Category Archives: Uncategorized

(Community Matters) Over the telephone, Joaquin told me about the call from Charlie Gonzalez, his decision to retire, and Joaquin’s decision to switch his race to the 20th congressional district. The Castros and the Gonzalez’ go back decades. Joaquin grew up in the 20th (which a Gonzalez has held since before Joaquin & Julian were born). The 20th district is the crown jewel of the San Antonio delegation.  San Antonio Express News story

This leaves CD-35 up for grabs. Reports of various SAT Dems considering. Of course, Tx Attorney General Abbott expected to appeal court drawn redistricting maps to US Supreme Court this week – appeal not expected to succeed. The court maps were drawn by 3 federal judges – 2 Republican and 1 Democrat; 2 Hispanic. We’re talking violations of the Voting Rights Act. Texas chose which path to take by appealing directly to the DC judicial panel which instructed these judges to draw new maps. Interesting chatter about potential CD-25 competition.

(Community Matters)  Newt Gingrich?

“This newspaper (Manchester Union Leader) endorses Newt Gingrich in the New Hampshire Presidential Primary.  America is at a crucial crossroads. It is not going to be enough to merely replace Barack Obama next year. We are in critical need of the innovative, forward-looking strategy and positive leadership that Gingrich has shown he is capable of providing. He did so with the Contract with America. He did it in bringing in the first Republican House in 40 years and by forging balanced budgets and even a surplus despite the political challenge of dealing with a Democratic President.

“A lot of candidates say they’re going to improve Washington. Newt Gingrich has actually done that, and in this race he offers the best shot of doing it again. … Truth be known, many in the liberal media are belittling the Republican candidates because they don’t want any of them to be taken as a serious challenger to their man, Obama. … Newt Gingrich is by no means the perfect candidate. But Republican primary voters too often make the mistake of preferring an unattainable ideal to the best candidate who is actually running. In this incredibly important election, that candidate is Newt Gingrich.”

I love the idea of our race against the former House Speaker.

Hat Tip: Politico’s Playbook

(Community Matters) a favorite reply to my note that at least the competition between Joaquin Castro & Lloyd Doggett resulted in Doggett finally agreeing to support repeal of DOMA and same sex marriage rights.

“When it comes to the Congressman and DOMA, the phrase ‘Some get spiritual ’cause they see the light, others ’cause they feel the heat’ comes to mind.” – Barbara Strickland

(Community Matters) I’ve never watched Teen Wolf in which Tyler Posey evidently stars, but perhaps should.

Went with my nieces last night to Twilight Breaking Dawn. hmm, not as good as previous ones but entertaining enough

(Community Matters) Lady Gaga is a generational icon. I’m not sure if my cohort understands her popularity and credibility with Americans 18 – under 35. And, she’s a huge President Obama supporter. Stay tuned for my next big project 🙂

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) the sequel The Social Network II

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) “So should the 99.9 percent hate the 0.1 percent? No, not at all. But they should ignore all the propaganda about ‘job creators’ and demand that the super-elite pay substantially more in taxes. “

completely mindful that the 0.1% folks we know & love are right there with us advocating and participating to ensure equality of opportunity and a solid social safety net. These positions aren’t mutually exclusive from a strong & constructive economy.

(Community Matters) These are very cool. $5 at Starbucks and every dollar goes to a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) for loans to small businesses that create jobs. I’m very familiar with Opportunity Finance Network – PeopleFund is a member. This is a super duper initiative by Starbucks, which launched the program with a $5mm contribution.

(Community Matters) in NY on Wednesday

(Community Matters) Flying between Munich and Washington DC, I watched The Help. I was moved to remember Mrs. Rosa Parks and her memorial service at the US Capitol. Seems a fitting memory on Thanksgiving – while so many people around the world (& even in our own country) must still fight for equality, fairness and civil rights.

(Washington, D.C., Sunday, Oct 30, 2005)

Standing in line among so many proud Black women, proud Black men, proud men and women of every color… Continue reading →

(Community Matters) Happy Thanksgiving

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) The courts have largely reversed the most egregious gerrymandering we’ve ever seen in Texas. Austin mostly gets back an intact Congressional district and San Antonio is the primary beneficiary of one of Texas’ new districts.  Lloyd Doggett and Joaquin Castro can now both represent Central Texas in Washington.

And, the competition didn’t hurt Austin. Fortunately being outraised and outpolled in the last quarter encouraged Lloyd to recalibrate his position on LGBT equality. And, thanks to the urging of many supporters, he’s finally agreed to co-sponsor the repeal of DOMA and support same sex marriage rights.

I’m slightly bummed San Antonio & Austin won’t be linked in representation, believing our future, global competitive advantage really is as a super metropolitan area.  A single elected leader focused on both great cities is likely to help make more happen – including fast rail. Glad Joaquin is going to Washington – it really is broken. We need a new generation of leaders.