Scattered Thoughts: "Come Holy Spirit!", Martin Sarkis, Letty Perez-Garzoria, MMB, Maclovio Prepare for Duardo Paz-Martinez Legal Onslaught

Cardinals Vow Secrecy

Watching just a smidgen of the College of Cardinals coverage on CNN as the cardinals circled a presentation table while chanting the names of the saints, the concentration of each man in the ritual was obvious.

The hymn "Come Holy Spirit" was scheduled to be sung next, but I had to go.  I did learn that the cardinals write the name of their nominee on a piece of paper that is folded, first this way, then that and then held over the head.  The papers are collected and opened to make certain each cardinal has not voted for himself as pope.

While understanding the need for modesty, I wondered about the crisis of conscience that might occur if a cardinal genuinely felt he was God's choice, the best man for the job.  Would putting down the name of a lesser cardinal be "sinning against the Holy Spirit"?

When the votes are collected, they are counted to make certain all 115 cardinal's votes are counted.(Roger Ortiz would likely count 110, then 113 and then "find" two "lost" votes to finally total 115.)
Most American observers interviewed seem to favor the selection of a cardinal who understands some of the fundamental changes in society not yet reflected in the church.

Martin Sarkis

 The back-and-forth between BROWNSVILLE VOICE and El Rrun Rrun seems to center on whether Rosalio Rosales' currently listed address matches his voter registration.

In my brief conversation with Martin Sarkis, I got the impression that his primary concern was that Rosales submitted one address by the March 1 deadline, but then was allowed to go back March 4 and change that address.(With so much riding on filling out an accurate application, it seems candidates would take more care.)  City Secretary Estela Von Hatten informed Sarkis that Rosales had been certified despite his objections.

Bobby Wightman-Cervantes also writes in the BROWNSVILLE VOICE: 

"The consensus is Sarkis is a Martinez plant. There is no way the Chair of the Cameron County Democratic Party is tied to Sarkis campaign without the consent of Tony Martinez."

Sarkis states, that while "he can work with anyone," he is no one's puppet.  He does seem to disagree with some of what Martinez has done as mayor.  The involvement of Garza-Perez is troubling as is the closeness to the Hernandezes.  Sarkis does know how many of us who like him as a candidate feel about the ethics of those individuals.  But, as he told me a few months ago:  "I received a call from Linda Dragustinovis, telling me to defriend Jim and Nena Barton.  I told her that the only people that ever told me what to do are my parents and they have passed."  He told us that after that exchange both Linda and Erasmo defriended him on Facebook.

So, while stating clearly how we felt about certain individuals in his campaign, there was no ultimatum given.

Letty Perez-Garzoria Declares District 4 "The Gem of Brownsville"

Letty Perez-Garzoria, City Commission,
District 4 Candidate

Here are some excerpts from Ms. Perez-Garzoria's Facebook page:

District #4 has it all ? That's a big 10-4!!! All the history, all the pioneer factor, all the social diversity , not to mention the amazing Community College System since 1926 ( an Arnulfo Oliveira brainchild) , later enlarging it's capacities to include the U.T. System ! The take away from this? .. Pick any of District 4's components and you will be in touch with her cultural , her historic beginnings , and the genuine warmth and hospitality of her good people! District #4, The Gem of the City of Brownsville !!!!! Good night folks, keep us in your thoughts and please share our message with your friends and family!!! Bendiciones a todos mis amigos de fb ! "Aun hay mas" (+ Don Raul Velazco)

Also, this from her page:

Why color the peacock? It is what it is ! Early voting April 29th,, General May 11! Please vote to restore balance on the city Commission ! More of the same???? U decide !

Who are the people on the city commission who seek re-election? The Tonyites ? Gowen and Villarreal ?? We don't need titeres (puppets). We need people who will stand up for the taxpayers! Why? When did we elect leaders to go into the real estate business favoring all his (Tony) compadres? These two commissioners have been in lockstep with Martinez from the get go ? Their supporters Martinez and Hernandez? Chiguaguas .. Always an abundance of a yes man or woman ? Y nosotros los contribuyentes pagando todos sus caprichos! Se merecen re-eleccion???? Un retundante NOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Mean Mister Brownsville,
Maclovio O'Malley

Nena and I were able to grab a quick cup of coffee with Maclovio O'Malley, the acclaimed internet broadcaster at El Hueso de Fraile.    

Although smiling in the photo, the conversation got serious while considering pending legal threats from bully blogger Duardo Paz-Martinez.  In my case, I'm facing a pending lawsuit from Duardo for repeating a rumor that he was currently gainfully employed as a trailer park manager in Kyle, Texas.  

Nena reminded me that no botanist has discovered a turnip with a circulatory system and that seemed to calm me.   

Duardo is going over Cameron County tax records with a fine tooth comb.  He may soon be deputized by County Tax Assessor Tony Yzaguirre as a special tax collector.  He may not stop there.  Bobby Wightman-Cervantes may want to check the inspection sticker on his pickup and Jerry Mchale would be wise to have his union dues paid up.