Dear Editor,

March 8, 2010

Impressive! Harlingen is giving very serious thought to creating walking and cycling space. Lower Valley folk will get a chance to share some similar ideas when the Metropolitan Planning Organization meets at 6:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 17th, in the Brownsville Public Library - Main Branch. The MPO is inviting all who have an interest in promoting walking and cycling to attend.

If you think as I do, that Brownsville, indeed the entire Valley, needs more space devoted to walking and cycling, then this meeting is the place to be. Speak firmly for air, space and exercise.

Eugene "Gene" Novogrodsky
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Jan. 26, 2010

A construction foreman tells me that he is supervising the clearing of a lot that will be rented to store the heavy machinery that will work on Brownsville's drainage and sewage systems. He says, almost spitting with anger: "It's Obama's stimulus."

I tell him, "We're 320 million people. We're in it together. I like the stimulus. We need more of it, not less."

He's unimpressed, but not unimpressed enough to return his paycheck.

Eugene "Gene" Novogrodsky
Brownsville

Dear Editor,

Jan. 21, 2010

Here is an open letter to Brownsvillre City Commissioner Anthony Troiani.
 
I saw on page C5 and C6 of the January 14 Brownsville Herald that the Department of Homeland Security is condemning another 20 acres of the City of Brownsville's property for the border wall.

How are the city commissioners planning to respond? Do you intend to fight in the courts, to ensure that you get the best possible compensation for the people of Brownsville? Or will your response be a repeat of the prior condemnation, in which the city did not receive a penny?
 
Scott Nicol
No Border Wall coalition
Weslaco, Texas

Dear Editor,

Jan. 8, 2010

Some words on the environment, not the global one, merely our little piece of the planet here in Deep South Texas.

Brownsville took a decent step in banning plastic bags. Now, the trees will have true leaves, not plastic-bag types!

But Brownsville's several environmental groups have yet to decry the West Loop Toll Road/Parkway/Porkway, which will have a much greater negative impact on the environment and populace's health than plastic bags.

And the four candidates for Cameron County Judge and the eight for Cameron County Precinct Two have remained publicly silent about the road scheme. They should be pledging to use all legal routes to stop it.

Finally, I have adopted an idea from the United Kingdom that is called "10-10," which means that I will undertake to cut my carbon footprint by 10 percent by the end of 2010.

The plastic-bag ban will help me, and creation of a biking, walking and nature trail in place of the road sham would help, too.

And why stop in West Brownsville!

It is not too late to create a biking, hiking and nature trail on the railroad bed that runs northeast out of the city.

I conclude be recalling that some plastic bags and cans I just saw in the street need attention, and I will provide it, taking them to the recycling center ...and if only the center took glass ....

See! "10-10," not so hard to achieve. Are you listening national leaders around the World in rich and poor countries?

Eugene "Gene" Novogrodsky
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Dec. 27, 2009

During My time at La Mujer Obrera I had the opportunity to meet Esther Chavez through our work to defend the dignity of women. She was a strong woman. She understood the danger that violence against Women posed in our communities if it was left unchecked and invisible for only the victims to see. She dedicated herself to providing support for the women who were victims of rape, and physical abuse in Cd. Juarez at Casa Amiga the only Rape Crisis Center in Chihuahua I believe (when I knew her, not sure if that has changed). She understood that it takes a movement to fight the hate crimes that we call violence against women. ¡NI UNA MAS! Que descanse en paz.

Anayanse Garza
Director, Rio Grande Valley chapter
Southwest Workers Union

Dear Editor.

Dec. 27, 2009

It's called Merry Christmas!

Jimmy Barnard
(via e-mail)

Dear Editor,

December 21, 2009

President Barack Obama, I urgently request your full support of the very comprehensive and humane immigration reform legislation introduced by U.S. Rep Luis Gutierrez. Each year, way-too-many poor immigrants, mostly farm-laborers seeking survival employment, continue to die mercilessly in the Southwest desert, either by starvation, thirst or heat-stroke. I consider this a very inhumane dereliction against those poor souls who do not have too many voices advocating for them.

Congressman Gutierrez’s legislation will not only solve one of the most divisive problems, which give rise to hatred/racist slaughter in America, 'The Land of the Free,' but will also result in great savings for homeland security, allowing for much-needed closer scrutiny against drug smuggling through our legal ports of entry – by air, land and sea. Legalizing these millions of workers, forcing them to pay into our Social Security system and their own health insurance, will be a major factor in improving our national financial crisis. America cannot afford for you to remain inactive or silent on this most-critical issue, which was part of your platform, in getting elected as President of The United States of America.  

With all due respect, Mr. President, I urge you to keep the promises, including the promise you made to me face-to-face in San Antonio, Texas, and to other veterans in The Rio Grande Valley. “As soon as I become president, I will deliver a full-service VA hospital to our Rio Grande Valley veterans, so they will no longer have to travel 500 miles to Audie Murphy VA hospital in San Antonio, to receive the proper medical care which our country owes them.” Mr. President, our mostly Mexican-American veterans deserve no less.

Placido Salazar
USAF Retired Vietnam Veteran
214 Parkview Drive
Universal City, Texas

Dear Editor,

Dec. 20,  2009

As in the past, I encourage volunteerism and generosity during the holidays. Many of us feel that we have little time or money to give. But all of us have something to offer. Mother Teresa encapsulated what giving is all about in these words, "If you can't' feed a hundred people, then just feed one."

And if the budget is so tight that you can't feed one more, as it sometimes was for my parents when I was growing up with nine siblings, then a simple act of kindness can enrich a fellow human being. After all, our time can be shared without a price tag.

South Texas is rich with charitable organizations and volunteers, yet they can always use one more. This holiday season, I encourage the people of my Senatorial District 27 to reach into their pockets and hearts and give generously.

My wish is for everyone to have a blessed holiday season, especially our men and women in uniform. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Texas State Senator
District 27
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Dec. 16, 2009

Good, TxDOT. Improve NAFTA corridors. But also let Brownsville have a hike and bike nature trail, not a parkway/porkway.

Eugene "Gene" Novogrodsky
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Dec. 14, 2009

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Bill Summers for the past 14 years fighting for a cause that was so important to him, to his beloved Rio Grande Valley, to East Texas and to the entire state of Texas.

With his personality, wit, knowledge and drive, Bill drove the Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse movement in Texas. The movement he started in the Valley has grown to five organizations in Texas alone, with 25,000 supporters; it was a model for CALAs around the country. Bill cared so much about the community and how businesses and jobs were suffering there, and he did something about it.

He is an example for all of us to “just do it,” and take on the causes and issues we care about because we can all make a difference. With his family we grieve for the loss of a most precious, delightful, fun and caring friend; but we also celebrate a life well and fully lived. Through his passion and caring he enriched all of our lives — and I can honestly say, I am a better person for having known him.

We will miss you, dear friend.

Diane Davis
Executive Director
East Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse
Longview, Texas

Dear Editor,

Dec. 13, 2009

In reference to the article about the speech by Fernando Garcia, executive director of El Paso-based Border Networks for Human Rights, on the immigration legislation being introduced at the national level by U.S. Rep Luis Gutierrez, I would ask that any previous detentions and/or deportations of undocumented workers not be a deterrent that would bar them from legalizing their immigration status - if their arrest record does not show any criminal activity.

Further, there should be NO requirement for these undocumented workers to return to their native country; if in Mexico, either to Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey or Mexico City, pending the processing of their immigration application. The U.S. immigration process is too expensive to begin with, so forcing the applicant to leave our country for several weeks or months, missing employment opportunities, would make it financially impossible for them to support their family in the interim. On the surface, it does not make sense to have this prerequisite in place and it would certainly be a stumbling block for any applicant. The powers that be need to realistically understand that most of these applicants are honest, hard-working, minimum wage stoop laborers who live from paycheck to paycheck to provide for their respective families. The bottom line here is that they ARE hard-working future citizens who will contribute into the system and not be a burden on U.S. taxpayers.

In order to bring these millions of working class wage earners into the tax-paying, home and car insurance-buying market, which would certainly be a big boost for the U.S. economy, we must be careful not to place the bar so high that nobody would be able to afford it and by necessity, continue to live in the shadows. This would result in added expense for U.S. Homeland Security, to continue their expensive round-ups.  

In other words, let’s get real. Let’s not bite our nose to spite our face.

Placido Salazar
Universal City, Texas

Dear Editor,

Dec. 3, 2009

Othal Brand presided over McAllen during its infamous period of police brutality. Brand also sat on Reagan’s Council on National Policy, along with such ultra-right luminaries as John Singlaub of the World Anti-Communist League, advising Mr. Reagan on ways to support death-squad military regimes in Central America. Not a savory guy. The accolades from Mayor Cortez, et al, are  embarrassing.

Jose Skinner
Edinburg, Texas

Dear Editor,

Dec. 2, 2009

I knew Bill Summers from working on the publications and maps for the Rio Grande Valley Partnership in the 90's and early 2000 years. He had a fantastic sense of humor and I always felt so "at home" in his presence. He was a "big man" in my eyes and I always respected the work he did for the Valley yet when I was around him I always felt like he was just one of us, not like a "big shot" that had contributed so much and wanted praise for it. That wasn't his character. He was so friendly and caring and always greeted me with a hug.
 
When I left the Valley he wrote me a letter. He praised my ability to sell advertising and said that I would be successful wherever I went and I still have that letter. He will be missed and my heart goes out to his wife and sons. I know that he cherished his family and remember how often he spoke of his boys and I know all of you have wonderful memories that will keep him alive in your hearts. Please know that you are in my prayers and I know for Bill that he is resting peacefully with the Lord and watching over all of you.
 
Nora O Bollman
Rockwall, Texas
 

Dear Editor,

Dec. 2, 2009

Bill’s jovial personality made anyone who met him feel like an old friend within minutes. His leadership of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership did a great deal to promote the Rio Grande Valley throughout Texas and he will be remembered fondly by leaders from all over the State. I will miss him and I pray for his family during this difficult time.

Veronica Gonzales
State Representative
McAllen, Texas

Dear Editor,

Nov. 29, 2009

South Texas veterans soon will have an even more urgent reason to push for a VA hospital - thanks to President Obama's illusion that war will bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, while also defeating Al Qaida.

I've heard rationalizations for war's necessity from United States presidents since 1950, and after their wars sputter away, veterans correctly demand more services for the wounded and ill.

Thanks, local veterans for backing a hospital, and while at it, make some noise in opposition to the latest war.

Eugene "Gene" Novogrodsky
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Nov. 26, 2009

We all have our crosses to bear, some more than others, but if we look around everyone will agree there are those who have heavier and bigger crosses to carry. We are truly blessed in comparison to other countries and other people.
 
This is wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! Let's be greatful for all the blessings we have received and take for granted.
 
Kindest regards,

Pat Ahumada
Mayor of Brownsville
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Nov. 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Day ushers the start of another holiday season, yet our still struggling economy signals that we must reach deeper into our pockets and hearts to make others' lives a little brighter.

What greater joy can we derive than to know a family sat down to partake of a surprise feast.

Also on our minds should be those brave men and women who will not be home with their loved ones this holiday while they serve their country. They and their predecessors are the ones we owe for preserving our right to celebrate our holy days and holidays in peace.

At this time of giving and caring, I encourage more volunteerism in Senate District 27.

I thank all those who generously contributed time and resources to my annual Eddie Lucio Texas Legends Golf Classic Scholarship Tournament that featured Dr. William Cunningham, former U.T. Chancellor, this year. Since 2001, we have awarded 392 scholarships to high school graduates.

During this special time of the year, my family and I wish the people of South Texas blessed and healthy holidays!

Eddie Lucio, Jr.
State Senator
District 27
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Nov. 22, 2009

Steve, Joey and all members of our dearest Rio Grande Guardian family. The message below came from our beloved founder Marian Wright Edelman. It immediately reminded me of you – before my own family, our staff or anyone else.

"I feel this came to my heart because throughout the years you have given us so much to be thankful for. Nobody helps us reach our Rio Grande Valley community in a more direct, deliberate and profound way than you do. No one else responds so quickly, with such genuine interest and so much passion as you all do when it comes to helping our children.

"The way you research the data, engage key people in the conversation, write the stories and generate response from readers is worthy of a Pulitzer Prize and more.

"I sincerely thank God for you and pray every success in all areas of your lives with many blessings for your and our children."

Thanks, Steve and Joey and all the Rio Grande Guardian family!

Love, saludos y salud para los niños!

Luisa Saenz
Texas Rio Grande Valley Director
Children's Defense Fund
McAllen, Texas

Dear Editor,

Nov. 21, 2009

I was interested in the article on the TxDOT funding and how again 77 got left out. I can't understand why people cannot seem to accept that District 27 was left out. US 77 is not going to be part of I-69 but 281 is. District 15 got funding and congressman Ortiz didn't work with his supposed big wig friends to get the stimulus money allocated to South Texas District 27. The same thing just got announced here in the northern end on Base closure funding to negate the effect of the base closing. Now the Congressman is telling people all the appropriations are tied up in the health-care bill and if it doesn't pass the funding is lost or delayed. Again, set off, lied to, scammed what ever you want to call it, say stuff year after year. When will the Cameron County citizens wake up and realize they don't get the representation that they voted for? But then, they like what they have now I guess.

Willie Vaden
Ingleside, Texas

Dear Editor,

Nov. 21, 2009

Fine, Cameron County commissioners, fight for a better US Route 77 and while you are at it, kill ANY backing for the West Loop Tollroad/Parkway/Porkway. Concentrate on needed road repairs, and alternative transportation.

How sadly silent on the toll road the Cameron County commissioners, all the candidates for Cameron County Judge and Cameron County Precinct Two, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Imagine Brownsville, the Brownsville City Commission, UTB/TSC (it has assorted health-connected projects) and Healthy Communities have been. Silent.

State Senator Eddie Lucio and State Represtantives Eddie Lucio III and Rene Oliveria have also been silent. Same for higher state and federal governmental officials, in office, or running for such.

Noise has been heard ONLY from the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority - that church of toll road worship and advocacy. CCRMA, find another project, if you MUST have a toll road.

Again, officials, get serious about transportation repairs, and the general health  and environment of lower Cameron County; the toll road fails each test.

Eugene "Gene" Novogrodsky
Brownsville, Texas

Dear Editor,

Nov. 18, 2009

This report reinforces the vital necessity for all Latinos to be counted in the 2010 Census. It's the only action that makes sense for the long term.

Armando Rendon
Oakland, California

Dear Editor,

Nov. 12, 2009

Amazing. The power of unity! Bravo!

Eloisa G. Taméz, RN, PhD, FAAN
El Calaboz, Texas

Dear Editor,

Nov. 12, 2009

Again, political correctness wins over what is best for our citizens. Here was a professional known to be very good at what she does, but now we’ll have someone who is politically-correct, but doesn’t know a damn thing about what they’re doing. Aren’t you sick of this?

Isn’t it amusing that these LUPE-types are the very same ones who so quickly demand signage in Spanish, translated documents, bilingual education for the kids – everything and anything that can help them understand what it takes to succeed in America? But, the moment someone says something that suggests we need to take personal steps in order to make ourselves understood, they immediately rant and rave.

You can’t have it both ways. Either you’re acknowledging these folks need special help with a second language, or they don’t. Which is it?

David Teran
San Antonio, Texas