Why would someone drive from Lubbock to Victoria to sell fireworks. Sell them in Lubbock, you should make the same amount of money.

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.

So very sorry for your loss and you guys are in my prayers. Peace be with you

Thanx Lizz. :)

We had 3 + 3/10ths inches between 6pm and 8pm by the college

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.

361 is our area code and pop up just means not all booths are permanent and may change around.

What's the meaning of "361" and "Pop-Up"? No doubt I've missed something of great cultural significance.

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.

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

Mrs. Groll, So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thought are with you.

Susan Aguilar

We are looking very beautiful with gardens. And the peace meal sidewalk curbing that our priorities have superseded the wagon trail streets.

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!

So it was just a leak of a draft,funny the final version is almost word-for-word l

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.

Fireworks don't cause fires, people do

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

Great letter. Your economic points and statement about prayer in school are spot-on. Thanks for writing.

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.

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

That’s certainly something The feds should be looking at

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

Thank you for publishing this interesting article.

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

Thomas family during your time of loss.

Ricky and Carol Ann Lenz

rickylenz@suddenlink.net

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

See Adrian Fontes's video on 2nd amendment lies, using the Constitution details to explain. Marine gun instructor. AZ politician.

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.

Ricky and Carol Ann Lenz

May God offer comfort yo you and yours.

God bless,

Dr. Roger C. Schustereit

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.

George, excellent point and good luck getting an answer.

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

Surly you can't be so naïve to believe this will affect criminals in any way.

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

May God offer you comfort at this time.

God bless,

Dr. Roger Schustereit

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. :)

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.

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

In 2021, there were an estimated 1.67M uses of firearms in defense situations. SOURCE: SSRN

Interesting

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.

94% of mass shootings take place in ‘Gun Free’ zones. SOURCE: CrimeResearch

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!

ps to earlier comment, sentence 1 applies to 18 yr olds and younger

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.

I witnessed people crossing where they have always crossed since the new light went into operation. Actually on 2 occasions.

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.

I'm waiting for Pickle recipe,,,,,,,

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.

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

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.

Well statec

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:

https://www.texastribune.org/2022/05/31/texas-gun-laws-voters/

I wondered if anyone else caught the irony and the VA's lousy judgment with those photos.

They might be a little more convincing if they wore protective gear. Helmets and jackets?

if only the pen(keyboard) was mightier than the sword(gun)...

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.