Commentary

Commentary Archive

Fake Republicans Are What’s Wrong With the GOP

Republicans who pretend to embody conservative values on the campaign trail — while helping liberal Democrats defeat conservatives — are hurting the Republican Party. There’s a big difference between Republicans having a “big tent” philosophy, and outright switching...

The Lone Star States

Sitting at this coffee shop in Jerusalem’s Old City, I am struck more by the similarities of the people passing by than the differences. I watched as an old man—probably Muslim, given the quarter of the Old City I am in—tended the racks of knickknacks outside his...

National Media Blames Texas Press For O’Rourke Love Affair

As his political fortunes appear destined to follow those of two decades worth of Texas Democrats before him, Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke is losing the affection of his fawning admirers in the national mainstream media. In past years, the national press just moved...

The Beto Barometer

On September 21, Democrat Congressman Beto O’Rourke and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz met for the first of three debates in their prominent race for the US Senate. Both delivered predictable talking points, but little did each candidate know the debate would reveal the...

Citizens Should Demand Real Results on Reforms

Earlier this month we began laying out a few factors citizens (and their representatives) should use to judge candidates seeking election as the next Texas House Speaker. Among the three criteria is a requirement that the individual win the support of a majority of...

Voters Can Bring Back Affordable Water

Never heard of the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District? Your water bill has. The subject of this report, the LSGCD, controls the sources and supplies of water here and parcels it out to monopolistic entities throughout Montgomery County. The San...

Not Just Rhetoric, But a Record

Earlier this month we began laying out the criteria citizens (and their legislators) should use to evaluate candidates seeking election as the next Texas House speaker. Among the three criteria is a requirement that the individual have a positive record demonstrating...

Who Controls Texans’ Property Tax Bills?

Want to know who’s responsible for increases in your property tax bills? The most influential players are your local taxing entities — cities, counties, school districts, and other special purpose districts. They decide what tax rates to apply to your property after...

The Citizens’ Choice is the Caucus Choice

Earlier this month we began laying out a few factors citizens (and their legislators) can use to judge candidates seeking election as the next Texas House Speaker. Among the three criteria is a requirement that the individual should win the support of a majority of...