Opinions

Since the advent of the Iowa caucuses in 1972 and the South Carolina primary in 1980, the “first in the nation” political contests, including the New Hampshire primary which dates back to 1916, have been able to consistently end up selecting who the nominee for President will eventually be particularly for Republicans.

In the 1930s, Hitler and the “Germans were fascinated by the global leader in codified racism” — The United States of America. In 1935, Hitler sent 45 German lawyers to the U.S. to study the Jim Crow laws passed by the South after The Civil War that legalized racial segregation.

Many years ago when I was living in Utah with my family, I had an unusual problem with my family that I had never had before. At the time we also had a family dog.

The deadline to register to vote in the Texas Democratic and Republican primary elections is Feb. 5. Voters on March 5 will choose their nominees for president, U.S. Senator, all 38 U.S. House members from Texas, and a number of other state and local offices, from the Texas Supreme Court to district attorneys, sheriffs and county commissioners.

I tend to be a rule follower, but I don’t like it when rules don’t make sense or seem fair. Who gets to decide what makes sense or what is “fair”?

Last year about this time, I resolved to start off the year on a positive note, but, alas. “How dare you!”... to quote young Greta. Ms. Jodie Sinclair has again turned her award-winning journalistic skills to manipulating emotions and employing the Saul Alinsky tactic of accusing her opposition of her own party initiatives. Beginning with a WWII story lauding the heroic sacrifice of our parents and grandparents to attract our patriotic emotions, she contorts into a fabricated description of a dystopian world that her Leftist followers are actualy bringing to fruition incrementally, even as the “boiling frog” analogy.

What a courageous group of Marines at Tarawa. Willing to give everything to keep Americans free and end the war. It instills deep appreciation and deep sadness at the same time. I’m sure it was a difficult thing to film. You warn in your letter to the editor, that the enemy we face is now from within in the person of Donald Trump. I am a bit amazed by your foreknowledge of Trumps agenda. Authoritarian rule through the Executive branch, neutralizing the power of the Supreme Court and Congress, essentially disrupting our checks and balances? Or has that been happening or attempted already? I agree, it is time to honor those young men by doing our job.

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Hill Country Chapter no. 31 of Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution will hold its monthly chapter meeting at Rails, a Café at the Depot Event Center.

After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality.

It has been the case that during El Niño, Texas gets more rainfall. As we wait for much needed rain, one has to wonder if that pattern will be disrupted by the changing climate. Our view of the bottom of ponds and other water holes and dry creeks over an extended time certainly has been unnerving.

“Red Rover, Red Rover, let Bobby come over!”

The ink was barely dry on a law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott that makes unauthorized entry into the United States a state crime before a lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups and El Paso County challenging its constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported the suit was filed in an Austin federal court by the ACLU and two immigrant advocacy groups on behalf of the county.

Congress and President Biden recently struck an agreement to keep the government funded through early 2024. Between now and February, lawmakers will have a chance to solve policy disagreements and, at least in theory, pass longer-term spending bills.

“With The Marines at Tarawa” is the most terrifying World War II film I have ever seen. Every American who loves our country has an obligation to watch it. It’s real and it’s accurate.

The Hill Country CattleWomen will start the New Year with a gathering at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel and Conference Center, located in Kerrville, at 2033 Sidney Baker Street, for their annual January Legislative Meeting.

An iconic song back in the 1960's addressed the causes of war, and what leads young people to fight in them. Buffy Saint Marie's Universal Soldier advised that we could end war if soldiers refused to fight. So what if we gave her idea a test this winter? Let's suggest to the soldiers among the various warring parties from the Middle East to Europe to Africa and beyond that they refuse to kill each other for a while.This idea may not be as crazy as it first may sound, and in fact has been tried in the past with some success.

Editor’s Note: The following is an announcement from a local candidate. Local candidates are allowed one free annoucement, with following materials charged an ad fee. To submit your annoucnement, I am Troy W. Konvicka and want to be vital part of the community that I grew up in and serve as a voice for the voters in matters that will shape and grow Bandera County now and in the future. I am asking for your support and vote for the privilege to support and work for you as the Precinct 1 County Commissioner in issues that will enhance and make our home a place, we all can be proud to raise a family.

Editor’s Note: The new Growing Up in Bandera book is now available! Visit the Bulletin office of call 830-796-3718 to purchase Growing Up in Bandera: Volume 2 for $25. Volume 1 and 2 are available as a package deal for $40.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of The Possum Cop Chronicles. This one is going to be all over the place. Isn’t that what this time of year is all about — everybody runnin’ around, steppin’ and fetchin’ trying to get all their ducks in a row for Christmas? I guarantee you that’s what Santa’s up to.

A total of $18 billion in property tax cuts were approved by more than 80% of voters in the November general election and should be reflected in property tax bills that are due by Jan. 31. The cuts come in the form of increased home exemptions, lower school district rates, and limiting the amount property appraisals can rise.

As many of us prepare to celebrate Christmas, while the world is ablaze with war and suffering, it is easy to feel comforted by our relatively safe and cozy lives within our relatively peaceful country. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact our gratitude should really be boundless as we see how others are forced to live, through no fault of their own.