Weird Texas: Politics, People, & Stupidity

The title is self-explanatory. Some of the stories might not be political directly, but fall into the Hot Button category.

I'll get thing started with news from Houston.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner "retired" last night. This surprises no one. I am surprised Mayor Whitmire waited this long to fire Finner, he put Finner on a very short lease immediately after being elected. Only a complete idiot would believe Finner "retired."

Mayor John Whitmire announces retirement of Houston Police Chief Troy Finner amid suspended cases scandal

13 Investigates: HPD Chief Finner was emailed about suspended code in 2018

This, combined with the extremely long history of gross incompetence in the Houston Crime Lab, paints a very poor picture of law enforcement in Houston.

Oh, another factor, Harris County DA Kim Ogg has been accused of keeping Houston Police Dept on a long almost nonexistent leash. The city of Houston is located in Harris County.

I can't think of a single Houston mayor who has made a serious effort to straighten out HPD, it's a thankless and probably impossible task. But it would be nice to see someone really try.

Edit: I need the title edited.

 

I "reported" it, & somebody made the correction. I just left an e at the end of stupidity(e). I almost titled it:
Weird Texas: Politics, People, & Bovine Excrement

 

I previously posted this issue in the What's Happening? thread.

https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/16/daniel-perry-greg-abbott-pardon/

Greg Abbott has opened the door for the Governor and his appointees to overturn court decisions. Of course Texas AG Ken Paxton didn't fight this.

This is seriously starting to remind me of the Civil Rights Movement when the federal government had to step in to force states to comply with the new laws.

Something noteworthy in the story, Daniel Perry also had his right to own firearms restored. Maybe he can speak at the NRA meeting here in Houston this weekend.

 

I've mentioned the Uvalde school shooting many times in the What's Happening? thread.

https://www.texastribune.org/2024/0...l-shooting-police-chief-arredondo-indictment/

A lesser article...
https://www.salon.com/2024/06/27/uvalde-cops-stood-idle-as-21-charged-with-child-endangerment/

It has taken over two years for the two indictments to happen. Uvalde County DA Christina Mitchell has dragged this investigation out for over two years, and she's still withholding at least one vital report.

Texas laws protect worthless LEOs & the LEAs that employ (and protect) them. I'll be shocked shitless if anything (of real consequence) happens to Pete/Pedro Arrendondo and Adrien Gonzales. It's possible they might end up pleading down and receive a slap on the wrist.

The Texas Dept of Public Safety, and Steve McCraw, probably won't be touched; there is no way Texas AG Ken Paxton will let DPS be prosecuted. Civil suits will likely be (possibly have been) filed, but will be delayed, blocked, & eventually dismissed.

It's the old trick of drag a case out, let the initial uproar die down. Then when the responsible parties are found not guilty, or plea down, the next uproar is considerably weaker than it would've been.


EDIT: The following isn't about TX specially, but is relevant.

https://mises.org/power-market/police-have-no-duty-protect-you-federal-court-affirms-yet-again

 

^^^ Specifically, not "specially."

 

Buc-ee's co-founder's son faces 21 felony charges in Texas | kvue.com

I tried to find a follow up to the June 05, 2024 court date but can't find any.

Don Wasek is a major contributor to Texas Republicans. Some estimates say more than $1M to Gov. Greg Abbott alone.

I'm not sure Daddy Wasek has the money, and Tex AG Ken Paxton has the power, to keep this out of the news. Abbott certainly has the power to request a pardon should Mitchell Wasek be convicted.

 

He has the money to have done this better...and not gotten caught.

But it will be interesting what the defence will be. Is it legal to record in your own home? Was he paranoid about getting framed for rape (and a large payout)? Did he ever download and watch the videos, or was it just like a dashcam?


The biggest Texas political question is why do people still vote for Ted Cruz?

 

Many voters in Texas are small minded idiots, regardless of their IQ, education level, etc.

 

Yet again Ft. Worth is proving to be redneck central in Texas.

64 People Have Died Inside This Jail — And A Right-Winger Is Being Blamed

As long as the dying prisoners aren't from white families with wealth & influence, very few people really care. I'm a strong believer in tough punishment, and actions that make prison sentences unnecessary, but I don't think prison should be a living hell for prisoners.

 

Gov. Abbott issues executive order requiring Texas hospitals to gather data on immigration statuses

I'm linking to a FAUX News story .

How many millions, probably easily over 100 million, has Greg "I Am Not Stupid!" Abbott spent busing illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities, & cities/towns where certain Democrat leaders live?

How much money do illegal immigrants put into the Texas economy, esp compared to what they take out/cost in medical care?

 

Edited to remove incorrect link.

Texas takes another step back to 1954.

Something I didn't see in that article. School districts would have the right to reject the Chritian influenced curriculum..but...they get would get an extra $40.00 per student if they adopt. That sounds totally illegal, but with Ken Paxton as our AG it likely won't matter.


Another aspect is Texas ranks really low in the quality of our public education. It would make sense to take that $40.00 per student and use it to improve our public education, rather than bribe school districts to adopt Christian indoctrination.

Here we go, this' the link I needed to post.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/19/us/t...bible-lessons?cid=external-feeds_iluminar_msn


My pad is missing more & more taps.

 

The beginning of the end of public schools in Texas is moving forward.

Texas bill that lets families use tax dollars for private schools swiftly sails through Senate

Texas House receives school voucher bill, speaker says it has support


Our Texas public schools will be like our Texas prisons: Incarcerate the undesirables, then let them fend for themselves.

We're childless, but we've been paying school taxes for decades without complaint. Now I'm ready to complain about allowing people to use my tax dollars so their snowflakes can go to private school, and/or be homeschooled.