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Archive for May, 2009

Here’s what my good friend Edgar Colon asked (he was actually reading a question from the audience) yesterday at the Hispanic Chamber’s H-Town City Council District H Special Run-Off Election candidates’ forum yesterday: “District H is supposed to be a Hispanic district. Should it be represented by a Hispanic?”

Check out the Chron story.

Commentary figured sooner or later the Latino district thing would be discussed in the Chron, on the campaign trail, in the ‘hood, on websites, and at The Yard. Stay tuned!

Commentary found the following three Letters-to-the-Editor in today’s Chron re the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES):

“Buried story: I see the Chronicle buried the piece about Gene Green and Charlie Gonzalez voting for the disastrous Waxman-Markey bill (“‘Courageous’ Texans vote for climate bill” Page A10, Saturday). Courageous? LOL! This is very bad for the consumer. It’s just more of the global warming scam, which is only about control. But not all of us are caught up in the wave of hype and mass hysteria. We must all pray for America….Rodney Fenn, Houston”
“Support district: The America Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) will put countless numbers of Houstonians to work in new green jobs — building wind turbines, installing solar panels, weatherizing homes and laying a smart electric grid that will power our new economy. It also strives to rescue our children, grandchildren and all the generations to come from the ravages of climate change. Unfortunately, it is far weaker than it should be in this respect. As a constituent of Congressman Gene Green, I hope that he will stand up for those in his district by asking that emissions cuts be strengthened. Cuts of 35 percent to 50 percent under present levels by 2020 would be consistent with the advice of the world’s scientific community. There should be no offsets or carbon speculation, in order to reduce the possibility of “gaming” the system. And 100 percent of the pollution allowances should be auctioned, so that companies will not be allowed to pollute for free. The money raised will provide tax rebates to help defray higher energy costs for middle- and low-income homeowners, investments in and subsidies for renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, and funding for the transition of workers employed in carbon-based energy industries…Juan Parras, executive director, Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, Houston”
“Covering behind: The Democratic Congress and Obama administration are heaping praise on Congressman Gene Green for going along with climate change legislation that will no doubt substantially increase our cost of energy in the not too distant future. Green was won over by some crumbs thrown his way in the form of 2 percent of pollution permits for refiners. This is hardly a heroic stunt on the part of Green. He is merely covering his behind for the 2010 election cycle…Moises J. Garcia, Spring”

I guess that is what you call drawing three ACES.

Commentary checked out the final three contestants on the National Spelling Bee deal last night. Where in the heck do they get those words? Laodicean? My computer’s Word program doesn’t recognize it. How come on my computer I got a red line under laodicean? I nearly fell out of my chair last night when they threw out a word I had actually seen before – guayabera – that by the way my computer also underlined in red.

It turns out, Julie Luna, the wife of My Best Friend, Al Luna, went to the same elementary school as Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Julie is also from the Bronx and is of the Puerto Rican persuasion.

Here’s what Julie said: “She went to the same elementary school as I did…graduated a year before me.  I don’t remember her but my uncle who had a grocery store in the neighborhood said he remembers her.  I am going to the 40 year Blessed Sacrament School reunion and all alum are invited regardless of when they graduated.  She was sent an invite.  We know it’s highly unlikely she’ll attend but it’s pretty neat to wonder.  Regardless…I am proud of my fellow Boriqua!”

It looks like the ‘Stros front office still reads Commentary. The Chron Sports Section headline today reads: “Cooper on firm ground.” According to the Chron’s Jesus, my friend Drayton says “firing the manager is not in the cards.” Check out the article.  I’m glad Drayton, GM Wade and me are all on the same page on this as we visit PNC Park for three against the Pirates this weekend.

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“I would hope that a wise Latino Commentary with the richness of his experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a White Commentary who hasn’t lived that life.”

Speaking of, I have to say that the Lone Star State legislature has it all wrong on this red light camera stuff. Sure, it raises money for cities but I don’t have a problem if it is coming from folks that run red lights. Here in H-Town, take 20 minutes of so from your day and go sit at a busy intersection. You’ll be amazed at the number of drivers that brazenly run through red lights. I don’t understand the legislative logic (an oxymoron for sure) in telling cities they can’t set up red light cameras. I don’t understand why cities can’t use these tools to stop folks from running red lights and raising a little extra cash at the same time. If local folks have problems with this, let them vote out members of their city councils. Commentary wasn’t a fan of red light cameras at first, but now I think they serve a purpose.

The headline in today’s Chron Sports Section says: “Is it time for change?” It is a reference to showing Coop the door. I don’t think that’s the answer. I think you let the team including Coop, his coaches, GM Wade, his staff, and the players work toward figuring it out. They’ll definitely be hearing it from the fans on websites, on call in shows, and at The Yard on how bad they stink. They will either figure it out or further disintegrate. It is probably not too early for GM Wade to start engaging in trade talks with other clubs to see what is out there. When it comes to trades, everyone should be on the block including asking those players with “no trade’ clauses to consider waiving them. There are a lot of folks on the baseball side of the ‘Stros that need to step up and not just Coop. They better figure it out, or else when they give out the 10,000 Joe Green Valley Bobbleheads in early September, they’ll have enough on hand for when you get there and one when you leave – yikes!

Speaking of, the early returns are in for the MLB All-Star Voting. The Big Puma who is batting .229 is running fifth for NL First Base. ManRoid is within striking distance at starting in the NL Outfield and he’s not even playing. The Brewers’ J.J. Hardy who is batting a paltry .247 is leading for NL Shortstop. Hunter Pence, who has the 3rd best batting average (.352) in the NL, isn’t even in the Top 15 of NL Outfield vote getters. Miggy Tejada, who has the 5th best batting average (.346) in the NL, isn’t even in the Top 5 NL shortstop vote getters. Commentary thinks we need Voter IDs for MLB All-Star balloting for sure.

 

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Commentary said it first yesterday and now a whole lot of folks are saying it. The GOP needs to be real careful on how they treat Judge Sotomayor during the confirmation process or they risk further alienating Latino and Latina voters across the U.S. of A. The New York Times has a piece on it as well as the Chron as well as the Washington Post as did “The Today Show” this morning. It looks like GOPers are in a lose-lose position today. That’s A-OK with me.

The Capitol Annex fella is certainly no fan of H-Town’s Mayor. He scorched The Mayor on something The Mayor said about the Voter ID bill. Check it out.  Commentary has probably known The Mayor politically as long as anyone in the Lone Star State. I don’t agree with him on everything about how he runs H-Town, but his Dem Party cred isn’t a problemo for me.

Maybe the Capitol Annex fella can explain to me why Lone Star State Dem Lege leaders are upset that the GOP Texas House Speaker that Dems supported back in January is acting like a GOPer – huh! He’s a freaking GOPer – how did you expect him to act?

The Star-Telegram has a good piece today about bats used by the pros – maple or ash. Bats are exploding at an alarming rate and MLB has ordered a study. Check it out.

Speaking of, Commentary is missing 25 or so males in their 20s and 30s, in reasonably good shape, of Latino, African American, Anglo, and Asian persuasion, last seen wearing Brick Red, may be walking around with their arses handed to them, they could be looking dazed and confused, they go by aliases like Puma, Caballo, Miggy, and Wizard, they have been known to play baseball at the professional level, they haven’t been seen in the past week – if you happen to run into them, tell them they have a game in Cincinnati this evening.

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The President picked a Latina – Sonia Sotomayor – for the Supreme Court and Commentary loves it! It hasn’t sunk in yet though. This is why we (Latinas and Latinos) fight the fight. Days like today make it all worthwhile.

Commentary just watched her make very moving remarks after being introduced by The President.

Too often idiots will spew out of their pieholes that ethnicity of race shouldn’t matter when it comes to serving in high office. Well, it matters to Commentary because we haven’t had that many Latinos and Latinas serve in high office.

It is going to be interesting to see if the GOP right wing arseholes decide to bang on Judge Sotomayor during the confirmation process. Go on ahead and make our day and continue to lose our (Latina/Latino) votes.

This is from an AP article today about Judge Sotomayor: “In one of her most memorable rulings as federal district judge, Sotomayor essentially salvaged baseball in 1995, ruling with players over owners in a labor strike that had led to the cancellation of the World Series.” Hey, Judge Sotomayor is a South Bronx resident and lifelong Yankee fan – what did you expect? You gotta like that! Muchas gracias Mr. President!

Speaking of GOP arseholes, Jerome sent me a piece about the anti paperless folk State Rep Leo Berman saying he’s going to run for Guv of the Lone Star State. Well, if he does, he’ll take away votes from Guv Dude and maybe open the door for Hutch to sneak in.

There is an interesting piece in today’s Chron about the future of the GOP. The article looks at two GOP models – Florida and the Lone Star State.  Check it out.

H-Town CM James Rodriguez sent the following to Houston Area Latino Summit Members on Friday:

“Dear Houston Area Latino Summit Member:

“I want to thank you for continuing to express an interest in the Houston Area Latino Summit.  Many of you have inquired about our next step.  I have a suggestion/proposal and I would like your feedback.

“As you recall, at the inaugural meeting of the Houston Area Latino Summit, we discussed political empowerment, the 2010 Census, education, public safety, immigration and economic opportunity. This November, the City of Houston voters will elect a new mayor and to date, there are four candidates: Peter Brown, Gene Locke, Roy Morales, and Annise Parker. I believe the mayoral candidates should address many of the issues discussed at the Latino Summit. It is important for us to remind these candidates that today, Latinos make up over 40% of the City of Houston’s population and that it is essential to us that they address the local Latino agenda. I am proposing that the next Houston Area Latino Summit be held in July and consist of a debate on those local Latino issues discussed at the inaugural Latino Summit meeting.

“As the only Latino member of the Houston City Council, I feel I can best be helpful by getting the candidates to address our concerns. For now, it is my intention to not endorse anyone in this mayoral race. I am evaluating the feasibility of recruiting a sample of uncommitted Latino registered voters to grade the candidates on their debate performance.  Furthermore, I would also like to enlist the support, input and participation of local Latino journalists and organizations on the format this debate should have in order to have a successful mayoral debate. The Latino voter can very well determine the outcome of the mayoral election, but we must be prepared.

“Please consider helping me develop a debate format that will engage the mayoral candidates in a meaningful dialogue on these concerns. You can e-mail your suggestions to info@houstonlatinosummit.com. 

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.  I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

“Thanks,

James Rodriguez, Houston City Council Member, District I”

Stay tuned.

Commentary forgot to mention that The Lovely Wendy and James made the KissKam at The Yard this past Sunday. Meanwhile, Commentary spent yesterday afternoon watching the ‘Stros stink up Great American Ballpark….arrrrggghhhh!

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Commentary’s Uncle Jesse got some run yesterday in the Chron on a piece about veterans this Memorial Day weekend. Uncle Jesse makes it a point to try to stay involved. He’s everywhere.  Check out the story.  Way to go Uncle Jesse!

According to today’s Chron, Guv Dude’s not having a good legislative session. Apparently, members of the lege are tired of his arse.  Check it out.  Commentary is betting the voters will also tire of Dude’s arse next year.

This past Friday, a federal judge threw out Lopez v. City of Houston. That is the lawsuit filed by Vidal Martinez to force the City of H-Town to draw two more district council seats immediately. I guess it is not going to happen until 2011.

Speaking of, UH’s Dr. Murray put out his take on the H-Town City Council District H Special Election Run-off. It looks like advantage goes to Ed Gonzalez unless Maverick Welsh can make a dent in early and mail ballot voting.  Check it out.  Good luck!

The Lovely Wendy and H-Town CM James Rodriguez got their mugs in the society page in yesterday’s Chron.

The ‘Stros are not playing good baseball – period! The Big Puma is batting .225. Matsui was dropped to the 8 hole Saturday and is now batting .224. Joe Green Valley is out for a while. GM Wade says we’re going to ride it out with what we have which means don’t expect any major moves. Commentary is not giving up hope but I am definitely in pain. About the only good thing that happened at The Yard this past weekend was sitting with Dante, James, and The Lovely Wendy yesterday in Pam-In-Charge’s seats as Dante got two balls tossed to him including one by Hunter Pence. The ‘Stros are now in Cincy and I’ll check them out at noon today.

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Commentary has been watching the back and forth on the takes folks have about Congressman Gene Green and his positions on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACESA) that is working its way through Congress. Yesterday, Commentary helped put together the local Latino briefing on ACESA – about 25 folks showed up. After yesterday, I don’t think the local Latino perspective has been taken into account in the local debate. It has been about industry and jobs and absolutely nothing about the air those little Latino children breathe in those neighborhoods next to the chemical plants. Way to go!

I still haven’t seen an explanation on why his local office didn’t meet with some of the local ACESA supporters. I can understand the passion some folks have for Cong. Gene Green and want to step up to defend him. I can also understand the passion some folks have on this issue and want to hold Cong. Green accountable. What is missing is the passion for those little Latino kids that are without a doubt the biggest victims of emissions here locally.

I wonder if I can get Guv Dude to cc me when he sends a thank you note to The President for the stimulus funds that will be used to help repair Dude’s crib.

Commentary thought things were going A-OK last night then the wheels fell off. The Big Puma and Cecil Puede got thrown out of the game in the fifth inning. Our bullpen fell apart in the seventh inning. Then we choked in the ninth after getting the first two batters on base. Now the Lone Star Series and the battle for the Silver Boot begin tonight as we host the first place Rangers for three including tomorrow’s game that will air in some parts of the U.S. of A. on Fox TV. The ‘Stros hold a 25 to 23 games won edge over the Rangers but the Rangers currently hold the Silver Boot even though we split last year 3 to 3 because they scored more total runs.

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There is nothing more annoying to a major political campaign than the constant dreaded rumor. You know, the one that says things aren’t going as well as they should. We’re going through that again locally as one major campaign is being dogged by the dreaded rumor while the other two are not but they are also probably helping pass around the rumor. What is the rumor you ask? Hey, Commentary tries not to get in the business of passing around rumors other than to say that I’ve heard the rumor from four or five folks lately and I can’t tell if it is a rumor or not. Still, I’d hate to be on the receiving in of the dreaded political rumor.

Here’s what the H-Town Police Chief had to say about getting ICEd up in today’s Chron: “Immigration enforcement by local police is counterproductive to community policing efforts. It undermines the trust and cooperation of immigrant communities, could lead to charges of racial profiling, and increases our response time to urgent calls for service.”

Check out the article here.   Way to go Chief!

Speaking of, don’t forget to drop by the America Para Todos press conference today called a “Protest to Demand that the Houston Police Officers Union STOP Supporting the 287-G Program” at 11:30 am in front of the Houston Police Officers Union Building, 1600 State St here in H-Town.

“PLEASE JOIN US IN PROTESTING THE POLICE UNION POSITION TO CHANGE HPD POLICY AND ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS” said America Para Todos Executive Director Cesar Espinosa.

Commentary will be at a local Latino briefing this morning to find out the truth about the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 that will soon be debated by Congress. Meanwhile the Chron has a story today on the position on the bill by organized labor with a quote from the region’s leading environmental attorney Jim Blackburn: “Industry and unions are hand in hand, and together they make bad policy.” Check out the article. 

Commentary has always thought that most Cubbie fans were either idiots or morons. I guess the same can be said for Cardinal fans. At Wrigley, some fans are sporting T-shirts that have a fella cutting grass wearing a sombrero that says “(Albert) Pujols Mows My Lawn.” At New Busch, some fans are wearing T-Shirts that have a fella cutting grass wearing a sombrero that says “(Carlos) Zambrano Mows My Lawn.” We don’t tolerate that crap at The Yard cause folks would have to deal with Commentary, Dante, Serge, J. Dominic, and the Chron’s Jesus.

Arne the Peanut Dude is no longer with us. He entertained us for years at The Yard and also helped out the Sunshine Kids. We will miss him for sure.

Last night, I knew right off the bat that Cecil Puede had messed up big time. Bourne led off the bottom of the first with a base hit then Matsui came up to bat. The ump sent Matsui to the dugout and brought Bourne back to hit and put an out on the scoreboard. Nobody needed to explain to me that Cecil had turned in the wrong lineup card. Man, this stuff is supposed to only happen in the softball beer leagues not in the bigs. Lucky for us Wandyful was on his game so the Cecil screw-up wasn’t fatal as Roy O goes to the mound tonight.

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Commentary’s old boss, former Lone Star State Guv Mark White, was asked what he liked best about his job. His response: when the legislature is not in session. I’m reminded of this after hearing that the State Senate thinks it is OK to carry a piece on college campuses but it is not OK to ban smoking in restaurants and bars.

Meanwhile, at the Cannes Film Festival, the Lone Star State is getting bashed – what else is new – because we wouldn’t provide incentives for the filming of “Waco” because of the problems with the script – huh? Maybe Guv Dude’s Film Commission wanted that Koresh fella played by a paperless folk actor. Maybe Dude’s Film Commission wanted Janet Reno demonized and played by Jane Fonda or Lindsay Lohan. Maybe Dude’s Film Commission wanted a different ending like having the Koresh bunch at the end of the movie team up with the FBI and head down to the border and save the state from paperless trespassers.

Here’s what Commentary doesn’t understand. When we decided to go after the Al Qaida guys, what were we supposed to do when we caught them? Elected officials from all over are now saying they don’t want them in their ‘hood. What are we supposed to do with them? I bet if we said if a state agrees to house the Al Qaida prisoners, you also get to host a Super Bowl every five years – we’d have about 50 takers for sure.

Commentary doesn’t think the National GOP is ready for GOP Chair Michael Steele. Behind his back top GOP consultants are calling him irrelevant. I can’t seem to find a credible GOPer willing to stand with the fella. You just have to wonder if it is a …..thing.

H-Town Council Member James Rodriguez is now taking names for his Host Committee for his Re-Election Kick-off Reception on Wednesday, June 10 at Cielo Bistro which is located on Main Street Downtown.

About the only good thing about last night’s game was the company – Serge, Jesse, Home Plate’s Nick, John Jenkins and his steady J.C. who once did time in the Lite Guv’s office – but she’s still cool. It looks like a pretty good match up tonight as Wandy goes against Yovani – where do they get those names?

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Houston Area Latino Summit presenter Cesar Espinosa, the Executive Director of American Para Todos, an immigrant activist group, sent this out yesterday:

“PLEASE JOIN US IN PROTESTING THE POLICE UNION POSITION TO CHANGE HPD POLICY AND ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS.

“Given the events that have occurred in the recent weeks, including the opinion editorial by Houston Police Officers Union President Gary Blankinship in the Chronicle promoting the anti immigrant 287-G program,  we are planning a protest this coming Wednesday,  May 20, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Houston Police Officers Union Office located at 1600 State St.,
Houston, TX 77007. Hope to see many supporters out there. We need to address this 287-G issue head on before we have police officers asking people for their status on our streets.  It is a matter of public safety. It is a matter of keeping our families together.  Please join us.  Together we can defeat unjust actions and protect those who are hard working.  Please let other supporters know.
”What: Protest to Demand that the Houston Police Officers Union STOP Supporting the 287-G Program
When: Wednesday May 20th, 2009
Time: 11:30 a.m.

Place:  Houston Police Officers Union (1600 State St Houston, TX 77007)”

It is getting interesting for sure.

FYI – look for an important announcement from the Houston Area Latino summit real soon.

47 years ago tonight, Marylyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday to You” to President Kennedy at a Democratic Party fundraiser at Madison Square Garden even though the President’s birthday was actually on May 29. They don’t make fundraisers like that anymore.

The ‘Stros host the NL Central Division leading Brewers for three starting tonight. In case you haven’t noticed, the Central is the best division in the NL right now.

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In the Chron this past weekend there was apiece about the H-Town police chief saying he is ready to pack it in. Look for the next police chief selection to creep into the mayoral campaign.

The Chron also reported that The Mayor got rid of the airport chief. Of course, who gets to run the airport is only important to the folks that have the concession shops out there.  The voters don’t care.

H-Town Mayoral candidates Peter Brown and Gene Locke had some words about the next mayor taking over the school district. You know, I don’t think this is an issue that is a priority with voters.

We had another school close this weekend thanks to the flu. That’s three schools in Commentary’s ‘hood – I don’t know about that.

Film God Martin Scorsese is casting a flick about Old Blue Eyes called “Sinatra” and he’s looking at Johnny Depp, James Franco, Jake Gyllenhaal. Justin Timberlake, or Mark Wahlberg playing the Chairman of the Board. I wonder who gets to play Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow. Scorsese did a pretty good job depicting Howard Hughes in “Aviator” and he’ll probably score points in “Sinatra.”

The ‘Stros never have room for errors, goofs, or bonehead mistakes. It seems like at the end of the season it always comes down to one game. Saturday afternoon, it looked like the ‘Stros were goners against the Cubbies trailing 4 zip heading into the top of the ninth. The Big Puma led off with a tape measure dinger then Numero 45 had a dinger. Miggy and Pence singled and then Blum got hot by a pitch to load the bases. Pudge singled to score Miggy and Pence and the game is tied with two men on and no outs – just like that. Cecil Puede then got caught up in the moment of the excitement and let adrenalin take over. Instead of having pinch hitter Jason Michaels lay down a bunt and move the runners to second and third, he let him hit away and the result was a lazy fly out – big mistake. Kaz batted next and also flied out. Bourne walked to load the bases then The Big Puma grounded out.

In the bottom of the night, interim closer LaTroy Hawkins walked Booby Scales who was then sacrificed to second. Then Alfonso Soriano came up to bat and instead of walking him intentionally since first base was open, they pitched to him and he got a base hit to score Scales – game over….arrrrgh!

Cecil Puede was asked after the game about letting Michaels hit instead of bunting and Puede stuck by his decision saying Michael was our best pinch hitter even though he’s batting a measly .220. Cecil Puede was also asked why he didn’t walk Soriano and he stuck by his decision again saying that the next batter Ryan Theriot was a tougher out – huh! Soriano led off the season with a dinger against Roy O back on April 6 and he’s owned our arse ever since.

The Chron’s Jesus’ blog Saturday afternoon talked about Cecil Puede’s not so good moves and even had unnamed players scratching their heads. Of course, if I was Cecil Puede, I guess it is kind of hard to admit you goofed when you refuse to take your head out of your arse.

Pudge got career dinger 300 yesterday as the team takes today off and gets ready to host the division leading Brewers for an important three game series that begins tomorrow evening.

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