Kinky Opposes 'Futile Care' Law

In 1999, Texas passed the "Futile Care" law, which gave doctors and hospitals the right to end care without a family's permission, if they deem further care to be futile. If this is invoked, the family has 10 days to find another facility that will care for their loved-one. In the past 18 months, there have been 5 high-profile cases regarding this law in Houston alone.

Kinky has now come out against the law, and believes it should be repealed. Kinky said, "Doctors should advise, but families are the only ones who should be able to decide to withdraw care." Kinky went on to say that the decision should not be left up to, "bureaucrats, who screw up everything - even medical or spiritual bureaucrats." Kinky believes if agreement cannot be reached, then "throw it to the courts. At least courts don't have agendas."

Grandma has also come out against this law. She said the law was "government intrusion of the worst kind." Both Perry and Bell support the law, but think it needs some refining. Perry wants a legislative committee to examine the law to see how it can be improved. Bell says he favors reforming the law.

I'll have to agree with Kinky and Grandma on this one. It's hard enough for families losing a loved one, without the state coming in and making decisions for them that they disagree with. This law may have sounded good when it was proposed, but it just does not work in practice. It should be repealed.

Kinky Supports An Open Debate With All Candidates

This October, KERA [PBS station in Dallas] and other organizations are sponsoring a debate between the candidates running for governor of Texas. They have invited Perry, Kinky, Bell & Grandma to participate in the debate. They have not invited James Werner, the Liberterian Party candidate for governor.

Even though his campaign is small, Werner would like the same opportunities given the other candidates, including participation in the debate. Werner says, "Excluding me from the gubernatorial debate would be a grave injustice to those voters and a betrayal of the mission of KERA. The public square must not be restricted to the wealthy, the famous and the politically connected."

Werner is correct, but probably should not expect help from most of the other candidates. Perry has a large lead, and unless his numbers start coming down, probably won't even participate in the debate. Grandma did not return calls seeking her position on this. Bell said he "believes hosts of each debate should determine who participates in their debates." Kinky is the only candidate who has come out for a free and open debate.

Kinky believes Werner should be included in the debate. Laura Stromberg, Kinky's press secretary said, "Mr. Werner is a ballot-qualified candidate, and it would only be fair to allow him to participate in debates."

KERA officials said they would decide this month whether to invite Werner to participate in the debate. Kinky is right on this issue. It is small-minded to try and exclude any candidate. If a candidate has qualified for the ballot, that should qualify the candidate for the debate.

Another Excuse To Raise Gas Prices

The oil companies were just handed another reason to raise the price of gas for everyone. It seems the oil compamy BP has shut down America's largest oilfield, because they have discovered a leak in the Alaska pipeline. This removes about 8% of the current U.S. production from the market. The company said they did not know how long the Prudhoe Bay oilfield would be shut down. In fact, they aren't even sure how long it will take to shut it down.

BP is already under investigation for a spill at Prudhoe Bay last March. The company suspects corrosion caused the leak, but said they needed to do more tests to be sure. Shutting this oilfield has already caused the price of a barrel of oil to jump by $1.53 to $74.57 a barrel. You can be sure that the costs [and more] will be coming out of our pocketbooks when we purchase gas.

These oil companies are already making over a $1000 a second in pure profit [after all expenses have been paid]. They are the kings of price-gouging, and there is absolutely no reason to believe they won't use this oilfield closing as a reason to reach even further into our pockets.

This is just getting too ridiculous. Our country needs an energy policy that will control big oil, not give it free rein as Georgie does.

Cindy Sheehan Back In Texas

Today Cindy Sheehan returned to Crawford, Texas. She, and other peace protesters have timed their demonstrations to coincide with Georgie's latest vacation at his pseudo-ranch. Sheehan has been a thorn in Georgie's side since the death of her son in Iraq. She promises to remain so until the war is over.

This time, the protesters have a 5 acre plot of land on which to gather. Sheehan purchased the land with money from her son's insurance. She bought the land through a third-party, since she knew the owners would not have sold to her. Some Crawford residents are angry that Sheehan has returned, but she says they "just need to relax a little bit and learn to live with us." Sheehan has said that when the war is over, she will give the 5 acres to the town of Crawford, where she hopes they will build a park celebrating peace.

Bravo to all the protesters in Crawford! These are the true patriots, who know that the best way to honor our soldiers is to stop killing them, and bring them home immediately.

Vote Recount Rejected In Mexican Election

The Federal Electoral Tribunal in Mexico has decided there will not be a full recount of votes in the presidential election. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and his PRD party, had asked for a recount of votes in all 130,000 polling locations. With more than 41 million votes cast, Obrador finished only 244,000 votes behind Felipe Calderon, of the ruling PAN party.

Instead of a full recount, the Tribunal has ordered 11,839 polling locations to be recounted. This is about 9% of the total vote. This partial recount will begin Wednesday, and will take about 5 days. Obrador said, "One only has to ask oneself what criteria did the tribunal use in its decision to reopen only 11,839 polling places with mathematical errors when there are 72,000 with the same characteristics."

Obrador had challenged the voting totals in about 40% of polling locations, and considers the decision to recount only 9% of the vote to be insufficient. With this decision, the flawed election of Calderon is likely to stand. Obrador, who is staying with supporters in Zocalo, Mexico City's main square, said, "We are going to continue with our movement of peaceful civil resistance. We are not going to stop - among other reasons, because we have to make democracy work."

I am disappointed by the Tribunal's decision. In an election with 41 million votes, there should be a recount when the winning margin is only 244,000. Hell, that many votes could have accidentally been miscounted in such a large election. With irregularities being claimed in 40% of polling locations, all locations should be recounted. This is the only way that Mexico's citizens can be sure the election was fair. The Tribunal is wrong. Obrador is right. A full recount of all votes is needed.

David Pillow [HD-94] Opposes Trans-Texas Corridor

This blog has supported David Pillow since the Democratic Convention a couple of months ago. David is running for the vacant seat in Texas House District #94. This seat is vacant because Kent Grusendorf was defeated in the Republican primary this year.

Recently, the Trans-Texas Corridor has become probably the biggest news in the election so far. When it did, I realized that I did not know where David Pillow stood on this vital issue. I e-mailed David's campaign, and asked him to give his position on the TTC.

It turns out that David Pillow is adamantly opposed to the building of the Trans-Texas Corridor. This is what he had to say, "I think it is an excellent example of the failure of our government to fully and fairly represent the 'People's' interest. This project is cloaked in secrecy and fraught with what seems to be insider deals. None of which serves the public interest. This is a bad deal for Texans."

I believe this issue could be the main issue in the coming campaign, as opposition to the TTC continues to grow in all parts of Texas. I'm happy to see future representative Pillow siding with the people of Texas on this issue.

David is also campaigning on other issues. He is especially interested in the education of our children, making taxes fairer for all Texans, reducing pollution & protecting the enviornment, and providing affordable health insurance. Capitol Annex did an excellent interview with David a few days ago, and I urge you to read it if you live in HD-94. I think you'll find that David Pillow is a candidate you can be proud to support.


NOTE - I also e-mailed the Democratic candidate in HD-99, Sheila Ford, to find out her position on the Trans-Texas Corridor. It has been nearly two weeks and she has not replied. I cannot find anything about the TTC on her website. Surely she is not in favor of this boondoggle. I urge Ms. Ford make her position on the TTC known. This could be a good opportunity for her, since her opponent voted FOR the TTC.

Georgie's A Reader ?

Oh my God! Does the White House really expect us to believe this? It seems that Georgie has suddenly developed an affinity for reading. Never mind that we have been told in the past that Georgie doesn't even read the newspapers. Now the White House is telling us that Georgie is taking three history books to Crawford with him, to read while on vacation. These are the books:

Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power by Robert Carwardine

Lincoln's Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural by Ronald C. White Jr.

Polio: An American Story by David M. Oshinsky

This reminds me of the loafers around the office that are always carrying a file around. They aren't actually doing any work, but the file gives the illusion that they are working. Is this what's going on with Georgie? Are the books just to give the illusion that Georgie is now interested in the ideas of others?

Personally, I think the books are just public relations props. I don't think he'll read a single one. Do you?

Vermont Court OK's 'Two Mothers' Concept

The Vermont Supreme Court issued a landmark decision friday in a case about the parental rights of gay/lesbian couples. But first, a little background.

In 2000, Lisa Miller and Janet Jenkins traveled from their home in Virginia to Vermont, where they were joined as a couple in a civil ceremony. They went back to Virginia, and in 2002, Lisa Miller had a child by an unknown sperm donor, who Janet Jenkins helped to select. When the child, Isabella, was about 4 months old, the family moved to Vermont. One year later, Miller and Jenkins split up, and Miller moved back to Virginia.

At that time, Miller decided she was no longer a lesbian, and got a Virginia court to deny parental rights to Jenkins. Friday, the Vermont Supreme Court disagreed. They ruled that Isabella has two mothers, and denied Miller's request to end Jenkin's parental rights.

Now we have two states who have decided the opposite way on the same case. Looks like this matter may well find its way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Looks like gay/lesbian parents have the same problems as other parents do when it comes to divorce. It is very easy to let anger for the other parent seep into child custody matters. Very few divorcing parents can seperate what is best for the child, from their anger and frustration with the other parent, and resort to using the child as a weapon against each other. This is just wrong - whether the parents are heterosexual or homosexual. The only reason to deny a parent's rights are for child abuse, but there is no abuse alleged in this case.

This child has had two parents for the last four years, and there is no reason to cut her off from either parent now. The Virginia court has not only denied civil rights to Jenkins, it is practicing a form of "legal abuse" toward the child.

Kinky's Stand On The Issues

There seems to be a lot of arguments going on, about just where Kinky Friedman stands on the issues. He has been called a "joke" and a "flip-flopper", and some writer's try to make it seem that Kinky doesn't even know where he stands on the issues. Well, I can't stop people from sliming Kinky and distorting his beliefs, but maybe I can clear up just where Kinky does stand on some of the issues. These are his official positions, taken from his website.

capital punishment

I have heard people say he's been on both sides of this issue and needs to make up his mind. Well, his mind is made up and here's what he believes: "Kinky is not anti-death-penalty, but he IS 'anti-the-wrong-guy-getting-executed.' Texas needs to take a serious look at the way it implements capital punishment - no one in this state wants the blood of innocent people on their hands." Maybe it's because I agree with him, but this doesn't seem too hard to understand. Society has a right to defend itself, but not with a flawed system. We need to do something about the facts that the rich get more justice than the poor, and whites get more than non-whites.

abortion

This one is pretty straightforward. "Kinky believes in a woman's right to choose." No mincing words there. Kinky is pro-choice.

gun control

If you're anti-gun, you won't like Kinky's position on this issue. Kinky believes in the Constitution. "The second amendment is every bit as important as the others. Texans have the right to keep and bear arms, as well as to hunt."

trans-texas corridor

We've discussed this one before, Kinky is very much opposed to the TTC. Here is what his website says, "Kinky is opposed to the Trans-Texas Corridor since it relies on toll road construction. He feels like the TTC is a land grab of the ugliest kind, with land being taken from hardworking ranchers and farmers in little towns and villages all over Texas. The people who will ultimately own that land are the same people who own the governor."

gay marriage

This one shouldn't surprise anyone, since Kinky has always supported the freedom of each person to live his life as he wants. His website says, "Kinky supports gay marriage and equal rights for homosexuals. He believes that the Constitution protects everyone."

school prayer

The website says, "Kinky favors optional, non-denominational prayer in school. He believes there's nothing wrong with children believing in something even if it's a rock or tree." Sounds pretty reasonable to me. Even as a non-believer, I can support this stance.

Those are Kinky's views. I agree with them. If you do also, perhaps you should consider voting for Kinky.

Hank Gilbert Or Corporate Interests - You Choose!

"If you eat, if you use gas in your car, if you wear clothes, if you breath the air or drink the water in Texas, you should care about the election for Agriculture Commissioner." Those are the words of Hank Gilbert, Democratic candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner, and he is absolutely right. It does not matter whether you live in an urban or a rural area, the Ag. Commissioner will make and implement decisions that will affect your life.

Thank goodness, we have a real choice this year. As a rancher and a businessman, Hank Gilbert truly understands Texas agriculture from both sides - that of the producers and that of the consumers. His Republican opponent is the darling of the corporate interests, and is simply using the Ag. Commissioner's office as a stepping-stone to even higher office.

This gives Texas voters a clear choice. They can vote Republican, and watch the corporations continue to rape Texas, or they can vote for Hank Gilbert, and elect an honest man who will fight for the citizens of Texas. I have met Hank, and I was very impressed. Hank is a throwback to the time when honesty, hard-work, and helping your neighbor were important values. I wish all the voters could meet Hank, and talk to him for just five minutes. If they could, Hank would win in a landslide.

Hank is also adamantly opposed to the Trans-Texas Corridor. Talking about the TTC, Hank says, "Something don't smell right. And I know what a skunk smells like in the barn. And we got a big skunk in the barn." Drop by Hank's website and read for yourself why Hank opposes the TTC. He says it better than I could. If you oppose the TTC, then Hank is your candidate.

Appeals Court Keeps DeLay On Texas Ballot

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the lower court ruling, in the attempt by the Texas Republican party to replace Tom DeLay on the November ballot. This means DeLay's name will remain on the ballot as the Republican candidate for Congress in District #22.

Judge Fortunato P. Benavides wrote the 5th Circuit Court's opinion saying, "Proof of DeLay's present residency may suggest where he will be in the future; however, it does not put the matter beyond dispute or question." The ruling means Tina Benkiser, GOP state chairman, acted unconstitutionally when she tried to replace DeLay on the ballot.

There has been no word yet, but I fully expect the Republicans to try and appeal the matter further. Probably will not succeed though. It looks like the Democrats have the law on their side in this one.

This is great for Nick Lampson. I think he probably would have won anyway, but now it looks even better. If voters do not want to vote for Lampson, they have two choices - vote for DeLay, or vote for a write-in candidate. I really don't see voters flocking back to DeLay after all he's done, and write-in candidates traditionally don't do well in Texas.

Way to go Democrats!

Thoughts On Cuba And Kansas

Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, has just undergone an operation, and the world still waits for news of his recovery. While he is incapacitated, he has turned over the reins of power to his brother. Sadly, many in this country seem to be wishing for Castro's death. I guess they have conveniently forgotten the brutal regime of Bautista, when the mafia owned Havana, and the American fruit and sugar companies owned the rest of the island.

The truth is that ordinary Cubans are much better off now than they were before Castro. All Cubans have a right to a free education. This was not true before Castro. All Cubans have a right to free medical care. This was not true before Castro.

Would I like to see more democracy in Cuba? Yes, but not the kind our country is trying to force on countries such as Iraq. We need to leave Cuba alone, and let them determine their own future on their own timetable. Our last attempt to force our view of democracy on Cuba was a disaster. The next one probably would be also. The U.S. government should stay out of Cuban affairs. The U.S. should also normalize relations with Cuba, a move that is long overdue.


Meanwhile, it looks like common sense has returned to the state of Kansas. Going into yesterday's primary, the conservative anti-evolution crowd controlled the Kansas Board of Education 6-4. That is no longer true. At least two of the anti-evolution board members have lost their bid to be re-elected, to candidates in favor of teaching good science. This changes the balance of power to 6-4 in favor of science. Well done, Kansas!

Indictments Issued In 'Agg-Townz Fights' Case

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that the young gang members responsible for the "Agg-Townz Fights" videos, have been indicted by a Tarrant County Grand Jury on charges of Engaging in Organized Crime. These guys were organizing and instigating fights so they could tape them and make money off the videos.

Still no word from the state on whether there will be charges relating to taxes and licenses.

No Longer A Victim

I spent most of today in the courthouse, waiting to testify, so I'm not feeling very political. This post is more personal in nature. Some of you may have read my post a few days ago, where I talked about getting shot in a carjacking. Well, today the trial started for the shooter. It took about four hours to pick a jury, and the actual trial started about 2:00pm.

I spent most of the afternoon waiting alone in the "Victim's Lounge". I didn't even know they had a seperate lounge for victims. But after thinking about it, it makes sense. Some victims would be helped by waiting in a seperate and safe place. It was a pretty nice place - big screen TV, computer with internet access, large comfortable chairs and sofas. If you have to wait, this was a pretty good place to do it.

Waiting alone had caused me to become pretty nervous, but that seemed to disappear as soon as I set foot in the courtroom. I felt no fear as I looked at the defendent. Things are different now. Last September, he had the gun and all the power, and left me lying in the dirt with my abdomen bleeding. He had made me a victim! Today was my turn. I had the truth and all the power, and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it.

It was really empowering to look that fool in the eye, and nail his ass to the wall. In a very real way, today was payback. And payback can be a really cold bitch. She'll be screwing with him for many, many, many years. This is where I'm supposed to tell you that I took no joy in this, but that would be a big fat lie. It gave me a great deal of joy to nail his ass.

Testifying wasn't difficult, and I probably wasn't on the stand over 30 or 40 minutes. The trial should end tomorrow or the next day. If anyone is interested, I will post what the final outcome is, as a comment to this post in a day or two. I left the courthouse feeling really good. I'm not a victim anymore. I like that.