own state. Ouch. That could leave a mark.
So, barring unexpected resignations, Perry and Dewhurst, who both dearly wanted to be in Washington, will be in Austin when the Legislature convenes in January.
Dewhurst's GOP runoff loss to rookie candidate Rafael Edward Cruz (you know him as Ted Cruz, if you know him at all) also was a significant setback for Perry, who backed Dewhurst and effectively loaned him his campaign team.
The pain for Dewhurst was multiplied by the $24.5 million of his own money he poured into the race.
After Dewhurst loss, it seems Perry might have problems in 2014
HOUSTON Well, this could be different. Texas government now is led by a couple of losers whose undefeated streaks at the ballot box have come to ugly ends.
Gov. Rick Perry's White House dream died in Iowa and New Hampshire. And Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's once-promising path to the U.S. Senate was dead-ended Tuesday by his own party in his own state. Ouch. That could leave a mark.
So, barring unexpected resignations, Perry and Dewhurst, who both dearly wanted to be in Washington, will be in Austin when the Legislature convenes in January.
Dewhurst's GOP runoff loss to rookie candidate Rafael Edward Cruz (you know him as Ted Cruz, if you know him at all) also was a significant setback for Perry, who backed Dewhurst and effectively loaned him his campaign team.
The pain for Dewhurst was multiplied by the $24.5 million of his own money he poured into the race.
We can only hope that this is Perry's last term as our governor. And as for Dewhurst/Cruz - a pox on both their houses!
Profile Information
Gender: Do not displayHometown: Austin, TX
Home country: U.S.
Member since: 2001
Number of posts: 18,063