We’ve heard how the value of the dollar affects gas prices — and indeed the price of everything. I was pleased that my request for a hearing on such was granted by the Financial Services committee and we were able to hear some very informative testimony. Certainly domestic policies, regarding off-shore oil drilling bans, ethanol mandates, refining capacity and CAFE standards are interventionist and harmful enough in the energy market.But how does foreign policy affect gas prices? One important factor is that oil on the world market has been priced in dollars exclusively since 1973. Only two leaders have gone against this arrangement — Saddam Hussein in 2000 and more recently, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with the recently opened Iranian Oil Bourse, which trades in non-dollar currencies. But since oil is otherwise exclusively traded in dollars, this means that oil producers have vast amounts of assets held in dollars. Especially since the War on Terror and the PATRIOT Act, many oil-producing nations and banks are concerned the U.S. government may freeze assets based on flimsy pretexts. This fear contributes to dollar weakness, and therefore, also high oil prices. more >>
In 1967, Paul Little, associated with Campus Crusade for Christ, published a book titled, “Know Why You Believe.” In 1970, he wrote a follow-up titled, “Know What You Believe.” more >>
My brother has terminal brain cancer and a seizure disorder. He is also in jail for non-payment of child support. I will make no excuse for the reason he is behind bars, however, he is my brother and I care about his well-being. I went to visit him on Aug. 9. I had contacted the jail previously to inquire about his condition. The guard I spoke to was polite and empathetic. He took my name and number, promising to let me know if any medical situation occurred. The guard explained that since my brother was in “general population,” should he have a seizure, one of the inmates would immediately alert the guards. more >>
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison: I am disappointed with your editorial that appeared in Sunday’s Victoria Advocate. I really need some clarification. You state, and I quote, “While global demand increases, worldwide energy supply remains fairly stagnant, unnecessarily restrained by government regulations and prohibitions.” What do you mean by energy supply? Do you mean oil, electricity or both? What are the unnecessary government regulations concerning nuclear energy? Are you suggesting we do away with the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)? Your editorial is entitled “ Texas poised to lead American nuclear renaissance.” You never mention nuclear waste. Are you suggesting as good Americans that we build the proposed nuclear waste facility in Texas? Who should pay for the nuclear waste facility and its maintenance? I share your concern for our energy needs! The following are just a few of my thoughts and concerns — clean, cheap, safe energy? more >>
Many of us read with alarm news reports this month about shocking electric bills going to some of our Valley business owners. One owner told a reporter that his bill went up by about $10,000 in one month, even though his usage remained more or less the same. Another said his bill nearly doubled. Experts have thrown up their hands, blaming hot weather and price spikes in a volatile wholesale power market. But the experiences of these business owners and others raise real questions about whether policymakers in Austin are doing all they can to keep a lid on electric prices — especially for us here in the Valley, where we already pay too much for power. For some of our families in the Valley, it is not just an issue of increased costs but a matter of basic health and welfare in choosing between food, electricity and paying for gas to get to work. more >>
Victoria’s New Public Access Channel: Each and every day, I am approached by my fellow citizens who tell me they are concerned about the things they read in the newspaper or hear on the television news about actions taken by the Victoria City Council. Many tell me they wish they could keep up with the actions of the council, but are unable to attend meetings in person because of family or work requirements. Fortunately, Victorians can now keep up with the actions of city government right from the comfort of their own homes thanks to our new public access television channel. Victoria TV 15 is a fantastic resource for our entire community. While I strongly encourage all of our citizens to attend our city council meetings, I know it is oftentimes difficult, and sometimes impossible, to be at City Hall in person. With Victoria TV 15, taxpayers will get to see first hand how the decisions regarding their hard-earned money are made. As I walk my city council district, listening to the thoughts and concerns of those I have been given the honor to represent, I sense a hunger amongst Victorians to better understand the inner workings of their local government. Indeed, it is local government that most profoundly has an impact on our daily lives. Maximum accountability produces maximized results. Our public access channel will allow the community at large to hear what thoughts and rationale are behind the decisions made on its behalf, and, in turn, it will allow our residents to hold their elected officials, myself included, accountable for those decisions. TV 15 will give a voice to the concerns of our citizens, many of whom have never attended a council meeting in person. How will your city council respond to constructive feedback from its residents? Our community will only have to watch and determine for themselves. Government should never be operated in a vacuum. Instead, your elected representatives should seek out every opportunity to include its citizens in decision-making processes. This type of candor and openness may make the decision making process a little more difficult or cumbersome; it will require patience to listen and consider the views of others. Yet, the end result will be decisions that have been forged by the refining fire of public scrutiny. more >>
Recently Congress passed the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act., also known as the Housing Bill. Its passage was lauded by many who are legitimately concerned about foreclosures and the housing market in our country’s economy. I was asked how I could vote against a bill to help American homeowners, but I found this bill to have more to do with helping big banks than helping average Americans. The answer is that there is more to any bill than its name or the headlines surrounding it. If one only paid attention to bill titles, one could happily vote for almost any bill put to a vote on the floor. Titles do not tell the complete story of a bill’s provisions, and many titles are downright deceptive and come close to emotional blackmail of legislators. But we cannot afford to be fooled by fancy titles. The housing bill could perhaps be more aptly named The Big Banking Bailout at Taxpayer Expense Act as large sections of it were written by big banking lobbyists according to Evans and Novak reporter Tim Carney’s Capitol Hill sources. At least that title would be honest. more >>
Editor’s Note: This column is a research project of Dr. Peter B. Riesz and the Victoria County Veterans Council. Anyone who has information about the following veterans is asked to contact Riesz at pbriesz@suddenlink.net or 361-575-4600. I was assigned to Orleans, France during 1960 to 1962 as a general medical officer. The dollar was worth eight NF which stands for New Francs. A good three or four course meal for two cost about four or five dollars. A fine hotel room for two and a baby cost five to six dollars a night. You can just about multiply that number by one hundred now. more >>
The Lone Star State has received numerous accolades through the years in recognition of its prominence in a wide variety of areas. This demonstration of leadership is nowhere more evident than in the progress Texas has made over the past five years in creating jobs. In mid-2003, several states (including Texas) were facing economic challenges. The route Texas forged through these difficulties led the state to its current position as one of the best places in the country for business operations. In fact, the Lone Star State now serves as a model for other states seeking to enhance employment growth. From July 2003 to June 2008, Texas added nearly 1.27 million new wage and salary workers – more than any state during that timeframe. more >>
Q: My dog is getting older. What do I need to do for her? A: Dogs age much faster than humans. Depending on the size of the dog they age differently. A large breed dogs average life expectancy is 8 to 12 years. Most small breeds live an average of 12 to 14 years. more >>
It happens every time the stock market drops: Investors question their strategy, their luck and their timing. But if you, as an individual investor, really want to know how to respond to today’s market decline, you need to look back at yesteryear. To begin with, market declines are part of the investment process. Over the past century, the stock market has averaged one “correction” – or a decline of 10 percent or more – a year. Furthermore, on average the stock market has declined 20 percent or more once every three or four years. So, instead of thinking that a severe market decline is a once-in-a-lifetime disaster that “just had to happen” while you were investing, keep in mind that market declines are normal, frequent and, for the most part, short-term. And if you’re a long-term investor, these declines usually offer an opportunity to buy quality investments at a lower price. more >>
When major events occur, most of us turn to the mainstream media for news updates. Whether it be from network or cable television, online news sources or radio, we tend to expect the media to be the first on the scene. But on July 29, an unconventional source was the first to break the news about the earthquake that struck southern California. more >>
Soaring energy costs are taxing our economy and leaving us dangerously dependent on foreign energy sources. The U.S. Department of Energy projects that our need for electricity will increase 25 percent by 2030. While global demand increases, worldwide energy supply remains fairly stagnant, unnecessarily restrained by government regulations and prohibitions. To reduce the cost of fuel and power and ensure we can meet energy demands into the future, we must increase domestic supply and expand our portfolio of energy options. Now is the time to make nuclear power a greater part of America’s energy solution. Nuclear power is a clean, efficient, domestic source of energy, but it is currently underutilized. From 1950 through the 1970s, there was a surge in U.S. nuclear power, and more than 100 reactors were commissioned in 31 states. However, by the end of the 1970s, construction on nuclear reactors slowed. Federal research and development funding for nuclear technology declined as investors pursued sources of electricity with lower capital and development costs. America began to turn away from nuclear power. more >>
I witnessed another dog-related issue last week that made my skin crawl. I was outside visiting with a neighbor when a young teenage boy walked up with my neighbor’s son and a female American bulldog in tow. The dog was covered with mange from the bottom of her rib cage to the end of her nose. I spoke with the boy who explained it was red mange and not contagious. This female is one of six pair of breeders they own. I have not seen the kennel, but my neighbor says it is sickening. I decided I would try again to inform people a little more about choosing a dog and what they will more than likely be buying out of the back of someone’s car in a parking lot or from a puppy mill. First, let me say that I am not claiming to know everything about dogs. I just have a great passion for animals, dogs, especially. My knowledge comes from experience. Almost every breed of dog, if not every breed, has some type of dominating, genetic, medical problem. I am only going to discuss a few very prominent problems. There are problems in many breeds about which I know nothing. Call any veterinarian’s office and tell his/her staff you are looking at purchasing a certain breed and ask the staff about the genetic defects of that breed. Most veterinarian staff will know from experience or will get you the information and possibly a referral to a reputable breeder. You can also pick up one of those little books about the breed you are considering at the pet store. They give you information on what to look for in choosing a puppy. Don’t skip the questions to a vet, though. more >>
Exelon Nuclear contends that its plan to build two new nuclear reactors will benefit Victoria County. The reactors will generate new jobs and tax revenue, they say, while creating electricity that Texas needs. But company officials don’t talk about the health risks the reactors will create. And public health, not economics or energy, should be the most critical aspect of the plan. more >>
The Texas Mid Coast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors and the ABC Texas Mid Coast Construction Education Foundation (CEF) supports Exelon and its proposed Nuclear Power Generation project. With core values of integrity and respect, Exelon Nuclear’s corporate culture defines its commitment to the environment, industry and communities. The Exelon Nuclear standard for safe, well-trained employees clearly reflects a dedication to the well-being of its workforce and adherence to regulatory compliance in operations. Exelon Nuclear’s proven successes reflect a record that would support plans and objectives for the proposed Victoria site and the future for more affordable power generation and supply in Texas. With it’s allegiance to partnerships and service to the community, Exelon Nuclear has proven to be a good neighbor and a steward for preservation and conservation while also committing to the future for energy, our industry and our communities. more >>
Q: We recently had a hurricane threat. What should I do for my pets? A: Disasters can happen at any time, and they do not have to be just hurricanes. Things such as floods, tornadoes, fires, or any other cause for mandatory evacuation. more >>
As the community outreach manager-Texas for Exelon, I am proud to call Victoria my new home and I am glad to answer the questions raised in a recent letter. During construction, more than 2,000 skilled and professional workers would be hired, and afterward, 700-800 people would work at the plant. more >>
The dangers inherent in the foreign policy advocated by the neo-conservatives are well known. While many Americans have become increasingly aware of those dangers, far less attention has been focused on the dangers of neo-conservative economic policies. This issue is of critical importance right now, because many are mistakenly pointing their fingers at the free market as the culprit behind our current economic plight. There are only a few in elected office who have any real loyalty to free markets and limited government. The agenda of neo-conservatives in the economy calls for a very active central government. Indeed, while there are some neo-conservatives who continue to use the rhetoric of limited government, and who oppose increases in the federal income tax as a way to maintain the political benefits that apply to those who talk about free markets, it is now the neo-conservatives who promote fiat monetary policies even more than those on the liberal left. more >>
Dennis Tardan’s editorial of July 12, “A New Declaration of Independence,” employs one unproven theory (man-improving evolution ) to bolster another (Man-made global warming.) I won’t offer proof that both theories are far from proven; arguments over controversial theories, while stimulating, accomplish little. All parties are convinced they’re already seeing the truth, a fact complicated by our all-too-human tendency to believe just what we want to. I write only to point out a dangerous tendency found in all evolutionary social theory. According to Tardan, the shortage of oil will move mankind past its “adolescent” dependence on fossil fuels toward a glorious adulthood of environmentally friendly methods of energy production. It’s all very much like the science fiction novel, 2001: A Space Odyssey, published by Arthur C. Clark in 1968. Clark’s vision begins with our ancestral apes getting some high-level brain stimulation from aliens, then evolving with and through technology into adolescent-human consumerism, eating Big Macs on the moon and rapidly depleting the planet. Meanwhile, the international political competition for resources grows feverish, with rogue third-world nations procuring atomic bombs and threatening Armageddon. But on the very Eve of Destruction the aliens “evolve” another human, morphing him into a godlike being who solves all the problems of humanity. more >>
