TRUMP SLAMS HILLARY IN RE-ELECTION BID

A few days ago, President Donald Trump announced his bid for re-election at a rally in Florida.

His show wasn’t very presidential.

He led the chorus for “Lock Her Up,” a reference to Hillary who has been investigated and cleared 87 times.

He also approved of his loyalist shouting, “CNN Sucks.” He again repeated his claims of 2016, except he didn’t ask who was going to pay for the big, beautiful, magnificent wall.

A report says white supremacy groups have grown by 30% since Trump took office and could rise to 50% by the end of the term.

That’s his base; again Trump has been accused of sexual assault, this time by E. Jean Carroll, a national advice column writer.

She alleges Trump raped her 23 years ago.

Trump said it couldn’t be because she was not his type.

People misunderstand what rape is.

It’s not about sex; it’s about having the power over someone.

Trump’s first wife accused him of rape and 16 other women have followed.

Trump said he could shoot someone in cold blood and his “Bubba’s” would still support him.

Apparently that’s the case with sexual assault also.

If this had been alleged of a 2020 rival would the coverage and response be so meek and measured.

E. Jean Carroll is a highly respected, longtime columnist, who has no reason to make up a story or lie about the rape.

How much longer will the American people wear blinders? *****Well, I’d best be going.

Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

CAN POLITICALLY CORRECT GO TOO FAR

One question I often ask myself is about the great New Orleans statues I’ve admired since I was a lad that are no more because they were no longer politically correct.

The latest root of anger is over Kate Smith’s “God Bless America.” More than three decades after her death, Kate has become a controversial figure in the world of sports.

The popular rendition of “God Bless America” was cast aside by the NY Yankees and Philadelphia Flyers in April after they discovered she had performed songs with racist lyrics in the early 1930’s.

The Flyers have removed a statue of Smith in front of their arena.

I believe both clubs were wrong to judge Kate’s actions in the 1930’s by the standards of today.

I know, I lived them.

Many songs in my youth would have racial overtones today and maybe would be forbidden in some places.

“When It’s Sleepy Time Down South” and my favorite by Louie Armstrong, ‘Ol Man River,” no one could sing that song like Satchmo. Those two songs expressed the same general theme as Kate’s, “That’s Why Darkies were Born” maybe less obvious.

Why blame “God Bless America?”

SERVICES HELD FOR JERRY HUGHES

We were sorry to learn of the passing of Jerry Glenn Hughes, age 80, who passed away June 21, 2019. Jerry, for many years, had been one of the pillars of the greater Orange area. He and his wife, Loretta, have owned a real estate business in Orange since 1977. Jerry also served as an Orange County Port Director for several years. Services were held Tuesday, June 25, at Trinity Baptist Church. Pallbearers were Don Mohon, Jim Dunaway, Stan Mathews, Mike Poutra, Shawn Sparrow, Stephen Lee, Mike Shugart and Shelton McClure. Our condolences to Loretta, Glenn and the entire family. Please see obituary.

SERVICE SET THURSDAY FOR PAUL CLAYTON

Attorney Paul Clayton, 59, passed away on June 19, in Houston. Cause of death was a ruptured aneurysm. Paul’s life will be celebrated at St. Paul Episcopal Church, in Orange, Thursday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m. visitation begins at 5:30 p.m. Paul had been an Orange attorney since 1990. He ran for state representative twice. Like his father Lige he was active in Democratic Party politics. Paul was known for helping the underdog and used his law practice to help people in need. Our condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2009

The country lost three entertainers last week that were part of our culture.

The death of Michael Jackson was the most unexpected and shocking.

Texas beauty Farrah Fawcett had been facing death from cancer for three years.

A native of Corpus Christi, she was born Feb. 2, 1947, graduated high school in 1965 and entered UT in 1966.

Farrah, best known as one of Charlie’s Angles, died at the age of 62.

Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson’s sidekick, was a decorated Air Force pilot and for years active in the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

No doubt Jackson was probably the most talented entertainer this country has ever known.

Unlike Elvis he wrote most of his material and shook more than his hips.

The Beatles, as popular as they were, even as a group, didn’t hold a candle to Michael’s great accomplishments.

Around the world his talent was appreciated.

I don’t know that we will ever see his likes again.*****Gov. Mark Sanford, of South Carolina, and Sen.

John Ensign, of Nevada, both are Republicans and both caught with their britches down.

Running around being unfaithful, living cheaters’ lives is not reserved only for Republicans but these two dudes, on the soapbox, preached living holier than thou.

Both called for President Bill Clinton’s impeachment.

Both put out the word constantly that the Republican Party lives according to the word of God and that those in their party who don’t live righteously should be driven out.***** President Obama carried the white vote in Republican Mississippi by 51 percent even though he received 92 percent of the black vote.*****Longtime friends, a great couple and just plain good people, Nettie and Paul Roy will celebrate their 62nd anniversary on June 29.

They were married way back in 1947 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Arthur.

For many years they have been residents of Victory Gardens, on Cow Bayou, near Bridge City.

They raised a great family who all attended the Bridge City School District.

(Editor’s note: Nettie has since passed away.)***** Swindler Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison.

He conned people out of $50 billion.

He holds the world’s record as a con artist.*****List of those forgoing faithfulness for sex.

President Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, speaker elect Bob Livingston, Sen.

John Edwards, Sen.

John Ensign, toilet stalker Larry Craig, David Vitter, Jim McGreevy, Mark Foley, Tim Mahoney, NY Gov. Elliot Spitzer and Gov. Sanford, just to name a few.

40 Years Ago-1979

The country is coping with a gasoline shortage.

*****Bob Garretson moves Cathy and kids out of an apartment and into the country.

Bob bought 12 chickens but being a city boy from Dallas, he didn’t know that hens need a rooster.

(Editors Note: Bob died many years ago.

His widow Cathy still lives in that Mauriceville country home.

Cathy can be found at the plant department at Home Depot.

She’s a jack-of-all-trades and has had several different trades.

She’s just a great gal.

Gotta love her.*****Butch Lusignan celebrates his birthday July 4.

(Editor’s note: Butch, his dad Lucky and mom Gert have all passed away.)*****Celebrating birthdays on July 5 are Louis Boudoin and Danny Champagne.

*****Former Orange Police Chief Walter Cobb and wife Mary, who has a broken arm, are visiting here over the holidays.

*****Curtis Lee to serve second term as leader of the Bridge City Eagles.

*****Gene Edgerly is now home recovering from back surgery.

The one good thing about being flat on his back is that he will dodge all of Flo’s many “Honey Do’s.”*****On June 29, little Ann Lieby celebrated her 12th birthday.

*****Top country songs are #1, “Nobody Likes Sad Songs” by Ronnie Milsap; #2, “Amanda,” Waylon Jennings; #3, “She Believes in Me,” Kenny Rogers; #4, “You Feel Good All Over,” T.G. Shepard. (Editor’s note: Four of Country’s great ones back when I could understand the words of the songs.)*****On Saturday, July 7, Harmon Chevrolet will open its new dealership at 2611 MacArthur Drive.

Dad Obie, sons Jackie, Corky, Don and Tommy will all be involved in the business.

The dealership is located on 10 acres and is a 44,000 square feet complex.

(Editor’s note: Years ago, Orange natives, Al and Dean Granger, purchased the dealership.)

SCANNING THE PAST YEARS

1924 – On the 103rd ballot, John W. Davis emerged as Democratic nominee for U.S. president. Texas cast her 40 votes for E.T. Meredith on the 101st ballot but switched to Davis on the last two. *****Orange County crude oil is bringing $2 a barrel from Gulf Oil. The prices are expected to drop to $1.75 a barrel. *****Widespread gambling flourishes in the Orange oil field. The Travis County District Court issues a temporary injunction closing the oilfield amusement clubs and others. (Editor’s note: Roy Dunn’s father Clay was one of the operators.)

1934 – A crowd of 1,000 people attend political rally in Mauriceville.*****Thomas Granger, 12-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Tick Granger, was almost fatally injured when he was kicked on the side of his head by a wild horse.

(Editor’s note: I could make a joke here.

Thomas, like his dad, went on to become a county commissioner.

The blow to his head didn’t damage his musical talent.) *****The Texas Supreme Court has barred Negroes from participating in the democratic primaries.

The Texas court disagreed with a 5 to 4 opinion by the United States Supreme Court that said to bar Negroes was unconstitutional.

(Editor’s note: Seventy-five years later, the U.S. had a Negro president.

What were the odds in 1934?)

1949 – Gov. Allen Shivers of Port Arthur takes oath of office on the lawn of his family home near Woodville.*****While Texas copes with one of the worst outbreaks of polio in history, Orange County remains free of the malady. Not a case has been reported. *****County Judge Sid J. Caillavet has been named to a high post of the National Association of County Judges. One of the nation’s best known county officials, he is serving his fourth team and previously served as Commissioner from Pct. 1. (Editor’s note: After serving as mayor of Orange, Sid was again elected county judge. We believe he served six terms in all.)

A FEW HAPPENINGS

I spoke with our friends Sue and Tommy Simar Monday.

Both have been under the weather with the summer crud.

Tommy got it first and passed it to Sue.

She was going to the doctor Tuesday.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch will dine at Robert’s this week and be off until July 10 when The Bunch will return to Robert’s.

Mark your calendars.

Everyone always welcome.*****I wonder if Black Jack, Texas, still exists northeast of Nacogdoches.

Maybe some of you East Texas boys might know about that place. Ellis Diamond Wheeler was born there in 1914.

Some of you Port Arthur folks might remember the famous Lighthouse, located on 16^th St. in the early 1950’s, built by Wheeler.

It was a unique design, a drive inn, restaurant, dance hall and club.

I ate some great steaks there.

It was torn down in 1955.

Harry Choates, Cliff Bruner and Moon Mullican all played there in the early days.

The music was Texas swing blended with Cajun music.*****Forty-five years ago, June 28, 1974, Orange police captain Danny Gray was killed in an attempted jail break.*****On July 2, will be a full moon; the second full moon, “Blue Moon” will be July 31.*****Mark visited with Dr.

Morbia at Gulf Coast Cardiology last week.

That guy is something else.

By the way, Mark’s surgery has been put off till this Friday.

Dr.

Abdullah, at Gulf Coast, is now doing “Ablation of the Legs.” He can solve your varicose vein problems.

I believe he’s the same doctor who did the five bypass surgery on Mayor McDonald.

A great bunch of friendly folks.

Ask Dr.

Morbia about his gimmick.*****Judge Derry Dunn flew to Utah where he went up in the mountains and played in the snow.

I’m not sure when he was due back.*****Saturday, I had a surprise phone call from Sen.

Carl Parker.

We got to reminisce some about the good old days.

I’ve often said that Carl is one of the smartest people I’ve ever known.

He is embarking on writing a book and has plenty of legislation to write about.

He’s one of the most successful State Senators ever.

Our little part of Texas is much better today because of his accomplishments.*****Our friend Peggy Albair had knee surgery to do some repairs last week due to a fall.

She is recovering and still has things going on at Peggy’s Place.*****We were glad to see that our friend David Clark is back in business with Clark Chemicals, located on Hwy.

62, across from Peveto Feed.

For many years Clark Chemicals has been known for their great products.

Right now they are offering great prices on Marshland Mosquito Repellent and commercial Green Citrus multifunctional soap.

Visit their store, they are friendly folks and walk-ins are welcome.

You will enjoy doing business with them.*****Thurman “Bill” Bartie is like a bad penny, he keeps popping up.

Last Saturday, the disgraced Justice of the Peace, defeated Port Arthur mayor Derrick Freeman, who was doing a good job.*****Ms.

Colleen, of Sparkling Clean and Sweet Creations, has had surgery to fix her shoulder, injured in an accident some months ago.

While she is healing the entire store is 50% off to make room for new items and remodeling.

The food section is 60% off while supplies last.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Having birthdays in the coming week are Phyllis Davis, Judy Cagle, Sherby Dixon who all celebrate June 26.

Also celebrating are baseball player Derek Jeter, 44, actors Nick Otterman, 48 and Chris O’Donnell, 48.*****June 27: David Ball, Judy Lewis, Lynn Nell Guidry, Claudine Hogan, Shanna MacCammond, Travor Kimbell, Jody Raymer and Dorris Norwood celebrate.

Joining them are fashion designer Vera Wang, 69, reality star Khloe Kardashian, 34 and actor Dan Osborne, 27.*****June 28: Celebrating today are Kathy LeBlanc, Kourtney Derouen, Tina Bernard, Brett Barclay are a year older.

Also football player John Elway, 58,Country singer Kellie Pickler, 32 and director Mel Brooks, 92.*****June 29: Kelly Kimbrough, Ann Lieby and David Sandlin celebrate.

Celebrities having birthdays are actors Gary Busey, 74, Camila Mendes, 24 and Lily Rabe, 36.*****June 30: Celebrating today are Mary Beth McClure, Mayor Roy McDonald, Sonya Jarreau and Dave Rogers.

Also having birthdays are Country singer Cole Swindle, 36, swimmer Michael Phelps, 33 and boxer Mike Tyson, 52.*****July 1: Celebrating are Reilly Shaw, Marcy Strahan, Renee Degeyter, Charlie Learned.

They are joined by Rapper Missy Elliott, 47, actors Dan Ackroyd, 66 and Pamela Anderson, 51.*****July 2: Nancy Dupuis, Lisa Wilson, Marla lemoine and Kristy Davis celebrate.

Also celebrating are race car driver Richard Petty, 81, actors Lindsay Lohan, 32 and Kurt Long, 45.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Old man Horace Comeaux and his longtime wife, Agnes, while on a trip, stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing dere lunch, dey got back on da road. Unknowingly, Agnes left her glasses on da table and didn’t miss dem until 40 miles down da road.

Horace, him, was aggravated having to turn around and go back. He became the classic grouchy old turd. He fussed and complained, “Agnes, dat was so stupid, how could you forget you glasses.” He scolded poor Agnes relentlessly during the entire return drive. He became more agitated with each mile and wouldn’t let up for one minute.

To Agnes’s relief, dey finally arrived back at dat restaurant. As Agnes got out of da, car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, Horace, the old geezer, yelled to her, “Agnes, while you’re in dere, you might as well get my hat and da credit card.”

C’EST TOUT

Tebow has plenty on his plate

Tim Tebow must be the biggest optimist ever or there just isn’t any quit in the guy.

A former Heisman Trophy winner, pro-football just didn’t work out for him so he turned to pro-baseball.

He has been playing with the Triple A Syracuse Mets.

His baseball journey has seen season ending injuries and hitting struggles.

Lesser men would have called it quits.

What about the long bus trips to faraway games? Tim the bus trips are similar to the banner filled rides of “Bull Durham.” He had books, we have ipads, so it’s probably not that different.

“I use the time for thinking and work.

I wrote most of my last book on minor league bus rides.

Riding a bus across the country is definitely not the funnest thing but you can get stuff done,” Tim said.

Tebow became a movie producer with his brother Robby.

The first movie, “Run the Race” has completed its theatrical run and has been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The faith based film follows two small town brothers obsessed with sports.

It has earned $6.5 million at the box office.

Tim is engaged to former Miss Universe, Demi Leigh Nel Peters.

About being married to one of the world’s most beautiful ladies and riding a bus all day while she waits at home, Tim says, “You remember how much you love the game, you focus on the process and the journey, not just the destination.

You enjoy what you do every day.

You remember that every day has purpose, passion and meaning.

You might have a goal to make the present different one day or get to another level, but that day is not now so you focus on who you are in this moment.

It’s good to be a dreamer but not when the dreaming stops you from being a doer in the moment.” Timothy Richard Tebow, born Aug. 14, 1987, played college football for the University of Florida, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007.

Tebow was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft and spent two seasons with the team.

He started the last three games of his rookie season and became the team’s fulltime starter.

The Broncos were 1-4 before he became the starter.

They won with him on the field, often coming from behind in the fourth quarter.

They won their first AFCWest title in the first playoff since 2005.

Despite the teams success however, Tebow’s potential as a pro-level quarterback was called into question due to a perceived lack of passing ability, persistent fumbles and having the lowest passing completion rate in the league.

Despite compiling a record of 8-6 as a starting QB and leading them to the playoffs, he did not start again in the NFL.

No other quarterback under 30 in NFL history has won a playoff game and then never started another NFL game.

In 2016, he announced he would pursue a career in pro-baseball and signed a minor league contract with the NY Mets.

He’s a writer, in broadcasting, baseball and will soon have a wife.

Tebow is the eternal optimist.

He’s the kind of guy you’d like to see good things happen to.*****Thank you for your time, mine is up.

Take care and may God be your co-pilot.