#TXLEGE: Alliance for...enabling bureaucrats over patients?!?

"They are all adulterers.
Like an oven heated by a baker—
He ceases stirring the fire after kneading the dough,
Until it is leavened."
Hosea 7:4

Over the past week, we've seen movement to reform the diabolical Texas "Advance Directives" Act.  Mind you, this is reform, not repeal.  The bill in question leaves the wicked system in place.  It merely establishes a more workable system of 'due process' for those already trapped.

Furthermore, the horrifying Carolyn Jones case happens in the background.

Yet, even this modest concession is too much for some:

SB-2089-opposition-letter-4... by on Scribd

Obviously, that letter has a lot to unpack, but to yammer about "imminent and certain death" at a time when a Beaumont woman is heroically disproving their argument tells you what you need to know.

Something else in that letter speaks louder:

Wow.

For those of you unfamiliar with the history, the so-called Texas "Medical" Association has been one of the...more zealous advocacy groups for abortion in this state.

Yet an allegedly pro-life group treats them like BFF's.

At least the so-called Texas "Medical" Association has a certain 'logic.'  They're a trade group.  As such, their objective is to preserve their own pricing power.  Given this objective, it doesn't take a genius to see why they support bureaucrats over patients.

Their logic might be diabolical.  Their logic might be wicked.  But their logic IS logical.

We can't say the same for any self-respecting "pro-life" organization.

Obviously, end of life decisions are difficult.  But that's why those decisions should be made by patients and families.  Not bureaucrats backed by the force of an obscure state law.

Which, of course, is obvious to anyone who calls themselves pro-life and has a shred of integrity or self-respect.

Unfortunately, not everyone in this state who markets themselves as "pro-life" has those traits.

Bottom Line: The correct pro-life position in this case is obvious to anyone who isn't willfully blind or hopelessly compromised....

#TXLEGE: Hughes should come clean about whatever deal he cut with Huffman

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
Colossians 2:8

Sigh:

A bill to raise the age for purchasing tobacco products was voted out of the Senate State Affairs Committee on Monday by the narrow margin of 5-4.

Authored by the committee’s chairman State Sen. Joan Huffman (R–Houston), the bill passed with the support of both Democrats on the committee, State Sens. Eddie Lucio (Brownsville) and Judith Zaffirini (Laredo), in addition to Republican State Sens. Jane Nelson (Flower Mound) and Bryan Hughes (Mineola).

Hughes provided the pivotal vote to send the legislation to the full body, but his office told Texas Scorecard that Hughes said he voted the bill out of committee “to let debate occur on the floor,” but intends to oppose it upon its arrival because the issue is a matter of personal liberty.

[Note: Emphasis added.]

That's asinine.  Everybody knows that, in the Texas Senate, bills are only discussed on the floor once they have the votes to pass (see here).  Taken at face value, Hughes' decision is the type only a chump would make.  We originally intended to write a blog post discussing such chumpish asininity.

But let's get real: Bryan Hughes almost certainly cut a deal with Joan Huffman.  He's probably getting something for that vote.  Furthermore, it's almost certainly something we'd like.

Whatever it is, Hughes should fess up.

One of the biggest problems with the Texas Senate is the amount of policymaking that occurs "behind the scenes."  The public just (kinda sorta) sees the final product.  It's the type of thing more suited to philosopher-kings than a republic.

Obviously, Bryan Hughes didn't invent that aspect of Senate culture.  But he could have taken a small step towards changing it.  Would have been nice.

Bottom Line:  On the surface, this vote looks terrible.  But there's probably more to the story.  Nevertheless, you can't blame folks for assuming the worst (esp. this session) if they don't know the details of that "more to the story."

#TXLEGE: Wrapping up Senate Testimony w/ Union dues and Annexation.....

"And the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said:

“Stand up and bless the Lord your God
Forever and ever!
“Blessed be Your glorious name,
Which is exalted above all blessing and praise!"
Nehemiah 9:5

[Note: The B&C hearing can be viewed here (our testimony is approximately an hour in); the State Affairs hearing can be viewed here (our testimony is approximately three hours in).]

We testified in favor of two more bills today.  We got hissed at during the first.  During the second, we got a standing ovation.

• SB 7 (Hughes):  "Relating to payroll deductions for state and local government employee organizations."
  
  We testified about how taxpayers shouldn't be forced to subsidize partisan political activity.  Government bureaucrats are free to engage in any political they desire on their own time and their own dime.  But taxpayers shouldn't be asked to subsidize it.
  
  We also pointed out the need for a level playing field, so organizations (like the Texas Public Policy Foundation) that rely upon voluntary contributions aren't forced to compete at a structural disadvantage; several of the union people audibly expressed their displeasure with the TPPF comparison.

• SB 6 (Campbell): "Relating to municipal annexation."
  
  We testified about how involuntary annexation wasn't cool when the Germans did it to France, it wasn't cool when the Soviets did it to half of Europe, and it's not cool today when the cities of Austin, Houston, and San Antonio are doing it in the state of Texas.
  
  That was the line that earned the standing ovation.
  
  

#TXLEGE: Today's TPPF #SpecialSession Policy Orientation

"Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them."
Ezekiel 38:7

TPPF hosted a supplemental policy orientation today with a mix of speakers and panels; the following is a direct transcription of our notes.

Governor Greg Abbott:

• Teachers are the most important part of the education process.

• Reward the best teachers.

• School finance -- What has been studied previously is not adequate.
• No more "band aids over band aids."
• End Robin Hood.

• Current education structure focuses on "schools, not students."

• Cities have enacted policies that are hostile to economic growth.
• "If we don't stop this, real quick, we are in real danger."

• Taxpayers should have a say in tax increases.
• #1 issue we must address.

• Private property rights are being diminished across Texas.

• "I want a vote" on union dues bill.

• Dallas mail in ballot fraud nothing new.
• Been going on since (at least) Lyndon Johnson.
• Removing paid political operatives from the process.

• Publishing lists of special session items re: who's supporting/who's not "on a daily basis."

Lt. Gov Dan Patrick:

• Points out Straus laying foundation for state income tax in the first paragraph.
• Along with Democrats and school district officials.

• 52% of budget goes to education.

• Teachers only get 32% of education $$$.

• "It's not an unfunded mandate...school districts need to re-purpose the money."

• Teachers unions oppose higher pay for teachers.

• Math is math.

• "Governor Abbott and I do not want Texas to become California or Illinois."

• "Greg Abbott's priorities are my priorities."

• Property taxes #1 priority.

• House has lots of members who will vote the right way "if they get the chance."

• "Texas likes fighters, not quitters."

• "We've shown that big government Republicans are wrong."

• re: Straus: "Don't undermine the entire party and the entire state."

From Left: Talmadge Heflin (TPPF), Sen. Kelly Hancock, Rep. Craig Goldman, Sen. Bryan Hughes, Patrick Gleason (ATR)

State level fiscal policy panel:

• Statewide spending limits needs to go down to (population + inflation).

• Hancock: Abbott created conference committees before the bills were even filed.

• Public sector unions are bankrupting California.

• Hancock: Spending is where you control the growth of government.
• (Population + inflation) is a real cap.
• Note: As this session's budget can attest, (population + inflation) is more of a bare minimum than a real cap...but it would still be a significant improvement on the status quo.

• Gleason: It's easier to pass things in other states when Texas has done it.

• Gleason: Kansas cut taxes, but failed to keep spending in check.

From Left: Sen. Donna Campbell, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, Rep. Paul Workman

Local Liberty Panel:

• Cities are doing power grabs to increase their tax base.

• Annexation: Cities have been unrestrained for decades.
• Campbell's bill expedites voluntary annexation.
• Texas is one of the last states in the country to permit voluntary annexation.

• Property Taxes: Revenue up >30% in all the major counties over the past few years.
• Anywhere you go in the state, appraisals are up at least 15% annually.
• School districts have to hold tax ratification elections past a certain threshold; you need a similar mechanism for cities and counties.
• Current rollback petition requirements "are fictitious nonsense."
• Rollback rates have been >5% since Jimmy Carter.
• Bettencourt supports 0% rollback rate but doesn't currently have the votes.
• Texas currently chasing New York and Illinois on property tax burdens.

• Tree Bill: Heritage trees add value to property, so cutting them down is rare, but in the cases where it's necessary it's none of the government's business.
• Westlake tried to fine a property owner $100k for cutting down a tree on his own property.

• Expedited Permitting: Workman's bill states that cities can have expedited permitting, but doesn't allow them to add strings to the process.

#TXLEGE: Wrapping up our testimonies from the 85th Regular Session....

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:32

[Note: A very big, public, THANK YOU to Buddy Kipp of Empower Texans for pulling the video from the legislature's website.]

We've finally gotten our legislative testimonies from the regular session online; presented in chronological order.

• 1/26/2017 -- UT Regent confirmation hearing (Original post 1, 2)
  
  

• 3/14/2017 -- SB 113: "Relating to the provision of and local regulation of certain for-hire passenger transportation." [Note: This was Don Huffines version of the Uber bill that would have completely deregulated ALL ground transportation.] (Original Post)
  
  

• 3/14/2017 -- SB 451: "Relating to regulation of short-term rentals and short-term rental marketplaces by municipalities and counties."
  
  

• 3/23/2017 -- SB 19: "Relating to performance-based tuition limitations for and a temporary limitation on the amount of tuition and fees charged by certain public institutions of higher education. (Original Post)
  
  

• 3/27/2017 -- SB 445: "Relating to the authorization and reporting of expenditures for lobbying activities by certain political subdivisions and other public entities." (Original Post)
  
  

• 4/4/2017 -- SB 650: "Relating to tax increment financing." (Original Post)
  
  

• 4/11/2017 -- HB 3418: "Relating to municipal zoning affecting places or areas of historical, cultural, or architectural importance and significance." (Original Post)
  
  

• 4/18/2017 -- HB 2551: "Relating to regulation of short-term rentals by municipalities and counties." (Original Post)
  
  

• 4/26/2017 -- SB 1151: "Relating to the protection of expressive activities at public institutions of higher education." (Original Post)
  
  

• 5/11/2017 -- HB 100: "Relating to the regulation of transportation network companies; requiring an occupational permit; authorizing a fee." (Original Post)
  
  

• 5/11/2017 -- CSHB 21: "Relating to the funding of primary and secondary education." (Original Post)
  
  

• 5/15/2017 -- HB 17: "Relating to the establishment of the Texas Higher Education Innovation Accelerator for public institutions of higher education." (Original Post)
  
  

• 5/17/2017 -- SB 822: "Relating to the transfer of certain property from The University of Texas System to the Parks and Wildlife Department." (Original Post)
  
  

• 5/17/2017 -- SB 19: "Relating to performance-based tuition limitations for and a temporary limitation on the amount of tuition and fees charged by certain public institutions of higher education." (Original Post)
  
  

#TXLEGE: Senate passes Campus Free Speech bill!!!

"He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still."
Revelation 22:11

Amidst all the craziness last Thursday, the Senate quietly moved forward something pretty awesome: Dawn Buckingham's campus free speech bill has now passed the full Senate.

We testified in favor of this bill in late April.  But, to be honest, we thought it was dead in committee.  Thus, we didn't even realize that it had been voted out.

But, apparently, Chairman Seliger defied our expectations last week.

And now the bill is out of the full Senate!

Making matters even better, during floor debate Bryan Hughes added a floor amendment that would ban so-called "free speech zones" on campus.  So the bill is even stronger than what was originally considered in committee.  Booyah!!!

Finally, we would like to publicly thank Chairman Seliger.  He did not have to move this bill, but he did.  While we've certainly had our disagreements over the years, his leadership of the Higher Ed committee this session has been a pleasant surprise.

Bottom Line: It's still moving....

2016 Texas Republican Runoff Election: YOUR Conservative/Libertarian Voter Guide!!!

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2

With early voting underway in the 2016 Republican Runoff, Cahnman's Musings makes the following endorsements:

STATEWIDE -- Texas Railroad Commission

Wayne Christian:

Read our previous endorsement here; read our endorsement from the 2014 cycle here.

With this race, we have an opportunity to fix the greatest injustice of the 2014 cycle.

Let's take it.


STATEWIDE -- Judicial

Ray Wheless (Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2):

Read our previous endorsement for Ray Wheless here.

In addition, Judge Wheless won't be a rubber stamp for prosecutors.  That's often a problem in criminal cases.  Judge Wheless' record also suggests he will take a sane and rational approach to low level drug offenses.

While the worst candidate for this seat was eliminated in the first round, we remain unenthusiastic about Judge Wheless' opponent.

Brent Webster (Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5):

If we can only communicate one message to voters, it's this: The Governor of Wisconsin is NOT running for a judicial position in Texas.

Richard Scott Walker is an unqualified Dallas-based attorney who put his name on the ballot in such a way that it allows him to coast off of the Wisconsin governor's name recognition.  That's the only reason he made the runoff.  It's also worth pointing out that, at least to our knowledge, Walker hasn't spoken to a single grassroots group during this entire campaign.

Brent Webster, by contrast, is an actual attorney with meaningful criminal law experience.  While his background in the Williamson county DA's office makes us nervous, we've gotten to know him over the past few months and are comfortable he will treat defendants with fairness and respect.  FWIW, he's also been endorsed by every conservative group in Texas.

TEXAS SENATE

Bryan Hughes (District 1):

Let's make it official: We're switching sides.

Obviously, we endorsed David Simpson in the first round.  Heck, we gave David money back in December.  But we cannot support David's actions during the runoff.

Since this campaign moved into the runoff, David Simpson has gotten into bed with the Ratliff family.  He's been endorsed by ParentPAC.  His attacks on Ken Paxton were the final straw.

Fortunately, Bryan Hughes also got into this race.  Bryan is a conventional conservative who will vote in a predictable manner.  In the Texas Senate, at this point, a consistent 20th vote is more important than anything else.

This race was always a close call.  Both candidates are good Christian men, but neither is perfect.  Either one will be mostly good on most issues most of the time, and they have both made bewildering decisions over the years.

Nevertheless, at this point, we're just more comfortable with Bryan.

Sometimes you need to swallow your pride and hop in a life boat.  Stubbornly clinging to a sinking ship doesn't help anyone.  Especially when the ship is sinking due to it's own design failures.

Dawn Buckingham (District 24):

Read our previous endorsement of Dawn Buckingham here.








TEXAS HOUSE

The Stickland Six:

Jonathan Stickland is currently supporting the following six House candidates in runoffs:

• Keith Strahan (Liberty, San Jacinto, Walker counties); previously donated.
• John Keating (Collin, Rockwall counties)
• Briscoe Cain (Eastern Harris County)
• Read King (Denton County); previously endorsed.
• Kyle Biedermann (Comal, Gillespie, Kendall counties).

• Cole Hefner (Camp, Morris, Rains, Smith, Titus, Wood counties). 

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mary Lou Bruner (District 9):

We don't agree with Donna Garner on everything, but we do agree with her on issues related to the State Board of Education:

"Texas public school students, parents, and teachers badly need Mary Lou Bruner on the SBOE. Mary Lou is now retired; but she worked for 36 years in the Texas public schools as a teacher, counselor, and educational diagnostician. She knows how children think. She also knows the best ways to help them learn the foundational knowledge and skills that parents want their children to know. Mary Lou will not be fooled by those who want to indoctrinate our Texas children into anti-American thinking nor by those people who see no need for children to learn the basic skills needed for success (e.g., phonics, grammar, usage, spelling, cursive, math facts, etc.)."

The fact that Mary Lou Bruner's election will give both Thomas Ratliff and the so-called Texas "Freedom" Network conniption fits doesn't hurt either.

David Simpson and the Educrats: Strike Two

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
1 Corinthians 15:33

First he gets into bed with the Ratliff family, now this:

Seventeen East Texas school superintendents have endorsed David Simpson for Senate District 1 in the May 24 runoff, including Longview ISD Superintendent James Wilcox.

Simpson faces state Rep. Bryan Hughes in the GOP runoff.

"I feel Rep. Simpson was responsive when he represented the district in the House," Wilcox said Friday. "The No. 1 reason I am endorsing Simpson is that I don't think David will be influenced by outside groups or interests. When you have an elected official that is controlled by interests in his home district, he has no representation at all. I think he will be his own man and will not be pressured by outside groups or individuals."

White Oak ISD Superintendent Michael Gilbert said he has met and worked in past legislative sessions with Simpson and Hughes.

"(Simpson) will be a strong voice for all students in the Senate district, despite the efforts of our lieutenant governor to divert taxpayer funds to finance private schools," Gilbert said in a statement.

Simpson said he looks ahead to public school funding in the next legislative session.

"As we enter the next legislative session, funding battles for our public schools will be the greatest challenge faced by our elected officials," Simpson said in a statement.

[Author's Note: Emphasis added.]

Read the whole thing here.

The Increasingly Indefensible Campaign of David Simpson

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
1 Corinthians 15:33

Earlier this cycle, we endorsed David Simpson.  We've donated money.  Unfortunately, since the race moved to the runoff, David's behavior has given us serious misgivings.

When the race began, it made sense.  Both David Simpson and Bryan Hughes are pro-Life.  Both are strong fiscal conservatives, but David historically has been a little better on corporate welfare.  It was a close call, but we were comfortable that we liked David just a little bit more.

But the past few weeks have severely tested that assessment, specifically on education.

About a month ago, Empower Texans noted:

And in an email to supporters on March 10, Simpson wrote that school choice plans that would “substantially alter public education is not in the best interest of our children, their parents, or the school districts in Senate District 1.”

Then, on Wednesday, David announced an endorsement:

Mount Pleasant – Today, former Lt. Governor Bill Ratliff endorsed Representative David Simpson in his May 25th runoff bid to replace retiring Senator Kevin Eltife.

"While we don't agree on every issue, we agree that Northeast Texas needs a Senator who represents us and is not beholden to anyone or any special interests,” said Ratliff.

“Senator Ratliff’s tenure in public office was a hallmark of political courage. He served with integrity and honor. He frequently took stands on difficult issues in face of withering criticism and did so for one reason only – it was the right thing to do for Senate District 1. I am honored to have his support,” said Simpson.

“In the words of Winston Churchill, “You have enemies? Good, that means you've stood up for something." I'm sure some will attempt to twist and diminish this endorsement against me, but that's okay. Senator Ratliff and I have stood on principle and what we believe is right, not what is popular. I will continue to stand on principle,” Simpson concluded.

Ratliff served in the Texas Senate from 1988 to 2004. When Governor George W. Bush was elected to the presidency in 2000, a vacancy occurred in the lieutenant governor’s office as Rick Perry ascended to the governor’s mansion. Upon Perry’s ascension, Ratliff was elected by his Senate colleagues to serve as lieutenant governor.

So David Simpson is crawling into bed with the Ratliff family....

---

Now you might be asking yourself "who is the Ratliff family"?!?  If you've never heard of Bill Ratliff, there's a good chance you've heard of his sons.  One is named Bennett and the other is Thomas.

Bennett Ratliff is a  liberal former state representative who has run against Matt Rinaldi the last several election cycles.  Most recently, Bennett Ratliff was seen accusing Matt Rinaldi of being friends with Bill Cosby.  Real winner there....

Thomas Ratliff, Bill's son and Bennett's brother, is a pro-Common Core lobbyist for Microsoft.  For the past 6 years, he has also been serving illegally on the state board of education while a registered lobbyist.  You can read our archive on Thomas Ratliff here.

Bill Ratliff, the father, sponsored George W. Bush's signature education bill as a member of the Texas Senate in 1995.  During his time in the legislature (both as a Senator and Lite Guv), he was a well known ally of the education lobby.  Since leaving office, Ratliff has continued to align himself with the education lobby.

You get the picture.

---

The worst part is that, while there's no moral or substantive reason to get anywhere near the Ratliff family, it does make a certain amount of perverse political sense.

Unfortunately, Senate district 1 is a rural district where, in many communities, the school district is the largest employer.  And those educrats vote!  So if you're looking to win a low turnout runoff, and most of the grassroots organizations in the district are supporting the other guy, pandering to the educrats is a logical strategy.

Bottom Line: We're not ready to withdraw our support...yet, but the type of support David Simpson has cultivated since this race moved to the runoff is raising major red flags and is rapidly approaching the point of becoming a deal-breaker.

First Amendment Tuesday: Six Weeks to Go

"and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,"
Ephesians 6:19

With the clock conspicuously ticking, this morning's First Amendment Tuesday detailed the slow walk conservative legislation is getting across the board.

Tony McDonald (Empower Texans):



Highlights:

• TMF's point of order was legit.

• In 2007, Tom Craddick fired the parliamentarian and assumed dictatorial control of the House.

• Of late, we've seen a return to that style of leadership under Straus.

• By ruling Stickland's amendment non-germane, Straus didn't have to provide an explanation the way he would have had to if there had been a point of order.

• D's threatened to break quorum over campus carry.

• At one point, there were 240 bills that had been passed by the Senate that we're sitting on Straus' desk; that number has come down slightly in the past few days, but not by much.

• HB 910 has to go through the Senate process ALL OVER AGAIN; thus it could take another month to get it to Abbott's desk.

David Walls (Texas Values):

Highlights:

• We have to get bills moving at this point in session.
• Author's Note: Not gonna happen.

• HB 3567, Pastor protection bill, up in State Affairs tomorrow.

• Revealing exchange last week between Bryan Hughes and Texas "Freedom" Network

Ann Hettinger (CWA):

Highlights:

• THSC's parental rights bill being discussed this week.

• We've yet to hear any abortion related bills this session.
• Author's Note: Technically, we haven't heard any meaningful pro-Life bills; a few of the "caption only" bills discussed below have had hearings.

Mary Lynn Gerstenschlager (Texas Eagle Forum):

Highlights:

• Astonishing number of global warming related bills being heard this session.

• American Laws for American Courts is stuck in Calendars.

• EMP protection bills being heard in Senate today and House tomorrow.

Jim Graham:

Highlights:

• HB 3074 negotiations ongoing.

• Beware "caption only" bills -- Sound great but do nothing.

• Meaningful bills are getting slow-walked -- "Lets get these bills out of committee."

Bryan Hughes runs 1080 around Anderson Cooper

"but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—"
Ephesians 4:15

Last night, our friend Bryan Hughes went into the Lion's Den on CNN and kicked Anderson Cooper's rear end up one side of the street and down the other:



Highlights:

• #BOOM: "The language in the platform is in the platform because we want to make sure that people have rights.  We heard from people who wanted access to that kind of counseling, that kind of therapy, and so we believe in free speech and free choice."

• "The platform begins in Texas at the precinct level and so, in this case, the neighbor of one of our delegates had been through this therapy, it was helpful to him, and he was concerned it might be taken away."

• "This is about giving people choices, if they want this, it should be available to them."

How Miranda Lambert's Hometown Outsmarted Wisconsin Atheists

"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."

Genesis 50:20

Last night, a friend told us about this story out of Lindale, TX; re-printed (with permission) in full from Seven Spheres news:

School District Defies Lawsuit Threats to Perform “In God We Trust” the Musical 

By Patrick Butler, Seven Spheres News 

710 Words 

LINDALE, Texas – In defiance of lawsuit threats from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an estimated 2,200 people turned out Wednesday night in Lindale, Texas, to view the Lindale Independent School District’s 5th Grade musical "In God We Trust." 

The Lindale High School's performing arts center was filled to its capacity of about 1,300 people said event organizers, and overflow rooms were set up in the school gymnasium and cafeteria. 

U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) attended the event to “show his support” as did civic representatives and staffers including Jason Wright of Senator Ted Cruz's office and Texas State Rep. Bryan Hughes (R-Dist. 5). The mayor of Lindale, and other local elected officials, joined a standing-room-only capacity crowd to see the musical. 

“We also have an overflow room of 200 filled to capacity,” said the Rev. Tom Buck, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lindale, to the cheering audience, “and another overflow room of 700 also filled to capacity. Those who can't fit in the rooms are out on the lawn, listening to an audio-only,” feed from the auditorium. 

Buck said he was “overwhelmed” by the community support for “In God We Trust,” as did the play's co-authors, Chris and Dian Machen of Plano, Texas, located on the outskirts of Dallas, about 90 miles west of Lindale. The couple came to Lindale when they heard the Freedom From Religion Foundation had threatened to sue the Lindale School District if the play was performed as a school function. 

“The number of people here tonight is far beyond what a play like this would normally attract,” said Machen. “Because of what they [Freedom From Religion Foundation] have done, more people than ever are seeing this play.” 

While the words of the songs originated with the Machens, the spoken elements of the play were, for the most part, direct quotes from America's Founding Fathers affirming the role of God in the formation of the country. 

The recitations by the Founding Fathers were re-enacted by fifth grade class members, often in period costume. Direct quotes affirming the role of religion in America from the writings of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and William Bradford (governor of Plymouth Plantation in the 1600's), were recited without elaboration or interpretation, allowing the writers to speak for themselves. 

Fifth-grader Francisco Mata delivered Bradford's observation that, “A vessel, called the Mayflower, delivered us in pursuit of a new country. To declare our faith, we travelled under a sail inscribed with the words, 'In God We Trust.’” 

The “separation of church and state” controversy was met with Thomas Jefferson's own words taken from the letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in Connecticut, recited by fifth-grader Colton Beeler to heavy applause: “I believe with you,” wrote Jefferson, “that religion is a matter that lies only between man and God. The people have voted that no law controls the decisions of churches in America. It is not that the state should be separate from religion, but that religion should be separate from the state.” 

A consortium of churches in Lindale, including First Baptist Church of Lindale that spearheaded the event, rented the high school’s performing arts center for the evening and staffed the venue. That enabled the fifth grade class at E.J. Moss Elementary school to present their play, which had been stopped when the Freedom From Religion Foundation out of Wisconsin threatened a lawsuit just two days before the scheduled event. 

Gohmert spoke afterwards congratulating the children, parents and community supporters.
"Don't you just love Lindale, Texas?" Gohmert said, to a cheering crowd. 

To the class he said, “I've been in the presence of presidents of our country. I've been in the presence of prime ministers and queens. There is nowhere I'd rather be tonight than right here in Lindale with you.” 

Gohmert quoted Benjamin Franklin, too. 

“Franklin also said, 'God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground, is it possible an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings that unless God builds the house, they labor in vain that build it.'” 

Turning to the class on stage he said, “You have shown this, exemplified this, to us tonight in such a wonderful way.”

 Kudos also to Congressman Louie Gohmert and Texas State Rep Bryan Hughes, two perennial favorites of Cahnman's Musings!!!

BREAKING NEWS: Transportation Funding Likely Dead for Second Special Session

Cahnman's Musings briefly swung by the Texas Capitol an hour ago.  We had seen on Facebook that the House was scheduled to vote on HJR 2 around five.  We arrived immediately following the conclusion of the vote.

A conservative Representative informed us of the result.  Because SJR 2 would enable a Constitutional Amendment it needed 100 votes to pass.  It only got 84.

We asked this Representative if he thought transportation funding could still rear it's ugly head before the session ends tomorrow at midnite.

"Not unless they can come up with sixteen votes" was his reply "and that ain't gonna happen."

In the extremely likely event of a third special session, conservatives must shift the focus to spending.  The reason this transportation deal hasn't passed yet is because voters don't trust the Republicans on spending.  Republicans need to earn back the credibility they frittered away during the general session if they want voters to trust them with more of their money.

-----

Update: Despite openly carrying water for the big spenders (pun intended), KXAN has more....

ENDORSEMENT Shift: David Simpson for Texas House Speaker

This morning, Bryan Hughes dropped out of the Texas House Speaker's race and endorsed David Simpson.  David Simpson supports the Texas Budget Compact.  Therefore, following Bryan Hughes' lead, Cahnman's Musings shifts our endorsement for Texas House Speaker to David Simpson.

Cahnman's Musings is committed to protect and strengthen Texas' Economy.  We can't do anything about the threats coming at Texas from Washington, but Texas can keep our own house in order.  In that context, current Texas House Speaker Joe Straus' spendthrift, Obama-esque, crony-socialist 'leadership' remains an economic risk Texas cannot afford.

While Economic policy is our primary concern at the state level, another aspect of David Simpson's record deserves commendation.  In 2011, during the 82nd Texas Legislature, David Simpson led the charge to prohibit TSA groping in Texas' airports.  Unfortunately, that effort failed, but any effort to push back against Washington is welcome in Texas.

Here is Simpson's speech during the TSA fight (h/t Voices Empower):



For these reasons, following Bryan Hughes' lead, Cahnman's Musings unconditionally shifts our endorsement in the Texas House Speaker's race to David Simpson.

Chronicling Joe Straus' Shady Leadership

This video from Voices Empower details a number of the questionable actions of Joe Straus' leadership team in the Texas House of Representatives beyond the spending issues that fuel my opposition:


Lowlights:

• Straus attempted to re-district conservatives off the State Board of Education.

• Straus helped keep a registered lobbyist on SBOE.

• Straus' family has a financial stake in Casino Gambling.

Check out the entire devastating post from Voices Empower here.

That's why Cahnman's Musings supports Bryan Hughes for Texas House Speaker.

Joe Straus: Obstacle to Prosperity

I met Bryan Hughes last night, and was generally impressed; I'll have a lot more to say on the positive side of this race shortly.

In the meantime, I want to piggyback on this piece from Empower Texans, because it encapsulates the importance of the Texas House Speaker's race to the long term economic future of Texas.

The piece, entitled "Dewhurst Doubles Down" details Lt. Governor David Dewhurst's welcome Road to Damascus-esque fiscal conversion.  Under the leadership of a chastened Lt. Governor Dewhurst, Cahnman's Musings is cautiously optimistic the Texas Senate will act as prudent stewards of the people's money.  Unfortunately, we are forced to concur with this assessment of the Texas House:

House Speaker Joe Straus refuses to make any commitments towards reducing spending, opposing new taxes, or preserving a strong Rainy Day Fund.  He's sent out many signals since the end of the 82nd session indicating the state should instead look for more revenue....

In other words, Governor Rick Perry supports prudent financial stewardship.  A chastened Lt. Governor Dewhurst is also saying the right things.  However, the man who the Texas Constitution grants near dictatorial powers over the Texas State House dogmatically refuses to commit to prudent stewardship of the people's money.

Governor Perry frequently cites four factors behind Texas' economic success.  Number one is "do not spend all the money;" when government is frivolous with the people's money, the people cannot pursue productive activity.  It's common sense.

Joe Straus' spendthrift leadership is an obstacle to prosperity Texas cannot afford; that's why Cahnman's Musings supports Bryan Hughes for Texas House speaker.

"We need you to Endorse Bryan Hughes" -- An Open Letter to David Barton

Dear Sir,

We've never met, although we have many mutual friends.  I'm a big fan.  This letter, however, is about business.

Texas Conservatives need you to endorse Bryan Hughes for Speaker in the 83rd Texas Legislature.

You might not know this, but your endorsement is one of the few that matters.  In lower profile races, your endorsement moves votes.  As one example, you endorsement was critical to my pushing the button for Michael Williams.

You know these candidates and you know the contrast.  Where current speaker Joe Straus deliberately echoes Obama, Bryan Hughes believes in prudent financial stewardship.  Joe Straus' Obama-esque crony socialist 'leadership' is an economic risk Texas cannot afford when a superior alternative exists.

Here's at Cahnman's Musings, we've endorsed Bryan Hughes.  The difference, David Barton, is that people actually care what you think.  That's why Cahnman's Musings respectfully requests your endorsement of Bryan Hughes for Texas House Speaker.

Sincerely,
Adam Cahn
Austin, TX
November 20, 2012

On Joe Straus' self-serving Economic Lie

Current Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, just like Barack Obama, believes "you can't cut your way to prosperity."

This, of course, is a self-serving economically-illiterate lie that Joe Straus is pushing as a smokescreen to raise your taxes.

Back in August, I addressed this phenomenon at the national level:

A long time ago, economists identified a phenomenon called crowding out.  Crowding out is a fancy-pants, highfalutin' term that means when Washington D.C. spends us into oblivion, there's less money left for businesses and consumers to consume and invest as they see fit.  Given that Business Investment is the primary driver of economic growth, any action that restrains Washington D.C.'s ability to crowd out business investment promotes economic growth and productive employment.

Substitute the word Austin for Washington D.C. and you understand why the notion that "you can't cut your way to prosperity" is just as big of a lie when it's said by Joe Straus as it is when it's said by Barack Obama.

The number one way to restrain Austin's ability to crowd out business investment is the Texas Budget Compact, which Joe Straus dogmatically opposes.

That's why Cahnman's Musings supports Bryan Hughes for Texas House Speaker!!!

OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT: Bryan Hughes for Texas House Speaker!!!

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; when a wicked man rules, the people groan."  Proverbs 29:2

What would you say if I told you that the man who the Texas Constitution grants near dictatorial power over half of the Texas Legislature views economic growth exactly the same way as Barack Obama?!?

Sadly, he does.

In October 2011, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus told the El Paso Times "you can't cut your way to prosperity."  The previous June, Barack Obama said the exact same thing.  That Joe Straus deliberately echoes Barack Obama's core economic philosophy should tell you everything you need to know about Joe Straus.

But there's more, a whole lot more.

Joe Straus is in the Texas Legislature for two reasons: to spend the people's money and to enrich his family's cronies in the corrupt casino gambling industry.  Due to an unexpected surge in oil and gas revenue, Texas is blessed with a modest amount of extra cash, which Straus wants to blow on pork-barrel projects.  Joe Straus also dogmatically refuses to support the Texas Budget Compact, the most important step the 83rd Legislature can take to defend Texas' economy.  This shouldn't be surprising, considering that in the 82nd legislature, Straus chose to prostitute himself to the usual suspects of corporate welfare johns instead of minimizing the burden on Texas taxpayers.  Joe Straus' Obama-esqe crony socialist 'leadership' is an economic risk Texas cannot afford.

Fortunately, there's a declared alternative.  Bryan Hughes, Straus' opponent in the Speaker's race, supports the Texas Budget Compact.  That's good enough for me.  An across the board fiscal and social conservative, Bryan Hughes has been endorsed by Concerned Women for America, Freedomworks, and Young Conservatives of Texas.  He's also been endorsed by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, but that endorsement only counts for half because Michael Quinn Sullivan is a dirty Aggie.  Bryan Hughes is committed publicly to the economic reforms Texas needs to survive the coming storm.

Last summer, Texans witnessed a U.S. Senate primary between an establishment insider, and a guy who had taken on the insiders and won.  The Texas House speakers' race is exactly the same.  An assault is about to come out of Washington, and to have any chance of withstanding it, Texas must have our own house in order.  Given the near dictatorial powers the Texas Constitution grants the Speaker of the House, the speaker's race could determine if the 83rd Texas Legislature passes the Texas Budget Compact.  For that reason, Cahnman's Musings unapologetically, unconditionally, and unreservedly endorses BRYAN HUGHES FOR SPEAKER OF THE TEXAS STATE HOUSE!!!

Mission #3: Protect and Strengthen Texas' Economy

"The rich ruleth the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Proverbs 22:7

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thesselonians 3:10

"But if any does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:8 

Conservatives still control Texas; in fact, we strengthened our hand.  While big government and Obama's entitlement culture won in most of America, it lost in Texas.  This offers the 83rd Texas Legislature tremendous opportunity.

Texas must become Galt's Gulch.  America is about to become very, very hostile to productive citizens.  Texas, to the degree it is possible, must be shelter in the coming storm.

There is one place in America where people still fear God and support free enterprise; that place is Texas.  With abundant prayer and prudent financial stewardship, Texas can be a beacon of light to a lost and dying America.  What's the alternative?!?

Let's define prudent financial stewardship: passing a non-watered down version of the Texas Budget Compact while simultaneously cutting spending to balance the budget without accepting blood money from Washington.  If Texas draws this line in the sand, Washington will attempt to bribe us into selling our soul.  No thank you, Texas can cut spending.

The first step towards prudent financial stewardship is obvious: Bryan Hughes must become Speaker of the Texas House.  This is non-negotiable.  More on this soon.

Obviously, prudent financial stewardship won't be popular in certain quarters.  So what?!?  Other places in America support big government and Obama's entitlement culture.  Texas does not.  If you want big government and Obama's entitlement culture, move to California.

This won't be easy, but with humility and prayer, it can be done.  Prudent financial stewardship will make Texas a beacon of hope when Obama's entitlement culture collapses.  What's the alternative?!?