A Sad Day In San Marcos

I heard this morning that an old and most dear family friend, Johnnie Armstead, passed away last night. She was 74. I haven't seen much of Johnnie since her fall a while back. She never seem to recover. I last saw her on a shopping trip to the local HEB. While she looked a little tired she was still so full of life.

Johnnie and my late mother were both friends. During one of our many conversations over the years she reflected on how much my mother meant to her. I liked to stop by the Hays County Democratic office just talk to her. No subject was taboo and even the taboo didn't seem so bad. Though frank, she was always a lady.

In those conversations I got a glimpse of San Marcos history from another perspective. Not only did we cover political and social history we also covered current political and social goings on. While she never said a negative thing about another person, I always came away with the understanding of what and who she thought was right and wrong.

Today in the Statesman, and I'm sure in the other local papers they will write about her community activism. You know, just the facts. But if you will take a moment and read the guestbook, you may come to understand how one Mexican boy came to like and indeed love a little black lady.

My sincerest condolences to her wonderful husband Albert and to her family. Her lost to our community is most dear. And with that, I will close as I always do with praise. But today, in Johnnies honor, instead of Latin I will use English...

Thanks Be To God

Wonko's Bud

15,000 Strong

Senator Obama drew a crowd of about 15000 strong this past Thursday. Those of you familiar with Sewell Park should note that the line went all the way to the big HEB on Hopkins street. Some of my school kids told me that they were there. By the time the event started, the crowed had been packed on both sides of the San Marcos river and the large foot bridge at the park. The crowed was also packed tight on the bridge in between Strahan Coliseum and the apartment complex. The residents at the apartment complex, it seems, had invited friends as there was no room to stand outside.You can see the apartment complex in the first shot. The blobs on each
landing aren't mutated hedges but are in fact people.

Gratias Tibi Ago Deus

Wonko's Bud

The O Man Cometh

Senator Obama will be in San Marcos Texas tomorrow. He is expected to give a speech at 9:15p.m. at Texas States Sewell park. Gates will open at 7pm. I wouldn't be surprised if more than 10,000 show up.

For those of you familiar with San Marcos your best bet is to park on the other side of the university and walk. Shuttle service will be available from the main parking lots at Texas State but I wouldn't count on them. Since my church is close by I intend to walk the mile and a half to the event.

Lucy's, a local music venue, will have a rally watch party. They will be screening the rally via CNN. Space is limited to 700 people. To reserve a space go to Obama's campaign website and look up my obama event. Type in the 78666 zip and 10 mile radius and it will take you where you need to go.

Friends who still drive for the University Tram tell me that security is tight. I would advise those of you attending to carry picture identification and leave your pack packs at home. Weather report says that it will be about 50 degrees.

I intend on being there though I am uncommitted. History is history.

Gratias Tibi Ago Deus

Wonko's Bud

If You Will Notice

I have added a blog that I have enjoyed for quite some time. I hope you will give Susan a read. I have added her link here.

I would also direct you to the other blogs that I like.


Gratias Tibi Ago Deus

Wonko's Bud

A Yellow Dogs Dream

DECIDEDLY UNDECIDED

I was for Richardson when this whole process started. I may still vote for him in the Texas primary. I did the same thing with Howard Dean. Both of those men were my first choice but this year is different. This time around the Democratic bench was a lot stronger and deeper.

Now, I am faced with two candidates whom I believe would make a great president. Over the past few weeks I have gone back and forth with both candidates. I have strongly agreed with both of them on most issue's and strongly disagreed on few issue's. I have thought about both of their chances in the general election and as of yet I have not made a decision.

I have had problems with both of the candidates on the issue of the war and immigration. With regards to immigration, both candidates have blamed the problem on immigrants and are scapegoating the undocumented on the issues of taxes and jobs. In the Hollywood debate, Clinton said that immigrants were taking jobs from blacks. When in fact immigrants are, by and large, taking jobs that Americans do not want. Last time I checked native born African Americans were in fact Americans. I was very pleased with Senator Obama's response to Senator Clinton in that he said that he didn't agree with the premise of the question and that we shouldn't become polarizing on the issue.

During last nights debate, I strongly disagreed with both Obama and Clinton when they both said that immigrants don't pay taxes. The undocumented do pay taxes for which they will receive no benefit. The undocumented pay property tax, sales tax, medicaid/medicare, social security, etc.

Clinton, it seems, has a firmer grasp of the realities on the issue of border security. Of course, I am referring to the Wall. She is right in that border security both north and south could utilize current technology to enhance border security.

I have been opposed to the war ever since President Bush said, "...After all this is the man(Saddam Hussein) who tried to kill my daddy". Neither Obama or Clinton can say the same. Both have supported Bush's War in both word and deed. Before some of you start screaming that Obama has consistently opposed the war from the beginning, I would refer you to the TV show Meet The Press back in 2006 and also on his voting record in the US Senate.

After last nights debate I can honestly say that both Senator's have not sealed the deal. For me, it may actually come down to election day to make a decision. But isn't that a good thing? Shouldn't we cast our votes in a thought full and considered way? Isn't that the American ideal if not the American way?

Wonko's Bud

Gratias Tibi Ago Deus

Oh My God!

I have just received the three day rundown for early voting in Hays County. This does not include today's numbers. Democrat's in Hays county are out voting Republicans almost three to one. The numbers are as follows:

Early Voting Locations

Kyle City Hall Dems: 214 Reps: 68
Dripping Springs ISD Admin Dems: 218 Reps: 82
Wimberley Community Center Dems: 258 Reps: 158
Texas State University Dems:260 Reps: 68
County Elections Office Dems: 482 Reps:160

Mail In Ballots Dems: 341 Reps: 116

TOTALS Dems: 2093 Reps:723

These numbers are not broken down by precinct. The Elections Office keeps a roster of those voting early and I was told that I could break down the numbers on my own. Unfortunately, I didn't find this out until the office was closed. I will do a precinct breakdown next weekend.

The numbers I find most interesting are the Wimberley numbers. You may have read about that school district refusing to pay its Robin Hood contribution. I will be interested in seeing the Buda numbers. Both Kyle and Buda represent the fastest growing parts of our county.


Wonko's Bud

Gratias Tibi Ago Deus