What's so funny?

Question for Americans Who Love America Only.

What year did the Liberals ruin America?  Thanks for your feedback!

Media Inquiry: Government Spending.

Dear [Lamar Smith's press staffer],

As you may recall, I have a blog called luridtransom. I have a couple of simple questions for Congressman Smith. (See the message below.) I hope the Congressman will be able to answer them. Thank you for your help!

Regards,

luridtransom

Dear Congressman Smith,

Yesterday I recevied your glossy, color tri-fold mailer. I've attached some photos for your reference.

On the cover of this mailer, you tell your constituents that the "future of our country depends on our ability to stop spending money we don't have."

The mailer discusses your committee assignments and provides the address for your website. On your website, you have this to say about the budget: "In the past four years, the gross national debt ballooned from $8.67 trillion to $15.2 trillion. Debt of this level will stifle our economic growth. The solution for reviving our economy is straightforward: cut job-destroying government spending to allow employers to create jobs." (Emphasis added).

The address page of the mailer notes it was "prepared, published and mailed at taxpayer expense."

I have two questions:

(1) What was the total expense to taxpayers to prepare, publish and mail this mailer?

(2) Do you think sending out this mailer is an example of job-destroying government spending of money we don't have? Or do you think the cost is totally worth it for the taxpayer?

Thank you in advance for your candid, substantive answers.

Sincerely,

luridtransom

 

 

Newspaper Clippings: People who live off Evans Road complaining about suburban sprawl causing shitty traffic.

Threats of a federal lawsuit did not delay Gordon Hartman's development on Evans Road, so neighbors are going to Bexar County Commissioners Court with one of San Antonio's universal concerns: traffic.

Today, county commissioners are expected to vote on two more plats of Hartman's 527-acre Century Oaks development, near the TPC Parkway.

The site, where 1,493 homes and two schools are proposed, has drawn the scorn of neighbors and environmental groups because it is denser than now would be allowed by city ordinance over the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer.

Because Hartman's subdivision takes advantage of grandfathered development rights from 1995, before the city started limiting development over its main water source, the city is allowing him to proceed.

Traffic studies, submitted to the county by Hartman, show that by 2019, Evans Road will have to support 15,059 vehicle trips a day coming from Century Oaks.

“When you are coming from Bulverde (Road), if you are turning left into the subdivision where these 15,000 extra cars per day will be entering and exiting, you can easily be rear-ended because of the curve in the road,” said Barbara Bailey, a member of Cibolo Creek Conservation Society. The group is made up of the neighbors to Century Oaks and all live on lots that are at least 10 acres.

In Hartman's development, the average lot size will be 0.3 acres.

After a successful career as a full-time developer, Hartman founded the San Antonio Scorpions pro soccer team and Morgan's Wonderland, an amusement park for special- needs children. He still focuses on those projects and does housing development on the side.

In November, CCCS announced its intention to sue Hartman, the city, the San Antonio Water System and the Judson Independent School District in federal court for not doing their part to protect endangered species and the aquifer. By federal law, the suit can't be filed until January. It is supported by the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and the Aquifer Guardians of Urban Areas.

County Commissioner Kevin Wolff sympathizes with his constituents, but said there is not much he can do.

“This is one of those lovely no-win situations,” he said.

Bexar County development services engineer Robert Brach said Evans Road can handle the additional traffic. He also said the dense development was made possible years ago when the city decided to expand its sewer system.

“Based on the current traffic volumes, (Evans Road) should have that capacity,” he said. “The thing is, once the sewer line came there, you lose your rural developments.”

Brach said Hartman has agreed to pay for expanding Evans to add a turn lane and a traffic signal. He said the county would ask for those to be included when Hartman makes his request for approval of the next set of plats.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Neighbors-cite-traffic-concerns-4124848.php#ixzz2FXyJpyxY

So What Is Everybody Doing for the Solstice?

To the Executive Director of the Brackenridge Park Conservancy

Dear Ms. Powell,

I believe there are much better uses for the south end of Brackenridge Park than a golf course. As I'm sure you appreciate, Brackenridge Park occupies a unique location in the city. It's a shame that over one-third of the park is limited to use by golfers. (113 of the park's 343 total acres are occupied by the golf course per the City's website. I don't know how many acres the driving range takes up, but from looking at Google maps I'd say that's another 20 acres or so limited to golfers.) There is enormous potential for transforming the golf course into space to be enjoyed by many more people. Particularly with the revitalization of the downtown area and the Broadway corridor, it's time to reimagine the Brackenridge golf course.

I should admit I'm not much of a golfer and I've never played the Brackenridge course. I understand the course may have historical value to some folks as it's been around since 1916. I also understand the course was renovated at the cost of about $6 million in 2008 and it's managed by ACGT, which I believe is a private company the City contracted with. I appreciate there may be obstacles to making the most of Brackenridge Park, and it may not be possible to get started tomorrow. But there are plenty of golf courses, both public and private, in and around San Antonio. There's only one Brackenridge Park with the potential to truly transform San Antonio 's urban culture and landscape.

There are all manner of possibilties for the 113 acres of park now occupied by the golf course. Jogging and bike paths that connect to the paths north of the golf course. Fields for soccer games, tossing a football or throwing a frisbee. Maybe some indoor/outdoor cafes. A lake. A stage for outdoor concerts and plays. Playgrounds for kids. The Conservancy's website cites Hyde Park, Central Park and Golden Gate Park as examples of great city parks. Of those, only Golden Gate Park has a golf course - and it's a par 3 9-hole course. I'd suggest if Brackenridge absolutely must have a golf course, that's a more appropriate scale than a 6,815 yard 18 hole course. I believe Brackenridge Park has the potential to be a great urban park. The zoo and Japanese Garden are tremendous assets for our city. The rest of the park has so much unrealized potential, and the key to unlocking that potential includes rethinking the golf course. It's easy to envision a Brackenridge Park that's much more vibrant and utilized by many more people. There's a world of potential that is wasted on a sprawling golf course and driving range.

Last week I sent an email to the Mayor's office about the Brackenridge Park golf course. Mr. Xavier Urrutia (Director of COSA Parks & Rec Dept) responded yesterday, and in his response suggested I join the Brackenridge Park Conservancy. This lead me to contact you. What is the Brackenridge Park Conservancy's position on keeping the golf course and driving range?

Regards,

luridtransom

Lamar Smith to America: F*ck You!

You'll recall our inquiry to Congressman Lamar Smith asking whether he supports several planks of the 2012 Texas GOP platform.  Well, it turns out Mr. Smith refuses to tell us whether he supports or opposes those planks.  Why?  Because he doesn't give a crap about you, America.  Here's the e-mail chain to prove it, which we've painstakingly arranged in a top-to-bottom format for your reading convenience.  We aim to please.

From: luridtransom
To: Lamar Smith’s DC Office
Sent: Thursday, August 9, 2012 6:20 PM
Subject: 2012 GOP platform.

Dear [Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)],

Thanks for returning my call earlier today.  I'd like to know Congressman Smith's position on several planks from the 2012 Texas GOP platform.  I have copied and pasted nine planks verbatim from the platform document. Please let me know whether Congressman Smith supports each of the planks listed. Feel free to explain his support or opposition to the planks - in fact, explanations are welcomed. But be clear as to each plank whether the Congressman supports or opposes it.

I've selected planks I believe are relevant to national issues and the U.S. Congress, as opposed to state or local issues.  Below are the planks, and thanks in advance for your help.

Term Limits - We urge Congress, the Legislature, and the Republican Party to institute Term Limits.

U.S. Department of Education – Since education is not an enumerated power of the federal government, we believe the Department of Education (DOE) should be abolished.

Education Spending – Since data is clear that additional money does not translate into educational achievement, and higher education costs are out of control, we support reducing taxpayer funding to all levels of education institutions.

Capital Gains Tax – We favor abolishing the capital gains tax.

Ethanol – We support the repeal of legislation mandating ethanol as fuel additives and/or primary fuel.

Sound Money – Our founding fathers warned us of the dangers of allowing central bankers to control our currency because inflation equals taxation without representation. We support the return to the time tested precious metal standard for the U.S. dollar.

United Nations – We support the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations and the removal of U.N. headquarters from U.S. soil.

Foreign Aid – We oppose foreign aid except in cases of national defense or catastrophic disasters, with Congressional approval.

International Organizations – We support U.S. withdrawal from the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and the World Bank.

If this should be directed at his campaign, please let me know where I should send it.

My blog is luridtransom.  Here's a link:  http://luridtransom.blogspot.com/  I hope you enjoy reading it.

Regards,
luridtransom

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: luridtransom
To: Texans for Lamar Smith
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 10:00 AM
Subject: 2012 Texas GOP platform inquiry.

Dear Sir or Madam:

Last month I sent the inquiry below to [a staffer] in Congressman Smith's office.  I haven't heard back from her despite a couple of follow ups.  Perhaps she is on vacation, I'm not sure.  In any event, she mentioned that she'd look at my questions, which might be more appropriate for the campaign.  So I'm directing my inquiry to the campaign in order to get a substantive response.

Thanks in advance for your response!

Regards,

luridtransom

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: luridtransom
To: Texans for Lamar Smith
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 11:49 AM
Subject: Fw: 2012 Texas GOP platform inquiry.

Lamar Smith Campaign:

Please either respond substantively to my media inquiry or let me know that you REFUSE to respond to my media inquiry.  Thank you.

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: luridtransom
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 11:04 AM
To: Lamar Smith’s DC Office
Subject: Fw: 2012 Texas GOP platform inquiry.

Dear [Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)],

I am STILL trying to get a response to my inquiry below, which I sent you back in August.  Can you kindly answer my request, or forward it to someone that can?  Perhaps Congressman Smith himself would respond.  Thanks for your help.

Regards,

luridtransom

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
To: luridtransom
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 11:01 AM
Subject: RE: 2012 Texas GOP platform inquiry.

luridtransom,

We do not participate in every interview request that we receive.  Please accept our decision to decline the interview and use the information already provided to you or available on our website.

Thanks,

[Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)]

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: luridtransom
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 12:00 PM
To: Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
Subject: Re: 2012 Texas GOP platform inquiry.

Dear [Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)],

I've simply asked for the Congressman's position on some planks from the Texas GOP platform.  I mean, he either supports those planks or he doesn't, right?  Why does Congressman Smith refuse to answer my questions?  Thanks.

luridtransom

 ----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
To: luridtransom
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 10:54 AM
Subject: RE: 2012 Texas GOP platform inquiry.

Our office declines to participate in your story.  You can either use the information that was provided to you in a written letter earlier this year, or we have information about Congressman Smith’s views on various issues on our website.

http://lamarsmith.house.gov/congressionalresources/ontheissues.htm

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: luridtransom
To: Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: 2012 Texas GOP platform inquiry.

Dear [Staffer for Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas)],

I am very disappointed.  We both know you have previously provided zero answers to my questions.  Your website provides zero answers.  I believe America has the right to know Congressman Smith's position on, for example, term limits and withdrawing from the UN.  It's not that Congressman Smith is declining to participate in an interview request.  That's not what my inquiry really is.  Essentially Congressman Smith is saying, "Hey, America.  I have so little respect for you that I won't even tell you my position on a few planks of my own party's platform.  I hold you in contempt, lowly taxpayers and veterans and hard-working American families.  As a successful politician, I have no time for honesty and candor, or even telling you where I stand beyond hollow talking points written by someone else."

I appreciate you letting me know Mr. Smith refuses to address my questions.

Regards,

luridtransom