U.S. Senator John Cornyn has graciously provided the guest posting below.
Hello Panhandle Poet readers…it’s a privilege to guest post here.
I wanted to touch base with you regarding an issue which is very pressing in the Panhandle, ethanol.
When first introduced to the marketplace, it was hoped that ethanol would help revitalize rural America, lower the price we pay at the pump and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
That’s a worthy goal, yet the government’s focus on ethanol has produced a problem. There have been unintended adverse consequences to our economy from the focus on ethanol production. Chiefly, since February of 2006 the combined price of corn, wheat and soybeans has increased more than 416 percent.
For this reason and many more, I co-sponsored legislation which was introduced recently to freeze the renewable fuel standard corn-based ethanol mandate at current 2008 levels.
In the panhandle, like other places, the effect of ethanol production has been mixed. While a few have benefitted from it, a great many others have suffered.
As more and more farmers grow corn for ethanol production, cattle feeding ration prices have shot sky high. Mandates, along with the high cost of fuel, are squeezing every bit of profit out of cattle feedlots today.
As consumers continue to see rising food and fuel prices, freezing the corn-based ethanol mandate will allow us to re-evaluate the consequences of using food for fuel and determine the best way forward. Texas will remain a leader as we work to diversify our nation’s energy supply to include alternative and renewable sources, but in the meantime Congress must exercise its oversight role to ensure there are no further unintended consequences. A freeze of the mandate will allow time for necessary assessments and reduce increasing grocery, grain and feed prices.
Last year, the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) provided the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to waive the mandates, or adjust them as necessary to provide relief for consumers.
Last month, I joined Sen. Hutchison and others in sending a letter to EPA Administrator requesting an update on the pending rule-making process for the waiver of all or portions of the ethanol mandate passed by Congress in 2007. The letter also urged the EPA to consider the sharp rise in food prices as they review the mandate.
Freezing the mandate at its current level for one year is not a long term solution, but it is a good start towards finding one.
My heartfelt thanks go to the Senator for seeking to address this issue and for providing this post.
Also posted on:
Panhandle Poetry and Other Thoughts
Common Sense Agriculture, Conservation and Energy
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Greed Trumps the Common Good
You would think that Dennis Hastert would have done what was in the best interest of his state and his party. Instead, he jumped ship early in order to ensure the security of his financial future. The result was the loss of a seat to the opposition.
"They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice...." __ Romans 1:29
"They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice...." __ Romans 1:29
Power Trumps Process for the Dems
There is hope for John McCain this fall. His hope lies in the power hungry elite of the Democratic Party. Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and a few others want to strong-arm the party for the stated reason of unity. The real reason is power. They want to show who is in control. They don't like Hillary and they fear her. They want leverage over Obama. Surely the American people are smart enough to realize the disaster that would occur with a Democrat in the White House and strong majorities in both the Senate and the House.
Why have a convention if the fate of the candidates has been decided before?
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." __ Isaiah 53:6
Why have a convention if the fate of the candidates has been decided before?
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." __ Isaiah 53:6
Voter Apathy
Why are voters so apathetic? I think that they have given up. They see that no matter who is running for office, no matter who is elected, no matter how much or how little they are involved, it makes no difference. They feel like victims of the system.
Are they? ARE WE? Or, are we the cause?
How we respond to what life hands us is a product of our character and our attitude. If we have the character to say, "I will move forward in spite of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles," then we will succeed. If instead we become "beaten down" by the blows that come our way then we truly will be defeated.
How do you maintain a positive attitude in the face of obstacles? Focus on the good.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." __ Phillipians 4:8
Are they? ARE WE? Or, are we the cause?
How we respond to what life hands us is a product of our character and our attitude. If we have the character to say, "I will move forward in spite of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles," then we will succeed. If instead we become "beaten down" by the blows that come our way then we truly will be defeated.
How do you maintain a positive attitude in the face of obstacles? Focus on the good.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." __ Phillipians 4:8
Thursday, May 29, 2008
How Can Bloggers Create and Utilize Political Capital?
When we think about the development, accumulation and use of political capital by bloggers we have a lengthy list of examples. One that might be relevant is Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was astute at bringing the power of the press to weigh-in on the political issues of his day. He often wrote anonymously (or under a fictitious name such as many bloggers use). He sometimes supported and sometimes lambasted political initiatives on both the local and "inter-colonial" fronts and ultimately internationally. His style was usually witty, often mocking, occasionally erudite, but almost always gentlemanly. Sometimes he aimed at individuals but almost always he included reason and logic as well as alternative answers to the question of the day. In so doing, Franklin built a tremendous amount of influence within a short span of years among the powers of his day -- both domestically and in England. He often found himself defending his reputation from detractors (he certainly made enemies) but he did so in a forthright manner.
As I peruse various politically and issue-oriented blogs, I find that most use sarcastic and derogatory comments and rarely offer reasoned solutions based in the reality of the situation. We each have our vision of the "ideal" but must realize that we live in a far-from-ideal world. We must adapt our approach to meet the needs of the constituencies that we wish to influence because ultimately, it is influence that we seek. We desire to re-mold the world in the image of our making -- not what we see.
To gain influence, we must bring value. Ours can't be a continual message of negativism. We must seek to praise where praise is due. Support where we can. And offer alternatives when we speak against those things that we believe to be in error. Too much of what I see is merely rhetoric and venting. It is purely destructive. We need constructive. We saw the beginnings of this with various blogrolls supporting Presidential candidates. There are also some specific issue blogrolls. Most of them are anti-whatever though.
Our current leaders have very little cumulative capital with the American public. That is why Congress and the President have such low public opinion ratings. Many of the mighty have fallen and many more will fall. Who will step into the vaccuum?
Is that an area that we can influence?
As I peruse various politically and issue-oriented blogs, I find that most use sarcastic and derogatory comments and rarely offer reasoned solutions based in the reality of the situation. We each have our vision of the "ideal" but must realize that we live in a far-from-ideal world. We must adapt our approach to meet the needs of the constituencies that we wish to influence because ultimately, it is influence that we seek. We desire to re-mold the world in the image of our making -- not what we see.
To gain influence, we must bring value. Ours can't be a continual message of negativism. We must seek to praise where praise is due. Support where we can. And offer alternatives when we speak against those things that we believe to be in error. Too much of what I see is merely rhetoric and venting. It is purely destructive. We need constructive. We saw the beginnings of this with various blogrolls supporting Presidential candidates. There are also some specific issue blogrolls. Most of them are anti-whatever though.
Our current leaders have very little cumulative capital with the American public. That is why Congress and the President have such low public opinion ratings. Many of the mighty have fallen and many more will fall. Who will step into the vaccuum?
Is that an area that we can influence?
Political Capital
Political capital can best be described as good will. It is earned, traded-for, bought and occasionally extorted. It is the currency of the political world.
Political capital is occasionally in the form of money -- especially during the campaign season. But that money is for creation of good will -- either from the donor, or for the candidate through his expenditure on the campaign. It is designed to create influence in one's favor.
It is often the result of providing someone or group with something they want. This occurs through votes on legislation. It occurs when organizations seek to influence their members.
It is traded-for when I vote for your pet project if you'll vote for mine. It is extorted when I withold my vote if you don't perform according to my wishes.
Political capital, just like economic capital in business, is what makes the machine work. It is earned and it is spent. It is power and influence. Do we as bloggers create and use political capital? Some do and some don't. I think there is plenty of opportunity to do more.
Political capital is occasionally in the form of money -- especially during the campaign season. But that money is for creation of good will -- either from the donor, or for the candidate through his expenditure on the campaign. It is designed to create influence in one's favor.
It is often the result of providing someone or group with something they want. This occurs through votes on legislation. It occurs when organizations seek to influence their members.
It is traded-for when I vote for your pet project if you'll vote for mine. It is extorted when I withold my vote if you don't perform according to my wishes.
Political capital, just like economic capital in business, is what makes the machine work. It is earned and it is spent. It is power and influence. Do we as bloggers create and use political capital? Some do and some don't. I think there is plenty of opportunity to do more.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Texas Fred on Obama
Texas Fred has put together a list of what Obama stands for. Jump on over and take a look.
The Memoir of a Former Press Secretary
In an opportunistic culture built around the desire for wealth and power, how are we to ever know the truth of our history? The political environment is especially vulnerable to this attitude because it is filled with practitioners of the art of deception whose sole purpose is the advancement of their personal agenda. Perhaps former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan tells the truth in his new book, perhaps he doesn't. Sadly, we'll never know. I suspect his primary goal is to cash in on his years in service to George W. Bush. Check out the commentary on FoxNews and on Politico.com.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
It's The Economy, Stupid.
According to some sources, the Republicans don't stand a chance this fall. The disillusionment of the voting public runs deep and in spite of the dismal records of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, the blame is squarely being placed on Republicans for the problems that our nation is facing.
The race for the Presidency is a strong mood-setter for the voting public. The main-stream-media has done a thorough job of discrediting any positives coming out of the Bush administration and the only apparent spark of statesmanship in the Presidential candidates is coming from Obama.
It is unlikely that we will see a strong "coattail" effect in the Senate and House races, but there certainly will be nothing to offset the animosity toward the current administration which is represented by the figure-head of President George W. Bush. With consumers paying $4.00 per gallon for gasoline, hearing constant talk of recession, seeing the turbulence of the stock market and fearful of rising food prices, it is unlikely that their negative impression of the current administration will change.
It is an ill wind which blows for the Republicans this fall.
The race for the Presidency is a strong mood-setter for the voting public. The main-stream-media has done a thorough job of discrediting any positives coming out of the Bush administration and the only apparent spark of statesmanship in the Presidential candidates is coming from Obama.
It is unlikely that we will see a strong "coattail" effect in the Senate and House races, but there certainly will be nothing to offset the animosity toward the current administration which is represented by the figure-head of President George W. Bush. With consumers paying $4.00 per gallon for gasoline, hearing constant talk of recession, seeing the turbulence of the stock market and fearful of rising food prices, it is unlikely that their negative impression of the current administration will change.
It is an ill wind which blows for the Republicans this fall.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Dancing With the Devil; Money and Politics I
Have you given any thought to the amount of money spent on the 2008 Presidential race? According to OpenSecrets.org, it is in excess of $600 million through the end of April. They anticipate the winner will have spent approximately $500 million to win. That means the total spent on this one political contest will likely exceed $1.2 billion. That is greater than the GNP of 55 countries! (2005 numbers) Given the U.S. population of 302.2 million, that's $3.97 for every man-woman-and-child in the U.S. I would rather they bought us all a gallon of gasoline.
The Homeless Constituency
Where is a fiscal and social conservative to turn? None of the major parties represent our interests -- at least not in the race for the Presidency.
It seems as though every special interest group in the country is represented except mine.
What is my special interest group? It is the group of folks in this country that believe at least a majority of the following:
1. Marriage means one man and one woman.
2. Abortion is murder.
3. Homosexuals should not be identified for any particular special treatment or recognition.
4. An individual has the right to own and bear firearms unless convicted of a felony crime.
5. American citizens have the right to privacy (that means that our conversations, behavior, etc should be private unless there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing for a judge to issue a warrant) .
6. Capital crimes warrant capital punishment.
7. Discipline should be enforceable within our schools.
8. Our borders should be sovereign. Illegal immigrants should be deported.
9. Government regulation of our lives should be kept to the minimum necessary to ensure the smooth function of society.
10. Citizenship requires responsibility. It affords privilege. It demands loyalty.
11. The right to freedom of speech and expression does not include the right to bombard us with pornography.
12. The United States Flag and its military servicemen and women should be shown respect and treated with special dignity.
13. The Constitution of the United States should be the template for the function of government. It should not be superceded by the whims of judges voting to appease special interest groups.
This is only a partial list. What would you add? Put it in the comments.
It seems as though every special interest group in the country is represented except mine.
What is my special interest group? It is the group of folks in this country that believe at least a majority of the following:
1. Marriage means one man and one woman.
2. Abortion is murder.
3. Homosexuals should not be identified for any particular special treatment or recognition.
4. An individual has the right to own and bear firearms unless convicted of a felony crime.
5. American citizens have the right to privacy (that means that our conversations, behavior, etc should be private unless there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing for a judge to issue a warrant) .
6. Capital crimes warrant capital punishment.
7. Discipline should be enforceable within our schools.
8. Our borders should be sovereign. Illegal immigrants should be deported.
9. Government regulation of our lives should be kept to the minimum necessary to ensure the smooth function of society.
10. Citizenship requires responsibility. It affords privilege. It demands loyalty.
11. The right to freedom of speech and expression does not include the right to bombard us with pornography.
12. The United States Flag and its military servicemen and women should be shown respect and treated with special dignity.
13. The Constitution of the United States should be the template for the function of government. It should not be superceded by the whims of judges voting to appease special interest groups.
This is only a partial list. What would you add? Put it in the comments.
Some Personal History
It seems relevant to briefly tell of a few experiences that have formed my insight into the political world. I will ignore the basic political introduction that we all experience in schools and universities and jump right to my first job after college. It was as a district aid for the State Representative in the district in which I was raised.
I thought for many years that I wanted to embark upon a career in politics. Having been raised in a small rural community by a family of educators, my only exposure was through reading. I had no clue as to the dog-eat-dog nature of any political endeavor. Therefore, upon graduation from Texas A&M University, I jumped at the opportunity to work for my State Representative. It paid very little monetarily but provided an educational introduction to politics that I have found to be quite valuable at various times since.
My job was not directly related to the political aspects of the office, but was more oriented to filling needs in the management of the Representative's personal business that were difficult for him to attend while fulfilling his role in the State Legislature. In short, I was a gofer. I did everything from writing computer programs to developing propectuses for selling shares in a winery. I answered the telephone and I ran errands. Eventually I even wrote a couple of speeches. I saw a little of how lobbyists worked and I saw a little of the give-and-take trades that make the political processes work. It was all from a distance.
Some years after leaving the job of District Office Assistant, I was working in the capacity of managing a few branches of a small regional lending institution. My interest in politics had continued and I had contacted the local Republican Party to find out how I might become involved only to find out that the local Republican Party had no County Chairman or active members. So, I contacted the Chairman in a neighboring county and shortly found myself as the appointed County Chairman. I was clueless. We had no money. I had no help.
I started by sending an appeal to those who had voted in the previous Republican Primary (a short list) for money. I was surprised at the dollars that came in. I found someone willing to act as Treasurer and found that there was an account set up at a bank which had been inactive. We put the money in the account and we were on our way! There were now two of us where there had been none.
My next step was to attend the state meeting of Republican County Chairmen. It was an interesting time. Ann Richards (D) was running for governor of Texas against an as yet undetermined Republican candidate from among the likes of T. Boone Pickens, Clayton Williams, and several others. At the convention which was held in San Antonio, I got to meet the Republican candidates and also a few other officials such as Kay Bailey Hutchison and her husband Ray (both impressed me with their genuiness and their caring manner). I also learned much of what I had to do to conduct elections that were imminent.
As I learned more-and-more of what I was to do as County Chairman I found myself being contacted by Republican candidates from around the state. One day I received a visit from Teel Bivins, candidate for State Senator. He asked me to help him set up some opportunities for campaigning within the county. I was happy to oblige and found that it was a great learning experience for much of how a campaign is conducted. The ultimate result is that my county, which previously had no organized Republican Party, voted Republican in every major race -- all the way to State Senator -- the first time in the history of the county that a down-ballot race had gone to the Republican candidate. I must admit that it wasn't my doing. It was because Mr. Bivins was the right candidate at the right time and the Reagan revolution was carrying a lot of Republican momentum.
It was not long after the elections that I changed jobs and towns of residence. It resulted in my slowly withdrawing from the level of political involvement that I had experienced. The contacts made were useful at times, but I slowly detached myself from active participation other than voting.
I have continued to follow politics through the years. At one time I seriously considered a bid for office. I no longer see that as something that I would like to pursue. Mainly because I wouldn't want to put my family through the agony of an election -- even on a local basis it can be nasty. I think my role now should be behind the scenes, or perhaps through written word in an attempt to positively influence the process where possible.
I thought for many years that I wanted to embark upon a career in politics. Having been raised in a small rural community by a family of educators, my only exposure was through reading. I had no clue as to the dog-eat-dog nature of any political endeavor. Therefore, upon graduation from Texas A&M University, I jumped at the opportunity to work for my State Representative. It paid very little monetarily but provided an educational introduction to politics that I have found to be quite valuable at various times since.
My job was not directly related to the political aspects of the office, but was more oriented to filling needs in the management of the Representative's personal business that were difficult for him to attend while fulfilling his role in the State Legislature. In short, I was a gofer. I did everything from writing computer programs to developing propectuses for selling shares in a winery. I answered the telephone and I ran errands. Eventually I even wrote a couple of speeches. I saw a little of how lobbyists worked and I saw a little of the give-and-take trades that make the political processes work. It was all from a distance.
Some years after leaving the job of District Office Assistant, I was working in the capacity of managing a few branches of a small regional lending institution. My interest in politics had continued and I had contacted the local Republican Party to find out how I might become involved only to find out that the local Republican Party had no County Chairman or active members. So, I contacted the Chairman in a neighboring county and shortly found myself as the appointed County Chairman. I was clueless. We had no money. I had no help.
I started by sending an appeal to those who had voted in the previous Republican Primary (a short list) for money. I was surprised at the dollars that came in. I found someone willing to act as Treasurer and found that there was an account set up at a bank which had been inactive. We put the money in the account and we were on our way! There were now two of us where there had been none.
My next step was to attend the state meeting of Republican County Chairmen. It was an interesting time. Ann Richards (D) was running for governor of Texas against an as yet undetermined Republican candidate from among the likes of T. Boone Pickens, Clayton Williams, and several others. At the convention which was held in San Antonio, I got to meet the Republican candidates and also a few other officials such as Kay Bailey Hutchison and her husband Ray (both impressed me with their genuiness and their caring manner). I also learned much of what I had to do to conduct elections that were imminent.
As I learned more-and-more of what I was to do as County Chairman I found myself being contacted by Republican candidates from around the state. One day I received a visit from Teel Bivins, candidate for State Senator. He asked me to help him set up some opportunities for campaigning within the county. I was happy to oblige and found that it was a great learning experience for much of how a campaign is conducted. The ultimate result is that my county, which previously had no organized Republican Party, voted Republican in every major race -- all the way to State Senator -- the first time in the history of the county that a down-ballot race had gone to the Republican candidate. I must admit that it wasn't my doing. It was because Mr. Bivins was the right candidate at the right time and the Reagan revolution was carrying a lot of Republican momentum.
It was not long after the elections that I changed jobs and towns of residence. It resulted in my slowly withdrawing from the level of political involvement that I had experienced. The contacts made were useful at times, but I slowly detached myself from active participation other than voting.
I have continued to follow politics through the years. At one time I seriously considered a bid for office. I no longer see that as something that I would like to pursue. Mainly because I wouldn't want to put my family through the agony of an election -- even on a local basis it can be nasty. I think my role now should be behind the scenes, or perhaps through written word in an attempt to positively influence the process where possible.
Introduction
Just what I need to do -- start another blog. I must have fallen off a log and hit my head.
No, I just find that there are times that I need to express my political views and opinions. There certainly is plenty of material out there.
I have chosen the name "Poly Ticks and Tickles" for a couple of reasons. The first is that "Polly Ticks" was already taken! The second is that it expresses my thoughts about politics fairly suscinctly. To amplify that thought, I will define each component part.
Poly - many. This word gives me a broad range of subjects to address. It places virtually no limitation.
Ticks - blood-sucking creatures. This is a good description of many of the individuals who inhabit the political world.
Tickles - something humorous. Funny. So much of what I see in the political world is just plain funny if it wasn't so dangerous to us common folk.
So, to put it all together. "Poly Ticks and Tickles" is about many blood-sucking creatures that behave in a manner that is sometimes humorous.
I must admit that there will be days when there is absolutely no humor in what I write. But, where possible, I will look for the humor and attempt to point it out.
So much for introductions. It is time to write something important! (hah!)
No, I just find that there are times that I need to express my political views and opinions. There certainly is plenty of material out there.
I have chosen the name "Poly Ticks and Tickles" for a couple of reasons. The first is that "Polly Ticks" was already taken! The second is that it expresses my thoughts about politics fairly suscinctly. To amplify that thought, I will define each component part.
Poly - many. This word gives me a broad range of subjects to address. It places virtually no limitation.
Ticks - blood-sucking creatures. This is a good description of many of the individuals who inhabit the political world.
Tickles - something humorous. Funny. So much of what I see in the political world is just plain funny if it wasn't so dangerous to us common folk.
So, to put it all together. "Poly Ticks and Tickles" is about many blood-sucking creatures that behave in a manner that is sometimes humorous.
I must admit that there will be days when there is absolutely no humor in what I write. But, where possible, I will look for the humor and attempt to point it out.
So much for introductions. It is time to write something important! (hah!)
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