Editorial: IS JUDGE ANGELICA HERNANDEZ A WILLING TOOL FOR AN AMBITIOUS CLIQUE TO WIN CASES?

KLEBERG/NUECES TX -- Terry Shamsie, a stalwart Democrat with extreme left views was the Nueces County Judge through the aid of Rene Rodriguez and quasi-political boss turned US Congressman Filemon Vela. 
Some years back when Shamsie took office as County Judge, he supposedly turned on Vela and was described as erratic by some of his peers on many county decisions. Failing to penetrate the circles of "the good ole boy" network he linked with Solomon P. Ortiz/Lencho Rendon political machine.  Was it a costly mistake?
   When Lloyd Neil came on the scene in 2006 endorsed by the inner core of the regional Republican circle, Shamsie felt betrayed and humiliated and took the path of less resistance and withdrew his candidacy for re-election..
  Shamsie's story has been one of political "tailcoating" and lost potential and resources in maintaining power; however, the paradox is that it has been a sustained political machine for Attorney Rene Rodriguez on the other hand. Rodriguez has been known for rough and cutthroat politics -- Shamsie sometimes disparingly labeled "the second banana".   Shamsie has made it know to several parties that one of his roles has been collecting "negative" information and data on targeted incumbents in the machine.
  Now their (Rene's, Shamsie's girl) Angelica who turned Republican to get elected on 2010 has been tainted by the Shamsie "Don Nuts-type" antics that reportedly led her down a path of not accepting plea agreements and speaking to offenders off the bench. But her antics have been classified as bizarre and hurtful.  Kleberg/Kenedy County District Attorney John Hubert in his motion (for Judge Hernandez to recuse herself from hearing criminal cases) cites examples of sexual humiliation by the cited judge.  Hubert cites a few examples in the mentioned motion where the judge told a few of his colleagues and others present that she was going to make him (Hubert) take a photo in her court with a rubber XXXXXX -- that is, the evidence in a case; and thus use it in her political campaign.  The cited judge also told one of the employees how much she wanted to "f*XXX" with the District Attorney -- according to the motion filed by Hubert.
   There are other accusations.   Shamsie had suddenly become a regular staple at her office afte she was re-elected.  Judge Hernandez had made remarks in the past that he (Shamsie) had been one of her poliical advisors in getting elected.  If proven, the alleged recordings of her speaking to an offender that Shamsie was a lawyer to and the offender was in front of her court could lead to a total loss of public trust in the judicial system in Kleberg county.
  As we might see, even the Administrative Court (presiding over this conflict has one of Shamsie's ongoing chupapas* over the years).  The assistant for the Administrative Judge should have disclosed both her alarmingly personal and long hisstoric political links with Shamsie -- clearly establishing she has a bias in the case.  This issues might raise the suspicious and wrath of Dist. Judge Nanette Hassette (Shamsie's wife) in that her career might be affected. Scandals are brewing and involve many politicos and players established in the coves of power.
  The appointment of visiting Judge Martha Huerta Quintanilla to preside over the 105th (i.e., over Judge Hernandez' cases) does not help matters.   Judge Huerta-Quintanilla was recruited by Rodriguez and Shamsie and Vela to ran under their coordinative structure for office over the years -- both Rene Rodriguez and Terry Shamsie have taken credit for it on radio (a show called "Verdades Y Chismes").  Judge Huerta-Quintanilla is now seeking a judicial post (Nueces County Court At Law) once occupied by Shamsie (a post Shamsie lost in an election not too long ago).  Judge Huerta-Quintanilla should have in the very least disclose to the Administrative Judge she had been recruited to run for a post (and has Shamsie as a political consultant) before taking over the 105th in which her campaign consultant has legal pending for his client(s).
   Hernandez faces an opponent in less than three months in a Republican primary. Is this Hubert (who comes from an extremely respected pioneering family of Kleberg County) playing politics or has Judge Hernandez violated her oath with Shamsie's client? The jail's recording will reveal all.

Editorial: VICTOR LARA ORTEGON: Spanish Radio Newscaster And Cultural Symbol by HOMER0 VILLARREAL

Corpus Christi/Nueces County, TX --  Victor Lara Ortegon like a meteorite he lit up the heavens for Mexican Americans in the Coastal Bend when he relocated here after working in Houston for KULU radio (since 1950).  He immigrated to the United States  with the love of his life – Hortencia; they had one son: Victor P. Lara Ortegon Jr.

A compelling and positive reference person for the Hispanic Community he became.  Victor Lara Ortegon functioned as a Spanish Radio Newscaster (and host of “Comentarios”) for KUNO radio since 1953 until his retirement in 2000.  KUNO radio at the time was owned by non-Hispanics.  “KUNO had a profit motive and understandably so; they wanted to capture the huge Mexican American advertising market at the time,” he told the founding couple of El Defenzor the day he announced his retirement. “I felt an obligation to focus on hard news during my early Spanish newscast to keep the masses of listeners informed.”

He found inspiration in the work of individuals of his time such as Dr. Hector P. Garcia, founder of the American GI Forum who set out to eliminate segregation and humanize institutions.  He interacted with Dr. Hector and discussed how a campaign to promote education as a way to promote social occupational mobility among Mexican Americans was indispensable.  Many Hispanics of the time worked in the fields and other low echelon jobs and the truancy laws were ignored (when it came to being applied to such Hispanic families).

The air of transformation and change was in the air.  There were few media outlet that dealt sincerely with Hispanic issues and the pressing norms of tolerating societal variation.  After a decade or so with KUNO, he convinced the management to pilot an “open mic” program during the noon hour on Morgan Ave., (he would run a phone wire from a building and broadcasted on the side of the street).  Eventually “COMENTARIOS” became institutionalized and found a hefty roll of advertisers.  By the late 1960s, a few more radical voices such as MAYO (Mexican American Youth Organization) and RAZA UNIDA (were competing for a captive audience).  LULAC and the American GI Forum were considered more conservative and too ultra-patriotic organizations at the time (LULAC especially was considered too middle-class oriented and did not allow immigrants to join initially).

Lara Ortegon was initially reluctant to give the new left a voice on “COMENTARIOS” because the management of the station had voiced some subtle protestations. But the issues were too many to ignore.  First the way the voting districts of the municipality of Corpus Christi were arranged became challenged in court – specialists such as Attorney William Bonilla (who became national president of LULAC) participated.  The claim was that they “diluted” the chances of Mexican Americans being elected to city positions. 

The social debates continued to erupt on “COMENTARIOS”.  Other issues followed. A young college student – Carlos Guerra (a native of Robstown, Texas) – who had taken a radical stance and help found MAYO at Texas A&I University (Kingsville) and had gained national attention during the 1960s after a dorm mother did not allow him to pick up his date (a non-Hispanic young woman) to a function.   Carlos Guerra showed up on comentarios with long hair and an “army” jacket blasting the “good ole boy” Anglo Power Structure of the Area.  Guerra went on to appear in the Austin Statesman and on the cover of Rollin’ Stone Magazine (Guerra would eventually become a commentator in the latter part of his life for the San Antonio Expresss-News).

But “COMENTARIOS” was not only about politics.  It had a platform without contingent parameters. If one’s house had burned down, it was the appropriate place to ask for aid. But overall, Host Lara-Ortegon used it to reinforce the cultural and history of the Mexican American – little did he realize at first the huge socio-educational and political base of El Pueblo Hispano.

Victor Lara Ortegon was born on September 28, 1924 to Gregorio Lara Galindo and Juana Ortegon Alderete in Candela Coahuila, Mexico.  Later his parents relocated to Laredo, Texas where they resided just across the street from a radio station.  He went to work for the XEFE station in 1948.  He received technical training as a newscaster.

Lara Ortegon orbited the civil-rights leaders of the time and the bug of politics stung him; and it seemed essential in keeping things in perspective in reference to one’s values and belief structure.  He was a middle of the spectrum Democrat.  Politicos like Carlos Truan (a native of Kingsville) emerged running State Representative and later State Senator;  Solomon P. Ortiz (a native of Robstown) who ran for various posts victoriously: constable, county commissioner, sheriff, and later U.S. Representative and numerous others.  Educational, union, business leaders were emerging: a new middle class composed as a novel ethno-class of Mexican Americans was emerging in the region.  New middle class neighborhoods emerged flaunting the individual success of a few powerbrokers – as well as the new ethno-class and social pretentions and assimilation that go along with it.  But even then a middle-class segmentation had emerged between Hispanics and non-Hispanics.  The issues of the day were vast and needed an outlet for conflict-resolution.

The diverse voices of diverse political leanings in the community were gradually integrated.  Benny Benavides (who was informally bestowed the title of “co-host”) at “COMENTATIOS” became an added component.  The latter Benavides was retired but had a vast military background and was one of the original members to file a lawsuit against Frito-Lay for the “Frito Bandido” stereotypes promoted in many a commercial of the time.   Lara-Ortegon due to the collective needs of the time began to integrate and reinforce a strong political identity and base via his Spanish language and culturally charged radio program.  Anglocentric view of the time were challenged on his show; bilingual, multi-cultural education was openly promoted as an alternative.   Even non-Hispanic voices joined in the conflict-resolution of the day.  “COMENTARIOS”.  This noon show became more than just a plug for politicos, but a place where political accountability was demanded and ethics were shaped.  “Politicos that felt too big for their bridges, were brought down a peg or two,” David Noyola, a community activist shared. “Victor also tried to identify positive role models in the community for the youth to look up to – to find the inspiration to shape society this that way – such as the late Selena Quintanilla-Perez.”

Luis Alonzo Munoz eventually bought KUNO – one of Lara Ortegon’s colleague a few years before Victor Lara Ortegons retirement in the year 2000; at a time after it had been sold and consolidated by CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS. Ortegon worked with other great colleagues like Ponce De Leon,Panchito Fregoso Gomez, Joe Gonzalez, Virginia Constante and others.  Years earlier a scholarship had been established in his name at Del Mar College; a street named in his honor (near Holly Rd. and Greenwood Drive), a Medical Satellite Clinic on Greenwood (near the Molina neighborhood)  also carried his name.  Como decia su tio Gerardo en Candela “Este arroz ya se cocio” Que en paz descanse el senior Victor Lara Ortegon.

[A funeral mass was held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2013 at our Lady of Pilar Catholic Church. Interment followed at Rose Hill Memorial Park.]

WILLIAM D. BONILLA (former owner of the BONILLA LAWFIRM BUILDING) responds to accusations by the CALLER-TIMES!

Corpus Christi, TX -- A second video clip interview with WILLIAM D. BONILLA SR. has been released by El Defenzor.  Bonilla's remarks are in respond to a December 4th article put out by the CORPUS CHRISTI CALLER-TIMES entitled "The BONILLAS ARE IN LEGAL TROUBLE AGAIN!".

Please view video clip (it is the property of El Defenzor.. contact homervillarreal@gmail.com); Media Entities please contact Mr. Homer Villarreal at the cited email to acquire the indispensable permission to use it.

Please click on link below to view an interview with William D. Bonilla Sr.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4CUKPZdgqc&feature=youtu.be

WILLIAM BONILLA SR. DEFINES THE CALLER-TIMES IN ONE WORD: "RUTHLESS".

Corpus Christi, TX -- As the Corpus Christi Caller-Times times undergoes a change of the guard: the new administrative wave passionately creates targets in a clear attempt to get ratings.  On December 4, 2013 the Caller-Times targeted the "BONILLAS" (lawfirm at the corner of Port & Morgan Ave.) in Corpus Christi, Texas).  The main headline read "BONILLAS AGAIN IN LEGAL TROUBLE."  This article was reinforced by a subsequent one two days later claiming there were outstanding legal complains at the State Bar and implicitly and explicitly implying their were legal charges being seriously considered by Nueces County District Attorney Mark Skurka.

El Defenzor and El Pueblito -- two publications published/edited by Homero Villarreal are actively investigating the "SHOCK AND AWE" propaganda attacks launched by the CALLER-TIMES targeting the BONILLAS.  A hash of interviews are in the works both with the BONILLAS and the District Attorney's Office as well as power figures in the community who are openly providing valuable insight into the "demonization" campaign as one prominent businessman on the inside put it.  The Caller-Times (appointed informally as the "mouthpiece" to promote DESTINATION BAYFRONT) failed in its mission and now are resorting to scapegoating tactics to detract their inadequacies before the power structure it appears, according to inside analysts.

As a teaser, the following video is being put out by  EL DEFENZOR/EL PUEBLITO outlining initial stance and answer from one of the accused parties, the "elder" Bonilla as the Caller-Times put it so expediently:

The following video link can be shared by regular residents on the net and via phone smart systems (except for MEDIA entities -- who should get permission from homervillarreal@gmail.com before attempting to do so).

This video teaser -- an interview of WILLIAM D. BONILLA SR. -- sends a piercing chord of righteous indignation throughout the community; here he cites the falsity of claims by the CALLER-TIMES and cites the possibility of a lawsuit:

PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO VIEW the interview (teaser): (more to follow soon)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_EyrAdMqpc&feature=youtu.be

MOVEMENT AGAINST DESTINATION CORPUS CHRISTI HIJACKED!!!

Editorial:
DESTINATION BAYFRONT was defeated.  Now a dual John Kelly (who has consistent connections with the SOCIALIST PARTY -- USA) and Susie Saldana-Luna (found guilty of slapping a campaign worker during an election) are trying to claim the ultimate jot of credit for the political defeat of the 45 million dollar bond push.   The NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST organization masterminded by respected  businessman Butch Escobedo (the vice President of the Organization) has been contaminated by the cited dual.  The dual went before the city council after the election boasting about what the "people" and "the membership" (of NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST) want for the city of corpus Christi... "Who appointed them my voice or your voice?  What tyrants have hijacked the movement against the bond," said a board member of NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST.
    "Kelly defines it as a defeat of the CAPITALISTS BY the working class (bourgeoisie); Luna, to waterdown the scandals that mill in the back-region of her psyche.  This was not what the sincere struggle of NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST was all about," the cited board member said.
   "We wanted accountability in government and had nothing to do with the wild-eye rhetoric and philosophy of a few who have hijacked it."

Editorial: THE CALLER-TIMES TRYING TO DEFINE OUR LEADERS...destination bayfront leader Kelly? Way Off!

The brain behind NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST opposing Destination Bayfront was BUTCH ESCOBEDO... not the John Kelly  (who has been tied in with the SOCIALIST PARTY -- of the UNITED STATES)... Many of us opposed DESTINATION BAYFRONT for legitimate reasons...Many groups and organizations were involved in the resistance.  However, the Caller Times gives el socialista credit now after the DEFEAT of the pro=DEVELOPER's agenda; The Caller-Times wants to define for us our leaders... JOHN KELLY... Are they joking?  The stats are there: the  wealthy and affluent support DESTINATION $.  The overwhelming majority that would rather have the dollars channeled into infrastructure and neighborhoods were low-income Hispanics..and other disenfranchised groups... We -- the majority -- are not socialists (we don't attend their conventions and write articles for their journals == but John Kelly as repeatedly); nor do we want to stamp out the "free enterprise system"and replace with collectivism and communism... Kelly has participated with the  socialisst (in Texas and at the National Level): it's his right, but is his view is not represententative of the majority on NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST.   He has submitted articles to anti-Free Enterprise organizations (and it his his right -- make no mistake about it -- but it does nor mirror the philosophy of the majority in NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST)...  The majority in NEIBHBORHOOD FIRST are not linked to agenda that includes a global war  (ideological or physical) between the Capitalists and the bourgeoisie (Marxism)... There are a few socialist sites on the internet praising KELLY for raising "class consciousness"...   As  for us we don't want a class war.. nor reconstruction society and destroy its fundamental institutions.  "John Kelly" is no genuine, bona fide friend of the Hispanic Community especially in reference to Civil Rights"-- a quote from JOE ORTIZ, civils rights leader for various Civil rights organizations in the region.. Escobedo who was involved with NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST and its (vice president)  said he did it to hold the "network for profit" (an elite group) from using public dollars for personal gain.... The CALLER-TIMES was way off in defining the true leadership in this movement to hold politicos accountable.

THE CAROL SCOTT "bad breath" MARKETING EFFECT & Destination Bayfront's Failure

Editorial:
THE CAROL SCOTT "bad breath" MARKETING EFFECT & Destination Bayfront's Failure

OPERATION BAYFRONT IS DEAD?    No! The movement by a network for profit (who promises jobs and economic development -- i.e., Al Jones (of american bank), J. Fulton, the infamous couple Carol and Mark (who make huge profits from marketing etc) will come back under a new name like "MegaSize Corpus Christi".  They've ruined the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (co opted it and use it as a front group for their "person   development" )...  It's spooky, the agendas that lurk in the small rooms at American Bank...  The old patron's machine is still around.... Destination Bayfront as the "coal energy" and the "beach take over movement" failed because of one person that is so disliked by many activists: Carol Scott (who sits on the school board and uses used the Corpus Christi Chamber during her tenure as president to monopolize profits (she created Scott Public Relations) but it was too obvious -- now, she gave it a German name: Kailo (glorying Hitler's Germany I guess.. hehehehe or a plastic integrity).  The infamous Carol: the so-called "trustee" of our kids at CCISD; whose bad-breath marketing is destroying the economy of Corpus Christi and making formerly low profile powe-rbrokers and members of the elite power structure: high profile...targets of public scrutiny.

Why have they taken millions of dollars in taxpayer dollars and placed it in economic castles in the sky projects that they benefit and not been fully held accountable?  Because the CALLER-TIMES continues as their mouthpiece -- misleading the masses and co-opting groups like the front group known as LULAC 444: sounds like the mark of Satan; where everyone know the founding chapter of LULAC is Chapter #1 -- y ya. They sit on the CCREDC as corporate members yet like the Hartes before them sit back reading their CAMPS OF THE SAINTS edition (Edna Harte was one of the English editors of the book that was banned in Europe for a long time -- a racist,racist book: unbelievable).

DESTINATION BAYFRONT: FOOD FOR THE RATAS (rats)!!!

Editorial:Destination Bayfront or Final Destination (the horror movie)?
Destination Bayfront is comida para las ratas "food for rats".   You might be shock at the analogy, but once you read on:  an awakening will begin to transpire.
"Destination Bayfront" is not the first ruse, trick, cunning scam to sell the taxpayers money.  It all dates back to the 1970s when these unscrupulous movements started to dupe taxpayers -- to create social welfare for the rich or those who control positions of power.  There might be new politicos now pitching for the hidden power structure who orbit the secret halls and meeting places at American Bank and other places and the unannounced meeting of key administrative persons that sit on the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation.
"Destination Bayfront" is comida para las ratas "food for rats".   There is a hidden power structure that makes a living off taxpayers by selling "shoot for the moon" economic development and progress,but it is "progress" (better comida para las ratas).   Other names have been sold to the taxpayers in years past.  A club of bankers, construction companies and politicos are the main skeleton of the organization.   The real influentials lurk in the dark shadows.   They get the construction companies or  those who will benefit from the project to bankroll the marketing..in this chapter-- Destination Bayfront; then the politicos (politicians in office) who get bankrolled by them to pitch and sell their new ventures to dupe the taxpayers.   Then the bankers make loans to the city and construction companies at ridiculous interests.  (more to come).

WHY DID ROBSTOWN GLORIFY THE NAME OF COTTON PICKER (Piscador)?

Editorial: WHY DID ROBSTOWN GLORIFY THE NAME OF COTTON PICKER (Piscador)?

Robstown, TX –  As many area residents prepare to celebrate COTTONFEST this weekend, a little history of the COTTON PICKER (el piscador) is in order.  The small City of Robstown has evolved over the years. The first settlers were mostly those working on the railroad.  The town was founded officially in the early 1900s. It was named after Robert Driscoll – a wealthy landowner in the region.  Land speculators later came to the area to buy parcels of land as two railroads intersected: the Texas-Mexican with the Missouri Pacific.  It was not much of a developed site early on: small pockets of settlements were scattered here and there.  The relationships between Anglos (i.e., a general umbrella of ethnicities: German, Czech, Bohemian, English, Irish and a few others) and Mexican Americans were distant.

The majority of Mexican Americans – then -- lived mostly in the unincorporated areas of the city such as Casa Blanca, San Pedro and Blue Bonnet.  But then again most of the qualified Mexicans Americans served as cheap agricultural labor for those in privileged positions and growers. These were the societal arrangements; these and others things were the social ethnic segmentation.

Conversely during the 1920s and 1930s, the cotton industry grew immensely.  Cotton picking (piscando) – this was the main occupational demand, a demand that brought many to the area especially Mexican Americans and other minorities and even undocumented ones.  One Texas Almanac records that the city had more cotton gins than any other city in the state and probably the nation during these early years.   

The agricultural industry grew into an all-time high.  The ritual of Cotton picking and its entailing industry brought the best of the cultures of the North and the best of the South together.  Sure there were cultural clashes and social hazing and all the other fancy terms sociology books record; but there was also interchange of ideas and culture and even some degree of alloying.  Eventually this assortment and merger created a common identity with the COTTON INDUSTRY.   A whole rung of titles emerged to identify each workers place in the hierarchy --  from the common piscador (cotton picker) to the jefes (administrator types).  They all felt reliant on each other – like a huge organism that depends on all its parts to function: its liver, its lungs, its heart to stay alive.  

This organism of a structure gave rise to the identity of the city  --  Robstown, was a city no longer just named after a wealthy rancher, but it contained the collective soul of a people tied to the land for survival.  It is no secret that as the years rolled by and schools were formalized – the core athletic team would be known as the “Cotton Pickers”  (los piscadores).  A historical paradox?  Those at the bottom of the social spectrum, of the occupation/job structure were glorified. They kept the motor of the economy running. 

Cotton Pickers (piscadores) – this was a label one carried with pride; it was not stained even with the callousness that social pretension can bring to such a matter.  Cotton Pickers represented hard, diligent working citizens – defined by the bona fide collective spirit and reinforced by the obvious admiration of the majority. 

To this day, one can travel anywhere in the nation and more likely find a family who had a relative that came to work here.  Robstown was booming during this phase in history.   But as all economic movements they subside and sometimes die; they become “defunct” as one poet put it.  But the collective spirit of Robstown has not become “defunct” despite economic transformations and the social-political restructuring of the times. The Industrial Revolution has come and retrenched and the word “Cotton Picker” today still carries a thousand of jabs of pride as it once did during its early history. It seems to be chiseled into the identity of us all who lived here. 

[Note: Please make plans to attend COTTONFEST this weekend at the FAIRGROUNDS (see ADVERTISMENT OF PAGE 3 & 4.  We really should never feel ashamed of being Cotton Pickers;  Cotton Pickers we were.   Cotton Pickers we are; and as Cotton Pickers we shall die.] 

THE POWER STRUCTURE's ROLE in the NAMING of the new CCISD SCHOOL

THE POWER STRUCTURE'S AGENDA IN THE NAMING OF THE  SCHOOL AT CORPUS CHRISTI ISD
Corpus Christi, TX -- Can a power structure in a city like Corpus Christi  influence the planning out  how the process for the naming of a new school will take place and what convenient names will be "thrown into the hat" (as supposedly one administrative influential stated in his cozy office at the bank.  For the layperson it seems too conspiratorial.  "That only took place during the day of the late Political Boss Hayden Head -- and more likely behind closed doors,"  a local Corporate Attorney punned.
But those connected with the illusive elite club (or NETWORK FOR PROFIT) manifested and formalized as a shadow arm of government such as in the CORPUS CHRISTI / Nueces County area have the occasional privilege  of getting a glimpse of the organizational structure.  The leadership in this NETWORK was pushing for one of their own -- County Judge Loyd Neal (who is in the twilight of his life and getting to retire) -- to have the new school which will be built at Cimarron and Lipes named after him.   They tried to do it by a NAMING COMMITTEE.
But the real problem was that it was HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH.  Civil Rights Leaders and activists such as Joe Ortiz (who has a long honorable tract record in the field)  were pointing out that over 53 percent of the kids at CCISD are Hispanic -- yet the leadership, especially the Superintendent of Schools has historically lacked the proper representation.  Many of the Hispanic leaders took  issue with the naming of the school after "Loyd Neal" (who has a tenebrific political  history of benefiting via his insurance business connections from his political tenures in office). His benefits: the implicit and explicit lobbying to land fo the contracts for insurance companies (which he has traditionally been affiliated with during the course of the business ventures): examples include, lobbying for the contracts of the city, of the school,  and even the insurance of the county; and that of the RTA.  Neal has used his para-mouthpieces to lobby at offical and unofficial meetings.
In response: some pressure was applied to consider Hispanic names. They saw it as an indispensable humanizing force that CCISD adopt culturally relevant heroes and exemplary figures by recognizing positive Hispanic "role models" especially during HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH.  Retired General Marc Cisneros and Jose A Gonzales were added to the roster of names under consideration.
The power structure turned, supposedly, to those figureheads (enrolled in the CORPUS CHRISTI  HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE) it channels business and/or favors to with tax-dollars and arranged for them to make the organization -- endorse the naming of the "new school" after LOYD NEAL.  It backfired and the Hispanic Chamber was further exposed for its overt and covert activities for kowtowing to special interest.
Civil Rights Activist Joe Ortiz explained: "The arrangement of the powerhouse of Corpus Christi has not changed much over the years. The power structure (mostly Anglos) after the death of the late Dr. Hector P. Garcia saw the infighting and natural divisions in the Hispanic community in trying to resolve the new course of leadership. They did not see, as before, a clear identifiable figure they could approach for addressing Hispanic issues -- that clarity had been buried with the late Dr. Garcia.  The elite decided to create an entity... that is, an entity they could co-opt. "
Ortiz added: "They penetrated and took over the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce so it could serve as a subservient-like entity to the regular chamber (i.e., the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce) as well as to justify their whims.  The original Mexican Chamber of Commerce (when the Bonilla brothers/attorneys and other leaders) were there -- they had healthy goals.  Later the Mexican American Chamber got absorbed and renamed the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  The city even began to fund them.  Why? The organization was gradually being transformed and shaped into  serving as a front group for the top dog interest groups and their greedy agendas.  In a few words: to broaden their power and domain."
But one TV personality -- Attorney Joe Flores (host of SOUTH TEXAS CROSSFIRE which broadcasts via KTMV) was the decisive counter-force that halted the move to use the CORPUS CHRISTI HISPANIC CHAMBER (again, during Hispanic Heritage Month) as a legitimizing front group.  Attorney Flores blasted the resolution to support the naming of the new school after "Loyd Neal" for an entire week.  Even politico/businessman JOHN VALLS and a few others (affiliated with the at some level with the group) gripped over the expose.
JOHN VALLS is seen in various lights: some insiders see him as just someone being prepped by the NETWORK as a role model for the HISPANIC COMMUNITY; others see him as an elitist "token head" who is too removed from the daily orbit of the Hispanic masses.  His leadership in the RTA in the last year or so brought up many a stigmatization.
To return to the crux of the issue. Once the resistive HISPANIC variable of resistance started to go viral over the net and Loyd Neal's real profiteering endeavors began to surface and CCISD's School Board member Carol Scott's connection to multi-national corporate agendas (like the infamous scandal of her Coal Energy toot-horning and using CCISD to make promotional TV commercials) began to surface: the mandated "Plan B" supposedly came trickling down the chain to the various rungs of the cited NETWORK.  The generic name of "Veterans Memorial" would be more suitable to placate the growing dissatisfaction among  the genuine Hispanic activists and leaders.  But some saw it as a move to alternatively suppress the naming of the school after an Hispanic.
And Retired General Cisneros is not coy in stating what in his mind.  The general has accused the CORPUS CHRISTI CALLER-TIMES as racist in many a political endeavor; and he credits for criticizing his tenure as the former president of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Joe Ortiz asked: "How can the man that was handpicked by the United States Government and the Penagon to go after the former dictator of Panama -- Noriega -- have such unpleasant experiences during his return to South Texas? -- this is one question that lingers on the mind of many.  The social-political institutions have not changed much since he left South Texas (he is originally from Premont, Texas) to serve his country.  The feelings seemed to get more personal when attempting to fight oppression at home than aboard."
But to CCISD School Board Trustee and NETWORK profiteer Carol Scott, who grew in nearby Bishop, Texas at a time where classical segregation of Hispanics and Anglos in residential pockets were evident -- where one could identify segregation and apartheid-like conditions with the precision of a razon blade, it was just a grip utter or a "chip" on a shoulder.  However, to Attorney Joe Flores it was a mater of role-models:  "Was it too much to ask for to name a school that is predominantly Hispanic, during Hispanic Heritage Month after a politiive role model who orbits and reaches out fairly to all sectors of the community like an Hispanic?".  Flores favored the new school being named after County Commissioner Jose A. Gonzales (JAG), a former Justice of the Peace and an activist in EDUCATION IS OUR FREEDOM stared by the late HECTOR P. GARCIA, founder of the American GI Forum.
To top things off, the tension mounted. A thirteen year old Hispanic CCISD student was bitten by ants during a game at his middle school and died as a result of it. The school board trustees were asked by a TV station if they wanted to come and examined the site of the incident.  Only Trustee Lucy Rubio and later John Marez inspected the it.  Some observers interpreted the "no show" of some of the other members of the school board as reflecting the social distance still in existence in their minds between the two communities -- Anglo and Hispanic/ethnic minorities.
Attorney Joe Flores insisted during an interview: "The mindset needs to change pronto.  The sensitivity level is beginning to foment unrest.  Education should be our freedom, as the late Dr. Hector (Garcia) stated so eloquently during his day.  These social walls fabricated long ago by ethnocentrism and cold convenience need to be brought down.  There is only one race -- the human race.  Yet we all share special and unique subcultures -- and thus should be respected and our way of life: observed... for not to do so, is to erase something special and also reinforcing disrespect for others that are culturally varying and unique in their ways."

JUDGE TOM GREENWELL'S SYMBOLIC SUICIDE MESSAGE

THE BELOVED DIST. JUDGE TOM GREEWELL

NUECES COUNTY, TX – District Judge Tom Greenwell was one of the most respected professionals during his career. He was the first Republican in Nueces County to win for a countywide position – which he did as a District Judge. He had a “happy go lucky” attitude.  How he could take a gun inside the chambers of his courtroom and commit self-murder on July 15th caught those that thought they knew him well off guard.

The traditional media and top law enforcement investigators went off on an unorthodox tangent.  After all, it had occurred inside the courthouse.  During the course of the investigation theories were expounded based on rumor and innuendo that transcended the orbit of his life, a life of a simple man who orbited the ritual corridors and habitual floors and conversational circles of the courthouse for thirty-some years on a daily basis. 

It cannot be denied that his stunning timing to self-destruct via suicide left a void of information (mostly of hovering clouds charged with questions). And when such a void exits, rumor-mongering arises as a social phenomenon to fill the void.  And thus it was in the nature of many intransigents to expound fictions and fantasies to fill the void of the collective imagination – to inject a sense of completion mostly to satisfy the palate of those in the audience who have socio-psychological proclivities to appeal to the exotic and/or vicarious gratification. Drop by drop the void was being jam-packed with imaginative scenarios.

 Yet Judge Greenwell’s life and contributions -- after the obsessed exploration into his personal life by some uncaring -- was treated as secondary.  Delving into his personal life became priority.  His professional normative status that Judge Greenwell projected on the stage of his career was not media viral.  The camera was pointed at the shadows in the background: in the back region of the public facade.  They tried to penetrate the veneer of his daily impressions and dig deep into his cloudy chest to try and arrive at something really meaningful or controversial or oppressive.  They discovered in the end that his life resemble that of most of us: “We choose our path and our friends and our entrusted partners and one should not complain about that in the end.” As Judge Greenwall had one cited a proverb to a friend: “One should not complain about the horse if it loses a race; afterall, one chose to bet on it.”

But despite the facts before them – i.e., the investigative journalists and researchers probing into the case. The private life of one of the most respected professionals could not be cloistered anymore – some in the public demanded it.  Many cheered on for someone to identify a target and demonized it for having allegedly rattled his mind and thus broken the fragile glass of Greenwell’s sanity.  The target became Albert Fuentes.  The 36-year old man that lived with Judge Greenwell and whom he referred to as “his son”. 

The flippant and finger-pointing inhumanity grew into a frenzy.  Albert Fuentes – this was the person that was highlighted in bold headlines; this was the “person of interest” accused both implicitly and explicitly of being a blackmailer, a con, a deviant. Words like “extortion” and “squeezing” and “pressure” were tossed around during the investigation by a few representatives investigators of public  and private entities.  Yet if one had kept up with Greenwell’s own sincere statements, one open-minded enough would have arrived at a different conclusion. He had stated in years pass in front of a camera that he had put all his love and compassion and affection in Fuentes to attempt to change the murky course of his life.  Fuentes had worked for Greenwell in the past – during his private practice days.   After that chapter, Greenwell took him in and provided shelter for him at his residence in Flour Bluff.

Still, forces of discontent pressed on.   “How could a conservative Republican such a precarious path?” –there were contradictions that needed to be spinned by politicos also.  Eventually the sacred curtain of Judge Greenwell’s private life was lifted and others joined in the mob to vent cobwebs of misguided moral judgments.  It seemed like secondary excitement (what social scientists call “vicarious gratification”) to many watching TV or reading the output of spins on the press.  Even an echo of a prying bible trumping charlatan pointed to variables too standoffish to sincerely have relevance to the clang that influenced the decisive tenebrific flash, the flash that ignited the courthouse for a few milliseconds and then brought death in a tightfisted micron.  It was as if a light bulb had been switched on and off nippily.  In the last breaths of  Judge Greenwell’s existence, in the last mental images, in the last scribbled notes (a personal will) cited his concern for Albert Fuentes, and thus so left all his possessions to him.  The non-traditional arrangement between Greenwell and Fuentes was not received well by especially by those who like to cast moral stones.

“What was so wrong with the above?” – the varying viewpoints of spectators were also critical.  Judge Greenwell had no relatives in the area; no family to call his own in the purest sense of the societal norms of the day.  One could ask now, in retrospect: “Does it logically follow that he would leave everything on his last testament/will to those closest to him?”. The answer of course is a “no-brainer”.

Even some time before Judge Greenwell has been advised by one his campaign consultants to disassociate himself from Albert Fuentes as much as possible.  Judge Greenwell’s answer (at least uttered to this heartfelt effect): “Would you abandon your son during trying times?” A “mentor” and a “father image” to Fuentes was the way he equated the association.

Judge Greenwell had grew up in the Northeastern part of the U.S.  After high school he attended Georgetown University earning a bachelor’s (with a double major: political science and journalism).  After that he attended University of Texas Law School where he graduated with honors in 1981.  That same year he started a job as a legal researcher with the 13^th Court of Appeals.  A few years later he became the head of the legal staff.  In the later 90s he went into private practice -- where he contemplated to run for office and where he met Albert Fuentes (whom he hired as a clerk).

He ran as a Republican for a District Judge position and lost the first time around by about a margin of a thousand votes.  After that Greenwell regrouped and courted various others groups with a bi-partisan leaning.  The base of this new support came from the nifty courting of the courthouse culture – the “courthouse family” as he called it.  He had worked both extensively and diligently for the 13^th Court of Appeals and had develop lasting friendship with many a staff member who worked there.  Keep in mind that back then, there was not much of a Republican Party in the expanse. The skeleton of the party was composed of a few who worked tirelessly to make inroads in this traditionally Democratic region.

He alloyed and mobilized his base – also, some doctors had organized politically to defend their interests: how many were the new factors that contributed to the edge he needed to win for office.  Additionally, his research showed that residents who had Democratic leanings under 30 were more likely to cross party lines, and he did capitalize on it.

Greenwell ran again for a district Judge post and won by defeating Martha “Marty” Huerta in 2001, a post he held until the end.   This victory raised the psychology of the regional Republican Party – activist such as Joe Jouell, Lance Bruun, Judge Robert Pate and a few others.  It seemed that overnight the GOP here had grown by leaps and bounds. Various schools of thought joined.  For the first time Republicans began to recruit and assign a demonstrative cluster of precinct chairs.

Judge Greenwell had been the “dove” of the party.  He had been like a meteorite that had lid up the sky for a while in the region.  He seemed to have used the electrifying principles of Tesla to garner bipartisan support.  As a judge he was described as balanced and fair: he could be as soft as a misty cloud in dealing with some who had committed infractions for the first time and as hard as steel with other who had done terrible things. 

He did run for a 13^th Court of Appeals post last November, but failed in his bout against Nora Longoria from the Valley.  He was devastated by the loss.  There was no tsunami of Republican votes who ran to the polls to vent their frustration with Democrats – this key variable was not there.  It was somewhat noticeable that Judge Greenwell’s voice seemed to reveal a higher level of anxiety at times.  His finances were in turmoil.  After taking his life, many suggested that hefty payouts to Albert Fuentes and another individuals might be indicators of some sort of extortion.  The matter was delved into by law enforcement – but in the end, when all was said and done, Sheriff Jim Kaelin and his key investigators concluded that the most likely factor that might have pushed him over the edge was enormous debt.

Texas Governor Rick Perry mandated the flags be flown at half-staff in government entities.  Many spoke well of him during his memorial service; others threw parties commemorating his death at local cantinas to try to capitalize on his following now adrift.  Some democrats also voiced the sentiment: “We lost ‘OUR’ Republican”. 

“Why did he take his life in his own chambers?” – this was a reoccurring question of discussion among many a group.  “Was his death symbolic?” – this is another.  Judge Tom Greenwell had spent most of his life at the courthouse and he considered many there as the closest substitution for a family.  This place was the closest thing to a sense of security.  Here he scribbled his last few thoughts on paper; here he made a summary of a summary of how his possessions and properties and other arrangements would be handled.  Here, where he stood in the summit of his career, raised a gun to his head and pulled the trigger exhaling his last breath, a prayer to Albert Fuentes and an adios to his friends.  Here the dove flew to the sky and caressed the face of God with the palm of his hand – ready to face judgment as a humbled would as if it being a mere grain of sand on the beach.

Yet questions linger: “Was there closure to his death?”; “Who will be the new ‘dove’ of the party to keep the bipartisan support?”.  These and other questions linger among activists and think-tanks and amidst the burg.  But it is clear that he left a symbolic message in this manner of suicide:  self-murder in the courthouse, the ultimate symbolic institution and orbit of societal judgement Society had question his private arrangements; he shattered the symbolic figure of the norm: he himself.

 

The War on Drugs: An Interview with Federal Trial Attorney Joe Flores

 THE WAR ON DRUGS:

AN INTERVIEW WITH FEDERAL TRIAL ATTORNEY JOE FLORES

Private prisons have become a 50 Billion dollar industry and growing. The "War on Drugs" has fueled this growth in part, and many individuals are benefitting from this campaign that costs the taxpayers more money. El Defenzor recently interviewed federal trial attorney Joe Flores and did some research into many of the facts regarding incarceration in America.

FACTS

Surprisingly the Attorney General admits that we are imprisoning our citizens for far too long, particularly when it involves drug offenses. Drug offenders that are nonviolent are doing longer sentences in many instances than rapists, murderers, child molesters and thieves. Violent offenders often are released much earlier than first time drug offenders because of the so-called "mandatory minimums" that mandate that judges give certain sentences for drug offenses up to natural life. Attorney General Eric Holder said in a speech April 5, 2013 delivered at the 15th Annual National Action Network Convention stated as follows; “Too many people go to too many prisons for far too long for no good law enforcement reason. It is time to ask ourselves some fundamental questions about our criminal justice system. Statutes passed by legislatures that mandate sentences, irrespective of the unique facts of an individual case, too often bear no relation to the conduct at issue, breed disrespect for the system, and are ultimately counterproductive. It is time to examine our systems and determine what truly works. We need to ensure that incarceration is used to punish, to rehabilitate, and to deter — and not simply to warehouse and forget.” found at http://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/ag/speeches/2013/ag-speech-130404.html

POLITICS

Many believe that the "War on Drugs" is simply a way for politicians to get elected, has not decreased American's desire for drugs, and with half of the 300 million people in this country presently on drugs or that have tried drugs that are legal or illegal it is unlikely that people will "just say no". Moreover, even if not using cocaine or marijuana or other illicit substances people are still abusing tobacco, alcohol and prescription medication at a significant rate. The pharmaceutical industry pushes "legal drugs" every night on our television for every ailment- yet possessors of marijuana are doing hard time. The rate of incarceration has accelerated exponentially since President Nixon began the War on Drugs 40 years ago. America has 5% of the world's population yet houses 25% of the world's prisoners. America gives sentences that are twice as long as England, three times as long as Canada and five times as long as France for the same offense.

MORE CRIMINALS IN AMERICA?

Are there more criminals in America? "Hardly", says federal attorney Joe Flores. "The War on Drugs in America and the privatization of prisons has created a system that warehouses more people than ever before. 1 in 100 of our citizens is facing charges or imprisoned. From firearms charges, for the purchase of some banned weapon(s) that a person unwittingly bought at a gun show, to living in a home where someone possessed methamphetamine, to being "snitched" on by an informant who may identify the wrong person, there are injustices happening every day, and very long sentences are awaiting  many.  I have seen more and more federal gun charges against "good law-abiding country boys" right here in South Texas looking at 5 years for having a pre-ban gun even if they didn't know they could purchase it.  Even if you are first-time offender, non-violent, and have zero criminal history, mandatory minimum sentencing can tie the judge's hands unless the defendant can give the prosecutor information worthy of leading to other arrests or provide other benefit to the government on drug offenses, no matter if there was no violence committed.  The collateral effects of legislators passing these laws equals to the destruction of childrens' lives, wrecking families, and hurting the taxpayer and all for the sake of putting a way a non-violent felon for 10 years or more at cost of over $250,000. When some child's  mom or dad goes to prison for a first offense for years this has a devastating and multi-general traumatic effect on the whole family and the risk of that child going to prison rises exponentially."

THE WAR ON DRUGS: IS BIG BROTHER WATCHING YOU? COULD YOU BE IN A LINEUP AND NOT KNOW IT?
To El Defenzor's shock,  as a matter of public record, it is standard operating procedure for DEA agents and Homeland security to create computerized lineups through the use of pictures of law-abiding citizens without their knowledge through the use of their driver’s license. Your picture could be in a lineup and you would not even know it.  This is done often simply because of a similarity in appearance to someone else in a lineup who is a suspected criminal.

Face recognition software and multiple cameras and recording of license plates  are also used at checkpoints. "We have put billions into the War on Drugs while only the very poor or the very rich can afford drug treatment because the funding just isn't there. If we used a campaign similar to our attack on big tobacco we would have much better results. We have seen a way to combat drugs in decriminalizing possession, decreased sentences, and focusing on treatment as an alternative that works in Portugal- where rates of drug abuse have dropped significantly. Former DEA and other law enforcement officials in organizations like LEAP have also indicated that the War on Drugs as we are combating it is unwinnable" stated Flores.

BUILDING MORE WALLS AROUND THE BORDER IS NOT HELPING THE DRUG PROBLEM

In Mexico, there have been over 50,000 deaths due to the drug wars.  We do not recognize the Mexican problem as a civil war, which it is to some extent, because we would then have to give amnesty to those living in fear and seeking asylum.  Who's fault is the drug war? Their is equal blame to pass around:  The United States comprises 40% of the world's demand for cocaine even though we are only 5% of the world's population. We also have more prisoners in our cells than both China and Russia. There are no easy solutions but funding more arrests in order for state law enforcement to get money is not the remedy. States do not get the amount of funding for arrests on rape, murder and assault as they do for drug arrests. In fact, law enforcement is encouraged in the system to make more arrests on drugs so that those statistics justify more War on Drug money. Politicians then get generous campaign contributions for having a "Tough on Crime" and "War on Drugs"s stance from proponents of prisons and other special interest groups. Seizing properties has helped local law enforcement budgets but at the sacrifice of focusing in on statistics of drug busts so that the federal government can give even more money to state and local law enforcement agencies. It is the proverbial carrot and stick: A vicious cycle begins when the ratcheting up of federal and state sentences for drug offenses escalates due to politicians running on tough on crime platforms to get elected. Law enforcement agencies naturally don't object because they are receiving desperately needed funding. Private prisons are fast approaching and rivaling state prisons in warehousing prisoners. Recently, one corporate chain of private prisons wrote the governor of all 50 states inviting them to consider allowing them to run all the prisons in America.  What would happen to the incentive for early discharge of non-violent offenders if there was a corporate incentive to house as many people as long as you can? It is already happening in many places in America. Small towns across America have a Wal-Mart and a prison for work. Private prisons create incentives to provide jail time:  We have seen one at least one instant of this : A judge in Pennsylvania  incarcerated children for school infractions and small amounts of marijuana, fighting, or talking back at school. He then received bribes from the private prison for sentencing these children. It is a disgusting and shameful practice in a country that claims to be the land of the free and we lead the world with the most citizenry in prison.

"Corporations are now controlling many prisons" says Attorney Joe Flores, "the parties who benefit are the enforcement agencies, private prisons, and corporations. Who foots the bill and loses? The taxpayer.  We declared war on drugs and many special interest groups simply don't want it to end. Even though you can't win this unconventional war against your own families and children and communities, special interests and politicians are fighting it anyway with your taxpayer money and housing more prisoners than ever. Non-violent drug offenders are predominately minorities and the young that are going to jail. It is a major problem. Until minorities speak up against this problem that disparately impacts them we will have a huge multi-generational problem."

Flores indicated that at the present calculation it takes 28,000 U.S. dollars PER YEAR to house, feed and provide basic medical care for a drug offender or a nonviolent felony offender in federal prison- not to mention those prisoners that are elderly or infirm which cost exponentially more for the Bureau of Prisons to treat.

COOPERATE OR FACE A MANDATORY SENTENCE?  Often those arrested at the bottom of the "food-chain" or "drug-chain" as it were, have very little detailed information to give, which frustrates DEA and other agencies. When the defendant does not have enough information he then is not eligible for any time off the harsh and long sentence he faces. Even if he cooperates, if it is deemed he is not telling the whole truth or he did not cooperate enough, the prosecution may not recommend time off the mandatory sentence or the judge can deny the time off the sentence at any time. 

HARSH REALITIES OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM:
When asked about the opportunity of leniency on sentencing for non-violent, first-time offenders caught with significant amounts of drugs;  attorney Joe Flores informed El Defenzor, "The discretion of whether the accused is telling the truth can be very subjective and the U.S. Attorneys who prosecute the offenders hold all the cards. Federal prosecutors in particular will make sure they have a strong case before they proceed to trial and have many cooperating witnesses prepared to testify. Cooperators get better deals and time off their sentence above and beyond any other departures from the mandatory sentence they are facing.  The system also has a high conviction rate because of what is termed as conspiracy, where two or more people agree to do an illegal activity. The suspects don't even have to be in the same city or same state to do this. Conspiracy can be you living in the same house, having conversed with people coming to buy drugs, that perhaps a family member or boyfriend  was selling, and anything more than just a person's mere presence can get that person convicted alongside his housemate. Often women and children bear witness to 'no knock warrants' that lead to arrest. Suspects are threatened that their family member will be jailed even though they had nothing to do with it accept reside in the same home. One client I remember vividly was allegedly threatened by agents by having his mother thrown to the floor at gunpoint and one agent looking over his shoulder at the suspect's bedridden grandmother and then the agent  told the suspect that the agent would arrest both the mother and grandmother as well if the suspect did not confess. Whatever happened to justice and mercy in America? Tough laws, coupled with very competent, smart and tough prosecutors, law enforcement and judges, make it very hard for someone to be successful at trial. Still there are some occasional acquittals, but very few. If more funding was put in place for drug treatment instead of raiding predominately black and Latino homes the rates of drug abuse could drop sharply as they did in Portugal.   We waste more taxpayer money on a trial of a non-violent suspect professing his innocence, that cost tens of thousands of dollars.  We would be better off getting that drug offender treatment or providing that truck driver caught with a load of marijuana lured by a one time mistake and easy cash to probation instead of 10 year sentences or more. No longer can we as a society say ‘good’ when we hear of being tough on non-violent drug crimes and concentrate all money on jails and merciless sentences instead of treatment".

DISPARITY BASED ON BEING BLACK OR BROWN?
For a convicted felon in the state or federal system it has also become a vicious cycle. Over 90 percent of drug convictions are of Blacks and Latinos even though rates of selling drugs and possessing drugs by whites is the same. More Blacks and Latinos are convicted and serve longer sentences than their white counterparts according to the latest statistics. A person is four times more likely to be caught, convicted and sentenced if he is Black or Latino for the same offense as a white defendant. 

WHAT DOES A LONG SENTENCE AND PERMANENT FELONY RECORD MEAN:
Attorney Flores told El Defenzor, "The federal system does not have the parole system set up like in the state system and there is no diversion programs to avoid final felony conviction in the vast majority of cases short of dismissal of the case.  Therefore, for most, federal prison awaits them.  What does a young man or woman learn in prison? They learn that being tough, and demonstrating you are willing to commit acts of violence is commended. It is a jungle in prisons where the strong survive and out of that jungle you learn that you must get along and that often means joining a gang. You get out and replicate that behavior in many cases and enter the same environment. When you get out after years, you have very little job prospects, budget cuts lead to no support, and even if you want to straighten up, the  only way to survive is often get into the same "game" you were in before: dealing drugs. You can't even live with your own family who are often in public housing because the laws forbid it if caught and the family will also will be thrown out. If you are convicted of drug possession you invariably can't get a student loan even if you could go back to college. The stigma and social ostracism of a felony has a life sentence of its own for an 18 year old man caught with methamphetamine and for his entire life he will be forever branded.  People make choices but there is very little mercy or second chances built into this system and American justice should bring back that virtue of justice that separates us as a beacon of hope for a first time drug offender in America."
ARE WE BURNING MONEY ON THE WAR ON DRUGS?

We are fighting a trillion dollar war that simply is unwinnable said one retired 30-year veteran of task force and of the Coast Guard who wished to remain anonymous. He  trained many state and federal agents in several countries on the war on drugs and is a member of LEAP, an organization of law enforcement officials that say that the War on Drugs is a failure. The veteran officer told El Defenzor by phone, "We as law enforcement professionals are often told to go out and make drug busts for our funding. If you say one word against this War on Drugs- that makes no sense from a practical standpoint- you can kiss your career goodbye. The taxpayer thinks that they are doing well by funding this war, but as we have seen in prohibition, it simply will not work and overdose, death, or arrest and long sentences are what will occur and the family, community and taxpayer suffer while special interest groups come out ahead. Old fashioned and  thorough police work and building up trust in a neighborhood by a cop walking the beat is gone in most areas of America. Distrust of our leaders, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system is increasing. No knock warrants  and breaking down doors has shot up a hundred fold which accomplishes nothing but creating terror in families that often don't know what their family member was involved in. We have created a system that rewards politicians to keep this war going and prisons don't want it stopped, prosecutors don't want it to end, and  seizure of property and other budget considerations from busts is a boon to local police departments. It is cheaper to keep somone in rehab, house arrest and working than in prison. It makes no sense to house non-violent first time offenders but we are doing it anyway and for all the wrong reasons."


THE WAR ON DRUGS IS DESTROYING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES

Attorney Joe Flores added that the impact on families and communities is overwhelming:
“ Police officers protect our communities the best they can and as a citizen I know how they risk their lives and keep our homes and neighborhoods safe. Likewise, in the courtroom, prosecutors  that I have the honor of trying cases against are doing the best they can. Some of the best and brightest prosecutors are in the federal system and the judges are outstanding, but are we using our resources wisely? ‘Just say no’ to drugs means nothing to someone in a neighborhood with 25 percent unemployment and economic blight in Detroit or the Southside of Chicago or right here in Texas. This is not a conservative or liberal issue- it's one about families and taxes.  People do not risk long prison time or lose their lives to sell drugs or to become an addict because they wake up one morning and decide to make that choice. Methamphetamine has invaded communities that were thought to be the heartland of America so even the affluent youth in America everywhere are at risk. Until we balance the equation and rebuild our communities and find some better way to fix the drug problem, more bars and prisons will not solve our economic, social or family problems in America. The methamphetamine problem in particular is affecting everyone across the board, not just Latinos and Blacks.  More children are growing up in families with only one parent or just a grandparent because both parents are being prosecuted for being addicts instead of receiving comprehensive treatment outside of prison walls. Being tough on crime for non-violent drug offenses is just hurting the taxpayer and our communities.  I encourage the readers of your blog and newspaper to contact their state and federal representatives to change these laws. I also encourage everyone to get involved.  If you think it is just a Black or a Latino problem or an inner city problem then ask yourselves why are half of our citizens in the United States reportedly on drugs, legal and illegal, and we are demanding 40 percent of the world's cocaine supply? It could be your son or daughter who is a first-time offender facing 10 years next for one mistake and there will be no mercy unless we change these laws and change our priorities and stop this "War on Drugs". Who wants to war on their own family or community? More treatment, less bars and create more economic opportunity is the key."

COMING SOON:

El Defenzor will be focusing in on its next part of this series on former police officers who themselves say that other measures need to be added to fix the problems associated with the War on Drugs.

Homero Villarreal is a Journalist and Publisher of El Defenzor and a Blogger on political and social issues.  His longstanding publications have received critical attention and have unconvered corruption, flaws in the system and he has been a radio and television personality on both consersative and liberal radio and television shows.

Joe Flores is a veteran trial attorney in state and federal practice in Texas. He is a national speaker on areas where the law and medicine overlap and has been a professor and lecturer on medical and legal ethics for over 15 years. He is also a primary care provider in his role as a healthcare professional/NP and delivers care to the elderly and infirm.  He is executive producer and host of the long-running television program South Texas Crossfire on Time Warner television in South Texas and is a lecturer on areas where the law and medicine overlap. www.floreslawfirm.com

ANNA JIMENEZ -- EX DA --INDICTED FOR AGGRAVATED PERJURY INVOLVING A CAPITAL MURDER CASE

Ex DA indicted in Edna,texas. Has karma come back to bite her after her "Red Queen" attitude towards other lawyers and the public. Reportedly she has laughed at Prosecutor Bell's indictment for aggravated perjury involving a capital murder case. Ana Jiminez was best know as changing to a Republican overnight to grab power as DA in Corpus Christi. Once she was installed by the government she fired Mark Skurka who crushed her in a November 2012 election and has led one of the most smoothly run departments in Nueces County history. Jiminez was also known for her nasty divorce and making light of a child molester trial by making fun of sexual molestation in mock pleadings sent via fax to a local attorney. Angering democrats and republicans alike she became a social and professional pariah. Is this curtains and prison time or yet just another embarrassment for ana"flipflopper" Jiminez whos political status on Facebook reads" its complicated"? Tune in dear reader since mainstream TV seems not to care a jot or a tiddle about this vital issue of a former DA bent upon self destruction.

IS THE CORPUS CHRISTI “TEA PARTY” and regional “PATRIOT” MOVEMENTS SERVING AS A “PRESSURE COOKER” FOR “WILD-EYE” DIVIANTS?

IS THE CORPUS CHRISTI “TEA PARTY” and regional “PATRIOT” MOVEMENTS SERVING AS A “PRESSURE COOKER” FOR “WILD-EYE” DIVIANTS? As the national violence and threats related to the PRO-TEA PARTY and the PRO-GUN and PRO-SEPARATISTS, PRO-SOVERN, PRO-JOHN BIRCHERS (with both their anti-Government and anti-HISPANIC IMMIGRATION rhetoric peppered with racially charged stealthy links to deviant sub-movements -- SKINHEADS etc. -- who find shelter and positive reinforcement in their rallies) grow and mature, many of their wild-eye “following” and “true believers” “deadly weapon” RAP SHEETS reflect it. But how can a movement that has been spin-doctored and marketed as “PATRIOTIC” and “loyal to the fundamental principles of the constitution” espousing human-dignity and respect for others serve as a “pressure-cooker” for some “true believers”?  Do some of these “True Believers” really zoom their sniper rifle scopes and/or “deadly weapons” on ordinary citizens and law enforcement officers – that is, do they “scope out” obsessively to define targets in the regular citizenry to add hue to their radically charged belief systems? “IT IS SADLY TRUE!” – this is the answer of many a former “TEA-PARTYER” that has become disenchanted  the nested “wild-eye” recruits.   From COLUMBINE-like massacres to aims at the president of the nation to the targeted congressmen to ordinary law enforcement officers carrying out their daily duties to regular moms with children in CORPUS CHRISTI and the surrounding area who find themselves on the wrong-side of their transitory whims.  One such activist and “true believer” in the anti-Government propaganda from the Corpus Christi area – Johnny Heath.  He was recently accused of assaulting a mom and her son with a deadly weapon in District Judge Missy Medary’s court – the judge is a stanch Republican.  Did the judge have a bias for hearing the case and whom the “TEA-PARTY” could having bestowed on her a political victory this pasts election. Heath’s case is one that is being talked about by many a political and social activist that orbit the Nueces County Courthouse.  Many are pointing out that individuals such as Heath and others who take their “Patriot” Movement and its nested paranoia too far should be prosecuted sternly, not given leadership positions or the aura of having a mainstream voice in the community.  Mr. Heath has obsessively flooded YOUTUBE.COM with videos claiming the CORPUS CHRISTI POLICE DEPARTMENT is using very sophisticated methods of “PSY-OPTS” and “mind-control” over the population.  Please click on the links that follows where Heath claims the daily use of PSY-OPTS on the population http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u88NoUjFXp0  also  visit the following links:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIno8DJrZ2Y, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KXyk9YajOw.

JOE KAATZ from the Corpus Christi area

But Mr. Heath is just one case.  There are others in the surrounding area that that have gone beyond the pale of tolerance such as those who desire to carry weapons in public buildings. Below please review some official documents on Johnny Heath who purposely changed his birthdate from OCTOBER 15, 1976 TO OCTOBER 15, 1977 TO AVOID DETECTION BY JUDGE MEDARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ABOUT HIS LONG CRIMINAL AND CIVIL HISTORY AND THE MENANCE TO SOCIETY HE POSES. THE WILD EYED EXTREMIST HIDING HIS PAST BY CHANGING HIS BIRTHDATE FROM OCTOBER 15, 1976 TO THE FALSE IDENTIFICATION HE GAVE TEXAS AS OCTOBER 15, 1077.  OTHER IOWA CASES related to JOHNNY JAY HEATH WHICH SHOW A VERY LONG HISTORY OF VIOLENCE AND CHEATING PEOPLE  OUT OF MONEY!: Case ID Title Name DOB Role 07821  AGCR239252 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  AGCR239494 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  AGCR243017 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  AGCR260783 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  AGCR283526 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  AGCR286885 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  AGCR330693 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY RAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  CICR265544 DAVENPORT VS HEATH, JOHNNY HEATH, JOHNNY DEFENDANT 07821  DADA006923 DONNA L TANNER VS JOHNNY J HEATH HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  FECR278544 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  NTP832282 IOWA vs HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  NTP832283 IOWA vs HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  NTSO10376 STATE vs. HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  NTSO10377 STATE vs. HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  NTWG955392 STATE vs. HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  OWCR218439 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  OWCR227314 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY J HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  OWCR244854 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SCSC120275 LAKE CANYADA VS JOHNNY HEATH HEATH, JOHNNY DEFENDANT 07821  SCSC139305 FIRST FINANCIAL GROUP LLC VS JOHNNY HEATH HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SCSC139306 FIRST FINANCIAL GROUP LC VS JOHNNY HEATH HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SCSC147151 FIRST FINANCIAL VS JOHNNY HEATH HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SCSC147152 FIRST FINANCIAL GROUP VS JOHNNY HEATH HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SCSC159285 D WALLACE VS J HEATH & AFFORDABLE AUTO REPAIR HEATH, JOHNNY DEFENDANT 07821  SCSC179942 PAY DIRT I LLC VS JOHNNY HEATH HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SMCR225313 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SMCR239494 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SMCR244854 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SMCR261659 BETTENDORF VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SMCR318327 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SMCR318350 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY RAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SMCR332207 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SMCR337130 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SRCR224873 STATE VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SRCR225292 STATE VS HEATH, JOHN JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  SRCR262385 STATE VS HATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  ST099879 IOWA vs HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  ST099880 IOWA vs HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821  STSO09596 STATE VS. HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821BGST099878 BLUE GRASS vs HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821DASMCR327540 DAVENPORT VS HEATH, JOHNNY JAY HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDANT 07821DASMCR330264 DAVENPORT VS HEATH, JOHNNY J HEATH, JOHNNY JAY 10/15/1976 DEFENDAN

IN CONCLUSION, the so-called "Patriot" and "Tea Party" movements charged with a pro-gun slant should not be reinforcing the negative behavior of the Johnny Heath's of these world, but placating their deviant proclivities -- how many are the critical opinions surfaces in recent months.  A new disenchantment with the cited political front movements is growing.Can the party maintain its base, support from Latinos and chance the outcome of the next election if individuals like FELON JOHNNY JAY HEATH are involved?

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