I haven’t been online due to a family emergency. Our dog Henri, the 100 lb lab mix we rescued from the streets a few years ago, is in emergency treatment. The doctor said today that he thinks Henri may have been poisoned. His liver is off the charts. He’s never been sick and this happened almost overnight. I haven’t been able to think about much else. Someone asked me to run in the Special Election for District 22. No. Why be a two month Congressman? That is silly. Gov. Perry flipped flopped after saying he wasn’t going to call for one. My priority is my family and Henri is really one of the kids. I’d rather invest the money in him then any campaign. We used to joke how Henri was the most conservative dog in Ft. Bend County, a county that loves to tout its conservatives. Any change, even a fallen chair, would set him off barking until it was put back. He has been my shadow, but it got me when all he could do was lie under my desk and groan because he felt so bad. Our vet referred him to the best clinic in town, where he is tonight.
I feel like I've had a ton of bricks hit me. That should make the DeLay diehard fans happy; they always hated me for running against him to give voters a choice on the ballot. It forced their guy to campaign and work harder in his district -- even though that is was what democracy is all about.
But there are some genuinely nice people out there, praying for Henri. I care about him more then any politician, indicted or un-indicted, for sure.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Terrorism strategy vs Disaster Recovery
With Hurricane Ernesto bearing down on the U.S. it is a good time to look at our level of preparation.
We have focused so hard on terrorism we have forgotten that more peoples’ lives are adversely affected by mother nature than Al Qaida – Hurricane Katrina killed over 1,500 people, about half the number of people who died on 9 11 and substantially more than those killed in the London and Madrid subway bombings.
A major earthquake in L.A. or San Francisco would kill many more. The Christmas Tsunami killed over 250,000 in Asia less than two years ago. Are we prepared?
I don’t think so. In Houston we live downwind of a nuclear power plant, yet I have not heard of any emergency plan if there is an accident. But I have heard of people with zero terrorism expertise (but good political connections) being put on bioterror committees and the like. How that makes us safer is beyond me.
We need to be as focused on disaster relief from natural disasters as we do from potential terrorism. FEMA should be removed from Homeland Security for that reason since HS focus is on prevention and FEMA’s is on recovery efforts –totally the opposite focus of each other.
We have focused so hard on terrorism we have forgotten that more peoples’ lives are adversely affected by mother nature than Al Qaida – Hurricane Katrina killed over 1,500 people, about half the number of people who died on 9 11 and substantially more than those killed in the London and Madrid subway bombings.
A major earthquake in L.A. or San Francisco would kill many more. The Christmas Tsunami killed over 250,000 in Asia less than two years ago. Are we prepared?
I don’t think so. In Houston we live downwind of a nuclear power plant, yet I have not heard of any emergency plan if there is an accident. But I have heard of people with zero terrorism expertise (but good political connections) being put on bioterror committees and the like. How that makes us safer is beyond me.
We need to be as focused on disaster relief from natural disasters as we do from potential terrorism. FEMA should be removed from Homeland Security for that reason since HS focus is on prevention and FEMA’s is on recovery efforts –totally the opposite focus of each other.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
No Bubble in Houston - The World is Investing Here
I am meeting some really fascinating people, including self made entrepreneurs who own several businesses in different countries and others who are planning to build multimillion dollar projects in some exotic places (places like the Caymans, etc.). I love this type of stuff – each country has totally different laws, unwritten rules, etc.
One investor told me last night that the election in Mexico will shake lose a lot of investment from money leaving the country -- and much of it will come to Texas. He’s already bought land for it. I see money pouring into our area from around the world.
The buzz is that the Houston real estate market is going UP for at least the next two years while the rest of the country is going DOWN. We have no bubble in the Greater Houston area – people are moving here because it is still inexpensive to get property or live on the coast. And our population is doubling the next two decades!
In between all of this running around, I took our cat Louis the XIV to the vet for a shot. He is a black and white tabby who is getting old and his system needed a cortisone shot. The dogs went wild thinking that THEY were getting to GO somewhere, so it is always a zoo to keep them from running into the garage and jumping into the van. If you aren’t thinking two steps ahead of them, it is chaos. Henri weighs over 100 lbs and Lexie bounces off the walls, so taking them to the vet is like a mini version of the Ringling Brothers circus. Louis XIV loves the dogs and will put his nose in their ears. The other cat, Minou, is small and will not let a dog near her. They seem to be lobbying for a vacation lately by trying to get into the car if I leave a door open.
I feel bad for the people going through the bombings and killings in Iraq. It appears that a religious war has begun that is killing thousands of people. Sunni’s are having to move out of Shia areas and vice versa. It is re-segregation. Iraq was a secular state and women could dress western. Now it is becoming another Iran, run by radicals in each group -- and women have to cover up or face the nut jobs running around. It is a step back. It reminds me of the story of opening Pandora’s box.
It has been a busy summer, despite the intense heat. Let’s hope our quiet hurricane season stays that way. I am not up to another Hurricane Katrina/Rita repeat…I don’t think any of us are …
I’ve discovered a product that could be extremely useful when the next storm does come that could save damage in every building. Since we live on the coast, it’s only a matter of when, not if. More of that later, when I’ve got the deal signed…
One investor told me last night that the election in Mexico will shake lose a lot of investment from money leaving the country -- and much of it will come to Texas. He’s already bought land for it. I see money pouring into our area from around the world.
The buzz is that the Houston real estate market is going UP for at least the next two years while the rest of the country is going DOWN. We have no bubble in the Greater Houston area – people are moving here because it is still inexpensive to get property or live on the coast. And our population is doubling the next two decades!
In between all of this running around, I took our cat Louis the XIV to the vet for a shot. He is a black and white tabby who is getting old and his system needed a cortisone shot. The dogs went wild thinking that THEY were getting to GO somewhere, so it is always a zoo to keep them from running into the garage and jumping into the van. If you aren’t thinking two steps ahead of them, it is chaos. Henri weighs over 100 lbs and Lexie bounces off the walls, so taking them to the vet is like a mini version of the Ringling Brothers circus. Louis XIV loves the dogs and will put his nose in their ears. The other cat, Minou, is small and will not let a dog near her. They seem to be lobbying for a vacation lately by trying to get into the car if I leave a door open.
I feel bad for the people going through the bombings and killings in Iraq. It appears that a religious war has begun that is killing thousands of people. Sunni’s are having to move out of Shia areas and vice versa. It is re-segregation. Iraq was a secular state and women could dress western. Now it is becoming another Iran, run by radicals in each group -- and women have to cover up or face the nut jobs running around. It is a step back. It reminds me of the story of opening Pandora’s box.
It has been a busy summer, despite the intense heat. Let’s hope our quiet hurricane season stays that way. I am not up to another Hurricane Katrina/Rita repeat…I don’t think any of us are …
I’ve discovered a product that could be extremely useful when the next storm does come that could save damage in every building. Since we live on the coast, it’s only a matter of when, not if. More of that later, when I’ve got the deal signed…
Monday, August 21, 2006
Meet our New Congressman in CD22
I haven’t said much about Congress District 22 because it has been such a circus event to watch and there is not much to say.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
NASA MAKES A GREAT MOVE
Saturday, August 19, 2006
NASA MAKES A GREAT MOVE
I have criticized them in the past, but NASA just made a novel, and very smart move.
For the first time it has contracted with the first private space companies to provide transport services to the international space station. The assumption is that private business will get us into space at far less cost and still make a profit.
It costs billions to launch one Space Shuttle. It took a measly $20 million to get SpaceShipOne, a vehicle built by entrepreneurs and visionaries like Burt Rutan, Paul Allen and Richard Branson to the edge of space (winning the X prize). Beef that up some and you have a space vehicle.
This is the beginning of private business getting into space business. NASA’s allowing it to happen while it focuses on the moon and beyond is a big step in the right direction. It will unleash the entrepreneurial genius of our private sector with faster, better, cheaper technology.
Transportation is the first link in that process. Once we have new vehicles that put people into space, a whole new level of business --space business. It offers huge potential benefits on a number of levels. Cheap transport into space will open up space manufacturing of new drugs and computer parts, satellites, and who knows what else.
Congratulations NASA for a smart move. It’s nice to know that their HQ is in my Congressional district. I loved flying so much as a kid that I had my pilot's license at 17...
NASA MAKES A GREAT MOVE
I have criticized them in the past, but NASA just made a novel, and very smart move.
For the first time it has contracted with the first private space companies to provide transport services to the international space station. The assumption is that private business will get us into space at far less cost and still make a profit.
It costs billions to launch one Space Shuttle. It took a measly $20 million to get SpaceShipOne, a vehicle built by entrepreneurs and visionaries like Burt Rutan, Paul Allen and Richard Branson to the edge of space (winning the X prize). Beef that up some and you have a space vehicle.
This is the beginning of private business getting into space business. NASA’s allowing it to happen while it focuses on the moon and beyond is a big step in the right direction. It will unleash the entrepreneurial genius of our private sector with faster, better, cheaper technology.
Transportation is the first link in that process. Once we have new vehicles that put people into space, a whole new level of business --space business. It offers huge potential benefits on a number of levels. Cheap transport into space will open up space manufacturing of new drugs and computer parts, satellites, and who knows what else.
Congratulations NASA for a smart move. It’s nice to know that their HQ is in my Congressional district. I loved flying so much as a kid that I had my pilot's license at 17...
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Taking a Test on Terror and Safety
I gave a talk on terrorism to a Lion’s Club group in my home county, Ft. Bend. Since it was a conservative Republican type group, I asked the question: “How many feel safer today than five (5) years ago?”
Not a single hand was raised. I expected more than that.
So I talked about ways to prepare for the unexpected. One item I pointed out was that NONE of our local (regional, state, etc) governments had said anything about having potassium iodide available in case there is a radiation leak from the South Texas Nuclear plant, which is only sixty miles from Houston. Several people seemed to be ready to go get some.
Our leadership has stirred up strong feelings overseas. I think it will increase the chances of more strikes on U.S. targets, although I am not convinced that the liquid explosive threat was real. It would look pretty strange --and obvious-- to see several people trying to mix smelly chemicals on board a flight. It doesn’t sound practical. But the next one could be.
Not a single hand was raised. I expected more than that.
So I talked about ways to prepare for the unexpected. One item I pointed out was that NONE of our local (regional, state, etc) governments had said anything about having potassium iodide available in case there is a radiation leak from the South Texas Nuclear plant, which is only sixty miles from Houston. Several people seemed to be ready to go get some.
Our leadership has stirred up strong feelings overseas. I think it will increase the chances of more strikes on U.S. targets, although I am not convinced that the liquid explosive threat was real. It would look pretty strange --and obvious-- to see several people trying to mix smelly chemicals on board a flight. It doesn’t sound practical. But the next one could be.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Open Congress seat TX CD22
To answer the question some of you have --No, I will not be a candidate for the now open TX CD22 Congress seat vacated by Tom DeLay, who is leaving the seat despite a court order that says he can’t be replaced on the ballot.
As a 2006 GOP primary candidate, under the law I am ineligible to be a write in for the same seat in the same year (the same applies to the other two GOP primary candidates). Only someone who didn’t run in the primary could be a write in. But anyone who jumps into a write in campaign really is in a no win situation.
The true is when the incumbent Mr. DeLay bailed out, he ceded the seat to the Democrat and former Congressman Nick Lampson, since they have a lock on at least 41% of the district. In chess, it’s check mate.
Ironically, the man who set about to secure a GOP lock on power ended up setting up his own seat to be one of the first to go into the Democrat column.
Had DeLay given it up before the primary, any other Republican elected in that primary in March would have almost an automatically won. However, by staying in the primary, then bailing out when forced to stay on, Mr. DeLay has screwed his own party and created a Democrat seat in Congress that could remain so in 2008 since CD22 demographics make it look like the UN.
The real issue is who will be around in 2008 to run. A cast of thousands on the GOP side vs. 1 Dem incumbent in a demographically diverse district….
As a 2006 GOP primary candidate, under the law I am ineligible to be a write in for the same seat in the same year (the same applies to the other two GOP primary candidates). Only someone who didn’t run in the primary could be a write in. But anyone who jumps into a write in campaign really is in a no win situation.
The true is when the incumbent Mr. DeLay bailed out, he ceded the seat to the Democrat and former Congressman Nick Lampson, since they have a lock on at least 41% of the district. In chess, it’s check mate.
Ironically, the man who set about to secure a GOP lock on power ended up setting up his own seat to be one of the first to go into the Democrat column.
Had DeLay given it up before the primary, any other Republican elected in that primary in March would have almost an automatically won. However, by staying in the primary, then bailing out when forced to stay on, Mr. DeLay has screwed his own party and created a Democrat seat in Congress that could remain so in 2008 since CD22 demographics make it look like the UN.
The real issue is who will be around in 2008 to run. A cast of thousands on the GOP side vs. 1 Dem incumbent in a demographically diverse district….
Monday, August 07, 2006
Global chaos is not good for the USA
Global Chaos Not Good for USA
Mexico’s is still going through what the U.S. went through in 2000 – a contested Presidential election. The sore loser is Obrador, who might have a chance in the next six-year term if he handled this delicate situation without shutting down Mexico city as he is doing. Until Mexico and its southern neighbors can generate jobs, our immigration crisis will continue, wall or no wall. I didn’t see Obrador generating any jobs. Let’s hope the winner will. It will take our help.
In Israel _ A direct hit by a Hezbollah rocket killed 15 in Israel – the deadliest. Imagine the damage if they could actually aim those rockets. That will be the next development if this continues. We now know that 9 11 was triggered by our presence in Lebanon in 1983, when bin laden saw the broken tower after the suicide bomber killed over 240 U.S. troops. I still remember that event since I was traveling there for the Fortune 500 at the time.
I did a video in the 90’s warning about a potential nuclear 9 11. This latest clash, if not handled quickly in the right way could plant the seeds for the next 9 11, which could be far worse than the original.
The extremists seem to be coming out of the woodwork (and not from just one religion) and that is not a positive trend for our future security. Lebanon could generate thousands of bin ladens. Anger is boiling over. Anger overrides logic in the age of nuclear power.
I still can’t believe we are electing people who have no experience in these parts of the world that affect our future prosperity and security. Global chaos is not good for the USA, and not a trend that guarantees success and security…
Positive Quote of the Day:
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior
teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
-- William Arthur Ward
Mexico’s is still going through what the U.S. went through in 2000 – a contested Presidential election. The sore loser is Obrador, who might have a chance in the next six-year term if he handled this delicate situation without shutting down Mexico city as he is doing. Until Mexico and its southern neighbors can generate jobs, our immigration crisis will continue, wall or no wall. I didn’t see Obrador generating any jobs. Let’s hope the winner will. It will take our help.
In Israel _ A direct hit by a Hezbollah rocket killed 15 in Israel – the deadliest. Imagine the damage if they could actually aim those rockets. That will be the next development if this continues. We now know that 9 11 was triggered by our presence in Lebanon in 1983, when bin laden saw the broken tower after the suicide bomber killed over 240 U.S. troops. I still remember that event since I was traveling there for the Fortune 500 at the time.
I did a video in the 90’s warning about a potential nuclear 9 11. This latest clash, if not handled quickly in the right way could plant the seeds for the next 9 11, which could be far worse than the original.
The extremists seem to be coming out of the woodwork (and not from just one religion) and that is not a positive trend for our future security. Lebanon could generate thousands of bin ladens. Anger is boiling over. Anger overrides logic in the age of nuclear power.
I still can’t believe we are electing people who have no experience in these parts of the world that affect our future prosperity and security. Global chaos is not good for the USA, and not a trend that guarantees success and security…
Positive Quote of the Day:
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior
teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
-- William Arthur Ward
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Visit to New Orleans - Potential Hurricane Chris is coming
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
We just got back from New Orleans, a quick vacation before my wife starts law school --and a chance to survey what has happened since Katrina hit. By chance, we drove over the day the 5th circuit was hearing the appeal on Congress District 22 which I had run in – the issue before it: whether Mr. DeLay can jump off the ballot or not. We drove past the court on the way to the hotel. It is a beautiful courthouse.
The French Quarter was busy with tourists but in Chalmette FEMA trailers sat in front of dead homes. I could smell MOLD when we drove into the area. But there were signs of life and it seems to be slowly coming back. Conventioneers were drinking and weaving about the French Quarter. They filled the bar at our hotel, the Monteleone. By luck we ended up with a nice suite with a river view.
And now there is the potential of a Hurricane Chris bearing down on us in the Gulf Coast again next week. I was glad to leave New Orleans low lying areas behind.
On the global front, the Israelis and Hezbollah are continuing their fight. While Israel has the right to defend itself, the air strikes have also been a setback in the global public relations war when large numbers of civilians are hit. The interesting part is that an administration that has not put the UN first is now putting the UN first. My, times have changed.
In the House of Representatives, the term “French fries” and French toast are back on the Menu. My, times have changed.
I have been covered up with work since the Congress campaign ended. Tonight, I rented a video on the rise of Fidel Castro in Cuba. Hopefully, his days are numbered. Times have changed...
We just got back from New Orleans, a quick vacation before my wife starts law school --and a chance to survey what has happened since Katrina hit. By chance, we drove over the day the 5th circuit was hearing the appeal on Congress District 22 which I had run in – the issue before it: whether Mr. DeLay can jump off the ballot or not. We drove past the court on the way to the hotel. It is a beautiful courthouse.
The French Quarter was busy with tourists but in Chalmette FEMA trailers sat in front of dead homes. I could smell MOLD when we drove into the area. But there were signs of life and it seems to be slowly coming back. Conventioneers were drinking and weaving about the French Quarter. They filled the bar at our hotel, the Monteleone. By luck we ended up with a nice suite with a river view.
And now there is the potential of a Hurricane Chris bearing down on us in the Gulf Coast again next week. I was glad to leave New Orleans low lying areas behind.
On the global front, the Israelis and Hezbollah are continuing their fight. While Israel has the right to defend itself, the air strikes have also been a setback in the global public relations war when large numbers of civilians are hit. The interesting part is that an administration that has not put the UN first is now putting the UN first. My, times have changed.
In the House of Representatives, the term “French fries” and French toast are back on the Menu. My, times have changed.
I have been covered up with work since the Congress campaign ended. Tonight, I rented a video on the rise of Fidel Castro in Cuba. Hopefully, his days are numbered. Times have changed...
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Dangerous Days
The fighting in Lebanon and Israel is distracting the world from Iran's nuclear program. It could have a major kick back effect -- and serve to ignite a much wider conflict well beyond Iraq, Lebanon and Israel. These are dangerous days. The aftermath may not be what we expect.
An excellent anaylsis is in today's column by Jim Hoagland:
http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4064520.html
I clipped the heart of the article. Here's the problem:
"The U.N. and the Bush administration also failed to press the Lebanese to live up to their responsibility to deploy forces into the border areas evacuated by Israel in 2000. Instead, Hezbollah moved in its Syrian- and Iranian-supplied rockets and its irregulars..."
And here's the solution:
"
An excellent anaylsis is in today's column by Jim Hoagland:
http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4064520.html
I clipped the heart of the article. Here's the problem:
"The U.N. and the Bush administration also failed to press the Lebanese to live up to their responsibility to deploy forces into the border areas evacuated by Israel in 2000. Instead, Hezbollah moved in its Syrian- and Iranian-supplied rockets and its irregulars..."
And here's the solution:
"
This Israeli campaign will not erase Hezbollah as a force, alas. But a negotiated cease-fire could lead to two important steps:
One would be to put an international military force on Lebanon's border with Syria to police the traffic of rockets and disguised Syrian intelligence units into Lebanon.
The other is to get the Lebanese army finally to take control of its territory in the south and make Lebanon more of a real country again."
He's right...
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Americans etc Trapped in Lebanon
American government slow to evacuate Americans trapped in Lebanon.
TV reports showed desperate women and children –Americans—who were told they were NOT on the evacuation list.
I am disappointed that our government is not doing more to get American in danger in Lebanon out of there. This is a HOT war already. It will probably get worse before it gets better.
We need envoys over there from our side -- taking care of the trapped Americans and working to keep things from becoming a holocaust. I have conducted kidnapping negotiations in the Middle East (I was in Damascus), and know the area.
That job is best done by Condi (Rice) at the moment…we need to act and act carefully and quickly...
TV reports showed desperate women and children –Americans—who were told they were NOT on the evacuation list.
I am disappointed that our government is not doing more to get American in danger in Lebanon out of there. This is a HOT war already. It will probably get worse before it gets better.
We need envoys over there from our side -- taking care of the trapped Americans and working to keep things from becoming a holocaust. I have conducted kidnapping negotiations in the Middle East (I was in Damascus), and know the area.
That job is best done by Condi (Rice) at the moment…we need to act and act carefully and quickly...
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Time for the Prozac in the Middle East
The Middle East has flared up again – hot shooting between Hezbollah and Israel, rockets and bombs. Hezbollah managed to get a drone to hit an Israeli ship for the first time, killing two and two more missing and probably dead as well. Civilian children were killed today in Lebanon after being bombed, after being turned away from a UN camp. It stinks.I went into Fox 26 on Friday to talk about it. I was asked what the “solution” was. I could only say “Put Prozac in the water” – everyone needs to calm down over there. It was good for a laugh, but tensions are flying as high as the rockets. Hezbollah could have used Iranian technology to hit an Israeli ship for the first time. Iran has a supersonic anti-ship missile if this gets really serious.I am hearing people say we need to be in Lebanon. Apparently they have forgotten what happened when President Reagan sent troops to Beirut in the 1980’s. Hundreds of them died when a suicide truck bomber hit their barracks. Does anyone expect it to be any different this time?The problem here is that Iran is using its puppets in Hezbollah to distract attention from their nuclear program – and they do have missiles that are in range of Israel. It will take a global effort from the G8 to deal with it. We can't do it alone.This could get very ugly. $100 barrel gasoline is not out of the question, since it is now nearly $80.Maybe Prozac isn’t a bad idea after all. Anything is better than a shooting war that spreads across the Middle East. President Bush has to stay focused. The complicating factor is Mr. Kim Jung Il and his strange missile dance. Now Japan is talking about a "pre-emptive strike" on North Korea. That could get a lot of South Koreans civilians killed by North Korea artillery.Buckle up your seat belts folks. As I said on Fox Friday: “This could get out of control very quickly.”
Sunday, July 09, 2006
What Goes Around Comes Around
The GOP Federal judge has ruled that Mr. DeLay must stay on the ballot. In response, I heard DeLay state something like “Only in American can a federal judge order someone to run.” Order?
This statement makes no sense. No federal judge forced DeLay to sign up for the 2006 primary. No judge forced him to withdraw when he saw his chances of winning decline. If DeLay had bowed out before the primary, the voters would have gotten to make the choice – and the cast of thousands now running could have campaigned in the primary.
I guess DeLay is mad that the judge made a decision based on law instead of what is politically expedient, i.e. doing what DeLay wants.
That is the beauty of America – we aren’t controlled by the whims of the powerful, but by a standard set of laws that are supposed to apply to everyone, even Congressmen. Attacking a Republican judge for following the law is classic DeLay, and another reason I wanted to see him removed from further abusing the system. He just doesn’t get it.
I doubt the 5th circuit will overturn the ruling. They are conservative Republicans who follow the law, not the orders of indicted Congress reps who want to game the system. That is what got DeLay into trouble the first place.
It’s time to reap what he has sown…because what goes around comes around.
This statement makes no sense. No federal judge forced DeLay to sign up for the 2006 primary. No judge forced him to withdraw when he saw his chances of winning decline. If DeLay had bowed out before the primary, the voters would have gotten to make the choice – and the cast of thousands now running could have campaigned in the primary.
I guess DeLay is mad that the judge made a decision based on law instead of what is politically expedient, i.e. doing what DeLay wants.
That is the beauty of America – we aren’t controlled by the whims of the powerful, but by a standard set of laws that are supposed to apply to everyone, even Congressmen. Attacking a Republican judge for following the law is classic DeLay, and another reason I wanted to see him removed from further abusing the system. He just doesn’t get it.
I doubt the 5th circuit will overturn the ruling. They are conservative Republicans who follow the law, not the orders of indicted Congress reps who want to game the system. That is what got DeLay into trouble the first place.
It’s time to reap what he has sown…because what goes around comes around.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Time to be a beacon of truth justice and respect
I’ve been so busy that I’ve had no time to write in some time. It’s raining on our 4th of July events in Houston today, but after such a long dry spell I still welcome it.
The joke may be on the people running to replace Rep. DeLay – the judge may keep him on the ballot. The irony will be that it was a GOP motion to transfer it to a Federal court with a GOP judge who isn’t going to make a political decision over a judicial one.
The political choice in CD22 is nearing the end – either the judge will keep DeLay on the seat or they will pick someone else. It would be poetic justice to let the Congressman go down in flames on the ballot instead of letting him give the grenade to a replacement who has no money as time runs out. Either way, change is in the air. That is a good thing. CD22 needs an internationally experienced rep in this world of terrorism and global economies -- but it will most likely get the usual suspect, a politician who sends out negative attack ads like the one I just got in the mail and not much else."
We need to start picking people who know more than attack ads and bug killing to sit in a seat that deals with national and global issues daily.
Even Mexico is improving its democracy as our system is gamed by people like the series of recently indicted representatives (in BOTH parties). Mexico’s election reminds me of 2000 – a split electorate. But it is the first true democratic election in Mexico since Mr. Fox broke the PRI monopoly with his election six years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with the crew of Discovery today as they attempt another launch. As a pilot and someone who grew up on Star Trek I’ve always been a space junkie. I think we need more private space enterprises to really get things moving. Look how much SpaceShipOne accomplished—going to the edge of space-- for $20 million. NASA burps that in a nanosecond.
I don’t expect to be picked for Congress in CD22 – my mission was accomplished when a corrupt official left. One down. A lot more to go. My attention now turns national and global.
I have set up an international law office in Sugar Land Business Park. In my past I have even done international kidnapping negotiations. But I also do a lot of domestic work – profit and nonprofit. You do what you can to help deserving people.
Happy birthday America! We must again become a beacon of truth, justice that is respected around the world. There is much to do…
The joke may be on the people running to replace Rep. DeLay – the judge may keep him on the ballot. The irony will be that it was a GOP motion to transfer it to a Federal court with a GOP judge who isn’t going to make a political decision over a judicial one.
The political choice in CD22 is nearing the end – either the judge will keep DeLay on the seat or they will pick someone else. It would be poetic justice to let the Congressman go down in flames on the ballot instead of letting him give the grenade to a replacement who has no money as time runs out. Either way, change is in the air. That is a good thing. CD22 needs an internationally experienced rep in this world of terrorism and global economies -- but it will most likely get the usual suspect, a politician who sends out negative attack ads like the one I just got in the mail and not much else."
We need to start picking people who know more than attack ads and bug killing to sit in a seat that deals with national and global issues daily.
Even Mexico is improving its democracy as our system is gamed by people like the series of recently indicted representatives (in BOTH parties). Mexico’s election reminds me of 2000 – a split electorate. But it is the first true democratic election in Mexico since Mr. Fox broke the PRI monopoly with his election six years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with the crew of Discovery today as they attempt another launch. As a pilot and someone who grew up on Star Trek I’ve always been a space junkie. I think we need more private space enterprises to really get things moving. Look how much SpaceShipOne accomplished—going to the edge of space-- for $20 million. NASA burps that in a nanosecond.
I don’t expect to be picked for Congress in CD22 – my mission was accomplished when a corrupt official left. One down. A lot more to go. My attention now turns national and global.
I have set up an international law office in Sugar Land Business Park. In my past I have even done international kidnapping negotiations. But I also do a lot of domestic work – profit and nonprofit. You do what you can to help deserving people.
Happy birthday America! We must again become a beacon of truth, justice that is respected around the world. There is much to do…
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Congress Votes Itself a Pay Raise in Middle of Worst Deficits
I can't believe it. We have the worst deficits and Congress rewards itself with a pay raise! That is cheeky. It is undeserved - with gas prices hitting record levels along with trillion dollar increases in the debt celing they should have their pay frozen, or cut, but not raised. If I were there, I would vote AGAINST a pay raise until they balance the budget. THAT could generate a return to fiscal sanity. I guess it is just too rough on them to live on $168,000 year, a king's ransom to most people, even in CD22...
Monday, June 12, 2006
What is Needed to Keep Iraq From Becoming a Failed State
Winning Iraq Requires Changes
In order to have any hope of turning the tide in Iraq will require vast training changes in our military. Our troops were trained to be warriors, but were put into a counterinsurgency, which is a totally different conflict.
Just now, three years after the counterinsurgency started, the Pentagon is finishing a new training manual – but it has yet to be put into use. In order to win in Iraq, our troops will need to interact with the population in new ways. Right now in mess halls in Iraq our troops don’t intermingle with the Iraqi troops – that does not bode well for future success.
The Iraq counterinsurgency feeds off the mistakes made when troops don’t have the training designed for the environment in which they are working. For success in Iraq, our troops have to be part warrior and part Peace Corps. It requires a 21st Century soldier who knows how to getting rid of terrorists while avoiding killing innocent civilians which gives the wrong impression of who we are. It will mean our soldiers get more training in local customs and language – it means giving US Special Forces training to national guardsmen.
Why is this important? Because if Iraq becomes a failed State, it will be a greater threat to global security, especially America’s security, than it is today. Only by getting the Pentagon to upgrade training of our overworked units in Iraq ASAP will have the most direct potential benefit of anything we could do at the moment. We have too much to lose not to put everything possible solution into action in Iraq. Just killing Zaqawi’s is not enough.
So why hasn’t Congress insisted on this training years ago?
I say that as one of the few people who saw 9 11 coming and warned about it…
In order to have any hope of turning the tide in Iraq will require vast training changes in our military. Our troops were trained to be warriors, but were put into a counterinsurgency, which is a totally different conflict.
Just now, three years after the counterinsurgency started, the Pentagon is finishing a new training manual – but it has yet to be put into use. In order to win in Iraq, our troops will need to interact with the population in new ways. Right now in mess halls in Iraq our troops don’t intermingle with the Iraqi troops – that does not bode well for future success.
The Iraq counterinsurgency feeds off the mistakes made when troops don’t have the training designed for the environment in which they are working. For success in Iraq, our troops have to be part warrior and part Peace Corps. It requires a 21st Century soldier who knows how to getting rid of terrorists while avoiding killing innocent civilians which gives the wrong impression of who we are. It will mean our soldiers get more training in local customs and language – it means giving US Special Forces training to national guardsmen.
Why is this important? Because if Iraq becomes a failed State, it will be a greater threat to global security, especially America’s security, than it is today. Only by getting the Pentagon to upgrade training of our overworked units in Iraq ASAP will have the most direct potential benefit of anything we could do at the moment. We have too much to lose not to put everything possible solution into action in Iraq. Just killing Zaqawi’s is not enough.
So why hasn’t Congress insisted on this training years ago?
I say that as one of the few people who saw 9 11 coming and warned about it…
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Legal Shenanigans Could Backfire
The Democrats have gotten a temporary restraining order to keep Mr. DeLay on the ballot for November. A hearing on a permanent injunction to keep it that way will be heard later this month.
They need to keep in mind that being smart legally could blow up in their faces. If DeLay gets past the Austin indictment and pulls out a squeaker with Lampson, then that strategy will blow up in their face.
As it is, DeLay has set up a loss for his replacement. The precinct chairs are moving at the speed of a glacier. By the time the sacrificial lamb is chosen, he or she will have only three (3) months to cover parts of four counties in CD22, a very diverse district. I’ve run in it four times and I still don’t feel that I’ve covered CD22 adequately -- so how people think they can do it in 3-4 months is wishful thinking at best. The candidate will also be two million dollars behind the Democrat Lampson in fundraising, and who knows what skeletons or embarrassing statements will come out of the closet. Only DeLay has the time in district and access to dollars to match it. If his legal troubles in Austin are satisfactorily resolved, he’s home free.
So using the courts to keep DeLay on the ballot could boomerang—the outcome could be the return of Tom DeLay (who will laugh in their faces and never leave at that point)...
They need to keep in mind that being smart legally could blow up in their faces. If DeLay gets past the Austin indictment and pulls out a squeaker with Lampson, then that strategy will blow up in their face.
As it is, DeLay has set up a loss for his replacement. The precinct chairs are moving at the speed of a glacier. By the time the sacrificial lamb is chosen, he or she will have only three (3) months to cover parts of four counties in CD22, a very diverse district. I’ve run in it four times and I still don’t feel that I’ve covered CD22 adequately -- so how people think they can do it in 3-4 months is wishful thinking at best. The candidate will also be two million dollars behind the Democrat Lampson in fundraising, and who knows what skeletons or embarrassing statements will come out of the closet. Only DeLay has the time in district and access to dollars to match it. If his legal troubles in Austin are satisfactorily resolved, he’s home free.
So using the courts to keep DeLay on the ballot could boomerang—the outcome could be the return of Tom DeLay (who will laugh in their faces and never leave at that point)...
Friday, June 09, 2006
Monday, June 05, 2006
Mr. Risk Goes to Washington
No, not me – Business Week is referring to Mr. Paulson, the new Treasury Secretary. They say he is well suited to today’s environment, which is at a dangerous point:
“Both liberal and conservative economists warn that the bulging trade deficit, now roughly 6% of gross domestic product, poses a danger of sending the dollar plunging and causing a financial meltdown. The federal budget deficit for 2006 will hit at least $300 billion. And current projections call for Social Security and Medicare to run up enormous deficits in the long run.”
Check out the article. It makes sense. This line also jumped out at me:
“Facing intense competition from around the world, the only way the American economy can thrive is through risk-taking. Indeed, some economists have characterized the U.S. as a giant venture capital fund that sucks in money from overseas and invests it in high-risk, high-return projects.”
Bottom line: There are greater issues facing us then most politicians and voters realize. We will need more “Mr./Ms. Risk” types in leadership to deal with these global issues that impact our future. But to have value, they have to know global trade and international finance to avoid pushing the wrong button that leads to disaster instead of opportunity...I can't say that I see a lot of those types around. Know anyone?
“Both liberal and conservative economists warn that the bulging trade deficit, now roughly 6% of gross domestic product, poses a danger of sending the dollar plunging and causing a financial meltdown. The federal budget deficit for 2006 will hit at least $300 billion. And current projections call for Social Security and Medicare to run up enormous deficits in the long run.”
Check out the article. It makes sense. This line also jumped out at me:
“Facing intense competition from around the world, the only way the American economy can thrive is through risk-taking. Indeed, some economists have characterized the U.S. as a giant venture capital fund that sucks in money from overseas and invests it in high-risk, high-return projects.”
Bottom line: There are greater issues facing us then most politicians and voters realize. We will need more “Mr./Ms. Risk” types in leadership to deal with these global issues that impact our future. But to have value, they have to know global trade and international finance to avoid pushing the wrong button that leads to disaster instead of opportunity...I can't say that I see a lot of those types around. Know anyone?
Mr. Risk Goes to Washington
No, not me – Business Week is referring to Mr. Paulson, the new Treasury Secretary. They say he is well suited to today’s environment, which is at a dangerous point:
“Both liberal and conservative economists warn that the bulging trade deficit, now roughly 6% of gross domestic product, poses a danger of sending the dollar plunging and causing a financial meltdown. The federal budget deficit for 2006 will hit at least $300 billion. And current projections call for Social Security and Medicare to run up enormous deficits in the long run.”
Check out the article. It makes sense. This line also jumped out at me:
“Facing intense competition from around the world, the only way the American economy can thrive is through risk-taking. Indeed, some economists have characterized the U.S. as a giant venture capital fund that sucks in money from overseas and invests it in high-risk, high-return projects.”
Bottom line: There are greater issues facing us then most politicians and voters realize. We will need more “Mr./Ms. Risk” types in leadership to deal with these global issues that impact our future. But to have value, they have to know global trade and international finance to avoid pushing the wrong button that leads to disaster instead of opportunity...I can't say that I see a lot of those types around. Know anyone?
“Both liberal and conservative economists warn that the bulging trade deficit, now roughly 6% of gross domestic product, poses a danger of sending the dollar plunging and causing a financial meltdown. The federal budget deficit for 2006 will hit at least $300 billion. And current projections call for Social Security and Medicare to run up enormous deficits in the long run.”
Check out the article. It makes sense. This line also jumped out at me:
“Facing intense competition from around the world, the only way the American economy can thrive is through risk-taking. Indeed, some economists have characterized the U.S. as a giant venture capital fund that sucks in money from overseas and invests it in high-risk, high-return projects.”
Bottom line: There are greater issues facing us then most politicians and voters realize. We will need more “Mr./Ms. Risk” types in leadership to deal with these global issues that impact our future. But to have value, they have to know global trade and international finance to avoid pushing the wrong button that leads to disaster instead of opportunity...I can't say that I see a lot of those types around. Know anyone?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
