Home of Today’s Common Sense

Published Brownsville Herald 11/9/2003
I read the response from City Attorney Jim Goza in The Herald, Sunday October 19.
I beg to differ with Attorney Goza, Brownsville is not the only International Seaport in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
The Port Isabel – San Benito Navigation District is indeed a government entity with statutory taxing authority. Perhaps the reason Attorney Goza is not aware of that fact is that, because the Port Commissioners and the Port Director, Bob Cornelison, operate the Port efficiently and have not burdened their constituents with additional taxes to this point. Read the rest of this entry »

Sent 8/23/2003
I recently attended a meeting of the South Texans for Good Government and was positively impressed with their good intentions for the community.
It appears that there is a genuine desire accompanied with considerable effort to inform themselves and the community about the political processes so that proper decisions can be made about voting and other actions to be taken with regard to the political process.
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Sent 9/6/2003 Published Brownsville Herald
Editor,What makes It really bad is that some school districts that manage their systems better, are required by the Robin Hood law to support BISD. Is it any wonder that there is pressure to find another way.
Our for-fathers had it right self reliance and capitalism work, socialism just begets worse problems because we are all not perfect.
I read the lead article in the Friday Business section with some skepticism. I must applaud the Navigation District for appreciating the public sentiment with regard to taxes, however. Read the rest of this entry »

Sent 10/19/2003 Published Brownsville Herald

I have been watching the political activities with regard to the redistricting with interest. What the major parties would have us believe with regard to the accomplishments gerrymandering of election districts has, really concerns me.
Our forefathers envisioned citizen statesmen not the professional politicians we seem to have now.
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Published Brownsville Herald 11/23/2003
Recent events such as the growing maliciousness in the campaign rhetoric we have seen recently in local elections and particularly in the California recall election, by candidates of both major parties has me very concerned.
I know few successful people that at one time or other have not made a mistake that in the cold light of “hindsight” examination would not create severe problems, or have engaged in some activity at some point in their lives, while legal might be viewed in today’s perspective as unseemly.
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Sent August 10, 2003
Editor,
I just read the article in the Sunday, August 10 issue, headed “Schools need more support” that was in response to an opinion I posted in the June 27 issue.
I am very pleased to see that my writing has evoked a sincere debate on an issue that is of the highest importance to our community. Perhaps seeing two sides will motivate folks to become more informed on what BISD is doing with our money and vote accordingly.
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Published Brownsville Herald 12/7/2003
I recently looked at some of the new 401K investment reports and was happy to note that the values had returned to previous levels. That means for many of my age group (The Baby Boomers) that had been delaying retirement, will be able to retire soon. That also means that many employers will be looking for a lot of new people to fill those positions. That also means that the increased numbers of us “Seasoned Citizens” will be demanding more and different services and products as we enjoy our golden years.
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Sent July 14, 2003
I was waiting for an appointment and picked up the July 14th issue of “The National Review” and it opened to an article describing Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He answered all the questions put to him in a way, that was applauded by all the members as being clear and straight forward. In spite of the fact that even the leading liberals in Alabama, confirm his fairness and integrity. It was reported that Sen. Charles Schumer said that he has doubts that someone with the deeply held views of Pryor, who is a Catholic, could be counted on to follow the law.
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Sent July 6, 2003
Clarification of Sunday Opinion
When I read the article entitled Focus on Teachers, Sunday July 5, I was disturbed at the statement “More money only improves the good programs and initiatives; it does not make stars out of dung.” It could be inferred that some our children are dung. “Oh, that was me that said that!” Shame on me for a lack of clarity, I am sure that some of my former students at U.T.B. are pleased to see that “Clear, concise and persuasive” can be forgotten in the passion of the subject, even by the instructor. Read the rest of this entry »