Daily Archives: 08/30/2009

(Community Matters) There are should be NO first amendment rights to free speech for corporations (ie., participation in the political process).

Corporations are completely government created entities which shield individuals from unlimited liability and are, obviously, a unique and efficient way to raise, deploy and create capital. The only rights they ^should have are those granted. In exchange for granting this franchise, governments appropriately expect taxes and public benefits – whatever else they deem to require in exchange for this special franchise.

To argue that they have some inherent right to participate in the political process – well, the logic escapes me. Their employees, stockholders & other stakeholders, yes of course. And, yes corporations IF our government so grants.

(Community Matters) Don’t accidently type in The Austin Project.com, it’s quite different from dot org. Dot com a Christian evangelical project in Austin. Dot org the Rostow collaboration focused on helping children and families through education which is honoring Earl Maxwell at a fundraiser on Oct 22.

(Community Matters) Interesting . . . Michael Mitchell blogged about a Michael Sullivan. I couldn’t remember if I knew him, so I querried him in Facebook – returned 9 Michael Sullivans and 1 Michaela Sullivan – I’m friends with none but lots of mutual friends. The first, networked to Austin & Texas A&M I have 18 mutual friends with including Evan Smith, Fred Zipp, Brewster McCracken, Gardner Selby & Mark Strama – but no Michael Mitchell, so that’s not him.

The second Michael must be it – 7 mutual friends including MM, Soo-Jin Lee, Martin Zimmerman, Kelly Howe, Jenny Connell, Ann Ciccolella and Alex Alford – obviously Austin theater person. The third – 2 mutual friends, Mike Martinez & Matt Curtis (obviously political).

#4 – someone in San Francisco also friends with Mike Maples, Jr., EJ Bernacke & Timothy Cavanaugh (likely a gay man in startup high tech) #5 – from San Antonio and friends with Patrick Manley. #6 – in DC and friends with Daniel Sepulveda. #7 – Dallas/Ft. Worth, mutual friends with Larry Pease. #8 – not sure where from but mutual friends with Sarah Russ. #9 evidently also Austin, friends with Martin Montenero. And, Michaela not sure where from, evidently with the Houghton Muffin Company and mutual friends with Marc English. There’s also a Mikey, but I didn’t count him.

(Community Matters) RIP- Mrs. Brown

Mrs. Brown was an longtime resident of and advocate for Clarksville neighborhood. I was lucky to have met her many times through her friend, Margaret Keys. Our condolences to her family & friends.