Dear Editor,

May 1, 2012

Texas Association of Business President Bill Hammond is looking at coins not people. Since it is obvious he does not require HHSC services for medical care he should adequately discuss his concerns with the people who provided excellent care to HHSC beneficiaries until actions he lauds were implemented. His comparing the fraud with transportation services is absurd.

These regulations are not applying to other HHSC concerns such as child neglect. If parents are not inclined to obtain the treatment provided by their physician they should be reported to the authorities for child neglect. It is inconceivable to me how the HHSC can be so wrapped up in cost control and so lax in child welfare. I chaired the Cameron County Child Welfare Board for several years I would without doubt report this type of neglect to the appropriate authorities. The physicians as well should do the same. Your reporter, Mr. de la Cruz, may want to interview members of the State's Child Welfare representatives and author an article disussing their findings.

I applaud Mr de la Cruz for his article featuring U.S. Representative Hinojosa. Conversely, I am disappointed in his article giving Mr. Hammond an audience discussing his misguided views.

Robert Bennett
(via email)

Dear Editor,

April 20, 2012

I am so saddened at hearing of the passing of Sister Marian. She was one of the most inspirational women I have ever met. She  was a part of my life when we were all working as advocates for Central American refugees and working in response to Valleyites who were suffering from AIDS and had no one to turn to in their darkest hours. Then, of course, there is her legacy of Comfort House.

A star was born, which lit up the lives of countless, whose suffering went unnoticed or scorned. That light may be dimmed on this earth but her legacy will be an eternal light for those of conscience to follow. Good night, dear Sister, thank you for leading the way, for some us to follow in your wake.

Linda Yañez
Edinburg, Texas

Dear Editor,

April 18, 2012

Mr. Juan Angel Guerra deserves praise for his lawsuit. I would strongly support the lawsuit that would allow voters to register and to vote on the same day. The American GI Forum is uniquely recognized as the organization which fought strongly to eliminate the infamous Poll Tax, which for so long disenfranchised poor people who could either not afford the fee, or if the boss paid the fee, then the worker had to vote as instructed by the boss.

It seems that every time we turn around, there is an effort by certain elements to keep our voters away from the polls, whether through redistricting, Voter ID, etc.

If a U.S. citizen qualifies to register 30 days before the election date, what could possibly change his/her status or eligibility to register and to vote, on the same day? Too many of our men and women in the military have been deployed to other countries, to establish democracy, with the right for those citizens to vote and several paid the ultimate sacrifice or had their lives altered forever. So why do we, as American citizens in our own country, have to jump over politically-motivated hurdles, to exercise our right – and our obligation to cast our vote?

Josemaria Vasquez, American by birth Veteran by choice
State Vice Commander
Dr. Hector P. Garcia American GI Forum Org of TX

Dear Editor,

April 11, 2012

I don't think Ms. Martinez does herself any favors by allowing her political consultant to make divisive statements like the one he made in this article. Mr. Peña is engaging in the same old tired "us vs. them" tactic, pitting his self-righteous description of Republicans as pro-life, pro-family and religious against Democrats as pro-LGBT. As a gay man, I find this extremely offensive. Ms. Martinez should ask Mr. Pena to apologize or fire him as her consultant. Also, I hope you will be "fair and balanced" by asking for a comment from Eli Olivarez, Nathan Schwarz and Dolly Elizondo on what Mr. Pena said.

Daniel Graney
San Antonio, Texas

(Editor's Note: Yes, Mr. Graney, we are going to ask Mr. Schwarz and Mr. Olivarez if they wish to respond to the comments made.)

Dear Editor,

February 25, 2012

Mr. Pete Sepulveda, man of many hats, will now concentrate on the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, as its executive director.

Congratulations. He very well knows the county's ins and outs.

And now it is time for him to "direct" the CCRMA to stop its desire to build the West Loop Toll Road/Parkway.

Local control - and one hears about it daily - sometimes can be unfair and immoral as with communities' anti-immigration laws.

But in the case of the West Loop Toll Road/Parkway local control is for the good, as Brownsville officials and citizens do not want the road; they have another vision for the eight-miles of railroad track once it is abandoned: a hiking, walking, biking, jogging and nature swath.

Mr. Sepulveda should heed the city, stop the road and move on to other projects he said he wishes to accomplish, ones that do not divide neighborhoods.

Cameron County officials, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, South Texas state and federal elected officials and the Texas Department of Transportation should join with Brownsville as it begins to enact its ambitious environmental aims that will also economically benefit hundreds of thousands in Deep South Texas.

Now a plea: Mr. Sepulveda please take the lead in your new post, and support the city's move towards wise planning and creative local control.

Support that concept, and thus take a huge step on behalf of the city's (and yes the rest of the county's) future, not one of more carbon monoxide, reduced health potential and millions in debt.

Eugene "Gene" Novogrodsky
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

February 24, 2012

The difference between James Carville and Filemon Vela is that Carville never voted in a Republican primary, whereas Filemon Vela has been an active participant in the GOP and has voted in every Republican primary since 2004. Filemon Vela joining the Democratic primary makes him a traitor just like state Rep. Aaron Peña.

John M. Stafford
Nueces County Democratic Party

Dear Editor,

Feb. 2, 2012

State Sen. Eddie Lucio's column, "Fixing School Finance Once and For All," (Rio Grande Guardian, Feb. 1, 2012) is easily, the best piece the Senator has ever written. It explains the seriousness of failing to fund public education in Texas.

The Senator admits he is perplexed, however, when it came to raising the many millions.

It is time for Texas to consider, and enact, a state income tax.

That tax would be a huge help in cutting the deficit, as well as beginning to create a superb public school system.

Congratulations, Senator, for knowing that a failure to repair a shaky school system will have economic (and social) consequences that will only add to the state's repeated shortfalls.

Eugene "Gene" Novogrodsky
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Jan. 17, 2012

I just read Dr. Lino Garcia's article on Lorenzo de Zavala in the Guardian. It’s refreshing to see that Guardian readers will be reminded that he was just not “a supporter of Sam Houston’s Revolution.”

Sadly, most of the information on Spanish-named heroes in mainstream Texas history books and classroom curriculum is provided with that automatic stipulation.

It is time for a change in recording Texas history. Your article certainly helps by providing a broader perspective of de Zavala’s obvious innate leadership abilities and his many contributions in a variety of significant quality of life issues and other areas in building this great place we call Texas.

One minor detail that bears a future paper is the reason(s) that Stephen F. Austin signed as “Esteban”. Few folks today realize that the first wave of Anglos from the U.S. that immigrated to Texas absorbed our ancestors’ way of life as much as they were able to, including changing their names to Spanish.

Keep up the good work.

Saludos,

Joe López  
San Antonio, Texas

Dear Editor,

December 2, 2011

Aaron "Please give me more press" Peña just won't shut up. I read the latest headline with Peña in the title (today's not yesterday's). Didn't he boast that the Rio Grande Valley is full of closet Republicans when he made the switch, and didn't he say that the Republican Party better represents the value of his constituents than the Democratic Party?

If that is the case, then why isn't it so now? Why don't voters have a choice (which is what he is claiming today)? Is it because he is too afraid to run in HIS OWN DISTRICT, in front of the constituents who he claims know and love him? Why doesn't he want to represent the people of his professed community? The hypocrisy of his comments is mind-boggling. If he thinks the Rio Grande Valley supports Republicans, then he should run, and be proud of his party. But he isn't. Hmmm....

John G. Escamilla
McAllen, Texas

Dear Editor,

December 1, 2011

Commander Arturo “Treto” Garcia, you have carried the torch for veterans so very long now. February is coming soon and that will be the marking of my 45th year since I first set foot in Viet Nam. I have to admit, you have been the biggest advocate for veterans I have ever met.

I leave again Tuesday for MD Anderson in Houston and every time I do go for medical care I can't help but think of Valley vets and how far they too have to go to seek the care they were promised. It is my prayer and hope the Congress and Veterans Affairs wake up to the 100,000-plus veterans in the lower Valley and give them their just promised care and stop the five to six hour journey you are forced to take each time you need inpatient care.

Commander, you fulfill the creed "Always Faithful.” God Speed, Outstanding Marine.

Willie Vaden
Ingleside, Texas

Dear Editor,

November 12, 2011

I have sent an open letter to U.S. Senators Hutchison and Cornyn. Here is what it says:

"On this glorious day honoring U.S. men and women warriors, I ask that you focus on the urgent need for a Rio Grande Valley Veterans Hospital. No other ethnic minority group is more loyal to the cause of freedom than Spanish Mexican-descent citizen veterans from South Texas. To this very day, they serve honorably and are returning home from current war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"What kind of warriors come from the Rio Grande Valley? Only the bravest! I could write volumes of examples of their loyalty and courage in defense of the U.S. However, I believe that the citation below for Medal of Honor Winner Sergeant Freddy Cantú González, Edinburg, Texas, speaks for itself.

"Senators, please reflect on the last two sentences of the citation. In memory of Sergeant González, I ask you to actively and vigorously back Representative Henry Cuellar’s bi-partisan HR 1318, South Texas Veterans Health Care Expansion Act. The thousands of Rio Grande Valley veterans have earned the construction of a VA Hospital. The matter has been studied enough. No more excuses. No more ifs, ands, or buts. No more promises of support. Find the way to get it done this time. Thank you.

"Very Respectfully,

"José Antonio López, USAF Veteran (1962-66)"

Here is the citation to the award of the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Alfredo Cantú González:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon commander, 3d Platoon, Company A. On 31 January 1968, during the initial phase of Operation Hue City, Sgt. Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction force and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city. While moving by truck convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of Lang Van Lrong, the marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sgt. Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the marines in his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire. One of the marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed position. With complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade. He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded marine to a covered position for treatment. Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from a fortified machine gun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily halted. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sgt. Gonzalez exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering rice paddy to a dike directly across from the bunker. Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades. Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, he steadfastly refused medical treatment and continued to supervise his men and lead the attack. On 4 February, the enemy had again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire. Sgt. Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons, fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified enemy emplacements. He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded. The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sgt. Gonzalez reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

It is important for the senators to know that a veteran in Harlingen, Texas, is more likely to be uninsured, unemployed, and/or underemployed. Per capita income in South Texas is truly at the lowest levels in Texas. Many area counties do not have civilian medical facilities either. Seeking help for service-related health care, veterans have to travel to San Antonio - a ten-hour round trip. As a result, many economically-burdened veterans are forced to pass up on treatment of serious illness altogether. That is unconscionable and unacceptable.

For nearly 40 years, returning military men and women of South Texas have been promised a medical center. To date, all they get is electioneering speeches, pledges, and finger pointing as to who is responsible for delaying its construction. Our wounded warriors served gallantly. They deserve only the best medical care in return for readily answering the call to duty.

Waving the U.S. flag on Veterans Day is a precious tradition. Let’s make sure that when we wave the flag next Veteran's Day, the event will also be to celebrate the approval of funds for the groundbreaking of a Rio Grande Valley Veterans' Hospital. Moreover, let’s give new meaning to the phrase “Thank a Vet,” by using the new facility as a “Thank You” from a grateful nation.

José Antonio López
San Antonio, Texas

Dear Editor,

October 18, 2011

Recently, I offered a theory to Guardian readers that defense contractors are busily seeking a market for their war materiel, since the two senseless wars overseas are finally coming to an end. They seem to have found it in the Homeland Defense Security.

Generals (lobbyists?) McCaffrey and Scales have come up with a war plan to give their defense industry buddies a profitable, never-ending 2,000 mile long trough for their military hardware. It is a three-step process. First, militarize the border (note the title of their report). Second, declare a “War Zone” in our own country. Third, sell battle-ready Hummers, military satellite surveillance, drones, helicopters, etc, to U.S. Customs, Border Patrol, state National Guard units, highway patrol agencies, sheriff’s departments, and local police agencies. Sadly, the heavy armament would be used to intimidate and terrorize our own Mexican-descent civilians living along the border, not to fight a foreign army.

As to Herman Cain’s comments, while he now claims that his electric fence comments were only a joke, he is not fit to lead the nation. He has surrounded himself with equally unqualified advisors with simplistic solutions to very complex problems facing our country.  His running for office only proves that anyone with lots of $$$ to waste on political campaigning can run for President.

For the past few years, the far-right extremists have used the illegal immigration and drug trafficking issues as whips to punish the entire Spanish Mexican culture and heritage all along the Southwest. It seems that the Tea Party Republicans have recruited a token minority member to do their dirty work. How clever!

The fact is that Mr. Cain is a loose cannon who should stick to making pizza.  Interestingly, here is a man with a great human interest story. That is, he descends from slaves and comes from a family of very low-skilled workers. He brags that he pulled himself up from his bootstraps. With that background, he should be defending the similar work ethic drive of illegal immigrant men and women workers who risk their lives in search of the most basic of survival needs – a job to provide food and shelter for their families. (By the way, that is the same motivation that drove the tsunami of thousands of poor, starving White Anglo Saxon illegal immigrants from the U.S. to pour into Texas in the early 1830s.)

For Mr. Cain to “joke” about building an electric fence to kill Mexican migrant workers is unconscionable. Surely, there must be some conservatives who still believe in justice and compassion. However, change in the Republican Party can only come from within. I am still waiting for sensible members of his party to speak out in public condemning Mr. Cain’s tactless comments. (Because they lack backbone, we should not hold our breath.)

José Antonio López
Universal City, Texas

Dear Editor,

September 29, 2011

These thoughtless Hidalgo County Commissioners, have once again proven, that quite frequently, en mi Valle, our own raza is our worst enemy. After so many decades, some of us have not learned the hard lesson of being kept down by the Anglo establishment. Now, we do it to our own Mexican-Americans, regardless of how well-prepared some have become, through hard work and perseverance; as in the case of Justice Linda Yañez.

The story reads: “In a hard-hitting speech at Commissioner’s Court on Tuesday, (Hidalgo County Texas Democratic Women President Rosalie) Weisfeld, speaking in her personal capacity, pointed out that Yañez has received huge support whenever she has been on the ballot in Hidalgo County, sometimes achieving 82 percent of the vote. She reminded commissioners that Yañez has served 18 years on the bench and has taught students at Harvard Law School.”

How can anybody ignore the qualifications, the legal expertise, which Justice Linda Yañez, brought to the table. She is well-respected and admired, way-outside the boundaries of Hidalgo County. A most distinguished lady for our youth to emulate.

The story also reads: “Judge Linda Yañez is a great person, huge accomplishments. I think she would be a great candidate for the position. Mr. Rolando Cantu also is a great lawyer. He has done very well for himself. He is also a very viable candidate,” (Joel) Quintanilla said.” 

Well, he has done very well for himself, but what has he done for others?

Somebody needs to wake up and smell the cafecito and somehow pull ourselves out of the 1950s. The so-called “Good Ol’ Boy” mentality should have been buried a long time ago, alongside those who very-well applied back then to keep Latinos down – and have since passed on. 

While attending Edinburg High School back in 1954, I would walk through Hidalgo County Courthouse and most of the Mexican-Americans I saw, were those in handcuffs being led in chains to the court rooms, or waiting in line to pay their property tax.

Presently, you walk in there and see mostly well-dressed and well-prepared Mexican-American clerks, deputies, lawyers and judges. Needless to say, those whose mentality has not caught-up with this most-welcome trend need to wake up to reality!

Many great Mexican-Americans leaders, such as Attorney Gus Garcia, Dr. Hector P. Garcia, Jose Alamia, Luz Salazar (my Dad), Federal Judge Filemon Vela, Rosa Rosales, Judge Albert Peña, Emma Tenayuca, Cesar Chavez, Kika De la Garza and others, paid a heavy price – in the struggle to “open doors” for us. Let us not “close those doors of opportunity” behind us. 

Placido Salazar (Garza)
USAF Retired Vietnam Veteran
Veterans’ Legislation Liaison and Civil Rights Chair
Dr. Hector P. Garcia American GI Forum Organization of Texas, Inc.
Universal City, Texas

Dear Editor,

September 29, 2011

I've been out of the area for a year and a half due to my husband Tom's health problems. As I read this story, I can't help but be amused. 

I know Judge Yañez and have known her for many years. I like her personally and have no doubt about her legal qualifications. Clearly, she knows very well the essence of Hidalgo County politics, as she has benefited from the good old boy system for decades.

And, while it is true that "the boys" circle the wagons and select their horse every time a new political appointment comes up, the reality of the process is this:  the boys don't care whether you are male or female, all they care about is that the chosen one be a person they (the boys) "can work with." 

When I ran for the 92nd District Court in 1996, the boys selected Mr. Edward Aparicio as the anointed one. Mr. Ramon Garcia, as well as other moneyed lawyers (some who I have known for my entire 30 year career), were explicit about what "working with them" meant. It meant a person who is willing to do favors both in and outside the courtroom.

Is this illegal? Hell yes. Will anyone of them ever admit that they pick those who will play ball with them? Hell no. Never.

So, while I'm still perplexed as to why Judge Yañez would seek a county judgeship, which is clearly a step down from the appellate post she formerly occupied, there is no mystery here about what Hidalgo County Commissioner's Court did. They picked the person they "could work with".

Case closed.
 
Yolanda Jurado-Gesswein
McAllen, Texas

Dear Editor,

September 28, 2011

I am MSG (Master Sergeant) Mario Rocha and I am the CAO (Casualty Assistant Officer) for Sgt. Rudy Rodriguez’s wife. I am writing on her behalf on two articles that appeared in The Monitor.

In the first story the reporter twisted the words around when he interviewed a cousin of the soldier and said that the soldier was on suicide watch and that he was not there when one of their children was born.

I want to get this straight, Sgt. Rodriguez was never was on suicide watch and he saw the birth of both of their children.

In the second story, the reporter said the wife did not show any emotions at the funeral.

Was she supposed to jump up and down and scream so he could have gotten a better story? I have and will be her CAO for six months or more if needed. I have been there since the beginning and I have seen a wife that has shown more emotions in private than in public.

In my opinion, the reporter needs to work for the National Enquire because he still does not know how to write. He should try to learn to write and he should start with an apology to Sgt. Rodriguez's wife.

If you let this reporter continue writing these kinds of articles then the “Monitor” should change the name to “National Enquire II.”

Mario Rocha
(Active Guard/Reservist)
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

September 28, 2011

Thank you for great reporting on this knotty issue affecting South Texas. I agree with U.S. Rep. Reyes. It is all about smoke and mirrors. Allow me to offer the following thoughts.

(l) Make no mistake, the 2,000 mile border is a bad situation that is only getting worse. Unfortunately, ultra-conservative politicians see an opportunity to cause fear. (Having two retired military generals do the report was the first clue!)     

(2) Neo-cons and their defense contractor campaign donors pushed our country into two wars that have cost trillions of tax dollars. Now, the war mongers are looking for another opportunity; another combat zone, so to speak. The campaign has begun. Through rabble-rousing reports such as this one, we are being told to be afraid, to be very afraid of Mexico.

(3) With the wars ending overseas, defense contractors are upset that their sacred cow (Pentagon) may no longer have the funds to buy their expensive materiel. They are busily looking for other customers and locations to sell and use their war hardware. They have found another market in the Department of Homeland Security. The re-armament has already begun with the use of high-sensor surveillance equipment, battle-ready Hummers, and drones along the border. (Will arming those drones be far behind?)

(4) Additionally, property owners are being forced to abandon portions of their ranches due to the Berlin-wall type fence that crosses their land. Law-abiding U.S. citizens of Spanish Mexican-descent are more likely to be humiliated daily by over-zealous border patrol agents only because they look identical to their kin across the border. Where is the adult supervision in all of this?     

Our government leaders are in denial. The U.S. is equally responsible for the border violence due to the insatiable appetite for illegal drugs of its citizens. Attacking only the symptom of a problem is never a long-term solution. We have to fix the problem itself and we can only do that by communicating with one another. Militarizing the U.S. Mexico border is not the answer. It would result in a lose-lose situation between the U.S. and Mexico. That is a state of affairs that we will regret one day.

José Antonio López
Universal City, Texas

Dear Editor,

September 10, 2011

Here we go again. It's who you know.
 
While I can appreciate the Police Chief's impeccable record and am grateful for his leadership, I cannot help but question why he will not get a red letter or even a B- on his record when his oversight was not only against department policy but the result of his negligence may have caused serious injury or death to anyone at Nikki Rowe High School that day the young man fired the chief's Glock on campus.
 
I wish I worked for the City of Mission but doubt that I would be forgiven and backed up by the Mayor if I ever faultered on any department procedure or city policy.
 
For years I followed all traffic laws on the road and had an impeccable driving record with zero tickets. But one day as I drove on a road I am not familiar with and failed to notice the speed limit because it was covered in graffiti, I was pulled over and given a citation. I told the officer that I had never gotten a ticket in my 35 years of driving and pleaded for him to give me a warning. He said, "there's always a first time."
 
When I was fired by an employer for merely acknowledging receipt of a hate filled email a co worker sent me about another co-worker, I was dismissed for creating a hostile environment. I didn't write the email, I didn't respond to the email, I just accepted the email not knowing its contents. I had an impeccable record there too. I had just recently been recognized as Employee of the Year. When I was fired, I told them to please review my impeccable record and the years of good service. They said, "you  broke company policy. We have a feeling you knew what the email's contents were and read them." Because they had a feeling! I was denied unemployment benefits when they submitted proof that I had accepted receipt of that email as evidence of creating a hostile environment.
 
Pues a que chihuahuas! ¿Qué le hacemos? All I know from this is that our city's policies are not for everyone. It's who you know.
 
Hi! My name is.....
 
Bibi Beltran
Mission, Texas

Dear Editor,

Sept. 9, 2011

I grew up in the PSJA area and I am fascinated that Ms. Veronica Gonzales could be its state representative! And hopefully will be.

The only "unique way" I have seen things done in the PSJA area are shamefully acts of nepotism, compadrismo, and political families that just don't know when to make a graceful exit before scandals of greed, corruption surface.

The Superintendent Guajardo scandal left a black eye that some of us have not forgotten. That was only the tip of the iceberg, too many chiefs and not enough Indians in some of those cities have kept economic growth from prospering, because of "la mordida" they feel entitled to! Just look at Pharr, nextdoor to McAllen and it's a ghost town in regards to its business district.

I heard people back in the old days say "McAllen is a city, Pharr is a town and San Juan is a hole in the ground." Well, that hole looks more like a crater that needs some bringing up to par with the rest of the Valley growth. It's obvious to anyone driving thru the area that most of the growth skipped PSJA, just look at its east and west neighbors.

To vote for someone just because they grew up there and went to school there is that same old compadrismo "unique way" that keeps fresh new inovative ideas out! I now live in Mission but own real estate in McAllen, and Pharr and I sure as hell won't vote for someone just because they attended my high school.

I would vote with my mind and find the clear choice to be Ms. Veronica Gonzales. PSJA should be so fortunate to have someone of her stature, and most impressive credentials. I am confident the educated voters of PSJA will hand Veronica a landslide as they always have in McAllen. I can't wait to go door to door and get the vote out in PSJA for Veronica!

David Garza
Justice Advocacy Group
Mission, Texas

Dear Editor,

September 5, 2011

May a veteran (U.S. Army, Korea,1959-1961) and former staffer of the late U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough respond to your article in the Guardian on the unconscionable delay in obtaining a VA hospital in the Valley?

I strongly support your cause on ethical and moral grounds, but am distressed by your failure to correctly diagnose the reason that all of your efforts have failed for so long. To cut to the chase, the reason is that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. But in the real world of government and politics, votes and money talk.

The Rio Grande Valley is notoriously short on voter turnout compared with other areas of comparable size in the State of Texas or in the US. Check out the voter turnoutdata on the Texas Secretary of State's Webpage under "Historical Election Results" and compare turnout in Collin County or Montgomery County - both affluent suburban counties - with the general election voter turnout percentages in Cameron and Higaldo counties, and you will recognie the salient facts of political life. Then check out the data bases showing the origin of campaign contributions, and you'll find out that there are only a very  few heavy hitters in the Valley, and total campaign contributions are no match for even smaller Texas counties like Witchita.

That's a sad fact, and can't be easily changed because its root causes are grounded in the demographics and socioeconomic characteristics of the population.

I wish that I could be more encouraging or offer an easy solution. Nevertheless, getting the analysis down correctly and being willing to confront it and discuss it  publicly may be the beginning of wisdom. You might start with studying all of the comparative data - voter registration percentage, voter turnout, campaign contributions - from areas of Texas which have long been served with VA hospitals, and compare them to the Valley. That means Temple (Bell County), Houston, etc.

Best regards and best wishes for success in the near future.

Dave Shapiro
Austin, Texas

Re: Hinojosa: Eagle Ford shale project can produce boom for

Dear Editor,

August 31, 2011

As a native of the Rio Grande Valley now living in West Texas, and also a biologist and educator focusing on water issues, I am saddened by the short-sightedness of some of the Valley citizens in immediately embracing the Eagle Ford oil and gas intent to move into South Texas. Rep. Hinojosa advises citizens to be “smart” and get “active” about this opportunity to get a “slice of the action.” I wholeheartedly agree that everyone needs to get smart about this.Yet, that also means thinking beyond the dollars being waived in front of your face. Consider this:

• The environmental effects of hydraulic fracturing have yet to be studied. The EPA is just now beginning this process.

• Citizens from Pennsylvania to Dish, Texas have reported unsafe water due to leaks into aquifers. People can literally set their water on fire. These people were offered money for their land.

• A couple in Decatur, Texas video-taped massive leaks, both toxic and gaseous from the well put near their backyard.

• In Tyler, Texas cattle died Texas due to hydraulic fracturing leaks into surface water.

• This is not clean energy. It takes enormous amounts of energy and water just to get the gas out of the shale. According to a Cornell University study, it takes as much energy as dirty coal.

• This process wastes water. One well uses 3 to 7 million gallons of fresh water to drill and complete. We cannot recover this water. It has been laced with toxic chemicals regardless. In West Texas, landowners are watching their aquifers dry up due to fracking. Many were initially happy to see the oil companies come in as they brought some jobs and a boost. Now they are not so sure.

• There is little to no regulation on this industry. Due to the “Haliburton Loophole” of the requirement to reveal chemicals used in these processes put in place by former Haliburton CEO Dick Cheney, they don’t have to.

The oil industries know they have a limited time to “sell” the public on this supposed “better” energy source. They know that if they act quickly they can take advantage of communities that are in real need to jobs and a boosted economy. In the meantime, this takes focus away from our fledgling energy research needed for our future energy needs. It is short-sighted and only fueled by greed.

Be “smart” as Rep. Hinojosa advises and think about your future, your children’s future, your grandchildren’s future. More petroleum products are not the answer. We already know this. We are running out and this is a “last ditch” effort in which big corporations are rushing to cash in big.

So, yes. Get active. Go to these meetings. Organize with your neighbors. Ask more questions of these oil companies, demand regulation and EPA investigations. Hold these companies accountable. Being “smart” requires that we think about our health, our future and our water, not just a short-term gain. We don’t have any more time to waste.

Christy Youker, PhD
Currently living in San Angelo, Texas
Native of Harlingen, South Texas

Dear Editor,

August 27, 2011

This sounds like a whole lot of boosterism on the part of the congressman who addresses the question of jobs but does not address things like the millions of gallons of water it takes per well to bring each one into production nor the toxic waste from these related fossil fuel industries in terms of the as yet legally undetermined or unknown chemicals used to frack for oil and gas and the unseen innumerable tons of methane and other gases that escape daily much less annually sight unseen into the atmosphere thus adding to the global problem that is climate change.

For those familiar with booster literature in times of “booms” past, this calls up some of the best of it. It reminds us that deals have been cut and are still being cut and everyone who is anyone is lining up their ducks as best they can to get a piece of the action. For example, who would advocate cancelling the $4 billion to date in overall tax breaks that the oil and gas industry in Texas have received through some special provision since about 2005 or 2006 that State Rep. Mike Villarreal’s (D-San Antonio) research revealed in the recent legislative session (and was subsequently reported in The Texas Observer) which ended last May 2011 in Austin. Not a snowball’s chance in hell of it happening apparently. The elimination of this industrial profit-subsidy alone would have covered most of the cuts to public education in the recent Texas legislative session just ended.

We ask the South Texas Mexican American congressperson to address the environmental consequences of this so-called boom. There are deleterious effects inherent in this dirty industry that will directly affect the public health of his constituents and others in adjoining congressional districts not to speak of the direct impacts to the animals, plants, and water quality and availability in the entire region. To what extent and how precisely is part of the great unknown. Where is the water to come from in a region that is considered to be a semi-desert region and how would if affect future development beyond the 30-year window which this boom is projected to last? What happens when the oil and gas wells have been spent dry? And who is held liable for the environmental dead zones left behind when the hustle and bustle of the oil and gas fields has fallen silent? What long term investments and development will these twin industries ensure to put into the region’s cities and counties and its people so that renewable energy and a green economy may thrive in their wasted stead? Anyone who has glanced at the recent list of members in the Texas Railroad Commission Eagle Ford Task Force (referenced in this article) can see that its members are stacked heavily in favor of the oil and gas industry.

Whither the voices speaking for the ordinary people and the environment in a region with a latter day tendency of Mexican American politicos proud to call themselves “conservative Democrats”? Where are the progressive Mexican American elected officials who will stand up for the people, the environment and our collective future in all this frenzied call for unrestrained development of this newfound bounty? Who and how many exactly will end up sharing in the spoils?

Roberto R. Calderón
Dallas, Texas

Dear Editor,

August 26, 2011

Mercy... What happened to the Henry of the past five years? Glad he's on the right track, finally.

Sarah Boone
Poplarville, Miss.

Dear Editor,

August 26, 2011

Great eye-opening article. I have three specific comments. 

1) Living in the San Antonio area, it bothers me that a particular TV station actually included a “Border Watch” segment in their daily news broadcasts, complete with its evil-boding sounding music. Although they’ve toned it down, they still seem to relish reminding their viewers about violence in border towns, as if there was no such street violence in San Antonio.

2) From a personal stand-point, my wife and I regularly travel to South Texas, from Laredo to Brownsville teaching students about early Texas history. At no time have we ever felt our lives were in danger. We will continue to visit the Border.

3) The fact is that the situation will not be solved by border officials alone. There’s one missing aspect that seems not to have been covered. I would have respectfully asked the panel if it is now time for U.S. government, community, and religions leaders and parents to come up with a Marshall Plan type of approach to stop the illegal drug appetite in this country. It is time for the U.S. to abandon its denial mode crouch and do something about the problem they helped to create. Spending large $$$ amounts to buy defense contractor drones and virtual security gadgetry along the border will do nothing to stop drug use in U.S. streets.

Not meaning to sound simplistic, but in the end, it is really all about the supply and demand model. If U.S. citizens stop using illegal drugs, then the drug trafficking violence on the border will go away. It can be done!

Joe López
San Antonio, Texas

Dear Editor,

August 2, 2011

Mr. Garza, thank you for a great rundown on what’s at stake here. Your calling the newspapers out on their shameful use of Walter Reed Hospital as a red herring was right on target.

To answer your question, “Are we asking too much?” The answer is NO. We are only asking for fairness. I agree with you. All that veterans and their families can do is to continue the fight for a Valley VA medical center in Harlingen. That it hasn’t been built yet in one of the most patriotic regions of the state and the U.S. is unconscionable.   

In the final analysis, the inattention and “pat on the head” from elected officials is typical. That doesn’t mean we have to continue to accept it. There is strength in numbers. Politicians know that and that’s the only thing they fear – a united, organized, and informed population. Somehow, some way we need to find a way to convince South Texas residents to mobilize, express their opinion, and most especially, to vote! As my Mamá used to tell us kids, “La unión es la fuerza!” 

Good luck.

Regards,

Joe López
USAF Veteran, 1962-1966
San Antonio, Texas

Dear Editor,

July 26

The Guardian's recent story titled " Peña: Run, Dolly, Run" does an excellent job of showing to Valley residents of the Delta area and beyond why Rep. Peña is no longer fit to serve the needs of his constituents who elected him back when he was a Democrat.

Peña has a history of clumsily flip-flopping his way across the political landscape to try and gain political advantage and ride the winds of the moment, whether it was being caught at an Obama rally when he was supposedly rah-rah-ing for Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary, to his most recent cravenly attempt to package himself as a Republican after the Tea Party folie à plusieurs that swept through the state in recent elections.

Despite his attempts to cast himself as some sort of 'little engine maverick who could' with comments such as "They said I needed to have the permission of the bosses; that I had to kiss the ring. I did not wait, I just ran and they have been after me...," I am confident that Valley voters will see through his hollow rhetoric come election time.
 
While Peña may be hoping for a fairy-tale ending to his decision to jump ship and abandon his Democratic constituents that elected him to office, I doubt that Valley voters will be lining up to kiss this frog in hopes that he somehow transforms back into a prince. Its his betrayed constituents like my family in Elsa, Texas, that he should be worried about, not some ginned-up boogeyman he calls the "far left-leaning organization" of Annie's List.

Regardless of which Democrat ends up the candidate he'll face in the general election, he should be careful what he wishes for, as they're more likely to hew to the values of the people who elected him before he flip-flopped to beach himself on the sands of the Republican desert of ideas.
 
Marti Garza de Ybarra
Elsa, Texas

Dear Editor,

July 17, 2011

Although I've moved from Del Rio to Mississippi, I am still one of Senator Eliot Shapleigh's staunchest supporters and a true believer that he is the person who can effect miraculous changes along the border, not only for Texas but for the entire 'frontera.'

Hopes that he would run for Governor didn't materialize, however, I urge him to please not leave public service. He is the one person in whom I have total faith for reviving and rescuing the future of the area.

A move back to Texas may be in the offing and it is my fervent hope that I may have an opportunity in the future to campaign for Senator Shapleigh for Governor or Senator as we need him.
 
Sincerely and in solidarity,

Sarah Boone
Poplarville, Mississippi