Will Brownsville Enter the Space Age with a Launch Pad Near Boca Chica?

As I listened somewhat mesmerized to Gilbert Salinas of the Brownsville Economic Development Corporation pitch the SpaceX concept to the City Commission on 5/1/12, it occurred to me that the young man's eyebrows formed a nearly perfect upside down "V" when he raised them, nearly duplicating the Spock character of Star Trek(Check out the video elsewhere on this blog if you don't believe me).  It's one of life's unexplainable synchronicities that likely means nothing unless the reincarnation of Gene Roddenberry comes to south Texas to do a remake of Star Trek.

     While we're appropriately skeptical and hesitant about any large project hyped in Brownsville because our inept AND corrupt politicians have in recent years flushed $60,000,000 of taxpayer money down the toilet bowl with the imaginary Port of Brownsville bridge, the Weir Project and Titan Tire, this deal may actually be real and impactful.  For one thing, the FAA is already authorizing preparation of an environmental impact statement.  For another thing, Space Exploration Technology or SpaceX has lined up 3 billion dollars worth of business and needs more launch sites.  Elon Musk, founder of PayPal and now, SpaceX  does not need Port of Brownsville officials to whisper sweet nothings in his ear over a $1600 meal.  He found Brownsville.  We did not find him.  Salinas readily admits that, stating that the proposal was filtered down through the State of Texas.  "We (BEDC) have a good relationship with the State of Texas."  Well, duh.  We would hope so.  

     With the environmental study on the way and a city meeting scheduled at ITEC on May 15, Salinas suggests we "choose our words carefully."  He intimates that 10 years ago a tiny town in New Mexico outhustled us for a similar setup.  Even Cape Canaveral could have been near Brownsville if everything had fallen into place.  

     The numbers are glossy:  $71,000,000 annual impact to the local economy with 50 million of that being in salary.  There is a bit of tourism associated with these projected once-a-month launches.  Salinas mentioned 7,000-10,000 visitors to observe each launch, a modest number compared to Canaveral's 40,000.   Salaries are described as starting at a $55,000 minimum.(I cornered Commissioner Estela Chavez at an event.  She said that the precedent at Cape Canaveral was for these jobs to initially be filled by move-ins, but down the line, as we got a more prepared work force to be filled locally.  BTW, she also stated that Boca Chica Beach would be  shut down for 4 hours once a month for the launches.)  

     Why Brownsville?  First and foremost, geographical location.  The closer to the equator, the easier the launch.  Go ask Tom Robinson at the Southmost library for the physics involved.  Tell him I sent you.  In a quick nutshell, the earth's rotation speed is fastest at the equator.  The rockets are launched east with the earth spinning at about 1,000 miles per hour in the other direction so it's like being flipped off of a sling shot.  Musk might have considered going further south but the Zeta and Gulf cartels do not make good neighbors.  Actually, in all seriousness, it has to be on U.S. soil, the further south the better.  As you know, Brownsville is the southernmost city in the continental U.S.  The missiles are aimed over water where so no population is affected.  Perfect aim splits the difference between CONUS and Cuba.  CONUS is a fancy name for continental United States.  When you go to Garcia's in Matamoros you're technically leaving CONUS.  

The area currently being scrutinized is near the dunes off Boca Chica and is accessed by the two-lane Highway 4.   SpaceX requires a 5 acre footprint inside a 50 acre buffer zone.  Residents within 2 miles of the proposed site approached by a Brownsville Herald reporter are not exactly thrilled with the prospect of a launch pad that close to their homes, although they understand the need for jobs and development.  

     So, I guess, we need to get our respectful questions ready for the May 15 meeting at ITEC and not act like a bunch of Neanderthals and chase this golden goose away.  

Filemon Vela Employs Heritage In Congressional Kickoff

Spotting his District 34 opponents a 60 day head start with his late announcement for the congressional race, Filemon Vela summoned a base of support rooted in his family's half century legacy of public service. The Longhorn Cattle Company Barbeque of San Benito reached capacity in both it's front and "back 40" with a hundred or so more outside.

Using a slide clicker to chronicle the character and servitude of both the Vela and Sanchez sides of his family, Vela traced his family's service back to the 50's. Many of those seated around Nena and I seemed to identify with the Vela's forebears including Filemon Vela, Sr., Blanca Vela and Mr. and Mrs. Moises Vela.

In sort of a Clintonesque throwback, Vela introduced his wife Rose, who serves as Justice in the 13th Court of Appeals.  Vela, like the former president, said, with he and his wife, "you get two for one".  Of course, for many in the audience, their thoughts drifted toward the late Filemon B. Vela,  the former judge.

Vela's voice seemed to break a bit as he talked about his father's work ethic and devotion to the community.  Vela may not be a natural politician or public speaker, but his appeal to his family's heritage in public service did seem to touch some in the audience as they visibly fought back tears.  While very few specifics were given, Vela spoke of "giving this region a voice in Washington" and "shaking things up".

Why John Villarreal Acted in Bad Faith At Linear Park

Planet Earth somehow survived John Villarreal Day at Linear Park on Saturday. John's reviews were mixed for his efforts to prevent Mary Helen Flores from handing out printouts citing the Election Code, naming those on the Election Commission and offering $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of perpetrators of voter fraud. Interestingly, many on Facebook, whose comments were linked to their names, were supportive of Villarreal, whereas the anonymous comments on this blog were almost unanimously negative.

Some commenters were curious as to why the City Commission's "Mr. Milquetoast" suddenly became assertive, alert and take-charge in contrast to his typically docile demeanor on Brownsville's City Commission. Taxes have been raised, first responder's contracts terminated and pushing matches in the halls have transpired at 10th & Elizabeth with Mr. Villarreal nearly expressionless and always commentless. The answer lies in between the words of John's own chronicling of the Earth Day debacle:

JOHN VILLARREAL'S STATEMENT

"Just got back from Earth Day at Linear Park. I was pleased to see such a great turnout. Kids running around, live music, and great food. On another note, I was very much disturbed to see a booth set up for political purposes. This is a public event in a public park paid by you, the citizens, not candidates running for office. This so-called advocacy group is the same one that made me sign an agreement stating I would not hire politiqueras. I did not need an agreement but I accepted since the "purpose" was aligned with my values in running a fair campaign. This same advocacy group decided to endorse my opponent and guess what? In the end, my opponent obtained 97 mail-n votes while I only had 10. You tell me who used politiqueras. Please beware of these groups as they are clearly hired by candidates to bad mouth their opponents. Also, please let this group, and others for that matter, know that you want your tax payer dollars spent on public events and not to provide them with a venue to distribute their junk. Thanks- John Villarreal"

JOHN REVEALS HIS MOTIVATION WITH HIS OWN WORDS

Please notice in John's statement above that he recognized this woman, Mary Helen Flores, as someone who supported his opponent, Tony Zavaleta, in the last election. His interaction with her was fueled by political spite, not the appropriate demeanor for a public official to direct toward a constituent. John would likely not have even noticed the small table with a stack of handouts, stationed among other vendors, had he not noticed her, Mary Helen Flores, someone he instantly recognized as a supporter of his commissioner race opponent.

The irony is that last May 29 Nena and I stood all day in Washington Park, holding signs, handing out push cards and talking to passersby about John Villarreal. Imagine if Tony Zavaleta had won that election and a year later spotted Nena and I talking about voter abuse or diabetes awareness and became enraged? My point is that John's motivation in this incident was wrong as he was the one politicizing the situation. Otherwise, why even mention the last election? He did because that is what set him off.

Do you want to live in a country where public officials deal with you based on who you voted for or supported in the last election? Would you feel comfortable appearing before a judge who took note of you as a supporter of his opponent in the last judicial election? That is why the way John handled this situation is fundamentally wrong regardless of who is technically right in the matter.

Please also take note that Villarreal referred to the materials Flores was handing out as "junk". That illustrates his disdain for the distributor of the materials, not the actual content of those materials he never read. John would not refer to his campaign materials or even the barbacoa he sells in that way. John's characterization of Flores' handouts in a derogatory way shows that he lost his composure, allowing personal animosity based on politics, to override the dignity he should display and normally displays as an elected official.

JOHN'S MISREPRESENTATION OF THE HANDOUTS

John also mispresents what Flores was handing out with these words:

"I was very much disturbed to see a booth set up for political purposes. This is a public event in a public park paid by you, the citizens, not candidates running for office."

Incorrect. The materials, which observers said John did not read, did not support any candidate. They deal with facts relative to the election code and voter abuse. Again, the only one politicizing this event was John Villarreal.

The silver lining in all of this may be that Citizens Against Voter Abuse, CAVA, likely received considerably more publicity than imagined thanks to Commissioner John Villarreal.

Local 970 Firefighter/Paramedics Union Endorses Yolanda Begum for Justice of the Peace, 2-2

"To whom it may concern,The B.U.C. Is not endorsing in the JP Pct. 2-2 race. However under B.U.C. rule if the Unions do not come to a unanimous consensus each Union is free to choose their candidate of choice. Good Luck to all the candidates.That said,Congratulations Ms. Yolanda Begum you have The Endorsement from Brownsville Firefighters /Paramedics Local 970 for Justice of the peace Pct. 2-2"

Adela Garza, Jessica Puente Bradshaw Videos~Republican Forum

The moderator's questions were unintelligible, so, generally, we have recorded responses only:

The Haven Finally Ready for Grand Opening New Years Eve

by Jim Barton on Monday, December 26, 2011 at 7:03pm

  

     After 18 months of remodeling "The Haven" at 1237 E. Adams is ready for Grand Opening on New Years Eve.  Ironicially, owner Juan Kenigstein, who has literally breathed life into the building by redoing "everything," holds a degree in thanatology, a field of study involving the mechanisms and forensics of death.  The meticulously dressed Kenigstein is not bitter with the city for the many challenges of bringing the building into compliance.  "I'm not a fighter.  I simply did my best to comply with all of the codes and regulations.  By the time remodeling was finished, some certificates had to be renewed.  City officials have mentioned the possibility of reimbursement, which would be nice."


     Mr. Kenigstein does not view the other clubs already operating or planned to be competition.  "We all have our individual clientele.   We may not have the same customers or ambience as the Bora Bora.  We view all of the clubs collectively as sort of a brotherhood.  If another club owner needs something and we can supply it, we're happy to help."

     The building itself seats 99 by regulation. with attractive tile flooring, dance floor and stage.  A beautiful bar with glass accents offers mixed drinks, wine and beer.

     The bar is currently decorated to usher in 2012 which some interpretations of the Mayan calendar hint may be our final year on Earth.  Mr. Kenigstein and his patrons hope that prophecy is not fulfilled literally.

Fake "Doctor" Named BISD Board President in Reshuffling of Officers

 

by Jim Barton on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 9:19pm

     Enrique Escobedo, pictured above with convicted R.I.C.O. felon Carlos Quintanilla, was named Board President in by the school board in their December 6 meeting.  Many feel that both men were extremely instrumental in dismissing the school district's 14.3 million dollar suit against HealthSmart for overcharges during a two year period.   Others named as officers include Lucy Longoria as Vice President, Dr. Christinia Saavedra as Secretary and Cata Presas-Garcia as Assistant Secretary.  Those four typically vote as a block and are sometimes referred to as the "Majority Four".  Three trustees did not get selected as officers:  Joe Colunga, Rolando Aguilar and Minerva Pena.
     Escobedo is no stranger to controversy.  During the last election the Brownsville Herald exposed his claim to credentials as a doctor as fraudulent.  Even after this exposure, Escobedo continued to print campaign materials, file campaign reports and publish a website, all of which referred to him as "Dr. Escobedo".  Escobedo maintained that he received a medical doctor degree from Universidad del Noreste in Tampico, but the school denies that.

Con Artist Quintanilla Threatens Local Blogger

 

by Jim Barton on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 6:55pm

     According to the blog Downtown Browntown, Carlos Quintanilla sent this message to the blog's publisher, Jerry Mchale:
  ""While I find your blog amusing and informative, I categorically reject the continued slander and defamation you use towards me. Your latest reference to me as a flim-flam man is slanderous and libel per se. You are being advised that any future postings on your blog referring to me in a slanderous and defamatory manner will leave me no recourse but to file civil actions against you and file a complaint against you in your capacity at BISD for slander and defamation with reference to business relations. I am also making a demand that you delete your offensive reference to me as a flim-flam man. I am sure that there are many in Brownsville who fit that description."


     Threats issued by Quintanilla are nothing new.  As you may know, Mary S. Rey has a son currently incarcerated, charged with murder.   Mary played tapes for us where Quintanilla threatened to go to the victim's family, guiding them in pursuing the harshest penalty should her son be convicted.  Quintanilla threatened me with a lawsuit when I referred to him as a con artist during the Fly Frontera fiasco.
     But Quintanilla is on shaky legal ground here with Mchale.  Defamation and slander typically require a statement to be malicious and false.  Is it incorrect to refer to Quintanilla as a flim flam man or con artist?   The U.S. judicial system has declared Quintanilla GUILTY  of racketeering with a R.I.C.O. felony conviction involving his attempted $700,000 kickback scheme to defraud the G. Heileman Brewing Company.  Since a kickback scheme involves lying, deception and a con, Quintanilla is a convicted liar and con artist.  Calling him a flim flam man is a gross understatement.  Notice that Mchale held back from reporting what was alleged by several during the Fly Frontera fiasco:  that Quintanilla was $85,000 arrears in child support, had bounced $12,000 in hot checks, had numerous liens on his property for non-payment of services and multitudinous lawsuits.
     Threats and cons are just part of Quintanilla's arsenal.  He also plays the race card and apparently dangles the lure of calabaza.  Quintanilla is associated with Accion America, sort of the hispanic version of the NAACP, a group purported to protecting the civil rights of hispanics.  While Quintanilla wore out his welcome in Dallas, many succumbed here in Brownsville.  Fly Frontera was on the verge of passing last April 5th without the 4-day old company every having been vetted by the BEDC.  Former Mayor Ahumada lobbied vociferously on Facebook for the proposal.  Former commissioner Charlie Atkinson kept trying to bring it back long after it was dead.  The lure of calabaza.


     Based on the above, it should be troubling that Quintanilla is unquestionably entangled with the BISD.  Mary S. Rey has recordings and texts that indicate that he is calling the shots, palling around and cavorting with Catalina Presas-Garcia and Lucy Longoria.  Mary overheard Quintanilla calling Longoria a "bitch" when she got cold feet on the Springston firing/termination/resignation.  Why is a convicted racketeer allowed around our educators and their administrators?  He is not an educator or an administrator.  He is not a trustee or teacher.  He is a convicted racketeer from Dallas who cannot leave our community fast enough.

"We need Sylvia Atkinson to do the dirty work!" states Catalina Presas-Garcia

 

by Jim Barton on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 7:17pm

A few observations based on the Novermber 7, 2011 deposition by Mary S. Rey:
     After Springston was fired as superintendent of BISD, some on the board clamored for Sylvia Atkinson to be named superintendant.  The topic came up at a meeting at Mary Rey's house including Quintanilla, Presas-Garcia, Rey, Longoria and Miller.  Luci Longoria was not on board, feeling Atkinson would be difficult to work with.  "Still, we need Sylvia Atkinson here to do the dirty work,"  stated Presas-Garcia.  The board settled on Carl Montoya who became simply a "pawn in their game."  Soon Atkinson would be brought in as Human Resources Director.
     Mary Rey has hours of recorded conversations  between her and Quintanilla, her and Presas-Garcia.  Nena and I listened to them Monday night.  The recordings make it clear that Quintanilla has undue influence on the board, calling many shots, prompting Rey to ask Presas-Garcia:  "Why is he here?  Why do you listen to him?  You need to distance yourself from him!"  Presas-Garcia's response is "Why can't we all get along?"  Actually, I had first heard the threat from Quintanilla to rally support against her son in the lobby of the Amigoland Event Center for Pat Ahumada's Town Forum.
     Of interest is also a phone conversation Mary overheard at her home between Quintanilla and Luci Longoria trying to get Longoria to support the firing of Springston.  Ms. Rey heard angry words, then Quintanilla's words "You bitch!" to Luci Longoria.  Ms. Rey said she went over to Quintanilla at that point: "Is everything OK??"  "This woman just isn't coming through,"  Quintanilla responded, referring to Luci Longoria.  . . . . . . .
     Then, there is the whole matter of the DefeatZayasCortezPowers PAC or Political Action Committee.  It's instructive that Quintanilla and his cohorts wanted Mary S. Rey to be the President of the PAC, although she has no political experience.  In retrospect, Mary now thinks that may have been EXACTLY why they wanted her, her inexperience, along with her clean criminal record.  The group that greeted her at VSOT, Lehman''s Central Blvd. "office" included Carlos Quintanilla, Pat Lehmann, Argelia Miller and Ben Neece.  Read into that collective what you will.  With Nena and I being away from Brownsville for so many years, we've only recently become acquainted with these folks.  I've had only one interaction with Pat Lehmann, who I personally pegged as a con artist within a minute or so of my our introduction.  He sells Chinese made scooters which can be purchased new on the internet for half of what he charges.  My nephew was enamored with one and despite my recommendation otherwise, purchased one from Lehmann.  Within a few weeks, the hideously contructed motorbike was self-destructing.  Parts were falling off.  The transmission seized, etc.  My nephew pushed the scooter back to Lehmann's place of business, trying to get Lehmann to honor the warranty.  He initially refused.  The nephew called my son, who called me.  We went down to see Lehmann and were successful with some gentle persuasion to get the warranty honored.  The scooter lasted another month or so.
     This deposition will be carefully scrutinized as will subsequent sessions with Mary S. Rey.  Mary has done our community a great service.  There seems to be a core of corruption here that needs to surgically removed from BISD.  This courageous step by Mary to come forward is a start.
    

Mr. Amigo Association Selects Mr. Amigo 2012

 

by Jim Barton on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 7:02pm

Jerry Mchale, Mr. Amigo 2012

     In a news conference today in the lobby of the Colonial Hotel, the Mr. Amigo Association announced their selection of Jerry Mchale as Mr. Amigo 2012.   Mchale, a local educator, historian, musician and blogger is a departure from previous selections who have all been Mexican Nationals.
     "California's acquisition by the United States under the terms of the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo following the defeat of Mexico in the Mexican-American War does not nullify the fact that Mr. Mchale was technically born in Mexico.  His birth a couple of years after the treaty was signed is not a disqualification", stated Michael Garza, the former president of the Charro Days festival.
     "The selection was a no-brainer" opined Ramiro Gonzalez, ramrod for downtown revitalization.  No one has done more for downtown Brownsville than Mr. Mchale.  I can't wait for him to lead the gritos."
     Channel 5 reporter Will Ripley shoved a microphone at Mayor Tony Martinez, who was grinning from ear to ear as he left the Colonial.  "If not Jerry, than who?" was the quick comment from Martinez.
     The Mr. Amigo Association issued this brief statement:  "Our vision is to celebrate the shared culture, friendship and family of Brownsville and Matamoros, to enjoy and promote the traditions and history of our two cities and countries.  Mr. Mchale embodies that spirit, not only as an outspoken advocate of our region, but as a role model for our young."

Trailer for the Maclovio O'Malley Show Coming November 1

Mean Mister Brownsville is not responsible for program content.  In home theatres soon through video streaming by B.U.R.N.

Major League Baseball Averts A Near Riot in Dallas-Fort Worth

 

by Jim Barton on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 1:39am

       The Texas Rangers nominated Dirk Nowitzki to throw out the first pitch at  their first home World Series game.  Individual teams are allowed to make selections for this honor for regular season games, but need league approval for the World Series games.  But Dirk seemed like a logical choice.  He had just led his Dallas Mavericks team to the NBA finals with a sweep over Kobe Bryant's Lakers and a destruction of the Miami Heat and their three superstars in the NBA Finals.  Add to that the fact that Dirk is a Ranger's fan, just flying over from Germany for the American League championship series.
     Shockingly, Major League Baseball initially nixed the selection, issuing this brief statement:  "Dirk does not have broad national appeal.  It's nice that he's attending some of the games, however."  MLB Commissioner Bud Selig must have rocks for brains.  You would almost have to back to Jimmy The Greek to find a dumber statement issued in the sports world.
     Dallas-Fort Worth, the so-called metroplex,  did not take kindly to this empty-headed statement by the head brass of baseball.  Eric Rodriguez echoed the sentiments of many DFW residents:  "Are you fucking kidding me? Dirk has global appeal! This is the biggest slap in the face to Dirk and his greatness I've ever witnessed. You think they would have done the same if the Marlins wanted LeBron? Hell no. cause he's flashy and does shoe commercials. this represents everything that is currently wrong in sports.You can be the best in the world, but if you dont sell yourself out as a brand you will be disrespected. I'm thoroughly pissed."
     First of all, Bud Selig lied about the reason Dirk was disrespected.  It had nothing to do with Dirk's relative appeal.  It was done by baseball's hierarchy to show solidarity with their NBA owner brethren who have locked out the NBA's players in an effort to hammer out a more owner friendly labor agreement.  Secondly, their assessment of Dirk Nowitzki's national appeal is flat out wrong.  The Nielsen Polls annually measures the marketability of NBA players in the United States.  The poll itself states that it reflects national perception and appeal.  The Nielsen findings released August 1 show Dirk Nowitzki to be the most marketable of all NBA players with an N rating of 132.  Kobe Bryant finished 2nd in the poll with a rating of 83.  Dwyane Wade rated 34 with Lebron James at 26.
    The next day Major League Baseball reversed their decision on Dirk with a mealy-mouthed statement.  MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said commissioner Bud Selig didn't know Nowitzki wasn't involved and thought he should be. So the league is inviting him to throw out the first pitch at Game 3 on Saturday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.  Yeah, right!
      A riot was averted in Dallas-Fort Worth.

"Lordy, Lordy! It's Junior Bonner from the Paz Files! Hey Man, Whatchu Up To?"

 

by Jim Barton on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 12:05am

     Juan Montoya handed me his Miller Lite as he left the Latin Jazz Festival.  Brownsville is not New Orleans yet, despite Jerry Mchale's fantasies.  Cops still nab you with an open container of beverage leaving an event.  Nena and I walked the sidewalk along Adams Street up to the stage so as not to block the view of any of the non-paying patrons.  I wanted Nena to at least record a small sampling of the Chick Corea tribute for Facebook.  Sitting crosslegged behind two trash cans,  almost in a yoga position was an emaciated cowboy I immediately recognized as Junior Bonner.  Junior trained quarter horses in Weatherford before booze, drugs and women took their toll.  Sometimes people describe Brownsville as the end of the world.  Harlingen is a deader end and Junior fit right in with nothing more to lose.  But Paz-Martinez likes to recycle old has beens cause they work cheap.  No one works cheaper than Junior.
    "Did Paz at least give you gas money?" I asked.   "Paz don't give me nuthin",  Junior replied.  "He uses them temporary checks till he runs out, then he changes banks.  He told me to come down here and cover this shin dig.  He said I could probably stay at the Colonial Hotel free if I told them I was a journalist." 

     I asked Junior about his guitar.  "It's a Peavey.  Most folks don't know nuthin' about them.  They just heard of Fender and Gibson, but Mr. Peavey makes a damn fine guitar.  I mean, I don't play all the complicated progressions these guys are playin', but I could." 

Mean Mister Brownsville Predicts An End to the NBA Lockout Tonight

     You won't hear it officially announced because both sides will have to sell it to their constituents.  Billy Hunter, the NBA player's association president will have to sell the deal to the players.  David Stern will have to sell it to NBA team owners.  But with both sides on the brink of losing a season and millions of dollars of revenue,  a deal should get done today.
     Despite the rhetoric you may have heard, the two sides are not that far apart.  Several concepts unfavorable to the players have already been withdrawn:  a hard salary cap for each team, non-guaranteed contracts for ALL players and salary rollbacks for players.  The only item left to decide is the revenue split between team owners and players.  Look for that to end up something close to 50-50.
     You heard it here first.  The NBA will end the lockout, giving the Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki the opportunity to defend their title.

The Bora Bora~A Spectacular New Club for the Young and Beautiful

     We could not have been more warmly welcomed  at the spectacular new club Bora Bora located at 12th and Adams.  The new venue obviously caters to the young and beautiful, but our group of nine walking over from the Crescent Moon was graciously seated at a table in the inner courtyard.  Jerry Mchale had a supply of tickets for Friday's grand opening, but none were requested.  Ben Neece, owner of the Crescent Moon along with club manager J.J. were curious about the new club.

 Techno music pulsated the building, synchronized with brilliant lighting.  Even the two story Hermanos Bldg was lit up inside the court.


        Drinks were served at a long bar stretching along the south side of the building, with yet another bar in the courtyard.

     Thanks again Angelo for your hospitality.

Alzheimer's, A Disease, Not Normal Aging~My 87 Year Old Mother Showing Symptoms

 

by Jim Barton on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 1:21pm

July 6, 2011
     Admittedly, lapses in memory, even judgement can create some humorous exchanges and situations, especially if someone is there to monitor things and protect the aging one from harm.  That has been the case with my mother since my sister and her husband have been with her nearly 24/7.  So, we all had a bit of a nervous laugh last year when my mother announced that she would be receiving a gentleman caller and likely be moving out.  Moments later, a salesperson from Fruia Motors arrived with a car for a test drive our mother had requested.  It didn't seem too far fetched for the dealership since my late stepfather had bought several vehicles from them over the years.  My sister had to go out and disappoint the salesman with the information that our mother no longer drove and couldn't pay for the car.
     There were other moments.  Out of the blue one day mom asked me if I knew her son Jon.  Since we had been brothers for over half a century, I said that I did.  She smiled to think that two of her sons knew each other.  Alzheimer's creates such breakdowns with neurotransmitters in the brain not doing their job.   I've been reading over a printout I downloaded on the disease.  Several things stand out.  More women than men are affected.  It does run in families,  Thyroid disease and longstanding high blood pressure are factors.
  
Nena and mom last July
     On Tuesday Mom had an apparent heart attack and is currently at Valley Regional.  Nena and I visited the last two days.  She seemed in good spirits, but with accelerated dementia symptoms.  She kept insisting that her mother and father had visited her twice that day.  "You know they're still alive", she told Nena.  She asked me to open the curtain and see if the musical program had started.  "There's a big crowd out there.  I don't want to miss any of it."  I pulled back the curtain of her second floor room to see only the roof of the first floor, no crowd, no music.
     A caregiver is constantly in the room to prevent her from leaving.  "I have to go to work.  I have a lot of work to do.  I have to go now."    The nurse raised the side of the bed and gently laid her back down.  "No Senora, no es posible."

Los Indios Overachiever Maria Urbina DeFord Runs for Cameron County District Attorney

     Yes, dynamite still comes in small packages.   Diminuitive, but driven Maria Urbina DeFord wants to blast corruption, child predators and drug dealers in our county as your district attorney, an office sometimes known more for those not prosecuted.   DeFord comes from Los Indios, one of those tiny settlements backed up against the river along Highway 281, raised in a family of migrant farm workers.
     DeFord initially chose nursing, inspired by her mother's neighborhood caregiving, with stints in first the Navy, then Army, totaling 13 years.  She then shifted gears, obtaining her law degree at Indiana University,  with extensive legal experience in Harris and Cameron counties.

Do You Sleep Well At Night? No, Really, Do You Sleep Well? John Lennon Video

     Isn't the middle of the night our true identity?  But how do you come to grips with who you are or aren't?  We present a peaceful, vulnerable exterior with the cerebellum churning inside while unconciously breathing in that cool, air-conditioned night air.  But the dreams.  That is who you are.  But I don't know you or your dreams.  So, I don't know you.  Do you dream in color, in a painted scene yet to be painted?   Or do you, like me, dream in conversation, shadowy figures arguing, with you getting the last word, finally, the opposite of real life?   Do you fight the fights over and over again?  I do.  Or, at least, I did.
     Now, I sleep peacefully.  My nights are calm.  I no longer wake myself with shouts or exclamations or gestures toward the ceiling.  See, I relived my life in my dreams.  I fixed everything.  I'm at peace.

Two Radical Ideas for the Drug War, Border Security That Won't Be Implemented; One Dumb Idea That Was

 

by Jim Barton on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 7:06am

   
     As we sat on the second row at the beautiful UTB/TSC Arts Center earlier this month for the Border Security Seminar, T.J. Bonner, a retired Border Patrol official, expressed his own personal suggestion in dealing with the drug cartels.  Air strikes.  He said, of course, that U.S. troops could never be deployed, but he hoped the U.S. military would be allowed to perform strategic air strikes on the cartels, saying simply "We know where they are."  It was one of those moments where you look around to see if anyone else is falling out of their chair, shocked or thrilled.  But I saw no visible reaction from the audience or panel on stage.  It was as if the man had said drugs are harmful or that water is wet.
     Of course, even so-called surgical air strikes with near flawless intelligence would have collateral damage.  A nursery or school could be hit, killing innocent ones.  Certainly, the Mexican government would not favor this nor the U.S. government.  But the fact that something like this was even mentioned may speak more to the level of desperation than anything else.
 

     Another idea thrown out there would be to bring the training of National Guard troops to the border.  They have to be trained somewhere.  Putting the training of at least some troops along border areas might have some side benefits.  Of course, it's good for the local economy. But do you think it would have an effect on drugs running north or guns running south?  Would the cartels or other thugs dare engage U.S. troops.  Then what?
 

     A dumb idea that was implemented was "Operation Fast and Furious", sending 2,000 automatic weapons into Mexico with the weapons being tracked so we can find out who the killers are.  1,400 of those weapons are still unaccounted for.  No telling how many civilians and Mexican military learned the hard way who the killers were because of these U.S. imported weapons.

The Ever-Increasing Collateral Damage of the Border Wall

     In my brief career as a landscaper I learned that a weed is something growing where you don't want it.  By extension an otherwise comely ten foot burgundy fence becomes an eyesore, a nuisance,  an obstacle and even part of a death trap.   No one attending the Saturday morning meeting at the Fort Brown Golf Course Clubhouse about the problems created by the placement of the border wall even fantasizes about it being torn down in the immediate future.  Actually, one diminuitive patriot, Dagoberto Barrera loves everything about the wall and the protection it affords him against Mexican nationals, people he describes as "not of our culture.  They eat with their fingers, their heads bobbing up and down to the table like ducks".
Dagberto Barrera
Since previously I've described Dago as a working class hero, let me take him back a notch.  Today, he was more like an 80 year old skinhead with matching shirt and tie, a patriot with his nationalism wound just a bit too tight.  I quickly scratched Mr. Barrera off my short list for the ambassadorship to Mexico.


     Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. expressed disappointment that his bill #1809, calling for an economic impact study of the effects of the border wall on those Texans living south of it did not pass the Texas senate.  John Moore asked if local law enforcement had done any studies to determine if the wall had slowed the flow of drugs north or lowered the number of crimes committed  by the undocumented.  Lieutenant Art Barrera of the Texas Rangers did not know.  Sheriff Omar Lucio, as might be expected of an octogenarian sent someone else in his stead.  The message from Lucio was delivered by Lieutenant Rick Perez, called Roman Perez by Senator Lucio.  Perez said the border wall was a bad idea, not nearly as effective as additional manpower.

A grant of 2.2 million received by the sheriff's department permitted the department to retain 12 "boots on the ground" along Hwy 4 to Boca Chica Beach, a prime trafficking location.  He detailed the drug tonnage, the weaponry, the vehicles seized.   The grant runs out at the end of the year.
     Mean Mister Brownsville asked if any of the reported 80 gates were going to be built in Cameron County.  Senator Lucio had heard nothing about gates, but a young attorney from Austin raised her hand.  She said 30 gates were designated for Cameron County, 12 for Hidalgo County to be built in a 6 to 12 month time frame.  She stated that 4-6 test gates would initially be built.  A Sierra Club spokesperson mentioned that 27 laws had been waived with the construction of the wall, including Native American Territorial and burial rights, water rights, property rights, etc.


     State Representative Rene Oliveira spoke of record apprehensions of the undocumented and record deportations during the Obama administration.  Of course, no study has been done to show if deaths in the desert have increased since wall construction in the more populated areas.   Actually, no study of any kind seems to have been done.  Two instructors from UTB,  (Jeff & Jude?) described a partial study comparing those that live in the gaps between the wall to those living behind the wall.  Economically, the gappers won.    A lady named Michelle described the personal terror of frequent helicopter flights over her home, no Brownsville PD presence,  hearing gunfire, losing pets and property.   Another lady mentioned possible psychological damage to children growing up with the hindrance of the wall.
     Paster Brad closed the meeting requesting that the food we were about to receive would nourish our bodies, that Mexico would someday enjoy peace, that our leaders would lead with wisdom, all in Jesus name.