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| Carlos Cascos holding up his own sign |
In this impoverished town, it's been a long held practice for politicians to pay someone a small pittance to stand, like an inanimate signpost, holding a campaign sign outside polling places.
Today, a candidate I won't name sent me a photo of an elderly man next to his/her campaign sign with the inscription "out at the library today."
Instantly, that scene seemed very wrong to me and I responded: "Thanks. I've always respected candidates who stand themselves by their signs, not merely paying someone minimum wage to do it for them."
The candidate answered back: "I have a meeting and then I'm gonna head back by 5:30 so yes I'm still going in between back-and-forth."
It's understandable that supporters or relatives of the candidate might want to participate in that way, but it just seems wrong to me to place some random, unaware, needy person out in the Brownsville sun for hours holding a politician's campaign sign.
(Please note the photo above of Carlos Cascos, a politician noted for holding his own campaign signs.)
Back in '06 when I 1st ran for County Judge as a Republican, I campaigned by standing alone on street corners with my sign. I would stand for hours...it was humbling & tiring, but it was my way to connect with voters. It worked. The one thing I did that I don't think has been done since was to go back after winning, standing once again alone, with a sign saying thank you/gracias. We must never fail to appreciate all those that take the time to vote, regardless of political party...we are one community & we should respect all without demonizing those that may have different viewpoints or opinions...my thoughts....
ReplyDeleteCarlos is a quitter. His credibility smells.
ReplyDeleteIts interesting to note that my leaving cost taxpayers nothing. But when our local congressman quit with less than a year left on his term, to go and lobby, no one said a word & that departure did cost taxpayers money, resulting in a special election.
DeleteYes I had forgotten that he left judgeship to take state office and quit there also without saying why
ReplyDeleteI left my recently elected CJ position to serve as SOS. I did not seek the position, but I believe it gave an opportunity to promote south texas in a way that had not been done in years. The SOS position is a challenging office. I spent my time promoting Texas...not going abroad..the SOS postion is a political appt..to date, the Governor has had 6...so that position being short term is not unusual.
DeleteI did not like that he was against county arena… spoiler
ReplyDeleteThe #s didn't make sense & no one questioned my financial conclusions. In the end, I believed that the Arena as the financial #s were being presented, was not sustainable & ultimately would have cost the taxpayers...
DeleteHe is a good BSer… does carrying your own political sign make you special? Many politicians have done it. Cascos, as a leader failed. He doesn’t deserve credit for anything never did anything extraordinary. He is a good person that’s about it
ReplyDeleteI beg to differ....I can't think of anyone that did it alone, without an entourage before I did it....correct me if I'm wrong..
DeleteCan anyone provide on what "extraordinary" initiatives any one elected official as done? As CJ, we bettered our financial position, our taxes were kept in check, helped attract SpaceX, improved infrastructure, I69 was expanded, Commissioners court ran effectively, with respect & courtesies to all. As far as credit, you're absolutely right...
DeleteDisagree… we are not one community and will never be one. This is a border city with two distinct cultures .
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry, three cultures Mexican, Mexican American n Anglo American . Eating fajitas n drinking beer is the equalizer, in that we are one community
ReplyDeleteApathy! Our greatest fault- lack of interest in this region for the right to vote , is overwhelming. That why Austin n Washington ignore us
ReplyDeleteYou can’t change the fact that you are a quitter…we are not talking about other politicians we are talking about you… you still have not said specifically why you left state office
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ReplyDeleteThe problem is you are not used to be criticized and the truth hurts doesn’t it?
I take criticism all the time..it came w the job. Other than Wanting to come home & taking care of my practice, there was no other reason. Unlike most..I sign my name to my posts. There's bravery in anonymity. If u believe what u post, share your identity rather than hiding behind ur screen.
DeleteAs far as speaking about me & not others, I simply point out the hypocrisy. I am singled out while others get a pass...so be it.
ReplyDeleteWhy did you quit as the Secretary of State… you never gave explanation why you left. You were not Republican enough perhaps! Don’t give the answer that you wanted to spend more time with your family
ReplyDeleteThe SOS position, is not a long term position. As I have stated, the Governor has had 6 to date & soon to be 7, Gov Perry I believe had at least 8. So it wasn't a matter of quitting, it was a matter of the Gov wanting to appoint someone else after my 2 plus years & the General election & I knew that going in. As far as not being R enough, maybe...I am not a MAGA Republican. Leaving the CJ position was a difficult decision that I did not take lightly. However, I believed then as I believe now, it provided an opportunity to represent the State at a different level. As SOS I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish...the water debt w Mexico was brought current, the relationship w Mexico was improved, albeit, no longer today, & I was able to share the importance of the the RGV, the border & Mexico to areas of the state that were unaware of that importance. As I said, the SOS position is challenging..in my 2 years, I visited over 150 different Cities in Texas, Mexico 5 times & Canada once & gave over 200 speeches promoting our great state. One can criticize all day long, it comes with being in a political position, but I did what I believed was the right thing to do. Lastly, the Gov & I still have a good relationship & we visit from time to time...he has always endorse me when running for CJ & I continue, when asked to, introduce him at local political events. So...if nothing else...have a great day & I trust you will stay involved in our community.
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