Texas Blue Mailbag: Week of 08/12/207

We've got some clarifications and some advice from our readers in this week's Texas Blue Mailbag.

Mary Ellen says:

Having recently discovered your site, I signed up for daily updates, the first this morning was great,keep up the good work.

Regarding your comments about Greg Abbott and the Galveston Daily News -- many here caught that word framing and chuckled.

The actual count is:
20 County wide elected positions
Dems --16 R's -- 4
and we're going to get two of those back in 2008!

George responds:

To clarify for those reading, this is in response to the above linked article, which said that there were six countywide elected officials in Galveston County, two of which were Republican. I'm not particularly sure how they got that number either. I can only assume that they mean strictly across the county -- so that leaves out the judgeships, which are separated out into precincts, and state reps, whose districts don't exactly match county lines. Either way, the idea of Abbott telling Galveston County Republicans that they're in a solid Republican county is a bit... misinformed? I mean, I understand the need to remain positive to encourage people to keep fighting the good fight, but making statements that are so clearly detached from reality, I think, does less to encourage people and more to make them wonder about your sanity. Or at least about your assistants' research skills, perhaps.

You guys have a lot to be proud of down there. Keep it up!

Larry Bradley says:

Josh,

I came across your excellent blog as a result of the piece you did about Jon Soltz of VoteVets.org. One of the unintended consequences of the “War on Terror” I’m sure will be a negative for the Republican Party is their creation of a new block of war veteran voters who will likely be opposed to voting for the Republican Party.

If voters want moderate balanced candidates to vote for in November 2008, candidates who focus on solutions, not slime, then they must begin to speak up in 2007. Neither Liberal Nor Conservative Be: An Action Plan for People Disgusted by Polarized Politics shows independent and progressive voters why this is and how to do it for maximum effect.

I bring this book to your attention because I have only recently begun to distribute this book to bookstores in Texas.

Sincerely,

Larry R. Bradley
Author, Neither Liberal Nor Conservative Be
www.KindredMindsEnt.com

Josh answers:
Well Larry, first of all, thanks for the compliment. I am, however, unabashedly liberal. I do encourage the mobilization of independent voters, and of course progressive should be as active and vocal as possible. I, of course, don't think of political parties as the lesser of two evils, but I do see how there's merit in discussing policies and ideas outside of ultra-polarized politics. I also am not a huge fan of ultra-polarized politics, but of course my answer for that would be for Republicans to get on the correct side of things. In all seriousness, the center is a vital American political force and not to be underestimated.

Anne says:

SUGGESTION:

It would be very helpful, IF...............
You would:

1. Clearly identify a VIDEO...AS SUCH

2. iNCLUDE A notation about how many minutes (& fractions) are needed to view the video.

I often to not open a video, if I do not have time to watch it in full...and can plan my
viewing.

############

Reference, interview with Ms. Narramore today, which I plan to view. Need the above notations.

Thanks,

Anne

George pulls out his style guide as he says:

Thank you, Anne. There isn't actually any video in the On The Record interview with SD1 Committeewoman Norma Narramore, but in general, we have not been as consistent as we could be with noting when links to sites outside of the Blue contain video or other media items that may bog down our friends dialing up to the Internet. I'll get the word out to our writers, and try to keep a closer eye on that as editor.

Bill Baumbach asks:

Josh,

Remember me from the last TDP convention? I'm your neighbor in Collin County.

Your site is awesome.

I've spent the last several years writing, researching and agitating for progressive issues in my county.

I was the Democratic candidate for Collin County Commissioner in 2006. (The 1st Democrat to run in 26 years!).

While I did not win, our campaign did begin to spark discussions and interest in restoring Democracy to NE Texas.

I have created a blog that focuses exclusively on Collin County - its government and issues.

I'd appreciate it if you would consider putting a link to "The Collin County Observer", www.baumbach.org on the Texas Blue site?

Josh replies:

Bill, I obviously wouldn't mind at all, and thanks for the encouragement. For those of you unfamiliar with The Baumbach, he made a splash this last cycle through tireless campaigning in Collin County in a very very tough race. If you're in or around Collin County, Bill has some coverage you'd be interested in, and as I have met him in person, I can attest to the fact that he is a nice guy. Thanks for keepin' on, Bill.