Having dealt with the Texas Legislature several times in my career as a Forensic Scientist (Breath Alcohol Program), my initial naive assumptions were quickly squashed due to seeing first hand what went on behind the curtain.
One example is a lobbyist group known as the "Booze Brothers." At that time, they were the representatives for the Texas Liquor Industry including Distilleries, Retail Stores, and Restaurants all across Texas. If a State Senator or Representative voted as "suggested" by the Booze Brothers, they would often find a case of their favorite distilled beverage on their front porch. No indication as to who or how the package magically appeared on their front porch! Santa Claus I guess? If the Senator or Representative voted the "WRONG" way, they would face an opponent funded by the Liquor Industries at the next election.
Even when the goal was to clarify the language of the current DWI statute so that it was easier to understand, the Booze Brothers said NO! Their greatest fear being less alcohol and alcohol beverages sold. $$$$$$
While at one such legislative session, just down the hallway the idea of a "Bullet Train" connecting Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio was also having hearings. While on a break from my hearing, I observed a train of buses (10) filled with retired folks unloading for the train hearing. They had plenty of signs (professionally done), T-shirts, and scarfs. Some also had a written script for "their" testimony. It quickly became evident that Southwest Airlines had recruited these folks, provided meals, transportation, and SW Stewardesses to assist these elderly folks from several retirement homes. Of course it was just a coincidence that the Dallas - Houston - San Antonio routes were a substantial source of income for SW Airlines. I am sure that had nothing to do with this "public service."
PS With the help of MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Driving) the DWI language update was finally passed two sessions later! So sometimes the people's voice does win out!
Thanks for sharing. I don’t think we can get the corruption out of politics, but at least know who you’re voting for—before you get handcuffed for writing about water.
Thanks for that. Very good explanation of an unfortunately timeless issue.
Thank you for taking us on a journey to the past. It's extremely frustrating the warning was and continues to be ignored.
Carol Countryman for President!!! 🇺🇸 You’ll have my vote!
🤣 The point is for others to run.
Having dealt with the Texas Legislature several times in my career as a Forensic Scientist (Breath Alcohol Program), my initial naive assumptions were quickly squashed due to seeing first hand what went on behind the curtain.
One example is a lobbyist group known as the "Booze Brothers." At that time, they were the representatives for the Texas Liquor Industry including Distilleries, Retail Stores, and Restaurants all across Texas. If a State Senator or Representative voted as "suggested" by the Booze Brothers, they would often find a case of their favorite distilled beverage on their front porch. No indication as to who or how the package magically appeared on their front porch! Santa Claus I guess? If the Senator or Representative voted the "WRONG" way, they would face an opponent funded by the Liquor Industries at the next election.
Even when the goal was to clarify the language of the current DWI statute so that it was easier to understand, the Booze Brothers said NO! Their greatest fear being less alcohol and alcohol beverages sold. $$$$$$
While at one such legislative session, just down the hallway the idea of a "Bullet Train" connecting Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio was also having hearings. While on a break from my hearing, I observed a train of buses (10) filled with retired folks unloading for the train hearing. They had plenty of signs (professionally done), T-shirts, and scarfs. Some also had a written script for "their" testimony. It quickly became evident that Southwest Airlines had recruited these folks, provided meals, transportation, and SW Stewardesses to assist these elderly folks from several retirement homes. Of course it was just a coincidence that the Dallas - Houston - San Antonio routes were a substantial source of income for SW Airlines. I am sure that had nothing to do with this "public service."
PS With the help of MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Driving) the DWI language update was finally passed two sessions later! So sometimes the people's voice does win out!
Thanks for sharing. I don’t think we can get the corruption out of politics, but at least know who you’re voting for—before you get handcuffed for writing about water.
Great work! Shout out from Houston
Thank you!
Thank you.