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Volume VIII Number 15 - October 21, 2009     RSS Feed
A Periodic Newsletter for Committed Texas Conservatives


In This Issue

Thoughts This Fortnight

TCR's Picks On Constitutional Amendments

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What's Ahead

Hard Hitting
Conservative Commentary
 
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Gary Polland
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Thoughts This Fortnight

Optimism Rising for GOP

If the enthusiastic, record turnout at the Harris County Republican Party's Judicial Petition Signing Party last week is any indication, the GOP is on the road back in the Houston area. With turnout of upwards of 1000 people, the GOP, at least in Harris County, is primed for a comeback.

Here Comes A Double Dip Recession?

If economic pundit John Mauldin has it right, the Democrats in Congress are hell bent on raising taxes in 2011 and we'll likely be back in recession. "...taxes have a multiplier effect of three...that means tax cuts increase the GDP by three times their amount. But tax increases reduce GDP by three times the increase. That will make the deficits worse, and unemployment will again start to rise from already high levels."

BAUCUS Plan for Medical Reform Raises Taxes

You must be shocked that the Senator Max Baucus version of Obamacare will raise taxes and fees on the American people. How about $829 billion minimum over ten years in new taxes and fees? And this for a plan that still leaves uncovered tens of millions!

Obama's Perfectly Awful Foreign Policy Record

So far President Obama has been consistiently ineffective in foreign policy. Why? Because he apologizes to our enemies and is critical of our friends. A brief review: North Korea: Still a problem with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Israel: Obama killed any possibility for progress in peace talks by saying Israel needs to freeze its settlements (which in reality are suburbs) and since it would prejudge the peace talks it would put Israel at a disadvantage. Besides, since the other side wants all of Israel, there is nothing to talk about. Iran: Nuclear development moves forward and Obama can't even get the Russsians to cooperate on real sanctions after Obama dumped our missile defense system in Eastern Europe, so the inevitable draws closer. Afghanistan: Obama's handpicked General says we need more troops to be successful and he dithers. Pakistan: The Taliban and their radical allies are gaining ground in Pakistan too. The Olympics: Obama amd his team have such flawed judgment that he wasted valuable time flying to Europe in a futile attempt to get the Olympics for Chicago. Does anyone have a clue at the White House?

TCR's Picks On Constitutional Amendments

As usual, our overly long constitution, which deals with lots of ancillary matters is up for amendment. This year there are eleven (11).

What follows are TCR’s recommendations and brief comments:

Prop # Summary TCR
Recommends
1 Would allow local entities to take on debt and raise property taxes to keep federal military installations in Texas. NO
TCR Comment: If the feds want the land, they can buy it.
2 Would allow residences to be taxed based on residence value only not highest and best use as done presently. YES
TCR Comment: This protects homeowners from ridiculous values for their home, especially in un-zoned cities like Houston.
3 Would ensure consistent property tax appraisals across the state. YES
TCR Comment: Because of Robin Hood school taxes we have a state property tax. This allows uniform standards to be enforced.
4 This would establish a funding mechanism to create more top "Tier One" universities in Texas where there is an acknowledged shortage. YES
TCR Comment: Over the last decade plus, the state contribution as a percent of the universities budgets has declined greatly. At the same time, we are losing bright students in Texas because of the lack of slots at Tier One universities, they leave the State. This will help create more space.
5 This would allow small counties to consolidate functions involving appraisal review boards. YES
TCR Comment: TCR always likes consolidating government functions.
6 This would expand bonding authority for home loans to veterans. NO
TCR Comment: Is it the function of state government to be in the mortgage business?
7 This would allow Texas military members to serve in elected office. YES
TCR Comment: If they want to serve twice, good for us.
8 This would allow the state to contribute to the operation of veterans' hospitals in the state. NO
TCR Comment: Why should the state be involved in funding here, especially in a weakening economy?
9 This would protect the right to access and use of public beaches. YES
TCR Comment: This insures compliance with the 1959 Open Beaches Act by putting it in the Texas Constitution.
10 This would allow elected board members of emergency services to serve terms not to exceed four years. YES
TCR Comment: Why not?
11 This is the watered-down eminent domain amendment precluding the taking of private property for economic development or for increased tax revenue. YES
TCR Comment: This is a strong YES, but unfortunately the better amendment was vetoed two years ago by Governor Perry.

Coming Soon to your mailbox in the City of Houston, the Texas Conservative Review City Election Guide with all the information you need to cast an informed ballot.


TCR on the Air

Red, White & Blue, featuring TCR Editor Gary Polland and liberal commentator David Jones on Houston PBS Channel 8. Next up on Friday, October 23rd at 8:00 pm and Sunday, October 25th at 5:00 pm: Peter Brown & Roy Morales. Coming soon: Kathy Whitmire in a rare TV appearance, and the post City of Houston Election Show. As a new fun feature, visit Red, White & Blue on the Houston PBS website, where you can see after-show commentary about the show and its guests by Gary and David.

About Your Editor

Gary Polland is a long-time conservative and Republican spokesman, fund-raiser, and leader who completed three terms as the Harris County Republican Chairman. During his three terms, Gary was described as the most successful county Chairman in America by Human Events - The National Conservative Weekly. He is in his twelfth year of editing a newsletter dealing with key conservative and Republican issues. The last seven years he has edited Texas Conservative Review. Gary is a practicing attorney and strategic consultant. He can be reached at (713) 621-6335.

© 2009 Texas Conservative Review
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