Category Archives: City of Houston

Thoughts on Viernes – 03242023

Posted on March 24, 2023 | Leave a comment

HPOU Whines About Republican Judge

In the news yesterday was a story about a suspect caught on camera severely beating and robbing cash from a woman in the Chinatown area of Houston who then had his bond cut in half, while the news station got their hands on the suspect’s jailhouse phone conversation regarding this assault. ABC-13 identified the presiding judge who lowered the bond as Kristin Guiney of the 183rd, a republican recently elected by around a 2% margin. She was one of a couple of judges who was able to squeeze into the courtroom, thanks to the support of people like Mattress Mack, Crimestoppers, and the local cops union, who vilified “Democrat judges” for lowering bonds.

Now, HPOU is whining about bonds lowered by someone they supported in one way or another without telling us about that support. There’s a lot that can be said about judges lowering bonds, especially in cases that involve videotaped violence like this particular case, but if you want to change that, it’ll take more than just funding republinut judges because even they need to follow the rules regarding bonds. Want to change the rules? Well, you have enough bought and paid for republican Legislators and State Senators to do it. Instead, all the whining does is make the 2026 republinut primary a story and a boon for consultants.

Anyway, the hypocrisy is obvious. Just another reason why I’m not usually supportive of cop union-endorsed candidates.

COVID Emergency

The local COVID numbers are still up there at 7.3% positivity and 166% wastewater load, while the Biden administration is racing toward ending the COVID emergency. New cases are still in the hundreds, and people are still dying, but the Biden folks say it’s not an emergency because they know how to control it. Really?

Do we know when the next booster for those of us already boosted is coming? We’re waning and getting worried about where we stand, Prez! And what about another version of Evusheld, for those who are immunocompromised? With the COVID emergency ending, it would seem the urgency to help people avoid COVID is ending, too.

Anyway, mask-up if you’re at crowded event or area. Keep clean. If you’re insured, order your COVID tests! And if you’re acting the fool, stay away from me.

Little Joe Named a 2023 NEA National Heritage Fellow

We need to celebrate these designations while we still can. Little Joe Hernandez has been around for over 65 years, has recorded 70 albums, and at age 82 still has a healthy touring schedule, while taking the time to promote Chicano culture and progressive causes. So, that after all the years, Little Joe is honored by the nation with one of the highest honors of folk and traditional art, well it’s a Chingon deal! Click that link for his bio. Here’s his recent participation in a remake of Las Nubes, aka as the Chicano national anthem, featuring La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Elections, Harris County, Local Politica, Media, Republinuttiness

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2nd TEA Talk-at-Community Meeting Goes As Expected

Posted on March 23, 2023 | Leave a comment

Greg Abbott’s minion, Mike Morath at TEA, failed to show again at an HISD takeover community meeting, and Morath’s own minion (Alejandro Delgado) failed at running a meeting, again, as he attempted to show that powerpoint. Parents and teachers did show up again to ask questions for which they are not getting answers. When they didn’t get the answers, they took over the meeting.

The report from KHOU points out that Delgado states that over 200 questions have been collected and half are about the board of managers. Those at meetings do not seem to be asking about the board appointment process, so, my guess is that the questions are from the TEA online portal, where it’s safe for chaqueteros to ask. Also, 138 people have applied to be on the board of managers and TEA wants more applicants to justify their appointment process and outcome.

As Kuff points out, TEA’s meeting practices don’t give folks the warm and fuzzies to capture their hearts and minds, but I’m pretty sure that hasn’t been TEA’s intent this whole time. According to Campos, all of the loud noises from the people at the meetings aren’t going to change a thing about TEA’s takeover. But, hell, the lawsuits and the Lege didn’t work, so, what’s left? If this doesn’t turn into an actual and long-term people-led movement, instead of just a regular ol’ political campaign to win a seat with the least numbers possible, then nothing will change.

Anyway…

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Education - K12, Elections, Local Politica, Media, Texas Lege, Voting Rights

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Thoughts on the TEA Takeover of HISD

Posted on March 16, 2023 | 2 comments

It has been a year since I moved back into Houston ISD territory after living a block away just inside Alief ISD for a number of years. I was so upset that I moved in too late to have voted for my friend Holly Flynn Vilaseca in HISD District VI. As Greg Abbott begins his move to transition HISD into the Texas prison system (or something like that), the reality that elections matter hits people right in the face.

Political realities are the worst thing people can feel when bad decisions affect them, especially if they voted against their best interests or didn’t vote at all. And for almost 200K students, 30,000 staff, and millions of taxpayers, the fact that our democracy has been compromised by a power-hungry Greg Abbott should have us living in fear, yet, wanting to do something about it. So, I have a few thoughts about the TEA takeover that will happen in June.

  • The voters of HISD District VI had a hard-working trustee in Flynn Vilaseca. She was fighting for our kids, our teachers, and our democracy. Unfortunately, various powers preferred misinformation and a person whose idea of representation has been to sell-out HISD stakeholders, Kendall Baker, whose support of Greg Abbott’s idiocy was on TV news yesterday. Baker supports the TEA takeover and sacrificing his own political career to prove his loyalty to awful people. Baker is a right-wing zealot who has been supported by vultures, such as State Rep Mayes Middleton and local county commissioner and election denier Tom Ramsey. I hope the voters who were duped into voting for him realize what they did in voting for him. Removing him from the board is probably a good thing (as undemocratic as that may be), but knowing there are better-connected right-wing zealots who do not support public education out there and whom Abbott will appoint is unsettling. Kendall Baker was a great pawn for the right-wing zealots, though.
  • Watching the various news reports yesterday, I found that reporters set-off to find HISD parents to ask their opinion of Greg Abbott’s takeover of HISD. A few were somewhat informed, yet, surprised that it was going to happen. The concern was palpable. Others had the mentality that, “as long as something is done to make things better,” but with no knowledge of the politics and process and upheaval that Greg Abbott’s route would cause. And then there was that parent who wanted to feign knowledge, but was not at all paying attention. So, that there is a lack of information out there is not a surprise. And that parents need to be spoon-fed the information is also not a surprise, whether it’s done by trustees, administrators, or the political class in Houston. But it is TEA who will take advantage of the way things have always been done to keep people misinformed as only four (4) informational meetings have been scheduled to reach 200,000 students, 30,000 employees, and millions of taxpayers. Ignorance is bliss all-around, but while some hope no one says anything so that no one messes with the status quo or other agendas that may exist, the right-wing-nuts goes merrily along and actually does something to further their race to the bottom.
  • Kuff has a little bit more. He thinks people should apply to be on the board of managers to see if a few good minds can be placed, and I do see the logic. But there are bad things that will happen because of this unelected, undemocratic board and I’d hate for any of our good people be tainted by those decisions. I’d prefer some sort of movement to call out the decisions that are being made–a mass movement led by people and not the politicians who have that taint on them no matter which title they possess. I’d like to see those who fight hardest against Greg Abbott’s shenanigans be on the next board of trustees–once, HISD is paroled from Abbott’s prison system. At this point, I see anyone who has applied to be on the board as suspect. I hope that this takeover causes more good people to find the drive in themselves to serve–as thankless as this job may be. And also, redistrict HISD!

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Education - K12, Elections, Harris County, Local Politica, Media, Republinuttiness, Texas Lege, Thoughts on Viernes

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La Semana Pasada – The Week That Was

Posted on March 4, 2023 | Comments Off on La Semana Pasada – The Week That Was

Well, I had a blog slowdown this week for various reasons, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t paying attention to the latest attacks on democracy, public education, and humanity, in general. But also some good stuff.

The Possibly Inevitable HISD Takeover

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced at a council meeting that Greg Abbott and his minions were about to take over Houston ISD, as has been promised by them for a few years. Greg Abbott has never been a friend to democracy, nor to communities of color, so that this is about to happen (maybe) isn’t a surprise. If taken over by Abbott, the local school board would be replaced by unelected Abbott supporters whom the people have not vetted, and the reins given to some other executive not chosen by those we elected. Whether it does or doesn’t happen, the stress it has put into the families and taxpayers of the district is palpable.

Abbott and his minons blame poor performance at one school, which has since improved. The school district continues to improve, too. Also blamed is past relationship problems on the school board. Since then, voters have replaced school members through election. The political and administrative face of HISD has changed since Abbott and his minions began to whine about Houston ISD. We even lost a couple of good school board members in the process and gained some right-wingers who do the bidding for Abbott’s agenda. Will Abbott sacrifice their political careers to make his point?

The question is: Will it happen? Do Abbott and his minions want the blame for what is to come when they turn HISD into the crown jewel of the Texas prison system? Or at least run it in the same fashion? Since my rent pays for HISD taxes, I’m really concerned, now.

I Support Food Not Bombs

I’ve really had it with HPD and City Hall’s BS against people who are simply doing the right thing–feeding those who are hungry. This last Wednesday, HPD cited a volunteer of a group, Food Not Bombs, for holding what they consider an unauthorized feeding of people in need outside of the downtown library. The Mayor wants to make the library “family friendly,” by banning human beings who are houseless. A local law prohibits these kinds of activities in downtown, but they hadn’t cited anyone. After over a decade, the Mayor has decided to crack down on these good people.

The City offered an alternative location at HPDs parking lot, which is just outside of downtown. Seriously? We already have Greg Abbott wanting to turn HISD into a state-run prison, now the city wants to treat the homeless and hungry in a similar manner.

Thankfully, local civil rights lawyer Randy Kallinen is on the job defending against what is an unconstitutional and inhumane ordinance. But the City needs to stop this nonsense.

Dem Chair Candidates Making the Rounds

It’s good to see that Dem Chair candidates are going around campaigning, and not just to precinct chairs. On March 19, the County Executive Committee, made up of precinct chairs, will meet by Zoom to vote in a new leader for the Harris County Democratic Party. According to the Dem Party website, there are three announced candidates, including my friend, Silvia Mintz.

The link also provides the process by which a person will be elected: Nominees must be nominated from the floor by a precinct chair during the meeting. And 50% of the precinct chairs must be present for an election to happen. While the meeting will be conducted on Zoom, those precinct chairs without technology will be able to attend at HCDP’s HQ. And those interested in running can fill out an application on the HCDP website so that they may inform precinct chairs of their choices.

Of course, one wonders if floor nominations of those not providing information beforehand will be allowed. One never knows if surprises will be allowed.

For those who are not precinct chairs, this is a democracy and we should be able to contact our precinct chairs to suggest a nominee and why. That said, the vast majority of Democrats may not know who their precinct chair is. So, I filled out this form on the HCDP site requesting that information so that I can tell my precinct chair my preference. But this should be easier.

The Mavericks “In Time” Celebrates a Decade

If you’re a fan of The Mavericks, you will remember this amazing comeback album from this Americana band. If you’re a superfan, then this album is on your Mavericks Spotify playlist and on heavy rotation, still, after ten years. Well, they have released a 10th anniversary album of “In Time,” which includes a three added tunes, including a different version of Ven Hacia Mi (Come Unto Me). It’s got more Cubano and Conjunto flavorings, and it’s little bit more swingier than the originals. Give it a listen and enjoy!

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, History, Las Mujeres, Local Politica

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Thoughts on Viernes – 02172023

Posted on February 17, 2023 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 02172023

Richard Cantu is Official on Social Media

Though we’d heard through the social media grapevine that HCDE Trustee Richard Cantu had filed at city hall to run for Houston City Council At-Large Position 3, we finally have added proof that he is in the running as he transformed his candidate Facebook page for this race. States Cantu:

Our neighborhoods should be clean and safe, and it takes leadership to make it happen! The neighborhoods that have problems with dumping also have some of the worst crime problems. I will tap into my three decades of positive relationships with community leaders, law enforcement, educators, faith leaders, and businesses, to continue to bring results to neighborhoods across the city!

Cantu adds that having lost his daughter to gun violence, he will continue to honor her memory by continuing to advocate to end gun violence while on City Council.

Richard has experience running and serving countywide, working with various entities to bring services to the area’s youth, so, he’s not running just because it’s a good gig. He will put in the work.

Abbott Promises More BS and Less Action

Greg Abbott spoke to his right-wing and bigoted friends yesterday. He sure as hell didn’t speak to the people of Texas, promising to blame immigrants, border communities, and Joe Biden for Texans’ fentanyl addictions; blaming judges for the overuse of an oversupply of guns in crimes; pushing school vouchers as a means of avoiding getting shot at public schools while also avoiding being indoctrinated with facts and science and stuff (I think that what I heard).

Anyway, Greg Abbott continues to set high standards for do-nothing republicans who just want a good gig. Meanwhile, Fascist Mack continues to fund Republican lawsuits promoting denial of election outcomes in which they lost.

COVID-19 Remains Steady

As we near of the Biden-ending of the pandemic emergencies, the most recent COVID-19 surge remains steady and in double-digits, though leaders celebrate the slow drop in cases. We are at 12% positivity while the newest variants continue to surge. The Feds continue to push vaccination, especially the bivalent boosters, but have done little to promote masking in busy places (stores, mass events). So, the more I see people I know getting bit a second time by COVID-19, the more I know no one is doing enough–including people, in general. And as health experts tell us, the more the virus circulates (spreads), the more it will change and become more transmissible as new variants.

Thankfully, Moderna has stated that their boosters and vaccines will continue to be free to the public, including the uninsured. But that’s because the taxpayers paid for its development. The other drug companies will charge $110 for the vaccines.

When is the next booster for those of use fully boosted, yet probably waning? Well, the Feds seem to be waiting on whether we will switch to an annual booster in the Fall. Some of us are worried about waiting too long if the current booster is waning, especially the immunocompromised who need the protection. Dr. Peter Hotez suggests the Feds recommend a second booster sooner so that people can decide whether or not to get it. The Feds don’t seem to be listening to the experts.

So, keep masking, stay away from big crowds, etc.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, DC Promo, Elections, Local Politica, Media, Republinuttiness, Texas Lege

Thoughts on Viernes – 02102023

Posted on February 10, 2023 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 02102023

First, The Good News: Robert Gallegos for Houston Mayor

Woke up this morning to ABC-13 telling me (on TV) that District I CM Robert Gallegos has tossed his hat in the ring for Mayor of Houston. The Chron has it. Gallegos is the term-limited lone Chicano on the Council. He has represented his district well, taking on issues such as environmental racism by rail companies, along with pushing for quality of life projects, such as the development of the Houston Botanic Garden in his district, and more budget money for trash and recycling in his district. His office’s constituent services rank up there as responsive and effective. Nine years of experience on Council, as well as decades of experience in the community, surely qualifies his run. Gallegos has been my favorite member, and I’ll even go as far as stating that he has rep’d me better than most at City Hall, and I live in the Mid-West of Houston.

Side note: I’ll never forget his kind words and memorial service attendance when my Mom passed away in 2016. He’s genuinely a good person who would serve all of Houston well.

The Chron already has the local experts talking about the race. I’ll analyze the analyzers next week.

Abbott Doubles Down On Being A Bigot–Again!

Greg Abbott hates diversity as a means of social change as he has banned using diversity as a hiring tool. The only kind of diversity he approves of is the usual hiring of ass-kissing vendidos who are willing to sell-out their own people. He’ll parade around a babos@ who will walk lock-and-goose-step with his Trump-like policies. Otherwise, it’s not his kind of diversity. We’ve been through it before here on DC when Latinos support any given republinut Latino appointee as a win for diversity, but in reality, it’s a win for right-wing pendejos. Why are we so surprised?

Abbott Isn’t Accountable To Uvalde

Abbott’s DPS has decided that a couple of DPS troopers is enough to punish DPS for the Uvalde shooting response. If they fire too many, they won’t be able to keep the border boondoggle staffed, I gather. That’s OK, Uvalde County voted for Abbott, so they must be OK with what happened in Uvalde. I guess that means that doofus DPS director gets to stay, too. He said as much.

Biden’s New Super-Duper-Deportation Rule

A new Biden initiative to immediately deport non-Mexicans has the administration back-tracking on the plan. So, as always, there is confusion in the news. One reason they’re contemplating Mexico as a drop-off point is that they have bad relations with Cuba and Venezuela because of the blockades the US has imposed on them which makes for difficult trips to drop-off deportees. And Mexico is willing to work with the US, but probably at a price. There is sure to be an uproar from US-based (and connected) folks from the targeted deportation countries. Biden’s mistake is that he refuses to work with these countries because he might earn a few political points, but hardly any votes, by making noise about them. Democrats lost an opportunity to do something worthwhile in migration during the Democratic majority.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, DC Promo, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Environmental, Local Politica, Media

Thoughts On Viernes – 020323

Posted on February 3, 2023 | Comments Off on Thoughts On Viernes – 020323

After my first post in a long while, I was elated by the positive response. In fact, some good friends fed me more hope.

Joaquin Martinez for District I

I’ve known this was going to happen for a while. I’ve known Joaquin for a long time now and have always been impressed by his commitment and drive to serve the community. I met him during his service in the nonprofit sector and was impressed by his campaign abilities during his run for State Senate. But he has proved himself as an effective doer as a staffer for current District I CM Robert Gallegos. Of course, I’m proud to say CM Gallegos has served me more effectively than most on the horseshoe on issues beyond my own district. That said, Joaquin is sure to continue that trend of excellent constituent services and transparent policy-making. Learn more about him by following his campaign on Facebook.

Richard Cantu for At-Large 3

Our current HCDE Trustee Richard Cantu announced his intention to run for At-Large 3 recently. Cantu has relevant experience, both as an elected official and as a countywide campaigner. He has actually been reaching beyond political connections. I look forward to an exciting grassroots campaign that is about and for the people, which is something we all need. Stay tuned.

Ivan Sanchez for District J

Many have already seen Sanchez making the rounds as he challenges a well-funded incumbent, who based on his fundraising, is looking for more. Running a grassroots campaign that promises to deliver results for the people, Sanchez offers experience as a Congressional staffer and real estate development pro. He helped found a millenial networking group that is quite active, too. He has also been part of the movement calling for more Latin@ representation on City Council.

With at least one other name that I hear about (but have not seen anything official or biographical in my inbox) set to run for At-Large 1, it seems Latin@s are indeed in the running for citywide and district positions. We’ve needed more of this.

COVID-19 Is Still Here

But just a reminder to candidates and people alike, COVID-19 hasn’t gone anywhere despite the Biden Administration’s call to end the pandemic emergencies on May 11. The “end” only means that vaccines and boosters will cost the uninsured over $80 each. That free testing will end. And that a host of other benefits will be gone.

Recently, Biden’s CDC ended the use of Evushield, an immune boost for the immunocompromised because it is ineffective against the new variants. Its creator, Astrazeneca, states they are working on clinical trials for a replacement, but those who required the added protection have been left in the lurch with only suggestions for masking, staying away from other humans, and continued boosters. Thanks! Like, maybe suggest it to everyone else!

Locally, COVID-19 is still around. Almost 15% of people being tested are positive. The wastewater reading is over 300%. People are still dying and getting sick. It’s not the flu. New variants are highly transmissible. COVID-19 is an inflammatory disease that affects ones organs and tissues in the long term, not just during infection. Together, all of Biden’s cancellations will have effects, while enriching corporations who didn’t feel they made enough money the last few years. And appeasing the COVID-deniers.

Anyway, mask up, stay boosted, and try not to be foolish by being among crowds you can’t trust. As much as I might support some of the aforementioned candidates, I won’t be at their events for obvious reasons.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Elections, Harris County, History, Local Politica, Media

Seeking Hope in 2023

Posted on February 2, 2023 | 2 comments

Well, after a personally challenging 2022, I decided to take a break in January to clear my head and think about what I want to do with this blog. And I still don’t know. Given the lack of federal leadership in taking on the pandemic and society basically giving up on itself by going unmasked and getting infected more than once (Society, not me), getting involved in stuff isn’t something on my mind. But at least I have this blog, right?

I do know that 2022 left me with a sense of wanting more out of so-called progressives, knowing that the right-wing continues its attack on good things and that we need to be better at fighting back. There needs to be more from those we choose to lead us than daily selfies and minimal returns on our political investments (our vote) when we actually have a majority. That said, a couple of things have happened that give me a little bit of hope. So, I’ll start 2023 (Happy New Year, by the way) with a short listing of things that give me hope.

SILVIA MINTZ ANNOUNCES FOR HCDP CHAIR

My good friend, local attorney and immigration advocate, Silvia Mintz, announced her intention to run for Harris County Democratic Party Chairwoman on FB after the resignation of Odus Evbagharu.

First of all, thank you to Chairman Evbagharu for his service. The position of Party Chair is the most thankless position that entails the equivalent of herding cats, among more important work. It takes a special kind of person to do this part of the job with the ultimate goal of winning elections through coordinated campaigns and effective fundraising. So, that Abogada Mintz is running is not surprising. As she stated:

The Party needs a leader that can keep the county moving forward and not only preserve the accomplishments from the last three election cycles but someone that can build on that progress.

I have run political campaigns, block walked, texted, phone banked, hosted fundraisers, raised money and ran for political office.

I believe that I can be very effective as the Harris County Democratic Party Chairwoman where I can use my experience and knowledge to ensure that Harris County continues to be Democrat and to help turn Texas Blue.

So, one of these days, the County’s Executive Committee (Precinct Chairs) will be getting together to elect the new Party Chair. I wholeheartedly support Silvia Mintz because she does have those leadership qualities needed to keep Democrats together while aiming to win elections. Bottom line: Harris County is still the place in Texas that will finally put a Democrat into statewide office, and this will happen with a chair that will not only win elections, but utilize innovative ways to energize the electorate.

Anyway, this is one moment that has given me some hope.

HOLLY FLYNN VILASECA ANNOUNCES FOR COH AT-LARGE #2

Another good friend, former HISD Trustee, Holly Flynn Vilaseca, announced her candidacy for Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 n FB. I’ve known Holly for years from our participation in local leadership groups and I was very supportive of her work on the school board. As she stated:

I’m running to put families first and ensure we have safe, healthy communities for all Houstonians. We deserve a city government that’s transparent and spends our tax dollars wisely. We deserve reliable city services and better infrastructure.

Together, we can take our city to the next level in economic development, innovation, and quality of life. I can help our communities accomplish these goals with my proven experience in responsible budgeting and operational efficiency. But I can’t do it without your support. Donate to our grassroots campaign at: Actblue.com/donate/HollyforHouston

No doubt, this was another recent happening that gave me some hope.

The City of Houston is currently being sued by LULAC for its lack of Latin@ representation on the City Council. One look at candidates raising money in at-large races and one sees the lack of representation in the people the check-writers support. This needs to change, and it needs to go beyond single-member fiefdoms (what the lawsuit is seeking and probably won’t achieve). So, I’m glad to see Holly jumping in to represent in an at-large race. As I’ve always said, we live everywhere and are qualified to run everywhere.

Reality is hitting us in the face right now, which is one of the reasons I was so out of it on blogging. The implications of a right-wing-led US House and an emboldened and bigoted Texas government are already affecting us, whether through awful public policies or a lack of political will to fight back on the left. Democrats won locally in 2022, but Republicans will continue on their favorite line of whining–creating doubt about election outcomes. We need energy, and these two announcements provided me a bit of a spark.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Harris County, Local Politica, Media

Thoughts on Viernes – -0232022

Posted on September 23, 2022 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – -0232022

Getting Antsy

We are a little less than 50 days out of Election Day and the earlier than usual repetitive political ads are already making me antsy to get my vote done. And it’s not just the “Blame Everyone Else But Me” Republican ads and the ones where republican fear-mongers take advantage of crime victims. The Dem ads are getting to me, too. Perhaps it’s because I think there is a lot on which to attack Republicans. I know, I know…it’s about consistency in messaging, but some of us are tired of Republican practices on most issues here in Texas and not just one or two.

Hate Group Messaging Infiltrates Texas Sheriff Depts

No surprise. Dem and Republican sheriffs are pretty much united in blaming immigrants for everything so that Abbott can keep funding the border boondoggle. Hate group, Federation for American Immigration Reform, held a klan meeting in DC regarding the border featuring border cops and other bigots. FAIR was created by white supremacist John Tanton. Despite being deemed a hate group by Southern Poverty Law Center, they are still “legit” in the eyes of Republicans and cops who want to use their data created out of their hind sides to legitimize their own bigoted practices. Bottom line: Everything we hear coming out of Republicans, from Greg Abbott to Alexandra Maga-Mealer and Mattress Mack in Harris County and Texas, is tied to bigots who thrive on causing fear among Texans.

The New COVID-19 Variant

There are some new variants of COVID-19 that are on CDCs radar.

The BA.5 variant that dominated the summer wave of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations has now fallen to 83.1% of new cases, according to estimates released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Three rival strains – the BF.7, BA.2.75, and BA.4.6 variants – have now climbed to make up nearly 1 in 5 new infections nationwide, according to the federal estimates. 

Even though people seem to continue ignoring health experts, instead following Biden’s “it’s over” advisory, mask up and play it safe, even if you are boosted. We don’t know how these new variants react–even to the latest booster.

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Is It Over?

Posted on September 19, 2022 | Comments Off on Is It Over?

I can’t say I got the warm and fuzzies when President Biden declared the pandemic “over” on 60 Minutes last night. He also mentioned that COVID-19 is still an issue that is being dealt with, so, at least he reminded folks. But the strongest statement was that the pandemic was “over.” I think that statement was irresponsible.

NPR reports that worldwide, there are still reports of over 400,000 cases daily. There have been significant increases between August 16 and September 17th in various countries, including the United States, though, I think the lower numbers in the US have more to do with lack of reporting of home tests than anything. News flash: People are still dying. So, COVID-19 is still here.

In Houston, we seem to have finally gone below 20 percent test positivity and continue to trend downward. And we even have a new 3-tiered COVID threat scale of Low-Medium-High. We are currently at Medium, which tell us: “If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.”

So, listen to your doctors…if you have access to one. Or have insurance. And if you really care about your high risk relatives and friends, mask up!

My worry continues to be about the immunocompromised and the frail whose relatives seem to continue going unmasked, as President Biden celebrated on 60 Minutes, stating, “Everyone looks in good shape.” or something like that.

Even more disturbing is an inflamed debate about what constitutes a “COVID death.” Dr. Monica Ghandi at UC-San Francisco seems to say it is just like the flu, now. Dr. Fauci disagrees.

“I’m sorry — I just disagree,” says Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House’s medical adviser, and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “The severity of one compared to the other is really quite stark. And the potential to kill of one versus the other is really quite stark.”

Fauci states that at the current pace, COVID-19 could still kill 125,000 more people in the next year.

“COVID is a much more serious public health issue than is influenza,” Fauci says, noting this is especially true for older people, the group at the highest risk dying from the disease.

The debate then turns to if people are dying of COVID-19 or of a pre-existing disease. I’d think that with medical advances, people are living longer even with pre-existing disease, but COVID-19 exacerbates it because of its inflammatory nature. So, it’s still COVID-19 that is the killer. Unfortunately, it becomes a public relations debate about lowering numbers versus truth in numbers.

Anyway, we’re still in this. I’m still masking in public spaces, like stores and doctor’s offices. I made a return to patio dining and even went into a restaurant, masking up while walking through it and unmasking while eating and drinking. Ultimately, I just don’t want it.

So, stay vigilant.

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