New Political Party-- WE THE PEOPLE

Okay, jokingly I suggested to a friend today that I was going to create a new political party. This party is all inclusive. This party only has one purpose--to protect the people. As I thought about the absurdity of my statement, I began to really ponder it. Why not? Protecting the people means protecting all individuals rights from all sorts of abuse. Poorly funded schools, poverty, corrupt politicians, greedy corporations, eminent domain, and all those things that have plagued our society for years and which we the people have complacently accepted.

I've come to this decision after experiencing an unbelievable turn of events. I'll not repeat what happened to Steve Doeung, if you don't know click here to find out. I reside in a very small town of just 900 people. I'm friends with Jesse, who has had five family members stricken with cancer and all but one has succumbed to the disease. Cancer is something that Jesse takes personally and cares about. He decided one day to create from nothing, an event to benefit the Hope House in Midland, Texas. In about a month's time, Jesse and a few of his friends worked together and organized a tournament to raise donations for Hope House.

The benefit went off without a hitch, and in this little bitty town of only 900 people, $5000 dollars was raised. Next month another benefit is being done to raise money for a single mom friend of mine that underwent brain surgery. She has no health insurance and people have rallied around her in support. I can almost guarantee that the amount raised will be doubled. In March I sat at a table in the Texas Moon and I listened to the guitar player of a local band and the manager of a local bar...people who've had NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE in fund raising plan and organize this event within a matter of minutes.

Why am I telling you this? Because I find it nearly impossible to believe that in a town the size of Ft Worth, with the so called experts of fund raising, the experts of organizing, the experts of community activists that not one single penny was raised to help provide legal defense for Steve Doeung. And these people had an ENTIRE YEAR to do it!

Why is it that "concerned" people are not taking action? Why is it that they are only talking? How is it that "people" with experience in organizing huge events haven't been able to put together a simple bake sale outside a Walmart, or find a local band to perform a concert and collect a cover charge at the door, or do a softball tournament where the proceeds would be donated? Do they have a hidden agenda? Are they being made promises by city officials to put on the guise of help in exchange for monetary benefits? Are certain protections being offered in exchange for martyrdom silence?

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that these are some harsh unfair questions. But guess what? I have the right to ask them...are you going to answer them?

My Sources Have Just Informed Me...HOTT OFF THE PRESS

This morning I told you that I have come privy to hearing some news that sent me into outrage and feeling all melancholy at the same time. I still don't have the proper words to express it, but Durango does. And if that doesn't completely satisfy your curiosity then looking here just might.

On a different spin, and I mention spin because now I'm referring to the Star Telegram. I believe it to be a certain newspaper in the Fort Worth area that just last week failed to mention in their reporting on the Steve Doeung vs Chesapeake case that a rally had taken place on the steps of the courthouse.

Well, my sources from this same courthouse, the County Court at Law in Tarrant County, have just informed me that a reporter from the Star- Telegram was making inquiries. Inquiries about what you ask? Seems that this reporter of the Star-Telegram was wanting a copy of the order that Judge Sprinkle signed condemning Steve's property, among a few other things. Hmmm...didn't the Star-Telegram report that Chesapeake had already won the court case? I suppose that this reporter is now looking for proof to back up his story.

Now, before I go, let me leave you with this one thought. Don't be hearers of the words only, be doers as well. With that said, please look here.

Carter Avenue Foreshadowed

A peaceful San Antonio neighborhood sees it's children off to school on a Wednesday morning. Yards are watered, dishes cleared and washed after breakfast and the usual morning routines are in play. What's so different about this neighborhood from other Texas neighborhoods? Along the public road, below the surface runs a 24" natural gas pipeline. Close to the size that Chesapeake Energy wants and plans on running under the homes on Carter Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas.

The events that transpired at 10:15AM, May 6th in 2009, rocked the Greystone subdivision with a cataclysmic force that not only shut the neighborhood down, but the adjacent streets as well. The gas line exploded. What if, it had been a Saturday morning, and our children were not at school, but playing outside? What if the pipeline was run under the homes instead of along the public road? Can you ever be guaranteed safety in your own home, your yard, the street that you live on?

Accidents do happen. That's why being proactive instead of reactive is the best possible course of action. Why can't Chesapeake Energy, a private natural gas company...NOT A PUBLIC UTILITY...take the alternate route proposed? Why do they insist on running a dangerous, highly pressurized, 16" natural gas pipeline under the homes and children on Carter Avenue? Why do they insist on putting American Citizens lives in danger?

Remember, "We the People" grant what limited power government has. As a society of free people we have lost sight of the fact that we are indeed the ones who have the final say so through the power of free speech and our franchise. We will no longer cowtow to the powers that be in Cow Town.

Will You Please Send An Email To Judge Sprinkle?

Honorable Judge Sprinkle,

I implore you to not sign the order allowing/granting Chesapeake eminent domain on Carter Ave. I live in West Texas, I have seen the effects of high pressurized gas lines...explosions that rocked our little town. Chesapeake is not a public utility company, we all know that this is a company that drills for profit. How can the public representatives allow the safety of these people to go unchecked? How can Fort Worth's elected officials grant Chesapeake full and free access to Carter Ave and other neighborhoods when in fact an alternate more viable route is available. Please, I ask humbly...don't sign the order. I was there in the courtroom. I observed Steve fighting for his rights. How unfair that he doesn't have legal representation. Is justice only a protected right of the wealthy? A protected right of only the criminal? Where is justice for those who abide by the law and yet can't afford to hire a lawyer.

Sincerely,
Joely Trujillo
Wink, TX 79789

The above is my email to Steve's judge. Yes, I called him Steve's judge. You see, he's the only person in the justice system that can give Steve any assistance. The Institute of Justice won't help...they're afraid of the Big Oil & Gas companies. Local Fort Worth attorneys won't help...they're afraid of the Big Oil & Gas companies, as well. All we have are the words in our heads. Please, take a moment and compose an email...then hit the send button. It's just that easy.

vgsprinkle@tarrantcounty.com

A Child's Perspective On Justice

Annie and I waited patiently for our Ft Worth downtown courthouse escort to arrive. While we waited, I finished coloring in the word "representation" on our protest poster and Annie read aloud from her AR book. It wasn't long before our friendly escort arrived and briskly took us to the steps of the courthouse.

A nice group was already on the scene with Steve and his family, holding signs and enticing those around to join in a collective support for Steve. The rally began with all the children present leading of us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I noticed the children, bundled up in blankets, that very cold morning. Maybe they knew what was at stake. Maybe they understood that the very fabric of our justice system has been weakened by the lure of greed. Maybe those children sensed the anxiety of a father that seeks to protect his home and family from ultimate destruction.

Are we going to allow Chesapeake Energy to hide behind the corrupt and abusive power of eminent domain? Do they get a free pass to run rampant all over Ft Worth? Are we going to sit back and allow Mike Moncrief to continue to collect profits despite the obvious conflict of interest so blatantly displayed?

How will you answer to the children? What will you tell them?

May I Have Your Attention Please, There's Gonna Be A Rally!

Here's Steve Doeung and a Silent Partner in their own words describing March 4th's Carter Avenue Rescue Operation Rally.




Nice job Steve! But you know what I'm thinking? Steve's had too many "Silent Partners"...it's time to make some NOISE!

Shouldn't The Carter Ave Rally Be On The Institute For Justice's Event Website?

The Institute for Justice has a web page specifically designed to show events and rallies directly related to eminent domain. Well, I checked it today, looking at March 4th and do you know what I didn't see? That's right...I didn't see the Carter Avenue Rescue Operation Protest and Rally.

Now, I'm fairly certain that Texas contains a great deal of eminent domain. I'm thinking that I read recently that Tarrant County was the capital of eminent domain. Maybe one of my smarter friends can verify that for me.

Seeing that the Institute for Justice is all about rendering aid to those Americans in need of getting Justice served, you'd think at the very least they would at least put the Carter Avenue Rescue Operation Protest and Rally on their event page. I'm truly confused.

Why Doesn't The Institute of Justice Give Legal Assistance to Steve Doeung?

We all thought it would be a fantastical idea to contact the Institute of Justice to ask them for help in Steve Doeung's fight against Chesapeake Energy and the City of Forth Worth and their Lackey of a Mayor, Moncrief. Then come to find out...the Institute of Justice was already contacted and they refused to help?

I took a look at their website, and you should as well. According to what they preach they're all about protecting the freedom of speech and people's personal property rights against eminent domain abuse. Well, I decided to look at a few of the cases they've been involved with, maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree.

San Juan County v. No New Gas Tax. I read that a private law firm stood to gain privately from not rolling back the gas tax. Well, isn't that very similar to a certain Mayor of Fort Worth that stands to gain privately by allowing Chesapeake to run their dangerous non-odorized pipeline under the residents' of Carter Avenues' houses? And when Steve was ticketed for violations that were directly related to him displaying a visual protest against Chesapeake Energy...wasn't that an attempt to "shut him up" and suspend his right to free speech?

So, HEY...Institute for Justice...what gives? Why not this case? We haven't even looked at the eminent domain abuse aspect of Steve Doeung's case, but we will.

A total whirlwind of a week that ended with some great and wonderful news. All week long I have trained to be a member of the 2010 Census. I can't say that everyday of the training has been tantalizing, but I have learned a whole bunch, met some people, and acquired my area assignment for the next three weeks.

We went from having a snow day on Tuesday to having a shorts and tee shirt day on Wednesday, very bizarre weather. On my snow day, stuck inside, I emailed and talked long distance to some good people over in Fort Worth and within a matter of DAYS, a most important crucial rally was birthed.

On top of that, do you remember me mentioning how proud I was of my former Pecos middle school students that are now Pecos high school students? My former Pecos students PROTESTED the unfair removal of Coach Henson from the Athletic Director spot at Pecos High School. This PROTEST included the students making posters with slogans such as: "NO COACH, NO SCHOOL"...that's right, then the students refused to go into school.

I know what you're thinking, "Good for them, but you know...nothing is going to change." I kid you not, I have heard those very words uttered all week long since the PROTEST showed up on the evening local news. NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE...well, my dear friends, something has changed. Just last night, with only two months on the job, Superintendent Lujan has decided to RESIGN.

Now, I don't know if the SAVE CARTER AVE PROTEST RALLY next Thursday, March 4th will bring about the same type of change as did the PECOS PROTEST RALLY, but I do know this. This is not the end. Chesapeake, beware...

You've called down the thunder and well now, you've got it!

CARO Carter Avenue Rescue Operation

This is your chance to become a fan of something really good! Steve Doeung, our lone ranger on Carter Avenue, rides back into court to take on Chesapeake Energy in the latest showdown. Stay up to date with comments and notes by Steve himself. You may even see a letter or two from the infamous Durango. There could possibly be a regal visit by the Queen herself.

Take a moment and check out the page. If you have a Face Book account, become a fan and help us spread the word. On March 4th, we need people...planes, trains and automobiles, even motorcycles, of people to support Steve! Meet at the courthouse, make some noise...let the man know you have his back.

New Super Lujan Is A Super DUD

I'm am so proud of my former Pecos students. Today, I watched them on the local news ditch school. Now why would you think a teacher of sound mind like myself would be proud of students cutting class? To express their opinion and protest an unfair act.

Lately, you've been hearing about Kermit, Texas and it's corrupt ways in the dealings of nurses blowing the whistle on erroneous doctors. Let's just say that the local school has just about the same amount problems. Of course, I don't have official sources, but a member of the Kermit ISD School Board did confirm that former Superintendent Lujan was asked to leave.

Lujan and his band of merry followers, followed him to Pecos where they have ousted the beloved Athletic Director, Hensen. I worked with Hensen and his wife and taught their daughter at Crockett Middle School. The entire family is a valuable asset to the community as well as truly loved.

It's time that good people quit being trampled on. It's time that we the people stand up for our rights and do what's right. It's time for the good ol boy Texas network to hit the curb! So, HEY FORT WORTH!!!! Pay attention! Are you going to let a bunch of high school students out do you? Steve Doeung NEEDS YOUR HELP! Be at the court house March 4th! Call your friends, take the kids out of school, alert the media: The Battle of the Century is on!!! Chesapeake Energy vs Steve Doeung!

The Pipeman Cometh

An ancient Greek philosopher came to this conclusion one day, "Justice is simply the advantage of the stronger." Then someone else later said that rules are fair and just to the absolute ruler even if those rules make no sense to the average citizen because they're there to protect the greater good . Of course, this premise was dogged and ridiculed much later by some French guy who said that rules come to be by the consensus of the people for the common good of the people. But my idea of justice comes from an old Chinese Proverb, and only has merit if you're a romantic sap like I am...Justice lies naturally in people's hearts.

In my heart I know that what is happening to Steve Doeung and the residents of Carter Ave is wrong. That although eminent domain is the law of the land, that it somehow is only just in the eyes of that mighty ruler, Chesapeake. How silly you may think I am for feeling this way, an utter hopeless romantic and doer of good, but...ponder for a moment. If Steve loses we all lose, because what will keep any self serving entity from taking what belongs to you in the name of the economy or cheap energy?

Is Steve and others like him just mere roadblocks, people of no consequence to be treated inhumanely? Are we expendable? Do our lives and wants and needs not matter? Are we of no value?

In just a few weeks, Steve will meet Chesapeake once again in court. He will be all alone facing the Giants of Industry with their team of expert lawyers. How is it that an American Citizen has no rights or the ability to have an appointed attorney to defend him in a court of law? I speak from emotion, but Steve regals from wisdom:

"The allegedly foreign terrorist accused of trying to blow up a transcontinental jet full of American citizens around Christmas was immediately appointed one of the best legal counsels (per national media) to lead in the defense of his rights, but this simple tax-paying American citizen (by choice, no less) who bleeds--and is always ready and willing to bleed--red, white, and blue cannot get legal help to simply protect his most fundamental rights as a law-abiding citizen."

I'm calling on Senator Davis and Representative Burnam to make a change. We the people DEMAND reform and will accept no less.

That Farm Is Going To Be Mine In Ten Years

A major lawsuit is being brought against the government by a group of Hispanic farmers claiming that the federal government made it easy for white farmers to get loans, but difficult for minority farmers. A similar lawsuit in 1999 was waged against the government by Black farmers which was rectified with a law passed by Congress that funded a billion dollar settlement.

Instead of it being handled as a class action suit, the courts are making each farmer face the government alone. We have seen this same intimidation tactic used by the Big Oil & Gas Industry against the small town of DISH and against the residents of Carter Ave. So, who is taking whose cues? Seems that the Federal Government and the Big Oil & Gas Industry are trying to drain these people of money and generally make them give up.

Guess where the majority of the 82,000 Hispanic farmers reside? Yep, right here in the good old state of Texas, why am I not surprised?

Truly repulsive. Why is it that these Hispanic farmers are being discriminated against? According to the news report, this discrimination began full force during the Reagan Administration and hasn't let up since. These farmers thought with the election of Obama that the change that was promised would finally come to be. That transformation has yet to materialize.

Several Helping Hands

When you give an inexperienced teenager a vehicle ten years or older, he'd better hope that he has mechanically inclined friends, or friends whose fathers fix vehicles for a living. When the ex hubby gave Justin, our sixteen year old son, old blue, the 1992 Nissan Frontier, with 250,000 miles plus...I just knew we were in for a world of needing helping hands.



My only knowledge when it comes to vehicular repairs are fixing flat tires, adding oil, maybe changing spark plugs, adding other needed fluids and possibly changing out windshield wipers, other than that, I've not a clue.

A few weeks ago, Justin and Daniel came home from an overnight camping trip, with my son telling me, "Hey, mom...the engine is running hot." I let the engine cool off a bit and then had a look under the hood. (this is quite comical when you think about it) Not really knowing what I was looking at, I decided since the spray from the radiator seem to be exiting the cap, that all that was required was a new radiator cap, but told my son to also pick up some stop leak as well.


We did that little bit of fixing and lo and behold...no dice, the engine was still over heating and fluid was ejecting at an alarming rate! Those of you who understand engines probably already know what's wrong with old blue...yep, the water pump. So, one of Justin's friend's father, who just happens to repair vehicles for a living, picked up the pretty little part and is outside as I type right now, repairing old blue.

Here is the tricky part. I'm on a limited budget and my son, doesn't have a job. What in the world did he possibly work out with his friend's father? I've found out that in exchange for fixing old blue, Justin owes his friend's father a day's hard labor.


Which reminds me of another friend who needs some helping hands. Remember Steve Doeung? I'm sure if an attorney could come forward to lend a helping hand, that we'd be able to figure out an agreeable exchange. Free advertising? We got a network of people that with one word, your name could be everywhere in hours. How about it? Anyone out there willing to lend a helping hand?

A Rolling Brigade To The Rescue

I believe that the idea of having lots of men and women on motorcycles riding to the rescue of Steve Doeung and the residents on Carter Ave is gaining support. Now, let's see if I can track down some of those well organized motorcyclists and pick a day for a ride to Ft Worth.


Hey, George, Dan, Shane...you up for a ride?