TPA Blog Roundup - June 22

It's Monday, the day after the first day of summer, and it's time for another Texas Progressive Alliance blog roundup.

President Obama, Bill White, and John Sharp are all in the same sinking DOMA boat. The Texas Cloverleaf comes off of hiatus to tell you why.

CouldBeTrue from South Texas Chisme cheers the impeachment of Judge Kent. 4 articles passed without a single nay. Lets hope the Senate is through with him by August.

BossKitty at TruthHugger finally signed up for Twitter to get updates on the Iran protests. What a day of drama and emotion it brought, Icons and Martyrs – All Day On Twitter Watching Iran. I was really meaning to highlight the regressive influences causing upheaval in personal lives, especially in Texas. Immigration Policies and Gay Rights -Contradictions.

Unlike Nevada Republican Senator John Ensign, Neil at Texas Liberal makes a promise he'll keep - He'll never cheat on his wife! Also, Neil sings the Damned's Wait For The Blackout at the Houston Ship Channel.

Off the Kuff takes a look, then a second look, at the bills Governor Perry vetoed.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson knows in order to solve big problems it takes leadership, Who is willing to lead, who has enough LBJ in them?.

Castle Hills Democrats heard candidates Tom Schieffer, John Sharp, Bill White, and Neil Durrance speak at the Dual County Fish Fry in north Texas. The blogger reviews their messages--and reports on feedback from the Dems in the audience.

WhosPlayin investigated the claim by a former mayoral candidate that the city is hiring illegal aliens for its road projects because one of its contractors doesn't yet use the E-Verify program.

Teddy at Left of College Station writes about escorting at Planned Parenthood and how what happens in Kansas doesn’t stay in Kansas. Today on Left of College Station: a report from the T. Don Hutto Residential Detention Facility and the protest on Saturday (including exclusive photographs).

Big Gas wants you to believe that regulating hydraulic fracturing is a state's rights issue. The truth: Only one state in the US regulates hydraulic fracturing. TXsharon busts the Big Gas bubble again on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Citizen groups opposed to new coal plants being built in Robertson County and near Victoria were given a chance to intervene last week when two of the 12 newly proposed coal plants in Texas had preliminary hearings for their waste water permits. Check out the video over at Public Citizen's Texas Vox.

Over at TexasKaos, Libby Shaw tells us that Dumb, Self-serving Politicians Make Dumb, Self-serving Decisions. What a surprise that Governor Goodhair takes the starring role in this little drama. Check out the details.

Do you love the Real Housewives on Bravo? Were you a little less than impressed by the NJ version? So was Barfly over at McBlogger.

Broadway Baptist Faces Unfriendly Vote

The Southern Baptist Convention holds its annual meeting next week in Louisville. One item on the agenda concerns Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Today’s FWST explains:

Convention delegates are also expected to decide whether one of Fort Worth’s most venerable congregations, Broadway Baptist, remains in the denomination.

The Rev. Bob Sanderson of Wendell, N.C., criticized Broadway’s stands on homosexuality at last year’s convention and urged that the church be declared "not in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention." The matter arose after Broadway members debated whether to allow photographs of same-sex couples in a church directory.

Now, Broadway, it should be noted, did not exactly adopt a gay-friendly position on the issue, or in general.

…The photographs were rejected in favor of group pictures.

A church statements says (sic) that one reason for not allowing photographs of gay couples was to emphasize that the church is in line with the Baptist constitution, which does not include churches that "affirm, approve or endorse" homosexual behavior. […]

The Baptist Executive Committee will meet Monday and recommend whether Broadway should continue as a cooperating member. A final decision will be made by a vote on the convention floor.

Broadway leaders met in February in Nashville, with the executive committee and urged that it not remove the church. […]

Since the February meeting, the church has responded to further questions about homosexuality asked by the executive committee, Broadway attorney Lynn Robbins said.

"We answered their questions by telling them we do not and never have ever endorsed, approved or affirmed homosexual behavior," Robbins said. "At the same time, our doors are open to all people, including homosexuals, without affirming their behavior."

So in the Southern Baptist world, merely entertaining the thought of treating homosexual couples with a modicum of respect may be sufficient to oust a congregation from the denomination. Stay tuned.

Baptist Pastor Prays for President's Death

Early last year, I posted a brief item about Southern Baptist minister Wiley Drake and his call for “imprecatory prayers” against Americans United for Separation of Church and State. During the primary season, Drake issued—on his church’s letterhead—a written endorsement of Mike Huckabee. AU filed a complaint with the IRS. In response, Drake asked supporters for prayers “aimed at smiting AU and its leadership.”

Well, Pastor Drake is at it again. He recently appeared on Alan Colmes’ radio show and claimed that the murder of Dr. George Tiller was an answered prayer. But he didn’t stop there. From ABP:

Asked if there are others for whom Drake is praying “imprecatory prayer,” Drake hesitated before answering that there are several. “The usurper that is in the White House is one, B. Hussein Obama,” he said.

Later in the interview, Colmes returned to Drake’s answer to make sure he heard him right.

“Are you praying for his death?” Colmes asked.

“Yes,” Drake replied.

“So you’re praying for the death of the president of the United States?”

“Yes.”

Sick. I don't know what else to say.

h/t to AU.

FW Diocese and TEC File Suit

The litigation has commenced. The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and the National Church have sued Bishop Iker and other former diocesan leaders in state district court. From the FWST:

Hoping to reclaim several pieces of church property and millions of dollars in endowed funds, the national Episcopal Church has sued a local group that split from the church in November.

The lawsuit, filed late Tuesday in Tarrant County court, follows months of negotiations after a bitter split between the two groups over what the local group, led by Bishop Jack Iker, considers the national church’s abandonment of orthodox principles.

[…]

The suit also asks for exclusive use of the name, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, which is being used both by Iker’s group and by a reorganized diocese that is loyal to the national church.

You can view a copy of the petition here(pdf). The FW Diocese has issued a press release that is posted on the diocesan website. Here’s an excerpt:

On Tuesday, April 14, 2009, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, the Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and the Episcopal Church filed suit in the 141st District Court of Tarrant County, Texas in part to recover property and assets of the Episcopal Church. The defendants are former members of the corporation’s board and the former bishop of the diocese, all of whom have left the Episcopal Church.

[…]

This lawsuit is necessary because of actions and decisions of these former diocesan leaders that sought to alienate property and assets of the Episcopal Church and deprived Episcopalians of their use and benefit. Despite courteous demand, the defendants and others continue to use the name and seal of the Diocese and maintain possession and control over diocesan property, including the Diocesan Center, Camp Crucis in Hood County, and significant funds, including endowed funds given for the use of the Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Church is a party to this litigation and has been very supportive of local efforts to maintain continuity of worship, ministry and mission by and for Episcopalians in North Texas. The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick Jr., provisional bishop, supports the litigation, as does the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, and the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.

I haven’t had a chance to review the petition yet. I hope to do so soon and will likely have some comments in the not too distant future. It’s truly sad that it has come to this, but the continuing diocese really has no choice.

Phil King v. "Litigious Grandparents"

State Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) has filed an interesting bill (HB 2084) that seeks to restrict the ability of grandparents to sue for possession of and access to their grandchildren.

This bill seems completely unnecessary. The U.S. Supreme Court has long held that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody and control of their children. In Troxel v. Granville, a 2000 case that originated in Washington state, the Court struck down a statute that permitted courts to award grandparents (and other third parties) visitation rights if it was deemed to be in the best interest of the children. A state can only interfere with a parent’s fundamental right to raise his or her children if it is necessary to prevent harm or potential harm. A disagreement over parenting styles isn’t sufficient.

Thus, the law currently greatly restricts a grandparent’s ability to sue for possession of or access to a grandchild. Then what’s behind King’s bill? The driving force became crystal clear during a hearing last Thursday before the House Human Services Committee. From the FWST:

Parents of home-school children showed their support in Austin this week for a bill aimed at protecting their parental rights from litigious grandparents.

[…]

Speaking before the House Human Services Committee on Thursday, King said the law has been abused by people who, in many cases, disagree with how their grandchildren are being educated. Often, King said, grandparents have more income to spend on dragging out the litigation.

[…]

The Texas Home School Coalition has listed King’s bill as their priority for the session.

“Our position is that parents should not be sued into bankruptcy to defend their right to raise their kids how they want to,” said Tim Lambert, the group’s president.

King’s bill enjoys the support of the Governor.

Gov. Rick Perry strongly endorsed the bill at a rally Tuesday in front of the Capitol organized by the Texas Home School Coalition.

“I really do understand public education may not be the best choice for every family,” Perry told a crowd of more than 200. “I believe government regulation needs to stop at your front door.”

The Texas Family Law Foundation opposes the measure.

JoAl Sheridan, with the Texas Family Law Foundation, testified against the bill, arguing that the law as it stands is enough to limit grandparents to pursuing cases only when the well-being of a child is an issue.

When grandparents initiate litigation concerning their grandchildren, it is often to protect the children from physical neglect or physical abuse (often from parents with substance abuse issues). Grandparents already have to meet a tough threshold. This bill would likely make it more difficult for grandparents to pursue litigation when there is a legitimate need.

In any event, as noted above, the bill is unnecessary. I don’t want to spark a home-schooling debate. I have some clients who have done a wonderful job home-schooling their children. I’ve seen others do their children a disservice by home-schooling them. But the law already mandates that courts defer to parents’ wishes. Courts are not presently permitted to allow grandparent access just because parents are home-schooling their kids and the grandparents disagree with that decision. If a court has allowed grandparents to have possession of or access to grandchildren who are being home-schooled, there is probably something else going on.

I'm curious what others think of this bill. Please leave any thoughts in the comments.

h/t to The Texas Blue.

TPA Roundup - April 13

It's Monday, and that means it is time for yet another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Round-Up.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme noticed Fort Bend County was slapped by the DOJ for actual election integrity problems. Voters were illegally denied provisional ballots and Spanish speakers were not accommodated. Betty Brown probably wishes those voters would make life easier for English-speaking poll workers.

BossKitty at TruthHugger cannot accept that Tax Laws, Tax Legislation and Lawmakers are ignorant to the fact that keeping the taxpayer clueless brings in more revenue. Built in vagueness and contradiction guarantee more tax dollars collected. This country has brainwashed its taxpayers, that it is easier to waste their money on sleazy preparers and tax software, than to learn what taxes are all about. Taxpayers are complicit in their own misery, even though the government really tries to make the facts available. Taxpayers are convinced that taxes are just a necessary evil ... "Death and Taxes". But today, Can You Trust Your Tax Software When It Can’t Keep Up.

Neil at Texas Liberal posted a video using Franklin Roosevelt and George W. Bush dolls to illustrate the recent liberal ascendancy in the United States.

We all had some fun at Rep. Betty Brown's expense last week, but Off the Kuff noted that there was a bill pending before Rep. Brown's Elections Committee that would actually help alleviate some of the problems that prevent eligible citizens from casting their ballots.

At Texas Kaos, it's been a bemusing week of watching Glenn Beck prepare to storm the Alamo City with Tea Bags. But nothing could have prepared us for Rick Perry linking his fortunes with Beck after his gasoline drenched performance. Apparently a primary threat in the Texas Republican Party means you double down on the batshit crazy lies. Who knew?

Kim Jong Il wasn't the only person to fire a missile this week. McBlogger went ballistic over that dapper Senator Watson.

The Employee Free Choice Act met the Democratic Senator from the Great State of Wal-Mart and is headed down to defeat as a result. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has more on the Senate's caving in once again to the corporations.

Asian American Action Fund Blog has extensive coverage of Betty Brown’s ridiculous questioning of Ramey Ko from our first report to Brown’s “apology” and Ko’s description of their conversation. In addition, there are link roundups of most coverage of the incident from the 9th and 10th. And don’t miss law professor Frank Wu’s exploration of the matter. We will provide further updates as this story continues to develop.

Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at the 20 Republicans in the Texas House who voted against education benefits for veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Alert Fox Security

Check out film critic Roger Ebert’s missive to Bill O’Reilly:

Yes, the Sun-Times is liberal, having recently endorsed our first Democrat for President since LBJ. We were founded by Marshall Field one week before Pearl Harbor to provide a liberal voice in Chicago to counter the Tribune, which opposed an American war against Hitler. I’m sure you would have sided with the Trib at the time.

I understand you believe one of the Sun-Times misdemeanors was dropping your syndicated column. My editor informs me that “very few” readers complained about the disappearance of your column, adding, “many more complained about Nancy.” I know I did. That was the famous Ernie Bushmiller comic strip in which Sluggo explained that “wow” was “mom” spelled upside-down.

[…]

Bill, I am concerned that you have been losing touch with reality recently. Did you really say you are more powerful than any politician?

That reminds me of the famous story about Squeaky the Chicago Mouse. It seems that Squeaky was floating on his back along the Chicago River one day. Approaching the Michigan Avenue lift bridge, he called out: Raise the bridge! I have an erection!

TPA Roundup - March 30

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Blog Roundup.

Phillip Martin of Burnt Orange Report is feeling proud to have a Democrat in the Oval Office in his post, President Barack Obama: How He Won & Early Successes.

McBlogger's Harry Balczak has some great news about a new movie coming out.

Off the Kuff examines the economic claims made by the gambling industry, and also prints a response from the racetracks.

BossKitty at TruthHugger recognizes the pattern of disaster cycles, why is everyone surprised when their world is turned upside down? America must pull its pants up and be ready for the unexpected, because it should be expected ... So Many Red Rivers - What Have We Learned. Speaking about learning, What Else Can We Cut Besides Cost …

The GOP declares doomsday if Obama's budget is enacted. Let's hope they don't pre-emptively invade the White House to try to stop it, as if a Democratic federal budget were equivalent to Saddam's WMD. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs reminds us that the Republicans tend to hyperventilate when they exaggerate.

Neil at Texas Liberal writes about Houston City Council candidate Noel Freeman and is hopeful that Mr. Freeman will address some questions of how the Democratic Party regards some if its most loyal voters.

At Texas Kaos, Libby Shaw keeps an eye on the best gov't that political contributions can buy, TRCC edition, in Fat Cat The Business Owner Sticks It to Joe the Consumer.

nytexan at BlueBloggin is not surprised by the GOP's latest stunt; The Party of NO: GOP Budget Has No Numbers And No Plan. The GOP leadership offered “The Republican Road To Recovery,” a 19 page joke which took them 27 days to write. It actually sounds like a book title for Alcoholic Anonymous. The best part of the GOP budget is there are “no” numbers in it. Page numbers don’t count.

Justin at AAA-Fund Blog urges readers to call State Rep. Angie Chen Button to condemn State Rep. Leo Berman's conduct.

The Texas Cloverleaf explains why it is going into hibernation.

Also on Burnt Orange Report, Todd Hill had an interview with Tom Schieffer, potential Democratic candidate for Governor, about his vision for Texas, his friendship with George W. Bush, and why he thinks he can win in the general election.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on President Obama’s first budget - A primer.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme is glad that the cowboy Bush administration is no longer in charge of diplomacy.

Bills to abolish Bob Perry's Builder Commission will be heard on Tuesday in a Business and Industry Subcommittee at 10:00am.

Vince at Capitol Annex reminds readers that a controversial campus carry bill that would allow Texas students to carry guns on college campuses gets a hearing before a House Committee on Monday.