Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday Reads
North Texas Officials Beg for Taxpayer Dollars to Lobby for More Taxpayer Dollars - Americans for Prosperity
North Texas pols use taxpayer money to sign up Austin lobbyists to lobby for - you guessed it! - more tax dollars!
North Texas cities ask for money for transportation lobbying - Michelle Samuelson, Blue Dot Blues
In light of the odious Senate Bill 855, the North Texas transportation tax bill, when local pols use tax payer money to beg more tax payer money, it makes you want to say: What. The. *#@!?
Why are the Democrats complaining? - Paul Burka, Texas Monthly
None of the Republican chairman are identified with the hardcore social conservatives, who were shut out of chairmanships. That is the point the Democrats are missing. Straus gave them a House that is run by moderates.
Calamity: Government officials are putting off some purchases! - Kevin Whited, blogHOUSTON
Government in America does not get smaller. If the recession is sharp, some services may suffer in the short term. But beyond the short term -- government in America does not get smaller. So let's not shed too many tears just yet for the woes of government officials.
Sheila! Jackson!! Lee!!! In freakin' INDIA!!!! - Banjo Jones, Brazosport News
Houston Democratic Congressional Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is a force of nature, blessed with an uncanny ability to detect the presence of news cameras, no matter where they are, no matter what the news event, come hell or high water, and then suddenly appear right in their viewfinders.
State Sovereignty Update - Dave Nalle, Republic of Dave
States are starting to stand up to Washington DC's encroachments by appealing to the US Constitution. Will Texas join them?
Open Schools - Michael Quinn Sullivan, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
Bills filed in Texas Legislature would require more transparency in public education spending. Since taxpayers get handed the bill, is it too much to ask to be allowed to examine the receipt?
The Freedom Market Foundation in Texas Fighting the Good Fight - Kathleen McKinley, Texas Magazine
Free enterprise, traditional values think tank stands for religious freedom and the rights of the unborn this legislative session.
700+ Scientists Are Skeptical of Darwin’s Evolution; Texas State Senator Says Censor SBOE - Jonathan Saenz, Texas Legislative Update
State Senator Rodney Ellis (D, Houston), wants to hand discussion of science in textbooks to unelected bureaucrats.
Real cheating in pro sports: New stadiums and eminent domain abuse - Chris Robertson, Texas Public Policy Foundation
Although it is a shame that one of the nation’s leading sports figures has admitted to cheating and taking shortcuts, what is more concerning is the extensive eminent domain abuses over the years that sports teams and cities have engaged in to take short cuts in taking private property.
Voter ID bill referred to full Senate - Mike Ward, Austin American Statesman
The controversial Voter ID bill that triggered a nasty Senate fight last month over a rules change today was referred directly to the full Senate for a vote, setting the stage for new unpleasantness. Now that it has been referred, Senate Bill 362 could be brought up for consideration as soon as next week.
North Texas pols use taxpayer money to sign up Austin lobbyists to lobby for - you guessed it! - more tax dollars!
North Texas cities ask for money for transportation lobbying - Michelle Samuelson, Blue Dot Blues
In light of the odious Senate Bill 855, the North Texas transportation tax bill, when local pols use tax payer money to beg more tax payer money, it makes you want to say: What. The. *#@!?
Why are the Democrats complaining? - Paul Burka, Texas Monthly
None of the Republican chairman are identified with the hardcore social conservatives, who were shut out of chairmanships. That is the point the Democrats are missing. Straus gave them a House that is run by moderates.
Calamity: Government officials are putting off some purchases! - Kevin Whited, blogHOUSTON
Government in America does not get smaller. If the recession is sharp, some services may suffer in the short term. But beyond the short term -- government in America does not get smaller. So let's not shed too many tears just yet for the woes of government officials.
Sheila! Jackson!! Lee!!! In freakin' INDIA!!!! - Banjo Jones, Brazosport News
Houston Democratic Congressional Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is a force of nature, blessed with an uncanny ability to detect the presence of news cameras, no matter where they are, no matter what the news event, come hell or high water, and then suddenly appear right in their viewfinders.
State Sovereignty Update - Dave Nalle, Republic of Dave
States are starting to stand up to Washington DC's encroachments by appealing to the US Constitution. Will Texas join them?
Open Schools - Michael Quinn Sullivan, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
Bills filed in Texas Legislature would require more transparency in public education spending. Since taxpayers get handed the bill, is it too much to ask to be allowed to examine the receipt?
The Freedom Market Foundation in Texas Fighting the Good Fight - Kathleen McKinley, Texas Magazine
Free enterprise, traditional values think tank stands for religious freedom and the rights of the unborn this legislative session.
700+ Scientists Are Skeptical of Darwin’s Evolution; Texas State Senator Says Censor SBOE - Jonathan Saenz, Texas Legislative Update
State Senator Rodney Ellis (D, Houston), wants to hand discussion of science in textbooks to unelected bureaucrats.
Real cheating in pro sports: New stadiums and eminent domain abuse - Chris Robertson, Texas Public Policy Foundation
Although it is a shame that one of the nation’s leading sports figures has admitted to cheating and taking shortcuts, what is more concerning is the extensive eminent domain abuses over the years that sports teams and cities have engaged in to take short cuts in taking private property.
Voter ID bill referred to full Senate - Mike Ward, Austin American Statesman
The controversial Voter ID bill that triggered a nasty Senate fight last month over a rules change today was referred directly to the full Senate for a vote, setting the stage for new unpleasantness. Now that it has been referred, Senate Bill 362 could be brought up for consideration as soon as next week.
