Thursday, November 12, 1998

Blue dog, red dog

U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm calls himself a "blue dog" Democrat. He says he is a "blue dog" because he gets squeezed from both parties until he is blue in the face.

With the Democrats' electoral success in the House, Stenholm is going to get even bluer. Both parties need him. When Republicans reach across the aisle on a close vote, they will come calling at Stenholm's door.

The Democrats need Stenholm, too. Six votes separate them from majority status. They cannot afford for him to defect. They will work hard to curry his favor and keep him loyal.

The 17th District is lucky to be represented by a man wanted and needed by both parties but subservient to neither. Through the trading of his support to whichever party needs his vote, Stenholm can protect our interests and keep federal projects and funds flowing to the Big Country.

But Stenholm is vulnerable as long as he remains a Democrat. To keep his seat in 2000, he is going to have to raise money and lots of it, starting now.

If he does, he might discourage potential challengers. If he doesn't, then the GOP will sense his weakness and begin recruiting and funding a challenger.

Stenholm walks a tightrope between the two parties, dispensing votes to both to receive favors for us. But he also must always be raising money so he can keep his job.

Perhaps Stenholm should be colored a different shade of dog. How about red for all the exertion he will face trying to hold on to what he just won?

PAUL FABRIZIO

Abilene

To each his own

In regards to Robert Chapman's letter of Nov. 5, who says he is sick of liberals: To each his own.

I am sick and tired of the radical right in this country. I am tired of those who want us to believe just as they do, want school vouchers, want a marriage of church and state and are always harping on certain sins - Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition, James Dobson, Gary Bauer, Randy Tate with the Christian Coalition and others who head right-wing organizations. They are all just an arm of the Republican Party.

As Mr. Chapman said, "America, wake up and think for yourself and use the brain that God gave you."

A.J. DICKERSON

Brownwood

Angry with jury

I am really upset about the verdict in the Billy Don Williams case. I can't believe that with all the police evidence, not to mention all the eyewitnesses to this mercenary-style execution, the jury could not convict him for capital murder.

The folks in the jury are probably the ones crying about all the crime in the city. When they finally get a chance to clean the street of animals, they cop out. Maybe the next time it happens, it will be someone close to them! What is really sad is that it is just going to cost us taxpayers more money to put this sick animal in jail.

So to the jury, all I can say is don't complain about the police, crime or higher taxes. It's your fault. Thanks again for making my taxes higher.

BILL PRESTON

Merkel