The director of the Sunshine Project, an Austin-based watchdog group, is alleging that Texas A&M researches working with Coxiella burnetti, otherwise known as “Q-Fever,” were infected with the biological agent and went unreported to the Centers for Disease Control.
If this is true, it is an irresponsible cover-up that violates the federal Bioterrorism Act.
"A&M's infection of its staff and students with bioweapons agents and its serial violations of [federal regulations] demand law enforcement," said Edward Hammond,
A CDC spokesman claims an investigation is continuing, but that the Inspector General of the Health and Human Services Department would administer any penalty. That alone lets you know A&M will get a slap on the wrist, need we forget this is the home of 41’s library, Rick Perry's Alma Mater and Robert Gates former post?
It is extremely concerning to me that not even a simple report could be filed by anyone related to this incident, or an apparent past incident, where trained individuals were infected with a biological weapon agent.
All this time we thought the threat of bioterrorism was from actual terrorists, but little did we know it would actually come from our own university researchers right here in the heart of Texas.
I wonder how citizens of Bryan College Station feel about Texas A&M infecting personnel with bioterrorism agents and not reporting it either to the CDC or letting the public know of the incident at the time.
Obviously the sanctity of Texas A&M was more important then the safety and security of the citizens at large. What other biological agents are housed at A&M, and if were released could do more damage then Coxiella burnetti?
What kind of university are you running down there?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
White and Edwards Move to Aid Texas Vets
Mayor Bill White of Houston is raising awareness on the plight of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the health issues burdening them and their families. 1 in 11 military personnel are from Texas, so naturally the burden of health care for these men and women is greater on our state then others.
White had this to say:
''Though the issues facing our wounded vets may not get the 24-hour media coverage that Katrina did, there are storms occurring in individual lives and individual families when people come back."
I’ll go one further, Mayor White, our veterans don’t get the media coverage and attention Paris Hilton or Anna Nicole Smith receives for that matter.
The Bush administration and his rubber-stamp Republican congress lacked the foresight to plan for veterans returning from combat operations when they dominated with one-party rule prior to 2006. The mess they have left military families in is now left to local jurisdictions to cope with.
White’s plan calls for creating a centralized database of veterans that ties them to local non-profit and other groups that can assist with care and bureaucratic busting efforts to streamline the recovery process. The part I really admire about the program, and one that I personally practice, is mentoring of veterans returning from the two battlefronts.
Chet Edwards, Congressman to our lame duck president, led the Party’s radio address this past weekend also highlighting congresses role in improving health care for veterans. The Waco Democrat led the charge in congress to increase veteran health care spending by 14%, the largest increase in 77 years.
Military veterans need to know that citizens care about their wellbeing and that we recognize the sacrifices they have made, whether we agree with the policies that placed them in harms way or not. They did their job and we haven‘t been asked to sacrifice like they have. If we can help a veteran in need then we are obligated to do it. Everyone needs to lean on someone at some point in our lives so let a veteran lean on you. More importantly, their story is one that needs to be told, and must be magnified to the highest degree. If they want to talk, you listen, then you help their story get told.
"Support the troops" is not a bumper sticker slogan, nice to see Democrats recognize action must be put to words.
"One by one with mentors and hope, (we can) take them under our wings and express our gratitude as a nation," White said.
Good job, Bill White and Chet Edwards.
White had this to say:
''Though the issues facing our wounded vets may not get the 24-hour media coverage that Katrina did, there are storms occurring in individual lives and individual families when people come back."
I’ll go one further, Mayor White, our veterans don’t get the media coverage and attention Paris Hilton or Anna Nicole Smith receives for that matter.
The Bush administration and his rubber-stamp Republican congress lacked the foresight to plan for veterans returning from combat operations when they dominated with one-party rule prior to 2006. The mess they have left military families in is now left to local jurisdictions to cope with.
White’s plan calls for creating a centralized database of veterans that ties them to local non-profit and other groups that can assist with care and bureaucratic busting efforts to streamline the recovery process. The part I really admire about the program, and one that I personally practice, is mentoring of veterans returning from the two battlefronts.
Chet Edwards, Congressman to our lame duck president, led the Party’s radio address this past weekend also highlighting congresses role in improving health care for veterans. The Waco Democrat led the charge in congress to increase veteran health care spending by 14%, the largest increase in 77 years.
Military veterans need to know that citizens care about their wellbeing and that we recognize the sacrifices they have made, whether we agree with the policies that placed them in harms way or not. They did their job and we haven‘t been asked to sacrifice like they have. If we can help a veteran in need then we are obligated to do it. Everyone needs to lean on someone at some point in our lives so let a veteran lean on you. More importantly, their story is one that needs to be told, and must be magnified to the highest degree. If they want to talk, you listen, then you help their story get told.
"Support the troops" is not a bumper sticker slogan, nice to see Democrats recognize action must be put to words.
"One by one with mentors and hope, (we can) take them under our wings and express our gratitude as a nation," White said.
Good job, Bill White and Chet Edwards.
Impeach Dick Cheney
It generally takes me a while to come around on such a dramatic decision as impeachment. I believe the case has to be as clear as daylight, and much like going to war, there needs to be overwhelming evidence to support it because of the natural strain and scrutiny it puts on the public domestically and internationally.
One thing is quite clear to me by reading this intense, startling, and incredibly revealing Washington Post series; Cheney has openly, blatantly, and competently rewrote the constitution of the United States and exempted himself from any and all oversight, which completely undermines the checks and balances system. This is an unprecedented move that is even supported by the President of the United States. To claim the Vice President does not fall under the executive branch of office; therefore, oversight is non-essential, begs the question, “Why have a constitution at all?” That’s downright scary.
Ladies and gentlemen, in the spirit of celebrating our Independence in the next week, we must rally to protect this blatant violation of our democratic foundation. Our constitution is under clear assault by Vice President Dick Cheney.
If you care about the United States of America, as well as respect and honor the articles and amendments that govern our country, then you too will join me in calling for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney.
One thing is quite clear to me by reading this intense, startling, and incredibly revealing Washington Post series; Cheney has openly, blatantly, and competently rewrote the constitution of the United States and exempted himself from any and all oversight, which completely undermines the checks and balances system. This is an unprecedented move that is even supported by the President of the United States. To claim the Vice President does not fall under the executive branch of office; therefore, oversight is non-essential, begs the question, “Why have a constitution at all?” That’s downright scary.
Ladies and gentlemen, in the spirit of celebrating our Independence in the next week, we must rally to protect this blatant violation of our democratic foundation. Our constitution is under clear assault by Vice President Dick Cheney.
If you care about the United States of America, as well as respect and honor the articles and amendments that govern our country, then you too will join me in calling for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Hispanics REALLY Unhappy with Cornyn
StopCornyn.com is reporting the new Survey USA poll numbers for Senator John Cornyn. I zeroed in on the 51% disapproval of his job amongst registered Hispanic voters. Obviously this is because of his unpopular stance on the Immigration legislation being debated in the U.S. Senate.
That’s a very interesting poll though, which obviously begs the question between the two names being tossed around as possible Democratic contenders in 2008, would Watts or Noriega be the name Hispanics most likely would vote for?
I think the obvious answer to that is Noriega. Couple that with his impressive background and you have a strong candidate against an unpopular Bush poodle in John Cornyn; one who I believe has crossover appeal amongst all communities. That said, Watts obviously has the money, and is actually exploring a bid for the senate, but would that be a person Hispanic voters would vote for? The Survey USA poll also reflects a 44% disapproval rating amongst registered Anglo voters in Texas so Watts certainly would have traction there, but he would still need to pull Hispanic voters to have a chance at winning. Both candidates would obviously need to win the African-American communities vote too.
In summary, either individual would be a better alternative to what is there now, but the ultimate determination, as it relates to Hispanic voters anyway, will rest on where any of the candidates stand on immigration reform. For that matter, so will the Anglo vote because both communities have opposite opinions on that heated subject.
That’s a very interesting poll though, which obviously begs the question between the two names being tossed around as possible Democratic contenders in 2008, would Watts or Noriega be the name Hispanics most likely would vote for?
I think the obvious answer to that is Noriega. Couple that with his impressive background and you have a strong candidate against an unpopular Bush poodle in John Cornyn; one who I believe has crossover appeal amongst all communities. That said, Watts obviously has the money, and is actually exploring a bid for the senate, but would that be a person Hispanic voters would vote for? The Survey USA poll also reflects a 44% disapproval rating amongst registered Anglo voters in Texas so Watts certainly would have traction there, but he would still need to pull Hispanic voters to have a chance at winning. Both candidates would obviously need to win the African-American communities vote too.
In summary, either individual would be a better alternative to what is there now, but the ultimate determination, as it relates to Hispanic voters anyway, will rest on where any of the candidates stand on immigration reform. For that matter, so will the Anglo vote because both communities have opposite opinions on that heated subject.
A Frosty Analysis of Newtie
Former DFW Congressman Martin Frost delivers an interesting analysis of former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and what impact Newt would make on the ever growing Republican field of presidential candidates should he choose to run.
Frost had this to say to Politico.com:
Newt is a font of ideas -- some good and some questionable -- but at least he spends time thinking creatively. There aren't too many new ideas coming from the current Republican field. Also, Newt already has significant name identification, so he wouldn't have to spend as much money establishing himself as a credible candidate. The news media would treat him seriously from Day 1.
I agree with what Frost has to say here, Gingrich not being an elected official right now frees him up to say what he wants and see where it sticks. He is like John Edwards in that manner, they have no constituents to answer to so they shoot off at the mouth and see where it sticks. Sometimes the best ideas come from free flowing out of the box thinking.
Frost delivers an interesting “;good versus bad” opinion on Gingrich as a candidate. The bad you ask?
Newt has high negatives in polling data…
His history of harsh partisan rhetoric…
marital fidelity issue…
Newt's management style…
I’m positive Newt will join the large field of candidates, he is egotistical enough to do so, and lord knows he has as much baggage as everyone else does so why not? If Republican primary voters are desperate enough to climb on board a hypocritical, shoot from the hip, polarizing, former elected official then I would say that things continue and look positive for a democratic nominee.
That is, of course, if Bloomberg or someone doesn’t develop an Independent campaign funded by billions of dollars in personal wealth.
Frost had this to say to Politico.com:
Newt is a font of ideas -- some good and some questionable -- but at least he spends time thinking creatively. There aren't too many new ideas coming from the current Republican field. Also, Newt already has significant name identification, so he wouldn't have to spend as much money establishing himself as a credible candidate. The news media would treat him seriously from Day 1.
I agree with what Frost has to say here, Gingrich not being an elected official right now frees him up to say what he wants and see where it sticks. He is like John Edwards in that manner, they have no constituents to answer to so they shoot off at the mouth and see where it sticks. Sometimes the best ideas come from free flowing out of the box thinking.
Frost delivers an interesting “;good versus bad” opinion on Gingrich as a candidate. The bad you ask?
Newt has high negatives in polling data…
His history of harsh partisan rhetoric…
marital fidelity issue…
Newt's management style…
I’m positive Newt will join the large field of candidates, he is egotistical enough to do so, and lord knows he has as much baggage as everyone else does so why not? If Republican primary voters are desperate enough to climb on board a hypocritical, shoot from the hip, polarizing, former elected official then I would say that things continue and look positive for a democratic nominee.
That is, of course, if Bloomberg or someone doesn’t develop an Independent campaign funded by billions of dollars in personal wealth.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A Mom’s Perspective on Iraq
This past Tuesday I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for my new Democratic State Representative Paula Hightower-Pierson. Having just recently moved to Arlington, it feels good to be represented by a Democrat after years of Republican representation. I look forward to working on her re-election campaign.
That said I had a very moving and emotional conversation with a woman serving on the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce. She has two sons, one in the Navy, one in the Air force, and both are deployed to Iraq. Moreover, their spouses are also military personnel and serving in Iraq.
I recently learned that my cousin, a new Air Force cadet himself, is being deployed to Iraq before the end of the year, so her and I were able to have a very emotional connection.
I asked her how her family has coped with so much deployment, especially considering both spouses are service members. She stood there a second, turned her chin to the floor, then looked back up at me and emotionally said, “its been very hard. They’ve lost their homes and have been forced to move in with me. My husband and I are taking care of both families and it has been very difficult on us all.” She went on to talk about bills being missed, children being born and unable to spend time with their parents, etc.
It’s a story that can be magnified all over Texas and every other state in the union. The impact on military families from constant deployment to Iraq is crippling. There is no sacrifice by Americans except those with family members directly affected by the War in Iraq.
Asked how she felt about the war itself she said, “regardless of how we got there they are there now and lives are being lost. I just pray they come home to see their kids grow up.”
Support the troops isn’t a bumper stickers slogan, it means moving heaven and earth to take care of their, and their families needs.
That said I had a very moving and emotional conversation with a woman serving on the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce. She has two sons, one in the Navy, one in the Air force, and both are deployed to Iraq. Moreover, their spouses are also military personnel and serving in Iraq.
I recently learned that my cousin, a new Air Force cadet himself, is being deployed to Iraq before the end of the year, so her and I were able to have a very emotional connection.
I asked her how her family has coped with so much deployment, especially considering both spouses are service members. She stood there a second, turned her chin to the floor, then looked back up at me and emotionally said, “its been very hard. They’ve lost their homes and have been forced to move in with me. My husband and I are taking care of both families and it has been very difficult on us all.” She went on to talk about bills being missed, children being born and unable to spend time with their parents, etc.
It’s a story that can be magnified all over Texas and every other state in the union. The impact on military families from constant deployment to Iraq is crippling. There is no sacrifice by Americans except those with family members directly affected by the War in Iraq.
Asked how she felt about the war itself she said, “regardless of how we got there they are there now and lives are being lost. I just pray they come home to see their kids grow up.”
Support the troops isn’t a bumper stickers slogan, it means moving heaven and earth to take care of their, and their families needs.
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Lieberman Virus Hits Euless
Dallas isn't the only city with runoff elections in Texas. As many of you know by now the Mid-Cities Democrats have been heavily involved in a runoff election for two city council seats in little ole' Euless, Texas, the heart of "red" territory in Tarrant County.
Our organization helped create a candidate forum to allow citizens of Euless the opportunity to hear from all of the candidates, both incumbent, and challenger, on the issues.
We were able to secure the Euless Fire Fighters Association as a sponsor for the event, as well as have Bud Kennedy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram moderate the debate as to make it as fair a venue for everyone.
That said, both Carl Tyson and Veva Lou Massey, known for not showing up to hear from citizens at Town Hall meetings, and other civic venues for citizens to speak out, did not show up to face over 80 Euless voters.
The word is that both candidates were struck with the Joe Lieberman virus. What is this bug you ask? This virus infects elected officials with the sense that they are superior to the people they represent and are therefore entitled to the position they hold. Moreover, how dare you make me face my constituents and...ugh...actually speak to the peasants?!?!
Tim Stinneford and Perry Bynum, both candidates the Mid-Cities Democrats are working tirelessly for, were in attendance and able to win over any undecided voters simply by showing up and answering rather tough questions.
People are hungry for their elected officials to hear their concerns. When you dismiss your constituents as a nuisance not worthy of listening to then you deserve to lose your job.
Although Joe Lieberman survived his challenge by Ned Lamont, and now continues to be the biggest thorn in the Democrats side, I believe that Carl Tyson and Veva Lou Massey, chips off the Right Wing block, will lose.
Our organization helped create a candidate forum to allow citizens of Euless the opportunity to hear from all of the candidates, both incumbent, and challenger, on the issues.
We were able to secure the Euless Fire Fighters Association as a sponsor for the event, as well as have Bud Kennedy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram moderate the debate as to make it as fair a venue for everyone.
That said, both Carl Tyson and Veva Lou Massey, known for not showing up to hear from citizens at Town Hall meetings, and other civic venues for citizens to speak out, did not show up to face over 80 Euless voters.
The word is that both candidates were struck with the Joe Lieberman virus. What is this bug you ask? This virus infects elected officials with the sense that they are superior to the people they represent and are therefore entitled to the position they hold. Moreover, how dare you make me face my constituents and...ugh...actually speak to the peasants?!?!
Tim Stinneford and Perry Bynum, both candidates the Mid-Cities Democrats are working tirelessly for, were in attendance and able to win over any undecided voters simply by showing up and answering rather tough questions.
People are hungry for their elected officials to hear their concerns. When you dismiss your constituents as a nuisance not worthy of listening to then you deserve to lose your job.
Although Joe Lieberman survived his challenge by Ned Lamont, and now continues to be the biggest thorn in the Democrats side, I believe that Carl Tyson and Veva Lou Massey, chips off the Right Wing block, will lose.
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