First foreign-owned toll road in Texas downgraded to junk bond status

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At the end of the day, P3s represent public money for private profits and do little to solve urban congestion. Texas is building underutilized tollways using a scurrilous financing mechanism that erodes state sovereignty and impedes freedom to travel. Lawmakers and whoever the new governor will be need to dump P3s and get back to a freely accessible, affordable pay-as-you-go freeway system that serves all Texans equitably.

http://www.examiner.com/article/first-foreign-owned-toll-road-texas-downgraded-to-junk-bond-status

 

9 Proposed Amendments – Put Through the Constitutional Test

Here is a taxpayer’s view of the intended and unintended consequences of the efforts of our noble Austin legislators.Constitution

First, one must read the proposed legislation because the brief explanatory statement of the nature of each proposed amendment listed on the ballot is not even close to addressing what is in the amendment. If a proposed amendment has enabling legislation (many do), the details of the amendment with taxing authority, penalties for violations, and other changes/additions to other state statutes may be found there. In short, you have to read the amendment/enabling bill to find out what’s in it and often times we have to pass the amendment/bill to find out what’s in it. On some of the proposed amendments, the enabling legislation is silent (deficient) in certain areas. Where there is silence in the enabling legislation, once the amendment is passed then it may be up to the courts to decide the intent of the author(s) of the amendment or enabling legislation. This is unfortunate but true.

Second, one should understand the Purpose and Consequences of laws.

Third, one should put each proposed amendment to the 3 question test of “constitutionality”. Continue reading “9 Proposed Amendments – Put Through the Constitutional Test”

Firing Squads for ATF Whistle Blowers!

Anyone in the ATF who leaks highly sensitive information could be subject to death by firing squad!   As reported in the Washington Times, October 15, 2013, the ATF’s on-line manual suggests that “leakers” could be subject to execution by firing squad and even goes so far as to include an old photo of a French firing squad.

Continue reading “Firing Squads for ATF Whistle Blowers!”

All Laws Must Pass the Constitutional Test

All legislative matters, the conduct and actions of government officials, and the enforced ordinances and laws which restrict human activity, should pass the three question test:Constitutional Test

1.) Is it “constitutional”?
(Supports the constitutional republic)

2.) Is there a need?
(Do all the People have a need for and benefit from the proposed government intervention?)

3.) Affordability?
(Can the People afford it? Is the cost equal and uniform?)

Continue reading “All Laws Must Pass the Constitutional Test”

Dorothy & Toto Finally “Got It” – Why Can’t Mark Levin?

Dorothy and crewIf you grew up in the 50’s or 60’s, you huddled around the television set once each year when Metro Goldwyn Mayer would air a musical titled, The Wizard of Oz. The musical trek from the Land of Oz to the Emerald City was a 2 hour televised fantasy trip down a yellow brick road to ask the Wizard of Oz to grant magical powers to those less fortunate souls; such as to grant a heart for the Tin Man, courage for the Lion, a brain for the Scarecrow, and a trip back to Kansas for Dorothy Gale and her little dog Toto (to be reunited with her Auntie Em and Uncle Henry). Follwoing advice from the Munchkins and Glinda the good witch, Dorothy and Toto follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to seek the help of the Wizard of Oz. Continue reading “Dorothy & Toto Finally “Got It” – Why Can’t Mark Levin?”

The Armchair Lobbiest

602023_533005673450737_519895897_nDo the following statements ring true for you?

  1. We live in a representative government that requires all citizens participate to some degree in the process
  2. Voting (especially in primaries) is not sufficient to affect any significant influence (see video “How to Rig a Majority Vote“)
  3. Most people do not ‘have the interest’ or ‘the time’ to actively and meaningfully participate in politics. Continue reading “The Armchair Lobbiest”

Community Broadband – Illegal in Texas

Community Broadband Preemption MapCommunities are increasingly organizing to build modern communications networks with the goal of bringing inexpensive and fast Internet service to their residents and local businesses.  It is ironic that Texas prides itself on being a haven for freedom but has some of the most restrictive laws among the states regarding who can provide Internet service.  The lone star state protects the incumbent big businesses, stifles the free market, and hampers innovation.  Current Texas laws causes higher prices and lower quality service. Continue reading “Community Broadband – Illegal in Texas”

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT THE TEXAS 84TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION?

Dennis Scharp
Dennis Scharp

Are you satisfied with Texas’ 83rd legislative session?  Perhaps a better question would be:  Were you aware of Texas’ 83rd legislative session?  Did you follow it?  Did you participate (contact your legislators, go to Austin in support of or against pieces of legislation) during the legislative session?

Positives during the 83rd legislative session: Continue reading “ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT THE TEXAS 84TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION?”