Indy Texans Blog

Protesting Toll Road 121

2006-08-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

See yesterday's protest in Coppell, Texas at Perry's Celebration of the Tolling of Hwy. 121 -- the first freeway toll conversion in the state under HB 3588, the same legislation that created the Trans-Texas Corridor:

COPPELL, Texas -- Gov. Rick Perry announced on Tuesday that a plan to begin collecting tolls on state Highway 121 on Sept. 1 is being put on hold.
Perry said tolls will not be collected on the busy highway until after this fall so that the high-tech equipment used to charge drivers can be further tested.

Perry spoke Tuesday morning at Coppell Middle School while taking part in a ceremony dedicating the new highway.
Demonstrators on hand during the ceremony said they were outraged that they were now being asked to pay to use the 6-mile stretch of road.

Click on quote for full article and the video on Dallas' NBC5

pardon me guys for not being here more often. My kids are in the process of a first week back at school, airconditioning upstairs was on the frits for a good 5 days so in a few days, I hope to be more often!
Ingrid

Strayhorn Outlines Transportation Plan To TxDOT On Last Day of Comments

2006-08-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

This was yesterday's press release from the Strayhorn campaign;

Strayhorn Outlines Transportation Plan To TxDOT On Last Day of Comments
Expand Existing IH 35, Implement Ports to Plains, Telecommuting Expansion,
Appoint Inspector General over TxDOT

(Austin) – On the final day the Texas Department of Transportation accepted comment on the Trans Texas Corridor, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, Independent Candidate for Governor, today told the agency her administration will expand IH-35 using existing rights of way, implement the ports to plains initiative, expand her successful use of telecommuting and appoint an inspector general to oversee the agency and a transportation ombudsman to talk to Texans.

“This agency is not listening to the people,” Strayhorn said. “At 56 hearings over 21 days, TxDOT ignored the overwhelming majority of people who testified against the Trans Texas Catastrophe. They even went so far as to tell Texans that they could not stop this boondoggle – even if they elected a new governor.

“Well, they are dead wrong. I will blast this corridor off the bureaucratic books and replace it with a common-sense plan to address our transportation needs.

“My plan is a better approach than the Governor’s secret agreement with a company based in Madrid, Spain, to seize more than half a million acres of private Texas property and build toll roads across the state,” she said. “The Governor said if someone has a better idea then lay out that plan. Today, I am outlining a better plan – one that puts Texans first, not special interests.”

Strayhorn’s plan includes protecting Texas farm and ranch land, improving coastal evacuations, increasing capacity of existing freeways and railways, encouraging family-friendly telecommuting, and appointing an independent inspector general over TxDOT as well as an ombudsman to listen to the people.

“Texas property belongs to Texans, not foreign companies,” Strayhorn said. “To meet our transportation needs we need freeways not toll ways, and we must use existing rights of way and increase efficiency of existing roadways and ports. We must not destroy our precious farm and ranch land.”

Strayhorn testified against the Trans Texas Corridor at 14 public hearings held by the TxDOT, at which she detailed revenue sources available to the state instead of tolls. The Governor refuses to back off his Trans Texas Corridor plan, despite widespread opposition from Texans at the hearings.

“I stood with Texans from the Rio Grande Valley to the Red River who oppose the Governor’s attempt to seize land and build toll roads across Texas,” Strayhorn said. “I listened to the people of Texas and the people of Texas are overwhelmingly opposed to this $184 billion boondoggle.

“Texans deserve to hear the truth,” she said. “And the truth is much of the work to help Texans get from here to there has already been done.”

Strayhorn submitted three reports to TxDOT – their own 1999 state analysis calling for the expansion of IH 35 using existing rights of way, the Ports to Plains study that will relieve existing congestion by improving transportation from South Texas through West Texas using existing roads, and her recommendation to expand telecommuting.

“Family friendly telecommuting is up to 15 percent in my agency,” Strayhorn said. “The employees love it, it keeps folks off the road, and it works,” she said.

Strayhorn will:

· Increase capacity on IH-35 using existing rights of way without tolls and prioritize the West Texas Ports-to-Plains highway system;
· Appoint an independent inspector general and an ombudsman at TxDOT;
· Increase the use of Texas ports from Orange to Brownsville and improve rail and road systems from the coast to the interior of Texas;
· Improve and increase efficiency of the state’s rail system along existing rights of way; and
· Use telecommuting and staggered work schedules to ease traffic congestion and decrease pollution.

“Texas once had and can again have a freeway system that is the envy of the nation,” Strayhorn said. “I am adamantly opposed to any toll roads in Texas.”

Strayhorn’s transportation plan is part of her Texas First Agenda, a series of initiatives and solutions that she will be releasing in the coming weeks.

Lieberman Independent? We think not!

2006-08-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

From the national think tank CUIP.org on Joe Lieberman's so-called "independent" candidacy:

Senator Lieberman’s independent run for the Senate has nothing to do with the diverse efforts by independent activists to create genuine political alternatives to the Democrats and Republicans. Senator Lieberman is about as independent as Boss Tweed. As Fred Newman states in this week’s Talk/Talk, “What is it that you’re independent of? You’re surely not independent of the traditional Democratic Party. You’re surely not independent of George Bush. So what is it that you are independent of? I take it that what you’re attempting to be independent of is losing your job. That’s the only thing I’m certain that you’re independent of.”

Linda

Endorsement and fusion

2006-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Many candidates, of various affiliations, are starting to contact
Independent Texans to ask for our endorsement. We are both flattered and excited that the idea of "fusion" might take hold this year in
Texas. What is fusion? It is the movement, outside the parties, to
bring together independents, Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and
none-of-the-above voters to support candidates, of any persuasion,
who will support the independent's call for political reform.In this Texas election, many candidates are willing to, at least
state, their support for our political reform package we call, "Fair
Elections for Every Texan", leading with Texans' right to statewide
initiative and referendum. A non-partisan citizens redistricting
process and fair ballot access for independents is also part of the
FEET package. But no one, except Carole Keeton Strayhorn, has made
I&R, the citizen's most powerful political reform tool, a key part of
their campaign. Besides that, we believe that the Grandma is the
best (and only) positioned candidate to defeat Rick Perry. (Neither
Bell nor Kinky have the money for the huge media market in Texas.
And, we predict the Grandma will win the Oct. 6 debate.)

We take great delight in the fact that, Carole, a longtime major
party office holder (in both parties during her 30 year career), is
now taking on the two-party establishment as an independent who will,
as she says, "die an independent, but not anytime soon!".

This is why Independent Texans is focusing our limited resources this
year on the Strayhorn effort, with a few exceptions. Those few are
the people running for office -- on any party line -- who are
supporting Strayhorn at the top of the ticket. These brave
individuals (see our endorsement section for details), are telling
their party leaders that they're first priority is to help Carole
help us, the independent anti-corruption movement in Texas, take hold
-- finally! We hope to see many more candidates coming to this
conclusion. This will not simply help Carole win an election, it
will help create a totally new political environment in the 2007
legislative session. We -- office holders and voters of all
persuasions -- will have a shot at ending the caveman politics we've
seen in Texas since Perry took office. Will everything be hunky
dory? Likely not. But, we will have a new, more open environment to
get some things done and to build upon, to clean up and open up our
political process!

We at Independent Texans refuse to take the snake oil offered up by
Rick Perry -- and some on the Democratic side too -- who are saying,
"just elect me and everything will be better". Grandma's medicine to
cure our partisan ills, is our best and only real hope. We all need
to get behind her, beside her and in front of her to make this happen
-- she can't do it alone!

Wanna help -- contact me at ljcurtis@indytexans.org. Our traveling
side show may be already planning to come to your area, or you can
help us plan a trip. Hope to hear from ya and keep checking in on
our Events Calendar.

Follow Up Meetings

2006-08-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Independent Texans is part of the growing movement across the state
called "Triple R - Rout Rick's Route, aka the Trans-Texas Corridor".
We helped bring out thousands of people to the recent hearings on the
TTC-35 proposed Corridor. The papers, accurately, reported
"widespread opposition". Now, we're helping the movement organize
followup meetings in each area, to get the real answers to their
questions about the Corridor from CorridorWatch.org founder, David
Stall. Our contribution to the meeting is to talk about why Carole
Keeton "Grandma" Strayhorn is the answer in November!

Today we received complaints from two active Democrats in Colin
County who were upset that we might be turning the Corridor fight in
to an "opportunity" for Carole, by holding follow up meetings in the
towns where the 54 hearings were held. Guess the Dems still don't
get that they're supposed to be wooing us indies! Instead, they
insult Carole for "changing parties as much as she changes her
name." Nasty! Here's our response to these partisan Democrats:

"Independent Texans, the San Antonio Toll Party, the Blackland
Coalition and Citizens for a Better Waller County -- some of the
leading anti-Corridor groups, have endorsed Mrs. Strayhorn. It
wasn't even a contest. This came on the heals of working with her
for over two years on these issues. We have tested her well and she
has gotten straight A's. She has stated quite publicly, her
commitment to opening up the secret contract with CINTRA signed by
Perry over 16 months ago. She has stated, also quite publicly, that
she will refuse to sign a full development agreement with CINTRA.
What's more, she, as Comptroller, did a review of the new layer of
government implemented by HB 3588 (the same legislation that
implemented the Corridor) -- the Regional Mobility Authority, or, in
plain language the Toll Authority. She helped expose their special
interest conflicts, lack of accountability (they are unelected),
their self-enrichment schemes and even demanded that several CTRMA
members step down.

We at Independent Texans think Carole's experience in both parties
well prepares her to work with legislators on both sides of the
aisle, and, even more important, to help cure the state's partisan
ills created by two entrenched political parties. This includes what
is most important to independent voters -- cleaning up and opening up
elections. If we had more competitive elections, it would be more
difficult to shove special interest boondoggles like the Corridor,
down everyone's (regardless of our party!) throats. That the
Corridor is, by far, the largest boondoggle in the state's history,
tells us how critical the call for political reform is. You can
learn more about our "Fair Elections For Every Texan" reform package
(I&R, a non-partisan redistricting commission, and fair ballot access
for independents) that Carole is supporting in our "Endorsement"
section of our web site listed below.

As for Kinky and Bell. They both spoke at the Blackland Coalition
meeting last April, as did Carole. Blackland is a vibrant
organization of blackland farmers who are fighting to hold on to
their land and to stop the Corridor. You can watch the video of all
their talks and decide for yourself (in the "Multi-Media" section of
our web site, on the bottom). But, it was clear to those in attendance that neither
Kinky nor Bell had a grasp of the issue, and now that it's become a
major issue in this campaign, they and others are rushing to declare
their opposition. That's great -- but you have do to more than state
your opposition. Bell's position is, for us, also very problematic.
He says he wants to "take it back to the legislature". Problem is,
that's where the problem started! How about taking it back to the
people? How about refusing to sign a full development agreement with
CINTRA? How about coming out against the RMA's, or at least telling
those who have conflicts of interests, to step down? How 'bout at
least showing up at one of the hearings? Kinky nor Bell have done
any of these things. Carole has done them all.

It's become apparent to many that, due to the fact that there is no
runoff in November, it would behoove the people of Texas to unite
behind one candidate to remove Rick Perry. Let's get real. Carole
is the only candidate who has a shot of defeating Perry. That is why
every Democrat I know is voting for her. If we do what you suggest,
we run the risk of a Perry reelection and no one -- not even your
party -- wins.

Independent Texans is made up of independents and split ticket voters
seeking recognition for the growing 35% plurality of people who do
not identify with a political party. We hope you will respect our
right to support whomever we so choose. If you want to join our
cause -- we welcome you with open arms. If not, we respect your
right to do the same -- at your own meeting.
Independently yours,
Linda Curtis, founder, Independent Texans

UPDATE:
Agnes Voges of the Blackland Coalition just sent me a message to remind me that the Blackland Coalition is not made up of only blackland farmers, but other folks in suburban and urban settings.

Getting closer to November, Texas elections are getting nastier

2006-08-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

As someone who was born and raised in the Netherlands, I never got 'American politics'. As in, the obvious and not so obvious attempts to make your opponent(s)look bad by resorting in all kinds of ways of means to discredit them. Where I grew up, the journalists were the ones to report on supposed or alleged (political) misbehaviour, fraud, discrepancies etc. . True gatekeepers they were. Attacking your political opponent was frowned upon as 'bad form' and seen as immature. After all, it is in your interest to undermine your opponent's credibility, so by attacking it claiming one thing and stating how you'd be different, would make your source of information pretty suspect. Political maneuvering of the American kind as I'd call it, is part of the 'end justifies the means' idea that lives in this country. No matter what, as long as you win, that justifies it.

In this race, plenty of accusations have gone the rounds. The latest one coming from the Friedman campaign, accusing Strayhorn of using her own personnel to do her bidding for her campaign:

A letter to Earle, written by Friedman campaign general counsel Blake Rocap, said that depending on the amount of state time used, "the comptroller could face first-degree felony charges carrying with them criminal punishment of a fine not exceeding $10,000 and life in prison."

"We urge you to investigate this matter and take proper steps to ensure that no candidate misuses a public office for their personal political benefit," Rocap told Earle

Pretty dramatic and seemingly part of the process of campaigning:

Earle's policy said such complaints can wait until after the election unless there is some compelling reason to believe time is of the essence.

"This policy is intended to avoid the appearance of the criminal justice system being used for political purposes," the policy said

No doubt the Strayhorn campaign would be prepared for allegations such as this, since it would make sense to be the first thing to be accused of is using one's office for their own political advantage. With the amount of money that Strayhorn has to campaign with, mathing that of Perry practically, Bell and especially Friedman will not be able to buy any air time, other than by making statements that would give them free publicity and notice. Such is American politics, gotta love it!
We'll be keeping an eye out for the investigation, and we'll see whether this was an honest attempt at keeping the elction honest, or a political maneuver (what? never watched the West Wing or any political drama for that matter?) of an opponent nearly out of money. I sincerely hope it's the first.
---------------------------------------------------------------
NEWS ABOUT THE UPCOMING OCTOBER DEBATE

Speaking of the end justifies the means. What is the big idea of excluding Libertarian candidate James Werner from the debate? According to the Dallas Morning News;

Libertarian James Werner was not invited, debate organizers said, because he had not reached the required threshold in polls.

Pardon me but, as an Independent, I stand behind everyone's right to engage in politics, especially since James Werner is on the ballot, and ergo, has every right to be part of any debate. I don't agree with him on all points, I don't agree with all the Independent candidates on all their points (what's new, if I was American, I ought to run myself! never mind..)..the one thing independents and third/fourth, to kingdom come parties should support each other with is the right to be heard in equal measure.

Contact the Dallas Morning News and demand that they reconsider;
The Dallas Morning News is located in downtown Dallas near Reunion Arena, next door to WFAA-TV Ch. 8.
Street address: 508 Young St., Dallas, TX 75202
Main phone number: 214-977-8222

or email:letterstoeditor@dallasnews.com

Carole Strayhorn in the Austin American Statesman

2006-08-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

photograph by Duane A. Laverty
WACO TRIBUNE HERALD

Calling it the "proposed Oklahoma-to-Mexico thoroughfare", the Waco Tribune Herald noted that Carole has been busy on her own circuit of attending Texas Department of Transportation hearings speaking out against the Trans Texas Corridor:
At each meeting, she argues that an efficient highway system does not require funding from toll roads and criticizes Gov. Rick Perry for his “secret contract with a foreign company” — the U.S.-Spanish consortium that the state has approved to build and operate the $184 billion corridor, which would parallel Interstate 35. The Perry administration is now battling an attorney general’s ruling to fully disclose the contract.
For one thing, why would Perry want to prevent full disclosure if not for hiding its sell-out content? Let's keep an eye on that one.
The Austin-American Statesman noted;
Around those who hold sway at the Texas Capitol, independent gubernatorial candidate Carole Keeton Strayhorn sometimes gets shrugged off as a fast-talking party turncoat with little chance of making a strong November showing versus GOP Gov. Rick Perry.
Yet the second-term state comptroller, who outpolled all state office-seekers by drawing 2.8 million votes in 2002, might retain substantial appeal among folks whose lives do not turn on the vinegary tit for tat that plays out near the pink dome.

Well, at least no one has criticized her clothes! Ah, politics, you gotta love it.

Campaign 2006, Washington Post analysis

2006-07-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post's analysis of the Texas Governor's race comes to this conclusion:

...Friedman has garnered state and nation-wide attention for his candidacy and Perry has the advantage of the incumbency in raising publicity, but Strayhorn, and especially Bell, have suffered from lack of name recognition. However, Strayhorn is the only other candidate besides Gov. Perry to raise over a million dollars in campaign contributions, which is a key factor in a huge state like Texas. Perry should be reelected easily enough in November, but with such a host of unique alternatives Election Day should be interesting nonetheless.

(emphasis added by yours truly) Click HERE for the full story, including info on all the candidates, Texas demographic data and previous election results in Texas.

So how can we prevent another win for Perry? Do you think it's still worthwhile spending millions and millions of dollars knowing full well the chances are slim for winning? What could provide the tipping point? How to get more votes and how many more votes than Perry would Strayhorn need? Is this a matter of getting people registered to vote who normally wouldn't? What?

Ingrid

A Representative Government, Part II

2006-07-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Hankster: NATIONAL: Independent voters need to demand full debate on the war and US foreign policy . This post at The Hankster inspires me to finish what I started in my previous post. I am an independent, moderate liberal. I generally don't trust Democrats or Republicans, and I'll explain my feelings on that. Both parties are beholding more and more every day to their individual special interests, and beholding more and more to the corporate dollar. So who do they answer to under these circumstances? It obviously isn't us. Both sides are out of touch, many of them rarely set foot in the districts that elected them (except when they're running for office); so that the only feedback they're getting is from each other, just like two football teams huddled opposite one another, getting ready to battle to win, not to represent us.
Half of all Democrats don't know what they stand for. Another high percentage of them know what they stand for but don't have the guts to stand up and fight for it. So yes, in many ways it's a party of flipfloppers, good intentions or not. Yes, there are those Democrats I don't agree with ideologically.
Half of all Republicans know what they stand for but don't believe in what they stand for...they're just being politically expedient; thus, in my opinion, the ever-increasing shift further right. Most of the rest I simply don't agree with ideologically and feel they're not open minded enough to ever think they could be wrong. Remember the old adage: There's your truth, my truth and the truth.
Both parties are out of touch with mainstream America. They've pushed each other further and further in opposite directions. They also seem more and more intent on telling the American public what the other half thinks and not taking the effort to understand how we all think. So I'll be supporting even more independents than usual. We have to show the two comfortable, entrenched, out-of-touch parties that they can't take our votes for granted any longer. We need politicians who are accountable to us, the citizens, and us only.
Also keep in mind that you should vote for the person who will represent you and your district the best, that Independents with a capital I can be no different than capital D's and R's. Please read a great article on being a true independent.
So while I think now is the time for independents to seize the day, we must always be informed and vote for the best candidate for US.

Zeb, Inside Zebster

Linda Curtis KOOP radio interview

2006-07-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am a bit late with this so hopefully some people can still squeek this in;
Linda Curtis is going to be interviewed today, Wednesday July 26th, on 'The Right of Way' which is an alternative transportation discussion on KOOP Radio, 91.7FM. Dick Kallerman hosts.
Here is KOOP's info;
Right of Way
Alternative Transportation Discussion
Wednesdays, 12:00 noon - 12:30 p.m.

Host: Dick Kallerman

The Right of Way is a program for alternative forms of transportation, and energy supply, particularly petroleum. We broadcast news, opinion and interviews. Dick Kallerman is the programmer and Roger Baker is a regular member of the broadcast team. Guests are experts in bicycling, walking, passenger rail, buses, etc. We endorse all means of transportation except the single occupant vehicle.

Dick Kallerman can be reached at 444-1326 and cedartex@aol.com.

Please also see www.easystreetrecumbants.com and www.lightrailnow.org.

Hot Off The Press...Strayhorn Calls For Clean Energy

2006-07-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today, the Strayhorn campaign issued this press release;

STRAYHORN CALLS FOR CLEAN ENERGY FOR TEXANS, OPPOSES FAST-TRACKED ‘DIRTY’ COAL PLANTS

Will Reverse Perry’s Order

(DALLAS) -- Texas Independent Candidate for Governor Carole Keeton Strayhorn today said she will change the state’s permitting process in order to fight air pollution and announced her opposition to “dirty” coal-fired power plants that Gov. Rick Perry ordered fast-tracked through the permitting system.

“We first need to look to clean burning natural gas, wind energy, other renewables and energy conservation using the latest technology to meet our electricity needs,” Strayhorn said. “I will reverse this governor’s executive order, order a review of any final permit issued, appoint a clean air advocate to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and fight for clean energy using the latest technology to reduce pollution.”

“In this 21st Century, Texans don’t want or need more outdated polluting coal plants crammed down our throats by Rick Perry,” Strayhorn said.

Last October, Gov. Perry issued an executive order expediting plant permits for TXU Corp. and others. The utility company is racing to build 11 big coal-fired power plants impacting air quality most in Dallas and Waco.

Click on quote for the full press release.
Furthermore, here is Carole, giving a speech at the Forth Worth Trans Texas Catastrophe hearing. Instead of doing all the press ops that Kinky has been doing, Carole is actually going around to important meetings to be heard and seen and focussing the media's attention where it should be; on the issue, not on her personality. 'Grandma or not!
Ingrid

The importance of money

2006-07-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

This is from a blog from mysanantonio.com , Peggy Fikac to be precise. I don't really know why newspaper or newpaper type outlets have blogs as they seem to be just another way to report on something rather than it being a personalized site but..that's perhaps just me. Peggy reports from her Austin Bureau on the campaign finances so far;

Republican Gov. Rick Perry reported having more than $10 million cash on hand today.

Democratic challenger Chris Bell reported having $654,501.62.

Perry reported raising $4.7 million since the last reporting period in January, while Bell reported raising $1.6 million. Cash on hand is a running tally of how much campaigns have in the bank.

Libertarian candidate for governor James Werner, responding to an inquiry about the money he has raised, quipped, "I hope you have a big sheet of paper to accommodate all the zeros."

He reported $1,330.38 cash on hand.

Stay tuned for reports from independents Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Kinky Friedman.

The reports due today cover campaign activity for the first six months of the year.

UPDATE: Strayhorn reported more than $8 million cash on hand as of June 30. She raised more than $3 million during the first six months of the year.

Click on the text for more of Peggy.
So..how do you think the money should be used or how do you think it is being used?

Ingrid

Representative Government

2006-07-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hello, Indy Texans. My name is Zeb and I'm an independent from Maine. Ingrid requested that I come over as a guest blogger. She and Linda are doing a great job here. My blog can be found here, Inside Zebster, where I write about independent issues, social and political issues.

Following is a piece I wrote several weeks ago that I feel represents what many of us want in our government and what we, especially as independents, can do to help put government more back into our hands. I hope you enjoy it. If so, I'll be more than happy to post the second part of it later. Thanks for having me.

We all can make a difference, one person at a time, an increasingly louder drum beat of involved, informed citizens who demand again a representative government. Our elected officials will not change unless we make them change. We all have to get involved and stay involved...let them know we will no longer tolerate anything short of accountability.
What can you do? Most importantly we must be informed, informed regarding the issues and informed regarding how those we elect vote on those issues and why they vote the way they do. You can write editorials in your local newspaper; you can call politician's offices; you can even blog. But most importantly you must vote, and don't throw away your vote because you always vote for your party or your total source of information is through political ads. Be informed, be involved.
Let's get together, red and blue and purple, and have some civilized discourse regarding the issues. Politicians know if they can polarize us, they can conquer us. The left and right are much closer on most issues than they realize; but our elected officials have been successful in making us think the other side is crazy and irrational...that every Democrat believes in the radical left and every Republican believes in the radical right. Actually, the vast majority of us are moderates and centrists. So let's open the channels of communication amongst ourselves; let's cut out the middle man who's telling us what the other side thinks.
Did you know the reelection rate in this country hovers around 98%?! How is that possible? One reason is due to the shameless reorganizing and gerrymandering of districts so that in all but the most rural states each district is heavily red or heavily blue. Also, all the special interest money, be it corporate or social or what have you, knows that statistic and will put their money being the incumbent. Let's show them this fall what a waste of money that was; that the power of an informed citizenry is stronger than special interest money.
We are to blame for the current state of our government. We haven't been involved; we haven't been informed; we haven't demanded change; we've voted party lines over and over again regardless of the issues; we've listened to and believed the clever sound bites that roar from both sides of the aisle. Politicians, political parties and organizations, election experts all know how to feed on our fears, on our herd mentality, on our laziness and that we are a sound-bite, knee-jerk, rush-to-pick-sides public.
So look around at the scandalous activities on both sides of the aisle. It's a feeding frenzy of greed, ego and comfortability. I hope we're proud of ourselves...we allowed this to happen. And we will send a message loud and clear that we don't mind these activities, that in fact we support them if we don't get involved and do something about it.

Zeb

government politics citizens independent vote

This is why the Republicans do not want Initiative in Texas

2006-07-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Read up on how proposition 106 in Arizona amended Arizona's Constitution which led to the redrawing of AZ's legislative and Congressional districts by way of a five member commission of balanced appointments; 2 Republicans, 2 Democrats and 1 Independent.

ARIZONA INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE

Politicians who like independent redistricting

Other states with independent commissions

Read the commentary on Texas' redistricting decision in the Indiana Law Blog

Ingrid

Kinky Friedman in Newsweek

2006-07-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

Picture from CMT

Regardless of official endorsements, we are all Independents. So without further ado, here is a brief excerpt of Newsweek article on Kinky;

Friedman claims he's in the race because he needs the closet space, but the idea to run came after a near-death experience in Cabo San Lucas a few summers ago. Swept to sea by a wave, Kinky ended up stranded on a jagged cliff for more than 24 hours with nothing but a soggy cigar. His friends thought he had faked his own death, but Friedman had an epiphany. "I had achieved a lot of my dreams," he says in a serious tone. "And I decided that I wanted to see younger Texans have the chance to achieve their dreams, just like I did."

The still "lacking voter's rights"

2006-07-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article by Wade Anderson. He is the executive director of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.
Excerpt:
Two weeks ago, when the House was set to vote on renewal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and extend coverage of three key protections, a small band of Republican obstructionist derailed the process.
This surprised many who recall the rare bicameral, bipartisan introduction of the bill to renew the law in May.

The handful of renegades—like Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Georgia—are from states that continue to have the most egregious voting rights violations. That these representatives bucked both their party leadership and President Bush over renewal, highlights the weakened stance of House leadership and the recalcitrancy of these members.
But you don’t have to look far back in history to uncover the legacy of disenfranchisement they stand for and the challenge they present to the Republican leadership as the House again schedules a vote on the bill today.

Click HERE for the full article.
Ingrid

Carole Strayhorn receives endorsement

2006-07-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

It's official;

The Blackland Coalition political action committee picked Strayhorn — a former Austin mayor, former Democrat and now former Republican running as an independent — over Democrat Chris Bell and independent Kinky Friedman. All three appeared at a well-attended coalition event in March near Temple to ask for the group's support

Click HERE to read it in full.

Ingrid

Perry Re-elected?

2006-07-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

Predictions have been made that the GOP voters will again outnumber the Democrats and anyone else vying for Perry's job as Governor. Here is an excerpt of W GARDNER SELBY's commentary in the Statesman;

Political professionals see GOP Gov. Rick Perry sitting pretty in the aftermath of the spring special session promising cuts in property taxes for higher state taxes.

Republican operative Bryan Eppstein, who is not part of Perry's inner circle, cites voter turnouts and election results since 1988 as indicators that the gubernatorial election is over: Perry wins.

History says that GOP voters solidly outnumber Democrats and that more voters align with the parties than with independents. Barring a seismic surge in turnout (which reached a piddling 36 percent four years ago), the Dept. of Conventional Expectations advises Perry to plan his inauguration.

Eppstein skipped one stone toward Perry's challengers: "Don't spend any of your personal money" on the campaign.

Click on the quote for reading the full commentary.

It sounds like the same old story ... what is your response to that? Do Independents back a potentially winnable candidate or do we focus on getting people to vote who normally wouldn't? How can we as Independents make a difference for real, not just as an intellectual exercise.

One tough Grandma indeed!

2006-07-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Carole Keeton Strayhorn spoke out several months ago against the Trans Texas Corridor. See the video and see why people last night in Denton got equally excited to hear her speak!

Read Linda's latest report on what's been going on;

The Grandma spoke at the Corridor hearing in Denton last night to a crowd of about 250 and practically brought the house down. It's exciting to see a statewide elected official and gubernatorial candidate who will call Guv Goodhair on his public "tellings", as she calls it, since TxDOT and company still think they can tell us to lay back and just accept their boondoggle.

Dems, Repubs, Libs, Greens and indys are showing up to share their disgust and to see what we can do together. That's most exciting to us at Indy Texans - as a "fusion" outfit of split ticket voters.

While Grandma was beating the drum in Denton, I was at the hearing in Bonham, a small city of 10,000, and joined by Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin, who had been sent there by the Save Our County folks in Gainesville. SOC is part of our growing statewide coalition called "Triple R - Rout Rick's Route, aka the Trans-Texas Corridor". Farmers and ranchers were very upset that this huge project was going to greatly impact on their way of life. When I spoke about how the Governor and legislature placed Prop 15 -- the Texas Mobility Fund -- on the ballot in 2001, no where in the language was there anything about the Trans-Texas Corridor, yet TxDOT now cites its passage as their mandate to build the super-NAFTA highway -- folks practically jumped out of their chairs. Clear ballot language is required in many other states. These are the kinds of reforms that we can win through statewide I&R -- the mother of all reforms. 2/3 of the audience came to sign up with me to join our movement, including several grandma's who were the most vocal and wanting to work for Guv Grandma!

It's going to take a unified movement to reroute Rick and enact I&R. Grandmas and grandkids of the world unite!

New look and some changes

2006-07-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am Ingrid and I will be the main volunteer for the next three months at the Indytexans blog. I know there are many existing volunteers at the Independent Texans organization, but I have not had the pleasure of meeting any of you yet. I know we are dispersed throughout the great state of Texas, and are equally passionate about common denominator issues, inspite of our political differences. As someone who was born and raised in the Netherlands, I was used to seeing a multi-party system. When I first emigrated to Canada, and then later to the U.S., I always felt left out and that I could never ever belong to either the Democrat or the Republican party. To me, the fact that anyone was supposed to toe the party line was just unacceptable to me. I guess I am not a follower by nature, and I am not saying that out of bravura either. "I can't help it, I'm just drawn that way"!

It's going to be busy until November. I hope that this blog will become a venue to discuss and naturally, to agree to disagree. I or Linda will keep you posted and check back to see what else we have in store. Short of IM'ing, this is the place where we can keep each other posted on the goings on in their part of the state. Our eyes are on you!

Props 1 & 2 Debate at St. Edwards

2006-05-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Austin Folks: If you're confused about Props 1 & 2 (Online Open Govt.) and (protection of the aquifer & the springs), you can watch the debate on our website click here. By the way, the folks trying to stop these citizen's initiatives are -- in most cases -- on the take from the developers who stand to gain from their defeat. Surprise, surprise! We need you to get the message to your friends and neighbors.

See you at the polls on Saturday, 7 to 7. Got an hour or two (or more) to volunteer? Call me -- Linda Curtis, founder, Independent Texans, 512-657-2089. (Thanks to Dan Rigney for filming and editing the debate.)

Blackland Coalition Campaign Stop a Success!

2006-05-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

View video segments of the wildly successful Blackland Coalition campaign stop for the candidates running for Governor of Texas held at Seaton Hall, just outside of Temple, Texas on Friday, March 23rd, 2006.

Blackland is a great organization. It started in April 2005, founded by ranchers and farmers who farm in the richest Texas farm soil (the blacklands). This meeting was attended by about 1,200 folks who are up in arms about the 8,000 mile, $187 billion NAFTA toll road corridor (The Trans Texas Corridor) which will result in the taking of 1 million acres of Texas farm and ranchland – and, without a vote of the people! (Visit BlacklandCoalition.org and CorridorWatch.org web sites for more information on the TTC.)

The candidates spoke in the following order: Independent candidate Carole Keeton Strayhorn, independent Kinky Friedman and Democratic nominee, Chris Bell. Governor Rick Perry, who negotiated the 8,000 mile Trans Texas NAFTA Toll Road Corridor in secret with a foreign company for profit - (CINTRA) - not surprisingly, refused to attend this first opportunity for Texans to see all the candidates in one forum.

I was given an opportunity to speak at the end of the forum. I pointed out how all three candidates are good folks, and as Ross Perot once said, “we have good people running in a bad system”. I shared with people my “biased opinion” as to why I am supporting Carole Keeton Strayhorn — although this organization, Independent Texans has not yet endorsed and all members will have the opportunity to vote on the endorsement after the petition drives are done. And, all of us are “Kinky” fans and many are actively supporting the Kinkster.

Watch all these videos — Carole, Kinky and even Chris Bell are VERY funny. A suggestion as you’re watching — who, do you think, not simply understands the issues, who not only is taking action for the fundamental political reforms needed in this state (starting with statewide initiative and referendum), but, most important is positioned to help us win recogntion for and to unleash the power of the state’s 35% (4 million) independent, non-aligned voters! Then, send me a note or call me and we’ll talk about how you can join the army to take back Texas, y’all! — Linda Curtis, founder Independent Texans, ljcurtis@indytexans.org. (Thanks to Dan Rigney for taping for us!)