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I just got back from a few weeks out of the country and you're probably wondering what's my take on recent events.
First, the view from Europe and specifically Spain and Portugal. We saw numerous signs saying "No Guerra" (no war), but generally found the average citizens are more worried about making a living and dealing with the summer heat. President Bush's press was better than what he is getting in the U.S.
The Spain and Portugal I found are societies increasingly divided by haves and some haves and have nots. We saw many beggars and street people. All being said, they are both beautiful countries with a lot of history both good and bad. Culturally, Spain is a lot different. The siesta from 2-5pm closes most stores and some museums. Dinner doesn't really begin until 9pm! The sun did not set until around 10pm. We found ourselves like many Spainards eating at 11:30pm! What probably impressed me the most was the area of southern Spain- Granada and Seville where in the 1200-1400's ( prior to 1492) Jews, Christians, and Moslems all could work and live together and allow religious and cultural tolerance and diversity. Maybe this is a lesson for the modern Middle East.
A couple of observations- Non European cars are more expensive- like your average Lexus cost almost 50% more than in the U.S. and gasoline costs double U.S. prices! With the weaker dollar ( down 15% or so) in the last year things also cost more for Americans, but if one is careful you can get by just fine.
Attack in Mayor's Race Backfires
Without mentioning names, did you notice that one of the candidates for the Houston Mayor's campaign attacked Orlando Sanchez for having a fund raiser at the home of someone who owed back property taxes? Well how the worm turns- it seems the candidate behind the attack didn't pay his property taxes. The old adage people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones sure is accurate. I've got a novel idea, how about a moratorium on negative attacks that are not relevant to the Mayor's race. I have some free advice to the unnamed candidate, why not take responsibility for your actions and don't blame your wife.
Aftermath of Texas Sodomy Decision
Attack on Traditional Marriage, the Boy Scouts
and Ban on Gays in the Military
I am sure you are glad that we have the Judges to legislate for us. Solid majorities in the U.S. are against homosexual marriage, gays in the military, and homosexual scoutmasters but that won't matter as the "so called" Human Rights Campaign is targeting them for expansion of the radical homosexual agenda.
This is becoming a political issue for the 2004 election. Social conservatives, the bedrock of the GOP are restless. They are looking for leaders who will stand up and draw a line in the sand. If we don't stand for traditional values, we may find many of our voters dropping out- such a situation could cause the loss of key elections.
This just is - President Bush will support passage of a law that preserves traditional marriage.
"16 Word Scandal" - Democrats Summer Joke
While I was gone the "16 word scandal" emerged with key democrats and leftist media attacking President Bush. Give me a break- this is much ado about nothing.
First, the President did properly source and place the comments in context. Second, no one was mislead into voting to support the war as the vote took place well before the speech. Third, public support for the war had zip to do with the "16 words".
This is just more politics of personal destruction. We are in a war against international terrorism and Saddam was one of the key supporters. Hats off to President Bush for his efforts and help insure a democratic Iraq in the western tradition.
Middle East: Roadmap Update
Ok, the Middle Eastern Roadmap in theory is a good idea. Both parties need to perform as expected, so lets take an early look at performance:
|
Israel |
Palestinian Authority |
|
1. Cease fire |
YES |
1. Cease fire |
YES |
|
2. Began withdrawal from West Bank Cities |
YES |
2. Disarm Terrorists |
NO |
|
3. Dismantle illegal settlement |
YES |
3. Dismantle terror Infrastructure |
NO |
|
4. Remit Tax Revenues |
YES |
4. End incitement (Anti Semitism) in media
and schools |
NO |
Conclusion- Its time for the P.A. to deliver before we move to stage two. If we don't have true accountability, the peace process becomes an empty vessel and a joke.
Redistricting Redux
The old special session ends and a new one begins. This time in the Senate there will be no blocking bill (2/3 majority). Late word has Democratic Senators now missing and have gone to New Mexico. The responsible thing to do is for all of our Legislators to stay and work through the process. A new redistricting bill can pass that will be fair to both parties and recognize historic GOP gains in Texas. After all isn't that what democracy is all about? The GOP should not give in on this critical issue.
About
Your Editor
Gary Polland
is a long time Republican spokesman, fund-raiser and leader who
recently completed three terms as the Harris County Republican
Chair. During his time as Chairman, Gary was described as the
most successful county Chairman in America by Human Events.
For six years, Gary put out a bi-weekly newsletter which he has
continued due to requests from many Republican activists.
Tune in Thursday
Nights - Houston Warner Cable channel 17 for Texas Politics-The Real Deal
with co-hosts David Jones and Gary Polland, awarded Cable T.V. personalities of the year by the Houston Press.
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