CALDERON'S WAR ON THE CARTELS

opposition politicians in Mexico blame President Calderon for "his" war on the cartels.
For the war that "he" started.
One has to wonder what the heck they are thinking.
While it is true that the scale of the violence has increased exponentially during his administration, the truth is that the roots of this war go way back, and we are all responsible.
The impunity and the lack of respect towards the law began during the PRI administrations, who ruled Mexico for 70 years. And while the PRI never allowed personal dictatorships, each successive president and all the lower office holders, saw their tenure as an opportunity to become rich.
On the local level underpaid police saw nothing wrong in accepting a "mordida", a bribe to let someone who ran a red light go. Judges did the same. Accused felons with money never saw the inside of a jail. And we were all a part of this rotting system.
We were very eager to pay a bribe to be able to introduce products into the country without paying the tax, it was more convenient, and less expensive to just pay the bribe.
In this culture of impunity, and lack of respect to the law, and the insatiable appetite of Americans for illegal drugs, the cartels grew in number, and ruthlessness.
When the PRI finally fell, we all thought that President Fox would cure Mexico of all its rottenness, but one man can not fix a problem created by the entire nation, and six years is not enough to fix what it took almmost a century to create, or rather destroy.
President Fox was also not very keen on taking on controversy, so he just let things continue as they were.
When President Calderon was elected, he decided that he was not going to tolerate lawlessness in Mexico, so he sent in the army.
My question to those that oppose Calderon's war is this: what would they do? Would they just let the cartels continue with their private armnies to kidnap, extort, torture and maim unchecked?
What other alternative do we have?

CONTINUING ATTACKS ON HISPANICS

Arizona continues it attacks on Hispanics, now with a bill that would deny citizenship to children that are born of undocumented aliens.
I think if the law passes, it will be knocked down by the supreme court.
It is very likely that Texas will also follow suit, given the current make up of the Legislature.
This should be a wake up call for people who need to realize that votes matter. And not voting, is acutally a vote for those who do not wish us well.
We need to remind those that attack Hispanics that there is another election coming up, as there always is, and we remember.

Fwd: TSEU News Bulletin: Losing 9,600 state FTEs could mean more than 23,000 jobs lost across Texas

Subject: TSEU News Bulletin: Losing 9,600 state FTEs could mean more than 23,000 jobs lost across Texas

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
Multiplier Effect: Losing 9,600 state FTEs could mean more than 23,000 jobs lost across Texas In an interview this week with the Public News Service, Eva Deluna Castro of the Center for Public Policy Priorities warned of the greater damage that could be done to Texas by cutting almost 10,000 state jobs. "There is a multiplier effect. When you eliminate a public-sector job, its like 2.4 jobs are lost. For every single public sector job that is eliminated 1.4 jobs in the private sector are lost, " said Castro. This is called the multiplier effect. The proposed budget bill that came from the Texas House of Representatives calls for the elimination of more than 9,600 full time staff from the state budget. Taken into account with the multiplier effect, this could amount to the loss of over 23,000 jobs in the economy. The Senate's version of the budget that came out this week recommends cutting slightly fewer positions, about 8,167. However that could still mean the loss of more than 19,600 jobs across the state. Coupled with projected losses to public school funding that may eliminate as many as 100,000 kindergarten through 12th grade public school employees, the final cost for the state's economy could add up to more than 263,000 lost jobs. The Texas multiplier effect has been well-researched, with Castro pointing out that it is commonly used to argue in favor of business tax incentives - but is rarely examined when jobs are lost. She adds that another consideration in the budget debate and state layoffs has to do with the kinds of positions that would be eliminated. "The state is a huge contributor to the economy through health care and through schools, both of which are the largest employers - at least, in most communities." Texas legislator, Rep. Mike Villareal (San Antonio), is proposing an amendment to the state budget that would require the state to calculate the extent of job loss associated with the massive funding cuts. "The Republican budget proposal would destroy thousands of jobs as Texas families still struggle with a high unemployment rate," said Rep. Villareal. "We need to make sure legislators understand the impact of the budget before the vote on it."	For more details contact: MIMI GARCIA TSEU Austin Office 512.448.4225 www.cwa-tseu.org
To add/remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts: <CLICK HERE> You must be a TSEU member .Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line Put your full name and work location in the text of the email .Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues contact your nearest TSEU OFFICE

 

Fwd: TSEU Legislative Update

Subject: TSEU Legislative Update

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
TSEU Legislative Update January 24, 2011	For more details contact: MIMI GARCIA TSEU Austin Office 512.448.4225 www.cwa-tseu.org
On the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday January 11, 2011, TSEU members visited all 180 legislators' offices to distribute our 2011 Legislative Agenda and meet the new and returning legislators. Austin ROC members Leslie Cunningham, Steve Bradley, Vicki Clark-Bradley, Hank Leithner, Janie Aguilar, Travis Benford, and Elaine Blodgett were joined by William Blake (UT-Austin), Alice Navarro (FPS-Austin), Charles Shedd (HHSC-Austin), James Nauls (ROC-Houston, TSEU Board Member), Jerry Wald (ROC-Houston). Items in our legislative agenda include: Protect employees' pension and health care plans No more privatization Fully fund all state agencies and universities Preserve and expand state employees' right to justice on the job Stop the erosion of state employees' pay Budget Watch: Last Tuesday night the House's budget proposal landed in legislators' offices and TSEU's legislative team was there to take a first look. While elements of the budget require greater analysis, we can give you a breakdown of what is being proposed. It is important to understand that this budget bill was written with only the money the state comptroller estimated will be available for 2012-2013. It does not replace any of the over $6 billion in federal stimulus money the state used in 2009 to balance the budget; there is no use of the projected $9.4 billion in the Rainy Day Funds, and no growth in population or increased need was included. This budget is $30 billion less than the current budget and all agencies take huge hits. Employees Retirement System (ERS): The state reduces its contribution from 6.95% to the constitutionally mandated 6.0%. Increased employee contributions are not included in the budget, but they are not off the table. There are several proposed changes to employees' health insurance including: Rider 6 creates an incentive program for employees to waive ERS health insurance: This proposed program would pay workers who do not enroll in the ERS health insurance program $60 a month for other health coverage. Rider 13 establishes tiered coinsurance. Currently employees pay 20% coinsurance on all medical procedures $10,000 or more. Tiers would be added to the insurance so that an individual would pay an additional 5% for procedures costing $10,001-$50,000 and an additional 2% on procedures above $50,000 up to $100,000. Rider 14 creates a tobacco surcharge. Employees who smoke could be required to pay a $30 a month surcharge on their health insurance. Other recommendations from the Legislative Budget Board that were not included in HB1 include a pill splitting program for prescription drugs, increased premiums for retirees with dependents, and changing the premium contribution from the state based on an employee's years of service. Teachers Retirement System (TRS): The proposed budget has the state contribution for TRS reduced from 6.4% to 6.0%. This includes the retirement plan for public school teachers, public university staff and lecturers. The state contribution for the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), the retirement plan faculty and upper administration at public universities, was also reduced from 6.4% to 6.0%. TDCJ-Parole: The proposed budget destabilizes the Law Enforcement and Custodial Officers Supplemental Retirement Fund (LECOSRF) by zeroing out the state's contribution. TSEU won inclusion of parole officers in the 20 year retirement fund in 1999. Texas Youth Commission (TYC): TYC is losing 553 FTEs, up to three facilities will be closed, and the Juvenile Corrections Officer (JCO) career ladder is unfunded. In addition to these blows in the budget, the Sunset Advisory Commission recommended TYC be shut down and incorporated into the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to create the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS): In the proposed budget the agency is slated to lose 543 FTEs, two State Supported Living Centers will be closed and a program of "culture change" at the SSLCs will be implemented. Rider 42 allocates $250,000 to hire someone to oversee a plan of "culture change" at SSLCs. Rider 43 lays out a process to close two SSLCs, but does not specify which facilities to close. Rider 44 creates a commission for "realignment" of SSLCs and provides for the travel expenses of this commission. Department Family and Protective Services(DFPS): The agency is losing 802 FTEs, 400 layoffs will be investigators and case workers. These layoffs will increase caseloads by more than 25% in some areas. Child abuse and neglect prevention programs are cut by 55% with two programs eliminated completely – Other At-Risk Prevention program and Relative Caregiver payments, which provides monetary assistance for family members who take in child relatives. Department of State Health Services (DSHS): The agency is losing 207.7 FTEs, primarily in the state hospitals. Numerous programs have had their funding reduced significantly or completely lost. Chronic disease prevention – which funds diabetes prevention, Community Primary Care Services – which funds medical clinics in south Texas, and state and community mental health services were among the hardest hit. Rider 67 calls for the privatization of one state hospital and lays out the process for awarding this contract. Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS): While the agency is losing 42 FTEs, more staffs are lost in vocational rehabilitation services while federally funded positions in the Disability Determination Services are being increased. Several departments' budgets are significantly reduced including Early Childhood Intervention, rehabilitation services for blind children and adults. The new autism program that served hundreds of families with children with autism spectrum disorders between the ages 5 and 8 was completely zeroed out. Special provisions for the HHSC agencies, Section 2(d), lays out the protocol for a shift differential for staff at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center. Night shift workers would receive up to 15% monthly pay differential while weekend workers would receive up to a 5% monthly differential. Health and Human Services (HHSC): The agency is gaining 80.8 FTEs, primarily in the Integrated Eligibility program. This increase does little to fill the hole created by the privatization attempts of 2003. Multiple programs are losing considerable funding. Medicaid funding is being cut by about $4 billion, areas such as coverage for pregnant women (-28%) and medically needy children (-35%) are hardest hit. Other programs to be cut are the CHIP perinatal program (-37%) and alternatives to abortion which was completely zeroed out. Rider 52 expands managed care for Medicaid and CHIP. Rider 58 requires HHSC to certify savings associated with closure of a State Supported Living Center. This couples with riders 42-44 of the DADS budget. Public Higher Education: While we are still completing our analysis on the various public universities in the state, there are some major cuts to public higher education that will affect everyone. Universities are losing about $2 billion across the state. In addition to direct funding cuts at universities, assistance programs for students are being reduced significantly. The Texas Grant scholarship program, alone, would fund 70,000 fewer students.   Bills to Watch: HJR 5: Filed by Rep. John Otto (HD 18), this bill would essentially place a cap on how much the state could spend every year from tax revenue. This would mean that the state would not be allowed to spend more based on economic growth or population growth. It could tie the states hands for years to come. SB 218: Filed by Sen. Jane Nelson (SD 12), this bill would completely privatize the oversight and management of the foster care system in DFPS.   TSEU and Texas Forward: Fighting for a balanced approach to a balanced budget On January 5th TSEU stood with other coalition members at a press conference at the capitol to launch Texas Forward. We are working with other progressive organizations to push for a more balanced approach to writing the state's budget. A balanced approach means using the Rainy Day Fund, finding new revenue, and closing wasteful tax loopholes instead of relying on cuts alone to balance the budget. For more information on Texas Forward go to: http://www.txforward.org/
To add/remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts: <CLICK HERE> You must be a TSEU member .Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line Put your full name and work location in the text of the email .Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues contact your nearest TSEU OFFICE

 

Fwd: Budget cuts deep, we deserve better

Subject: Fwd: Budget cuts deep, we deserve better

Subject: Budget cuts deep, we deserve better
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

EMAIL BROADCAST UPDATE TO MEMBERS   January 19, 2011.

 

This morning TSEU sent out the following press release on the brutal state budget proposal that came out last night. The cuts are deep and affect state workers, but they have a huge impact on the entire state as well. We will fight this! We won't win everything but if we stand by and let it roll over us, we will lose more than we can stand. Now is the time organize and mobilize your coworkers!

 

Text of the Press Release is below.

 

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

1700 S. 1^st Street

Austin, TX 78704

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                          Contact: Mimi Garcia

January 19, 2011                                                                                                                            512-448-4225 (office)

                                                                                                                                                            & ;nbs p;     512-814-9347 (cell)

 

 

 

All Texans are hurt by current budget proposal – We deserve better

 

The base budget that came out last night shows how bad a cuts-only approach is. Texas cannot afford to leave its people in the dust. This budget means less safe streets, crowded class rooms, middle class families unable to afford send their kids to college, and more people going hungry or unable to get the medical attention they need to live a healthy and productive life.

 

The budget lays off almost 10,000 front line state workers. This means 10,000 people who will not be shopping or going to restaurants, which will have a major impact on local economies. But when its public employees, it also means that the vital services to the citizens of Texas that these 10,000 people provide will not be delivered. "It has a much stronger impact because front line workers such parole officers, child abuse investigators, and vocational rehabilitation specialists help people to remain safe and thrive in this state," said Mike Gross, vice president of the Texas State Employees Union.

 

The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), which operates the 12 residential State Supported Living Centers for Texans with severe and profound intellectual and developmental disabilities, took some of the biggest hits with funding cuts. The proposed budget would slash the agency's funding by 38%, meaning thousands of disabled and elderly Texans will be hurt in the process. A 10% slash to Medicaid provider rates means that thousands of Texans with health insurance will have a harder and harder time finding doctors to treat them, not to mention the impact that will have on the medical industry in the state. 

 

"These kinds of cuts are digging a hole so deep that the state won't be able to climb out. At some point this recession will end. Failing to provide for this growing state and cutting costs at all costs will leave Texas ill prepared for the future," said Gross. "Texas is already 50^th in high school completion and health care coverage. This is why need a budget that includes raising revenue and using all of the Rainy Day Fund. Texans deserve better than this."

 

******************************************************************************

 

To add or remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts (you must be a TSEU member):

     send an email to tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org

     Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line

     Put your full name and work location in the text of the email

     Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues

     call your TSEU office

 

To contact TSEU for more information or for materials:

     Austin: 512 448-4225

     Houston: 713 661-9030

     San Antonio: 210 354-2900

     Dallas: 214  942-4305

     Harlingen: 956 428-0251

     Lubbock: 806 741-0044

 

For information about contacting your state legislators, go to the TSEU website

http://www.cwa-tseu.org/hhsc_fdstmp_contact.html

Fwd: Budget cuts deep, we deserve better

Subject: Budget cuts deep, we deserve better
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

EMAIL BROADCAST UPDATE TO MEMBERS   January 19, 2011.

 

This morning TSEU sent out the following press release on the brutal state budget proposal that came out last night. The cuts are deep and affect state workers, but they have a huge impact on the entire state as well. We will fight this! We won't win everything but if we stand by and let it roll over us, we will lose more than we can stand. Now is the time organize and mobilize your coworkers!

 

Text of the Press Release is below.

 

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

1700 S. 1^st Street

Austin, TX 78704

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                          Contact: Mimi Garcia

January 19, 2011                                                                                                                            512-448-4225 (office)

                                                                                                                                                            &nbs p;     512-814-9347 (cell)

 

 

 

All Texans are hurt by current budget proposal – We deserve better

 

The base budget that came out last night shows how bad a cuts-only approach is. Texas cannot afford to leave its people in the dust. This budget means less safe streets, crowded class rooms, middle class families unable to afford send their kids to college, and more people going hungry or unable to get the medical attention they need to live a healthy and productive life.

 

The budget lays off almost 10,000 front line state workers. This means 10,000 people who will not be shopping or going to restaurants, which will have a major impact on local economies. But when its public employees, it also means that the vital services to the citizens of Texas that these 10,000 people provide will not be delivered. "It has a much stronger impact because front line workers such parole officers, child abuse investigators, and vocational rehabilitation specialists help people to remain safe and thrive in this state," said Mike Gross, vice president of the Texas State Employees Union.

 

The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), which operates the 12 residential State Supported Living Centers for Texans with severe and profound intellectual and developmental disabilities, took some of the biggest hits with funding cuts. The proposed budget would slash the agency's funding by 38%, meaning thousands of disabled and elderly Texans will be hurt in the process. A 10% slash to Medicaid provider rates means that thousands of Texans with health insurance will have a harder and harder time finding doctors to treat them, not to mention the impact that will have on the medical industry in the state. 

 

"These kinds of cuts are digging a hole so deep that the state won't be able to climb out. At some point this recession will end. Failing to provide for this growing state and cutting costs at all costs will leave Texas ill prepared for the future," said Gross. "Texas is already 50^th in high school completion and health care coverage. This is why need a budget that includes raising revenue and using all of the Rainy Day Fund. Texans deserve better than this."

 

******************************************************************************

 

To add or remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts (you must be a TSEU member):

     send an email to tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org

     Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line

     Put your full name and work location in the text of the email

     Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues

     call your TSEU office

 

To contact TSEU for more information or for materials:

     Austin: 512 448-4225

     Houston: 713 661-9030

     San Antonio: 210 354-2900

     Dallas: 214  942-4305

     Harlingen: 956 428-0251

     Lubbock: 806 741-0044

 

For information about contacting your state legislators, go to the TSEU website

http://www.cwa-tseu.org/hhsc_fdstmp_contact.html

Fwd: Honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Begin forwarded message:

From: "TSEU Broadcast" <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>
Date: January 14, 2011 11:19:57 AM CST
To: <tseu-notice@server.cwa-tseu-mail.org>
Subject: Honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
EMAIL BROADCAST TO ALL HOUSTON AREA MEMBERS: MARK YOUR CALENDAR Honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Houston MLK Day Parade Monday, January 17, 2011 10:00am - parade begins / 1:00pm - free concert Parade begins on Texas @ Jackson The Harris County AFL-CIO and local unions will be marching in the the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in downtown Houston. You are invited to march with union brothers and sisters, along with the City of Houston garbage trucks and workers. Dr. King was in Memphis, Tennessee, supporting the Sanitation Workers in their strike when he was assassinated. Contact the Houston TSEU office if you have any questions.	For more details contact: MYKO GEDUTIS TSEU HOUSTON Office 713.661.9030 www.cwa-tseu.org
To add/remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts: <CLICK HERE> You must be a TSEU member .Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line Put your full name and work location in the text of the email .Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues contact your nearest TSEU OFFICE