tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63717278968134541112023-11-16T04:47:30.577-06:00Victor MedinaNews and opinions from columnist Victor Medina of Dallas.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-45425379015960771442017-01-09T23:23:00.000-06:002017-01-09T23:23:44.163-06:00A landmark West Dallas farmhouse faces an uncertain future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bsXzkVmW5avZU3Jfcrx-fI7BCfbNBd8oLFVxjzhkoVURlxIxPQ2HCO9v03Y2AaJMQ2Eq49FNQVK3pFlDYkh2Hm0UwnEnqRi8fQDt-L26EGdMyFagY8X1asF_1hAl3S3rQ9bsj-pRQeA/s1600/westdallasvictorian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bsXzkVmW5avZU3Jfcrx-fI7BCfbNBd8oLFVxjzhkoVURlxIxPQ2HCO9v03Y2AaJMQ2Eq49FNQVK3pFlDYkh2Hm0UwnEnqRi8fQDt-L26EGdMyFagY8X1asF_1hAl3S3rQ9bsj-pRQeA/s1600/westdallasvictorian.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/01/06/127-year-old-west-dallas-house-needs-moved-will-destroyed" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/01/06/127-year-old-west-dallas-house-needs-moved-will-destroyed" target="_blank">Robert Wilonsky of The Dallas Morning News reports on a piece of Dallas history</a> about to be lost to time, unless the community steps up.<br />
<br />
The Victorian farmhouse shown here, located at 1923 N. Edgefield, is one of the oldest homes in the area, and holds some historical significance. for it to survive, however, it needs to be moved.<br />
<br />
The Dallas Morning News provides details. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It was built around 1890 and, shortly after, became the home of German immigrants Heinrich and Anna Struck, who, <a href="http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMEYR_Western_Heights_Cemetery" target="_blank">according to the state historical marker planted at the nearby Western Heights Cemetery</a>, were early Dallas pioneers. And it appears it was once a centerpiece of a 43-acre housing development — <a href="http://jameseflanders.homestead.com/JEFChapter2.html" target="_blank">the first of its kind west of downtown</a> — assembled by the man known, correctly or otherwise, as Dallas' first architect.<br />
That very brief and vague history — which, at present,
comes with one significant question mark — has preservationists
scrambling to save the house that an unnamed developer eyeing the land
wants to vanish in order to build townhomes in a West Dallas
neighborhood that, as of now, has no multi-family housing of any kind.
This week <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/dallas-city-hall/2016/01/20/dallas-preservationists-starting-nonprofit-war-chest" target="_blank">the recently formed Dallas Endowment for Endangered Properties</a>,
which hopes to buy and preserve what remains of this city's
fast-vanishing history, has been sounding the social-media alarm bells
in the hopes of raising enough money to move the house from a quiet
stretch of North Edgefield Avenue, between Commerce Street and Fort
Worth Avenue, to five acres in Oak Cliff awaiting its arrival. The clock
is running -- three months and counting, tick, tock.</blockquote>
<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/01/06/127-year-old-west-dallas-house-needs-moved-will-destroyed" target="_blank">To find out more about the home, click right here to visit the Dallas Morning News</a>. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US&adInstanceId=aaaf233f-bbd2-4a1f-b44a-4783756e6fad&storeId=theservicedealer"></script></div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-67368034406238806562016-10-13T22:46:00.000-05:002016-10-13T22:46:46.536-05:00Talking Latinos and the GOP with The Dallas Morning News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqh0x3bFybL6A6xrd_LEC5jcHmnQVXLd0YIODLtWbdFQEckIOP7B3ZxjaJycpkX9GkUvdACnTeOjjHh_UV04N3sYsiWdqeLKPO4DaD1edbskjXbFlydUL1kkBrps6ZB5KCXLCwYSTUXI/s1600/dallasmorningnews.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqh0x3bFybL6A6xrd_LEC5jcHmnQVXLd0YIODLtWbdFQEckIOP7B3ZxjaJycpkX9GkUvdACnTeOjjHh_UV04N3sYsiWdqeLKPO4DaD1edbskjXbFlydUL1kkBrps6ZB5KCXLCwYSTUXI/s200/dallasmorningnews.png" width="170" /></a></div>
<br />
After the Vice Presidential debate last week, I spoke with the Dallas Morning News about the fallout from Mike Pence's "Mexican Thing" comment. I discussed how a careless remark takes on added meaning and scrutiny in the age of Donald Trump.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2016/10/07/hispanics-cringe-mike-pences-mexican-thing-remark-vp-debate" target="_blank">You can read the article by clicking right here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "collectoramashow-20";
amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "top";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "Search Results from Amazon";
amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Dallas Morning News";
amzn_assoc_default_category = "All";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "8f863bdcaebaa7e4aaec401e2e9ad730";
amzn_assoc_rows = "1";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-52360050558992811472016-09-21T19:39:00.000-05:002016-09-21T19:39:27.911-05:00SMU to honor fallen Dallas police officers<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kc0v5VhJmWFr786p_SCl1WjLmkzVd9qrIbqz1iwpmqanoxB1Ffe7wWRxRLTbb5iKOMMriqTy7GAFcn20eGJFud-AMCG111e7ufwVrORWh8Ux7R5eSTlB9xMQQ1Jw8VUIcy_a7Sk39pk/s1600/smupolice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Kc0v5VhJmWFr786p_SCl1WjLmkzVd9qrIbqz1iwpmqanoxB1Ffe7wWRxRLTbb5iKOMMriqTy7GAFcn20eGJFud-AMCG111e7ufwVrORWh8Ux7R5eSTlB9xMQQ1Jw8VUIcy_a7Sk39pk/s320/smupolice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The NFL would not allow the Dallas Cowboys to wear a sticker on their helmet to honor the five Dallas police officers killed in an ambush in July, so Southern Methodist University in Dallas is standing up to say "Blue Lives Matter."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a name='more'></a><br />
On Friday, September 23, the SMU Mustangs will wear a special helmet decal (shown above), which adds the Dallas skyline in blue to their logo, in their game against TCU. The new logo honors the police officers killed in the July ambush, as well as all first responders. At the game, a moment of silence will be held for the five slain officers, Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael Smith and Patrick Zamarripa of the DPD, and DART Officer Brent Thompson, as well as SMU Officer Mark McCullers (who died in a Dallas flood earlier this year) and University Park Fire Department Chief Bob Poynter, who was murdered in September.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
TCU, it should be noted, had several players protest the national anthem before their game last week in support of "Black Lives Matter."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Police, firefighters, and paramedics are being offered free tickets to the game for themselves and their families. Dallas Police Chief David Brown will handle the coin toss.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
"This will be a big game for us as we honor our local first-responders and pay tribute to them," said Head Coach Chad Morris<dfn></dfn>. "It's an opportunity for us and our great city of Dallas to come together and lock arms and pay tribute to the lives that left us way too soon."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<a href="http://smumustangs.com/news/2016/9/20/smu-football-to-honor-dallas-area-first-responders.aspx" target="_blank">To read more about SMU's support of "Blue Lives Matter," click here to visit SMUMustangs.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theservicedealer";
amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "top";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "Search Results from Amazon";
amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "SMU";
amzn_assoc_default_category = "All";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "7a94b66a666b1a136bedebfb82f66f5a";
amzn_assoc_rows = "2";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>
</div>
</div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-21198089591141466272016-07-13T17:53:00.000-05:002016-07-13T17:53:20.065-05:00My appearance on the Terry Lowry Show 7/7/16<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week (July 7), I appeared on the Terry Lowry Radio Show, and discussed the gun control social media campaign employed by President Obama's Organizing for Action, and how the Republican response is woefully inept. You can find out more about the Terry Lowry show at <a href="http://www.terrylowry.com/" target="_blank">www.terrylowry.com</a>. You can listen to the segment below:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mt3TxU6d7aQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-10820742336412280612016-03-23T17:12:00.003-05:002016-03-23T17:12:56.645-05:00Discussing Ann Coulter and the fall of the GOP on The Kevin Jackson Radio Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUupZ9PZKyBozhPvnTXYwINE0nRDnVKeM67bCYfVfDbvH-MWWZPgtyhFbcxjnQwO4tj0tVzj46tK33Uk1xFRxNpER5Uu0DWMcUeIHP_8jcEJIMZu7g1rZ8Q6JRWN-gsBLpY01HipYWAYQ/s1600/kevinjacksonradio3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUupZ9PZKyBozhPvnTXYwINE0nRDnVKeM67bCYfVfDbvH-MWWZPgtyhFbcxjnQwO4tj0tVzj46tK33Uk1xFRxNpER5Uu0DWMcUeIHP_8jcEJIMZu7g1rZ8Q6JRWN-gsBLpY01HipYWAYQ/s400/kevinjacksonradio3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During my appearance on the March 15 edition of The Kevin Jackson Radio Show (<a href="http://theblacksphere.net/radio/" target="_blank">click here to see if a station near you carries the show</a>), Kevin and I discussed Ann Coulter's recent attack on Ted Cruz. I discussed how her actions are indicative of a disturbing trend among high-profile "conservatives" putting personal ambition and publicity ahead of principle. You can listen to our segment below:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/251885177&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-53675002857747407272016-02-24T14:12:00.000-06:002016-02-24T14:12:50.334-06:00My February 16th appearance on the Kevin Jackson radio show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0_U_zKBOpfyRKMdq4r6sobthDy_CTO8647bMQNSaIQM4YTtSMQue2dFRkhgQJkrdjS129wvRc91OBvLFmeLbJ-RUtwc-4JNkXDA6jnT9MEteyC2HNH7nsSyGVPe_wKmF-cR2OdSgQtY/s1600/kevinjacksonradio3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0_U_zKBOpfyRKMdq4r6sobthDy_CTO8647bMQNSaIQM4YTtSMQue2dFRkhgQJkrdjS129wvRc91OBvLFmeLbJ-RUtwc-4JNkXDA6jnT9MEteyC2HNH7nsSyGVPe_wKmF-cR2OdSgQtY/s400/kevinjacksonradio3.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
During my appearance last week (February 16) on Fox News contributor Kevin Jackson's radio show, we discussed the absurdity of Kanye West and his $50 million debt. You can listen to our radio segment below:</div><BR>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/247882697&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theservicedealer";
amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "top";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "Search Results from Amazon";
amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Kevin Jackson";
amzn_assoc_default_category = "All";
amzn_assoc_textlinks = "";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "70e845d050a569d96a73d37e492b7bc7";
amzn_assoc_rows = "1";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-85874821265981191102016-02-17T02:50:00.000-06:002016-02-17T02:50:16.083-06:00Talking Bernie Sanders on the Kevin Jackson radio show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0_U_zKBOpfyRKMdq4r6sobthDy_CTO8647bMQNSaIQM4YTtSMQue2dFRkhgQJkrdjS129wvRc91OBvLFmeLbJ-RUtwc-4JNkXDA6jnT9MEteyC2HNH7nsSyGVPe_wKmF-cR2OdSgQtY/s1600/kevinjacksonradio3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0_U_zKBOpfyRKMdq4r6sobthDy_CTO8647bMQNSaIQM4YTtSMQue2dFRkhgQJkrdjS129wvRc91OBvLFmeLbJ-RUtwc-4JNkXDA6jnT9MEteyC2HNH7nsSyGVPe_wKmF-cR2OdSgQtY/s1600/kevinjacksonradio3.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During my appearance on the Kevin Jackson Radio Show last week (February 11), we discussed the appeal of Bernie Sanders with millennials, which I credit to their nostalgia of having a grandpa who likes to shower the grand-kids with goodies and free stuff. You can hear the entire segment below:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/247062787&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theservicedealer";
amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "top";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "Search Results from Amazon";
amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Kevin Jackson";
amzn_assoc_default_category = "All";
amzn_assoc_textlinks = "";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "6b7cc3c7250c9ff0dd5b1eea1c3d570c";
amzn_assoc_rows = "1";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>
<br />
</div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-5127173026944920622016-02-05T23:56:00.000-06:002016-02-05T23:56:38.323-06:00My February 2 appearance on The Kevin Jackson Radio Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVIZnnOn-uGXlwVdubu5q_qo9_6ogR1vDsAZ49AxuaTyXlMQmEp7MNh4yaw7YdVKlqps0Eo92TKkYuOmrxxnCJ_eUf2xUNOv01TfY1HrZn4qGetUq2LjMH2b0VtIgXpq97ZUdZ1y-TE8/s1600/kevinjacksonradio3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVIZnnOn-uGXlwVdubu5q_qo9_6ogR1vDsAZ49AxuaTyXlMQmEp7MNh4yaw7YdVKlqps0Eo92TKkYuOmrxxnCJ_eUf2xUNOv01TfY1HrZn4qGetUq2LjMH2b0VtIgXpq97ZUdZ1y-TE8/s400/kevinjacksonradio3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During my appearance this week on Fox News contributor Kevin Jackson's radio show, I discussed the return of Boko Haram and yet another cop shooting of someone named Michael Brown. You can listen to the segment below:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/245244040&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theservicedealer";
amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "top";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "Search Results from Amazon";
amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Kevin Jackson";
amzn_assoc_default_category = "All";
amzn_assoc_rows = "1";
amzn_assoc_textlinks = "";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "91d5bb8f9f79111a26c1a5cc41a72880";
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-34399118830072899162016-01-29T02:15:00.001-06:002016-01-29T02:15:16.302-06:00A deck park could revitalize the neighborhood around the Dallas Zoo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSV5G8ZiwaP0WoAqlDIbVvimNwIxV3tEJ6c5B7SC0UPvOAiQILhjPfbJEMWJyyf4ult9mII-mpdVkaiiIUfMlcVzWEDuy_o5cXbPKdS34T6VGFKSxjNVXpk5vGdx63gUtRsOqylA0S9Y/s1600/zoodeckpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSV5G8ZiwaP0WoAqlDIbVvimNwIxV3tEJ6c5B7SC0UPvOAiQILhjPfbJEMWJyyf4ult9mII-mpdVkaiiIUfMlcVzWEDuy_o5cXbPKdS34T6VGFKSxjNVXpk5vGdx63gUtRsOqylA0S9Y/s1600/zoodeckpark.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marsalis Ave. bridge, where a proposed deck park would be built.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There is a movement afoot to create a "deck park" over Interstate 35 at the Dallas Zoo (it's on the right in the picture above). Citing the success of the Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas, backers of the I-35 Deck Park hope it would change the fortunes of the neighborhoods around the Zoo, which have been in decline for decades. Of course, the issue is more complicated than that assessment, as the two locales are hardly comparable. Klyde Warren was nestled between a bustling downtown and the foot of Uptown. The neighborhoods around Jefferson Blvd. and Marsalis Ave. aren't going to change overnight, and no amount of green space will create jobs, reduce crime, or improve education choices. The Zoo, however, is a city asset worth investing in, and the surrounding neighborhoods are due some betterment from any attention the area gets. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20160116-could-a-deck-park-rejoin-and-rejuvenate-the-oak-cliff-neighborhoods-that-i-35e-tore-asunder.ece" target="_blank">Click here to read an informative article by Nanette Light and Conor Shine about the proposed deck park at DallasNews.com</a>.</div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-14317433759983884382015-11-21T20:37:00.001-06:002015-11-21T20:37:47.520-06:00My appearance on Kevin Jackson's radio show<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gJv3m0_CM8g?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kevin Jackson is a frequent guest on Fox News, including regular appearances on Fox and Friends, Megyn Kelly, and Hannity. He also hosts a popular radio show, and I had the pleasure of appearing on his show Thursday (November 19) as editor of PoliticalIllusionsExposed.com to discuss Al Gore's failed "climate change reality" concert last week in Paris. You can hear the audio in the YouTube clip above. You can find out more about Kevin Jackson and his show by visiting <a href="http://theblacksphere.net/" target="_blank">TheBlackSphere.net</a>, and you can follow my work as editor of <a href="http://www.politicalillusionsexposed.com/" target="_blank">Political Illusions Exposed by clicking right here</a>.</div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-45415260421321533672015-08-08T20:23:00.000-05:002015-08-08T20:23:19.722-05:00My comments in the Dallas Morning News about the GOP Presidential debate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTjZ_ZvUfBhdHLU9mqrjQVlwK-L6QDe2YLC-oVDPuJ4H5iyLa8uQ-Pi6pf6mgbsMOciI06S2fRO71WD2xFl8DfKKZHDmiBfI-wBc8K52l2-PBTviszcIg4KiJzQY-dAy96K6xwoqev7w/s1600/dallasmorningnews.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTjZ_ZvUfBhdHLU9mqrjQVlwK-L6QDe2YLC-oVDPuJ4H5iyLa8uQ-Pi6pf6mgbsMOciI06S2fRO71WD2xFl8DfKKZHDmiBfI-wBc8K52l2-PBTviszcIg4KiJzQY-dAy96K6xwoqev7w/s200/dallasmorningnews.png" width="170" /></a></div>
Donald Trump insisted in Thursday's GOP Presidential debate that he introduced the issue of immigration into the campaign. Once again, he's overstating things, and he's also managed to ensure we don't get a reasonable discussion on the issue with his hateful rhetoric.<br />
<br />
Today's Dallas Morning News features a column by Mercedes Olivera, who addressed the lack of real details or solutions coming from GOP candidates during the debate. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Ms. Olivera, and my comments are featured in the article.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/mercedes-olivera/20150807-latinos-wanted-immigration-specifics-from-gop-debate-but-none-came.ece" target="_blank">You can read the full column by clicking right here</a>.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-23977533148014609162015-07-31T04:23:00.000-05:002015-08-08T04:26:03.421-05:00Read my comments on ICE's recent hire in The Dallas Morning News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTjZ_ZvUfBhdHLU9mqrjQVlwK-L6QDe2YLC-oVDPuJ4H5iyLa8uQ-Pi6pf6mgbsMOciI06S2fRO71WD2xFl8DfKKZHDmiBfI-wBc8K52l2-PBTviszcIg4KiJzQY-dAy96K6xwoqev7w/s1600/dallasmorningnews.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTjZ_ZvUfBhdHLU9mqrjQVlwK-L6QDe2YLC-oVDPuJ4H5iyLa8uQ-Pi6pf6mgbsMOciI06S2fRO71WD2xFl8DfKKZHDmiBfI-wBc8K52l2-PBTviszcIg4KiJzQY-dAy96K6xwoqev7w/s200/dallasmorningnews.png" width="170" /></a></div>
I had the opportunity to discuss the hiring of Dallas immigration attorney Liz Cedillo-Pereira as a senior advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with Mercedes Olivera of The Dallas Morning News. Pereira understands the struggles immigrants encounter, and the shortcomings of ICE in dealing with those foreign nationals. Her hiring is, hopefully, a positive sign that ICE is serious about giving immigrants due process without fear of deportation, a major reason why many undocumented immigrants remain in the shadows, rather than attempt to achieve legal residency.<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/mercedes-olivera/20150724-dallas-attorney-takes-record-of-advocacy-for-migrants-to-ice.ece" target="_blank">You can read the column, with my comments, by clicking right here and visiting DallasNews.com.</a></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-22650389241843552402015-04-30T01:02:00.001-05:002015-04-30T01:02:58.361-05:00Is Rosemont the problem, or is it DISD?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH1qRxv343wxL3qEcVDnaROj7gR3WXv4iy5y0PJAJMxy3ts-mTd9WSRIdoq_52FBeTmzk220byaooSM6X0Vq8KMvpXuIwOmNIQkHdt_9L_wD_u7gM7UbiNGYYJ2f7YFuynu7vqU48FeY/s1600/disd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH1qRxv343wxL3qEcVDnaROj7gR3WXv4iy5y0PJAJMxy3ts-mTd9WSRIdoq_52FBeTmzk220byaooSM6X0Vq8KMvpXuIwOmNIQkHdt_9L_wD_u7gM7UbiNGYYJ2f7YFuynu7vqU48FeY/s1600/disd.jpg" /></a></div>
The recent news that Rosemont Elementary principal Anne Brining would not have her contract renewed for next year angered many parents at the Oak Cliff school. It also exposed feelings among many that the school is divided between haves and have-nots, with the latter made up of low-income and Latino students. DISD officials point to a series of low testing scores as the reason Brining was fired.<br />
<br />
The situation is covered in a new column by Randolph Bush of The Dallas Morning News. <a href="http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/04/what-happened-at-rosemont-elementary-is-so-important-to-dallas.html/" target="_blank">You can read it by clicking here</a>. It is an interesting read.<br />
<br />
I personally know a number of Rosemont parents, and there is certainly some truth to the claims that Rosemont is split between affluent white students and poorer Latino students, many of them the children of immigrants who are learning English as a second language. However, as a sibling of both a former elementary principal and a teacher, I also know of the extraordinary challenges school administrators face when you have a large ESL student body. Low test scores are not always the result of poor administration, but they could be a symptom of a greater problem.<br />
<br />
It should be the job of DISD officials to take all the factors into account when reviewing school personnel. Unfortunately, we have seen far too many nonsensical decisions come from DISD headquarters, and for all we know, this may be one of them. While it is important to understand that, despite her popularity among many Rosemont parents, Principal Brining may indeed deserve to be fired. But DISD officials owe it to those Rosemont parents, and their children, to justify that decision. A woman's career, and the educational progress of hundreds of children, hang in the balance. Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-29318548193636165942015-04-22T02:37:00.000-05:002015-04-22T02:37:14.997-05:00Texas Monthly weighs in the great DFW taco debate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXoMJpO-nj1n3Q9yPXUda7I-_M-t8_3h-bjZUyKZLXhR6fIApoqBQxUZxVbzLWPVCokKgDV7j546w-UtJ08o6ZNryHBcboEApFWhMHROW9tKHN1eGw6kcuuz8qZxAABlInMotF37C6O4/s1600/texasmonthly.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXoMJpO-nj1n3Q9yPXUda7I-_M-t8_3h-bjZUyKZLXhR6fIApoqBQxUZxVbzLWPVCokKgDV7j546w-UtJ08o6ZNryHBcboEApFWhMHROW9tKHN1eGw6kcuuz8qZxAABlInMotF37C6O4/s1600/texasmonthly.png" height="59" width="320" /></a></div>
We just don't know how good we have it in Texas. I've been to states where both good Mexican food and Dr. Pepper are hard to find, but thankfully we have those things in abundance here. Texas Monthly recently jumped on the "Best Of" list craze by naming the best tacos in different regions of the state. They recently posted their DFW list, which was pretty evenly split between Dallas and Ft. Worth. At least four of the restaurants are in Oak Cliff, which is a nice acknowledgment for our neck of the woods. There are definitely some hidden gems to be found.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.texasmonthly.com/lists/15-great-tacos-dallas-fort-worth" target="_blank">You can see the full list yourself by clicking right here</a>.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-86826417874267145002015-04-14T18:08:00.002-05:002015-04-14T18:08:57.098-05:00Dallas' Trinity River Parkway Report offers new vision<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
The Trinity Parkway has seen its share of concepts and designs, but the latest offerings, shown in the just-released report shown below, may actually provide a vision Dallas can get behind. This offers a road and park partnership that enhances downtown Dallas, instead of a tollway that does nothing but get people out of the city. Let's just hope they don't change it yet again. </div>
<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/261865129" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Trinity Parkway Design Charrette Report on Scribd">Trinity Parkway Design Charrette Report</a></div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_43170" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/261865129/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-18435738359565297322015-03-12T18:02:00.002-05:002015-03-12T18:02:48.419-05:00Oak Cliff history, Facebook style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzZybK_Kmil2NS0L8LxEJdD-j2ULn6mPP-LuzUBgZX6uy7rlSUXO6n8SWsNqxe4NZZmx-TT6fv3bBcosm3rQmhOrNpM_-Ym-rBzEOHI8bO_9Jg2cpVsOY2ZTHuWpGkpECVl5KeDnNTE8/s1600/stevensparkdrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzZybK_Kmil2NS0L8LxEJdD-j2ULn6mPP-LuzUBgZX6uy7rlSUXO6n8SWsNqxe4NZZmx-TT6fv3bBcosm3rQmhOrNpM_-Ym-rBzEOHI8bO_9Jg2cpVsOY2ZTHuWpGkpECVl5KeDnNTE8/s1600/stevensparkdrug.jpg" height="146" width="320" /></a></div>
I can't get enough of Oak Cliff history, and if you're on Facebook, there's a great group made up of former and current residents who share stories and photos of life in The Cliff. It called Oak Cliff Boomers and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/101743839570/" target="_blank">can be found by clicking here</a>. Even though I'm not a Boomer (technically), they were gracious enough to let me join, and I've enjoyed the stories.<br />
<br />
Among the photos posted recently was this gem (posted by Steve Baker via the Dallas Public Library) of the old Stevens Park Drug Store at the corner of Ft. Worth Avenue and Hampton. It was torn down and a new strip center was built, which housed a Minyard grocery store for a time, and is now a Big Lots.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-80601680000440168342015-02-12T21:15:00.003-06:002015-02-12T21:15:53.838-06:00My interview with David Hayter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1e/43/1e43130d76e067a8084e4d3a218a5c62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1e/43/1e43130d76e067a8084e4d3a218a5c62.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
David Hayter has made a name for himself in Hollywood on several fronts; as a screenwriter (of <i>X-Men, X-Men 2, Watchmen</i>, and <i>The Scorpion King</i>), as an actor (including his iconic performance as the voice of Solid Snake in the <i>Metal Gear</i> video game series), and now as a director. His debut film, <i>Wolves</i>, is a throwback of sorts to 1980s horror films, and stars Lucas Till (<i>X-Men: Days of Future Past</i>) as the lead. <i>Wolves</i> is now available on DVD and Video On Demand, and you can check out my recent interview with him <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/david-hayter-discusses-directing-wolves-and-his-prolific-career" target="_blank">by clicking right here</a>.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-20058627808865744752015-02-02T20:48:00.000-06:002015-02-12T20:56:52.368-06:00Inside the Marvel Experience in Dallas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/39/e8/39e8d5e1f3573219ed5bf470966c7411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/39/e8/39e8d5e1f3573219ed5bf470966c7411.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a></div>
I recently had the opportunity to check out The Marvel Experience for Examiner.com and Cinelinx.com, when the event camped out at Fair Park in Dallas. The Marvel Experience is an interactive attraction featuring characters from the Marvel comic book universe, and was a huge hit with attendees.<br />
<br />
To see my coverage of the grand opening, which was attended by Mark Cuban and Glenn Beck, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/slideshow-inside-the-marvel-experience-grand-opening-dallas" target="_blank">click right here</a>. To read my review of The Marvel Experience (which will be handy for those of you in cities the attraction is scheduled to stop in during its tour), <a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/review-the-marvel-experience-dallas" target="_blank">click right here</a>. You can find out more about the Marvel Experience Tour <a href="http://themarvelexperiencetour.com/" target="_blank">by clicking right here</a>. A big thanks to the folks behind the event for inviting me out to cover it.<br />
<br />
You can also check out the video below, which we shot as part of my coverage.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iyeT0d2HPok?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-6590166406060868342014-12-28T02:08:00.000-06:002014-12-28T02:08:19.828-06:00In defense of in-state college tuition for undocumented students<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTjZ_ZvUfBhdHLU9mqrjQVlwK-L6QDe2YLC-oVDPuJ4H5iyLa8uQ-Pi6pf6mgbsMOciI06S2fRO71WD2xFl8DfKKZHDmiBfI-wBc8K52l2-PBTviszcIg4KiJzQY-dAy96K6xwoqev7w/s1600/dallasmorningnews.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTjZ_ZvUfBhdHLU9mqrjQVlwK-L6QDe2YLC-oVDPuJ4H5iyLa8uQ-Pi6pf6mgbsMOciI06S2fRO71WD2xFl8DfKKZHDmiBfI-wBc8K52l2-PBTviszcIg4KiJzQY-dAy96K6xwoqev7w/s1600/dallasmorningnews.png" /></a></div>
<em>(Author's note: I was recently asked by columnist Mercedes Olivera of The Dallas Morning News to comment on Texas Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick's initiative to repeal in-state college tuition for undocumented immigrant students. <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/mercedes-olivera/20141226-dallas-man-launches-effort-to-preserve-texas-dream-act.ece" target="_blank">You can click here to read the Morning News column, including my thoughts</a>. I provided The Dallas Morning News with a full statement (excerpts from which were used in Olivera's column), but I have included the complete statement here to explain why in-state tuition makes sense. </em><br />
<br />
<em>Republicans had previously supported the in-state tuition program, and Gov. Rick Perry signed it into law and continues to support it. Patrick, however, has led a vindictive, anti-immigrant campaign that led to his election as lieutenant governor this fall. Here is why I feel repealing the in-state tuition discount would be a serious mistake.)</em><br />
<br />
Dan Patrick continues to cloud the immigration issue by using words like “invaders” and “criminals” to disparage immigrants, especially using the term “illegal” over the legally correct term of “undocumented.” He fails to grasp the intricacies of the immigration issue, particularly the fact that no immigrant, regardless of entry, is “illegal” until designated as such by an immigration judge. His inability to differentiate the complexities of immigration law makes him wholly unqualified to comment on the issue, much less lead the charge to change a law that could have disastrous consequences on the future of our state.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrizl-pKED2CtY3f080fqKY3Tuvgl_CDVZmdB_C2tadW9DHhpa5a89kCO-3p6Kg0xJXBe9anFVowiVF4h9RpUYL8E7XijsZSh-jY31hXvntM622DeqDtA9D78DaX33JoQDRaVCgZnoTY/s1600/danpatrick2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrizl-pKED2CtY3f080fqKY3Tuvgl_CDVZmdB_C2tadW9DHhpa5a89kCO-3p6Kg0xJXBe9anFVowiVF4h9RpUYL8E7XijsZSh-jY31hXvntM622DeqDtA9D78DaX33JoQDRaVCgZnoTY/s1600/danpatrick2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Patrick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The concept of in-state tuition is based on the idea that those who live in Texas and contribute taxes to fund our college education system should be awarded a discount. These taxes are collected regardless of one’s legal residency status, so undocumented immigrants and their children pay into the system just as much as a documented citizen. <a href="http://www.itep.org/immigration/#map" target="_blank">The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that undocumented immigrants contribute over $1.6 billion in taxes to the Texas economy</a>, so the contention that immigrants (legal, illegal, or undocumented) do not contribute to the Texas economy is false. They pay in as much as any other citizen, and deserve to partake in the benefits of paying into the system.<br />
<br />
The hard truth is most undocumented immigrant children qualify for legal residency and eventual citizenship under current immigration law, and not any special directive from the President, Congress, or ICE. They are going to eventually become legal citizens of Texas. They are in this position because they cannot afford an attorney to help settle their residency status, and ICE offers no help except the option of deportation without due process. It’s a problem I’ve seen over and over in my work with the <a href="http://www.icie.us/" target="_blank">Isenberg Center for Immigration Empowerment</a> in Oak Cliff.<br />
<br />
By denying these young Texans the chance to earn a college education, we will create a permanent underclass that will have ramifications both for their families and our state, as a whole, in the future. I find it disgusting that Mr. Patrick, in order to score some cheap political points and advance his own career, would sacrifice the futures of kids who want to learn, who want to better themselves, and want to contribute to our great state. These kids have known no other home but Texas. They deserve a fighting chance.<br />
<br />
There is a reason in-state tuition was championed by Gov. Rick Perry and other Republicans, as well as Democrats. It is a stand based on principle, not restricted by party.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-73798315923256234232014-10-02T00:22:00.000-05:002014-10-02T00:38:06.047-05:00Clay Jenkins thinks concerned Dallas citizens are "crazy"You likely didn't see this during live coverage today, but here's what Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, who is running for reelection, said when asked if Dallas County would hold town hall meetings to keep residents informed of the Ebola crisis. Ron Natinsky, who is running against Jenkins, posted the video on his Facebook page. Remember, this statement is coming from a man who sat next to John Wiley Price on the Commissioner's Court for years, and never said anything to him about his antics, and yet he will readily throw Dallas citizens under the bus. If you don't see the video load, click the black box in the post to play the video.<br />
<center>
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<br />
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1469805339974264" data-width="466">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1469805339974264">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/natinsky">Ron Natinsky</a>.</div>
</div>
</center>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-20300468899267955982014-09-29T23:24:00.000-05:002014-09-29T23:24:25.098-05:00Oak Cliff Chamber hosts state reps for "Legislative Summit" Oct. 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/7e/49/7e49cc33043a4b04a5c04d0526d3939f.jpg?itok=4cztBxux" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/7e/49/7e49cc33043a4b04a5c04d0526d3939f.jpg?itok=4cztBxux" height="101" width="200" /></a></div>
The Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual legislative summit on Thursday, October 9 at the historic Texas Theatre. "A Preview of Plans for the 2015 Legislative Session" will give attendees a chance to get informed on the upcoming legislative session with a panel discussion among members of the Texas House who represent Oak Cliff.<br />
<br />
State Representatives Rafael Anchia (District 103), Toni Rose (District 110), and Helen Giddings (District 109) will all participate in the event, providing their input and plans for the next legislative session. Brad Nitschke of Jackson Walker LLP will moderate the discussion. The event will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is free to attend. To RSVP or learn about sponsorship opportunities of the event, contact Taylor Basped at the Oak Cliff Chamber at 214-943-4567, ext. 17. The Texas Theatre is located at 231 W. Jefferson Blvd.<br />
<br />
The mission of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic development and the quality of life in Oak Cliff. For more information on the Chamber, visit <a href="http://www.oakcliffchamber.org/" target="_blank">OakCliffChamber.org</a>.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-61641599733852981772014-09-02T11:09:00.002-05:002014-09-02T11:09:42.927-05:00Did the Texas Racing Commission overstep its authority?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/2c/6d/2c6d0096cfd2e8f7410f65b454a5802e.jpg?itok=_x3VNTi_" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/2c/6d/2c6d0096cfd2e8f7410f65b454a5802e.jpg?itok=_x3VNTi_" height="200" width="190" /></a></div>
Here's something you don't see every day: a politician looking out for our best interests.<br />
<br />
On Friday, the <a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/news/texas-racing-commission-approves-new-form-of-betti/nhB9n/" target="_blank">Texas Racing Commission voted to change their own current policy</a> and allow "historic racing" betting at race tracks across Texas. "Historic racing machines" closely resemble slot machines, but use the idea that you are betting on an actual historical race, only with any identifying information (like horse names) removed.<br />
<br />
Critics argue this is the TRC's attempt to bypass the Texas Legislature and the public and allow slot machines in race tracks without their approval.<br />
<br />
To combat this move, Texas State Rep. Matt Krause filed a preemptive lawsuit on Thursday to stop the action, suing the Commission and its individual members. He also filed to have a restraining order issued to stop the rule change. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/representative-matt-krause-files-suit-against-texas-racing-commissioners" target="_blank">You can read Krause's statement about it right here</a>. A judge has yet to rule on Krause's suits.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-9278321731775152612014-07-30T18:19:00.001-05:002014-07-30T18:19:40.460-05:00Check out the "Gringo Schindler" documentary trailer<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kyyrvAMfmls?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Here is the trailer for "Gringo Schindler," an upcoming documentary about </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100001289606718" href="https://www.facebook.com/ralph.isenberg" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Ralph Isenberg</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> and The </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=192845327495322" href="https://www.facebook.com/dallasICIE" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Isenberg Center for Immigration Empowerment (ICIE)</a> in Dallas, an organization that assists foreign nationals struggling with our broken immigration system and the heavy-handed tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">. The immigrants featured in the documentary are people I have had the opportunity to write about for ICIE, and I am excited that their story is about to be told on film. It will hopefully change the way many see our immigration system and the people they brand as illegal criminals.</span></span></div>
Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-55106506338613546412014-07-23T15:44:00.000-05:002014-07-24T15:07:22.159-05:00Ralph Isenberg responds to the border crisis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLxRnh2CdpIYggfh6a7afkybqLm2pfv1_B6fvYOFVSkCiZ-ua_iPa3o3Kajs-QSGohWgPei9x2t0SfQq91f6QVoNo4D0q2XEOdlAgcb-z9s_BuCCqJffC9PWv4Wt5eTJmmiOsAv7avVI/s1600/ralphisenberg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLxRnh2CdpIYggfh6a7afkybqLm2pfv1_B6fvYOFVSkCiZ-ua_iPa3o3Kajs-QSGohWgPei9x2t0SfQq91f6QVoNo4D0q2XEOdlAgcb-z9s_BuCCqJffC9PWv4Wt5eTJmmiOsAv7avVI/s1600/ralphisenberg.png" /></a></div>
Ralph Isenberg, founder of The Isenberg Center for Immigration Empowerment (ICIE), calls his organization "A Resort of Last Hope." ICIE, whose efforts are personally funded by Isenberg, assists immigrants facing the bureaucratic red tape of the immigration process. Many are already facing deportation due to a lack of proper representation and assistance, and nearly all are parents who only want a better life for their family.<br />
<br />
The border crisis may be new to most Americans following the news, but Isenberg has seen this situation building over time. ICIE is currently assisting over a dozen innocent immigrants, mostly from El Salvador, who have a credible fear of death from gang members and drug cartels should they be deported back into their country. Yet, our government continues to put them on the fast track to deportation.<br />
<br />
I recently discussed the crisis with Isenberg, who has some pointed opinions on the subject. He rightfully assigns blame at every level, from immigrants who think America will welcome them, to Republicans and Democrats who grandstand and offer no solutions, to President Obama for claiming he wants to help the refugees while changing the law to expedite deportations without due process.<br />
<br />
Click the links below to read his thoughts on the matter. Because of length, I've separated them into two parts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://icieus.blogspot.com/2014/06/icie-founder-ralph-isenberg-responds-to.html" target="_blank">Ralph Isenberg responds to the border crisis, part 1</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://icieus.blogspot.com/2014/07/ralph-isenberg-responds-to-border.html" target="_blank">Ralph Isenberg responds to the border crisis, part 2</a><br />
<br />
<br />Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371727896813454111.post-26722511682848149642014-06-23T17:26:00.000-05:002014-06-23T17:56:20.073-05:00The Dallas Morning News' Mercedes Olivera pens column on the child refugee crisis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL-Wyf0VX1ORM_idQrCQGBl2Ywai8XGP4GxodMV053zfXjJjEaz4lz16THrdXTE639i4A74XgopQ1TSL6FtbC-SHeNXWjbNptuMQunI8P-O2yfzUOle1FtLN98ThgY3the7apwb6Rnos/s1600/dallasmorningnews.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL-Wyf0VX1ORM_idQrCQGBl2Ywai8XGP4GxodMV053zfXjJjEaz4lz16THrdXTE639i4A74XgopQ1TSL6FtbC-SHeNXWjbNptuMQunI8P-O2yfzUOle1FtLN98ThgY3the7apwb6Rnos/s1600/dallasmorningnews.png" height="200" width="170" /></a></div>
I had the honor of being quoted by Mercedes Olivera in her column for The Dallas Morning News on June 21. The column, "<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/mercedes-olivera/20140620-surge-in-immigrant-kids-challenges-both-parties.ece" target="_blank">Surge in immigrant kids challenges both parties,</a>" explored how politicians are responding to the refugee crisis. Sadly, while many Democrats see the obvious humanitarian crisis, Republicans are playing demagogue to the anti-immigrant crowd. I'm glad that as a member of the <a href="http://www.cafeconlecherepublicans.com/" target="_blank">Cafe con Leche Republicans</a>, we are working to change the tone in our party.<br />
<br />
To read Mercedes' column, <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/mercedes-olivera/20140620-surge-in-immigrant-kids-challenges-both-parties.ece" target="_blank">click right here to visit DallasNews.com</a>.Victor Medinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02749718140560774050noreply@blogger.com0