IF YOU ARE NOT TIRED OF ALL THE DECEPTION WHEN IT COMES TO THE ZOO, THEN YOU ARE DEMANDING OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS DECEIVE YOU.  ERIN GAMEZ, PLAYING US AS FOOLS

Erin is into herself for securing $1 million dollars from the state for the zoo.  It will help the zoo.  She plays this game because no one will call her out.

If Erin cared about the zoo as she claims, why did she not oppose the $16 million the COB paid BISD for Cummings.  All Erin did is get the state to pay $1 million dollars towards the $16 million for Cummings.

We all remember the scam, and John Cowen's lies.  We need the space for the great ape display.  Yes, space which will not come into play for 7 years, assuming the city can raise the money for the development. 

With one side of his mouth John Cowen tells us we need to improve the habitat for the great apes. and then from the other, after paying $16 million for Cummings, we have to rent Cummings back to BISD for 5 years.   So where is the improvement for the great ape habitat, the same place as the bridge to nowhere.  This time it cost us $16 million. 

Shame on you Erin for making it appear you are helping.  Erin certainly has to know what the $16 million the COB paid BISD could have done for the great ape habitat.  We are past time for Gladys Porter Zoo losing it credentials to house a great ape habitat.  Just check out the great ape habitat in San Antonio.  You will cry for the abuse of the great apes at Gladys Porter. 

How we abuse our zoo animals is a reflection on all of Brownsville.  The children do not know better about the abuse, but our elected officials certainly know about the dismal conditions in the great ape habitat. 

San Antonio Zoo gorilla habitat grand opening has families going bananas

Click for video of the new great ape habitat in San Antonio.

 

IT IS NOW A BREEZE TO FLY BREEZE FROM BROWNSVILLE TO ORLANDO

But I will say if you have kids, the promotion is the worst option.  I fly enough to know traveling with kids can be a challenge.  It is so much better for parents when you do not have to change planes.

$160, RT is not a good deal.  You are a lot better paying the $300.00 RT.  For the $300, you get a checked bag and one carry on.  You do not want to have to be guessing how many checked bags you need to pay for with the $160.00 promotion.

Trust me your kid needs a carry on with busy things and permissible snacks.  As a parent you will be a lot happier.  Just pay the $300 RT and know you and each of your kids will have a checked bag, and carry on.

NOW HERE IS AN IDEA TO PROMOTE MORE FAMILIES TRAVELLING

I know families who want to try and fly but fear their child will not behave. Brownsville Airport once a month should have a "give it a try" where parents can bring their children to a mock plane with a pretend flight attendant.  The child and parent can get a feel for the process and will then be more likely willing to fly.

As a policy I do not like discount airlines, but Breeze is a good deal for parents who can afford to go to Orlando.could only land JetBlue for Monterey and San Antonio. 

 

MIRANDA'S REPLACES BIG DADDY'S

It is basically Big Daddy's with a new name.  The menu is the same.

This morning, I had my favorite Mexican breakfast.  The green sauce was excellent.  

In New York we would call this the local diner.  It is basic diner food with a Mexican flavor.

Give it a try.  I do my best to support locally owned restaurants.

For high quality Mexican food, I cook my own.  I am not paying $30+ a plate at the high-end places.  People ask me all the time, where I learned to make high-end Mexican food.  Well, you begin by staying away from Tex-Mex.

All ethnic foods are the same.  You use whatever is in season, and it must always be fresh.  My chunk taco meat is amazing.  It begins in a fresh sofrito to allow the flavors to simmer into the meat.  No taco seasoning in my home. 

I have a homemade red pepper sauce everyone loves.  People ask me how I get my beans so smokey with a pinch of heat.  One dry chipotle per pound of beans. You add garlic and white opinion and just a pinch of Comino.  Of course, salt and pepper.

My rice is a must.  When people come to use the pool, they ask that I make rice to go with whatever we grill.  

A good rice:  Begin with parboiled rice.  It is white rice without the white starch.  This is the best rice for lowering blood sugar.  You place it in oil and lightly brown.  You salt to taste.  Then if you do not have fresh, no box, chicken broth, use 1/2 cube of consummate per cup of rice.  Just break it up into the rice.  Then cover with water as you normally would.

Now the magical key.  For each cup use one side of a large bell pepper.  Cut in fours.  Then add a slice of white onion.  Let it simmer down for 30 minutes.  I am telling you the bell pepper makes for an amazing rice every time. 

DON LEMON DEMANDS JOURNALISTIC SANCTUARY AFTER VIOLATING THE LONG-HELD TRADITION OF CHURCH SANCTUARY

I do not care how you feel about religion.  You can believe it is time to tax the church while supporting the long-held tradition of sanctuary.  This scene from the Hunchback of Notre Dame is the best-known scene. Church Sanctuary may be the last refuge of immigrants.  Do you really want to end Church Sanctuary because you do not like religion? 

If you feel a need to support Don Lemon, I am okay with that.  But remember when January 6th type protesters storm the sanctuary of the church to remove immigrants, your position will already be known. 

SANCTUARY

Don Lemon knew he was violating the sanctuary of a church.  The rule does not give journalists a pass.  The rule does not change because you do not like how the church is being used.  

Unless they are committing criminal conduct in plain view a church is always off limits.

I am so tired of journalism privilege. In the world of blogging the definition of journalism is now anyone who reports news.

If Don Lemon broke the law let him pay.  In terms of a social crime, breaching the sanctuary of a church, is in the top 5.

 

 

FLYING FIRST CLASS ON AMERICAN IS NOT SO FIRST CLASS

I have so many miles I treated myself to First Class during the Christmas trip.  Because I am short, leg room in coach is not a problem for me, so First Class added nothing.

The flight from Brownsville to NY is all the beer you can drink along with wine, which makes for very rude fellow passengers.  The man next to me for breakfast had 5 beers.

When you fly First Class the flight attendant is to ask you if you need anything when you get on the plane.  She did not.  I asked for coffee.  It was not made and I had to wait.  But my seat mate got his beer.

The flight to Dallas is long enough for a breakfast snack.  A biscuit with egg and sausage would be nice.  Nothing.  I got a cookie.

Dallas to NY was some French egg dish which was so heavy I could not eat it.  The fruit cup was refreshing.  There is just too much alcohol.

On the return trip I had to go through Nashville.  There were only a cookie and drinks in First Class and then from Nashville to Dallas the same.  Ditto for Dallas to Brownsville. So, what am I getting by being in First Class, a drunken seat mate.

Because of my status as a frequent flyer, I am on the plane first. Well, my wheelchair status also helps.  And for the record, I typically tip the wheelchair attendant $20.00.  In NY I tip $60.00 because I was moved three times. 

AMERICAN EFFECTIVELY HAS NO MEDIA ON ITS DOMESTIC PLANES

I along with seat mates have never been able to connect out tablet to the free WIFI.  I follow the directions and it will not work.  When you ask the flight attendant for help, they tell you they do not know how to do it. If you are flying first class American should give you a tablet ready to go.

United still uses the 757, which has screens on the back of the seats.

I could be wrong, but for what you pay for First Class, American should provide First Class passengers with a loan tablet if they do not have one which works.

If my health permits I will be using United to go to Bolivia via Peru.  It is 9 hours with transfers from Brownsville.  American makes you fly to Dallas, then Miami, and then Lima.  It is more than 24 hours. 

 

SUPREME COURT REMAINS CLOSED

WEDNESDAY UPDATE:

The Court is open today, with no scheduled events.  The Court is also in recess until February 20th.  During a recess period they can still release opinions, but not likely.

They may use today to finally release the opinions from the 26th while the Court was closed.  We will know about 9 a.m. our time.

The court's calendar indicates no expected activity today as to orders or Opinions.

It is fair to assume the snow is keeping the Court closed.  If the Court is closed the Justices cannot read any summary of an opinion, or summary of a dissent.  Both can be expected in the Tariff decision. 

 

WILL THE SUMMARY EXECUTION OF ALEX PRETTI BY TRUMP'S GOONS LEAD TO THE END OF HIS FASCIST RULE, SUCH AS THE ABC REPORTER, BILL STEWART SUMMARY EXECUTION UNDER SOMOZA IN MANAGUA, NICARAGUA ENDED SOMOZA'S RULE?

Journalist Bill Stewart's Murder By Somoza Guardia - June 20, 1979 [CLICK]

The above video is short and clearly shows the summary execution of ABC journalist Bill Stewart.

How is this different than the summary execution of Alex Pretti by Trumps goons?  It is not.

ICE must be defunded.  Any Senator who votes for ICE funding needs to be named as a Trump Lieutenant in his attempted fascist coup. 

The line is drawn.  We take sides.

If Trump orders deployment of our military, he must be impeached and charged with sedition.  I will not say something stupid like the generals should ignore Trump's orders.  If they oppose his orders, they should resign their commission or be charged with sedition. 

 

ALTHOUGH THE SUPREME COURT LISTED TODAY FOR RELEASE OF OPINIONS, THIS MORNING IT ANNOUNCED IT IS CLOSED

UPDATE:  In the morning my mind is not sharp.  The brain fog puts me back in bed.  If I get any work done it is in the afternoon.  

THE COURT WAS CLOSED TODAY BECAUSE OF THE STORM

Based on my realization as to why the Court was closed today, it is possible without advance notice the Court will release key decisions at 9 a.m. our time. 

As of this moment there will be no opinion on the Tariff case. 

The February calendar as of this time has no days for release of orders or opinions. 

 

WILL BOBBY LERMA SACRIFICE HIMSELF AND FAMILY LEGACY FOR SAENZ?

I have been patient.  If the Court of Criminal Appeals denies John Doe's Petition for Discretionary Relief, I will file an immediate rehearing en banc.  The main issue has been resolved by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in favor of John Doe.  So if a panel of three ignores the precedent of the Court, it will be ripe for rehearing.  The petition for Writ of Certiorari is mostly ready to be filed with the US Supreme Court. 

Bobby Lerma's decision to breach his duty to John Doe will cost him his license and possibly jail time.  He will be sued for violating the rights of a disabled person, and malpractice.  Lerma was retained thereby making it easier to sue him for malpractice.  This will be his legacy.  If he is competent, he will go with counsel to the FBI and turn states evidence. 

Bobby Lerma knew to get the con done, he had to place John Doe before Gabby Garcia while I was at the doctor.  This meant not creating a charging instrument.  You cannot plead to a criminal charge without a charging instrument. The Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals has resolved this issue in favor of John Doe.

He lied.  He is so far gone in terms of any sense of ethics he fails to understand I have his text messages which verify he conspired against John Doe. 

The no charging instrument issue is solid.  If the initial panel refuses to follow the Court's own precedent, a Motion for Rehearing is justified.  It is ready to go.

But there is a second issue with Lerma, he coerced his client into committing felony perjury on the mental health issue.

The law again is so clear, to the point as a matter of law Bobby Lerma violated his duty to his client.

    In Nix v. Whiteside, 475 U.S. 157 (1986), the Supreme Court found that an attorney in a criminal trial has a duty not to allow client to give perjured information. The ethical duty of an attorney not to allow perjured info supersedes a duty of zealous advocacy. The Supreme Court held that the Sixth Amendment right of a criminal defendant is not violated when an attorney refuses to cooperate with the defendant in presenting perjured evidence at trial.

          The right to effective counsel typically entails that the attorney engaged in zealous advocacy for the defendant. However, there are exceptions to what attorneys may do for their defendants. In United States v. Shaffer Equip. Co., 11 F.3d 450, 1993, the Court determined that when a client wants to engage in perjury, the client's attorney is required to compel the client not to commit perjury, even if the perjury can benefit the client's outcome. The Court found that an attorney who does not do so has violated the attorney's duty of candor and good faith required to protect the integrity of the judicial process.

    I am down to maybe 4 hours a day.  The fatigue has come back with a vengeance.  I am sitting here waiting on the call to tell me what is next in ruling out the prostate cancer. 

 

If you are recycling, which you should be, you need to know your pick-up schedule.  With this link you an input your address and learn your pick-up schedule.  You need to click a second time on print to learn if you are week A or B. 

This morning, I took out my bin and saw no one else had taken out their bin.  I verified my schedule and today is in fact my pick-up day.

Once you know the first pick-up you are then every other week.

I chose the above pic, because it answered a question for me.  At the end of the month the recycling center we were taking our recyclables to, will close, but Redfish will continue to accept drop off at their main office. 

I am actually surprised my bin is not overflowing. I was concerned I was going to have to pay for a second bin.  If I go over, maybe once a month I will take the extra directly to Redfish. 

 

WE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT THE RIGGED TWO-PARTY SYSTEM

 

LET'S END THE RUMOR

Yes, I am on a fast track to confirm or rule out prostate cancer, but there is no diagnosis.

I pushed for a very in-depth set of labs because I knew something was wrong.  I got the call my PSA (prostate blood test for men) jumped.  I was told it was a critical warning.  

Okay at this point I am taking control because the deferential diagnostic process in the wrong hands can be a death warrant.  Protocol should dictate a general practitioner should immediately send a man to a prostate specialist when his PSA comes in at 18.4, but it does not.

To put the 18.4 into context it puts me at 75% chance of prostate cancer, but still at a 25% of being another problem with the prostrate.  

When dealing with possible cancer only a prostate specialist can assess the situation with the deferential diagnostic process.  It is not as mechanical as some doctors treat the process.  One wrong term and you kill your patient.

It is not merely the very elevated PSA. There are two other lab results suggesting cancer.  Then there are the physiological problems. 

Here is where doctors mess up.  "Your prostate must be fine because you never wake up to urinate." If you hear this run, they are so wrong. I never wake up to urinate, but when I do wake up my bladder feels like it is going to bust, and I cannot urinate.  It takes about 10 minutes of me being up an about before I can urinate.

There is also a lot of burning which can be UTI or the prostate.  The prostate burns.  But if the doctor chooses to go with the UTI, a lot of time can be lost.  This is why, once you PCP is given the critical warning of possible prostate cancer, it must go directly to the specialist for the deferential diagnostic process. 

I believe my PSA has never been hirer than 2.4, and even then, my PCP would be concerned it was climbing too fast based on past PSA's.

It is not merely my PSA.  But here is where the problem begins.  The medical community knows very little about how the prostate works.  An impacted rectum can cause the prostate to push on the urethra and block your ability to urinate.  If you do not maintain healthy bowels your doctor will confuse it with an enlarged prostate.  Guys, it is not a major problem if you are over 60 and have an enlarged prostate.  It would be abnormal for you to not have an enlarged prostate at age 60.

It is my understanding on Monday I will be told when the specialist will see me.  I was told they have a Thursday opening.

I am going to push as hard as possible for an immediate biopsy. There is no other option to get a definitive answer.  

Men are basically stupid when it comes to their prostate.  If I am positive if allowed, I will opt for an immediate removal.  It is not the end of the world. I am about to be 68, and I really have no use for the prostate.  I would rather live until age 90 without a prostate than age 70 with a prostate.

If you opt for removal, you need to do your homework on a good surgeon.  With a good surgeon within 6 months, you should be functional again.  The removal of the prostate is not the problem.  The problem is an unskilled surgeon damaging nerve endings.  Do not be afraid to ask the surgeon how many of his patients return to full sexual function. 

I will not go down the poison path.  For years the cancer specialists at Sloan Kettering got it wrong at every turn with my sister. She needlessly suffered so with all the chemo and radiation treatments.  Her last 5 months were her best when she went off all the poisons and lived her life with her grandchildren. 

SO, FOR NOW, I AM MERELY ON A FAST TRACK TO DETERMINE IF I HAVE CANCER.  I DO NOT HAVE A FORMAL DIAGNOSIS OF CANCER

But I will tell you I am tired.  My fatigue came back with a vengeance.  So, I wait and hope they go directly to the biopsy so a game plan can be developed.  My brain fog gets worse by the day.

AS TO JOHN DOE

If the Court of Criminal Appeals refuses to hear his case, it could be in the Thursday's orders.  It is not hard to predict this.  The next group of case numbers with a Refused is ready for a Thursday release. 

I am ready to file the Petition with the Supreme Court and seek an injunction in federal court.  The abstention doctrine will not apply in this case. 

 

EL JARDIN: A TESTAMENT TO CAN DO, WHEN PEOPLE PUT THEIR MIND TO IT

I am not going to name names of those who said it could not be done.  For an individual developer it may have been an impossible endeavor. At least they thought of the possibilities. 

El Jardin happened because of the socialist model of government.  There are those who rightfully would say, the government has no business funding development.  It is a private sector matter.

No, El Jardin, proves the socialist model works when in the hands of people who believe it can be done. 

El Jardin will stand as a magnificent testament to what Brownsville can do when it puts it mind to it.

I hope within the walls of El Jardin, its history will be profiled with pictures of all the famous people who called it home, while in Brownsville.  El Jardin was the heyday in Brownsville history. 

The people of Brownsville should be proud of the people who made El Jardin possible.  Brownsville needs to promote El Jardin as a key part of its history.  I thought I read the lobby may have a coffee shop or a place where people can sit and ponder.  Surrounded by pictures of its history, could make the lobby the center of good discourse on what Brownsville can accomplish. 

THE ENTITLED GINA HINOJOSA, PLAYING SPOILER IN THE KEY US SENATE RACE

"The fundraising disparity, laid bare in campaign finance reports this week, was especially stark among Texas’ gubernatorial candidates. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin, the leading Democratic contender for governor, reported raising $1.3 million in the last 10 weeks of the year, including $300,000 she lent her campaign. "

See Texas Tribune: 

The only justice for Gina Hinojosa will be she will never recover the $300,000 she loaned her campaign.

For the same period, Abbott raised $23 million, with a total of $106 million in the coffers of his campaign.

People need to stop giving to Gina Hinojosa and instead holding their money the US Senate race.  Vicente Gonzalez also needs as much money as we can raise.  Gina has zero chances of winning and we need to stop wasting money on her 

I am the first to say Greg Abbott is a disaster for Texas.  But I deal in reality.  She simply does not come close to be able to pursue a competitive campaign.  The latest poll according to the NYT, has her down 8 points.  The polling is 50/42.  She can pretend to not know social media is lying for her, but the polling is the polling.

I can find no evidence she is pushing keys issues on the economy.  Has she come to the defense of the construction industry?   Given they are donating to Abbott she sees no reason to support the construction industry.  I do not care who the owners donate to, we have to help them to help our neighbors to keep their jobs. 

 

US SUPREME COURT GIVES ME A DOUBLE WIN IN BECK V. CHOY FOR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE AND IN MY SUIT AGAINST THE COB

On the medical malpractice issue, the Supreme Court found if suing in federal court, a plaintiff does not have to file a medical malpractice affidavit to move forward.  It is not required under FRCP 8, and therefore not required to move forward in a medical malpractice case in federal court.

My nightmare with the VA and hospitalization is a medical malpractice suit just waiting to be filed.  I want to be clear about something, I have several issues but will only pursue one.

The VA ran cover for a private provider who submitted false information about me, which resulted in me being denied my rightful healthcare with the VA and further community care.  I have two key material witnesses one who works for the private care facility, and one who works for the VA. 

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez ordered the congressional investigation.  Not only can I prove the VA lied to him about what happened, in retaliation for the complaint my healthcare was temporarily suspended.  It is a black and white Bivens Action, § 1983 in federal court.

I am generally against medical malpractice.  I only see a cause of action when there is malice.  There is malice and that is why it needs to be pursued.  There are other malpractice issues, but no malice.  

We have to give doctors room to move around without fear of being sued.  This is why I do not see so many other issues as malpractice.  I do not want to be party to chilling doctors in how they provide care. But if a healthcare provider intentionally interferes with a patient's care to coverup malpractice, then it is time to sue, and I will.

I know for sure one VA provider lost his job over the mess, and I suspect an administrator lost his job.  People are very, very cautious with me. 

THE RULE 8 RULING FROM THE SUPREME COURT, CUTS INTO THE ABUSIVE US OF MOTION'S TO DISMISSED.  

The Supreme Court was so clear, in order to state a cause of action all you have to do is provide a short statement which if true is a valid cause of action.

I have the city on all issues.  No matter how hard they try they cannot avoid the claim, which if taken as true, is actionable. 

 

MONICA DE LA CRUZ AND HENRY CUELLAR TAKE THE LEAD ON ICE RAIDS AND IMPACT ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, WHILE VICENTE GONZALEZ SITS OUT THE SYMPOSIUM

For me this is the biggest issue facing the local economy.  I have made clear I am standing with Republican Monica De La Cruz for taking the lead on the issue and demanding ICE pull back on its raids.

To understand the depth of the problem, the following is from the Herald.

"Local businesses are laying off workers for the first time, lending officers are seeing a steep decline in building loans, and material suppliers are taking big financial losses, all while immigrant workers and their families live in fear of deportation, and contractors are continually deterred from taking on new projects as ICE targets worksites.

U.S. Reps. Monica De La Cruz, R-Edinburg, and Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, were both in attendance, as well as a small handful of local elected officials and members of the region’s building industry — from loan officers to home builders."

The domino effect is not just builders, as the Herald makes clear, it is impacting loan officers.  I am telling you the suppliers are moving heaven and earth to keep their employees employed.  I may not like SpaceX for any number of reasons, but without SpaceX family and friends would be unemployed.

So, thank you to SpaceX.

Click for Full Herald Article

 

WACO CITY COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD ON CITY MANAGER SELECTION

The agenda item shows they will meet at 3 p.m. today.  What is clearly AI posting the council may or may not interview the 4 finalists today.  The old city manager is not leaving until February, so there is time.  AI posts also indicate the candidates will be taken around the city to meet administrators and groups.

There is no telling if a decision will be made today.  I saw one AI post the decision will be made on Thursday, but it is not on the agenda. 

UPDATE:  RYAN HOLT MADE WACO CITY MANAGER, DENYING HELEN RAMIREZ THE JOB

Helen Ramirez had to have known she had no chance for the job.  She was not even on the same planet has Ryan Holt.  

"The Waco City Council voted Tuesday to appoint Ryan Holt as the next

City Manager.

The city says they selected a proven leader with extensive experience in municipal operations, organizational leadership, and community engagement. Holt brings more than 29 years of progressive government leadership experience and has served the city in key leadership roles, most recently as an Assistant City Manager."

Ramirez lacked even the modicum of experience needed to interact with Ft. Hood. Holt the City Manager designee, clearly has years of experience which is essential to being the Waco City Manager.

 

ACCESS TO BOCA CHICA BEACH ARGUMENT BEFORE THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT, IS IN FACT A FUNDRAISER FOR REPUBLICAN JUSTICES AHEAD OF NOVEMBER ELECTION

What are the known facts?  Elon Musk and Cameron County have already won the issue.  So why would the Texas Supreme Court take the case, other than use as a fundraiser for the November election?

We can assume the SAVERGV group is 100% correct, and they will lose, because going backyards is not an option.

CLARIFICATION OF ABOVE

At this point, SpaceX is getting everything it wants.  The most the Texas Supreme Court can do, is send the case back to Gloria Rincones for a trial, assuming summary judgment is not granted on a new issue.

This is where state courts fail.  Rincones can just grant anything SpaceX wants, without explanation or justification.  It is then pumped to the Court of Appeals to decide if Rincones is correct.

The legislature fixed this problem, but then Governor Bush vetoed the law which mandates a judge put into writing their justification for their ruling. 

ORIGINAL POST CONTINUED

To impose the rule as argued by SAVERGV, would mean a disastrous result for SpaceX.  They have too many closings already scheduled for testing and possible launch.  Detrimental reliance is not a defense to keeping the beach access open.

It has become too expensive to change things now, even if the law says Boca Chica is being unlawfully closed.

The entire argument before the Texas Supreme Court is to showcase Texas will keep SpaceX going, the law be dammed.

Donations will flood the campaign coffers of the Justices on the ballot come November.  Given the fact no Democrat can win in November, it seems greed rules the day.

I have reviewed enough campaign finance reports to know how it works.  The big donations will come from spouses or family who have a different last name than the person really behind the donation.  It takes work but you can trace the address for the real donor.

THE SOLUTION TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE FRAUD

I have contacted individuals who I suspect are unaware they made a donation.  They go silent real fast.

The Texas Ethics Commission needs to send a confirmation card to each donor over $1000.  They must return the card confirming they actually made the donation.  If they fail to return the card confirming their donation, then an investigation must be opened. 

 THE 2026 ELECTIONS ARE ANYTHING BUT A SURE THING

Polling is anything but stable.  The latest WSJ does not read well for the Democrats if the key issue is security.  In key areas the voters trust the Republicans over the Democrats.  The few issues where the Democrats have the support of the people are not enough to insure a win.  I think it will come down to what is more important on election day, security of the economy?  If it is security, the Democrats could be in trouble.

On the economy the Republicans lose in every poll.  Anyone who tries to tell me the economy is fine will feel my derision.  With the exception of the beef I have in the freezer, beef is no longer on the menu.  I can buy a fresh ham and feed 3 1/2 people for three days for under $20.00.  

My caldo ribs, are off the chart in terms of price.  Yes, I can buy cheaper rips, but why?  I want to pull the meat off the bone with the tortilla.  

A big part of the beef issue is, I cannot stand Choice Cut.  It is way too gelatinous.  You think it is tender, it is not.  It is so over processed to make it tender it is like eating Jello flavored beef.  I am not paying $50.00 for two Prime Cut ribeye. 

I will continue to buy taco diced beef, and ground beef.  If you understand how to cook these cuts, they can be very flavorful.  Here is a hint, do not use packets of seasoning.  Learn to season your meat.  It is key you simmer in a small boil all forms of chopped or ground meat.  You use your sofrito of choice, seasoning of choice and simmer it into the meat for about 10 minutes.  Now the meat is flavored and no longer a sense of a grey flavor in the ground beef.  Hint I find one packet of Sazon per pound with some Worstershire Sauce, with my sofrito gives all meat great flavor if boiled in with a slight simmer. 

Italian meat sauce is easy.  I start with diced onion and garlic. I simmer it in a bit of water with Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. and yes, salt and pepper. You can actually taste all the flavors in the ground beef. 

I am amazed how many people I can feed on pork.  Also, if you shop you can get chicken at a good price.

I keep dried goods in my home.  They are better than anything in a can, and a lot cheaper.

To support the expanding business in Cameron County we have seen our water and electric bills rise.

While far too many homes remain unfinished because of a lack of workers, the cost of construction is way up.  Next month because my home is insured for reconstruction, I expect my homeowner's insurance to jump again.

I know people who have been working to get into a home, who are now phased out.  Between the interest rate and costs, an income of $70,000 will not allow you to get into a home. To avoid PMI insurance a $200,000 home requires $40,000 down plus all closing costs.  

The economy will play hard in November of 2026, but security could become an issue, and then the Democrats are on the losing side. 

I am having to rethink every purchase.  I have no fears of going under, but my spending is very curtailed to what I need, and no more stupid Amazon shopping.

 THE DEMOCRATS HAVE OFFICIALLY KILLED DR. KING'S MESSAGE, SO NOW WHAT?

When we think of Dr. King's messaging, it begins and ends with "Content of Character." This is not a consideration for the Democrats.  The Plantation Democrats are clear on this point; you vote based on political party label, and not policy which is an extension of the candidate's character.

We are in trouble with the construction industry.  I can say with 100% certainty, without SpaceX, employers who provide construction material to the area would be facing closure of their business.

I know for a fact, these employers are having a hard time providing their workers with 40 hour weeks.  

Without specific knowledge of the local situation, when profits drop as they have, business owners cut back on regulatory compliance.  When there is an accident, the lawyers win, which means we lose.

We need leaders who will push hard to protect the business owners who provide construction material locally. If they go under, a chain reaction results in your friends and neighbors losing their jobs.

THE LABEL ISSUE - I EXPRESSED MY SUPPORT REPUBLICAN MONICA DE LA CRUZ, EXPRESSLY BECAUSE SHE IS WORKING TO PROTECT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

As a Republican she can influence the Trump Administration in providing worker's permits for the undocumented construction workers.  This one policy does more to protect the construction industry in the LRGV and all the associated jobs held by US citizens, than anything else I can think of.

I believe Dr. King would agree that we view Congresswoman De La Cruz for how she is actually trying to protect our workers, and not some meaningless label of party affiliation.

For the Article click here.

Merely telling people what Dr. King said, without applying it to the politics of the day is meaningless.

I stand with all the construction related businesses, and their workers, which means I stand with anyone trying to protect the construction industry.

NO LABELS, "CONTENT OF CHARACTER"

 

THE WORLD WAITS TO SEE IF TRUMP WILL END NATO

In Trump's mind we are safer without NATO.  Finland and Poland have long since abandoned reliance on the US.  They know the lessons of WWII all too well, so they have chosen to go it alone.  Finland which has historically been deemed a neutral zone, with no meaningful fear of Russian interference, has abandoned the anti-mine Treaty and has made its border something akin to the DMZ which separates North and South Korea. 

Poland knows better than any other European country to not rely on Europe or the US.  Poland knows if Ukraine falls, they become the front line, and Europe will not help. 

Europe will cave to Trump because they have no resolve.  Money and resources will be waisted trying to fight Trump, to only in the end to cave.  

European leaders are pondering whether they will impose an anti-coercion provision to punish the US on trade.  It will change nothing if they do, because Trump will not be stopped.

Until the European countries recall their ambassadors for consultation, the Republicans in the Senate will not be moved. Even then Trump will still move forward.

Europe sees the Democrats as weak and lacking in resolve to stand up against Trump.  They are not far off, because the latest polls show the American people feel the same. Compounding this, those under 30 trust neither the Democrats nor the Republicans. 

If this mess comes to blow, I believe the world will blame the US and not just because of Trump, but because Congress abandoned its constitutional duty to protect the Republic from a tyrant.  The focused blame will be on the Democrats.  History will record the Democrats as the party of cowards playing coy with Trump in hopes they take control after the midterms.  If a political party collapses over this mess, it will be the Democrats. The Democrats stand with no one. while the Republicans stand with MAGA.  

WHAT IS SO EXTRAORDINARY IS TRUMP'S USE OF TARIFFS COULD COME TO AN END ON JANUARY 26TH, WHEN THE SUPREME COURT IS EXPECTED TO RULE ON THE ISSUE

Qualified Supreme Court watchers have known for two months the tariff decision will come down on the 26th.  The date has been set for months as the date the Supreme Court will hand down its first set of decisions of the new year.  I think 2 have already been released, but they were easy cases in terms of getting ready for release.  The tariff case requires the Supreme Court to set a date certain for when a dissent or concurring decision must be submitted. Less complex decisions do not require this type of calendaring.

In light of the mess with Europe the Court can move the release of the tariff decision forward.  Moving the release forward to help Trump will only compound the mess with Europe.  

LET'S WAIT AND SEE WHAT COMES OUT OF EUROPE TODAY

If Trump invokes the Insurrection Act the Republic will fail as the US military is deployed to Minnesota to face the National Guard.  Who will blink first. To avoid being party to this inevitable meltdown of order, every military officer needs to resign before being part of the deployment, if called for.

Every commander has to know, if Trump is removed from office over the deployment of the military, they will be brought before Congress and eventually possibly face a trial.  Trump needs to show reserve, rather than compromise his presidency further, and to protect our military leaders from having to take sides.

Nothing I said implies I believe Trump will issue an illegal order.  I am not comfortable with the idea a military commander refusing an order from Trump as illegal.  Now if Congress were to declare the order as illegal, maybe.  Trust me the day commanders can refuse to follow Trump's orders as illegal, or for that matter any other president, the Republic will fall.  

We have mechanisms in our system which can protect our commanders while following orders from the Commander in Chief. 

 

HAVING MADE VENEZUELA HIS FOLLY, TRUMP ACTUALLY GOT SOMETHING VERY RIGHT

Now I stand by my analysis Venezuela will remain a folly for Trump.  But having made Venezuela his folly he did get the biggest issue right, and for that he gets a hat off.

George W. Bush upon entering Iraq fired the entire military and law enforcement infrastructure.  This gave us ISIS and a lot of other groups who fought us for years.

Trump effectively kept all of Maduro's machine on the payroll, and now instead of fighting us, they work for Trump.

If we want to be fair, we have to be able to say when Trump does something right. 

Now Trump can mess this up if he fails to understand how China is creating the Pan African movement, which has poor countries financing development using their natural resources.  China gets first shot at buying key natural resources, and then the money goes to pay for the massive infrastructure development funded by China.  The Pan African countries are not going into debt.  They have taken back their natural resources, and are using the projected revenues to build roads, powerplants, hospitals, universities and schools.  These countries have pulled out of the IMF.

China is in South American doing the same with countries with large amounts of key natural resources.  These countries are moving forward.  They own their natural resources with a guarantee purchase from China.  They use these funds to finance development. 

If Trump fails to understand this model, his folly will only become worse. 

 

WHEN A LIPOMA IS MORE THAN JUST A FAT DEPOSIT

It has been 16+ years since the lipoma developed. I was told the location indicated a response to my hormone imbalance.  I was told if it remained soft and pain free to ignore it. It was only noticeable if you were looking at it directly.

Well, a few months ago during a PT massage in the area, I was forced to tell the PT to stop and never touch the area again.

The surgery was a lot more complex than I expected.  The prep in the surgery room was nearly an hour.  I expected a small amount of numbing medicine, and then a small incision.  Not at all.  There was so much draping.

Once you have pain, there is always the danger it has grown into the nerves.  Mine had grown into the fascia tissue.  The surgeon got the bigger piece out and then had to remove the smaller pieces one at a time from the fascia.  That took time.

I am pain free.  I did not even need ibuprofen.  I am just tired.

The entire week began in SA for several days to include another follow-up with my brain surgeon checking on my value setting. 

 

HELEN RAMIREZ'S AWAITS WACO'S DECISION ON CITY MANAGER

The decision will be made on Tuesday afternoon at the regular Waco City council meeting.

I cannot predict who will win the prize.  But I can tell you about the data.

There is a key reason why Waco pays it city managers so much more than Brownsville, which is in fact a larger city. 

The City of Waco is in constant negotiations with Fort Hood.  The U.S. Army will not tolerate a Waco city manager adept at playing by the mayor's rules and not the rules which bind Waco and Ft. Hood.

When compared to the other candidates, Ramirez is the least qualified.  She has no awareness about how to manage a city with ties to a massive military base.

But then we all know how this works.  The candidate deemed most trustworthy to carry out the orders of the mayor and council, wins.  But in this case Ft. Hood will not tolerate a city manage beholden to a corrupt city council.  Waco is a lot better than Brownsville when it comes to ethics.  

We shall see how Waco handles this appointment knowing the winner must be able to work with the commanders at Ft. Hood. 

Waco is not Brownsville. it is Waco plus Ft. Hood.  All of the other candidates know how Ft. Hood interacts with the City of Waco.  They have first-hand experience in working with Ft. Hood. 

Ft. Hood is the largest military base in Texas.

The City of Waco years ago signed an agreement to pay exiting Ft. Hood military personnel for 6 months while they do job training for local jobs.  

Ft. Hood remains a big part of the City of Waco.

 

UNDER THE GUISE OF TWO TREATIES WITH GREENLAND TRUMP SEEKS TO TAKE MILITARY CONTROL OF GREENLAND

When we consider the oil Venezuela is putting in the world market, the invasion of Venezuela was not about oil.  

Numbers are misleading.  This week a massive oil and gas find in the Permian Basin was announced.  In real terms the oil if extracted today would mean, 10 weeks of demand in the entire US.  The natural gas would mean 10 months. 

So how much was found? The USGS said Wednesday it found 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.6 billion barrels of oil in the Woodford and Barnett shale formations, part of the larger Permian Basin, which straddles West Texas and New Mexico."

Now think, 1.6 billion barrels would meet only 10 weeks of total US demand. 

The high end of the amount of oil coming from Venezuela is 50 million barrels.  It is nothing.  The estimated 50 million barrels included oil already extracted and sitting in tanks waiting for export.

NO, VENEZUELA IS ABOUT SENDING A MESSAGE TO GREENLAND, WE CAN SEIZE YOUR COUNTRY, SO YOU BETTER NEGOTIATE

THE TREATY OF 1951, PROVIDES THE US CAN EXPAND ITS MILITARY PRESENCE IN GREENLAND WITH NATO CONSENT.

The Venezuela incursion was nothing more than a message to NATO, to get on board or else.

If Trump defies NATO and increases US presence in Greenland, we will have a NATO breach of security initiated by Trump.

Trump is already moving forward on US presence in Greenland.  He has called for upgrading the existing military base, and to make ready the mess hall to receive more US troops.

Trump will argue a loophole which makes this possible without NATO permission.

"The 1951 Greenland Defence Agreement allowed the United States to keep its military bases in Greenland, and to establish new bases or "defense areas" if deemed necessary by NATO. "

NATO is never going to agree an expansion is necessary, unless Trump agrees in writing with permission to expand US military presence Trump will stop claiming he will take Greenland. 

The 2004 Igaliku Agreement stated that the U.S. must inform Denmark and Greenland of any proposed changes.^[

The consensus is, under the 2004 treaty Denmark and Greenland must agree the US military presence is necessary, after NATO gives its permission for the expansion.

Those claiming Trump went into Venezuela  for a few cups of oil, are Trump's best friends.  They are carrying his guise to avoid the truth that it was abount intimidating NATO to consent to expansion in Greenland. 

 BROWNSVILLE FEDERAL COURT HOUSE, A GEM IN HISTORY AND CIVILITY

I have said many times; all county district and county clerks should have to spend a week working with their federal counterparts. 

The federal workers, including security are so civil and friendly you are compelled to ask, why are things so different at the county level?  It is a lack of leadership.

THE ART MUSEUM IN THE FEDERAL COURT HOUSE

When I am in the courthouse, I browse all the black and white photos which show Brownsville's history.  I do not go from floor to floor; I just browse them on the floor I am visiting.  I can assure you, in a very friendly and professional manner, federal security forces will ask you what you are doing.  I support them.  Their job is to protect the federal employees.  They do a fine job.

But as a history buff, I wish I could look at all the photos, at once.  That is not possible because it would mean wondering floor to floor.  

My big frustration is because I cannot bring my phone inside the courthouse, I cannot take pictures of the black and white photos.

If you have reason to be in the federal courthouse, I recommend you browse the photos on your floor.  They will not disappoint.

It would be nice if some millionaire lawyer would try and commission a professional to make duplicates.  

These pictures are a wonderful history of Brownsville, which all must see.

 

BROWNSVILLE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT REGULATIONS ARE ALL SMOKE AND MIRRORS

I will go so far as to say the proposed ordinances are money makers for elected officials and key city employees.

THE FACT JOHN COWEN KNOWS TO BE TRUE, AND IS KEEPING OUT OF THE NEWS

According to John Cowen enforcement of the city code is discretionary.  Now I will submit, it is not.  My case against the city remains active.  But I will tell you the city remains strong on its position that code enforcement is discretionary.

So, what then prevents a business owner giving money under the table to the right person in the city to look away from code violations or as in my case, after the citation is issued telling the business owner the city will not issue the fine or compel enforcement. 

A summary of what they intend to accomplish.

"After Tuesday’s meeting, city commissioners planned a two-strike system where businesses would need to pay for security once the venue has been cited with two incidents. If venues are caught serving minors, they would be charged $2,000 per minor, which is the highest the city can fine. The citations will also be reported to the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC), and after a certain amount of infractions, the seller/server license will be taken away from a business.

EVERYONE KNOWS WHO ON THE CITY COMMISSION IS TIED TO THIS ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT, AND WHO THEIR COMPADRES ARE.

In my opinion the sole reason for this ordinance is not to make things safer, but to tell the public the City of Brownsville is making the area safer so as to protect those with influence over the city commission.

With code enforcement being discretionary, until a judge says otherwise, do not count on the business owners fearing these codes. 

 

TRUMP'S APPROVAL NUMBERS BY STATE ARE DISMAL.  WITH A 45% APPROVAL IN TEXAS, THE MIDTERMS COULD BE A DISASTER FOR THE REPUBLICANS

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