West Texas Voice

Fool Us Twice, Shame on Us: Redistricting Hearings in West Texas

2010-08-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

This time we were ready. When the Joint House/Senate Committee on Redistricting came to Lubbock on Wednesday, August 18, the ICC Theater was full of West Texas Democrats from all over the Panhandle Plains--from Amarillo, San Angelo, Big Spring, Hereford, Midland, Odessa, Plainview, Lubbock, and points in between. Democrats asked simply for fairness in redistricting; compact, competitive districts; recognition of changing demographics, and attention to communities of interest.

The Committee noted that the Lubbock hearing was the largest of the meeting they had had thus far and they were impressed by the number of people willing to testify, the quality of the presentations, and the energized grassroots of our region.

I am inviting any of the people who spoke to post their comments on this blog. Let us know what you think.

Take it away Mary

2010-08-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

Just handed over administrative privileges on this blog to Mary V. I'll be checking back from time to time to see how the Coalition is faring. I heard she turned out people from all over West Texas for the redistricting hearing in Lubbock. Great job!

2010-08-20T14:30:00.001-07:00

This is a test of West Texas Voice. Can you see me?

West Texas Coalition of Democrats Update

2008-07-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's been a while since I've blogged. (Is this really a verb?) But things change and things happen and I want you to know what's going on. So . . .

New Officers Were Elected at the Caucus at the Convention in June 2008.

Your new president is Johnnie Jones, former County Chair of Lubbock County now residing in Odessa. She has great organizational experience and skills, a marketing and pr background, and great passion for the Democratic Party.

Jim Perkins of Amarillo has agreed to serve as Vice President. Jim has worn many hats in the service of the Potter-Randall Democrats and we are fortunate to have his many skills now at the service of our Coalition.

Our new Secretary is Kinsey Croslin from Lubbock. She is super-organized and totally committed to our Coalition goals of making West Texas and West Texas issues a vital part of
the political dialogue in Texas.

Robert Ricketts, former candidate for the 19th Congressional District, is our new treasurer. It's kind of nice to have a 5-Star Accounting Professor help us find our way as we become a Federal Pac as well as a State Pac.

The Laney Camps
A major project for the next biennium is to conduct trainings for volunteers in the various campaigns. We will work with candidates and their campaign committees to develop an efficient and effective ground game. Our inspiration for this project is the Honorable Pete Laney who will also provide much of our leadership---and the name of our project, the Laney Camps. Let us know if you know or are part of a campaign committee that wants to hit the ground running after Labor Day. Our Laney Camps will be kicking off in August.

Our Go-To Guy, The Honorable Joe Heflin, (D) HD 85.

The Coalition's Go-To Guy to kick off the Fall Campaign season is The Honorable Joe Heflin.
Oue mission is to bring together funds, volunteers, and support from all over West Texas for a candidate who sincerely represents West Texas values and issues. We hope West Texans will contribute to his campaign, whether or not he will be on your ballot. He technically represents HD 85, but any West Texan from any district can expect an attentive and intelligent hearing from Joe Heflin. Like Pete Laney before him, he understands the economics and culture of our region and that's why he is our Go-T0 Guy.
Furthermore, he was a legislative star in his first term in the State Legislature. He was selected:
Legislator of the Year by the County Judges and Commissioners
Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Democratic Caucus
Friend of County Government by the Texas Association of Counties
Distingusihed Legislative Service Award for 2007 by the Texas Municipal League
Honorary Legislative Star by the Texas Classroom Teachers
Legislator of the Month (March) by the Texas Municipal League
Clearly, it behooves us to keep this Star of West Texas working for us all in Austin.
So send your contributions to
Joe Heflin
PO Box 426
Crosbyton, TX 79322

Let us hear from you. Nominate your own Star of West Texas! We need to know much more about each other. We are people spread thin over an area as large as Vermont or New Hampshire or something. We need to make a noise. A joyful noise about West Texas Stars!

Mary V

Meeting today in Lubbock

2007-11-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

West Texas Coalition of Democrats meets today (Nov. 17, 2007) in Lubbock at 1:00 p.m., Science Spectrum, enter on 74th St. Speaker from TDP and maybe Texas Legislature, training session plus big plans to recruit writers for this blog.

Radnofsky heads to Dimmitt

2006-08-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky will be in Dimmitt on Wednesday, August 30, 2006. West Texas Coalition of Democrats will host Radnofsky for lunch at K-Bobs. She'll be there at 12:30p so show up early to eat before she arrives. Review: Radnofsky, lunch, Aug 30, K-Bobs Dimmitt.

Broomaday grows

2006-08-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Broomaday membership doubled yesterday as we added the anonymous woman on the phone accusing Democrats in Lubbock of "buying votes" by handing out school supplies to area students. Hey, last time I looked at election law, kids can't vote.

Policy Rollout: Restorative Justice

2006-08-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

NEWS ADVISORY
Immediate Release: August 10, 2006

SUSAN BARRICK TO ADDRESS LUBBOCK AREA CLIENT COUNCIL

LUBBOCK -- Susan Barrick, Democratic candidate for Lubbock County Judge, will speak to the Lubbock Area Client Council on Saturday, August 12, 2006, meeting at 1:00 p.m. at the Patterson Branch of the Lubbock Public Library, 1836 Parkway Drive. Barrick will speak about one of her policy initiatives, restorative justice.

Lubbock Area Client Council is affiliated with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas. Rose Wilson is president.

Who: Susan Barrick, Democratic candidate for Lubbock County Judge

What: “Restorative Justice,” an address to the Lubbock Area Client Council

When: Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Patterson Branch of the Lubbock Public Library, 1836 Parkway Drive

# # #

Lubbock Democrats Lend a Helping Hand

2006-08-08T04:07:00.000-07:00

Quoting the press release sent to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal about the school supply program launched by Leo Flores, precinct 4 chair:

People Before Politics
Democratic Party hopes to help by handing out school supplies Lubbock--Today members of the Lubbock County Democratic Party distributed school supplies to area students. "We wanted to take care of an extra expense" said Leo Flores one of the event's primary organizers. The Democratic Party understands that high gas
prices have affected working and middle class Americans all over the country including Lubbock. In an attempt to make life easier for parents, any students were eligible to receive the supplies as long as they were present to pick them up. The Lubbock County Democratic Party was hoping to give supplies away all week at its headquarters, located at 2809-A 74th ST, but due to overwhelming response to the
offer, resources were exhausted by the end of the day. Nearly 500 students were able to receive a bag which included: a pencil box, mechanical pencil, protractor, and pencil sharpener--supplies not normally available at school supplies giveaways. The event was organized by Leo Flores and Mary Harris, who put in many long hours and who hope that the event will expand and become an annual occurrence. The supplies were purchased with donations from members of the Lubbock County Democratic Party. Flores was quoted as saying, "the Democratic party knows how much high gas prices have affected those in our community, and how many expenses come with the beginning of school." The Lubbock County Democratic Party welcomes anyone to drop by party headquarters at 2809-A 74th ST anytime to discuss any concerns they may have, and reminds the residents of Lubbock that it puts people before politics.

Prestigious Award Announced

2006-06-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Lubbock County Commissioner Patti Jones was made a charter member of Broomaday on Monday. Her lecture to participants in a public hearing on super precincts could be summarized as "sit down and shut up."

Convention Caucus produces new officers

2006-06-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

West Texas Coalition of Democrats held its biennial meeting on Friday, June 9, 2006 at the convention in Fort Worth. New officers were elected to two-year terms. Mary V. Hatfield is the new president, replacing outgoing president Pam Brink. Todd Klein was elected vice president, and Sue Weninger and Martha Hulsey were reelected as treasurer and secretary respectively. Congratulations to the new officers.

Proud to be a Democrat!

2006-06-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

I was never so very proud to be a Democrat as I was at the conclusion of the hard-fought campaign for state chair between Glen Maxey and Boyd Ritchie. Both sides were passionate, savvy, and committed to their candidates. But when it was all said and done, most people accepted the outcome with class--especially Glen Maxey whose concession speech pledged support for the party and its new chair and especially Boyd Ritchie who welcomed with warmth and sincerity Glen's offers. It was a great moment for our party. And duly noted in the Press, I might add. The Dallas Morning News reported the solidarity of Democrats from its grassroots to its hard-working gardners at party headquarters.

SD 28 at the convention

2006-06-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

We had a really nice time at the convention. The SD 28 caucus was visited by a slate of candidates for the 3rd court of appeals--all good looking, articulate, smart. Good luck! Congressional District 19 candidate Robert Ricketts spoke next with an inspiring call for sensible government. Judge Moody sent a representative to ask for support in his March for Justice. Carolyn Salsberry was elected committeewoman and J.B. Hall committeeman. Pete Laney spoke also.

Radnofsky, Bell and Van Os together in Lubbock

2005-05-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 7, 2005, marked a first, the first time in election cycle 2006 that all three (so far) statewide candidates were together for a campaign event. It happened at two events in Lubbock: the SD 28 Workshop and Rally organized by Mary Hatfield and a Lubbock County Democratic Party fundraiser cocktail party extravaganza hosted by Bob and Sue Weninger. Barbara Radnofsky is running for U.S. Senate, Chris Bell is exploring a run for governor of Texas and David Van Os is running for Texas Attorney General. Great speeches in both venues. On the subject of abortion, Radnofsky, a pro-choice woman, staked out territory around "target zero abortions" using health care and education to zero out abortions.

"Empathy Gap" by Sue Barrick

2005-05-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Please read this by Sue Barrick, vice chair of the Lubbock County Democratic Party. It is PROFOUND. Sue. W.

There has been so much written since last November about what is "wrong" with the Democratic Party, and what we "should" do next to remedy the dismal situation. "Empathy gap" came up in an e-mail to me last month from the Heartland Initiative group that meets in Plainview. It was a term I didn't remember hearing before, so I did some research.

In its broadest sense "empathy gap" refers to the phenomenon whereby a disaster like 9/11 or a tsunami prompts massive relief efforts and monetary donations, while the larger scale suffering of fellow community members due to lack of healthcare, poverty and disease is tolerated and largely overlooked. "Empathy gap" also works, in my mind at least, to describe the paradox that while the highest moral value and cause of action among politically liberal people is to behave with empathy, we are perceived and portrayed in the media as out of touch and uncaring about the "real" concerns of the majority of Americans.

There is, I think, some good news. Though our "Don't Think of an Elephant" re-framing group here in Lubbock has made tremendous progress over the last several months understanding what George Lakoff has to say, and celebrated as individuals' letters to the editor came out, it never really "clicked" for us as a group how to communicate our
re-framed issues effectively on an interpersonal level. Yesterday five of us met at Democratic headquarters in our continuing search for the words and phrases that might activate the "nurturant parent" (which can be translated from "Lakoff-talk" as the ability to empathize and care) in potential swing voters.

Well, I would cautiously like to report that we had something of a break-through. After listening to my experience trying out the techniques of nonviolent communication during a recent visit to our congressman's office, and quickly reading materials gleaned from the
Center for Nonviolent Communication web site (http://www.cnvc.org), the proverbial light bulbs started popping on all around the table.

In its stripped-down basics, nonviolent communication works this way:

1. Offer an observation without making any judgment or evaluation. (Observations from personal experience or knowledge in the form of stories are most powerful.)

2. Express your feeling about the situation and tell the thoughts driving your emotion.

3. State what you need for your well-being to be restored regarding the situation, and finally, if appropriate,

4. Request specific action from the individual you are speaking with that will help get your stated need met.

With just this quick exposure to the ideas of NVC, people in our group came up with these new "frames" about standardized testing and predatory credit practices:

Observation: Two young teachers in their 20's became ill with shingles, which usually comes from advanced age or extreme stress, while under pressure to prepare their classes for the TAKS test.
Feeling: Distress.
Thoughts leading to distress: Many 40 to 50 year old teachers just trying to get 80 points toward retirement so they can avoid this kind of unhealthy stress. We stand to lose many experienced teachers this way.
Need: A different approach to evaluating achievement.
Request: That lawmakers/administrators not penalize teachers and whole schools based on standardized test achievement.

Observation: The daughter of a man deceased 25 years ago received a new credit card in his name in the mail.
Feelings: Amusement (what would he buy? wrong address!) followed by anger.
Thoughts leading to anger: Congress just changed bankruptcy laws to hold citizens responsible for their debts but refuses to hold credit card companies accountable for predatory lending practices.
Need: Sane policy regarding the extension of credit.
Request: That the state legislature take action to hold credit card companies accountable.

My "framing" about Social Security from our visit to the congressman's office:
Observation: Even experienced investors can become victims of bad timing or the dishonest business practices of others.
Feeling: Fear for future of family and sadness about future of country.
Thoughts leading to feelings: Our leaders are planning to turn back the clock on Social Security by privatizing it.
Need: To know that the Social Security safety net is protected from the ups and downs of Wall Street.
Request: That the congressman vote against privatizing any part of Social Security.

It may look so simple as to be silly, but putting our observations, feelings, thoughts, needs and making requests based on them this way seems to work almost like magic to take away the occasion for the hearer to become defensive or start arguing. In other words, it keeps the lines of communication open. Of course, there is a lot more to the process of nonviolent communication, including educating ourselves to listen for and respond with respect to the thoughts, feelings and sometimes unstated needs and requests of others with different points of view.

Interestingly enough, I am not the only person on the planet to have hit upon nonviolent communication as a way forward for Democrats in particular, and progressives in general. At the end of a long post on "In These Times" one of the people commenting gives the equivalent of a "Eureka" from India where she is also studying nonviolent communication, and calls it the next great gold mine for progressive political organizing. She sees it, however, not from the perspective of speaking our minds without getting shut down, but from the perspective of re-connecting regular people to their real, as opposed
to Karl Rove-manufactured, human needs. (Remember "What's the Matter with Kansas?") Nonviolent communication methods are clearly compatible with liberal values and seem ripe with organizing possibilities.

If you are interested in working on the issues with our group, newcomers are always welcome. We have decided to resume meeting on the First and Third Tuesdays of the month over brown-bag lunches from 11:30 until 1 p.m. at the Lubbock County Democratic Party Headquarters, 2809A 74th Street (just south of Furr's Cafeteria and the Science Spectrum). This is a no-guilt group. If you can only attend once a month that is
OK, too.

All the best,
Sue Barrick

Radnofsky and VanOs to visit Lubbock

2005-04-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Barbara Radnofsky, candidate for U.S. Senate from Texas and David VanOs, candidate for Texas Attorney General will be in Lubbock May 7th. Make a point to hear these motivated candidates paint their picture of a better Texas. For information, email chair@lubbockdemocrats.org.

Rep. Neugebauer's position on Social Security

2005-04-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

I sent this email to Rep. Neugebauer this morning:

I was a member of a group that met with Jim Clark in Lubbock yesterday. The subject was Social Security. We urged Mr. Clark to convey to you our opposition to privatization of any part of Social Security. Mr. Clark said he could not assure us that you would vote against privatizing Social Security and that you favored a plan like that in Chile. This causes me great concern because of what the people and government of Chile have experienced: The Chile model has been a disaster for all but the most well-off. Fees have eaten up about 30% of peoples accounts and now the government has to make up the difference for many destitute retirees.
Mr. Clark pointed to privatization as a solution for the solvency problem, but President Bush has already acknowledged that privatization will not solve that problem.
I urge you to reconsider your position and protect Social Security from privatization. Thank you, your constituent, Sue Weninger

Call or write or fax or email Rep. Neugebauer with your thoughts on Social Security. Thanks

Lubbock City "Leaders" are at it again!

2004-08-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

At the most recent Lubbock City Council meeting, the newest budget has allocated $0 for books for the libraries for the upcoming year. They are also discussing closing the libraries two hours early each day.

I emailed the following to each City Council member and submitted it as a letter to editor with the AJ. If you agree with my position, PLEASE take the time to call or email each city council member.

The text of my email to the Coucil Members was as follows:
"In May 2004 Lubbock citizens overwhelmingly supported a bond issue to provide necessary capital improvements to our libraries. When 10,366 of us said "yes" to higher taxes to support these important facilities, we didn't dream the city council would so quickly turn a deaf ear.

$0.00 for books for the next upcoming year is not acceptable. Closing libraries early is not acceptable either.

The people of Lubbock have told you these facilities and services are important to us. It's your turn to show that you are listening."

I hope you can will make your voice heard.

Scarborough race mentioned on national blog

2004-08-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

I did a little emailing with my last post and got a mention at Greater Democracy. Here's the link http://www.greaterdemocracy.org Be sure and consult Local Pols for Dean to get information on other candidates across the country.

Bob Scarborough in Lubbock today

2004-08-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

I went to hear Bob Scarborough speak at the Lubbock County party HQ this morning. He’s the Democrat running for The Texas Railroad Commission. I didn’t know what to expect. Railroad commission—sounds like something created in 1891 by Gov. Hogg. Zounds. That’s exactly what it is. Back in those days, Bob explained, the commission lobbied for Texas citizens in the face of powerful back east railroad corporations that wanted to charge too much for railroad transportation. The commission was created to protect the public interest and the citizens of Texas. Now along with railroad crossings it regulates oil and gas. The only problem is that it’s fallen into the toothy jaws of the barracuda known as the oil and gas industry. Bob wants to set the commission back on its original course as the peoples’ lobby, this time with the oil and gas industry. He seeks better public policy on the issues of severance tax exemptions, remediation of ecologically damaged land, prevention of ecological catastrophe from uncapped abandoned wells, and he also wants to support those small producers who pump 4-5 barrels a week in stripper operations. This man is authentic. When you hear him talk you just know that he’s got the people foremost in his thoughts. I want you to visit his website http://www.for-all-texans.org/ and for the sake of goodness and the people of Texas, vote for him and give him some money. He and his wife of 49 years Glenella are traveling Texas in a “little white casita”. Buy them a tank of gas at the very least.

organic activism

2004-08-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

I just attended an amazing event. 60-70 young Lubbockites randomly descended on one of the bigger parks in the city just to meet new people and discuss any issues that they cared to discuss. The flier for it went something like this:

YOUNG PEOPLE EMERGE
saturday, august 7
XXXXXX park at XXXXXXXXX
5pm - whenever
chips, drinks, charcoal provided
bring: -what you want to grill
- an instrument to play
why?
to bring us together
to discuss the future of our town

This is the future of politics in America. The young woman who started this event did so as the result of a "wouldn't it be neat if" conversation at a coffeehouse. Invitations spread by word of mouth and random leaflet-scattering -- rumor has it that the idea's originator was handed one of her own fliers by someone she didn't know! There was general hanging-out mixed with pockets of politically charged conversation. About a dozen people each brought a little bit of food to share. A friend and I, both deputy voting registrars, registered 25 new voters at this event (though my friend deserves most of the credit!) and convinced several to become deputized themselves.

Why is an event like this successful? (1) It's a party, for party's sake if you want it to be. Politicking is "optional" and not in-your-face; more people will come as a result. (2) The setup is maximally distributed. No one person or group is responsible for it, and it occurs in a public space. This means that it's impossible to procrastinate, mess up, or burden one person/group with too much responsibility. (3) Word of it also spreads faster because the publicity, now in the hands of fate and of each attendee, takes care of itself. It's a house party on steroids: a neighborhood party where everyone is invited.

The event will happen again in a month. I believe it can only grow bigger and better each time as we approach November 2.

Post from Our Congress re Stenholm v. Neugebauer

2004-08-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

What follows is lifted directly from the Our Congress website. Randy is in trouble in Abilene over his vote on military housing funds. Let's get this encouraging news to voters in 19 West.

TX-19: Neugbager Blasted By Reporter-News For Anti-Military Vote
by Vince Leibowitz Aug 2nd

Congressman Charles Stenholm (D-Abilene) got an unexpected boost in his CD 19 race against fellow incumbent Randy Neugebauer (R-Lubbock) Sunday from the Abilene Reporter-News' editorial page, which put the hammer down on the freshman Congressman for siding with U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Sugar Land) over the district's veterans.
At issue is the $10 billion military construction bill the house passed and sent to the Senate just before the summer recess, which would have aided Abilene's Dyess Air Force Base.
On July 21, Neugebauer voted against a Bush administration request of $500 million for future military housing construction, some of which would have been at Dyess. The measure failed 212-211. A single vote--which the Reporter-News notes should not have been Neugebauer's, sent the measure to defeat, and "directly exerted a negative impact on Abilene's economy."
The Reporter-News notes:
Who opposed the administration on this matter? Not House Democrats, including Rep. Charles Stenholm of Abilene, who voted to support the White House and our troops by increasing military housing funds.
No, the opponents who shot down the White House plan were House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Republican Rep. Randy Neugebauer of Lubbock and other GOP House members pounded into line by DeLay - who broke House rules by extending the roll call 23 minutes beyond its 15-minute limit so he could hammer reluctant Republicans into getting the votes to defeat Bush's proposal.
Texas Congressman Chet Edwards (D-Waco) called this vote "a slap in the face to America's military families. They have a right to be outraged, and they will be."
The Reporter-News further notes:
What sort of rationale did DeLay and House Republicans present for opposing a Republican president whose re-election drive is based so centrally on the military's role in the war against terrorism? Supposedly, cutting $500 million out of future military construction was meant to show that the Republican-controlled Congress, which has been justly criticized for its free-spending habits, was actually capable of some fiscal restraint.
Given the billions Congress has thrown around during the last four years, it's laughable to think that trimming $500 million from military housing would ''prove'' a conservative attitude toward spending.
The paper also notes that, "Stenholm's record as a fiscal conservative doesn't need to be proved. Ask former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, if you have any doubts on that score. Stenholm's advocacy for Dyess is also widely acknowledged. The final House bill as passed included $28.6 million for military family housing at Dyess plus $3.3 million for a new Dyess refueling vehicle maintenance/crash rescue facility that Stenholm had requested.
The paper then lowers the boom on Neugebauer:
Meanwhile, Neugebauer has campaigned in Abilene's new District 19 as a strong supporter of Dyess. Evidently, that depends on whether the House majority leader says it's OK.

Bicycle Safety in West Texas

2004-08-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

I know it's ranging a bit far from our main issues here at West Texas Voice (water, health care, agriculture), but I have to say something about bicycle safety. I just got a report from a bicyclist in Amarillo where a hit-and-run driver in a Tahoe hit three riders. Here's part of the eyewitness report: “Within minutes EMS arrived and took the rider with the more serious injuries to the hospital. We were told that the riders were in single file to the right of the white shoulder line when the Tahoe clipped them with his right rear view mirror knocking all three guys into the ditch. Apparently the only rider actually hit was the rear guy and he was thrown into the air knocking his buddies into the ditch. Pieces of the shattered mirror were scattered along the road and we found one piece with bits of blue cycling jersey on it.”

This is not funny, people. Be respectful when passing bicycles on the road. These are our brothers, sons, husbands, fathers, wives, mothers, daughters and grandchildren. If you think it's kinda cool to shake 'em up a little bit by coming close on the road, it's not. If you think you're gonna show 'em they have no right to be there, you're not. Bicycles are vehicles and have the same right to the road as you in your pickup. If you think it's funny to scare bicyclists, it's not. Slow down, pass bicyclists with caution. Please.

I want you to start thinking about this now because next year Lance Armstrong is bringing a world class bicycle race through West Texas. Be nice. This man is an American hero. Bicyclists are American heroes.

Boston Photos

2004-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

I took a lot of pictures in Boston, but the best albums I've seen so far come from Karl-Thomas Musselman, the youngest Texas delegate at 19. Here's the link to page one of his photo album. http://gallery.musselmanforamerica.com/thumbnails.php?album=31&page=1 K-T's pictures feature him and Nick Lawrie. They give an excellent view of the floor and peripheral activities such as celebrity collection.

Language

2004-07-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a real thrill watching the Democratic National Convention this week (especially with 50-60 fellow Dems here in LBK!) and feeling the high of the energy from all the great speakers the party has to offer - Clinton, Obama, Sharpton, Clark, Edwards, and finally even Kerry to name some of my own personal favorites. (Who were your favorite speakers at the convention?) But beyond the pure energy of watching other Democrats get excited about being Democrats, I am thrilled to see that now the Democratic Party is seriously fighting the battle over language. With the way the conservate propaganda machine has been operating for the past decade, we need to balance the language of political debate in our nation. From erudite-conservative-windbag William Safire on down through average-bully-conservative-windbags O'Reilly and Hannity to screaming-thug-conservative-windbag Rush Limbaugh, the RNC talking-points armada has successfully demonized words (like liberal), people (Clinton, anyone?), policies (reckless tax-and-spend!), and entire regions of the U.S. (e.g. the coasts) through careful choice of words and phrases to be repeated ad nauseum. Now it's clear that our wonderfully united Democratic Party has some positive, irrefutable language of it's own: WE CAN DO BETTER ... HOPE IS ON THE WAY ... ONE AMERICA ... A STRONGER AMERICA ...

I love it!

I plan to do my part in the language war by enforcing the positive meanings of applicable words and phrases that the RNC hasn't destroyed yet. Progressive. Populist. Civil liberties. Equality under the law. A clean environment. Social responsibility. (Which phrases am I forgetting?) Careful language usage is an everyday way to change the tone and blow away the RNC smokescreen from political discourse.

Boston Commons Sunday Demonstrations

2004-07-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning heading toward Boston Commons on the T (subway) to see if I can interview some of the demonstrators. There has been a lot of press here about security and containment of demonstrations. The only free speech area near the Fleet Center looks like a batting cage with razor wire.

Live from Boston

2004-07-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

We, Mary Hatfield and Sue Weninger, are in Boston today, Saturday, July 24, 2004 to attend the Democratic National Convention. We'll be updating this blog several times a day so stay tuned.

John Miller fundraiser and Kerry meetup Lubbock

2004-07-23T04:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday p.m. was busy in Lubbock. John Miller, running for state representative from District 83, was the guest of honor at a campaign fundraiser. Lala's on Broadway was the scene for about 40 people to gather. John's stump speech has been sharpened to a fine point: education education and education. After Lala's it was time for the Kerry in 2004 meetup at Aromas. Five NEW people there! We had a good discussion about where to spend local money: buy Kerry yardsigns or contribute to local candidates? Both sides won at the meetup. What do you think? Post in comments.

Outfoxed in Lubbock

2004-07-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 18, 6:00 p.m. 25 intrepid individuals gathered in Lubbock to watch Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism. We also participated in the live online interactive conference with the film's creator Robert Greenwald and Air America Radio host Al Franken. During the conference a map of the US was displayed on the computer monitor showing all the sites across the country participating. We made Lubbock shine! Also a brilliant circle spotlighted Midland and several in El Paso. Bottom line: we want to sign on to the petition being filed with the Federal Trade Commission complaining about Fox's fraudulent use of the advertising slogan "Fair and Balanced". We have a responsibility as citizens to keep our media honest. When you see something in the media worthy of praise or complaint, let them know. Let' s write letters and make all media interactive. Report back here if you get any response.

Texas teachers' pay ranks 30th in nation

2004-07-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

By April Castro
The Associated Press

AUSTIN - Teacher salaries in Texas rank significantly lower than the national average and 30th in the country, according to a study by the American Federation of Teachers.

The average pay in Texas was $39,972 in the 2002-03 school year, compared with the national average of $45,771. Texas' ranking did not change from the previous year, despite a 1.9 percent increase in average salaries.

Teachers' groups have pleaded for higher salaries and better health insurance benefits this year as Texas lawmakers grapple with overhauling the school funding system.

Texas teachers would rank even lower if health insurance benefits were considered, said John Cole, vice president of the American Federation of Teachers and president of the Texas Federation of Teachers. Last year, the Legislature cut a $1,000 health care stipend to $500. At the same time, health insurance premiums continued to rise, he said.

Texas employs about 276,000 teachers for 4.3 million students in 1,037 K-12 school districts.

Texas teachers fared slightly better than those in neighboring states: Arkansas ranked 44th; Louisiana, 45th; New Mexico, 46th; and Oklahoma, 50th. The District of Columbia was included in the count; South Dakota ranked last at 51st.

First-year teachers in Texas are in slightly better shape, with average beginning salaries ranking 17th nationally at $31,874.

The American Federation of Teachers, a 1.3 million-member union, gets its financial data from state education departments. The numbers do not take into account other factors, such as cost of living or inflation. The study did not consider teachers' experience, other than first-year teachers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONLINE: American Federation of Teachers, www.aft.org

What do Republicans want?

2004-07-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

By Ed

I am passing along some information that would stir up a lot of potential voters if they had these facts regarding the Texas Republican platform. If you would like for me to fax you the entire platform I would be happy to do so. Items of interest in the platform:
• The minimum wage law should be repealed and wages be determined by the free market (page 18).
• Abolish Internal Revenue Service and eliminate personal income tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, capital gains tax, corporate income tax, and payroll tax. These taxes would be replaced with a national retail sales tax (page 19).
• Evict United Nations from the United States and eliminate any further participation.
• Abolish the following national offices: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Surgeon General; Environmental Protection Agency; Department of Energy; Housing and Urban Development; Health and Human Services; Education; Commerce; Labor; National Endowment for the Arts and the Public Broadcasting System.
• Repeal government sponsored programs of early childhood development ages 0-5 including pre-school and kindergarten (page 16).
• Reject the establishment of any mechanism to process, license, record, register or monitor ownership of guns (page 7).
• Oppose the Endangered Species Act (page 4).
• Repeal Robin Hood (page 15).
• Repeal Hate Crime Law (page 8).

Note: post a comment if you want the full platform and I'll put you in touch with Ed. Sue. W.

I remember what we are trying to do....

2004-07-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

I copied this from an article by William Rivers Pitt on truthout. Go to www.truthout.org for the full text. "In an election like this, with the leadership we have [W and his cabal], the more an absolute moral code becomes involved, the easier pickings you are for the ruthless. This election is not about morals, about principles, but simply about who rules. This is how our leaders and their corporate masters think of it, and so we must. There is so much to worry about beyond control. When confronted by problems that cannot be immediately fixed, the only solution is to focus upon the problems which can be fixed. How about this for a solution: Win first. Then be good." This clears my mind and helps me work for D candidates that don't exactly suit me to a T, but they are a whole lot closer than any Rs. What do you think?

Texas Ranks Dead Last in High School Graduates

2004-07-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

This is taken from today's Texas House Democratic Caucus Monday Memo:
In a study released last week, we were told that Texas has the lowest percentage of high school graduates in the nation for the second straight year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 77 percent of Texans age 25 and older had a high school degree in 2003, the same percentage as 10 years ago when Texas ranked 39th nationally. Meanwhile, graduation rates have improved in other states so that now a record 85 percent of Americans have high school diplomas...State demographer Steve Murdock told the Houston Chronicle that Texas' ranking could harm the state's economy as less-educated people enter the work force. "The downside is Texas could be less competitive," he said. "It could be poorer because we know educational attainment is the best predictor of income." In 2002, the average salary for those with only high school diplomas was $27,280, while the average for dropouts was $18,826...If the state continues to rank dead last in the number of students who graduate...then no companies will want to set up shop in Texas. This is why any school finance proposal should look first at providing our schools with the funding necessary for all our children to obtain academic execllence ...
MY THOUGHTS: How can we continue to elect state representatives that sit idly by while our state continues to slip further and further behind? This is not a statistic that makes me proud to be a Texan.

Where is the "care" in health care?

2004-06-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

What is happening to the healthiest country in the world? I just finished reading an article in which Dr. Barbara Starfield of John Hopkins states, "The fact is that the U.S. population does not have anywhere near the best health in the world". "Of 13 countries in a recent comparison, the United States ranks an average of 12th (second from the bottom) for 16 available health indicators."

She said the U.S. came in 13th, dead last, in terms of low birth weight percentages; 13th for neonatal mortality and infant mortality over all; 13th for years of potential life lost (excluding external causes); 11th for life expectancy at the age of 1 for females and 12th for males; and 10th for life expectancy at the age of 15 for females and 12th for males.

I also listened to Texas Comptroller Carol Keeton Rylander on PBS this Sunday tell us that Texas ranks dead last in number of insured adults and deal last in number of insured children.

Why is there no uproar from our communities?

In a country and state that has healthcare technology that is astounding, how can we sit idly by while infant mortality rises and vaccination rates decrease?

We should ask every elected official, every time we see him, what is being done to stop this terrible trend.

A-J Editorial and animal "by products"

2004-06-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

I heard Elaine King Miller speak at Friday's TDW South Plains meeting in Lubbock. She's the Democratic candidate for state senate from SD 31. She talked about animal waste in the Panhandle, in her case pig waste poured into vast lagoons separated from the aquifer by a sheet of plastic as thick as a good garbage bag. So when I saw the A-J this morning hailing welcome to dairy farms in Hale County, I began to wonder what they do with the cow waste. King Miller made clear that she's all for the economic development these operations bring to West Texas, but asks what effect 13 times Amarillo's annual human waste just poured out onto the ground might have on our water supply, asks can't something else be done with this by product of hog operations. Please, will a knowledgeable person out there let us know what we can do with these animal by products to protect the water supply. Thanks.

Caravans - the talk of West Texas

2004-06-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

I just telephoned Pam Brink, the originator of the West Texas Caravan in 2002. Looks like caravaning is becoming a big idea. Charlie Stenholm did one last Saturday and John Miller (Dist. 83 candidate) is planning one. Would anyone be interested in a workshop on the subject? How to launch a caravan in 1 easy lesson. If so, let me hear from you and we'll get it organized. Pam has a lot of rich experience to share with all who contemplate such an adventure.

Convention Caucus a Success

2004-06-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

The convention is over and now we debrief. The Coalition caucus was a tremendous success with about 35 people in attendance. It was wonderful to add members from Amarillo and El Paso. Below are minutes taken by Cass Callaway acting secretary. I'd like to see some comments on the caucus. Talk to me. Sue. W.

West Texas Coalition of Democrats Caucus Meeting Minutes
2004 Texas Democratic Convention – Houston, Texas
Friday, June 18, 2004 – 11:00 AM

The meeting came to order shortly after 11:00 AM, in Room 318 of the Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.

Sue Weninger, Treasurer of WTCD, presided over the meeting and Cass Callaway assisting.

Officers Pam Brink, Linda McGonagil, and Linda Shoemaker were absent.

Weninger began with several introductions and a personal greeting.

The previous meeting minutes were read and recorded, with Kathy Hall making the motion for approval of the minutes, Irma Guerrero seconding.

The motion to approve the previous meeting minutes passed.

Weninger then began to read President Pam Brink’s message. Weninger paused for a question and discussion on how WTCD could assist a group of El Pasoans in their effort to aid New Mexico in November. Several attendees supported the idea of helping win NM’s electoral votes, instead of a Texas presidential election battle. Other attendees argued resources and labor should remain in West Texas, and not to go to NM in order to build Democrat chances in 2006 and beyond. Weninger wrapped up the discussion by pledging WTCD support for both strategies, including mail lists, names of important point people, and other WTCD institutional support.

The meeting then heard candidate Roland Graves speak about his run for the Texas House of Representatives.

Returning to the President’s Message, Weninger fielded questions from the crowd about blogging. Weninger solicited blog editors, with Kathy Hall, Johnnie Jones and Vickie Smith accepting to write the blog for one day each week.

The meeting then heard from Jeff Benson, campaign manager for Congressman Charlie Stenholm.

Weninger then returned to the President’s message, urging the attendees to support Betty Richie for DNC.

Weninger then reported on the 2002 West Texas Caravan.

During Weninger’s report, Linda DeLeon requested that she and a paper doll be photographed, the paper doll, representing a young woman who was unable to make it to the Convention. DeLeon was traveling with the doll and sending the pictures home to the unfortunate young woman who couldn’t make it to Houston.

Then, Weninger presented John Jones, candidate for SD 31 Committeeman for a few words, then Roberta Hicks, candidate for SD31 Commiteewoman, then Ron Michulka for SD28 Commiteeman. John Jones also presented his opponent who was absent, George Dowlen for SD31 Committeeman.

Weninger then held officer elections, with Mary Hatfield as nominations chair.

Pam Brink was elected President.

Linda McGonagil was elected Vice President.

Martha Hulsey was elected Secretary.

Sue Weninger was elected Treasurer.

All officers were unopposed.

After elections, Weninger offered the floor for announcements. Mary Nell, a former candidate for Congress in West Texas, encouraged everyone to seek office, to demand a Democrat voice in every election. Nell described how much she enjoyed her Congressional run, with the help of Pam Brink, and how she didn’t regret running, even after a tough loss.

Sue Weninger commented that another purpose of the WTCD will be to identify candidates for office from West Texas. She said that we would work hard to find a gubernatorial candidate, and that “we don’t know who she is yet, but we’ll find her.”

After Nell, Cass Callaway spoke, to acknowledge the changing of the tides in West Texas, and to encourage everyone to make their presence known. Democrat visibility, he recommended, is effective, citing a recent Senate runoff election where visibility boosted turnout in rural counties.

Then Weninger accepted a motion to adjourn, and closed the meeting.

Meeting minutes recorded by Cass Callaway. For questions or
clarifications, please email c_callaway@yahoo.com.

Stenholm for Congress meetup Monday June 28

2004-06-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

The Charlie Stenholm for Congress June meetup in Lubbock will happen Monday the 28th. Come to the Lubbock Inn, Red Raider Room, at 7p.m. See you there. Sue.

TDW South Plains June 2004 Meeting Notice

2004-06-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Texas Democratic Women – South Plains

June 25, 2004, 11:30 a.m. to eat, 12:00 noon to meet
Furrs Family Dining, 6001 Slide Road, Lubbock

June Program: Pat Smith on E-voting -- Many of you wanted to hear more about black box voting from Pat after her 5-minute presentation in April. She’s back and she has thirty minutes this time. We can really dig into this critical and controversial subject. We’ll also hear about the state convention from our many delegates just back from Houston.

July meeting and program rescheduled. Because a couple of our members may be delegates to the Democratic National Convention in late July, the executive committee moved the July meeting from the last Friday (30th) to July 23. This change is for one month only (return to last Friday in August). We’ll preview the national convention.

Houston bound...

2004-06-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for my first state party convention. I'll be very excited to greet you all at the West Texas Coalition of Democrats caucus on Friday, 11 a.m., room 318CD. We're going to roll out this blog and open it up to those of you out there who have something to say to everyone in West Texas, well everyone with a computer and this url. Will you please publicize this blog amongst your friends??? In the meantime, I've been doing some work with the Charlie Stenholm campaign (helping organize the meetup in Lubbock). In closing I'll just post this paragraph from the www.stenholm.org website -- need another reason to campaign your hearts out for him?

“I’ve got more fire in the belly for this one than I ever have before,” explained the Congressman. “It’s a crying shame that the partisan politicians in Washington and Austin tried to take representation away from West Texas. But we’re going to win this campaign and keep our influence and seniority in Congress to provide the best representation for the South Plains and the Big Country.”

Go! Charlie!!

Texas Community Futures Forum

2004-03-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

by Louise Sanders

Cooperative Extension (used to be Agricultural Extension. associated with A&M) is having a brainstorming session with 30 - 50 community leaders to create a list of priorities about issues affecting families and individuals in Lubbock County. They do this every 5 years.

Next Tuesday, March 30, 2001, 6:30 pm
916 Main Street (Bank of America Building)
Free Meal at 6 PM (Beans & Cornbread)--Call if you want to eat with them
775-1680 for a reservation.
Format--persons attending will be randomly divided into small groups. Each group will hash out their list of priorities. Groups will reassemble and put together a list of 4 or 5 that all can agree on.

Every county in Texas is doing this sometime next week. It's a statewide thing. When I talked to Kay Davis, the county agent who called me about this, she said they usually draw a fairly diverse group of people.

South Plains-Texas Democratic Women

2004-03-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

South Plains TDW holds its second meeting tomorrow, Friday, March 26, noon, Furr's Family Dining, Slide Road near the mall in Lubbock. On the agenda: by-laws approval, elect assistant treasurer, local candidates, and break out groups to focus on action items. It's not too late to join as founding member. Be there!

Texas Redistricting: Here Comes the Judge

2004-03-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

by Ralph Brock, Attorney-at-Law

Courts get involved in Texas congressional redistricting in only two instances: when the legislature fails to redistrict and when it does.

In 2001 the legislature failed to redistrict for congressional elections after the 2000 census. Gov. Rick Perry decided not to call a special session because, he explained:

Although I expect Texans will be disappointed with the inability to accomplish this task, I believe Texans would be even more disappointed if we expend considerable sums of taxpayer money to call the legislature into a special session that has no promise of yielding a redistricting plan for Congress. I, therefore, have decided that it is not in the best interest of our State to call a special session at this time.

When the legislature fails to draw new congressional districts, courts -- state or federal -- will step in and do so. Federal courts will defer to state courts but only for a limited amount of time. That is what happened in 2001, when a three-judge federal court approved a new redistricting plan. The media seldom mentions this, but the 2001 map was rigged to give Republicans a substantial majority in the Texas delegation. However, in at least six districts that otherwise voted Republican, the pesky voters went ahead and elected conservative Democrats. Thus, in the 2002 election, the Texas delegation maintained a 17-15 Democratic majority.

Tom Delay Moves In

This was a significant affront to Tom Delay, the Sugar Land bug-stomper turned U.S. House Majority Leader and Speaker wannabe. So in 2003, after the regular session failed to pass a redistricting plan, Delay decided it was now necessary to expend considerable sums of taxpayer money to call the legislature into a special session -- Actually, Three Special Sessions.

This time, the Texas legislature didn't take any chances with giving voters competitive districts. Republicans themselves arrogantly admit that their new districts were drawn to guarantee a Republican majority.

Democrats Go to Court

Democrats took the case to federal court. A state trial court could have decided the questions that were presented, but before the case could go to the U.S. Supreme Court, it would have to go through two appellate courts in the state system. Even on an expedited schedule, this is time-consuming, and state courts usually are not as familiar with the federal constitutional questions that arise in this kind of case.

On the other hand, a special federal statute gives federal trial courts the authority to convene a three-judge court when an action is filed challenging the constitutionality of the apportionment of congressional districts. Such a court consists of two federal trial judges and one judge from the federal circuit court of appeals. An appeal from such a three-judge federal court is straight to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Democrats and others challenging the 2003 redistricting map opted for the three-judge federal court. They presented four issues:

1. Can Texas redistrict in mid-decade?
2. Does the plan unconstitutionally discriminate on the basis of race?
3. Is the plan an unconsitutional partisan gerrymandering?
4. Do various districts dilute the voting strength of minorities?

After piously questioning the wisdom of the blatant Republican gerrymandering, the two Republican judges on the panel, nevertheless, upheld it. The 2004 election will go forward under the Delay plan.

One Last Chance for Justice

An appeal is being taken to the Supreme Court, but the Court does not have to take the case. A similar Pennsylvania case involving partisan gerrymandering is already before the Court; nevertheless, the Court refused to stay the order in the Texas case pending appeal. A number of experts have said this is a signal that the Court is not going to reverse the three-judge court. It may be, but then, if the Court had stayed the order, it might have been construed as a signal about the Pennsylvania case, something the Court would not want to do.

The only thing certain at this point is that this is a case from the President's home state, and this is the Supreme Court that decided Bush v. Gore.

A Closer Look at the Territory

2004-03-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

by Pam Brink, President

Welcome to all of our new members. Thank you for your commitment to The West Texas Coalition of Democrats. We are a Texas PAC eager to build the broad regional network of human and financial resources to elect progressive Democrats to office.

We represent the concerns of Texans who live west of I-35 to New Mexico and from the Oklahoma border to the Edwards Plateau, plus El Paso and the other communities of far West Texas. In Texas political terms, this vast region comprises Texas Senate Districts 19, 28, 29, 30, and 31, a strong community of interest defined by our semiarid environment, our rural-based economy, and our social values.

What follows is a list of the counties that comprise our Coalition, as of now! Who knows what the Republicans will try to do to us next! PLEASE NOTE: The West Texas Coalition of Democrats is shaped by Texas Senate Districts, because the Executive Committee of the Texas State Democratic Party is comprised of one woman and one man elected from each Texas Senate District. The counties comprising the Senate Districts are not to be confused with the latest Congressional redistricting contrivances.

Senate District 19 (State Senator: Frank Madla - D, San Antonio)

Bandera, Bexar (part), Brewster, Crockett, Culberson, Edwards, El Paso (part), Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kinney, Loving, Maverick, Medina, Pecos, Presidio, Real, Reeves, Sutton, Terrell, Uvalde, Val Verde, Ward, Winkler.

Senate District 28 (State Senator: Robert Duncan - R, Lubbock)

Armstrong, Borden, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Coke, Collingsworth, Concho, Cottle, Crosby, Dawson, Dickens, Donley, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Garza, Gray, Hale, Hall, Hardeman, Haskell, Hockley, Irion, Jones, Kent, King, Knox, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Mitchell, Motley, Nolan, Reagan, Runnels, Schleicher, Scurry, Sterling, Stonewall, Swisher, Terry, Tom Green, Upton, Wheeler.

Senate District 29 (State Senator: Eliot Shapleigh - D, El Paso)

El Paso (part)

Senate District 30 (State Senator: Craig Estes - R, Wichita Falls)

Archer, Baylor, Clay, Collin (part), Cooke, Denton (part), Grayson, Jack, Montague, Palo Pinto, Parker, Shackelford, Stephens, Throckmorton, Wichita, Wilbarger, Wise, Young.

Senate District 31 (State Senator: Teel Bivins - R, Amarillo)

Andrews, Bailey, Cochran, Crane, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Ector, Gaines, Classcock, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Howard, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Martin, Midland, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman Yoakum.

2004-03-24T14:28:00.000-08:00

Agriculture
Crisis in Rural America
by Tommy Fondren

Redistricting -- never in our time span has there sprung an uglier, meaner, more ill-advised effort to destroy the balance between rural and urban Texas and America. This effort shows a complete disrespect for the food and fiber system that makes us the envy of the world for our ability to supply the nation's needs and a large sector of the international population with products in abundance -- foods monitored for safety and nutrition and natural fibers engineered for serviceability, style, comfort, and dependability.

I offer the following as an example of the deterioration of the rural sector, deterioration that has recently been escalated and will increase its rate of decline in the event this redistricting effort envisioned by the questionable leadership of the state is actually accomplished:

Here's a view of a rural community of 1,372 residents, with 428 utility connections. The business district has more boarded and locked buildings than buildings with ongoing businesses. The town is twenty miles from a metropolitan area. A long-time major church has locked its doors, offering no services for over a year now. The parsonage has been rented in an effort to generate maintenance funds. A school built for 650 students now accommodates only 302. City government includes a state mandated bonded debt of $787,000.00, with a payoff completion date of 2019. Of the population of the town, 493 individuals or 35.6% live below poverty level. The remaining 64.4% are not rich. This population generates funding for the current debt load and a $600,000+ city operating budget. This community with many abandoned, substandard, and marginal houses is supported by a weak agricultural economy that faces markets flooded with imports priced in competition with third world countries.

This rural community is a mirror image of the large number of small cities that surround our metropolitan complexes. Media sources have no interest in stories that reflect the decay of rural America, leaving both rural and metropolitan populations with extremely limited knowledge of a huge problem important to all segments of America's "shifting population."

As our rural economy deteriorates, the people drift to urban locations, often causing housing and job problems. No one wins with a forced population migration. The rural sector will struggle until our leadership corrects long-term farm, trade, and monetary policies. Muting the voice of rural America with redistricting is not the solution. We have been told in the past, "decent respect to the opinion of mankind" encourages strong government. It applies today, as well. America's rural voice must be included. United, we are a strong nation.