On January 20, 2012, PBS' Red, White and Blue held a question and answer session between the two (2) Republican candidates for Harris County District Attorney............incumbent Pat Lykos and challenger Mike Anderson.
Notwithstanding my adamant disdain for Lykos, Anderson's performance last Friday was surprisingly revealing............and not in a good way.
This was not the Mike Anderson I remember from the Johnny Holmes era. There was no heart.........no fire in the belly. Anderson struggled to maintain eye contact and seemed unsure as to why he was there or what he stood for. He was unprepared for battle and appeared worn out before the first question.
Oddly, in the face of Lykos' 2008 general election victory; Anderson conceded personal defeat by expressing his gratitude and good fortune for not having to be on the 2008 judicial ballot himself.
When co-host David Jones asked Anderson why he was running for DA his response was NOT that the DA's office lacked leadership and integrity and that he was willing to make whatever personal sacrifices were necessary to restore honor and the highest standards of excellence to the office so that JUSTICE would once again prevail in Harris County........................selflessness was a virtual no-show
Anderson's response was quite the opposite. He began by reminiscing when Johnny Holmes decided to step down how lots of folks urged him to run for DA; but since he was a judge at the time he had a responsibility to fulfill his promised obligation to the voters and complete his full term..........a philosophy he abandoned when he put his name in to be appointed to the Court of Appeals; not once BUT twice while sitting on the bench. Therefore, had his bid for higher office been accepted either time, the Governor would have had to appoint someone to fulfill the balance of Anderson's term. How hypocritical.
Anderson also noted that when "Mr. Rosenthal" faltered in 2008 folks again urged him to run for DA; but his excuse at that time was that his government insurance plan was two (2) years shy of vesting and he was concerned that if he was in a bus accident his family would not be taken care of...........an assumption based on losing his bid for DA.
Now that Anderson has absolutely zero personal risk at stake it seems there is no further need to make excuses..........Anderson will lead his loyal army of supporters to the promised land.
Selflessness was a virtual no-show yet again.
Both Lykos and Anderson were asked by Lykos supporter and co-host Gary Polland whether or not as judge either candidate had granted Judicial Bypass (waiving the requirement that a pregnant minor's parents be told before she has an abortion). Lykos was quick to respond that she never granted Judicial Bypass but failed to mention that she left the bench before Judicial Bypass was even a judicial option. Anderson was quick to be non-responsive shouting that the proceedings were secret but that he was a big pro-life supporter and always has been.
Please. Generically affirming or denying whether or not as judge you granted Judicial Bypass in no way breaches any specific individual's confidentiality. Grant Judicial Bypass and own up to it, transfer the case to another court or handle it the way Judge Billy Harmon handles D.I.V.E.R.T. in his courtroom..........with integrity of his convictions instead of worrying about what paid political endorsers Steve Hotze or Terry Lowry would think.
"The man,the woman who risks nothing.........does nothing, has nothing, is nothing".
Where is the character of leadership? Where are the risk takers? Where are the folks who believe in a cause greater than themselves? Who is willing to risk their job security, their retirement benefits and their own personal money to stand up for what is right simply because it is the right thing to do?
It sure as heck doesn't seem like it is Mike Anderson on any of those accounts.
Physical appearance and debate skills are a lot easier to address than character...........a leader ought not ask people to do what he is unwilling to do himself
Mike Anderson, a lot of folks are counting on you to step up your game; this is the big league.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
CSI HOUSTON
District Attorney Pat Lykos, with the support of Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, will have her long awaited regional crime lab. Commissioners' Court signed off on the project yesterday with ground breaking scheduled to commence within two (2) years.................. just in time to kick off her re-election campaign.
Lykos is ecstatic! This has been a political pet project for her and will no doubt play a pivotal role in putting the pending Grand Jury investigations against the Harris County District Attorney's Office behind her........UNLESS an indictment is handed down;which is very unlikely at this point.
Lykos is boasting that the crime lab will be a nine (9) story twenty-first century state of the art facility located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center availing itself of all the surrounding medical resources.
The City of Houston is yet to jump on board; but will have a difficult time retaining autonomy given the political consequences of government waste associated with redundancy.
Judge Ed Emmett stated, "DA Pat Lykos is doing a great job as our district attorney..." during an interview on KTRH 740 AM this morning.
REALLY? What specifically has Lykos done in her capacity as district attorney that would fit that bill?
Spear-heading the creation of a regional crime lab has NOTHING to do with the duties of district attorney. In fact, Lykos has neglected her sworn duties of the office of district attorney just to score political points.
Lykos is ecstatic! This has been a political pet project for her and will no doubt play a pivotal role in putting the pending Grand Jury investigations against the Harris County District Attorney's Office behind her........UNLESS an indictment is handed down;which is very unlikely at this point.
Lykos is boasting that the crime lab will be a nine (9) story twenty-first century state of the art facility located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center availing itself of all the surrounding medical resources.
The City of Houston is yet to jump on board; but will have a difficult time retaining autonomy given the political consequences of government waste associated with redundancy.
Judge Ed Emmett stated, "DA Pat Lykos is doing a great job as our district attorney..." during an interview on KTRH 740 AM this morning.
REALLY? What specifically has Lykos done in her capacity as district attorney that would fit that bill?
Spear-heading the creation of a regional crime lab has NOTHING to do with the duties of district attorney. In fact, Lykos has neglected her sworn duties of the office of district attorney just to score political points.
Monday, January 9, 2012
SUPER BOWL XLVI: TEXANS UPSET THE SAINTS
The sports announcers have spoken, "After destroying the rest of the NFL in the regular season, the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots are on a crash course to meet in a Super Bowl."
Not so fast.
The Houston Texans will take car of business in Baltimore on Sunday after Tim Tebow's Denver Bronco's eliminate Tom Brady's New England Patriot's Saturday evening.
The AFC Championship game will be in Reliant Stadium..........bring hearing protection we are going to blow the roof off.
As for the Saints......they will squeak by the Packers and fall to the Texans in Indianapolis.
GO TEXANS OUR 2012 SUPER BOWL XLVI CHAMPIONS!!!!!
Not so fast.
The Houston Texans will take car of business in Baltimore on Sunday after Tim Tebow's Denver Bronco's eliminate Tom Brady's New England Patriot's Saturday evening.
The AFC Championship game will be in Reliant Stadium..........bring hearing protection we are going to blow the roof off.
As for the Saints......they will squeak by the Packers and fall to the Texans in Indianapolis.
GO TEXANS OUR 2012 SUPER BOWL XLVI CHAMPIONS!!!!!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
JUDGE MIKE V. JUDGE PAT: JUSTICE OR POLITICS
The upcoming Harris County Republican Primary is pitting two (2) former Harris County District Judges against each other to see who will represent the GOP in the 2012 race for Harris County District Attorney.........will challenger Judge Mike Anderson defeat the incumbent DA Judge Pat Lykos?
Murray Newman at his blog, "Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center" is currently sparring with his friend and co-blogger David Jennings over the issue.
Jennings' blog, "Big Jolly" has posted soft ball interviews of each candidate in a sincere effort to differentiate the candidates with factual clarification of the issues instead of emotional or personal slurs.
Admittedly, I have been guilty of the later given my personal experiences with Lykos over the years.
Jennings, to his credit, appears to have a very strong desire to vet the candidates objectively and keep an open mind.
Notwithstanding, he also makes no bones about putting the success of the GOP above all else when it comes to who is the best candidate for Harris County, Texas and the nation.
Unlike the pay-to-play Terry Lowry political whores; Jennings wants facts instead of dollars from the candidates if they expect to garner his support............how refreshing!
It is, therefore, understandable that the special interest groups, unqualified moneyed politicians and those with disproportionate personal gain at stake are quick to condemn Jennings.
So when deciding who is most qualified to be the elected District Attorney of Harris County, the facts and not emotion ought to be what is determinative.
Whether or not the DA is a nice person, has a mustache, curses behind closed doors, has cute kids, has a driver, looks like a troll, drinks Jack Daniels or Bud Lite, etc. are peripheral issues not relevant to the administration of justice.
What counts is whether or not the candidate for District Attorney SEEKS JUSTICE and has the ability to see to it that JUSTICE is SERVED..............not merely given lip service.
Pat Lykos has never tried a case personally as a prosecutor or otherwise; so there is no way to directly access whether or not she has actually sought or secured justice appropriately in that capacity.
She has, however, as the elected DA of Harris County indirectly prosecuted thousands of criminal cases through her subordinates.
It IS a fair extrapolation, therefore, to judge Lykos to some extent on the collective performance of her ADAs as to whether or not she has ethically and competently sought and secured JUSTICE for the citizens of Harris County.
Mike Anderson, on the other hand, has actually been in the trenches as a real prosecutor. Therefore, unlike Lykos, Anderson has a personal trial record that can DIRECTLY show whether or not he was a prosecutor who sought justice or simply convictions.
The judicial conduct of Anderson and Lykos when each sat on the bench as Criminal District Judges can also be looked at to evaluate their individual commitment to the furtherance of JUSTICE as it goes to the individual's pattern of behavior.
When it comes to statistics, "let the buyer beware".........the same set of statistical "facts" can easily be manipulated to support contradictory conclusions when not appropriately evaluated........politics and science have about as much in common as politics and qualifications.
When evaluating trial STATS consideration must be given to the parameters delineated for:
* accepting charges at intake
* dismissing cases
* plea bargains
* going to trial
* charges filed
* punishment sought
* ethical conduct of ADAs and consequences
When evaluating a judge's performance consideration must be given to:
* appellate review
* judicial conduct
* the competence of the court appointed lawyers the judge selects
* docket management
* actual time spent at the courthouse
So if anyone cares to comment; rather than simply throwing personal insults why not instead take the high road and follow Big Jolly's lead: present specific substantiated points that go to the candidates record of securing or diverting justice AS YOU see them...........................your point or the rebuttal might actually serve as an epiphany for someone.
Murray Newman at his blog, "Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center" is currently sparring with his friend and co-blogger David Jennings over the issue.
Jennings' blog, "Big Jolly" has posted soft ball interviews of each candidate in a sincere effort to differentiate the candidates with factual clarification of the issues instead of emotional or personal slurs.
Admittedly, I have been guilty of the later given my personal experiences with Lykos over the years.
Jennings, to his credit, appears to have a very strong desire to vet the candidates objectively and keep an open mind.
Notwithstanding, he also makes no bones about putting the success of the GOP above all else when it comes to who is the best candidate for Harris County, Texas and the nation.
Unlike the pay-to-play Terry Lowry political whores; Jennings wants facts instead of dollars from the candidates if they expect to garner his support............how refreshing!
It is, therefore, understandable that the special interest groups, unqualified moneyed politicians and those with disproportionate personal gain at stake are quick to condemn Jennings.
So when deciding who is most qualified to be the elected District Attorney of Harris County, the facts and not emotion ought to be what is determinative.
Whether or not the DA is a nice person, has a mustache, curses behind closed doors, has cute kids, has a driver, looks like a troll, drinks Jack Daniels or Bud Lite, etc. are peripheral issues not relevant to the administration of justice.
What counts is whether or not the candidate for District Attorney SEEKS JUSTICE and has the ability to see to it that JUSTICE is SERVED..............not merely given lip service.
Pat Lykos has never tried a case personally as a prosecutor or otherwise; so there is no way to directly access whether or not she has actually sought or secured justice appropriately in that capacity.
She has, however, as the elected DA of Harris County indirectly prosecuted thousands of criminal cases through her subordinates.
It IS a fair extrapolation, therefore, to judge Lykos to some extent on the collective performance of her ADAs as to whether or not she has ethically and competently sought and secured JUSTICE for the citizens of Harris County.
Mike Anderson, on the other hand, has actually been in the trenches as a real prosecutor. Therefore, unlike Lykos, Anderson has a personal trial record that can DIRECTLY show whether or not he was a prosecutor who sought justice or simply convictions.
The judicial conduct of Anderson and Lykos when each sat on the bench as Criminal District Judges can also be looked at to evaluate their individual commitment to the furtherance of JUSTICE as it goes to the individual's pattern of behavior.
When it comes to statistics, "let the buyer beware".........the same set of statistical "facts" can easily be manipulated to support contradictory conclusions when not appropriately evaluated........politics and science have about as much in common as politics and qualifications.
When evaluating trial STATS consideration must be given to the parameters delineated for:
* accepting charges at intake
* dismissing cases
* plea bargains
* going to trial
* charges filed
* punishment sought
* ethical conduct of ADAs and consequences
When evaluating a judge's performance consideration must be given to:
* appellate review
* judicial conduct
* the competence of the court appointed lawyers the judge selects
* docket management
* actual time spent at the courthouse
So if anyone cares to comment; rather than simply throwing personal insults why not instead take the high road and follow Big Jolly's lead: present specific substantiated points that go to the candidates record of securing or diverting justice AS YOU see them...........................your point or the rebuttal might actually serve as an epiphany for someone.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
HARRIS COUNTY DA PAT LYKOS WILL RIDE OUT OF OFFICE THE WAY SHE RODE IN........ON A HORSE NAMED CORRUPTION
Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos is in pre-implosion mode as the irony of Karma is poised to drive a wooden stake through her chest.
There is a CAT 5 hurricane bearing down on the Harris County Criminal Justice Center (CJC) and the Lykos "house of cards" is projected to take a direct hit.
As the two (2) Harris County Grand Jury investigations into the Harris County District Attorney's behavior evolve; Lykos will be less equipped to withstand the pressure than did her predecessor--the disgraced scandal ridden former Harris County DA Chuck Rosenthal.
However, unlike Rosenthal's abrupt meltdown; Lykos' destructive behavior has been a festering wound within the CJC that has alienated most of the remaining staff. Lykos' loyalty is limited to her top lieutenants........the troops will not have her back. As her wounds become more serious and her viability wanes.........the "little people" will rise up and deliver the cruelest blow of all.
The Harris County Republican Party will soon have no choice but to distance themselves from the Lykos administration to mitigate collateral damage to the GOP.
There will not be a meaningful Republican Primary contest for Harris County DA........Congratulations to Republican challenger Mike Anderson who won't even have to campaign.
Timing, after all, is everything in politics..........
There is a CAT 5 hurricane bearing down on the Harris County Criminal Justice Center (CJC) and the Lykos "house of cards" is projected to take a direct hit.
As the two (2) Harris County Grand Jury investigations into the Harris County District Attorney's behavior evolve; Lykos will be less equipped to withstand the pressure than did her predecessor--the disgraced scandal ridden former Harris County DA Chuck Rosenthal.
However, unlike Rosenthal's abrupt meltdown; Lykos' destructive behavior has been a festering wound within the CJC that has alienated most of the remaining staff. Lykos' loyalty is limited to her top lieutenants........the troops will not have her back. As her wounds become more serious and her viability wanes.........the "little people" will rise up and deliver the cruelest blow of all.
The Harris County Republican Party will soon have no choice but to distance themselves from the Lykos administration to mitigate collateral damage to the GOP.
There will not be a meaningful Republican Primary contest for Harris County DA........Congratulations to Republican challenger Mike Anderson who won't even have to campaign.
Timing, after all, is everything in politics..........
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
DA PATSY LYKOS: RES IPSA LOQUITUR
It seems that Judge Pat Lykos prefers to conduct business at the Harris County District Attorney' s Office (HCDAO) more like a third world banana republic dictatorship than a world class District Attorney's Office.
When a wolf campaigns to optimize the flock; it's not just the sheep that ought to worry about the hungry wolf.
Thus goes the current administration at the HCDAO............... the wolf's belly is bloated, the sheep are scared, winter is coming and wool is scarce.
The Harris County Republican Party (HCRP) leadership needs to understand that Judge Pat Lykos bellowing Republican sound bites and simply breathing longer than most non-nursing home Harris County citizens have been alive, is no substitute for actual on-the-job experience and leadership skills.
Jared Woodfill and the HCRP's sponsoring of Judge Pat Lykos' fiasco is a sad, yet predictable reflection of her self promoting rhetorical platitudes..........................void of any relevant substantive personal accomplishments.
The main character difference between Judge Pat Lykos and Barack Hussein Obama is simply that Judge Pat Lykos has been at it longer.......a whole lot longer.
Professional political prostitutes, like Judge Pat Lykos and President Barack Obama, have the uncanny ability to repackage reality. These folks are masters of illusion. They have a remarkable ability to highlight misteps made by others in order to divert attention from their otherwise empty suits.
Mike Anderson is not the perfect candidate nor would he be my first choice to be the elected DA of Harris County; however, unless someone else throws in her unlikely hat, Mike Anderson is by far the best choice to support for DA of Harris County.
When a wolf campaigns to optimize the flock; it's not just the sheep that ought to worry about the hungry wolf.
Thus goes the current administration at the HCDAO............... the wolf's belly is bloated, the sheep are scared, winter is coming and wool is scarce.
The Harris County Republican Party (HCRP) leadership needs to understand that Judge Pat Lykos bellowing Republican sound bites and simply breathing longer than most non-nursing home Harris County citizens have been alive, is no substitute for actual on-the-job experience and leadership skills.
Jared Woodfill and the HCRP's sponsoring of Judge Pat Lykos' fiasco is a sad, yet predictable reflection of her self promoting rhetorical platitudes..........................void of any relevant substantive personal accomplishments.
The main character difference between Judge Pat Lykos and Barack Hussein Obama is simply that Judge Pat Lykos has been at it longer.......a whole lot longer.
Professional political prostitutes, like Judge Pat Lykos and President Barack Obama, have the uncanny ability to repackage reality. These folks are masters of illusion. They have a remarkable ability to highlight misteps made by others in order to divert attention from their otherwise empty suits.
Mike Anderson is not the perfect candidate nor would he be my first choice to be the elected DA of Harris County; however, unless someone else throws in her unlikely hat, Mike Anderson is by far the best choice to support for DA of Harris County.
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