The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The common practice of senators and representatives is to give names to legislation they have introduced. Often a bill with a great sounding name has a better chance of passing... — Updated 3/13/2023

The Good Book says that without vision one cannot become a great leader. Recent acts by some of our state politicians seriously questions their reasoning on whether they have the... — Updated 3/7/2023

Almost without exception, first-time candidates for office promise improvements in necessities such as health care, education, fighting crime or reducing taxes. The number one answe... — Updated 2/28/2023

Any student of American history knows the importance of a free press. Thomas Jefferson rated it at the top of his list of necessary freedoms and thereby placing it number one in... — Updated 2/21/2023

At 88 years old I don’t have to read history any longer, I just remember most of it. In that regard it amazing me that histories and things I have seen in the way of change Bridge... — Updated 2/3/2023

It is hard to believe the changes that have taken place in the Texas Legislature in only 60 years. Some represent substantial improvements in the way it operates but unfortunately... — Updated 1/24/2023

Last Tuesday the Texas Legislature began to solve problems that accumulated for 730 days in a 140-day session. Our state’s constitution which has been amended dozens of times... — Updated 1/17/2023

If you look up “politician,” the number one definition is “one who is involved in politics;” number two is “officeholder;” and three is “one who manipulates politics... — Updated 1/10/2023

Come January the Big Show will return to Austin. Some call it The Texas Legislature. My observation over the years has allowed me to make comparisons of our Texas Legislature and th... — Updated 1/3/2023

During my tenure in the Legislature I had the rule that I would do what was possible. There are many things possible to deal with environment and the continued use of fossil fuels.... — Updated 12/27/2022

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a fan of our past president, Donald Trump. He does, however, have some strong points which we must all recognize or someone just like him... — Updated 12/20/2022

I think the Texas State Board of Regents is making a poor trade. They seem ready to change the name of the Montagne Center to that of a credit union in exchange for a one-time gift... — Updated 12/13/2022

Several years ago, an old pal of mine, a great golfer, entered a big golf tournament in one of our smaller East Texas towns. He figured he would be a contender to win the... — Updated 12/6/2022

I am absolutely convinced that some of us were born with an extra gene that commits us to following politics in great detail. As a victim of such plague, you may be assured that I... — Updated 11/29/2022

Athens, Greece is the birthplace of self-government known as democracy. Even though we call our system of government a democracy, it is, in fact, a republic. The difference being... — Updated 11/22/2022

When John McCain was seeking the presidency, a woman supporter opined that his opponent was a Muslim not a loyal American and was born in Africa. Senator McCain quickly stopped her... — Updated 11/8/2022

Having been born in 1934 I have witnessed much change in the world. Most of the changes have made life better, but some I feel like I could do without. Some things I didn’t have... — Updated 11/1/2022

Most of my friends, particularly the ones with a conservative bent, often like to quote the old saying, “least government governs best.” What makes me wonder why is it that all... — Updated 10/25/2022

What is the difference between a bribe and a campaign contribution? I must admit that sometimes it is difficult to tell. As I mentioned in a previous article, a former speaker of th... — Updated 10/18/2022

Recent polls indicate the U. S. Supreme Court has suffered a great decline in public confidence. In my opinion it is because of several different rulings that are out of step with t... — Updated 10/11/2022

Of late there has been more discussion of America becoming what is called a religious nationalistic country. Unfortunately, it is my belief that people who advocate this such as... — Updated 10/4/2022

I am beginning to suspect that aliens are taking over the world by replacing human beings with machines. I wouldn’t complain so much if the machines were more accommodating. As... — Updated 9/20/2022

While I was in the state Senate, I was invited and attended a Roundtable at Oxford on education. It was attended by educators from all over the world. Many were from countries just... — Updated 9/6/2022

Recently I have heard much discussion about fear that the United States may descend into a socialistic type government. Generally in my conversations with folks, I have found that... — Updated 8/30/2022

Early in my struggling law practice I was inclined to accept almost anything in order to gain a new client. I regularly swapped legal services for goods or services. On one... — Updated 8/23/2022