Most Hated

The most hated team in MLB, us, has the most players on the ballot in the final voting for the MLB All Star Teams.  Our seven players are Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Michael Brantley, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Yuli Gurriel, and Martin Maldonado.  The Blue Jays, Cubbies and Dodgers have five players on the ballot.  I don’t think I am going out on a limb predicting that not a single Astro will be elected to be a starter.  Not with all the hate out there. 

My pal Harris County Constable Alan Rosen and his Precinct 1 scandal got the Chron’s kickarse journalist St. John Barned-Smith to write the most definitely the best article on the Harris County Constable system.  Here is the headline from the online story: 

Does Harris County need constables? In fallout from ‘bachelor party’ scandal, critics want to know 

It is a must read article and best ever on this issue.  It is very informative.  

Here are parts: 

Many constables’ offices elsewhere in Texas have just a few employees. But not in Harris County. For a half century, Houston-area constables have steadily accrued more power and more responsibility. Now, they occupy a position unlike any other in Texas. 

And: 

Critics say the offices are bloated and out of control, duplicating other law enforcement agencies and creating a two-tier system where wealthy neighborhoods pay for what amounts to a private security force. Defenders say constables provide badly needed backup to the region’s larger departments, while constables themselves say that because they are elected, they are more responsive to their constituents. 

And this: 

By 2002, Harris County’s constables workforce grew to more than 1,200 people, with a combined budget of $75.7 million, according to a Chronicle investigation at the time. This year, they employ more than 2,000 people, including more than 1,600 peace officers, with budgets totaling more than $213 million — just shy of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s entire patrol budget, of $246 million. 

Here is the entire read if you can access: Does Harris County need constables? In fallout from ‘bachelor party’ scandal, critics want to know (houstonchronicle.com). 

Excellent journalism.  That is why I subscribe. You should too. 

Remember yesterday when Royko said Democrats were the fractured party.  This is what Donald Trump said yesterday: 

“Now it was revealed that (Former Attorney General William) Barr was being pushed to tell lies about the election by Mitch McConnell, another beauty, who was worried about damaging the Republicans chances in the Georgia runoff.  What really damaged the Senate Republicans was allowing their races to be rigged and stolen, and worse, the American people to no longer believe their vote matters because spineless RINOs like Bill Barr and Mitch McConnell did nothing.” 

Us, fractured?  

From Tags: 

HOUSTON — First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will visit Minute Maid Park on Tuesday to tour the club’s vaccination event. The pair will also stay for the Astros-Orioles game and make an appearance on the club’s television and radio broadcasts. 

The Astros, in partnership with Houston Methodist, are giving free COVID-19 vaccinations at Minute Maid Park from 5-8 p.m. CT Tuesday in the Union Station lobby. No appointment is required and participants can get vaccinated with or without a ticket to that night’s game. The event is open to people 12 years or older (minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). 

Those who get vaccinated — the first or second dose of Pfizer will be available ­– will receive two free tickets to either the June 29 game vs. the Orioles or to one of the upcoming games vs. the Athletics (July 6-8). Additionally, participants will also receive a 2017 World Series replica ring. 

We are still giving out rings?  Hope we get a win this evening.