Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
REP. GONZALES: ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM BEGINS DECEMBER 20
Eligible Star Appliances | Rebate Amount |
Air Source Heat Pumps | $1,000 |
Central Air Conditioners | $1,000 |
Clothes Washers | $100 |
Dishwashers | $85 |
Freezers (14.5 cubic feet or greater ) | $100 |
Refrigerators (14.5 cubic feet or greater) | $175 |
Room Air Conditioners | $40 |
Water Heaters that meet current Energy Star criteria | $300 |
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
An Unauthorized Defense of Aaron Peña
Overall, the Democratic Party, which is bleeding power in the current political climate is behaving like a wounded animal, lashing out at anything that causes further injury. In that sense, I can understand some of the reaction. However, since we're talking about people, I had hoped that reason would play a larger role in peoples' reactions.
Let's Get it Out of the Way
Many of you know, or are about to find out, that I work part-time for Peña. He and I haven't talked about his decision to switch parties. I found out on Twitter just like many of you that he would be switching. And, we have not had time to sit down and talk about his motivations. But, I can guess based on my own experience. First, let me lay out some facts.
A Few Facts
Fact 1: The Rio Grande Valley is a safe Democratic region. If you have a D next to your name, you have almost a 2 to 1 chance of winning in the general election.
Fact 2: Democrats run almost all of the public offices in the region, except for some judges and appointments by the Governor.
Fact 3: Peña's district has a lot of poverty and rural areas that stand to suffer from the budget cuts that are sure to take place in this legislative session.
Fact 4: Other Democrats who have flipped are in districts that have become conservative, unlike Peña's district (I think this puzzles people the most).
Fact 5: There are going to be budget cuts to deal with a $25 Billion shortfall. Boy, are there going to be budget cuts!
Fact 6: Redistricting is back. In the superminority, Democrats have little say in how their districts are drawn.
Fact 7: Republicans have a supermajority in the Texas House.
I think that last fact needs to be expanded a little. What does it mean that Republicans have a supermajority? Peña was one of the Killer Ds who left to Oklahoma to break quorum in the redistricting fight early in his legislative career. Without quorum, the House cannot pass laws.
With a Republican supermajority, if all House Democrats banded together and squeezed really tight, they couldn't stop a fart from passing. Breaking quorum is not an option this time around. Democrats can, at most, chub bills before Sine Die, or *gasp* cut deals with Republicans in exchange for... what?
What Were Our Options?
What options do House Democrats have at stopping budget cuts and immigration bills harmful to our region? What options do House Democrats have at redrawing districts that maximize their chances at winning reelection? Clearly, in this legislative session, the deck is very stacked against the Democratic Party of Texas achieving their aims. Even worse, redistricting is going to kick over their anthills.
I have not had a chance to discuss Peña's motivations with him; but to me, these are major problems facing the Rio Grande Valley. I don't mean just District 40. I mean the entire Rio Grande Valley. While our region's strength has been a unified voice through the Democratic party, in this session, it paints a big red target on us.
Uphill Battle
The problem I have with people accusing Aaron of being an opportunist is that he has to gain something big in return for the major sacrifice of losing your support. We naturally distrust politicians, and most of them deserve it; but, the Rep. has had no personal gain in all these years. I don't expect that to change.
You've seen the election numbers; it is going to be one hell of a fight to be reelected as a Republican. So, there has to be a BIG payoff. The problem is that a BIG payoff can't be hidden, as other elected officials have discovered. Clearly, Peña has a lot to lose by switching.
Yet, the Rio Grande Valley has a lot to gain from this defection. But, it all hinges on one thing, that Aaron Peña is still Aaron Peña. When you change parties, you don't get reprogrammed. As a Democrat, Aaron voted his district. I don't see that changing either.
Peña is not suddenly going to start hating the poor and walking around in a white hood (a popular mischaracterization of Republicans). Anybody who has paid attention to his voting record would know that he has been a moderate Democrat. In fact, he got more grief from Democrats because he wasn't Democrat enough for their likes. I think that he'll probably get grief from the ultra conservatives for not being Republican enough for their likes.
Clearly, becoming a Republican is not a walk on easy street for the Rep.; because, it's not about him.
What It's Probably All About
What does the Rio Grande Valley have to gain from having a Republican legislator in this session?
1. More say in redistricting, which will affect our region for many years to come. Yes, Peña is drawing YOUR districts.
2. More say in how much State programs get cut, or don't get cut.
3. More say in moderating bills that offend Hispanic sensibilities.
4. Better chance at getting bills through committee and on the House floor.
It's obvious to me that the Rio Grande Valley is getting the better deal here. Our other elected officials can eat their cake and have his too.
Tough Choices
Whatever shortcomings Rep. Peña has, I do respect that he looks out for his district and his people. Knowing him these few years, I know that his decision to switch parties is rooted in carrying out his duty to those who elected him, even when they don't understand. I've seen him anguish over tough political decisions. This can't have been easier.
He has doubled my respect by doing what he has done despite knowing the vicious attacks and rejection that would be hurled his way by the very people he is trying to protect.
Like it or not, what Aaron Peña has done will affect the entire region's future for many years to come. Open your eyes beyond District 40. Look at all that Aaron Peña touches and how that affects our future prosperity in the RGV. Look at what ALL Rio Grande Valley districts have to gain by having a friend amongst those who would otherwise make decisions for us and without us.
Does he face a monumental reelection challenge? Absolutely, without question.
Could he stand around on the sidelines while an opposing party hacks his region to pieces? Abolutely not.
His conscience would not allow it. You're looking at one legislative session; he's looking at the coming decade. Lift your gaze from what is immediately before you; you will see the many years of hardship that are beyond if nobody is there to speak for us amongst an unstoppable majority.
At this point, I look forward to hearing from the Rep. himself what his motivations are. I have a good enough sense that his first thought is towards protecting his community.
I didn't ask for permission to write this post. I've abstained from political blogging these past few years because it complicates things for our office. But, given that everybody hates him now anyway, I feel compelled to write this on my day off because I have been a witness to his way of thinking. Normally, I'm a fly on the wall in these matters; but, clearly, everybody is attributing nefarious motives where none exist.
If you don't understand why Aaron Peña would switch parties, then at least cut him some slack. Though it's not immediately apparent, he's going to do right for his district, his county, and his region.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Pharr Chamber Tamalada December 16th
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Pharr Chamber of Commerce | 308 W. Park St. | Pharr | TX | 78577 |
Weslaco Chamber and TXU Mixer - Legistature Kick-off
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Weslaco Area Chamber Of Commerce | 301 W. Railroad St. | Weslaco | TX | 78596 |
Monday, December 06, 2010
Weslaco Christmas Parade
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Weslaco Area Chamber Of Commerce | 301 W. Railroad St. | Weslaco | TX | 78596 |
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
South Texas Film Casting Seeking Talent for Feature (RGV)
The Brownsville Border Film Commission is pleased to announce a Mexica Films Casting Call:
Final auditions for specific roles in a feature film. The film, EL DIABLO, is an action film that also features a love story. It is a homage to the Mexican Luchador films from the 60's & 70's. This is a bilingual film, however not all persons auditioning need to be bilingual.
Auditions will be held at the Brownsville Southmost Public Library - 4320 Southmost Boulevard, Brownsville
Saturday December 4th from 2:00pm-6:00pm
Sunday December 5th from 2:00-pm-6:00pm
We are holding auditions for the following specific roles:
Lead Male (age 23-35),
Lead Female (age 24-35),
Lead Female MUST be Blond (age 20-30)
Supporting Male Roles (ages 55-70),
Supporting Male Roles (age 35-50),
Supporting Female Roles (ages 30-45)
All persons interested must schedule an appointment by contacting: Dulce Navar Email: dulce.navar@gmail.com
Phone: 956.537.7692
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
South Texas Film Casting - Feature Film Auditions (RGV)
Auditions for a feature film: The film, EL DIABLO, is an action film that also features a love story. It is a homage to the Mexican Luchador films from the 60's & 70's. This is a bilingual film, however not all persons auditioning need to be bilingual.
Auditions will be held at the Brownsville Southmost Public Library - 4320 Southmost Boulevard, Brownsville
Saturday Nov. 6th from 2:00pm-6:00pm
Sunday Nov. 7th from 2:00-pm-6:00pm
Saturday Nov. 13th from 2:00pm-6:00pm
Sunday Nov. 14th from 2:00pm-6:00pm
All ages (children, teens, 20's - 80's needed), backgrounds, and ethnicities are needed!!
Anyone under the age of 18 MUST have a parent/guardian present at the audition.
Auditions will be held on a first come-first serve basis. Preference will be given to anyone with a head shot and resume.
For more information please visit www.mexenter.com or call 956.537.7692
Friday, October 29, 2010
I Vote Do You? Helps Attract Voters in Hidalgo County
Sofia tells us about I Vote Do You?, a non-partisan effort by Hidalgo Vote 2010, to mobilize Hidalgo County's 30,000 registered voters to turn out for early vote and on election day. We meet up outside a polling location at the University of Texas Pan American. You can find out more about the effort by visiting facebook.com/IVoteDoYou.
Gopedicabs of McAllen Texas Brings In UTPA Votes
GOpedicabs, a business from McAllen, Texas that offers rides in the historic 17th Street district is helping bring in the vote at the University of Texas Pan American by giving rides to students to the voting booths.
Free Taco-N-Madre Tacos at UTPA
There are tacos, hot dogs, drinks, and other items available at the UTPA polling locations. There are also pedicabs on the way to offer rides.
This is the last day to vote for early vote. Come on out and be counted.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Pharr Chamber Scruffy2Fluffy Howl-O-Ween Contest
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Monday, October 25, 2010
USA La Feminil Women-Only Bicycle Tour in Brownsville, Texas
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Unlimited Sports Adventures | 4642 Lakeway Drive | Brownville | TX | 78520 |
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Shopping for the Texas Food Stamps Challenge
- Nescafe Clasico (instant coffee, gotta have coffee)
- Moms Oats (cholesterol thing)
- Parade Hot Sauce (anything that tastes bad can be improved with hot sauce)
- Carrots (for snacking between meals)
- Whitehall Specialties Jalapeno Cheese slices (cholesterol free)
- Chicken bologna
- Riceland Rice
- Bimbo soft wheat bread
- 2 lb bulk pinto beans
- 2 garlic bulbs
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- Breakfast: Oatmeal and coffee
- Lunch: Sandwich with rice or beans (alternating)
- Dinner: Rice and beans, beans and rice (Dave Ramsey Diet)
- Snacks: Carrot sticks
Friday, October 22, 2010
Join the Texas Food Stamp Challenge
The event challenges participants to restrict their diet to an average "food stamps diet" for five days. The Challenge's limitation is that participants only spend $4.50 on meals each day, which is the current average benefit. Then, on the final two days of the challenge, the budget is decreased to $3.70 to reflect the impact of budget cuts. You can read the full details here.
My dear friend Ruby Martinez of the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley naturally thought of me and some other friends as the perfect victims to volunteer for the challenge.
Of course, misery loves company, so I invite you to take the challenge with us by signing up for the Texas Food Stamp Challenge.
I'll be writing some follow-up posts on the challenge to explore some of the major hurdles that this challenge poses. On the surface, it seems that living on an extremely tight budget can be accomplished; but, there's more to it. We'll explore those additional considerations in upcoming posts.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
RGV Life Show 10/21/2010
Quick introduction and hashing out of some ideas of what is to come at RGV Life.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Groupon is Coming to McAllen
What if there were a way to get alerts for deals every day?
Well, there is some good news, Groupon is moving into the McAllen, Texas market to offer locals great bargains at our favorite shopping locations. Watch this video to learn more about Groupon.
Learn How Groupon Works! from The Point on Vimeo.
Of course, the success of Groupon in McAllen all depends on getting local businesses to participate. So, let your favorite shops, restaurants, and service providers know that they have a way to generate a guaranteed amount of sales if they provide a discount. If you have any suggestions or own a business and are interested, send a tweet to @GrouponMCAshley.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Commissioner Bersin's speech at MPI
Find more videos like this on Our Border
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Find more videos like this on Our Border
Find more videos like this on Our Border
Find more videos like this on Our Border
Find more videos like this on Our Border
Find more videos like this on Our Border
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
The Alleged Pirate Story of Falcon Lake
According to the press, the story would read something like:
The American couple, knowing full well that it is dangerous to visit Mexico, disregarded all warnings for a sight-seeing tour. Tiffany Hartley returned by herself because she and her husband were allegedly ambushed and fired upon by Mexican "pirates". All the facts point to her coming back without her husband with no witnesses to confirm her alleged story. It is well known that criminal enterprises operate in the area, so it would be very easy to commit a crime and blame the poor, innocent pirates.
I embellished a bit to make a point. The word, "alleged" started being used in news as a de rigeur word in criminal cases, even when the person under investigation or indictment publicly committed a crime with many witnesses. This is because the person has not been convicted of a crime. Writers use "allegedly" up to the point where the criminal is convicted. Most importantly, it protects the news outlet from being sued for defamation by implying that somebody was guilty of a crime before being tried in court. At that point, the suspect becomes a convicted criminal or found not guilty.
In the case of the Hartleys, there is no trial. Mrs. Hartley is not under investigation or suspicion. We can't prosecute the Mexican bandits who committed the crime. And, it is unlikely the criminals who did it will sue any news outlet for defamation. In other words, other than what she says, there is no story. We can't seek justice for what happened in another country. The ball is in Mexico's court.
When you use "allegedly" in a story that is not justiciable, you are effectively saying that you doubt the story of the witness, whose only desire, at this point, is to retrieve her husband's body. It appears is that the press is jaded; they obviously don't believe her story and are afraid to outright say it. It is much easier to throw in an "alleged" or "allegedly" to cast doubt on the victim.
Think of it this way:
Fred liked to climb up the sides of buildings without safety gear. On October 1st, 200 onlookers state that he allegedly climbed up a building and fell off to his death as he neared the top.
How is that alleged? Fred can't be prosecuted. The incident can be investigated; but, it's not justiciable. He's definitely not going to sue for defamation. Furthermore, the witnesses all agree on what happened.
Yes, there is always a possibility that the Hartley story was made up; however, law enforcement has not made any indications that they consider Tiffany a suspect. Until that happens, all these implied allegations have no basis. Furthermore, it detracts from the urgency of finding David Hartley's body and bringing him home. It's looking for a story where none exists yet.
If there is a story, it will come out. Be patient. Until then, using "alleged" for this story makes you an ass for piling on and for not putting real thought into your choice of words.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Friday, October 01, 2010
Alton Firefighter Bash
Alton Fire Fighters have organized a bash for Oct. 2, 2010 from Noon to midnight. There will be entertainment for the entire family, including Tejano group La Mafia. The event is set up behind city hall.