Ivory Tower

     Today we start with another dedication to the ever-popular Mayor Pat Ahumada: “The Illogical Song,” by Supertramp.

***

     We can understand that Brownsville’s mayor might not like this Imagine Brownsville stuff. After all, it’s not his baby. And he’s not alone. Some people suspect that this is just another one of those feel-good operations to gain public confidence while shuffling money to a few friends. Some suspect that this could be that old failed RioGulf thing, which fell apart with all the grace of an out-of-control merry-go-round, flinging parts and participants every which way.

     Ahumada wants to kill the whole idea, including the $450,000 the city committed last year to pay civil engineers to gather information and prepare a study on n what the city’s residents need and want.

     This is the second time the new mayor looks to kill a project that his predecessors began; the first was a third study aiming to determine how much developers should pay for the infrastructure needed to support new housing developments.

     The problem is, Ahumada can’t just cancel contracts at will. In the absence of a breach by the other party, legally that can only be done if it is determined that those entering into the contract are younger than 18, or found to be mentally incapacitated. (We’re not taking this line of reason any further — we’re sure each reader continue this paragraph to his or her own delight).

     So we had to pay the economic researchers who were hired to do the impact fee study; we just let them off the hook without having to actually finish their work. That doesn’t make much sense, does it? And guess what? Now our Public Utilities Board is saying it still needs that information, so it’s planning to go out and look for another group, and pay for a FOURTH study.

     Thanks, Mayor Pat.

     Now he’s saying the money for the Imagine Brownsville contract isn’t in the budget. That argument won’t wash, though. The mayor, along with the city manager and other City Commission members, makes the budget. If the money’s not in the budget, then he needs to put it there, whether he likes the idea or not.

     The city committed to the project a year ago, and is obligated to uphold its end of the deal. The city is right now making its budget for the next fiscal year (which starts in a month), and the first part of budget making is going over all your obligations and figuring out how you’re going to meet them. He can’t just leave the money off the books and then tell the engineers that he’s sorry, but we’re not going to keep our end of the deal. Life don’t work that way.

     Ahumada could well have a point. We’re paying a lot of money for a study that might have been done just as well in-house. But the City Commission that was in place at the time approved the study and committed to it. And it appears that a majority of the current commission still supports the idea. Ahumada says himself that he’s just one vote; in this case he’s outnumbered, and he has to deal with it.

     He also has to meet the obligations his predecessors made, just like his decisions will bind those who follow him in office.

     So if the money’s not there, then it needs to be found, and whoever didn’t put it there needs to be called on the carpet.

     That’s the only logical thing to do.

     Today we offer a humble dedication to Brownsville city leaders: “Finish What Ya Started,” by Van Halen.

***

     After a few years of no Independence Day celebrations whatsoever, it’s probably safe to say once again that the fireworks display at the end of the day on July 4 has become a welcome tradition.

     Another tradition is the massive traffic jam that occurs at the end of the display, which is held at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College’s International Technology, Education and Commerce Campus (whew!). Seems the fireworks end right about the time that the Union Pacific train crosses over from Mexico and goes through the Customs inspection at the B&M Bridge.

     Brownsville veterans are all too familiar with the routine. The train crosses far enough for the engines to block Palm Boulevard. Then it stops, and then goes into a lengthy dance, going back and forth for about 15 minutes as the boxcars are switched and checked. Fifteen minutes might not seem like a lot of time, unless you’re one of the cars stranded on one side of the tracks or the other, usually right next to a car that’s booming out that one type of music that just makes your hair stand on end.

     There’s a law in Texas that prohibits trains from blocking streets for more than 10 minutes, and our local officers often dutifully hand out citations to Union Pacific. It’s not the company’s fault, though, that the old shopping complex that is now ITECC is so close to the bridge, where the train has to stop.

     Cameron County officials have dreamed up an ambitious solution to the problem. They plan to reroute the entire railway out to the west of the city’s current boundaries, a project that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. In fact, we’re betting the “m” becomes a “b” before they’re finished.

     It will also take decades to realize, if it ever does become a reality at all.

     We got to thinking the other day about that $750,000 the city borrowed, with voters’ blessing, to build overpasses that would alleviate train blockages. Instead of using the money for the purpose it was intended, the city went and gave it away to the county to show support for the rail relocation plan.

     Since it’s going to take so much time to bring that plan to fruition — if it’s done at all — we figure the city should have used the money to create those overpasses right there by the ITECC. Brownsville drivers could get quite a few years of use out of those babies before the rails are ever moved out of the way.

     Does anyone think the county might be willing to give the money back to the city whose residents probably wouldn’t have approved the bond measure if they’d known the money would just be given away?

     Does anyone think the county still has the money, for that matter?

     Today’s musical dedication goes out to all those who focus on the victim and overlook the facts surrounding two Border Patrol agents who were convicted in the shooting of a fleeing drug trafficker along the Rio Grande: “Right and a Wrong Way,” but Keith Sweat.

***

     Those calling for the immediate exoneration of the two Border Patrol agents, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, are too focused on their anti-drug indoctrination to see the whole picture. We can’t let the ends justify the means.

     Sure, the guy they shot was a drug trafficker, and that’s what the agents suspected, but they weren’t sure. The guy was running away and posed no threat; the agents shot him in the back — OK, for the benefit of those nitpickers like Glen Beck, he was shot in the butt and not the back. Either way, he had his back turned.

     Most damning is the fact that the two agents conspired to cover up their actions. That is evidence enough that they knew that what they had done was wrong.

     Innocent people have died because people have pulled the trigger when they didn’t have to. Although that wasn’t the case here, it could have been.

     That’s why these two agents should have gone to trial and why they were convicted, despite the public sentiment surrounding border incursions. It even overshadows the argument that in shooting the guy they stopped him from participating in any more drug deliveries across the Rio Grande.

     Due process is necessary in order to bring all the facts into the open and let the decisions be made by the appropriate legal officials, and not members of the public who have more emotions than facts at their disposal.

On behalf of reporters everywhere, we dedicate this song to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn: “You’re my best friend, by Queen.

***

     John Cornyn first gained statewide notoriety as chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court, as he fought against efforts to release his phone records to the public. The state Supreme Court, he insisted, is exempt from laws that make other government officials’ phone records available to the public.

     Since then, however, Cornyn has been one of the best friends the media have. He’s been a strong and active advocate for the people’s right to know, first as Texas attorney general and now in the U.S. Senate.

     Most recently, Cornyn has cosponsored the Broadcasters Freedom Act, legislation that would block the reimposition of the ironically named Fairness Doctrine.

     The doctrine, repealed in the late 1980s, forced broadcasters to give equal time to opposing political viewpoints.

     “A basic principle of our democracy is a press that is free of government influence or control.,” Cornyn stated in announcing the bill last month. “It is shameful that some now believe the federal government should dictate to Texans what they can say and when on the airwaves.”

     Never mind the fact that anyone with an opposing view is welcome to find a friendly broadcaster and bleat to his heart’s content. There’s no need to force someone, who has made a huge investment of his own money, time and effort to build a station that draws public attention, to broadcast something, against his will, that he doesn’t agree with. That’s what the commies do.

     And then there are the constitutional issues. Obviously it violates the First Amendment — forcing someone to broadcast something he doesn’t want is just as bad as preventing him from saying what he does want to say. Imposing controls on broadcasters also butts up against the Fifth Amendment, since it deprives them of the free use of their valuable time and airspace without providing any compensation.

     In the old days the Fairness Doctrine probably didn’t promote a free exchange of ideas. While many of the major news outlets did offer opposing viewpoints, others simply chose to avoid the problem altogether by not having any political discussions. Thus, the public might have gotten less information about the issues of the day, rather than more.

     Cornyn also has led the charge to reform the entire process of providing governmnet information. He has offered bills that would streamline the information gathering process and set deadlines for delivering it to those who request it. An oversight committee would work to ensure that the guidelines were followed.

     “I believe that only a public that is truly informed can give their consent,” the senator said July 31 in asking his fellow senators to take up his proposed Freedom of Information Act reforms that have languished in the chamber for years. “It has to be informed consent, and that is, after all, the very fundamental basis of — for the legitimacy of all laws.”

     We can’t think of a better way to say it, or a better reason to keep fighting to keep government answerable to the people.

     Keep fighting the good fight, Senator.

Today’s musical dedication is for all those people who get involved in local politics, or who give support behind the scenes for one official or another: “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd.

***

     Some time ago, a local resident who frequently contributes to a former newsletter and current blog that focuses on criticizing all of Brownsville’s leaders, whoever they are, paid us a visit and voiced frustrations he shared with his ultra-partisan friends. This newspaper had just published an editorial praising the City Commission on a decision it had made. Just a couple of days earlier we had taken the same commission to task on another topic.

     “We don’t know what side you’re on,” the visitor complained, obviously intending his comments as criticism.

     We saw it as a compliment, however.

     The dynamics of Valley politics is much like gang warfare, with a little less bloodshed and a lot less rhythm. Despite the fact that everybody pledges allegiance to the Democratic Party, this area has some of the most partisan fighting one will see anywhere. Different groups rally behind their respective champions and fight hard and true, through thick and thin, right or wrong.

     That’s no what we do here at The Brownsville Herald. We have yet to see a perfect official or public leader — in fact, we’d be hard pressed to name more than a couple of good ones. And just like nobody’s all good, nobody’s all bad either.

     We strive, therefore, to be as objective as possible, and judge ideas and actions on their merits, not based on the messenger.

     Good, honest officials can have bad ideas, and total snakes can make proposals that are well worth considering.

     “We’re on Brownsville’s side,” we told the critic. “We’re not interested in seeing any one official profit off his position, but we do want to see the city prosper as much as possible.”

     That answer obviously didn’t satisfy the visitor, and it might not make many people happy. But we think it’s folly to reject a good idea just because we might not like the person who presented it. It’s equally wrong to ignore wrongful acts just because we support the person who committed them.

     It’s been said that the best friend you can have is one who will tell you when you’re wrong. That’s the person who will keep you on the right track.

     Us and them? Nah. We’re all in this together. Instead of choosing sides and facing off against one another, maybe we should all face the future together, and not let allegiances cloud our vision.

Today our musical dedication goes to Brownsville Mayor Pat Ahumada: “Hound Dog,” by Elvis Presley.

***

     We’re starting to worry about Mayor Pat. His love of dogs is so profound, and the energy he displays so great, that we wonder if the affection might be going beyond the norm.

     It’s gotten to the point where Ahumada, who even describes himself in canine terms (junkyard dog), openly defies the city ordinance limiting the number of dogs one can have at home. He doesn’t see that as mayor he should set the example of respecting the very ordinances the City Commission creates for the safety and progress of the city. Rather, he seems to believe he’s setting a better example of placing the lives of little critters above the unbendable nature of rules and regulations.

     Trouble is, Ahumada’s critters don’t seem to be so little. Judging from photos and descriptions we’ve received, he’s not holding on to six little Chihuahuas; he’s got terriers and other large dogs curled up in cages or cooped up in his one-car garage. Even if the animals were allowed to roam free, his backyard in the Land O’ Lakes subdivision is too small to give them much room to run around.

      Sure, he’s saving them from possible death at the hands of animal shelter workers who don’t have much choice when their facility is overcrowded and few people are coming in to claim the animals. But what kind of life is he giving his four-legged friends?

      We’ve all read about little old ladies whose passion for animals is so great that they become delusional, until before people realize it, they’re living in squalor with dozens of cats, dogs, or whatever, running around the house and bouncing off the walls.

      It all starts with these soft-hearted souls taking in one or two strays off the street, and then another, and then another. Ahumada’s up to six, and he’s talking like he’ll open his home to even more if he feels the need. We guess this junkyard dog sees all canines as kindred spirits.

      So the question begs asking: Is the mayor so narcissistic that he really believes he’s above the law, or has his passion for pets gotten so extreme that he’s not seeing straight?

     With this man in charge of the city, it’s hard to know which option might be worse.

Today’s music dedication is for Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio: “I’m a Man,” by the Spencer Davis Group.

***

     Old Omar really put it to the county judge, didn’t he? Imagine — Carlos Cascos wanted to know if Lucio was putting deputies at the international bridges to check for stolen cars like he was supposed to. Poor Omar. Nobody appreciates all the things he tries to do for this county. No wonder he always looks so sad.

     But Omar got his revenge, didn’t he? Yep, the Big O put the deputies on the bridges, all right. Stopped every car that came close, too. Backed up traffic so much that people were screaming bloody murder because they were missing appointments and such.

     That’ll show them mandones at Commissioners Court. Forget the fact that the county gives Omar half a million dollars to pay for the bridge duty, in addition to the state and federal money that Omar gets to watch our borders. And never mind that taking all that money — whether it comes from the taxpayers or not — and not using it for the purpose it was given can be considered fraud. We’re sure our local sheriff would be happy to explain the laws against — oh, wait — Omar is the sheriff. Never mind.

     If he doesn’t want the job, we’re sure there are plenty of other folks who would gladly take the money and set up a bridge detail. Don’t both the district attorney and tax collector have their own auto theft task forces?

     Omar Lucio obviously is a proud man, and apparently doesn’t like to be dressed down in public (who does?). Maybe the problem is that he’s too proud to admit he’s been given the job without being told how to do it, and he can’t admit his ignorance. It’s possible.

     Fortunately, we’ve been on hand for auto theft detail at these very bridges, with other law enforcement agencies. In case it will help the sheriff’s sentries, here’s the routine:

     At the beginning of each shift, detail members are told of any vehicles that have been reported stolen recently, so they’ll know which ones deserve a closer look.

     At the bridge, they approach an oncoming car and do quick checks of the vehicle identification number plate on the dashboard, the locks on the car and the steering column to check for damage. Make sure there’s a key in the ignition switch. Check the driver for any signs of nervousness, and if everything looks kosher, send him on his merry way.

     Once it becomes routine, the whole process only takes a couple of seconds.

     Of course, no system is failproof, and a few stolen cars might still get through. But the very presence of officers on the bridge acts as a deterrent, especially if they know what they’re doing. Case in point: monthly car thefts once numbered in the hundreds and were brought down to the teens when bridge details were implemented more than a decade ago. And that’s why they should continue.

     And that’s the kind of responsibility that will make a man out of ya.