Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 95F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..
Tonight
Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 78F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.
If this guy is going to be in charge of District Business, Human Resources , Maintenance, Technology, Transportation and Athletics Efforts. What does Sheppard do, sounds like nothing and gets paid $300K+ a year.
At least 46 undocumented migrants were found dead in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas today. The discovery is part of what is believed to be a human smuggling operation.
How will it end the use of contraception? More likely it will increase the use of contraception if abortion is no longer an easy way out of pregnancy. Also, how do you see this decision as issue of separation of church and state? In what way did the Supreme Court bring religion into the decision? Interesting irony in "Some will use unsafe abortions that may kill them" considering their own intent was to kill the inconvenient child.
Abortions won’t stop. Some will use unsafe abortions that may kill them. The ruling goes beyond the procedure. It will end the use of contraception. Also it impacts the 1st Amendment. There is no separation of church and state.
I pray folks remember the politicians responsible and Vote!
AHF, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in tanker cars, was, perhaps still is, a common product carried through Shiner. The tankers allegedly are designed not to rupture in a collision. No particular safety protocols were known when county officials were queried a decade ago. Damage from an AHF spill in this derailment would have been severe. Are there current emergency management procedures for this product?
China controls 90% of the sources of rare earth minerals including ones vital to electric vehicle batteries and motors. Afghanistan holds an enormous amount of these minerals also (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/afghanistan-holds-enormous-bounty-of-rare-earths/). Leads to question why President Biden was so quick to pull out our troops. China immediately started moving into Afghanistan (https://insiderpaper.com/china-belt-and-road-afghanistan-us-forces-leave/). But brush me off as just another old man with a conspiracy theory.
Glen, the last meaningful conversation I had with a conservative was Rawley McCoy. He made his point and listened to mine without inserting partisan political talking points. As mayor he never came off as superior or condescending. He was one of a kind and a breath of fresh air.
The other day I heard that Trump( if indicted ) his defense should ask for a change of venue since the jury are democrats. If it had come to that,we are doomed.
I totally agree Mike. I will never get used to our sheriffs, judges, or anyone on the public payroll advertising full on divisional partisanship. It’s like they don’t respect the fact that us traitors participate in paying their salaries. The Texas convention exemplifies the mindset and intent of their party to castigate all who dare speak against their irrational logic. The GOP is in dire need of an honest patriotic leader if they want to claim that patriot designation. My American intuition tells me the majority of the country is tired of their malarky and ready for November. I just hope the GOP can cope with more losses…Glen
In Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Wyoming, the attorney general is a gubernatorial appointee. 43 states have an elected attorney general. Alaska, Wyoming and New Hampshire have Republican governors.
This shows the choices a free society must make. Australia went through 18 months of government lockdowns where you couldn't leave your home for more than 2 hours; travel more than 3 miles from your home; couldn't leave your home from 9 pm to 5 am (https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/09/australians-are-suffering-from-excessive-covid-lockdowns/) . The next time does the government lock up unvaccinated people like the US did to its Japanese citizens? What if the Australian government decides the next step is confiscate all handguns; then rifles. Have we ever seen a government make a law less intrusive? Government and dictators have been the greatest mass killers throughout history by a factor of millions. In all those cases, the government or the dictators were the source of the evil…
There are actually a few levels below the state AG that can cause the first havoc in elections. For a local news story of the daily fight, take a look at Otero county right now in New Mexico: https://www.alamogordonews.com/story/community/2022/06/13/otero-county-certify-2022-primary-election-results-new-mexico-politics/7609828001/ … or, for a wider, inclusive view see https://news.yahoo.com/mexico-may-open-criminal-investigation-175538754.html or any other unbiased, reputable news source. It’s obvious that politicians in the Guns-Over-People party are willing to tell any lie, advance any conspiracy theory, basically, do *anything,* including break the law, to achieve or retain power. We see examples of it everywhere. In yesterday’s Jan 6 hearing, John Eastman showed how it was done…
Oh where do I start Mr. Cook? First, Senator Chris Murphy(D-CT) said Gun conversation and a band of the A.R. 15 would not be on the table. He said that right off the bat in negotiation with John Cornyn. There was not a need for a black market because in the last two cases they legally bought their gun. The last one bought one without having a driver license.
The Supreme Court and the Constitution took organized prayer out of school. You are merely speculating about the outcome of that action.
That’s enough for today since you don’t know that we have a worldwide inflation. The Fed is raising interest rates as we speak. It’s going to take time since we just got out of Covid… Thanks Biden
Say mole talking points. Texas can’t be lecturing Chicago, New York, and California when we have Sutherland Springs, Santa Fe and just recently Uvalde. Every country in the world has video games, Japan has the most graphic but they don’t have the same easy access to guns. Oh good grief, they the AR15 WAS BANNED in 1994. The people by these weapons were law-abiding prior to the shooting. Get you some new material
Here's a clue...we already have background checks, and gun control doesn't work. Ask New York, Chicago and California.
Perhaps we ban children from watching the vivid games where the player kills everyone he sees while playing the game? Perhaps parents should be more aware of what their child is doing?
Again, you can't blame a firearm, it's simply a tool. Gun control doesn't work and the old saying that if guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns is true.
Excellent blog Mike. I have noticed that there is some discussion regarding Republican Governors appointing State Attorney Generals that would refuse to certify the election outcome if it doesn’t agree with the party. Somehow I have a hard time believing it is possible but after January 6th…..
We were deeply saddened to hear that Jeanne had passed away. We know she had a tough battle with cancer. She was a kind lady who loved to read and take care of animals. Jeanne was a voracious reader. I remember when she was born back some
65 years ago. We know that a lot of people will miss. May God bless the entire
My condolences to the family. We used to work EMS together in Refugio and spent many very late nights doing our God talk, very precious memories. So loved and will be so missed.
The select committee is going to make it awful hard for the hangers on to deny what happened. The blind loyalists will continue to deflect….THe Jan 6 Committee has just released this footage…. https://twitter.com/january6thcmte/status/1537075019918065666?s=21&t=wF_CuWWur76Xm3w0-EheUg
Good synopsis Mike. I think Pence read your blog, then came out to say that the evidence will come out. I think the investigation should continue on down to Texas where they are over complicating the simple process of voting, all while promoting the big lie. It should be harder and harder for the deniers to keep a straight face. I have noticed Bill Pozzi of late is qualifying his Odes to Trump with a chuckle, as if he knows better, but he is going to say it anyway to uphold his cray-cray status…Glen
Rick u left to soon. However I know that ur suffering was over extended. Ur sense of humor will be missed n forever be unforgettable. We will miss u so much and the life change will be hard to adjust. Ricky u have shown us what Mom taught us all, to be kind n forgiving so go forward w ur new journey n we will carry on until we say "Yes" to our Savior.
Mary u n the kids were his pride n joy. U made him the happiest in life, gave him the best attention n spoiled him w kindness n true love. The bond between yall was unbreakable. So ur mission is complete. Allow God to do the rest.
We were sorry to hear that Johnny Ray passed away. He was a fine young man who always had a big smile on his face. Our fathers worked together at Athey's Sporting
Goods back in the 50' and 60's (Ray Sauceda and Jerry Lenz). We know that many
people will miss Johnny. May God bless the Sauceda family during your time of loss.
Did Tump or any other president fly the flag at half mast for the 63 million? Politicians are human beings so what’s your point? It seems to me that you have a political agenda.
OK — “still under investigation” is the way law enforcement can stonewall responding to a public records request for the full record. But the initial incident report isn’t protected with the “under investigation” claim. So, Victoria Advocate, as a matter of journalistic transparency, tell us why this is all you know.
Well written, Mr Crisp. To paraphrase Rep. Veronica Escobar: Look at Texas. We’re a state that has tried it the Guns-Over-People way. Now there’s blood everywhere … and DNA testing required.
Agreed Mr. Crisp. I think the GOP knows many realistic changes need to be made, however, doing so would require them to come off of their extremist RW positions. The only thing that can control bad people with voices is good people with voices…Glen
Loud and clear Mike. No RWer around here wants the arduous task of having to read an opposing opinion or rationally respond to it. They even write letters to the editors asking to block Democratic leaning guest columns in the Advocate, because they claim to feel condescended upon when someone calls them down for their wrongs. They for sure are going to be ignoring the obvious and whipping up distractions to cover up their extreme actions…Glen
Steve,did you forgot that you took the first shot at me JUN 6,7:41 am…” you gotta tip your hat to mr. gomez. he can always declare another guy's study to be flawed but somehow studies he quotes are always flawless. living in the flawless liberal universe. “sf
"Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Jesus" Glad it turned out to be Victoria...never would have gotten Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Jesus on a road sign. :)
i fiedler have commented several times to letters, columns, comments and replies. now is not the first time mr. gomez has lectured me, this time for not reading some article no doubt long and filled with statistics. i don't live in the blogosphere and have time to read all the articles mr. gomez would have me read. it's painful enough to suffer through these 5 or 6 quoted paragraphs of statistics. we could all find a report or study to serve our bias & such a back and forth is senseless. "some see it as an opening to a discussion", some see it as an exercise in flaunting knowledge, some see it as an opportunity to lecture on my inadequacies. the focus of the lady's original letter was her opposition to legalized semi-auto magazine fed rifles, a legitimate concern shared by many…
yes ma'am we need to call these editors out as often as we can. the cancer that is the new york times, washington post, atlantic etc has metastasized far from the big cities to small town texas and beyond. wouldn't it be cool if anytime a 'guest column', from a ward, wilson or griffin had some opposing comments added online. or better in print. if i've learned one thing it's that when i see "communication lecturer" or "professor of communication" the communication is consistently one sided, left sided. and true to their titles they do lecture us. beware of uhv and victoria advocate sanctioned "communicators". sf
Thanks Dan.... Winston Churchill said “ History is written by the victors” but we let the confederacy write their own and here we are… Reconstruction didn’t go far enough.
Well done Mike. You are correct about the Trump supporters ignoring the Committees findings. If they won't admit the Confederacy lost the civil war they will never accept Trump and the GOP attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
You nailed it, Mr. Fielder. I also had a discourse about this same topic with the Victoria Advocate staff, asking why the paper featured local leftist elitists in the guest columns so often. I am glad others notice the same occurrence with the loss of Chris Cobler as editor.
The problem with Statistics to support your agenda. For example, you state "many European countries that had not experienced a single mass shooting between 2009-2015." I was stationed in England and Germany and know "Since 1987 -2016, the 16 deadliest mass shootings in Europe left 254 dead. For more on this please go to www.gunmassacre.org. So, it's who you want to convince for your support.One truth that cannot be denied...In the ,60s at VHS, guys who had pickup trucks, had gun racks with 2-3 rifles, the doors were unlocked, the windows rolled down. There were no guards, no Metal Detectors and no mass shootings. An armed weapon is only dangerous when it is in the hands of an irresponsible person. In all instances, the shooter had made his intentions known and our protectors failed…
If this isn’t a case of the horse out of the barn, I don’t know what is.This is the third air carrier to fail at Victoria Regional Airport since I’ve lived in Victoria. First was Texas Sky; then Boutique Air, with Victoria Advocate stories about how wonderful those services would be. And now it’s SkyWest that fails. What conclusions to you draw for this?For me, it points to failures all the way from the Victoria Commissioner’s Court down to airport management, such as that is; and failures by the Victoria Advocate to properly cover this issue.The time for getting competent professional help was when Texas Sky failed as a viable option. OK — so maybe factors at play didn’t prompt the need for a squawk code. But when Boutique failed, that should have sent up red flags. Why did Boutiq…
Mr. Foerster — You *do* realize that SSRN is an open platform (!!) for preprints, don’t you? Preprints — you know … research that’s not yet been peer-reviewed, let alone formally published, but is quickly moved into the public sphere (by SSRN and other platforms) for feedback, allowing an author to incorporate (or not) comments from other academics before submitting something for full peer review. While preprinting can be a valuable stage before publishing research, it is not by any means a reliable source for credible information. So, two reasons for my post here, both focused on disseminating some *facts.*1) SSRN is not, in itself, a source of data; it is a publisher of others’ as-yet unverified data, in other words, date … without any fact-checking having yet taken place. Citing…
Mr. Fiedler If you had bothered to read the article you would have known that others called the study flawed and went on to state why. Some see it as an opening to a discussion others see it as an opportunity to take a cheap shot.
you gotta tip your hat to mr. gomez. he can always declare another guy's study to be flawed but somehow studies he quotes are always flawless. living in the flawless liberal universe. sf
From that same report “ Statistics under scrutiny: Why some experts disagree with the CRPC report on mass shootersMany statisticians believe the reason the CRPC study's results seem so counterintuitive is that they are incorrect. One of the more detailed analyses appeared on the fact-checking website snopes.com and concluded that the CRPC report used “inappropriate statistical methods” which led to misleading results.According to the fact-checkers' analysis, one of those inappropriate methods was the leaving out of the many European countries that had not experienced a single mass shooting between 2009-2015. This data would not have changed the position of the U.S. on the list, but its absence could lead a reader to believe—incorrectly—that the U.S. experienced fewer mass shooting …
John R. Lott,Study of a gun fee zone is flawed… For example, a military base is a gun free zone and so is the White House where there are armed personnel on the rooftop. .It’s the talking point for the “ good guys with a gun” advocates.
i totally agree it should be unlawful to buy a multiple round semi- auto rifle or shotgun. i totally disagree "I do not believe anyone should be able to buy a gun that shoots multiple rounds without reloading." Answer: bad guys. they tend to be armed with the most potent and deadly weapon available for them to possess. there are many bad guys and they can come in bunches. should a gang of street thugs, narcos, jihadis - or even if just one or two - come rollin' onto your street or at your front door, a single shot weapon is not your best choice. you may be doomed anyway but stand much better chance with as many rounds with as much destructive force to be delivered as rapidly and accurately as is available for you to possess. it is not beyond the realm of possibility that one day th…
What is happening with Stroman? The citizens would like an update IMO, but nothing since the bond wasn't approved. VISD should be more transparent, with what's happening. Either some work is being done or nothing at all, my guess is the later.
No offense taken, Mr. Droost, the sympathy I was referring to was that offered up for the victims. No realistic solutions, just their standard prayers and sympathy. I like Guns Over People, good comparison. I have a habit of reminding republican friends and family that they are the Grand Old Party because they are all in denial of what they have become.
What bull! This is just more of Abbott’s personal brand of “thoughts and prayers.” Legislation can only be enacted during a legislative session … not simply with committee recommendations. This is just another wait-them-out-maybe-they’ll-forget-before-the-next-election-cycle ploy. We won’t forget … the deaths … the attempted coverups … the inaction. We won’t forget.
No offense, Mr U, but I really think you’ve gotten something terribly wrong here. The GOP has *never* “with great sympathy” done something to encourage good people to carry firearms … it’s always encouraged unrestricted carrying, and the use of, firearms with both great glee and scornful disdain for the preferences of the majority of their constituents — of both parties. As far as I’m concerned, the GOP should never again be referred to as the Grand Old Party. It may have — in the far, far past — been able to lay claim to that name, but today, and forever after, I will only recognize it as the Guns Over People party. They’ve earned the label. Let it stick.
Mike, until Trump I never saw protesters marching down Navarro or Deleon Plaza, with arms in hand, front page of the advocate. I guess I figured some one in the law enforcement field around here would have stepped up to let people know that we do not need to be carrying our guns to town.
Thanks Brian…. bipartisan legislation has a longer shelf life because each side has buy in. They’ll come back in the next session to strengthen what they passed.Glen, was that the same protester who started with a half a dozen or so for their first protest? The second protest he didn’t have any followers. I remember seeing protesters arm with A.R.15s shouting at DPS officers demanding they be allowed in with their weapons.I remember seeing armed protesters outside a venue where President Obama was speaking. The Secret Service could do nothing to prevent the armed protest.Even after representative Gabby Giffords was shot, there’s nothing preventing protesters from being bringing their guns to a rally.I guess the right doesn’t trust law-enforcement or the freedom to carry overrides c…
Everytime the gun debate resurfaces, after tragedies usually, the Grand Old Party, with great sympathy, does something to encourage good people to carry firearms. Their flawed thinking which allows more guns in more hands, with little regulation is somehow going to make it more difficult for the criminals and the insane to do harm. I’m a responsible gun owner that cringes at the thought of having to pack everywhere I go, but that is the mentality the GOP is trying to instill upon us through fear. When the gun subject comes up around Victoria, I flashback to the controversial statue in our courthouse square and the protestors who felt the necessity to arm themselves to make a show of it. What were they trying to prove? It proved to me that our local laws need to be beefed up to make…
Mike very well written. Our lawmakers need to start finding solutions and quit blaming each other. I commented on a post my cousin had posted back home, about mass shootings and gun control. My comment was" It's time for Republicans and Democrats, to check their ego at the door. Their ego's are getting in the way of rational thinking". This is just my opinion.
I remember Don was a super fastpitch pitcher. Don pitched many of games for us, Yoakum Fastpitch over the years. He also played in our league with Port Lavaca and Victoria teams and played all over the world with the US Airforce. Don was a super person and I remember he had an excellent rise ball. I know you will be riding that rise ball all the way to heaven. Rest in Peace Don!
C Droost -- I found this amazing statement in the article you linked. "But it came out earlier Friday that police had made a crucial error, waiting to enter a classroom because they believed it was no longer an active-shooter situation." That is total bullshirt and makes no sense whatsoever. If it really were no longer an active shooter situation, then what were they waiting for? There were kids and a teacher inside in need of aid. Clearly they believed the shooter was still in there, and they were too scared to do anything but just stand there for an hour. IMO, they all should be up on dereliction of duty charges and subject to a lawsuit.
“In addressing mass shootings, Texas’ top officials have tailored their responses to the wishes of some of their most outspoken voters. The results haven’t changed because we haven’t changed.”
I hope the VctAdv would run this article, but just in case they don’t:
Mary Ann, “ Thoughts and prayers” has been a metaphor for doing nothing since Sandy Hook. I’m surprised the editorial board is this late coming to the consensus most of the nation’s newspapers adopted a long time ago. In fact most of the nation has adopted the same attitude.Chicago is the favorite deflection of the right who cover their ears at the mere mention of gun legislation. First, the Southside of Chicago, where the gun deaths occur with regularity is a drug territorial war between St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Not to be confused or compared with random mass shootings. They have strict gun laws and gun deaths occur you say. Yes, and the guns come from gun friendly gun states nearby. What’s happening in Chicago is very similar to what happened during the days of the Mafi…
“Don’t thoughts and prayers this one away?” What a cavalier way to deal with this issue. What are we supposed to do? Pass innumerable gun control laws in our cities like Chicago? There are no thoughts and prayer in their actions. What’s the result? According to the local Chicago CBS affiliate, the city has the dubious title of the most mass shootings in the US since 2018. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-has-had-most-mass-shootings-in-u-s-since-2018/So, what can we do?Yes, we are going to have to harden our schools in the short term. We will have to pass legislation and funding to fortify our schools against homegrown maniacal murderers similarly to how Bowie and Travis fortified the Alamo against a foreign dictator and his troops. How sad that in this day and age, we h…
This editorial straddles the fence just as Christian Taliban dominionist Sen. Ted Cruz does. The editorial thus reduces the Victoria Advocate’s gravitas and credibility to the level of the very “thoughts and prayers” platitude it condemns.And that straddle lies in the cheap shot at Beto O’Rourke. The below-the-belt smear is no doubt included to toss red meat to the right-wing base to offset the muted criticism of the right-wing Republicans. But, if you look at O’Rourke’s record, he has been an advocate for gun control for years. To lump him in with the Koch-led and -bought politicians — Texas’ Republican leadership — reveals the cancer of unethical and dishonest editorial and managerial leadership.If the Victoria Advocate wanted to show real spine on the gun issue, especially after…
Bravo editors, I agree, laws need to change, and not in the way the Texas GOP’s laws have encouraged (through fear)the carrying of firearms by all. I think Beto was sincere with his finger pointing at the Texas GOP’s one sided gun toting views. He stepped up for the grieving families who have yet to regain their voices. The GOP has made it abundantly clear that they will never waiver from their bad decisions…Glen Ullman
VA Editorial Board -- "and don’t ever forget the names of the lawmakers who did nothing about it." -- In the Uvalde incident, that would be all of them. You're correct, "thoughts and prayers" accomplish nothing, and so do rambling, go-nowhere articles such as this editorial. What's your point, and what, exactly, do you think should be done and by whom?
Yep Glen, It’s the same old song and dance. In the 2008 financial crisis the country lost $8 trillion of capital but the GOP said we are not going to give you $1 trillion to fix it and then after reviving the economy, they complained that it took too long. They never took blame but I give credit to the Bush administration for reaching to his opposition leaders including the two presidential candidates.
Yep, don’t make bank robbing against the law because then they will rob more covient stores. You can put a machine gun on the table and it will lie there until someone picks it up but we still have laws or requirements that have to be met before an ordinary citizen can own one. Same old RW talking points for doing absolutely nothing....Some 54-56% of Americans want to ban AR-15 like weapons, some 84- 90% of Americans want red flag laws and universal background checks but nothing gets done because Republicans knows the NRA will withhold their endorsement and money if they even think about action. After the Las Vegas mass shooting everyone was for banning bumb stocks but Republicans waied until the NRA gave the blessing before voting for the ban.
For the VA Editorial Board — Visuals provide a stronger impact. You’re welcome to my avatar showing the body bags installed on the Capitol Mall right now.
For Mr. Strarup — You’re very emphatic about what **isn’t** the “answer.” But I’m not quite sure I understand the problem or question that you see this editorial as addressing. Please clearly state the problem/question that you see (if you see one at all) … and provide **your** proposed solution/answer.
Right on Mike. It’s always about the money. The economy is top priority all the time, whether your building walls, supporting politicians, financing wars, supporting churches, or fighting virus. That’s where the GOP changes the subject.They are in denial of the economy they handed to Biden and intent on
blaming the Dems for where we’re at. It’s expensive rebuilding institutions the Trump GOP wrecked. Wreck it and hand it off seems to be their pattern…. Glen
Gwen was the most extraordinary person I have ever met. I only knew her for one days visit, but loved her from the time I met her. Her aura encompassed all around her with her love for people and caring nature and was a blessing from above. She will be so missed.
My most sincere to the family, especially Michael. Ernestine was our neighbor when we were first married. When we found out I was pregnant she took such good care of me. When our baby (who is now 35) was born she was so good to us. A very good woman who we love. Our most sincere condolences to all the family.
How ironic, A Trump supporter talking about denial. Reading comprehension? I never said that the president was doing a wonderful job; I posted what I heard from economists this weekend. Some of us understand how the economy works and not everything is the fault of the government.
On the contrary, Biden, his Administration and people who keep claiming Biden is doing a wonderful job and making excuses for his (or, whoever is in charge) failures are doing just fine. Validity, look around you, the opposition party is NOT rooting for failure...when our elected leaders fail, America and Americans fail, seem some people are in denial and will not accept this.
Brian Vandale said:
Why would someone drive from Lubbock to Victoria to sell fireworks. Sell them in Lubbock, you should make the same amount of money.
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Brian Vandale said:
If this guy is going to be in charge of District Business, Human Resources , Maintenance, Technology, Transportation and Athletics Efforts. What does Sheppard do, sounds like nothing and gets paid $300K+ a year.
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Stephanie Bassano said:
So very sorry for your loss and you guys are in my prayers. Peace be with you
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Glenn Wilson said:
Thanx Lizz. :)
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Brian Vandale said:
We had 3 + 3/10ths inches between 6pm and 8pm by the college
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Wayne Kroll said:
At least 46 undocumented migrants were found dead in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas today. The discovery is part of what is believed to be a human smuggling operation.
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Lizz Podsim said:
361 is our area code and pop up just means not all booths are permanent and may change around.
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Glenn Wilson said:
What's the meaning of "361" and "Pop-Up"? No doubt I've missed something of great cultural significance.
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Glenn Wilson said:
How will it end the use of contraception? More likely it will increase the use of contraception if abortion is no longer an easy way out of pregnancy. Also, how do you see this decision as issue of separation of church and state? In what way did the Supreme Court bring religion into the decision? Interesting irony in "Some will use unsafe abortions that may kill them" considering their own intent was to kill the inconvenient child.
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Connie Jank said:
So sorry for your loss!!Mac loved Gary!He will be missed.Love,Connie Jank
Gary was so sweet.He told me I always smiled and was always happy.An Encourager
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Susan Aguilar said:
Mrs. Groll, So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thought are with you.
Susan Aguilar
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LEONARD SADDLER said:
We are looking very beautiful with gardens. And the peace meal sidewalk curbing that our priorities have superseded the wagon trail streets.
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Daniel Martin said:
Abortions won’t stop. Some will use unsafe abortions that may kill them. The ruling goes beyond the procedure. It will end the use of contraception. Also it impacts the 1st Amendment. There is no separation of church and state.
I pray folks remember the politicians responsible and Vote!
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Mike Gomez said:
So it was just a leak of a draft,funny the final version is almost word-for-word l
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bob weiss said:
AHF, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in tanker cars, was, perhaps still is, a common product carried through Shiner. The tankers allegedly are designed not to rupture in a collision. No particular safety protocols were known when county officials were queried a decade ago. Damage from an AHF spill in this derailment would have been severe. Are there current emergency management procedures for this product?
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James Chandler said:
China controls 90% of the sources of rare earth minerals including ones vital to electric vehicle batteries and motors. Afghanistan holds an enormous amount of these minerals also (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/afghanistan-holds-enormous-bounty-of-rare-earths/). Leads to question why President Biden was so quick to pull out our troops. China immediately started moving into Afghanistan (https://insiderpaper.com/china-belt-and-road-afghanistan-us-forces-leave/). But brush me off as just another old man with a conspiracy theory.
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Ruben Alvarez said:
Fireworks don't cause fires, people do
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Mike Gomez said:
Glen, the last meaningful conversation I had with a conservative was Rawley McCoy. He made his point and listened to mine without inserting partisan political talking points. As mayor he never came off as superior or condescending. He was one of a kind and a breath of fresh air.
The other day I heard that Trump( if indicted ) his defense should ask for a change of venue since the jury are democrats. If it had come to that,we are doomed.
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
I totally agree Mike. I will never get used to our sheriffs, judges, or anyone on the public payroll advertising full on divisional partisanship. It’s like they don’t respect the fact that us traitors participate in paying their salaries. The Texas convention exemplifies the mindset and intent of their party to castigate all who dare speak against their irrational logic. The GOP is in dire need of an honest patriotic leader if they want to claim that patriot designation. My American intuition tells me the majority of the country is tired of their malarky and ready for November. I just hope the GOP can cope with more losses…Glen
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Mary Ann Wenske said:
Great letter. Your economic points and statement about prayer in school are spot-on. Thanks for writing.
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Wayne Kroll said:
In Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Wyoming, the attorney general is a gubernatorial appointee. 43 states have an elected attorney general. Alaska, Wyoming and New Hampshire have Republican governors.
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James Chandler said:
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C Droost said:
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Mike Gomez said:
Oh where do I start Mr. Cook? First, Senator Chris Murphy(D-CT) said Gun conversation and a band of the A.R. 15 would not be on the table. He said that right off the bat in negotiation with John Cornyn. There was not a need for a black market because in the last two cases they legally bought their gun. The last one bought one without having a driver license.
The Supreme Court and the Constitution took organized prayer out of school. You are merely speculating about the outcome of that action.
That’s enough for today since you don’t know that we have a worldwide inflation. The Fed is raising interest rates as we speak. It’s going to take time since we just got out of Covid… Thanks Biden
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Mike Gomez said:
That’s certainly something The feds should be looking at
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Mike Gomez said:
Say mole talking points. Texas can’t be lecturing Chicago, New York, and California when we have Sutherland Springs, Santa Fe and just recently Uvalde. Every country in the world has video games, Japan has the most graphic but they don’t have the same easy access to guns. Oh good grief, they the AR15 WAS BANNED in 1994. The people by these weapons were law-abiding prior to the shooting. Get you some new material
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Dale Turner said:
Thank you for publishing this interesting article.
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Martin Strarup said:
Here's a clue...we already have background checks, and gun control doesn't work. Ask New York, Chicago and California.
Perhaps we ban children from watching the vivid games where the player kills everyone he sees while playing the game? Perhaps parents should be more aware of what their child is doing?
Again, you can't blame a firearm, it's simply a tool. Gun control doesn't work and the old saying that if guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns is true.
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Daniel Martin said:
Excellent blog Mike. I have noticed that there is some discussion regarding Republican Governors appointing State Attorney Generals that would refuse to certify the election outcome if it doesn’t agree with the party. Somehow I have a hard time believing it is possible but after January 6th…..
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Ricky Lenz said:
We were deeply saddened to hear that Jeanne had passed away. We know she had a tough battle with cancer. She was a kind lady who loved to read and take care of animals. Jeanne was a voracious reader. I remember when she was born back some
65 years ago. We know that a lot of people will miss. May God bless the entire
Thomas family during your time of loss.
Ricky and Carol Ann Lenz
rickylenz@suddenlink.net
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Stacey Wright said:
My condolences to the family. We used to work EMS together in Refugio and spent many very late nights doing our God talk, very precious memories. So loved and will be so missed.
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Mike Gomez said:
The select committee is going to make it awful hard for the hangers on to deny what happened. The blind loyalists will continue to deflect….THe Jan 6 Committee has just released this footage…. https://twitter.com/january6thcmte/status/1537075019918065666?s=21&t=wF_CuWWur76Xm3w0-EheUg
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
Good synopsis Mike. I think Pence read your blog, then came out to say that the evidence will come out. I think the investigation should continue on down to Texas where they are over complicating the simple process of voting, all while promoting the big lie. It should be harder and harder for the deniers to keep a straight face. I have noticed Bill Pozzi of late is qualifying his Odes to Trump with a chuckle, as if he knows better, but he is going to say it anyway to uphold his cray-cray status…Glen
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gregory goetz said:
See Adrian Fontes's video on 2nd amendment lies, using the Constitution details to explain. Marine gun instructor. AZ politician.
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Dora Rendon said:
Rick u left to soon. However I know that ur suffering was over extended. Ur sense of humor will be missed n forever be unforgettable. We will miss u so much and the life change will be hard to adjust. Ricky u have shown us what Mom taught us all, to be kind n forgiving so go forward w ur new journey n we will carry on until we say "Yes" to our Savior.
Mary u n the kids were his pride n joy. U made him the happiest in life, gave him the best attention n spoiled him w kindness n true love. The bond between yall was unbreakable. So ur mission is complete. Allow God to do the rest.
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Ricky Lenz said:
We were sorry to hear that Johnny Ray passed away. He was a fine young man who always had a big smile on his face. Our fathers worked together at Athey's Sporting
Goods back in the 50' and 60's (Ray Sauceda and Jerry Lenz). We know that many
people will miss Johnny. May God bless the Sauceda family during your time of loss.
Ricky and Carol Ann Lenz
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Dr. Roger C. Schustereit said:
May God offer comfort yo you and yours.
God bless,
Dr. Roger C. Schustereit
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Mike Gomez said:
Did Tump or any other president fly the flag at half mast for the 63 million? Politicians are human beings so what’s your point? It seems to me that you have a political agenda.
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Glenn Wilson said:
George, excellent point and good luck getting an answer.
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Mike Gomez said:
It’s not uncommon for mass shooters to have a clean criminal history. So let’s stop writing laws because criminals won’t abide anyway…lol
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Tim Foerster said:
Surly you can't be so naïve to believe this will affect criminals in any way.
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George Schwarz said:
OK — “still under investigation” is the way law enforcement can stonewall responding to a public records request for the full record. But the initial incident report isn’t protected with the “under investigation” claim. So, Victoria Advocate, as a matter of journalistic transparency, tell us why this is all you know.
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C Droost said:
Well written, Mr Crisp. To paraphrase Rep. Veronica Escobar: Look at Texas. We’re a state that has tried it the Guns-Over-People way. Now there’s blood everywhere … and DNA testing required.
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
Agreed Mr. Crisp. I think the GOP knows many realistic changes need to be made, however, doing so would require them to come off of their extremist RW positions. The only thing that can control bad people with voices is good people with voices…Glen
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
Loud and clear Mike. No RWer around here wants the arduous task of having to read an opposing opinion or rationally respond to it. They even write letters to the editors asking to block Democratic leaning guest columns in the Advocate, because they claim to feel condescended upon when someone calls them down for their wrongs. They for sure are going to be ignoring the obvious and whipping up distractions to cover up their extreme actions…Glen
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Dr. Roger C. Schustereit said:
May God offer you comfort at this time.
God bless,
Dr. Roger Schustereit
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Mike Gomez said:
Steve,did you forgot that you took the first shot at me JUN 6,7:41 am…” you gotta tip your hat to mr. gomez. he can always declare another guy's study to be flawed but somehow studies he quotes are always flawless. living in the flawless liberal universe. “sf
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Martin Strarup said:
"Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Jesus" Glad it turned out to be Victoria...never would have gotten Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Jesus on a road sign. :)
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Steve Fiedler said:
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Steve Fiedler said:
yes ma'am we need to call these editors out as often as we can. the cancer that is the new york times, washington post, atlantic etc has metastasized far from the big cities to small town texas and beyond. wouldn't it be cool if anytime a 'guest column', from a ward, wilson or griffin had some opposing comments added online. or better in print. if i've learned one thing it's that when i see "communication lecturer" or "professor of communication" the communication is consistently one sided, left sided. and true to their titles they do lecture us. beware of uhv and victoria advocate sanctioned "communicators". sf
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Mike Gomez said:
Thanks Dan.... Winston Churchill said “ History is written by the victors” but we let the confederacy write their own and here we are… Reconstruction didn’t go far enough.
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Daniel Martin said:
Well done Mike. You are correct about the Trump supporters ignoring the Committees findings. If they won't admit the Confederacy lost the civil war they will never accept Trump and the GOP attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
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Mary Ann Wenske said:
You nailed it, Mr. Fielder. I also had a discourse about this same topic with the Victoria Advocate staff, asking why the paper featured local leftist elitists in the guest columns so often. I am glad others notice the same occurrence with the loss of Chris Cobler as editor.
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Daniel Lopez said:
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George Schwarz said:
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C Droost said:
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Mike Gomez said:
Mr. Fiedler If you had bothered to read the article you would have known that others called the study flawed and went on to state why. Some see it as an opening to a discussion others see it as an opportunity to take a cheap shot.
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Steve Fiedler said:
you gotta tip your hat to mr. gomez. he can always declare another guy's study to be flawed but somehow studies he quotes are always flawless. living in the flawless liberal universe. sf
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Tim Foerster said:
In 2021, there were an estimated 1.67M uses of firearms in defense situations. SOURCE: SSRN
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Mike Gomez said:
Interesting
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Mike Gomez said:
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Mike Gomez said:
John R. Lott,Study of a gun fee zone is flawed… For example, a military base is a gun free zone and so is the White House where there are armed personnel on the rooftop. .It’s the talking point for the “ good guys with a gun” advocates.
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Tim Foerster said:
94% of mass shootings take place in ‘Gun Free’ zones. SOURCE: CrimeResearch
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Tim Foerster said:
We are NOT the country with the most mass shootings per capita even among first-world countries. SOURCE: WorldPopulationReview
The death rate per million, 2009-2015
1 - Norway 1.9
2 - Serbia 0.4
3 - Macedonia 0.3
The United States is 11th at 0.09!
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Steve Fiedler said:
ps to earlier comment, sentence 1 applies to 18 yr olds and younger
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Steve Fiedler said:
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Brian Vandale said:
What is happening with Stroman? The citizens would like an update IMO, but nothing since the bond wasn't approved. VISD should be more transparent, with what's happening. Either some work is being done or nothing at all, my guess is the later.
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Dale Turner said:
I witnessed people crossing where they have always crossed since the new light went into operation. Actually on 2 occasions.
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
No offense taken, Mr. Droost, the sympathy I was referring to was that offered up for the victims. No realistic solutions, just their standard prayers and sympathy. I like Guns Over People, good comparison. I have a habit of reminding republican friends and family that they are the Grand Old Party because they are all in denial of what they have become.
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Jackie Marek said:
I'm waiting for Pickle recipe,,,,,,,
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C Droost said:
What bull! This is just more of Abbott’s personal brand of “thoughts and prayers.” Legislation can only be enacted during a legislative session … not simply with committee recommendations. This is just another wait-them-out-maybe-they’ll-forget-before-the-next-election-cycle ploy. We won’t forget … the deaths … the attempted coverups … the inaction. We won’t forget.
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Lois Schiurring said:
Linda and daughters,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Donnie. I want y’all to know I’m thinking of y’all and send my prayers. Love and hugs to you Linda.
Love Lois Williamson Schiurring
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C Droost said:
No offense, Mr U, but I really think you’ve gotten something terribly wrong here. The GOP has *never* “with great sympathy” done something to encourage good people to carry firearms … it’s always encouraged unrestricted carrying, and the use of, firearms with both great glee and scornful disdain for the preferences of the majority of their constituents — of both parties. As far as I’m concerned, the GOP should never again be referred to as the Grand Old Party. It may have — in the far, far past — been able to lay claim to that name, but today, and forever after, I will only recognize it as the Guns Over People party. They’ve earned the label. Let it stick.
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
Mike, until Trump I never saw protesters marching down Navarro or Deleon Plaza, with arms in hand, front page of the advocate. I guess I figured some one in the law enforcement field around here would have stepped up to let people know that we do not need to be carrying our guns to town.
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Mike Gomez said:
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
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Mike Gomez said:
Well statec
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Brian Vandale said:
Mike very well written. Our lawmakers need to start finding solutions and quit blaming each other. I commented on a post my cousin had posted back home, about mass shootings and gun control. My comment was" It's time for Republicans and Democrats, to check their ego at the door. Their ego's are getting in the way of rational thinking". This is just my opinion.
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E.L. Moore said:
I remember Don was a super fastpitch pitcher. Don pitched many of games for us, Yoakum Fastpitch over the years. He also played in our league with Port Lavaca and Victoria teams and played all over the world with the US Airforce. Don was a super person and I remember he had an excellent rise ball. I know you will be riding that rise ball all the way to heaven. Rest in Peace Don!
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Glenn Wilson said:
C Droost -- I found this amazing statement in the article you linked. "But it came out earlier Friday that police had made a crucial error, waiting to enter a classroom because they believed it was no longer an active-shooter situation." That is total bullshirt and makes no sense whatsoever. If it really were no longer an active shooter situation, then what were they waiting for? There were kids and a teacher inside in need of aid. Clearly they believed the shooter was still in there, and they were too scared to do anything but just stand there for an hour. IMO, they all should be up on dereliction of duty charges and subject to a lawsuit.
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C Droost said:
“In addressing mass shootings, Texas’ top officials have tailored their responses to the wishes of some of their most outspoken voters. The results haven’t changed because we haven’t changed.”
I hope the VctAdv would run this article, but just in case they don’t:
https://www.texastribune.org/2022/05/31/texas-gun-laws-voters/
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George Schwarz said:
I wondered if anyone else caught the irony and the VA's lousy judgment with those photos.
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Mike Gomez said:
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Paul Hamilton said:
They might be a little more convincing if they wore protective gear. Helmets and jackets?
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Mary Ann Wenske said:
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George Schwarz said:
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marc a. hinojosa said:
if only the pen(keyboard) was mightier than the sword(gun)...
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
Bravo editors, I agree, laws need to change, and not in the way the Texas GOP’s laws have encouraged (through fear)the carrying of firearms by all. I think Beto was sincere with his finger pointing at the Texas GOP’s one sided gun toting views. He stepped up for the grieving families who have yet to regain their voices. The GOP has made it abundantly clear that they will never waiver from their bad decisions…Glen Ullman
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Glenn Wilson said:
VA Editorial Board -- "and don’t ever forget the names of the lawmakers who did nothing about it." -- In the Uvalde incident, that would be all of them. You're correct, "thoughts and prayers" accomplish nothing, and so do rambling, go-nowhere articles such as this editorial. What's your point, and what, exactly, do you think should be done and by whom?
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Mike Gomez said:
Yep Glen, It’s the same old song and dance. In the 2008 financial crisis the country lost $8 trillion of capital but the GOP said we are not going to give you $1 trillion to fix it and then after reviving the economy, they complained that it took too long. They never took blame but I give credit to the Bush administration for reaching to his opposition leaders including the two presidential candidates.
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Mike Gomez said:
Yep, don’t make bank robbing against the law because then they will rob more covient stores. You can put a machine gun on the table and it will lie there until someone picks it up but we still have laws or requirements that have to be met before an ordinary citizen can own one. Same old RW talking points for doing absolutely nothing....Some 54-56% of Americans want to ban AR-15 like weapons, some 84- 90% of Americans want red flag laws and universal background checks but nothing gets done because Republicans knows the NRA will withhold their endorsement and money if they even think about action. After the Las Vegas mass shooting everyone was for banning bumb stocks but Republicans waied until the NRA gave the blessing before voting for the ban.
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C Droost said:
For the VA Editorial Board — Visuals provide a stronger impact. You’re welcome to my avatar showing the body bags installed on the Capitol Mall right now.
For Mr. Strarup — You’re very emphatic about what **isn’t** the “answer.” But I’m not quite sure I understand the problem or question that you see this editorial as addressing. Please clearly state the problem/question that you see (if you see one at all) … and provide **your** proposed solution/answer.
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Glen or Janice Ullman said:
Right on Mike. It’s always about the money. The economy is top priority all the time, whether your building walls, supporting politicians, financing wars, supporting churches, or fighting virus. That’s where the GOP changes the subject.They are in denial of the economy they handed to Biden and intent on
blaming the Dems for where we’re at. It’s expensive rebuilding institutions the Trump GOP wrecked. Wreck it and hand it off seems to be their pattern…. Glen
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Martin Strarup said:
Guns are tools, pure and simple. You can load any firearm and put it on a table and it will just lie there forever until someone picks it up.
More "gun control" certainly is not the answer. Ask those who love in New York or Chicago how their strict gun control is working.
If someone wants to kill a lot of people and they can't get a firearm they'll use something else.
Stop the knee jerk reaction that liberals have about needing more gun control; it doesn't work.
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Candy Stephens said:
Gwen was the most extraordinary person I have ever met. I only knew her for one days visit, but loved her from the time I met her. Her aura encompassed all around her with her love for people and caring nature and was a blessing from above. She will be so missed.
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Isaac Jefferson said:
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your mom Ernestina she was a special person with a pretty smile may she rest in peace.Isaac Jefferson /Family
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Veronica Zapata said:
My most sincere to the family, especially Michael. Ernestine was our neighbor when we were first married. When we found out I was pregnant she took such good care of me. When our baby (who is now 35) was born she was so good to us. A very good woman who we love. Our most sincere condolences to all the family.
Lupe & Veronica Zapata
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Mike Gomez said:
How ironic, A Trump supporter talking about denial. Reading comprehension? I never said that the president was doing a wonderful job; I posted what I heard from economists this weekend. Some of us understand how the economy works and not everything is the fault of the government.
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Daniel Lopez said:
On the contrary, Biden, his Administration and people who keep claiming Biden is doing a wonderful job and making excuses for his (or, whoever is in charge) failures are doing just fine. Validity, look around you, the opposition party is NOT rooting for failure...when our elected leaders fail, America and Americans fail, seem some people are in denial and will not accept this.
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