Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Socialists are not "Real Democrats"

Monday, September 04, 2006

Who's the REAL enemy?

There has been an ugly resurgence of the "Red Scare" within the comments posted on South Texas Chisme recently. A few posters have attempted to lead us to believe that the Communist Party has set up shop right here in Corpus Christi.

If any of these posters took a moment to brush up on political history, he or she would find that the Communist Party split off from the Socialist Party back in the 1920s. The Communists believed that only overthrowing the existing government by force would bring about the changes they desired. The Socialists preferred to work within the existing governmental structures to gradually bring change, deferring to the will of the majority. At this point in time, there is about as much difference between Socialism and Communism as there is between Libertarianism and Republicanism. Those who believe the words, "Communist" and "Socialist," are interchangeable, should do a little research.

My real distress is the fact that a few people have chosen to use the political equivalent of the "N word," or "M word" here in South Texas, to slander one man--and everyone with whom he associates. If one disagrees with these posters' "party line," then one is a "Communist," with no exception. This displays bigotry and prejudice of the lowest order.

To my knowledge, I have never met a real Communist. I HAVE met people who were actively working to overthrow the US Government, but they were theocrats, not Communists. They take the phrase, "Repent or die," seriously. The real danger to democracy comes from those people who seek to establish a "Christian" version of totalitarianism right here in the United States. They are a radical fringe of Christianity, but they seek, by stealth and obfuscation, to infiltrate both Protestant and Catholic denominations.

Let's quit worrying about a "Communist takeover" of Nueces County, and start worrying about a radical religious fringe group, who seeks to take over the federal judiciary and impose an Old Testament law version of governance upon the United States. That is our real enemy.

15 Comments:

At 2:05 PM, jobsanger said...

Great post! Socialists have a long, proud and inclusive tradition in this country.

On the other hand, right-wing fundamentalists scare the hell out of me. These nuts can justify any type of vicious behavior with their religion.

At 2:41 PM, batoxxx said...

Why do you limit the options between right wingers and Socialists/Communists?

There are many moderate voices and positions between those two extremists views.

The Socialist Party of the USA, clearly calls for a "reconstruction" of society. Even an abecedarian in politics knows what that means. The "principles" of the Soc Party USA call the replacement of the Free Enterprise System/Capitalist system with radical socialism. It also encourges struggles not limited to any particular state.

Da, Socialists have a long and pround tradition: it is not mine, nor the platform of the Democratic Party. If Susie Luna and Rolando Garza want to by this BS, then they should de-enroll from our party. Amen.

At 2:51 PM, samsylvia said...

The REAL ENEMY is No insurance for 46 million people, 45% increase in our Texas State Colleges, everything from utility bills, electric bills, cable bills, insurance bills going up but our wages. Here's a quote that applies right now.. " When I give food to the poor they call me a saint, when I ask why the poor have no food they call me a communist" by Dom Helder Camara (A Catholic Archbishop). We need to get REAL Democrats elected that will listen to the people. Its been too long since we've had it the other way around or rather its been hijacked by our CORPORATE LOBBYISTS. Our latest Vilma Luna. As for me I will block walk my precinct and invite others to walk with me or walk your own. We need to get out and get our Democrats elected and then hold them accountable.

At 6:39 PM, nicelady said...

There does not need to be a witchhunt on individuals. The leaders of the PPC aren't Communists but they seem to admit their socialist. The only problem is that their association with the Socialist Party is that it is not the Democratic Party. One can bad mouth Vilma for being a lobbyist, but what was Solomon Ortiz Jr before the St.Rep 33 position was open, a beginning lobbyist. Don't criticize just one, criticize all who are taking advantage of the people and trying to make themselves lobbyist millionaires. Real Democrats in Nueces aren't aligned with the Socialist Party and then claim "we need to get rid of certain Demos from the local party." The PPC seemed to be indiviuals of PEACE (stance on war), but now take shots at indivuals (who have been in the party for years,some decades) in the party even though most of them have just started recently in the party. The real enemy is the Republicans. Remember that. Many are claimed DINOs (Demos in name only). I guess that same label goes to some of the PPC because of their association with the Socialist Party. Does that make them full of SIN, Socialist in Name.

At 8:05 PM, theman said...

I was present at the Labor Breakfast and was interested in the words spoken by the next state representative of district 32 Juan Garcia. He said he nor his family is aligned with the communist or socialist party. None of these accusations on Juan Garcia will hold water. But Juan wouldn't have to deal with this type of name calling if people like John Kelley weren't actually associated with the socialist party. If Kelley speaks for any Democrat then the Republicans will say look at those Democrats being promoted by a socialist (they'll even say communist). Thats wrong. Kelley and his associations are what the Republicans will use against the Demos. Kelley has such a small following and even smaller stroke in the party, yet he will be Newt Gingrinch, Tom Delay type poster child (for republicans) of what is wrong with local Democrats. Since John Kelley is such an opportunistic individual he will revel in the publicity but damage the local Dems. Kelley with his sociailist views and connections are hurting real Democrats who have never been with the Socialists. Juan Garcia is too good a man, to be attacked over some ridiculous charges like being a socialist or communist. Juan is an American...an American Hero...the next state representative of district 32.

At 8:16 PM, sera verdad said...

I did my home work nicelady unlike you. And quess what. Jr. is not found anywhere in the Tx lobby register.

Unlike hugo Berlanga, Carlos Truan, vilma, gary bushell ect.

Once again just bitter Noyola gang members talking trash.

Did anyone notice how out of place Danny looked at the labor council program.

What a Joke he is to the Party.

At 8:55 PM, Jaime Kenedeño said...

He is a DINO!

You guys have harped on how bad it is to be a DINO.

Soon you too will be let down.

One's choice of ideology id their America Right.

He should have told South Texas of his affiliations.

We need to get REAL Democrats elected that will listen to the people.

Democrat In Name Only.

Deception?

Is that how you like it?

Good post SamSylvia

At 9:09 PM, nicelady said...

sara verdad,
Gosh you Solomon folks have too much hate (with name calling and all). Maybe all that hate is the reason when Solomon Jr was introduced only a handful of folks stood up while applauding. Of course Solomon Jr. is not going to be in the register lobby. Probably while setting up his lobbying company and getting it organized the opening for state rep occurred. isn't that why he moved up to austin. It sure wasn't just to do research for legislators. If Luna hadn't stepped down, would Solomon Jr be a registered lobbyist, I guess we'll never know. It doesn't take one to do homework for common sense. But before you started getting hostile in your words, the only point that was being made was that lobbyists should not have control and legislators should not become millioniares after their tenure as a state legislature because of their connections.

At 9:10 PM, Jaime Kenedeño said...

And Damn Good post NiceLady.

As for Sera Verdad, why would you be so absurd as to go there with Solly. Those kind of words only damage the one you attempt to defend. Solly can defend himself. We just need to support him.

Solly would be better off remaining quiet.

Juan Garcia, I cant see how he comes close to being a Socialist other than alligning on aspects of education and using a trojan horse radio station as his soapbox. Juan should invest in another means of blasting his message. Throw some more parties and make friends. IMO, The Radio is not a good pulpit for Juan. The stage brings interest and friends who then familiarize themselves and this gets the word out in South Texas. I seen no hate in the posting of nicelady. I was pretty neat IMO.

At 9:13 PM, Jaime Kenedeño said...

It was pretty neat.

At 9:22 PM, Ta1999 said...

So what!

Jaime, Homero so you have a personal issue against John Kelley. And what!?

You want everyone else to p*ss on him for you? just because he screwd you over some money and printing of the paper??? Give the rest of us a break!

So what if he has been affiliated with crazy groups, look at the local party, its full of DINOS and crazys. The tejano Dems with Moses, who has been president for 10 yrs and refuses to give up power, you want to talk about a commie, look at him.

Also DINO Connie G. she works for anyone with CASH. Noyolas, they just want power, just like a commie. So Get off your trip on Air America.

I honestly dont think anyone cares or that we are being over-run by the RED army!

John has a raido show and paper that he makes a halfass living on. your just jealous that you wish you had the same deal but you dont.

Instead you only go on once a week with Right wing crazy Bob Jones, write and trash anyone who does not agree with you or for anyone who will pay you a few hundred dollars and Jaime stays up till 4-5 am doing Homers online dirty work for nothing.

you should get out a make a diffrence in your community instead of bitch*ng.

At 9:28 PM, realchato said...

Neal, Kalien, Williams, Sales, Seaman, McComb are all laughing at you.

keep it up guys.

At 9:50 PM, batoxxx said...

John Kelley was disingenuous. He lied to us the REAL Democrats. He was giving a report to the SOCIALIST PARTY OF TEXAS of our activities.

Solomon Ortiz Jr. should have sounded the alarm bell. He didn't; he negotiated with the extremists.

In order for anyone to join the Socialist Party of Texas one has to abided by the platform and principles of the Socialist Party USA. It calls for a "reconstruction" of U.S. society. For the Free Enterprise system to be replaced by a SOCIALIST SYSTEM. It makes commitment to connect with international radical groups.

This is seditionist. It mirros Kelley's disingenousness; and Ortiz Jr.'s political expediency and convenience and greed.

I do not believe in political dynasties. It is time for the Ortiz to allow others to run for office. OUR PARTY is down and Kelley and Ortiz Jr. are to blame.

At 12:50 AM, Jaime Kenedeño said...

TA

Look around, the people know that Kelley was leading South Texas out to pasture.

Did you hear that rumble?

Or was it a whoosh?

I could care less if Homero gets paid; it is just the idea of somebody screwing a man after the man has helped him out.

I am making a difference in my community. Ask around?

Let me ask you TA, when one speaks truth is that called trash.

Am I Lying?

Was I lying?

You must remember I was obtuse to Homero because I thought it was only money. Homero had referred to some websites on the show but I was too dammned pissed to listen. Ask Solly. I suggested Solly run as a Democrat and drop the Progressive label. Ask him. Then Homero and I would not speak about it so I began to do a little research on Mr Cassidy. Then that is where I found Mr Kelley; smack in the middle of the Socialist Party of Texas. John Kelley was right there in the middle and was the subject of A Socialist overthrow of Solomon Ortiz in Congressional District #27. The thread was titled "Three socialist candidates for District 27: Raul Cano, (Les
Cassidy or John Kelley) and Carlos Morin?"


Now TA, have you read this conversation?

Go read in there a little while and come back and tell me John Kelley is a good guy. He wanted to undermine and use us. He was already doing it. He lead us to beleive he was a Democrat but he is an Operative of the Socialist Party.

Those things you said prove you know very little about the network of relationships here in South Texas. I work at night as I have always liked the graveyard shift. I am very satisfied with WATT I do and I am not asking anything from you so why you be hatin on me?

At 7:11 AM, GulfCoastLeftie said...

After reading the comments, it is glaringly obvious who's practicing hatred.

Here's a fact: Both Republican Guy Williams and Danny Noyola Sr. were at a meeting with John Kelley yesterday. Based on some of the "logic" demonstrated in these comments, I could label both of them "Communists," too. Does that make Williams and Noyola Communists? Of course not! It just makes me a bigot, should I choose to throw the "C word" around.

And the meeting they all attended together? Why, it was the Labor Day breakfast, along with a lot of other people.

I could have taken the first half of those facts and "C bombed" two men. But that would be bigotry and prejudice of the LOWEST order, would it not?

Read the first sentence of samsylvia's comment (#3) about 10 times. That's the enemy--those who would hurt decent human beings for their own greedy purposes. If you want a better life for yourself and your family, you'll realize that our children deserve better and vote DEMOCRATIC to protect their future.

On the other hand, you might prefer to lob "C bombs" at people you don't like, in order to settle some personal grievance. In the short run, it exposes you as a bigot. In the long run, it hurts your own self-interest, unless you're hauling in more than $250,000 a year in income.

The choice is yours.

"I am hoping that Les in Corpus will be able to confirm the availability of the Presidential Suite"

----- Original Message -----

From:

To: "Steve Rossignol"

Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 5:50 PM

Subject: Re: When are you leaving for Corpus?





> Hey folks,

>

> I need housing Saturday evening, if I can stay in the "presidential suite"

> that would be good (woohoo!;)

>

> I will be around starting Friday AM and at your service through Saturday

> evening. I'm leaving Sunday evening and plan on making Sunday a "tourist"

> day or something like that.

>

> Greg

> Hey folks,

>

> I need housing Saturday evening, if I can stay in the "presidential suite"

> that would be good (woohoo!;)

>

> I will be around starting Friday AM and at your service through Saturday

> evening. I'm leaving Sunday evening and plan on making Sunday a "tourist"

> day or something like that.

>

> Greg

>> >> Has anyone arranged for Greg's accommodations? It occurred to me that

>> >> he

>> may be able to stay in the Presidential Suite if we have that room for

>> the

>> evening.

>>

>> Soli

>>

>> Steve Rossignol

>>

>>

>>

Hello Les--



$2 cover at any venue is a good deal.



I personally will not be in until Saturday.



I am sending this to the gang. Hopefully it will reach folks before they leave Friday. I understand that National Secretary Greg Pason is already in Corpus. Has he made contact with you?



See you tomorrow.



Steve Rossignol





----- Original Message -----

From: Les Cassidy

To: Steve Rossignol

Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 8:25 PM

Subject: Re: [SPTXSC] Re: When are you leaving for Corpus?





Friday night we can have a get together at any number of venues downtown. let's meet in the Presidential suite of the hotel at 9:00 p.m. and decide where to go.



Saturday night the Ying Yang Fandango is having a live performance of a celtic/gypsy band nearby. The place is quite cool and it's a late cafe. Cover $2.00 but a great buy at that.



Les Cassidy



Cano for Congress -- I like that. You know, a lot of younger people like to

think of themselves as independents. If Raul is listed as an Independent on

the ballot, he may really have a shot at winning. Besides the conservatives

will be split up.



In a message dated 08/10/2005 10:43:45 A.M. Central Daylight Time,

stever at moment.net writes:



Hello Erik--



Good to see you are on top of this. I will not bother to send the laws this

weekend since you already have.



On another front, I have started on the minutes, but I do not recall your

wife's name, Erik, nor did I get Samantha's last name. I am listing them as

observers.



This weekend I will try to send something to the expanded email list with a

synopsis of the convention as well as solicit further congressional

candidates.



Cano for Congress!



Steve Rossignol







Michael, I agree with your thinking. I think the run off thing would be

viable only if we run candidates in the Democratic Party primary.



Some of the other candidates, as I understand it, may not be Socialists,

and may wish to challenge Solomon in the primary election.



If we support those people in the primary, we would not be eligible to sign

the petitions for an independent candidate.



There is no run off in the General Election. Our strategy should be to

divide the conservatives, not to divide ourselves between three candidates.



We have to decide among us who the Independent Candidate is to be before the

November election.



I ran for State Representative on the Democratic Ticket in 1981, I think it

was. I didn't have to get any signatures. I just had to take a $400 check

to Austin and sign the papers.





Bill,



You know, you have an interesting idea! What if we run a candidate

against Solomon in the Democratic Primary??


>> >> Has anyone arranged for Greg's accommodations? It occurred to me that

>> >> he

>> may be able to stay in the Presidential Suite if we have that room for

>> the

>> evening.

>>

>> Soli

>>

>> Steve Rossignol

>>

>>

>>

Hello Les--



$2 cover at any venue is a good deal.



I personally will not be in until Saturday.



I am sending this to the gang. Hopefully it will reach folks before they leave Friday. I understand that National Secretary Greg Pason is already in Corpus. Has he made contact with you?



See you tomorrow.



Steve Rossignol





----- Original Message -----

From: Les Cassidy

To: Steve Rossignol

Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 8:25 PM

Subject: Re: [SPTXSC] Re: When are you leaving for Corpus?





Friday night we can have a get together at any number of venues downtown. let's meet in the Presidential suite of the hotel at 9:00 p.m. and decide where to go.



Saturday night the Ying Yang Fandango is having a live performance of a celtic/gypsy band nearby. The place is quite cool and it's a late cafe. Cover $2.00 but a great buy at that.



Les Cassidy



Cano for Congress -- I like that. You know, a lot of younger people like to

think of themselves as independents. If Raul is listed as an Independent on

the ballot, he may really have a shot at winning. Besides the conservatives

will be split up.



In a message dated 08/10/2005 10:43:45 A.M. Central Daylight Time,

stever at moment.net writes:



Hello Erik--



Good to see you are on top of this. I will not bother to send the laws this

weekend since you already have.



On another front, I have started on the minutes, but I do not recall your

wife's name, Erik, nor did I get Samantha's last name. I am listing them as

observers.



This weekend I will try to send something to the expanded email list with a

synopsis of the convention as well as solicit further congressional

candidates.



Cano for Congress!



Steve Rossignol







Michael, I agree with your thinking. I think the run off thing would be

viable only if we run candidates in the Democratic Party primary.



Some of the other candidates, as I understand it, may not be Socialists,

and may wish to challenge Solomon in the primary election.



If we support those people in the primary, we would not be eligible to sign

the petitions for an independent candidate.



There is no run off in the General Election. Our strategy should be to

divide the conservatives, not to divide ourselves between three candidates.



We have to decide among us who the Independent Candidate is to be before the

November election.



I ran for State Representative on the Democratic Ticket in 1981, I think it

was. I didn't have to get any signatures. I just had to take a $400 check

to Austin and sign the papers.





Bill,



You know, you have an interesting idea! What if we run a candidate

against Solomon in the Democratic Primary??

----- Original Message -----

From:

To: "Steve Rossignol"

Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 5:50 PM

Subject: Re: When are you leaving for Corpus?





> Hey folks,

>

> I need housing Saturday evening, if I can stay in the "presidential suite"

> that would be good (woohoo!;)

>

> I will be around starting Friday AM and at your service through Saturday

> evening. I'm leaving Sunday evening and plan on making Sunday a "tourist"

> day or something like that.

>

> Greg
I am hoping that Les in Corpus will be able to confirm the availability of

the Presidential Suite for Saturday evening. If all else fails, I can

guarantee you a spot in my Motel 6 room. Don't worry, we will arrange

something! Meals are on me, if no other arrangement has been made.



What are your arrangements for Friday PM? Has someone arranged to meet you

at the bus station? Do you have housing set up?Not sure when folks are

arriving, but I think Michael Yoder will be there Friday evening. Please

let me (or somebody) know,



I will have my cell phone activated, as much as I hate those things. All,

please make note of the number: 512-925-2497. I will not be arriving in

Corpus until about 8:30-9 AM on the 6th, leaving Blanco County about 5:30-6

AM, but I will have the phone on at that time. Until then, my home phone

number is 830-833-5315.



Soli



Steve Rossignol









----- Original Message -----

From:

To: "Steve Rossignol"

Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 5:50 PM

Subject: Re: When are you leaving for Corpus?





> Hey folks,

>

> I need housing Saturday evening, if I can stay in the "presidential suite"

> that would be good (woohoo!;)

>

> I will be around starting Friday AM and at your service through Saturday

> evening. I'm leaving Sunday evening and plan on making Sunday a "tourist"

> day or something like that.

>

> Greg

>







>> >> Has anyone arranged for Greg's accommodations? It occurred to me that

>> >> he

>> may be able to stay in the Presidential Suite if we have that room for

>> the

>> evening.

>>

>> Soli

>>

>> Steve Rossignol

>>

>>

>>

Hello Les--



$2 cover at any venue is a good deal.



I personally will not be in until Saturday.



I am sending this to the gang. Hopefully it will reach folks before they leave Friday. I understand that National Secretary Greg Pason is already in Corpus. Has he made contact with you?



See you tomorrow.



Steve Rossignol





----- Original Message -----

From: Les Cassidy

To: Steve Rossignol

Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 8:25 PM

Subject: Re: [SPTXSC] Re: When are you leaving for Corpus?





Friday night we can have a get together at any number of venues downtown. let's meet in the Presidential suite of the hotel at 9:00 p.m. and decide where to go.



Saturday night the Ying Yang Fandango is having a live performance of a celtic/gypsy band nearby. The place is quite cool and it's a late cafe. Cover $2.00 but a great buy at that.



Les Cassidy
----- Original Message -----

From:

To: "Steve Rossignol"

Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 5:50 PM

Subject: Re: When are you leaving for Corpus?





> Hey folks,

>

> I need housing Saturday evening, if I can stay in the "presidential suite"

> that would be good (woohoo!;)

>

> I will be around starting Friday AM and at your service through Saturday

> evening. I'm leaving Sunday evening and plan on making Sunday a "tourist"

> day or something like that.

>

> Greg



Minutes of the 2005 Socialist Party of Texas Convention

August 6, 2005

Presidential Suite, Ramada Inn, 600 Water Street, Corpus Christi, Texas



In attendance: Raul Cano, Brownsville; Emma GonzaLes, Brownsville; Bill Fulcher, Brownsville; Erik Carlos Toren, San Juan; Les Cassidy, Corpus Christi; Michael Yoder, Laredo; Steve Rossignol, Blanco County







Observers (at various times): John Kelley, Nick Braune, Linda Braune, Joan Braune, Samantha Garcia, Greg Pason







Cassidy (with Kelley) stated that people in Corpus had been involved with United Peace and Justice as well as the Progressive populist Caucus. They have a radio program entitled Media Focus, and are publishing a local paper entitled The Red Snapper. The Progressive Caucus works with SP-TX folks. Kelley talked about counter-recruitment activities and the uses of art to send a political message. There have also been anti-Walmart actions and a fund-raiser for Kinky Friedman







From: _Les Cassidy_ (mailto:



LAWLES at msn.com)

To: _Steve Rossignol_ (mailto:stever at moment.net)



Cc: _carlos morin_ (mailto:

goodolls at swbell.net) ; _John Kelley_

(mailto:greatblueheron777 at yahoo.com

) ; _Raul Cano_ (mailto:

raucan at msn.com)

Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 11:07 PM

Subject: Three Socialist Candidates for District 27





Steve,

What would you think of having 3 candidates run for Cong. Dist 27? Raul





Cano in the valley, Carlos Morin in Kingsville, and myself or John Kelley in

Corpus Christi? We could have a primary and it would be a great way to

organize our party in South Texas. It's not about winning the election anyway.





Les Cassidy
Minutes of the 2005 Socialist Party of Texas Convention

August 6, 2005

Presidential Suite, Ramada Inn, 600 Water Street, Corpus Christi, Texas



In attendance: Raul Cano, Brownsville; Emma GonzaLes, Brownsville; Bill Fulcher, Brownsville; Erik Carlos Toren, San Juan; Les Cassidy, Corpus Christi; Michael Yoder, Laredo; Steve Rossignol, Blanco County







Observers (at various times): John Kelley, Nick Braune, Linda Braune, Joan Braune, Samantha Garcia, Greg Pason







Cassidy (with Kelley) stated that people in Corpus had been involved with United Peace and Justice as well as the Progressive populist Caucus. They have a radio program entitled Media Focus, and are publishing a local paper entitled The Red Snapper. The Progressive Caucus works with SP-TX folks. Kelley talked about counter-recruitment activities and the uses of art to send a political message. There have also been anti-Walmart actions and a fund-raiser for Kinky Friedman







From: _Les Cassidy_ (mailto:



LAWLES at msn.com)

To: _Steve Rossignol_ (mailto:stever at moment.net)



Cc: _carlos morin_ (mailto:

goodolls at swbell.net) ; _John Kelley_

(mailto:greatblueheron777 at yahoo.com

) ; _Raul Cano_ (mailto:

raucan at msn.com)

Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 11:07 PM

Subject: Three Socialist Candidates for District 27





Steve,

What would you think of having 3 candidates run for Cong. Dist 27? Raul





Cano in the valley, Carlos Morin in Kingsville, and myself or John Kelley in

Corpus Christi? We could have a primary and it would be a great way to

organize our party in South Texas. It's not about winning the election anyway.





Les Cassidy