Michael Savage caller: Americans spied on for decades
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Guest Column: Red State, Purple Legislation
Jun 18, 2013 | 10 views | 0 | 1 | |
| 1 | | Guest Column: Red State, Purple Legislation
Enlarge photo by: Tommy LaVergne of Rice University
Mark P. Jones
- Reference Material
- 83rd Legislature, ranked by Final Passage Votes
- PDF (171.8 KB) download
On Nov. 6, Texas reaffirmed its status at the ballot box as the reddest of the nation’s major states, with Mitt Romney winning 57 percent of the vote to Barack Obama’s 41 percent. Simultaneously, Republicans garnered 24 of 36 seats in the congressional delegation, 19 of 31 in the state Senate and 95 of 150 of the seats in the state House.
Texas Democrats exercised considerable influence over the legislative process during the 2013 regular session this spring, in contrast with their relative impotence last fall. While the November election results were unequivocally red — Democrats won a mere 12 of 31 senators and 55 of 150 representatives — the legislation passed during the session was decidedly purple.
Read more: The Texas Tribune - Red State, Purple Legislation
JAMES BAMFORD
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Jun 18, 2013 | 711 views | 0 | 37 | |
| 37 | | © 2013, Jim “Pappy” Moore,
All Rights Reserved.
Jim “Pappy” Moore is a native son of East Texas who still makes the piney woods his home. oaktreefm58@juno.com
I had Three Dads
Jun 18, 2013 | 435 views | 0 | 35 | |
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I grew up believing I had three daddies. I thought it was normal to have more than one daddy. I had my “real” dad, my other dad, and a close family friend who I called dad. I thought a dad was a man who really loved you and you loved him. Of course, I was only three or four at the time.
Out of the blue one day, I asked my third dad, Mr. Moore,“You’re not my real daddy are you?” He said no, but he loved me just like I was his daughter. My biggest concern was what I was supposed to call him because I only knew him by the name daddy. I still remember that day. It was an awkward feeling. I was so sad and confused that he wasn’t my daddy.
When I was in junior high, I joined a school group for children of divorced parents. We would eat lunch together once or twice a month. I remember some people sharing their stories of how their dad’s weren’t in the picture now that they had gotten divorced. I remember a girl crying once about how much she missed her dad. What really stood out to me was how hurt she was that she felt like she didn’t have a father anymore.
I am so happy that my son has a great dad. I hope he is lucky to feel so much love from his uncles that he feels likes he has more than one dad. I think all children should have a father figure they can go to, trust and rely on. Even if that person is not their “real” dad.
It doesn’t take much to be a father figure to someone. I think the reason I thought Mr. Moore was my dad because he was always so happy to see me. He always took the time to give me a big hug and kiss. I remember him teaching me to use my knuckles to figure out which months had 30 or 31 days. One of my best memories with Mr. Moore was he had a Tootsie Roll bank. I was in love with that bank. Everyone once in awhile, he would tell me put your hands out and whatever you catch, you can keep. I still to this day can’t have a Tootsie Roll without thinking about my third dad, Mr. Moore.
This father’s day, if you see a child in need of a father figure, step up. It doesn’t take much but will make a world of difference in that child’s life.
I wish I could tell you that all three of my dads danced at my wedding. My “real” dad did. However, my other two dads died long ago. I think about both of them often especially on father’s day.
Don’t forget about the dads who aren’t your “real” dad this father’s day. Make sure you give them a call, invite them over for barbeque, or send them a card. Most importantly, let them know you appreciate them even if they are not your “real” dad.
© 2013, MaLu Bradford Beyonce, All Rights Reserved.
You may reach MaLu Bradford Beyonce at malubeyonce@gmail.com.