Felix Alvarado (pictured), candidate for governor of Texas in the Democratic primary, was looking forward to debating the other candidates in Dallas. Alvarado doesn't have the millions of dollars in his campaign chest that a couple of his opponents have, and this would be a major opportunity for him to get his message out to the voters.But now it doesn't look like he'll get that chance. It seems that the "anointed one", blue dog Bill White, has decided that debates aren't necessary for Democrats to make their choice. Evidently, he believes the newspapers and blogs that say he will win the nomination, and he doesn't want to do anything that might jeopardize his "anointed" status -- like debate an opponent.
I have to wonder what White is afraid of. Does he think he might come off to the voters as boring when compared to his opponents? Or is he afraid his conservative blue dog policies won't look so good when matched with an opponent's progressive views? Either way, it's just another reason not to vote for Bill White in the primary -- a candidate too gutless to face his opposition.
Meanwhile latecomer to the governor's race, Dallas private investigator Bill Dear, is whining about have a muslim opponent in the race. Dear said, "Now we have a Muslim wanting the highest office in Texas, Governor, wanting to spend 10 million dollars and receive $1 in salary, why? According to the internet they are asking Muslims to rally and support their candidate for Governor. It is time for a change, but not that kind of change."
That sounds like a great political point in these days of fearmongering. There's only one thing wrong with it -- there is not a muslim running for governor in either the Democratic or Republican primaries. I assume that Dear is talking about Houston businessman Farouk Shami, but Shami says he is a Quaker.
It looks especially bad when one considers that Dear is supposed to be a private investigator. How good an investigator can he be, when he can't even get Mr. Shami's religion right (which is no secret). Dear has been in the race less than a week, and he's already made himself look like a complete fool.
Farouk is claiming to be “BROWN” in order to pander to his Hispanic workforce (80-90%) and other minority groups; however according to US Census criteria as a Palestinian he is WHITE, not a member of any minority group.
ReplyDeleteHaving attended Quaker School does not make Farouk a Quaker – maybe that is all what was available at the time (or even today) for quality education in Ramallah.
• Wikipedia: “The Friends School currently serves as the School for the best and the brightest. It is well known to educate the children of Palestinian elites.”
• MilitantIslamMonitor: “Guilford College controversy Being Manipulated By CAIR -Quaker school tied to pro terrorist Friends school in Ramallah”
King of Jordan had sent his personal message to Farouk Shami (to a Quaker???) during the last two company conferences – Amman, Jordan (2006) and Cancun, Mexico (2008)
Mr. Shami says he is a Quaker. I have no reason to doubt him.
ReplyDeleteWho is Farouk Shami?
ReplyDeleteAre his Public Statements factual?
From FaroukforGovernor.com - Meet Farouk – “Mr. Shami and his wife have two sons, both of whom are actively involved in the company. Their union, as strong now as they day they married is a source of pride for Farouk. The Shami's have been blessed with many grandchildren, all of whom enjoy successful careers in businesses around the state.”
Normally one should not bring the family issues into a political campaign; however the above statement from FaroukforGovenor.com is intended to provide a misleading impression that Farouk is a typical all-American successful business man.
• Farouk has two sons and two daughters (not mentioned in his statement). Only one son is directly involved with the company, the other one has his own company selling the same/similar products to non-professional market
• It is an arranged marriage according to Muslim traditions
• He has shipped his wife and one daughter to Palestine for extended periods of time. For the past 20+ years his wife has spent majority of her time in Palestine, i.e. not under the ‘same roof’ as implied in Farouk’s statement. She only comes to the US periodically to visit the children and grandchildren.
Farouk in San Antonio (10/21/09): “I manage business in 106 countries, I have tens of thousands of employees, and we've brought billions of dollars to the state of Texas,” Shami said. “Leadership is building a team, and I know how to build a team.”
Fact Check:
• Farouk manufacturers the products and sells them to independent distributors/importers (in US and overseas), who in return sell to the salons. He DOES NOT manage these companies. They are his customers.
• Likewise the employees of these distributors or the salons which use his products are NOT Farouk’s employees.
If you don't like Mr. Shami (and I don't care whether you do or not), maybe you should vote for Felix Alvarado.
ReplyDelete