Canceled my trip to Mexico. Gas just way too expensive. I decided to try food poisoning at a joint in town.
Here is an essay in today's Washington Post about our town, Brownsville, and the wall/fence.
I take some exception to some of the arguments in the piece. One of which is the notion that our area south of Laredo-Corpus Christi is not a buffer. I think it is and it was probably always meant to be so. Many historians recognize that the Rio Grande was never meant to be the border...the Nueces was. Wouldn't it be plausible that those of the time wanted some buffer and created the pretext for war in order to create the buffer that is the border.
Also, I find it insulting to use the national anthem as an excuse to argue we in our area are truly American. It doesn't quite fit with the notion of binationalism or biculturalism if we say Pledge Allegiance to a flag. There is a huge Mexican flag outside of the Boca Chica HEB. I don't see a huge American flag in front of the HEB in Matamoros!
This is a small excerpt of the essay. Please do click on the link because it is well worth the read.
"On the Texas Borderline, A Solid, if Invisible, Wall"
By Michelle Garcia
Special to The Washington Post
Under a lavender canopy of jacaranda blossoms within sight of the embattled frontier, Luis Peña imagines an unintended and comical use for the future border wall. "If anything, it will be a new sport. People will pole-vault," says the biology student with thick black hair. He kicks up a long leg and shouts, "¡Salto con garacho!" ("a high leap to garacho music"). Cue the Mexican violins!
Laughter erupts from his fellow nature lovers from the Gorgas Science Society. They are here, after all, to chant "Don't fence us in" in protest of the 60-foot-high wall that will slice straight past their border-side campus -- which combines the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College -- and right through the Rio Grande Valley borderlands.
I laugh weakly. I'm feeling dejected. Jokes about pole-vaulting, about lizards doomed by the wall, aren't what I expected when I trucked down to the very tip of my home state. I'd expected indignation about the border wall. I expected people to take it as personally as I did, like a slap at my identity, my South Texas culture, the Mexicanness in my Americanness.
I imagine my ancestors felt the same way oh so long ago, in 1848, after the newly drawn border cut through their lands, marooning them in a netherworld with Mexico on one side, the United States on the other. In the 21st-century version of that alienation, the new border wall may transform once-private lands into a de facto DMZ complete with spotlights and armed patrols.
Land, you see, is everything to us. Our culture is tied to the land. It is passed down as our inheritance, as my father did for me and my siblings, fulfilling his long-held pledge. In these borderlands, the fates of families like mine have hinged on the land. And so my instincts insist this wall is not just about illegal border-crossers, not just about Mexicans. It is, in a deeply historic way, about people like me, people whose identity was forged in generations of struggle over land.
Peña invites me to see a campus monument marking the old war between Mexican and gringo: an old cannon standing erect along the Rio Grande. Check it out, he says. "This might be your last chance before the wall goes up." The cannon sits on the wrong side of the planned wall. Peña and I stroll through the campus, with its buildings of somber desert browns and reds and its sky-blue tile domes of Spanish-Moorish influence. This once was Fort Texas (later renamed Fort Brown), erected in 1846 when the United States charged the original southern border at the Nueces River and invaded Mexico to push the frontier 123 miles south to the much-coveted Rio Grande. What once was Mexico suddenly became the United States.
As we walk toward the river, it's jarring to see the bullet-riddled walls of the campus's buildings -- a reminder of the old border battles. "All of this is battleground," says Peña, his playfulness quieting to philosophical musing. "These are bloody grounds."
"They fought for it," he says of the United States. "But it's 'the enemy' that's left," he adds ironically. First, in that original war of conquest, the Mexican was the enemy. Then, it was the newly minted U.S. citizens, the Texas Mexicans, branded as bandits when they rebelled against colonial subjugation after their families were annexed with the territory.
The war might have ended, but people like us, like Peña and I, still are regarded as the enemy by some. We are the outsider with a Spanish-infused drawl, with a song of love and valor in our hearts; the pickup-driving, boot-wearing, Stars and Stripes-waving Tejano. But Texans sometimes refer to us as "Mexicans" even now, when you can find a military veteran in nearly every family, and many of our families in these parts are as old as the mesquite tree.
"We have American flags, we recite the national anthem. But what do we have to do to be plugged in?" Antonio N. Zavaleta, a vice president at the university, asks effusively. He is a great-great-grandson of Juan Cortina, who led an armed rebellion in 1859 against Manifest Destiny and the new Anglo social order that aimed to subjugate the Tejano.
"And this border wall," Zavaleta continues, "is further indication that the world ends from a line from Corpus Christi to Laredo and everything down is a buffer" between the United States and Mexico.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
AP: Mexico homicides jump 47 percent
Okay, now I am scared! (I am not tryin' to crouch on Mr. Kurgan's topics, but I wanted an excuse to say I am taking a trip to Mexico. Ariba Ariba Ariba Ariba Ariba Ariba!!!!!!)
"Mexico homicides jump 47 percent"
By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO
The Associated Press/Washington Post
MEXICO CITY -- Homicides related to organized crime jumped 47 percent in 2008, Mexico's attorney general said Friday in a rare confirmation of how bad violence has become.
Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora told Radio Formula that 1,378 people have been killed so far this year, compared with 940 in the same period last year. The statistic reflected what many in Mexico already knew: Drug-related killings have soared in recent months. But the details were the first official snapshot on the rise in killings. The Mexican government has been reluctant to release homicide statistics, leaving the public to rely on informal tallies by the news media.
Medina Mora broke that silence, saying 4,152 people have been killed since President Felipe Calderon took office in December 2006 and declared war on drug cartels that controlled entire regions of Mexico. About 450 of those were police, soldiers, prosecutors or investigators.
Medina Mora said many of the recent killings have been concentrated along the U.S. border, while homicides in the central part of the nation have subsided. The government says the violence reflects drug gangs' desperation amid the nationwide crackdown, carried out by more than 20,000 soldiers and federal police.
"Evidently when they are cornered and weakened, they have to respond with violence," Medina Mora said. Analysts say recent arrests have created a power vacuum and gangs are battling for valuable drug routes and territory. One of the hardest hit cities is Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas.
A recent e-mail warning of a weekend bloodbath has alarmed many residents there. Nobody seems to know who wrote the e-mail, which says gunmen will fire at malls, restaurants and other public places in "killings all over the city." But many people have forwarded it to friends.
Juarez Police Chief Roberto Orduna said the threats must be taken seriously and issued a news release Thursday assuring residents that police would be more vigilant.
More than 200 people have been killed so far this year in Juarez.
Associated Press writer Marina Montemayor contributed to this report from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
And on this note, I am off to waste gas on a weekend vaction to Mexico!
Remember The Troops Past and Present, Happy Memorial Day!
Current Brownsville Commission Members Donations
When “the Mayor” Pat Ahumada was a Republican and not “the Mayor”, he donated $250 to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. I wonder, will Mr. Dewhurst return the donation considering he may not desire any association to our loon mayor?
At-Large “A” Brownsville City Commissioner Anthony P. Troiani gave $1,000 to Arturo C. Nelson on October 5, 2007. Nelson was unopposed.
Anthony P. Troiani gave $500 to Ben Euresti on August 2, 2005. I wonder if Euresti will expect more now that he knows Nelson received more.
No records located for At-Large B Commissioner Leonel T. Garza.
District 1 Brownsville City Commissioner Ricardo Longoria has a somewhat long list of political donations he has made over the years. On September 20, 2005, December 14, 2006, November 15, 2007, Longoria donated $12 each time to Association Of Texas Professional Educators Political Action Committee. Really, $12 a year to a group that represents your interests as a teacher?
When he was just a disc jockey and not on the city commission, he has also contributed $1,000 to the Tony Sanchez Exploratory Committee in 2001. When Sanchez decided to run, Longoria was there to donate another $1,000 on August 30, 2002. Seriously, he gave money to a billionaire but can only afford $36 to a teacher’s group!
Longoria bestowed two $50 amounts ($100 total) on August 11, 2005 to State District Judge Ben Euresti. A few months later on November 2, 2005, he did the same for Migdalia Lopez.
No records found for District 2 Commissioner Charlie Atkinson. But his sister Dr. Sylvia A. Atkinson donated $500 to current State Representative Eddie Lucio III on September 6, 2005 when she was still involved at Los Fresnos CISD. And recently in her new district, she donated $250 to Texas State Representative Norma P. Chavez.
I am curious. Will Chavez be upset at Atkinson for donating half as much to her after Atkinson got that big pay day from LFCISD, when she left? Not to mention, he was not even elected yet and he still got more money this Chavez who has a little more experience than the younger Lucio.
No records identified for District 3 Commissioner Carlos Cisneros.
As previously stated in an earlier post, District 4 Commissioner Edward Camarillo donated to State Representative Eddie Lucio III on October 23, 2006.
Former Palo Alto Superintendent Doing Good!
Here is a story about David Vela, former Palo Alto Superintendent. He is moving up in the federal bureaucracy.
It ain't all about the bad stuff!
The following is an excerpt, for the complete story please click on story link.
Vela Promoted To Regional Director
Continuity assured for the development of Jones Point Park
By Chuck Hagee
"One of the most influential forces in shaping the future configuration of Jones Point Park has been named the new Southeast Regional Director for the U.S. National Park Service.
David Vela, who became Superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway just two years ago, May 28, 2006, will oversee a region that contains 66 national parks in nine states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. He will be one of seven NPS regional directors.
'David came up through the ranks, beginning as a frontline park ranger. His early field experience prepared him to be a great superintendent and now he will apply those same skills as regional director,' said Mary A. Bomar, director, National Park Service.
'I always had my eye on the Southeast Regional Director spot and promised myself that if it ever opened up I would apply. I did and I just got the word that I had been selected. I officially started in that new role this past Sunday,' said Vela, who will remain in his Turkey Run office for several more weeks. . .
A native of Wharton, Texas, David Vela was appointed as the Director of the Texas Child Support Program by the Texas Attorney General in 1996. In that role he was responsible for a statewide operation consisting of over 70 field offices with 2,400 employees.
Vela return to the park service in 1998 as the Superintendent of Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site located in Brownsville, Texas. In 2002, he was appointed the NPS's Texas State Coordinator for the Intermountain Region. He also performed detail assignments in the Office of the Director, and served as Acting Deputy Director, Southeast Region.
Vela holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Parks from Texas A&M University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Department of Interior Senior Executive Service Program and holds awards and citations for exemplary service in the both the park service and for his 'outstanding contributions to our nation's children.'
He was recognized by his alma mater, Texas A&M, in 2008 with The Leslie M. Reid Alumni Award For Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Recreation, Parks, or Tourism by a graduate of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism Sciences at the University."
Thursday, May 22, 2008
National Alliance for Hispanic Health Scholarships
Get ready Brownsville students, you are about to have access to more money to pay Dr. Juliet V. Garcia and UTB-TSC!
Does anyone else find it odd that the Hispanic group would make it first available on El Dies y Seis, Mexican Independence Day?
From the L.A. Times Blog by Mary MacVean:
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health today announced a scholarship program in science, technology, engineering and math. During the next five years, 50 Hispanic high school students from Los Angeles, Elizabeth, N.J., and Brownsville, Texas, will be awarded $42,500 in college scholarships and internship support.
In addition, 125 Hispanic college students nationwide will receive $2,000 scholarships. The program was made possible through a $4-million grant from the Merck Co. Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the pharmaceutical company.
“Building on a distinguished history of Hispanic pioneers in science, a new generation of discovery begins today with this landmark investment of $4 million in Hispanic students,” Jane L. Delgado, president and chief executive of the alliance, said today in announcing the Alliance/Merck Ciencia Hispanic Scholars Program.
“We must encourage our youth to enter the math, technology and science fields that are critical in our global economy,” said U.S. Rep. Hilda L. Solis, chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Task Force on Health and Environment.
Interested students and their families are invited to call 1-866-783‐2645 or visit the alliance’s website. Applications will be available Sept. 16, with a deadline of Jan. 16, 2009.
New Bloggs for My List
In case no one has noticed, I added five new bloggs to my blog list on the right.
I wanted to give each of the following bloggs a plug, encouragement, and an olive branch as the bloggers are the future of this community. They should be embraced by the Old Guard and The Brownsville Herald, not taken to task or made fun of to slightly echo Mrs. Melissa Zamora as she has previously stated on this very blog.
These blogg ventures are an attempt to provide a much needed service. If you read them as I am sure you do and/or will, remember that they are human beings. They are strong minded, opinionated, smart, and courageous. They want to give us their two cents worth, and we should hear them out. If you don't agree with them, still hear them out and let them know. It is about a forum of ideas and democracy, not a dictatorship!
Keep up the good work, my friends!
Jose Borjon's A Look From the Inside Out
(Mr. Borjon, I notice you do not post often. I can only hope that you will once you move to your new digs. Your insight is needed in this community. Please keep posting!)
Joni's Paragraph's On South Padre Island
(You know I check it everyday as I do the other bloggs. I apologize to you for not being so kind as to do it sooner. When you said that kind word to me in the beginning, I did not know you had your own blog.)
Duardo Paz-Martinez's DP-M Nation
(That one you might already know because I made a special post about it. I will keep it even though I am a peripheral site in his mind. I enjoy his writing nonetheless and respect his opinions. Keep up the good work!)
The Shod-Daily's very own Laura Martinez's County Pulse
(And one that has been up for a few weeks and I just got around to noticing it existed. I have read through it, and it gets better everyday. I like it best among the other Brownsville Herald bloggs. I will list this one only, since The Herald's bloggs already receive enough publicity with the paper. Keep it up!)
Stan Raines's Nunnayerbizness Today
(I do apologize Mr. Stan Raines for not doing it sooner. I thought I had from the beginning. Also, did I do the apostrophe correct in you last name?)
Tancredo on Brownsville Yellers!
"TANCREDO: And Pete, let me tell you that this is something that we observe and we talk about in terms of the problems with assimilation with the Hispanic community and others, but the Hispanic community also is prone to this, where you have the first generation -- in this case it sounds like the [victim's] niece, you say, spoke English, but in far too many cases, even into the second and third generation, we find that they are not speaking English and they are not assimilating into this society. They're still are connected emotionally and even politically to Mexico. And that is because, of course, the border has certainly moved northward. The -- I went down to Brownsville, Texas, not too long ago to a hearing on the fence, and time after time after time people came up and said to me -- or, they didn't come up -- they were yelling, sometimes, from the audience. Then they'd say, "You can't build a fence here, you can't build a fence here, because you'd be splitting communities."
And I kept saying, "No, you don't understand; we're actually talking about putting a fence between two countries." And they keep saying, "No, it's a community."
Well, what's the community? Let me tell you, the community is the community of Hispanics from Mexico. And they consider themselves connected there far more
than they do to the United States of America.
And that is the problem with massive assimilation -- I mean, massive immigration from a particular area when you do not have assimilation that goes along with it. And this is the greater problem we face, that I've said all the time. It's not just the numbers of people coming to the United States having to learn English, getting jobs, some of them coming illegally. Those are all problems, but they're a lot more easily dealt with than the problem of coming here and not assimilating, and that is what is happening. It's happening on a large scale. People don't want to admit to this, but that's the real threat to this society. It is immigration without assimilation."
About That Pesky Hidalgo Loop Project
Much has been made about the Hidalgo Loop Project that will alleviate congestion in McAllen.
I have been a strong opponent to willy-nilly eminent domain usage and toll ways. In perusing various articles about the proposed project which will affect thousands of people (future million of people).
I have found that the project will in all likelihood lead to a toll tax. Granted the valley already sees its share of tolls with respect to bridges to Mexico. But both Cameron and Hidalgo County (and now even "the Mayor" wants a piece of that apple pie) "tax" through vehicle registration fees for street and highway funding. Both counties already use the tolls to Mexico as a way to balance their budget and pay for employee pay raises (in particular Gilberto Hinojosa did that while Cameron County Judge).
Now Hidalgo County is using a Regional Mobility Authority to create a new hidden tax on potential motorists. I find many of these authorities to be a way of politicians to circumvent their authority as elected officials by passing the buck. They can now safely say they did not increase your taxes or tolls. They did not hurt the poor. No, the regional mobility authority did.
Cameron County has its own RMA.
Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas applauds this project through his blog posting of an editorial praising the creative way of producing highways. The editorial originally appeared in The San Antonio News-Express.
Here are two other news stories from last year which both appeared in The Monitor about the new Hidalgo Loop Project."In addition to the reinvestment zone, Hidalgo County began collecting a $10 surcharge for vehicle registration this year to fund the project. Toll roads are expected to become part of the highway funding, Express-Newsreporter Gary Scharrer wrote. The plan makes sense for the area, one of the fastest growing regions in thecountry.
"We are the only metropolitan area in the nation without an interstate," Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas told Scharrer.
It is estimated Hidalgo County will have 850,000 residents by 2010, a substantial increase from the 500,000 population recorded in the 2000 Census, Salinas pointed out. Hidalgo officials hope to eventually extend the new highway to the eastern edge of their county so it will loop completely around. They deserve the community's support on this project. Other counties across the state that are hurting from the lack of highway funding should be watching this pioneering move with interest and rooting for its success."
"Road may take a toll"
"Valley highway travel could take a toll"
Buyer beware that these projects may extend down and westward towards Cameron County and Brownsville. Only be worried if your property is in the path of the highway or you will be sued as the feds have sued for the wall/fence. Except I believe many will not cry foul on the usage of this eminent domain. Also beware if you do not want to see these hidden fees/taxes start taking a "toll" on your livelihood with increasing gas prices, food prices, inflation, mortgage bills, and what have you.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
"Mexican official says organized crime targeted"
Along with private groups, The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College sponsored a Global Border Security Conference and Expo.
It was held "in part to give businesses a forum for sales of technology and equipment to the government for homeland security. Exhibits featured air and ground surveillance, unmanned aircraft and advanced biometrics."
This was a significant forum for UTB-TSC. This blog congratulates you!
"Mexican official says organized crime targeted" (Story courtesy of The Houston Chronicle)
By KELLEY SHANNON Associated Press Writer
AUSTIN — Mexico is attempting to combat organized crime through judicial system reforms while working with the U.S. to try to curb a security crisis on the border, a Mexican deputy attorney general said Wednesday.Mexico's leaders are looking to establish public, oral trials and new roles for judges along with protection of crime victims, Jose Luis Santiago Vasconcelos, deputy federal attorney general for international affairs, told a border security conference in Austin.
"These are much-needed tools to combat organized crime, and this is what we are debating in Mexico," he said in Spanish, using an English interpreter. "The goal is to go after the financing of this organized crime."He told of one suspected criminal who spent $190 million in Las Vegas, including $14 million in one night. "This is the enemy that Mexico is confronting with all of its resources," Vasconcelos said. The country is spending $3.9 billion a year to fight organized crime, he said.
Money and weapons flowing from the United States fuel drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico, to the tune of some $10 billion per year, he said. Gun battles involving rival drug cartels have become all too familiar in some Mexican border cities, spreading from major population centers even to smaller Mexican border communities. Mexican President Felipe Calderon has sent thousands of soldiers and federal police to confront the cartels, and drug lords have responded with more violence.
Vasconcelos told of efforts to cooperate with the United States to halt border crime. In response to an audience question, he said more security technology needs to be employed by Mexico. "In reality, we don't have enough technology on the Mexican side of the border," he said, adding that the Mexican army is more focused on the number of soldiers present rather than technology. Before his speech, Vasconcelos toured an exhibit hall filled with high-tech cameras and other electronic surveillance equipment from the private sector.
The Global Border Security Conference and Expo was sponsored by the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College along with private corporations, in part to give businesses a forum for sales of technology and equipment to the government for homeland security. Exhibits featured air and ground surveillance, unmanned aircraft and advanced biometrics.
In explaining to companies ahead of time why they should participate, corporate organizers said on their Web site: "The U.S. Senate has passed a $4 billion increase in Homeland Security spending focused on gaining control over the U.S. border with Mexico. Are you securing YOUR share of this market?" Texas had been shopping for a border video camera surveillance system giving the public Internet access to the images to help spot illegal immigration and drug trafficking. But state officials withdrew the contract request this month, offering few details about that decision. They said the project would be rebid.
"The responses that we got back did too little and cost too much," said Allison Castle, spokesman for Gov. Rick Perry, who advocated the state camera system. "The governor is fully committed to the program, and technology remains a pivotal part of the governor's border security efforts." Tom Cellucci, chief commercialization officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, told conference attendees of the agency's work to develop and get security products from the private sector to the millions of first responders around the country. The private sector has more brain power, experience and knowledge than government, he said. "Let's leverage it."
Zoo Wins NOAA's Fisheries Service "Conservation Partnership Award"
Congratulations to the Gladys Porter Zoo on your Conservation Partnership Award on behalf of saving the lives of the not-so-mutant-or-ninja Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle!
"NOAA to Honor National Leaders in Sustainable Fisheries" (Excerpt Below)
* The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Population Restoration Program, based at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, will receive the Conservation Partnership Award. A total of 26 partners representing federal, state and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, scientists, businesses and volunteers from the United States and Mexico have worked together for 30 years to protect and recover Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. When the project began in 1978, an estimated 924 turtle nests were identified and protected that year. In 2007, more than 15,000 nests were protected, and more than one million baby turtles were released into the Gulf of Mexico.
Joe Colunga for re-re-re-re-election...
In today's episode of the Shod-Daily Times, Joe Colunga, a Brownsville Independent School District Trustee, announced his intention to seek re-election.
He has held a position on the school board since 1995.
Really? You announce your intent to seek re-election in the middle of May and the election is the first Tuesday in November.
Darn, we just finish an election and still await the run-off. It ain't even summer, yet Colunga wants you to vote for him in November.
Maybe The Herald shouldn't fold up yet. You have politicians striving for our attention, vote, and to donate money to your advertising section/cause.
Number 100!
Wow, to think I started a few months ago and already 100 posts.
I would like to thank all the little people for making this moment so special.
Namely Cheech, I love you so much. You are my wind beneath my wings!
And the other little people, you know who you are. . .my tequila induced hallucinations.
I would also have to thank my readers, who each and everyday support my obsession, addition of alcohol and talkin' truth.
I would be remiss if I did not thank the one woman in my life who has meant so much for this blog. My dear Adela Garza, if it was not for your missteps, for your inability to obtain 50%, and for just being you, thank you. You have kept this blog a truckin' with you in mind.
After the June 14th run-off, you will in a likelihood lose and take the ride into the sunset. This blog will move on, but you will never be forgotten. You are the inspiration, as an ol' Chicago song preaches! And you are, and you are. . . . (We will still have some fun if you win however.)
Thank you, and may God Bless the USA (and you too Mexico, our border sister).
KVEO-TV: Mosquitoes Around the Corner
During last night's regular meeting, Robert Uresti, former Mayoral and City Commission candidate, thanked the commission and the city for hearing his last complaint about mosquitoes in his neighborhood.
During the first May Regular meeting, he had concerns over the irregular usage of mosquito repellent vehicles in Brownsville.
Now, it appears that KVEO-TV has reported on how the City has vigilantly tackling the mosquito problem.
I guess the Public Comment Section provided some aid for the residents of Brownsville. It ain't all bad.
Great job, proactive Mr. Uresti! And thank you to the "proactive" City!
KVEO story: "Mosquitoes Around the Corner"
With summer quickly approaching, that means rain is also coming our way. And rain is already bringing mosquitoes into our life. And they can bring sickness, too. People need to remove any puddles of water around their homes and get rid of old tires or anything that can hold water to prevent getting attacked by mosquitoes this summer. According to Public Health Director, Arturo Rodriguez, mosquitoes lay eggs only in standing water.
“People need to take a proactive step to reduce the opportunity for mosquitoes to multiply.” Reported cases mosquito-borne sickness in the Valley has not been seen for a couple of years. In fact, the last reported case of dengue was in 2005 when one person died. Rodriguez says if a person has been bitten by a mosquito and starts getting flu-like symptoms, it's vital to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some symptoms include nausea, headaches, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.
Samantha Flores knows all about dengue. She tells us she got the virus when she was just a child.Flores says although she was just a kid she remembers exactly how she felt. She says she felt very bad, did not want to eat, had high fevers, her bones ached, and it was just a very painful feeling. So now, Flores does not let her children play outside during dusk or dawn. And if they do, she'll spray them with mosquito repellent.
Rodriguez advices people to wear long sleeves when outside, spray some type of mosquito repellent and stay away from outdoors during dusk or dawn. The city of Brownsville is taking a proactive approach against mosquitoes. They spray areas around the city every year to prevent dengue or the West Nile Virus.
Watch The Video
More From Money, To Money!
I do not necessarily take great pleasure in finding out where money travels to from these here parts of Deep South Texas. I just believe in transparency, with the obvious exception of my identity.
That is why today, I present to you another installment of "From Money To Money". Here is a sampling of campaign donations to candidates attempting to win seat in Washington, D.C. Some of the players you already know. Some you will not but may want to find out for yourselves.
But please do not fret, if you are listed. This is public record, and you should not be ashamed of supporting your candidate of choice. It is your right as an American citizen (and for the Clinton's sometimes your right as a Chinese citizen), and I am proud to display your choices on this very blog.
And please do remember, this is how one obtains good government!
I guess Texas Democrat Election Day was good for Senator Hillary Clinton because Gilberto Hinojosa, current Cameron County Democrat Chairman and former Cameron County Judge, wrote out a check for $2,300. If you recall as first reported on this very blog, he had previously donated $500 to New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson in June 2007.
Mr. Hinojosa has also donated $500 on February 1, 2008 to Richard Joel Noriega, Texas Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate.
Frank Costilla first chose Mikal Watts for Democrat nominee for U.S. Senate from Texas and gave him $1,000 on June 20, 2007, which was refunded on December 6, 2007. Afterwards, he must have taken his refund and donated it to Rick Noriega on December 14, 2007.
Michael Cowen donated $2,300 on February 23, 2008 to the same candidate. If one recalls, fellow blogger and friend of this blog, Brownsville Barrister, donated the same amount to Mr. Watts before it too was refunded. (Cowen has also given the same amount to Mr. Barrack Obama, Democrat presidential candidate.)
Another local attorney Antonio Martinez donated to Watts before supporting Noriega. He gave $500 to Watts before it was donated. He then donated $2,000 to Noriega on February 13, 2008 and followed that up with a duplicate check on March 31, 2008.
Rene Oliviera has never wavered in his support of Noriega as he gave financial support on September 17, 2007. His chief of staff is even working for the candidate.
I found this interesting in a ha-ha way, Ruben Peña donated $350 to Senator Clinton and his own office manager Irma Peña donated $500 to the same candidate two weeks apart.
On March 26, 2008 way after the Texas Primary, Attorney Teri Danish of Rodriguez, Colvin, Chaney donated $250 to Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Emily Fertik, a U.S. Department of State in Brownsville, donated twice to OBAMA FOR AMERICA. On January 29, 2008 she dished out $200, and she followed that up two days later with another $250.
And he pops up again, Sergio Zarate, owner of Rex Cleaners and at least according to El Rocinante, a possible candidate for Brownsville School Board, has donated $250 to Rick Noriega on March 31, 2008.
George Gavito contributed $500 to Republican Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma. Why would he do that? Isn’t he the Brownsville Port Police Chief?
Here is an odd donation amount, $201 to Senator Barrack Obama from Conrad Bodden of Treviño & Bodden.
Former Brownsville Mayor Eddie Treviño, Jr., partner in Treviño & Bodden, donated another $250 to Senator Barrack Obama for a total of $500. Mr. Mayor you know you can afford more than that. He is bound to win the nomination, or are you saving your money for a potential run at office?
Border Congressman to ICE: Leave ‘em alone!
Valley Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (D-Mercedes, Texas) is absolutely concerned about Iowans.
Yup, you got it, he is concerned about howfederal agents with the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforce the law on illegal immigrants in IOWA.
Wow, when he is not busy filing for bankruptcy for his Texas family business, he is having press conference about IOWA!
Hinojosa and his fellow Democrats want immigration reform because the way the feds are enforcing current immigration laws are hurting families and illegal immigrants.
No, it can’t be true ICE is enforcing the law and targeting illegal immigrants. You don’t say?
“Children are paying the highest price of all for our broken immigration policies,” said Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Texas. “They are being torn from their families. This represents a moral and humanitarian crisis for this nation.”
But what about enforcing the law? Oh, that is right, you only make the law!
I am just a complete ASS.
“Democrats Decry Immigration Raid at Iowa Processing Plant”
By Mark Schoeff Jr.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Great Priority, Mr. District Attorney!
The Cameron County District Attorney last week asked for an opinion on the Port Bridge.
Yesterday, he spent the day going after 8-Liner's.
I do not condone gambling, but great priority Mr. Villalobos!
"Over $31,000 Seized in 8-Liner Raids (Video courtesy of KRGV-TV)"
No arrests made
LA FERIA - The Cameron County District Attorney's Office shut down two illegal gambling operations in Santa Rosa and La Feria.
The 8-liner raid happened last night just before midnight. The special operation group seized 130 gambling machines, one car, and more than $31,000.
No arrests have been made yet.
But the district attorney's office is investigating alleged violations of gambling statues, engaging in organized criminal activity, and money laundering.
Atkinson May Be Correct in His Rules Interpretation
Emma Perez-Treviño writes in today’s Shod-Daily, “When Ahumada came back to the commission table and proceeded to retake charge of the meeting, Atkinson, in the middle of calling for a motion on an item, thought Ahumada should wait until that business had been disposed of.”
I would like to offer a "friendly amendment". Actually, it is more like Robert’s Rules almost implicitly expects and demands the chair to remain a non-participant while the issue is heard and disposed.
Robert’s Rules of Order Revised (1915 Public Domain Version) Chapter 1 Article 10 Section 58 Clause 8:
“The chairman sometimes calls a member to the chair and takes part in the debate. This should rarely be done, and nothing can justify it in a case where much feeling is shown and there is a liability to difficulty in preserving order. If the chairman has even the appearance of being a partisan, he loses much of his ability to control those who are on the opposite side of the question. There is nothing to justify the unfortunate habit some chairmen have of constantly speaking on questions before the assembly, even interrupting the member who has the floor. One who expects to take an active part in debate should never accept the chair, or at least should not resume the chair, after having made his speech, until after the pending question is disposed of. The presiding officer of a large assembly should never be chosen for any reason except his ability to preside”
Maybe “the Mayor” should not have participated in a debate or item on the agenda in which he wanted control. Atkinson was correct in trying to keep the gavel.
For you Rules fans, you may find this interesting.
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th ed., p. 642 allows for a motion to declare the chair vacant, which is used as a remedy to misconduct or dereliction of duty by the chair of a deliberative assembly, when the rules allow it. It is usually combined with a motion to elect a new chair.
RRO allows this motion to be used if the offending occupant of the chair is not the regular presiding officer of a society, in which case it is a question of privilege affecting the assembly. Otherwise, the proper action is to rescind the election of the officer.
RRO calls for the chair “to enforce on all occasions the observance of order and decorum among the members”. I wonder if “the Mayor” knew this before he told a fellow member to “shut up”.
It is not like Robert did not provide hints for an inexperienced chair. He advises,
“Never interrupt members while speaking, simply because you know more about the matter than they do; never get excited; never be unjust to the most troublesome
member, or take advantage of his ignorance of parliamentary law, even though a
temporary good is accomplished thereby.”
Boy talk about good reading for his book of the month club!
Alberto Peña Donates Again!
And he is at it again! Alberto Peña is a former UTB-TSC Student Affairs employee, former Texas Southmost College Board of Trustee candidate and currently indicted by the federal government on countless immigration charges.
In the past year as his legal troubles have become public, Peña has been donating to presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who has to this blog knowledge accepted these campaign contributions from a federally indicted contributor from Brownsville as first reported on this blog in a story entitled "Remember That Villalobos Ad".
On top of the $2,000 already donated and reported on this blog, Peña has donated an additional $200 on March 29, 2008. Boy, one would think with this federal indictment he would try and save money for his defense and not donate money to a presidential candidate!
Interestingly, on April 4, 2008 (some five days later), Peña March 31st sealed idictment was unsealed. I will repeat what I have already stated in a previous post on this topic.
To my knowledge, these are the only donations Peña made to any federal candidate during this election cycle. To be fair, he had not been indicted when he gave his money, and $2,000 [now $2,200] is chump change in a presidential campaign. But it's still odd that an arrested person for federal crimes would want to donate any money to a candidate who might be able to pardon or commute his possible sentence.
Now this time, will the Shod-Daily (a.k.a. The Brownsville Herald) cover this story?
Texas Observer: "Border Fence Divides Brownsville"
Apparently, the Shod-Daily isn't the only one noticing the fights at the OK Corral (a.k.a. City Commission Chambers).
It has hit the big state stage of Texas Observer.
Here is a small excerpt:
"Brownsville Mayor Pat Ahumada has been embroiled the past year in a very contentious disagreement with his city commissioners over the construction of the border fence. In October 2007, the commissioners overruled him and allowed Department of Homeland Security officials to begin surveying city owned land for a fence. Since then, the Mayor Pro-Tem Charlie Atkinson has had some choice words for the mayor. This was reported in a Rio Grande Guardian story in April:
'Basically, he (Ahumada) is using the media for his own propaganda, because the bottom line is he is a deadbeat mayor, (and) he’s not going to get anywhere locally or nationally,” Atkinson said. “The commissioners are doing their hardest to make sure that they are communicating with DHS, and DHS is communicating with Brownsville staff.'”
Yikes, Batman, it is no wonder McAllen has a possible auto manufacturer contract looming on the horizon.
"The Mayor" Visits Washington . . .for a Press Conference?
The Austin American-Statesman reports in today's edition that "the Mayor" was in Washington, D.C. for a press conference about the wall/fence lawsuit on behalf of the Texas Border Coalition. Maybe Commissioner Charlie Atkinson was talkin' about this kind of solo action in his quotes above.
I wonder if the city will reimburse his travel expenses for this press conference in Washington?
You know, "the Chief" complains Homeland Security isn't listening to him, but "the Mayor" may not be listening to the public clamoring on Cafe Brownsville for specific documentation on "city" business trips.
How many trips is this for him to D.C.? Is it more than his trips to D.F.?
Below is an excerpt:
"Texas mayors' suit aims to block border fence"
By Eunice Moscoso
"Other Texas mayors attending the press conference in Washington included Pat Ahumada, mayor of Brownsville, and Raul G. Salinas, mayor of Laredo.
Salinas, who spent 26 years in the FBI, said that "putting up a wall in Laredo is absolutely ridiculous" and that it would hurt the cooperative relationship with Mexico on law enforcement issues. The mayors said they have various proposals that would better secure the border in their cities, including a few that would significantly widen the Rio Grande, allowing boats to patrol.
'Homeland Security is not listening to us,' Ahumada said."
News of Tomorrow...
Tomorrow, I will present another installment of my not-so-award winning report on campaign contributions.
Will your name be on the list? . . . . .
Monday, May 19, 2008
Canvass on Hold and TSC Trustees Control Partnership?
In the Shod-Daily’s Friday edition, a pet-peeve of mine appeared once again.
In a story entitled “BND delays canvass of votes” (as it appears in the print edition), “The TSC board is the governing body for the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.”
Will this paper cease this falsehood? TSC Board is the governing body of Texas Southmost College and NOT The University of Texas at Brownsville. If their statement were true, then UTB would not be served under the UT System. Please, I know you all are going through some tough times because of the loss of many reporters and staff, but this statement has appeared for years if not since the inception of the partnership.
If TSC Trustees were in charge, they could not argue that they had to raise tuition and fees because of UT System. They would be in charge.
For goodness sake, please correct this and stop spreading this deceit.
Oh, and another thing, “A total of 8,727 ballots were cast in the BND and TSC races combined, but county election officials were not able to say how many ballots were cast in each election.”
The number of ballots is not equal to the number of voters. Some voters only voted in TSC or BND or in both. My guess is 8,727 is the number of ballots whether there were separate or not. Just look at how many voters signed in and that should give you a more accurate number of voters. It is closer to 6,000. Please look into this further.
Finally, when is the canvassing of the election at 1 PM or at 5:30 PM? It was listed as 1 PM at the University and on Saturday the Shod-Daily listed it at 5:30 PM. The Trustees are scheduled to swear-in Rene Torres and select a time and date for drawing spots for the run-off and pick a date for the run-off itself. In looking at the possibilities, I believe the date will be June 14, 2008, but that is not set in web stone.
Tancredo Talks Again ‘Bout The Wall/Fence
I post this excerpt in part because of another story I posted recently about Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo's statements and that of "the Mayor".
The following is an excerpt of an Interview:
AP Interview: Tancredo says he won't quit immigration fight
By IVAN MORENO, The Associated Press
DENVER - Colorado congressman Tom Tancredo has been hailed and reviled for his hard-line stance on immigration, and he doesn't plan on shying away from the issue after he retires in January. The five-term Republican told The AP he wants to keep the issue on the national stage "because the federal government is AWOL."
"I say that because I don't see a solution emanating from Congress or the White House, but it's definitely on the minds of a lot people," Tancredo said. Tancredo said he wants to start a new policy group or join an existing one to push for immigration reform nationwide. He said he would like to see other states replicate Arizona’ policy of mandating that every employer ensure that their workers' Social Security numbers are valid. But Tancredo said he does not expect the problem he be fixed soon.
"I am sad to say, frankly, that it's still going to be there for the foreseeable future," Tancredo said. "I would much rather go to my grandchildren's baseball games, but this is a major problem that needs addressing."
Tancredo credits himself for helping make illegal immigration "the issue du jour" in Congress. Along the way, he embroiled himself in several controversies, calling Miami a Third World country because of its growing non-English-speaking population, accusing Mexican President Felipe Calderon of meddling in U. S affairs, and advocating a fence on the Texas border. The mayors of Brownsville and Eagle Pass, Texas, called that a "ridiculously juvenile" idea.
Gabriela Flora of the American Friends Service Committee, which advocates for immigrant rights, said Tancredo's tenure "hasn't been pretty," but she doesn't think he was primarily responsible for making immigration a hot topic. "Tancredo can't take full credit for this, although he would like to," said Flora, adding that "hate speech" against immigrants has grown in the last decade and anti-immigrant sentiment has become more acceptable. . .
For the complete interview, visit The Houston Examiner.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Border Congressman to Dem Leaders: Leave us alone!
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (D-Mercedes, Texas) and some of his fellow Hispanic representatives are fed up with Democrat leaders who are allowing them to be used as scapegoates.
He states, "We continue to have to deal with pointless political stunts and fear-mongering."
Democrat Leadership says they will heed the message next year! They sound like the Cubs, Wait 'til next year.
The frustration ... is real", says another congressman. They sound like [insert bad joke here]. In your comments, please do insert the bad joke!
From The Houston Chronicle:
"Hispanic Caucus tells Democrats to shape up"
By RICHARD S. DUNHAM
WASHINGTON — Rep. Joe Baca, chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, is steamed. Latinos have become a political "punching bag" this year, the California Democrat complained recently, attacked by "the misinformed" and "the misguided."
If you think he's talking about Republican presidential candidates and vocal immigration critics such as CNN's Lou Dobbs and Fox News' Bill O'Reilly, you'd be mistaken. The target of Baca's ire is the House Democratic leadership.
Baca and other Latino lawmakers on Capitol Hill are angry at their fellow Democrats — and they say they're not going to take it anymore.
They've held a press conference on the steps of a House office building to denounce their leadership's willingness to cater to immigration critics by holding hearings on enforcement measures proposed by endangered Democratic moderates.
They've threatened to block progress on immigration proposals backed by business interests and pushed by key Democrats, such as special visas for high-tech workers or agricultural help, unless leaders also move forward with comprehensive immigration legislation.
They've even accused their leadership of betraying bedrock Democratic principles.
"Today, my party wants to do what's easy, not what's right," said Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill.
'The frustration ... is real'
In a bid for anti-immigrant votes, Gutierrez says, his party is "betraying the Democrats' traditional fight for justice."
Lawmakers in the 20-member Hispanic Caucus know they are not going to get their political wish this year: another shot at comprehensive immigration legislation, something that died in the Senate last year. But they are frustrated that their party has not been aggressive at pushing back against the heated rhetoric of the Right.
"The frustration that you sense is real," said Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, a caucus vice chairman."We allowed the opponents of comprehensive immigration reform to frame the debate."
Latino lawmakers are most upset about a proposal by conservative Democrat Heath Shuler, D-N.C., to step up border enforcement and tighten requirements forcing employers to verify the legal status of their workers. Republicans are trying to force House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who opposes Shuler's "Secure America through Verification and Enforcement" Act, to bring the measure to the House floor for a vote through a petition signed by 218 lawmakers.
Several dozen Democratic moderates, including Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Stafford, have angered the Hispanic caucus by signing the petition. In addition, Lampson has proposed legislation to double penalties against smugglers who bring criminals into the U.S.
Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, said he and other Hispanic lawmakers are tired of the Democratic leadership scheduling hearings on "piecemeal legislation" while ignoring comprehensive reform.
"We continue to have to deal with pointless political stunts and fear-mongering," Hinojosa said.
The political consequences of a Hispanic rebellion — if it occurs — could be significant.
If alienated Latinos stay home from the polls in November, it could cost Democrats dearly in closely contested local elections in Texas, Arizona and other states. And if Hispanics conclude that their party is no different on immigration than Republican presidential candidate John McCain — a longtime supporter of comprehensive reform— it could tip the balance to the GOP in presidential contests in swing states such as New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado.
To neutralize McCain's appeal to Latino voters, said Antonio Gonzalez, president of the William C. Velasquez Institute, a San Antonio-based think tank, Democrats need to make an effort this year to pass some sort of immigration measure that deals with issues other than enforcement.
"It doesn't have to be the whole enchilada," said Gonzalez. "It can be a down payment on immigration reform."
Not a top issue
Despite the fury in Washington, Andy Hernandez, a political science professor at the University of Texas-San Antonio, said immigration has not been a top issue for Hispanics so far this year.
Like other Americans, he said, Hispanics have been more focused on issues such as the economy, health care and the war in Iraq.
Hernandez said, however, the Democrats would be smart to approve some kind of reform that would distinguish them from Republicans.
"Do I think it will be a decisive issue for Latinos? No," said Hernandez. "Do I believe if (Democrats) get ahead of the issue and show some leadership, more so than McCain, it helps them in November? It is one more weight in favor of Democrats."
But Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, said immigration legislation of any sort is a longshot in this presidential and congressional election year.
"Nothing's going to happen" on immigration in 2008, Green said, "particularly in an even-numbered (election) year with the president on the ballot."
Due warning
Green, an associate member of the Hispanic Caucus, whose district has a Latino majority, said the caucus' criticism of Pelosi, D-Calif., was "like a shot across the bow."
He said Pelosi and her top lieutenants have received the message — and will heed it in 2009.
"The speaker and leadership know that you can't have enforcement-only," he said. "There has to be comprehensive (immigration) reform."
Chronicle reporter Bennett Roth contributed to this story.
South Texas Makes Not So Good National News!
You may also already know this too...
The New York Times reported Tuesday of South Texas politiqueras and its affect on the Texas Presidential Primary.
I wonder if they will cover the story about Senator Hillary Clinton accepting campaign contributions from a local federally indicted contributor as first reported on this blog in a story entitled "Remember That Villalobos Ad".
"Legal but Controversial, It Helped Get Out the Vote"
By Mike McIntire and Michael Luo
In the threadbare border towns of South Texas, one of the country's poorest regions, enterprising locals like Candelaria Espinoza have long been paid to round up votes for candidates on Election Day. There is even a name for these electoral soldiers of fortune: politiqueras. So when Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign arrived in South Texas in February seeking an edge in its uphill battle against Senator Barack Obama, Ms. Espinoza was happy to oblige, for a price. The campaign paid her and seven other members of her family $100 to $200 each to knock on doors, deliver fligers and get voters to the polls for teh Democratic primary on March 4, which Mrs. Clinton narrowly won.
"I've been a politiquera for 20 years," Ms. Espinoza said in an interview last week outside her trailer in the town of Pharr. "The money the Clinton people gave me was about the going rate, more or less."The Espinozas were among at least 460 Texans, most of them rural Hispanics in South Texas or African-Americans in Houston, who received payments from the Clinton campaign for this kind of work, according to a review of Federal Election Commission records. The records show that Mrs. Clinton did something similar in Ohio giving $38,300 to a state legislator, Eugene R. Miller, who says he used it to pay more than 200 people to get out the vote in predominantly black neighborhoods in Cleveland.
The payments, known in the political vernacular as "street money," are a legal but controversial tool that Mrs. Clinton employed at a time when she was desperately seeking a victory after losing 10 consecutive contests to Mr. Obama.
As a practical matter, the payments are now little more than a footnote to a hotly contested race that seems closer to a conclusion after Mrs. Clinton's poor showing in North Carolina and narrow victory in Indiana last Tuesday. But they underscore how her strategists, caught unprepared for a drawn-out battle, turned to an old-style method of retail politicking to ensure much-needed victories in the suddenly critical Texas and Ohio primaries.
Not equipped with the volunteer-driven grass-roots movement that has propelled Mr. Obama's get-out-the-vote efforts, the Clinton campaign hired more than three times as many local operatives as he to fill that role in those two states. While mostly forgoing the use of street money in Ohio and other places, the Obama campaign paid about 150 people in Texas, most of them college students, for campaign work. The payments were widely dispersed, with only a handful in South Texas and fewer than 20 in Houston.
The Clinton campaign made payments of $80 to $125 to more than 200 people in Houston, and $100 to $200 to 170 people in the McAllen and Brownsville areas near the Mexican border.
The Clinton campaign did not respond to several requests for comment. Hari Sevugan, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, drew a distinction between the money it paid to college students, who he said were enthusiastic supporters to begin with, and the payments by the Clinton campaign, which he described as an effort to buy influence among important constituencies.
It is unclear whether the payments made much of a difference. Mrs. Clinton did sweep the border areas of Texas by wide margins, helping her win the primary by about 100,000 votes, of nearly 2.9 million cast, but she had already had a strong base of support among the region's Hispanics. And Mr. Obama carried Houston and other urban areas where black voters formed a crucial bloc of support.
The payments' impact was even less clear in Ohio, where Mrs. Clinton won one of the two Congressional districts where street money was used, but lost the other.
Whatever its effectiveness, street money is burdened with negative overtones stemming from accusations over the years that paid operatives have manipulated elderly voters in some elections or given people cash in exchange for their votes.
But even when entirely legal, the trading of campaign money for active political participation can raise awkward questions.
Mr. Miller, for instance, was a rare black politician who backed Mrs. Clinton in Ohio and had been under tremendous pressure from constituents in his heavily African-American district to support Mr. Obama. In an interview, he acknowledged that the $38,300 he received from the Clinton campaign "looks like I've been paid off," but he said he had kept none of the money for himself.
After signing a contract with the campaign just before the primary, Mr. Miller said, he hired people to carry signs at polling places, drive voters to the polls and canvass neighborhoods. Paying them was necessary, he said, because in the heavily black precincts of Cleveland, "it's not popular to be with Hillary Clinton."
While the use of street money is not uncommon in Cleveland, in other places the expectation that it will be disbursed is more deeply engrained in the electoral infrastructure. In Philadelphia, some local Democratic operatives openly groused about Mr. Obama's reluctance to engage in the practice and his reliance on out-of-state campaigners for the Pennsylvania primary, which Mrs. Clinton won.
In South Texas, politiqueras are known to negotiate with rival campaigns to get the best price before deciding whom to support, said Jerry Polinard, a political science professor at the University of Texas- Pan American, who added that recent vote-buying scandals had given the practice a black eye.
"With the attendant publicity that's emerged over the last few years," Dr. Polinard said, "there is an ethical question raised that some candidates don't want to be associated with."
For all the controversy, the Clinton campaign appears to have had few qualms about spreading street money around in Texas. In interviews, about two dozen people who had received such payments described similar services that they provided, including handing out leaflets, carrying signs and encouraging people to vote. None said the money had influenced their decision to support Mrs. Clinton, although several in Houston expressed ambivalence about her.
Larry Blevins, a retiree and longtime Democratic Party worker in Houston, said he would have preferred former Senator John Edwards, described Mrs. Clinton as "the lesser of three evils" and remarked that he would even consider voting Republican if Mike Huckabee joined Senator John McCain's ticket.
But Mr. Blevins, who was paid $80 by Mrs. Clinton's campaign, put aside his doubts and agreed to round up friends and neighbors to vote for her. He described such payments as "a way of getting people more involved" in rustling up support.
"That's basically what get-out-the-vote money is," he said. "Paying to get votes."
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