See'ya Cedric: Shreveport City Council walks out on mayor

According to Adam Causey at The Times, Monday's Shreveport City Council meeting was a little confusing, while yesterday's meeting got downright nasty. The subject was a vote to put up 740 acres of city land, mostly right of ways, for lease with the state mineral board.
At Monday's meeting the council was trying to ascertain if contact had been made with the mineral board. A city attorney stated that Chesapeake was taking care of it. On the face of it, it seems strange to me that an energy company would be doing this. The purpose of placing it with the Mineral Board is so it will be up for public bids, not so a deal between the city and Cheseapeake can be consummated.
Councilman Long got frustrated and left the meeting to call the Mineral Board himself.
On Tuesday the mayor questioned the council's judgment in putting the land up. A lot of Shreveport residents are unhappy because Twin Cities Development (Chesapeake's leasing partner) refuses to deal with inner city neighborhood associations.
When the mayor stated that the arrangment "undermines" local government and residents' best interests, feathers got ruffled. Councilman Joe Shyne booed the mayor and Chairman Ron Webb immediately gaveled an end to the meeting.
I think the mayor has a point and there is no need to rush into it. If he vetoes it, a vote of 5-2 will be needed to override.

Burial Service for soldier slain in Afghanistan set for Saturday

Funeral services will be held Friday in Dallas for Sgt. Gregory Owens, Jr., who died July 20, 2009 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan of wounds from an improvised explosive device.

Burial will be in Mooringsport, La. north of Shreveport on Saturday at 2 PM.
He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery (STRIKE), 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
The burial will be conducted with full military honors by soldiers from Fort Polk and an escort by the Patriot Guard Riders.
The cemetery is at 1240 Republican Church Road, south of Blanchard Furrh Road.

The Haynesville Shale: Haynesville the Movie

Haynesville, the documentary movie about the Haynesville Shale has been completed. The film focuses on the lives of three people and the impact the shale action has had on them.
Check out the Haynesville Movie website, watch the trailer and read about the people who made the film.
You can also stay in touch with Haynesville on:
Facebook and Twitter.

What? What?!!!

The Bossier Press-Tribune reports that a 64 year old woman was arrested in Old Bossier for selling $58 worth of Vicodin and Lortab to an undercover officer.
Honey Mae White was booked into Bossier Maximum and her bond is set at $150,000.
Meanwhile, Pablo Ahbert-Mata, 21, was arrested Saturday night after throwing a beer bottle at someone in Tootie’s bar because the man was wearing a sombrero. He then pulled a knife and acted in a threatening manner.
Pablo’s bond was set at $3,650. Ahbert-Mata admitted to deputies that he is in the country illegally.
The purpose of paying bond is to ensure that the person charged will not flee the jurisdiction. Apparently the system reasons that the 64 year old resident will take her ill-gotten $58 and flee the country, whereas a person who is in the country illegally will not attempt to escape justice.
After all, a (very) few pills in the hands of an undercover officer is much more dangerous than a 21 year bottle throwing, knife bearing “undocumented” person.
If someone comes up with that bond, I’ll bet he’ll be wading the Rio Grande within a day.

Birthers: If the (tinfoil) hat fits, wear it

I haven’t been called a socialist or a liberal Democrat in about a week, and I must be missing it, because I cannot let this one go any longer.

What is the deal with the birth certificate controversy? It has actually become a sort of movement, and people seem happy to carry the label ‘birther’.

Examine the facts.

World Net Daily is generating a lot of money in product sales and in donations, so it is easy to understand their continued demand that a ‘long form’ birth certificate be produced.

World Net Daily originally ran stories that the birth certificate posted on the website was a forgery, but later withdrew that claim.

• “A separate WND investigation into Obama's certification of live birth utilizing forgery experts also found the document to be authentic. The investigation also revealed methods used by some of the bloggers to determine the document was fake involved forgeries, in that a few bloggers added text and images to the certificate scan that weren't originally there.”

DOH spokeswoman Janice Okubo said about the birth certificate posted by the Obama campaign last fall “is considered a birth certificate from the state of Hawaii."

The governor of Hawaii has been accused of ‘sealing’ Obama’s birth records. The governor, who by the way is a Republican who campaigned for John McCain, did not interfere in the matter at all. State law in Hawaii requires that the records are confidential. Louisiana has the same requirement.

• “State law (Hawai‘i Revised Statutes §338-18) prohibits the release of a certified birth certificate to persons who do not have a tangible interest in the vital record," DOH Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino said.

Fukino said that no state official, including Gov. Linda Lingle, ever instructed that Obama's certificate be handled differently from any other.

Fukino said she and the registrar of vital statistics, Alvin Onaka, have personally verified that the health department holds Obama's original birth certificate.

• "Therefore, I as Director of Health for the State of Hawai‘i, along with the Registrar of Vital Statistics who has statutory authority to oversee and maintain these type of vital records, have personally seen and verified that the Hawai‘i State Department of Health has Sen. Obama’s original birth certificate on record in accordance with state policies and procedures,"

Think about it. The Director of Health and the Registrar of Vital Statistics, the people who are in charge of maintaining these records, certified that they have seen the original and are certifying that Obama was born in Honolulu.

I had a conversation with someone last week who ‘had his doubts.’ I outlined the above facts and his reply was “there are still too many unanswered questions . . “. When I asked what questions he was referring to, he simply trailed off into some comments about ‘he may have traveled on a British Passport and he won’t release his college records because they might show that he was registered as a foreign student . . “.

Some people just won’t give up.

Perhaps they would be better served if they turned their attention to the healthcare debate, the stimulus, and a national debt that is out of control.

Even Anne Coulter thinks it's wrong:

Baton Rouge Police suppressing free speech?

The Old River Road has a video that shows a Baton Rouge police lieutenant removing an anti-'Obamacare' protester who was having an amicable conversation with a supporter of the legislation.
Read the blog post and watch the video, it is disturbing.
Also posted at And So it Goes in Shreveport.

Crooks and Homos in the Pulpit

Alexandria author and talk show host Reuben Armstrong has created quite a stir with his latest book Crooks and Homos in the Pulpit.

Armstrong isn’t shy about taking on some mega churches and their leaders.

Do church leaders such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long, Dr. Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, or reported homosexual Pastor Ted Haggard truly understand God's Word? If so, why have they become corporate CEO's, allowing money, greed, and materialism to take over their souls? These leaders are whoring God's people from the pulpit, while teaching legions of pimps, crooks, liars, and homosexuals, who pose as pastors, to follow in their footsteps.

In an interview with Channel 5 in Alexandria provided by wesawthat, Armstrong discusses churches in Central Louisiana.

In Central Louisiana there are good churches, so I don’t want people to think that all pastors are out there fleecing the flock, I don’t want people to believe there aren’t good churches out here. I do believe there are good churches here . . . but we, as people in the body of Christ, we have to be careful of what’s going on in our churches today.

Armstrong’s books are available at Books A Million and on Amazon.

Weekly Blog Roundup 7-25-09

From lots of great pictures from the Global Wildlife Center at Thanks, Katrina to talk about blue dogs and puppy dogs at And So it Goes in Shreveport, the Louisiana blogosphere has been active this week.

“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”

That’s from Alex at Alex Cenla’s Rants & Ravings. He also has some great pictures of Alexandria back in the day.
Joshua Delano at Bayou Perspective is blogging about Bobby Jindal’s latest effort to establish his niche as a frontrunner. FYI, Jindal will be on CBS Face the Nation tomorrow.
Darrell at My God’s Been Good is helping all of us to keep our feet on the ground and realize what is really important in life.
Todd is trying to insinuate, in a very meek manner, that his wife should have removed the wallet from his pants before washing. Todd may be doing some washing himself if he isn’t careful.

Louisiana has some great blogs. Take time to read them, you'll find them worthwhile.

Check the right sidebar for the best the state has to offer.

Maggie Lee Henson: A father's continuing hope and prayer

I was checking Maggie Lee’s Caring Bridge page this morning and read the update from her father, John Henson. He wrote of coming back into the room at 5:00 this morning after a cup of coffee in the hospital cafeteria.

For just that moment, I had forgotten that she is hooked up to what must be miles of wiring, tubes and drugs. It wasn’t registering in my sleepy head that she is in the hospital, in a Critical Care Unit where someone must tend to her minute by minute. It somehow escaped me that her body is at dis-ease and has been that way for almost two weeks now. I walked up to her and started to wake her like I’ve done so many times before, but that moment ended and I remembered where we were.

He goes on to express his hope and his prayer.

The gospels show Jesus with such power to look at those who sleep and awaken them with his love and those very words. “Rise up.”

I want the same for Maggie Lee as I look at her. And I know Jesus still says them.

Lord Jesus, speak your words of reveille to her. Call her out of this deep sleep.

Please follow the link and keep up with this wonderful family in their struggle for their loved one. The webpage has had more than 100,000 visitors over the last two weeks. Sign the guestbook and let the family know that you are with them.

(Maggie Lee Henson is one of the students from First Baptist Church in Shreveport who was injured in the terrible accident that took the life of fourteen year old Brandon Ugarte.Maggie is suffering from severe brain injury and is being treated at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.)

President Obama backing away from his stupid statement

My bad. I should have said his 'stupid' statement. I'm referring, of course, to his primetime remark about the 'stupid' arrest of Harvard Professor Gates at his home.
The president took the podium at the daily press briefing to say that he had spoken to Sgt. Crowley, the officer who arrested Professor Gates. He went on to say that Crowley and Gates are both decent men, but that blacks are sensitive about such things, and maybe they could all sit down for a beer, blah blah blah.
Bet he wishes he had kept his mouth shut about this one.

Baton Rouge Mayor sent parade floats over unsafe bridge

The Old River Road is reporting that out of the blue Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden made a strange admission in a bond hearing this week.

"When we did the St. Paddy's parade, the Chief Engineer here said, "Mayor, don't run those floats across the Perkins Overpass." And I bowed to the pressure of the people who said, "man you have to run this thing or else a lot of people are going to be upset".... But I had to overrule my Chief Engineer, but I was praying to God every second that I wasn't a big dummy. Because that bridge was in some of the worst shape of any bridge in this whole parish."

Repairs on the structure began last month.

Yet another suit filed against Twin Cities Development & Chesapeake

Yet another suit was filed this week in Bossier District Court against Twin Cities Development LLC. This suit also names Chesapeake Louisiana LP as a defendant.
The suit was brought by Sue Young Investments through their attorney, Clint Black.
The suit alleges that Twin Cities had agreed to lease 20+ acres on Bodcau Station Road and failed to do so, causing financial harm to Sue Young Investments.
We will keep you updated on these suits.

Highway Run Saturday for Barksdale Airman

The Barksdale Freedom Riders are sponsoring a Highway Run to raise money for Staff Sgt. David Flowers, a Barksdale Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, who was injured during his recent deployment. The Highway Run mirrors a traditional Poker Run at motorcycle rallies nationwide.

The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. July 25th at the 8th Air Force Museum. There will be special guest speakers as well as EOD demonstrations. Riders will visit five locations where they pick up a playing card and have the opportunity to visit a sixth location for a wild card. The cost is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger and there will be a prize for the best poker hand. Also, the first 200 paid registrations will receive free t-shirts.

"Our goal is to make $8,000 for Sergeant Flowers," said Senior Master Sgt. Sanders Louiverre Jr., Barksdale Freedom Riders publicity officer. "As part of our Barksdale family, it's important that we help him out with any unforeseen expenses him and his family have. For people who don't ride or aren't motorcycle enthusiasts they can still donate money to the Sergeant Flowers fund."

All proceeds will go to Sergeant Flowers and his family to help fray the costs of being relocated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. while he undergoes numerous surgeries and physical therapy.

Sergeant Flowers, who was deployed with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, stepped on an anti-personnel mine May 11 while his team was clearing a weapons cache. In the explosion Sergeant Flowers lost his right leg below the knee. The blast also completely shattered his left and he subsequently broke his right wrist and hand. After the money is collected, Sergeant Flowers' flight superintendent will present the money to Sergeant Flowers' wife, Elizabeth.

For more information, call 393-4517 or email here or here

Haynesville Shale: Dogwood Homeowners Association sues Twin Cities Development

Dogwood Clubhouse Corp & Dogwood Park Home Owners Association, Inc. (DCC & DPH) filed suit this morning in Bossier District Court against Twin Cities Development LLC (TC) for breach of contract.
The suit alleges that Twin Cities had agreed to the following lease terms:
¼ royalty
3 year primary term-2 year secondary term
Mutually agreed to lease form
$50 p/acre shut in royalty
Release lands below 100 ft. below
base of producing formation
and $15,500 p/net mineral acre for bonus

• A letter confirming this offer dated September 5, 2008, was signed and sent by
  TC to DCC, DPH, and other parties.
• On December 12, 2008, Twin Cities through Mr. Neil Brattin told DCC and DPH through Sue Landry, by telephone, that the $15,500 p/acre would not be honored.
• By letter dated January 6, 2009, from Mr. Brad E. Wilkerson, attorney for TC, to
  Mr. Don Brice, attorney for DCC and DPH, TC basically refuses to execute and follow
  through with the lease and payment. Instead, a new lease at a much lower price is
  proposed.
• By letter dated January 20, 2009, from Mr. Donald Lee Brice, attorney for DCC
  and DPH, to Mr. Brad Wilkinson, attorney for TC, a demand is made upon TC to honor
  its agreement and close the transaction as agreed to at the September 4, 2008, meeting.
• TC has refused to consummate the transaction to date.
• In default of its agreement, TC is indebted unto the two corporations for damages
  as follows:

DCC $15,500 p/acre X 60.763 = $940,431.50
DPH $15,500 p/acre X 43.658 = $676,699.00
Wherefore, Petitioner DCC
Prays for judgment against TC in the amount of $940,431.50
Plus interest from date of judicial demand plus court costs.
Wherefore, Petitioner DPH
Prays for judgment against TC in the amount of $676,699.00
Plus interest from date of judicial demand plus court costs.
The plaintiffs are represented by former Judge Dewey E. Burchett, Jr.

ESPN announces SEC Network

ESPN Regional Television, the new over-the-air syndication home for Southeastern Conference programming, and the SEC announced today a regionally syndicated college sports package that will air in more than 73 television markets, along with the branding of the syndication package as the SEC Network – all part of the groundbreaking 15-year agreement between ESPN, Inc., and the SEC.
Within the nine-state SEC footprint, the SEC Network will be delivered in markets by the local over-the-air carrier of SEC events. In markets outside the SEC footprint, the syndicated programming will air on either local, over-the-air television stations or regional sports cable networks.

Story here

Obama and the Russians: The Snub that Wasn’t

The blogosphere is buzzing with the video of ‘Russians’ refusing to shake President Obama’s hand in the presence of Russian President Medvedev.
If you watch the video, it’s obvious that Obama was introducing Medvedev to members of the American delegation.
If a group of Russians had refused to shake hands with the President of the United States in the presence of the President of the Russian Federation, they would be on the red-eye to Siberia.
Believe what you want, but a picture is worth a thousand words. Please, keep your opposition to this president on real terms, as our country faces very serious problems that require the serious consideration of us all.
This is reminiscent of the videos a couple of years ago claiming that President Bush was snubbed at the G20 summit. That, of course, turned out to be totally untrue.

Moon Landing, Walter Cronkite, Chappaquidick - Uncle Jay explains

Maggie Lee Henson and a Father's Prayer

Maggie Lee Henson is one of the students from First Baptist Church in Shreveport who was injured in the terrible accident that took the life of fourteen year old Brandon Ugarte.
Maggie is suffering from severe brain injury and is being treated at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Maggie's dad, John Henson, is associate pastor for emerging ministries at First Baptist Church. He has written in his blog about taking Maggie to the church that morning and about his prayer that the trip would be a safe one.
Rev. Henson and his wife Jinny, needless to say, are with Maggie in Jackson.
A page has been set up at Caring Bridge that allows you to check on Maggie Lee's progress and leave comments for the family.
The Baptist Press has an article about the response in Jackson.
Please take time to say a prayer for Maggie and her parents, and visit the Caring Bridge website and let them know you care.

Bigfoot, Shreveport-Bossier Tea Party and The Huffington Post

Shreveport-Bossier Tea Party organizer Rob Gaudet received some attention from The Huffington Post this week in an article by Jason Linkins. Mr. Linkins seems to be upset that Mr. Gaudet apparently has a hobby – Sasquatch, or, in our part of the world, Bigfoot. He also is ‘outing’ Mr. Gaudet for being opposed to Cap and Trade legislation.
Linkins says: But this is where it gets more interesting. According to his registered address, he lists his business as "Discover Bigfoot." It seems that Mr. Gaudet is also an active member of a community of people searching for the whereabouts of Bigfoot (aka, the Sasquatch). Yes folks. THAT Bigfoot.
Okay, aha! He is interested in Bigfoot, so he’s a nut. He opposes Cap and Trade so that makes anyone who opposes Cap and Trade a nut. AND – he organized the Shreveport-Bossier Tea Party, so that make the Tea Party people nuts.
So Bigfoot is a hobby of his? So what. I went to his YouTube channel and found it entertaining.
Big woop. I had my concerns about the local Tea Party movement and expressed them here, along with my endorsement of what they are doing. My concern was that the local movement not turn into a cheering squad for one party over the other, that it truly remain non-partisan, and that it not turn into a forum for local politicians to gain votes. Gaudet has done a great job of keeping it party-neutral and has a policy of not inviting elected officials to speak. A lot of local Tea Party organizations have marginalized themselves by having politicians speak at their events. Gaudet has not made this mistake, and that is to his credit.
True, at the Shreveport-Bossier Tea Party website you can find some blogs containing some pretty extreme views. Again, so what? It is an open forum and members are free to post their views and opinions, and yes, even write blogs. I expressed my thoughts on the forum, as others have. The important point is that the direction of the local Tea Party events has been, so far, exemplary.
You will continue to find a link to Shreveport-Bossier Tea Party in my sidebar.
Sorry Mr. Linkins, to use a great southern expression, that dog don’t hunt.

Weekly Blog Roundup 7-18-09

Time for a weekly roundup of the blogosphere.
From And so it Goes in Shreveport, Surprise, surprise – the Senate votes to exclude themselves from the Obama Health Care Plan.
Greg Aymond at Central La. Politics says that it’s time for a public option in healthcare.
Todd agrees with him.
Avman doesn’t think so at the Louisiana Conservative.
Neither does Red Stick Rant.
Alexandyr Kent at Louisiana Movies is blogging about, you guessed it, movies. If you are a movie buff, you don’t need to miss his blog.
Jeff Sadow has some thoughts about Mitch Landrieu’s ambitions and Bobby Jindal’s plans.
Sherri Talley is asking ‘Is it Y’all or Ya’ll?”
Appropriately, her colleague Gerry May is blogging on the death of Walter Cronkite, a giant in his field.
And that’s the way it is . . . .

Staff Sergeant First Class John C. Beale

Posted by Pat Austin on Twitter and also on her blog And So it Goes in Shreveport by way of Sarah Way Down South.
From the commentary on the YouTube channel where it was posted:
Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009 . The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time.

Haynesville Shale: Alive and Well in North Louisiana

The Haynesville Shale is alive and well. From Tobin Newsletter - Vol. 19, June 2009 here are some interesting statistics on leasing activity so far this year.

New Leases Posted since December 2008
(By Parish)
Bienville - 607
Bossier - 6,851
Caddo - 6,881
Claiborne - 829
DeSoto - 1,445
Webster - 265

Strange Fruit: Noose Jokes are Not Okay

Audra Shay, the new chair of the Young Republicans, has apologized for her noose remarks on Facebook. In an exchange on Facebook concerning the man who had Sarah Palin hanging in effigy in his yard, she commented ‘What, no Obama Noose?’. Since it came to light, she fears that some people may take that as a racist statement, although she says that is far from the truth.
Is it? I don’t believe that her remarks were hard core racism, but they were incredibly stupid.
We are all racist at some level - often the white people who are claiming 'I don't have a racist bone in my body' (usually to a black person), are the most guilty.
In the south, we’re just a generation away from Jim Crow. When I started school in 1953, the idea of whites and blacks attending school together was a pipe dream. When I graduated from high school in 1965, it was approaching, but not yet accomplished. I never sat in a classroom with a black person until my freshman year in college.
We’re just a couple of generations away from lynchings in Bossier Parish. My grandfather, who was born in 1883, knew of a spot on Linton Road where blacks were lynched during reconstruction. He knew of one particular tree, because his mother told her children not to play near there, and why.
I have no idea if there is any historical record of this happening here, but I know that it did.
When people in the south make noose ‘jokes’, they need to be aware of what they are doing and why it is so offensive to their black neighbors.
(Yes, I understand it's free speech, and that you have a right to say it. I would only encourage you not to.)

Strange Fruit
Southern trees bear strange fruit,
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze,
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.

Pastoral scene of the gallant south,
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh.

Here is fruit for the crows to pluck,
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,
Here is a strange and bitter crop.

Allen Lewis

From Bayou Chicot to Nashville: James Dupré hopes to hit it big

Louisiana, and more particularly Cajun Country, is about to introduce a major player to the country music world in the person of James Dupré.

I found James on YouTube a few months ago; at one point I posted a couple of his videos on the sidebar of the blog. The native of Evangeline Parish started his YouTube channel 2 years ago this week. He has 6,619 subscribers at this point and has had 276,830 channel views.

James is in Nashville this week completing his first album.

He has a number of videos of his covers of various country stars on his YouTube channel. Check it out, I promise you will find the visit enjoyable.

Below is a video of some of his original work, a song entitled ‘Memories of Heaven’.

The good old days

No wonder our great-grandparents enjoyed the good old days.

Shreveport anti-tax attorney Tommy Cryer sued by IRS

Last week the IRS sued Shreveport attorney Tommy Cryer in Federal Court in Shreveport to enforce an IRS Summons against him. Cryer has gained national attention in the last couple of years for his stand against the IRS.
Cryer was indicted in 2006 for 2 counts of tax evasion. The IRS claimed that Cryer had dodged pay over $73,000 in income tax by setting up a trust to receive some payments. In July of 2007 the IRS reduced the charges to willful failure to pay income tax returns. In this case, Cryer claimed that he owed no taxes, and was acquitted on both counts.
In April of this year Cryer filed suit in the United States Tax Court. The government responded by saying that Cryer owed owes $848,806.00 in Federal income tax plus $615,384.37 in section 6651(f) penalties for fraudulent failure to file tax returns, $212,201.50 in section 6651(a)(2) penalties for failure to timely pay the taxes, and $43,044.84 in section 6654 penalties for failure to timely pay estimated taxes.
Again, Cryer disputed the amount, claiming that he owes no taxes at all.
Cryer has a website, Truth Attack, that fully explains his views on tax laws and their constitutionality.

The Republican Party - Is it becoming irrelevant?

As I have stated before, I am not a Democrat nor am I a Republican. Although I have libertarian leanings, I believe that once a libertarian joins a political party, he becomes his own enemy. I am an independent in the true sense – I depend on no party to dictate my philosophy.

I watched for the last 30 years as the Democratic Party made itself irrelevant in the south. It began when Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights bill in 1964. Richard Nixon seized on it and the Republicans and Democrats basically made a trade. The Republicans got the Democratic South and the Democrats got the solidly Republican black vote.

Ironically, the Democrats made themselves irrelevant in the south (so far as national elections go), and now the Republicans are making themselves irrelevant in the rest of the country.

Look at the numbers: 30% of voters will vote Republican no matter what. Ditto for the Democrats. That leaves a broad 40% section of the country who will decide elections based on the people running and their confidence in those people.

Republicans ‘got it’ for a while. During the Reagan years they picked up a lot of popularity. In 1994 Newt Gingrich and his Contract with America swept the congress. This led to the election of George W. Bush in 2000, along with majorities in congress.

That’s when they stopped getting it. In 8 years The Republican President and Congress doubled the national debt, something they admirably kept under control when Bill Clinton was President.

Republicans, who are self-styled guardians of our constitutional rights, gave the Bush administration carte-blanche on legislation that invaded those rights. Of course, the shoe is on the other foot now and some are re-thinking their beliefs. Too late, the cow is out of the barn. If you ever concede protections (habeas corpus, search and seizure, etc.) to the government in the name of security, you have paid with your liberty.

Don’t look for a Democratic administration to ‘undo’ any of this – they love it. Just as the Republicans did, they will cite ‘national security’. As Benjamin Franklin said, if you give up your liberty for security, you deserve neither.

The unholy alliance between the Republican Party and the religious fundamentalists is becoming unraveled. That is a good thing, as this was a deal with the devil on both sides. It resulted in a political mantra of ‘family values’ from the party. The problem is, the people (those who are not blinded by party), understand that the definition of true family values is that you value your family. You don’t have to endorse one political ideology over another to do this.

The Republicans loved ‘family values’ as long as it got them votes; when push came to shove, however, they failed to live up to the brand they had adopted.

Only in the case of Congressman Mark Foley did the party demand, and get, a resignation. This was because in addition to liking boys, he liked underage boys.

Senator Larry ‘Toe Tapping’ Craig served out his sentence term. In the cases of Senators Vitter and Ensign and Governor Sanford, the party has suddenly developed some libertarian feelings, claiming that it’s none of our business what they do. Very few have called for these sleazebags (that’s what they are) to step down.

David Vitter is raising huge amounts of money and will probably be re-elected with the help of the Louisiana Republican machine. The fates of Ensign and Sanford remain up in the air.

Yes, I get it, Democrats aren’t pure either. I am aware of Bill Clinton, Gary Condit and Barney Frank. The difference is, they have not assumed the mantle of moral superiority that the Republicans have. Yes, Democrats are big spenders and believe in government solutions. That is their brand, and they live up to it. At least they are honest.

As to the Republicans, they have one goal – to gain power at all costs. What they just don’t seem to get is that the broad range of people around the country just aren’t buying it. (Louisiana is somewhat an exception, as we tend to love our crooks, adulterers and whoremongers.)

The people have heard the cries of ‘small government, lower taxes’ and ‘family values’ from the GOP while they spend like drunken sailors and some of their leaders display the morals of jackals – with impunity. The people aren’t as stupid as Washington thinks they are; they understand that taxation is not the problem, spending is. The people also believe that if you claim to be the party of prudence, constitutional protections and pure values, you should live up to it. Otherwise, they will continue to elect the other guys – the ones who don’t claim those things. Why? Because they are not saying one thing in order to get elected and then doing another when they gain power.

The Young Republicans have just elected Audra Shay as national chair. Audra was the center of controversy last week when her facebook remarks came to light. When a commenter said something about getting rid of these 'mad coons and illegals', Audra replied 'You go Eric. lol.'. Sure sounds like she was endorsing a racial slur to me. She doesn't get it, neither do the Young Republicans who elected her.

The old adage ‘fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me’ seems to apply here. The people were fooled by the Republicans in the last decade. If Republicans are able to make gains in the next few years, they had better live up to what they profess, because this is probably their last chance.

A few blogs you may enjoy

I link to a lot of blogs of all different political persuasions. I also link to blogs that are just funny and outrageous. My criteria in linking is whether or not I believe that the readers of My Bossier would enjoy some of these blogs.
Most of the blogs I link to are in Louisiana. I may look at including more national sites.
Mostly Cajun, All American and Opinionated gives us zen teachings and Laws. I really like this blog. This guy can be cranky and is somewhat a smartass. Sorta reminds me of . . . . me. Suspect Device believes that most U. S. Senators are assholes. That’s hard to disagree with.
The Louisiana Conservative is lamenting Obama’s Cruel and Unjust War.
I encourage you to read Margaret and Helen. That really is them in the picture in the header of the blog. If you are conservative, they will probably offend your sensibilities.
Todd bucks the local blogosphere and speaks out with his views on healthcare. Don’t miss Gerry May, the news anchor at KTBS in Shreveport. Gerry has a very active bunch of commenters.
Kiss My Gumbo is written by Greta Perry, the self-styled Princess of Positive. She’s a hoot. Your Right Hand Thief comments on the election of Audra Shay as chair of the Young Republicans.
Conservative Drink has received a lot of national attention after producing tapes of Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover telling a citizen that when the police stop you, your rights are suspended. Conservatism in Exile comments on that issue.
There is something in the water in Alexandria that produces prolific bloggers. Some of them get a little cross with each other at times, but I think that only improves their product. Check out We Saw That, Alex Cenla's Rants & Ravings, Central La. Politics and Cenlamar.
Stuff Cajun People Like is self explanatory.
Bayou Perspective is written by Josh Delano, a Louisiana native who is attending school in Houston. Josh appears on Jeff Crouere’s radio show in New Orleans on a regular basis.
The Norla Blog and The Old River Road are on vacation. They are apparently smarter than the rest of us.
For some reflection and inspiration, check out My God's Been Good.
Last, but not at all least, is our friend across the river, Pat Austin at And So it goes in Shreveport, from whom I shamelessly stole this idea of a roundup of blogs and blog news.

Mad Coons, Audra Shay and the Young Republicans. LOL.

Correction: The election was today (Saturday). Audra Shay won by a vote of 470-415.

I'm not young and I'm not a Republican, but I'll jump in anyway. When the two major political parties, whom I disdain, are not fighting with each other they seem to fighting with themselves. We should have heeded the advice of George Washington, who said in his farewell address:
Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely
out of sight,) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the
interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates
the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one partagainst another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.
But we didn't listen and this post isn't about that, so I will not get on my soapbox.
Audra Shay of New Orleans has been considered a shoo-in for election as president of the Young Republicans. A 'young' Republican is anyone aged 18-40. Democrats stop being young when they are 36.
One of her stands has been that the party should embrace all technology and the internet to reach everyone possible. Personally, she has reached out and the results have not been stellar.
Audra got into a discussion on Facebook in which a commenter said:
“Obama Bin Lauden [sic] is the new terrorist… Muslim is on there side [sic]… need to take this country back from all of these mad coons… and illegals...”
To which she replied:
“You tell em Eric! lol.”
A couple of Republican friends called her out and questioned the exchange. She deleted them from her Facebook friends. Now it is impossible to find Audra anywhere on the social networks, as she is apparently attempting to clean up those little internet footprints.
That exchange and some cute noose talk have given pause to many. One state delegation has asked her to withdraw. She has a lot of powerful support, however, including our own Bobby Jindal and Congressmen Steve Scalise, Bill Cassidy and Joseph Cao.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out tomorrow.

You can find more details on the exchanges at The Conservatist and at The Guardian.

Pelosi says forever ends now - nixes resolution honoring Michael Jackson

At Michael Jackson's memorial service in Los Angeles, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tx) held up a framed copy of her House Resolution, emossed with a gold seal, saying that it would honor Michael Jackson 'forever, and forever, and forever'.
Forever was cut short by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi who decided that the resolution will not get consideration in the House.
"If the idea is to praise the life and work ... then why not do that [in some other way]?" Pelosi said. "A resolution, I think, would open up to contrary views that are not necessary at this time to be expressed in association with the resolution, whose purpose is quite different."
Pelosi has enough fights on her hands without this one. Love her or hate her, you have to admit that she is an astute politician.
Maybe next time Lee will check with the home office before she puts herself in an untenable position.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

H/T Central La. Politics

It doesn't get better

My 5 year-old twin great-nephews at Gulf Shores July 4th.

Louisiana State Trooper charged with roughing up Red River Parish Judge

We heard rumors of this incident, and now an arrest has been made. Louisiana State Trooper Eric Schonfarber has been arrested for aggravated assault, simple battery & false imprisonment in a courthouse parking lot incident.

District Judge Lewis Sams had left the courthouse in Coushatta for a quick trip and did not use his seat belt. Schonfarber followed him into the parking lot and proceeded to write a ticket. When Judge Sams identified himself as a judge, Schonfarber asked to see his badge and ID. The judge told him no, he wouldn't use his position to get out of the ticket.

At this point, the trooper threatened the judge with his taser and threw him onto the hood of his car. A constable and several courthouse employees witnessed the events.

Congressman Fleming on Healthcare: If you vote for it, you must use it

Congressman John Fleming (R-La) says that any member of congress who votes for a government run healthcare plan should have to enroll in it.
"Under the current draft of the Democrat healthcare legislation, members of Congress are curiously exempt from the government-run health care option, keeping their existing health plans and services on Capitol Hill. If Members of Congress believe so strongly that government-run health care is the best solution for hard working American families, I think it only fitting that Americans see them lead the way. Public servants should always be accountable and responsible for what they are advocating, and I challenge the American people to demand this from their representatives."
He has a petition on his website. Sign up here if you believe any member of Congress who votes for a government run health care plan should be forced to participate in the plan themselves?

Lucien Trammell Guilty of shooting Officer Madjerick

The Jury in the attempted murder trial of Lucien Trammell returned a verdict of guilty this evening. Trammell shot Madjerick in the face and then went on the lam to Houston, where he was captured.

Congratulations Suzanne Stinson

Suzanne Stinson, Judicial Administrator for the 26th JDC (Bossier-Webster Parishes), took office Saturday as President of the National Association for Court Management.
She is the first person from Louisiana to serve as president of the 2,000 member organization.
Her husband, 26th JDC Judge Ford Stinson, Jr. went with her to Boston to swear her in.
This is an honor not only for Suzanne but for all of us.
Congratulations!

The Deerslayer

H/T to Thanks Katrina

Haynesville Shale: Another suit filed against Brown Companies

We posted last year about a class action lawsuit that was filed against James M. Brown Builder, Inc, Brown's Property Development, Inc, James M Brown Real Estate, Inc & Brown Builders, Inc.
The Browns were sued again last week by Bronwyn Stonecipher and several other people. The allegations are basically the same as listed in the other suit. Twin Cities Development is also named in the suit.
They are claiming breach of warranty among other things.
The attorney representing the plaintiffs is J. Todd Benson, who also represents the plaintiffs who filed last year.
Last year's suit is dragging on in endless litigation, as I am sure this one will.

Video: Congressman King (NY) says stop Michael Jackson adulation in the media

H/T Gerry Mays

The Honest Scrap Award

I have been blessed (?) by Pat Austin at And So it Goes in Shreveport who tagged me for the Honest Scrap Award.
This is the way it works. I must tag seven other lucky bloggers and then I must write ten honest things about myself.
Now Pat didn't mention it, but I am taking this seriously, like one of those chain e-mails that tell you if you, for instance, tag seven people in the next seven minutes you will receive a fortune by the end of the day, and if you don't, doom and despair will be at your doorstep.
I'll do it, I'll sell out seven blogger friends just in case. That's the easy part.
And the winners are:

Alex Cenla's Rants & Ravings
Gerry May
McAllister Family Law Blog
The Wounded Bird
Todd On Air
Vote The Record
Conservative Drink

Now for the ten honest things:

1. I enjoy blogging. The world needs to hear my views.
2. I love the comments on My Bossier. I have a robust bunch of opinionated people leaving those opinions (for the most part criticizing those vaunted views of mine).
3. Grandchildren are the greatest thing in the world. (This goes along with Pat’s #9 – hang in there Pat, revenge is a dish that is best served cold!)
4. I truly love Bossier Parish. I was born here 62 years ago from a line of people on my mother’s side who were here when Bossier became a parish.
5. I love politics, especially Bossier Parish politics. That’s not to say that all Bossier Parish politicians love me.
6. I love Louisiana, flaws and all. It is undoubtedly the most unique state in the union.
7. I have two great kids, both successful and productive. I love them even more because they give me grandchildren.
8. I am thankful for a wonderful bunch of friends and acquaintances.
9. I hate neckties. I am glad that I don’t have to wear a coat and tie any more. I believe that tying a piece of cloth around your neck is a ridiculous thing to do.
10. I will get revenge on Pat Austin for tagging me, when she least expects it! Refer to #3.

Domestic Violence Cases will be prosecuted (or nol-prossed)

The Times has an interesting article about Domestic Violence cases in today’s paper.

Excerpt:

Domestic abuse has not decreased, but the number of victims who report the crime is increasing, according to Shreveport domestic violence detectives.

On average each month, Shreveport police make 95 domestic abuse arrests, Bossier City police make 66 arrests and Bossier sheriff's deputies make between 10 and 15 arrests, the law enforcement agencies reported.

………

But some victims get cold feet after the report is made.

At least half of all victims in domestic abuse cases request — to no avail — the charges against their partners be dropped, according to the Caddo district attorney's office.

Since 1985, those who are abused do not have the option of dropping charges.

But the District Attorney does

Consider this individual:

· Arrested May 14, 1991 in Caddo Parish for issuing worthless checks. Sentenced to probation.

· Arrested February 28, 1992 in Caddo Parish for possession of Stolen things. Sentenced to probation.

· Arrested August 28,1992 in Caddo Parish for Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile. Sentenced to prison with mandatory probation to follow.

· *Arrested July 29, 2003 in Caddo Parish for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

· *Arrested August 22, 2007 in Caddo Parish for aggravated flight from an officer.

· *Arrested August 26, 2008 in Caddo Parish for DWI & resisting an officer.

*Unsure of conviction or sentence in these cases.

Meanwhile, in Bossier Parish

These are just the criminal charges – they do not include several applications for domestic abuse protection filed against him and by him.

· May 5, 2003 Stalking – Nol Prossed

· October 22, 2003 Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle - Nol Prossed

· February 6, 2004 Aggravated Battery – 4 counts Nol Prossed (In this case, the victims signed an affidavit of non-prosecution. It is still the DA's option).

· February 13, 2004 Domestic abuse violence Nol Prossed

· May 12, 2004 Domestic abuse violence Nol Prossed

· May 12, 2004 Domestic abuse violence combined with April 14, 2005 Domestic abuse violence $250 fine, 18 months probation

· February 10, 2005 Harassing phone calls Nol Prossed

· February 10, 2005 Harassing phone calls $250 fine

· February 22, 2005 Domestic abuse violence Nol Prossed

· May, 23, 2005 Criminal property damage $300 fine 1 yr probation, make restitution, fees suspended. After numerous appearances and re-settings for probation violation, probation was terminated unsatisfactorily – on May 12, 2009

· May, 23, 2005 Disturb the Peace intoxicated Nol-prossed

· May 23, 2005 Resisting an officer Nol-prossed

· July 15, 2005 Stalking Nol-prossed

· August 8, 2005 Failure to Register as sex offender 5 yrs – serve 2, suspend 3, 2 yrs probation

Other than hearings on probation violations throughout 2006, 2007 and 2008, he had no more arrests (at least in Caddo or Bossier – I don’t have access to his entire record).

In April of 2009 he did get three tickets in Bossier Parish:

• Speeding 55 in a 45
• No MVI Nol-prossed
• Window Tint Nol-prossed

The deputy who wrote the tickets noted on all three “Poor Attitude”. Imagine.

The speeding 55 in a 45?

· Defendant xxxxxx xxxxxxx present in open Court, entered a plea of guilty, and was duly and legally sentenced by the Court to pay a fine of $30 and Court cost or serve 5 days in jail, to be paid within 30 days. (Craig)

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