What Will 2012 Hold for Texas Politics, Policy?
Texans will close out 2011 with more questions than answers: How will Gov. Rick Perry’s presidential bid play out? How will lawmakers’ multibillion-dollar budget cuts affect education, Medicaid and health care? Will the courts ever decide on new state House, Senate and congressional districts so Texas can hold elections?
Here’s hoping the next year brings some resolution. Texas Tribune reporters take a look at what to expect in 2012 — from the continuing Texas drought and debates over transparency in higher education to allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and a high-profile presidential election across Texas’ southern border.
RICK PERRY
Perry ...
Comments (13)
Angel Zaragosa
The biggest political story of 2011 was not even a story in 2011, never reported by the media. The fact that Barrack Hussein Obama has turned out to be the most liberal, most radical President that America has ever had. Again, that story was never reported, therefore never repeated, never marketed by the media, on a daily basis, as the media loves to do with its selected, thematic topics.
Glenda Hawthorne
Lol, that's funny, Angel. Why do you insist on voting against yourself?
Robert Chapman
Nearly one in five members of the Texas House will not be coming back.
Hopefully, this influx of new blood will do something to break up Rick Perry's old boy network in Austin and start working Texas back toward solvency and solving problems.
Perry's inept administrative blend of policy passivity in the face of problems and fiscal mismanagement based on crony contracts has gone on far too long.
Leon Drozd
Hilarious comment, Angel. What do you mean by "liberal" and "radical" Do the words "liberal" and "radical" present a threat to you? Do they give you a good scare? I thought Bush/Cheney were among the most "radical."
Seems to me that "Barrack Hussein Obama" has turned out to be a fine young man who made something of himself from nothing and came a long way each step since childhood. More Americans should emulate him. Others in politics might have a different view of the world if he had followed a similar path before entering the public arena.
For starters, B.H. Obama got an education and he traveled. He took his knowledge of law and went into a community in America to gain an understanding of needs and concerns of people and the flow of its political electrical currents. He took that knowledge and experience and transformed it into state and national offices. He had the courage to take on the right wing establishment along with strong, established candidates in his party at a time when Americans were under tremendous political and economic stress. He didn't use that Harvard law degree to exploit American capitalism or vulnerabilities for all it was worth and to profit to the detriment of the country's national security. While serving in office, he seems to me to have his eye on the ball in a fast-paced, rapidly changing game all the while he has well-funded political adversaries who are desperately trying to kick the can of their own accountability down the road.
You used the president's middle name, Hussein, which is a name given to him by his parents and which is the name of his father. I note that your first name is "Angel." Angels are mythical beings often depicted as messengers of God in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles along with the Quran and are often portrayed as protecting and guiding human beings and carrying out God's tasks. What might your parents have been thinking when they gave you that name? Anyway, enough already with that Hussein stuff. By the way, my name in Latin means "liion" though I'm sure it didn't factor into my naming at birth.
May you have a rich and liberating 2012. Do something a little radical this year. Life is short. Live life fully and let's run with our heads up. Cheers and here's a toast to the Bill of Rights.
Robert Chapman
The biggest political story of 2011 was not even a story in 2011, never reported by the media. The fact that Barrack Hussein Obama has turned out to be the most liberal, most radical President that America has ever had. Again, that story was never reported, therefore never repeated, never marketed by the media, on a daily basis, as the media loves to do with its selected, thematic topics.
Sorry Mr. Zaragossa, that is simply incorrect. Presidents such a Jackson, Lincoln McKinley, T. Roosevelt, FD Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan changed the direction and trajectory of American politcs and government far more than Obama has.
Obama has been highly constrained by his desire to reach bi-partisan resolutions and by the obstructionism he has faced from both the GOP and the progressive elements of the Democratic Party.
I agree with you that the achievement of his administration, 3.5millon jobs created or saved through the stimulus, the revitalization of the American auto industry, the redirection of American industry toward sustainabiliy, the expanded health coverage for young people and people with pre-existing conditions and ending two wars have been under reported.
Leon Drozd
Bravo to Rob Chapman.
T D
Angel Zaragosa: We're all immigrants here. All of our names sound funny from a certain perspective.
Have a great New Year!
Billie Veach
Well said guys, Angel doesn't say what caused him to feel the way he does.. Isn't the FAR FAR
Right along with the teabaggers financed by Koch Bro. about as radical as they come.
Texas means " Friend "... and Rick Perry has done more to make the other 49 states think
we are back in the era of the movie " Giant " than ever before.. if you have not seen it
rent it..That was 1955 and the last movie of James Dean.. and at the time was 70% true.
We may have a few J.R. Ewings still around also, but they are the ones that is ruining the
state by saying if you do not do as we want we will spend Millions and run someone else
against you.. this is how Texas was has changed from the (burned) Mansion to the courthouses
in Texas. all small town newspapers have been bought by one party or the other and confuses
people " Who do I believe" computer send out messages that were first sent out 12 years ago
with only the date changed and Snopes, etc has always said it was not true, didn't happen..
there are more than one Snopes now.. Texas is a great state and I am ashamed Rick Perry
has gone out and make all of Texas look like idiots.. He never made good grades, and he
hasn't learned anything yet. blame him NOT Texas (Friend)...
Brittanicus
All the Republicans who are speaking out on the core issues have approached the alarming problem of illegal immigration in different ways. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich has already presented himself as a passive politician and caused public uproar. We already have government policies with court enacted laws forcing the 50 states to extend public assistance programs, opening them up to 20 million plus illegal alien populace within our country. These persons have slipped past border agents or jetted here from other nation and then we are forced to support them? Gingrich, as a potential President paralyzed a large proportion of his audiences prior to the Iowa caucus, stating he would even entertain some path to legitimacy, but devoid of citizenship. This is certainly not agreeable with the millions in the TEA PARTY member, as this would just pilot to an even larger avalanche of poor people from other countries. Mitt Romney and Michelle Bachmann jumped, almost instantly on Gingrich plan as “amnesty” which it most certainly is, as it just adds up to pardoning people who criminally stole in this country, without permission.
That is what immigration laws are for and must be observed. Anybody who thinks that a poorly secured border is not going to lure, as a temptation in running the enforcement gauntlet needs to see a shrink? Each year “The Pew Research Center” estimates 500.000 none-tracked people arrive here either by plane or slip past the open areas, not covered by the border fence. How can anybody say that theses impoverished people are not going to take advantage of Gingrich formula? After Reagan's 1986 amnesty the numbers climbed dramatically, because of rampant fraud and a disinterested administrations that should have prosecute business who hired foreigners. George Bush passed the 2006 Secure Fence Act, but as of today, the money was never appropriated. Consider these facts; If Congress was unwavering in halting illegal immigration, they would have passed laws to make it a—FELONY. Additionally if Congress had the desire to eventually close the border tight, the 2006 secure fence would have already been completed, as two fences parallel to each other and decked with concertina razor wire? Those two enforcement laws, would also kept the criminals out and allowed the US border Patrol to rove in between the fences rapidly, to apprehend foreign nationals? New tea Party leaders will ensure no amnesties, no Sanctuary cities or Dream Acts. Governors, Judges, chief of police or lower official will be prosecuted for any misconduct of the 1986 IRCA laws, together with loss of federal funding.
The current questionable push by the Liberal press is illegal aliens do pay taxes. Yes many do, but they are using either a stolen Social Security numbers, or an IRS number known as an ITIN number. A substantial motivation is they have no choice, if they want to get on a payroll job? Then according to the 'Heritage Foundation' the amount of $113 Billion dollars goes to subsidize illegal aliens from taxpayers and every year that amount is rising. As released by the IRS, illegal immigrants are returned 4.5 Billion in child/parent tax credits. Little known is that foreign invaders send out of the country annually to foreign banks, between 40-46 billion dollars. Yes! They do pay taxes, but it hardly reduces the money extorted from federal and state taxpayers for children of illegal aliens. Money going to educate, the massive health care deficit and an overpopulated prison system filled with drug dealers, murderers, rapists, pedophiles and a growing percentage of hit and run drunken drivers; those that are caught.
We have a new sordid problem that is rising from the gutter. That Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption has revealed its 2011 list of Washington’s “Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians.” The members of the Obama Administration on the list, in alphabetical order, include: Attorney General Eric Holder; read about Eric Holder’s connection with ACORN, The voter fraud organization and the Gun running scandal—’Fast and furious.” President Barack Obama questionable association with ACORN, AHCOA (Affordable Housing Centers of America), the renamed ACORN Housing organization which has a long history of corrupt activity and other illicit association, costing billions of taxpayer dollars. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano: While Attorney General Eric Holder was busy suing states fighting to shelter themselves from uncontrolled illegal immigration in 2011, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has overseen a campaign to bypass Congress and provide amnesty to millions of illegal alien invaders, all in an evident attempt to acquire more votes for Obama’s reelection. Make the time to read the facts of governmental corruption by typing in Google—JUDICIAL WATCH. Just remember this information will be concealed by the Democrats, as they have proved over and over again, that they are not disinclined to manipulating voter registrations—even to letting non-citizens vote.
E-Verify “the Legal Workforce Act" at the very least, it is a step in the right direction to obstruct illegal labor from taking American jobs. Even if E-Verify has some flaws and some illegal aliens can obtain employment, but it won't last very long before new upgraded version of E-Verify will be able to detect criminal alien workers. ICE has already gained the implementation of Mississippi’s Drivers Licensing Bureau, so as citizens WE SHOULD DEMAND THAT EVERY STATE VEHICLE DEPARTMENT GIVE ICE THE DIRECTIVE TO ACCESS THEIR PHOTO ID DATABASES, TO CROSS REFERENCE WITH ALL HIRED WORKERS BEING CONFIRMED USING E-VERIFY. Those hired illegally will be caught eventually when the irregularities are corrected and ICE auditors return to a previous company.
It's better to have something as a deterrent, than to have nothing at all. What requires further action is a bill sponsored by Steve King’s (R-IA) Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011 (H.R.140) would amend the law so the unborn babies of illegal aliens smuggled calculatedly through borders or by international flight are ineligible for citizenship. The cost to hospitals and an array of welfare payments and entitlements is the most costly for US taxpayers totaling billions of more dollars. This is another demand, you should make of the politicians who represent your state. This is the time before the outcome of the 2012 election to pass the above mentioned laws, as it is critical to the well-being of every American worker. You can adjoin the TEA PARTY and demand from both Senators and House Representatives the passage of these laws, by calling the Washington phone center at 202-224-3121
In conclusion the Tea Party doesn't discriminate against any nationality or race, as this is an offensive plan by the Democrats to demoralize the alternative party who are strictly against illegal immigration—LEGAL IMMIGRATION. The TEA PARTY openly welcomes those who patiently legally wait their turn, in becoming part of the opportunity that is America. Those who coveted their freedom better be aware that under the Obama regime, the dark shadows within his administration have slowly destabilized the foundation of the US Constitution and its purpose.
Of course we need tourists, but we also need Profession highly skilled legal immigrants. But the tourists and passengers need to be tracked, because 42 percent of arrival overstay there visa's and remain here--indefinitely They are just as guilty of immigration violations , as illegal alien border crossing.
NO COPYRIGHT, EVER! DISTRIBUTE FREELY TO EVERY OVERTAXED AMERICAN
Leon Drozd
Billie, not to worry as there will be plenty of opportunities for Texans to gain continued admiration and respect in leadership roles. Politics is all about people. Texas has a diverse population that seems to mirror the national demographics and who have a vested interest in collective success.
Texans are known for their true grit in confronting challenges and adversity. Conditions might be right for raising the bar for those seeking elected offices. For starters, a paradigm shift is needed from "what's good for me, my contributors or my party" to "what's good for our country." What would it take to attract and retain the best and brightest to public office? What would it take to attract the "A" students to public office? What would it take to change the tone at every level of Texas and national pollitics?
That said, capitalism has come a long way since our nation was founded and the success of American industry and business is critical to the well-being and security of the country. There is an interdependence between public sector and the private sector that can't be ignored. What will it take to build trust, integrity and reliability into those relationships so as to best serve the interests of our country? To whom should businesses turn for redress of their grievances against government and for help with their issues? Some "special interests" are without a doubt, in the "national interest." How should these interests be balanced? You don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water!
I don't have the answers. Maybe there is no better approach than the one we have and we rely on sunshine, robust political dialogue and the right to vote.
Leon Drozd
Brittanicus: Don't curse the darkness. Turn on a light.
I recall hearing someone comment that there is a tremendous amount of money that flows between Texas and Mexico that is attributable to the immigrants and their relationships in Texas. Additionally, Texans (and other Americans) seem to have an insatiable appetite for poisons that make their way across the border from Mexico along with lots of money to pay for those poisons.
Billie Veach
Brittanicus ..why do I get the feeling that you are not an American, you are not a Texan, and don't
know what the hell you are talking about.. ACORN started in the 1970s. they have been supported
by every President since then.. the one nasty person that was crooked shown on tv is not the norm.
I bet you don't even know how ACORN was started do you?? Well I was around at the time and I
do.. It has not been a bad organization, it has had their bad apples or potatoes too..
We get oil and gas from Mexico did you know that? all the Alaska oil doesn't come to the lower 48
it goes to Japan because there are not refineries on the West coast.. like it or not all oil has to
go to a refinery..We get oil and gas from Canada.. We were friends with our neighbor Mexico.
Drugs changed a lot of that not the worker.. and to say tea party/backers is not racist is wishful
thinking.. they are one of the most disgusting group ever. they started out with good intentions
of BALANCING the Debt.. only after funding by the Koch Bros. picking up all the bills for them and
paying for their time did they become interested in NOT raising the income tax on the millionairs.
A fence across the Rio Grande will not stop anything a stupid idea...now they have a huge
ship armed with guns going up and down the border which is funny because part of the Rio is
dried and no water.. you cannot use a boat there. We do not need to concern about our season
workers that come to pick Peaches, Berries in Georgia, Cherries in Washington. and all other
crops.. why do you think produce is so high? most of it rotted on the ground.. now get ahold of
yourself, stop watching Fox and believing what they and the far right talk shows are saying.
Instead read for yourself... I have known Rick Perry since 1977 and he is not the same .. I have
known ACORN since the 1970s and they were helping the rural people.. To have a program
that works, you have to appropate money for oversite and checking the records without warning.
like we did before Reagan took over.. since then down hill.. even tho he increased the budget
ceiling 18 times and HE wasn't even in a war... the big money boys will always be for themselves
and care nothing about the elderly.. Rick Perry had kept the yearly COLA (and especially the elderly)
from the Texas Retired TEachers for 13 years since George Bush was governor..NO IT IS NOT
BROKE... TRS is the 16th largest pension plan in the world with our $$$ pension fund being
$ 113. BILLION , YES WITH A " B" but not one dime more in the monthy check since 1999.
that is worse that anything you have mentioned. He is keeping it investing in large donors companies
so they will support him.. We need the Department of Justice, FBI or Federal Marshal and out
of state auditors to see what he has done to the schools, the firefighters, the police, the retired
state workers and many more.. so he could invest and get repaid by his wife's 501c3 and big donors
give to that and she collects a salary of $66,000. for her pay.. look at the taxes you can google them.
you will also find from 2000 to 2009 he gave his church $14,243. (like $100 a month) but with two
extensions suddenly he gave his church $10,000 in 2010...guess he saw the light then and was
reborn..his wife has never acted as first lady.. she was at her 501c3.. What kind of first lady will
she be?
We have bigger problems that immigration.. getting people food, utilities, homes, etc. lets not
get distracted their is a simple way to take care of that.. like from any country having a responsible
person guarantee they are here for the season as a guest. You don't write the "N-word" on a
rock and then give them instate cost to Universities.. also, is it not discrimation to not allow
Mexicans in and let all others get in through paperwork? simple.. like we are when we would
go to Mexico ..How long are you going to stay? you cannot go through Canada to Alaska unless
you have enough money on you to afford getting to the border of Alaska...
Yes tea baggers were bagged by Koch Brothers, bought and paid for.. We need to do away with
all PAC's all money to the candidate, has to have a record and when swift boaters bribe and
threaten candidates, and put negative ads on they do not have to answer to anyone and the
candidate can say I don't know anything about that.. GET RID of ALL PAC (thus Tea Baggers)
then Love will return to neighbors as the bible says instead of hating the democrat or republican
next door.. I still do not think you are a US citizen Mate..
sssdddd
2012 is looking like a good year for politics. Wily Coyote (Perry) is going to take it on the chin. He and his supporters are going to be on the defensive now that he will be unable to deliver favors like in the past.
Ron Paul will not be president, nor does he expect to be. However he will siphon enough right votes to give Obama an edge.