Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, born in South Carolina in 1810, Sam McCulloch, Jr.

arrived in Texas with his father and three sisters just prior to the Texas War for Independence from Mexico.

McCulloch was a free black, and with his freedom he volunteered as a private in the Texas Army to fight for independence. On October 9, 1835, McCulloch took part in the Battle of Goliad. While storming the Mexican line, McCulloch was severely wounded when a musket ball shattered his right shoulder. Thus, Samuel McCulloch, Jr. became the first Texas casualty of the war.

After Texas won its independence and became a free Republic, Samuel McCulloch, Jr. went on to fight against the Comanches along with the Texas Rangers at the famous Battle of Plum Creek, and he served as a spy for the Texas Army when Mexico reinvaded Texas in 1842. Later, McCulloch lived as a farmer and a rancher with his family on the land that the Texas government gave him for his service to the Republic.

He died in November of 1893. He triumphed over all obstacles and voluntarily risked life and limb to establish freedom for Texas, the land he loved. During Black History Month, we honor this freedom fighter and this first to shed blood for Texas independence.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, it is written that governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, and that when any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it and to institute new government.

Madam Speaker, this eternal statement from the Declaration of Independence clearly states the United States' right to self- determination. We used this natural right to break away from Great Britain.

Last week Kosovo unilaterally declared itself an independent and sovereign state, and the announcement has ushered violence in the region and opposition from the country it broke from, Serbia. Following Kosovo's declaration of independence, the United States was one of the first world powers to grant official recognition to the self-declared independent Kosovo. Since then, several other countries have followed. Of course, not everyone agrees that Kosovo may unilaterally declare its independence from Serbia. Certainly Serbia objects.

At the same time, Russia, China and Spain have shared their strong opposition to the declaration. Each of these countries is struggling with its own separatist communities. They are afraid that Kosovo's unilateral declaration will encourage secessionist groups in their own country to rebel and declare themselves independent and sovereign states.

When we start meddling in the internal affairs of international nations like Serbia, consequences are sure to follow. Let me be clear, I am not talking about a people rising up and overthrowing a civil government, but a people separating themselves from a civil government and forming a new nation.

The question is, do all peoples have this right of separation, and does the United States support that? What position will the United States take as other peoples may decide self-determination, separation and independence? By recognizing Kosovo, the United States is setting a precedent, and it needs to take that position very seriously, because there are consequences.

Is the United States willing to offer recognition to the Basque and Catalan people of Spain if they declare independence or to Chechnya if they break away from Russia? Or how about Tibet if they decide to leave China? Separatist communities across the world are interpreting the actions of the United States in Kosovo to suggest that America supports movements of self-determination.

A columnist for an African newspaper recently wrote a newspaper article titled ``Kosovo--the precedent that will enflame Africa.'' This journalist predicts that the Kosovo recognition will ignite a revival of secessionist groups across the African continent. Will the United States be prepared to deal with that if it happens? And what will we do? Will we send troops? Will we send aid to these movements?

We've even got folks from the State of Montana here in the United States saying they are going to secede from the Union if the Supreme Court rules a certain way on gun ownership. Is self-determination allowed in Montana?

Looking at our country's history, it is pretty clear that the right of self-determination of a people is expensive,

and it has costs. If it weren't for the courage and self-determination of our country's founders, we would still be a colony of Great Britain.

But the United States has been inconsistent on the right of self- determination. For example, in the 1860s, the United States rejected this self-determination here at home. More than 650,000 Americans were killed during the War Between the States when the South claimed the right of self-determination and the North went to war to prevent it and to prevent southern independence.

Independence is a serious and volatile matter. Thomas Jefferson said, ``What country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time that the people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take up arms.'' These are strong words from the author of the Declaration of Independence.

Is this statement U.S. policy? It may very well be the case that the United States' position in Kosovo will encourage more turmoil throughout the world. What will the United States do then? Is the United States going to choose to either fully support or fully oppose the right to self-determination for other peoples? Or is the United States going to continue down its path of inconsistent foreign policy on self-determination?

People with aspirations of independence all over the world are watching the United States and trying to interpret what our foreign policy is. They need to know what our position is on independence, and the American public needs to know where we stand on independence for other peoples.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, in our modern, fast paced world many people often forget to take the time to appreciate their surroundings. Inhabitants of the beautiful north Houston neighborhoods are fortunate enough to reside in an area deemed the ``livable forest.'' As these communities progress into the future, residents like Vicky Eynon work at the same time to preserve these unique surroundings. As a result of her efforts FamilyTime has awarded her the 2007 Women of Achievement Award.

An advocate for the trees, Vicky Eynon's commitment to improving the lives of fellow Texans is truly admirable. Not only has she dedicated herself to local forests, as a school nurse she is also an advocate for the wellbeing of children. For 23 years she worked as a school nurse for Humble ISD.

By observing and predicting health concerns among students Vicky became instrumental in the fight for providing schools with Automatic Emergency Defibrillators. Not long after their implementation, she was able to help save a teacher's life as a result of the AED. Although she is now retired, Vicky Eynon's dedication to serving others further extends into the local church community. At Atascocita Presbyterian Church she teaches CPR, instructing others in the art of compassion.

I salute Vicky Eynon not only for the charity demonstrated through her work as a nurse but also for her environmental activism. Due to the work of Vicky and her group of volunteers, citizens in surrounding areas were made aware of the construction plans and were encouraged to take action. Her belief in the power of people through positive action is inspirational. As a result of Vicky's dedication, development projects involving the removal of large numbers of trees unnecessarily were reconfigured to allow for a more natural landscape.

Because of her efforts to preserve the landscape of Southeast Texas, Vicky Eynon was awarded from FamilyTime the 2007 Women of Achievement Award. This remarkable Texan's commitment to improving many different aspects of the community affects the lives of countless people.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Houston, Texas, are in mourning today because they have lost another brave protector of our community. While working undercover surveillance on February 21, Harris County sheriff deputy Craig Miller was killed when an 18-wheeler darted onto I-10 in Houston and recklessly drove across three lanes of the freeway crashing into Miller's SUV. Miller's vehicle became airborne, and he was fatally injured in the crash.

Narcotics Officer Miller was 43 years of age, married to Michelle and has two young children. Friends described him as a comedian that could have been a regular on Saturday Night Live. Deputy Miller grew up in Houston and attended Stratford High School. He enjoyed protecting and serving the people of the Houston area.

So as peace officers wear the black band of sacrifice across their badges in honor of Deputy Craig Miller, we remember that lawmen are all that separate civilization from the uncivilized.

The driver of the 18-wheeler was charged with negligent homicide. He is a foreign national and his legal status is undetermined. Deputy Miller is yet another recent death in a series of Houston area lawmen that have been killed by foreign nationals. Deputy Miller is a casualty of a weak, chaotic, and inconsistent and overbroad immigration policy this country has.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about one of the novel concepts that Congress has come up with over the years. It goes back to the Reagan administration and a bipartisan bill signed by President Reagan, the VOCA Act was established. It is called the Victims of Crime Act. It's a novel idea in that convicted felons in Federal court who are assessed fees and fines must pay those fees and fines into a fund. That fund then is saved and reserved for victims of crime for restitution. It also establishes and takes care of domestic violence shelters where spouses can hide away from those abusers. It establishes rape crisis coalition centers. It promotes and sends money to the victim advocates throughout the United States who go to court with victims of crime, especially in violent crime. It does many good things. And over the years, because our Federal judges have continued to fine and assess greater penalties to criminals, that VOCA fund, as of today, is $1.7 billion, money contributed by criminals that goes to crime victims. What a wonderful idea. And let me make it clear, this is not taxpayer money. Taxpayers didn't fund this. Criminals did. Criminals paying the rent on the courthouse, paying for the system that they have created.

So what is the problem? The problem is, Mr. Speaker, that that fund, every year, that's administered by the Federal Government continues to be robbed by other bureaucrats and continues to be less money that's available for crime victims. This year we have $1.7 billion in the fund. Last year $635 million of that was used for crime victims, but this year the fund is being cut by the bureaucrats to $590 million. That's not a lot of money, but it means that victims shelters throughout the country will be closed, that these rape crisis coalition centers will be closed because they're barely keeping the lights on.

So why is that happening, Mr. Speaker? I do not know.

I do know that the Justice Department now is going to charge a surcharge on the victims fund of 5.5 percent to administer the fund. They are doing so without the approval of Congress. They have no right to take $30 million to pay for their own bureaucracy. That's not authorized by Congress.

We also know that the administration wants to take part of that money and apply it to other programs out there.

Once again, this is not taxpayer money. It's money that belongs to victims. And the Federal Government and, specifically, the Justice Department and the Federal bureaucrats need to keep their hands off that money, because it's not their money. It belongs to victims of crime.

Mr. Speaker, victims of crime do not have a lobbyist up here in Washington, DC, a high-dollar lobbyist advocating on their behalf. They expect us, Members of Congress, to be their lobbyist, and it's important that we do not let the bureaucrats, the robber barons take money out of that VOCA fund and apply it to other programs.

Find that money somewhere else. This money belongs to crime victims. It should not be robbed by the bureaucrats. It should be left alone. And, if anything, we ought to raise how much money we take out of that fund for victims of crime.

It's $1.7 billion this year. Next year it's going to be $1.9 billion criminals contribute to that fund. And yet our government continues to let less and less money be applied to victims. We have more crime victims in this country than we did last year, and we need victims assistance.

The Victims of Crime Act is a good idea. Let's leave it alone and quit robbing it to pay for other Federal programs. And if the Federal Government needs money to pay for these other programs, take money out of foreign aid or something. But leave victims alone.

Victims are a unique breed of people in our country, Mr. Speaker, and it's our responsibility to take care of them and make sure that they get the compensation they need, paid for by criminals who commit crimes against them.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the Saudi Arabian religious police will arrest its citizens for a multitude of ``sins.'' Last week, the religious police arrested 57 Arabian men in front of a mall in Mecca for, get this, the crime of flirting. The 57 men were dancing to pop music and not wearing traditional clothing. The religious police arrested them and refused to release the men unless they can prove they did not flirt with women. So much for innocent till proven guilty.

This is yet another example of when civil governments use their state religion of Islam to put their own citizens in jail for religious activity.

The powerful religious police make sure that women are covered up, that they don't wear makeup, that the sexes don't mingle, and that the stores close five times a day for Muslim prayers, and that men worship at the mosque.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia banned the sale of red roses and other symbols that marked Valentine's Day because they are connected with a Christian holiday. Saudi Arabia certainly cannot allow any religious dissension in their country. Saudi Arabia expects other countries to be tolerant of Islam but is intolerant of all religions except its own. I wonder if hypocrisy is a violation of the Islam religion?

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Americans are under vicious attack in Mexico. The new threat comes from south of the border in the form of organized and violent Mexican kidnappers.

Last year, 26 San Diego, California residents were kidnapped and held for ransom while traveling to Mexico. Numerous Mexican nationals also were kidnapped. Some victims were murdered. Only a few of the people kidnapped were ever rescued. They reported that they were beaten, tortured and sexually assaulted.

The FBI says that these sophisticated kidnappers are growing in number. The State Department has even issued a travel alert for U.S. citizens living and traveling in Mexico. This new form of terrorism is very disturbing.

While President Calderon is here in the United States lobbying for illegal immigrants to get amnesty, Mexican and U.S. citizens are being victimized in his home country. President Calderon would do well to stay home in lawless Mexico, get his house in order and protect the rights of hundreds of his own people and the U.S. citizens who are being abducted and held for ransom by these outlaws.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, it's 4:14 p.m. on the 14th day of the second month of this year. This House is basically empty except for a few of us. Everyone has gone home.

We found time today to do important business for the people of the country.

I have some of the bills that we passed today. One of those was that we had the time to vote after debate on regulating insects, roaches, fungus, and rats in the United States. Oh, such an important piece of legislation that the House of Representatives debated and voted on.

But while we had the time to vote on these important issues of regulating the rats and roaches and fungi in the United States, we didn't take the time to protect the American people from those people throughout the world who want to kill us, who want to do harm to us and our families. And not to America only, but to all freedom countries throughout the world.

Because we didn't have time to work on the Protect America Act, a bill that does exactly what it says, Mr. Speaker, it protects America. It protects America from terrorists. And one of those ways is being able to eavesdrop into conversations when one terrorist overseas talks to another terrorist overseas, amending the FISA, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance, Act. But, oh, we didn't have time to do that.

Mr. Speaker, it troubles me because has the House of Representatives, without firing a shot, raised the ``white flag of surrender'' to those people who wish to do us harm? The head of the National Intelligence Service has told us that 50 percent of the intelligence that they attained is through FISA. And yet we have cut off that resource by failing to vote on that, failing debate on that. But yet we had time to talk about roaches, rats, and fungi.

Mr. Speaker, this ought not to be. Under FISA, we have been able to prevent crimes from being occurred against the United States. One of those was the bombing of the Brooklyn Bridge, another was the bombing of Fort Dix in New Jersey. Those were prevented because of FISA, because we had the intelligence, because we had the eavesdropping, the legal eavesdropping capability.

Mr. Speaker, the House of Representatives has not done a service to the people of the United States by failing to debate this issue and at least have an argument, a lively debate, and then vote on it to protect the United States. The people of the United States deserve better from us. Our job is to protect America through legislation. And, Mr. Speaker, I think we have not done that today because we are off doing other things.

So I hope that I am proven wrong by history that this did not hurt the United States down the road for failing to act on this important legislation. And it's important that the House come back as soon as possible and deal with the issue of protecting America first and making sure that we know what they're saying throughout the world when they want to do us harm, because the people we fight, the war we fight against are people who will do anything to get their way and their radical beliefs including killing children and women and the innocents and car bombs and anyone else that gets in their way.

And there is probably joy throughout the terrorist cells in the world that the United States Congress did not do its duty today.

And, Mr. Speaker, that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, it's no big surprise to me that the peaceniks out in Berkeley, California don't know the first thing about peace, but their latest attack on the real proprietors of peace has stirred up a firestorm. Just in case you haven't heard, the city of Berkeley passed a resolution telling the local U.S. Marine Corps recruiting station that is was ``not welcome in the city and if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders.'' Mayor Tom Bates said, ``The Marines don't belong here, they shouldn't have come here and they should leave.'' The city of Berkeley has even issued a permit for the radical anti-military group ``Code Pink'' to use the parking spot once reserved for the Marine Recruiting Station. Code Pink has parked a panel truck displaying ``peace at any price'' type statements in front of the recruiting office.

Well, let me remind Mr. Bates that he enjoys the rights and freedoms known only to Americans because the Marines are here. And as for me and the rest of the freedom loving Americans, we hope they never leave. These defenders of democracy deserve better than Berkeley's arrogant disapproval. Berkeley's deplorable anti-Marine city leaders must still have a 60's peacenik hippie mentality that world peace can occur by sitting around smoking dope and banging on the tambourine.

Life in la-la land is all daisy chains and braids, but it's just not reality. Reality is that freedom doesn't come free. Twenty-four of America's finest from my 2nd Congressional District area in Texas have given their lives defending freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seven of them were Marines. Their bravery, dedication, and patriotism will not be tarnished by the foolish words of a few. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten by their friends, their family and freedom-loving peoples throughout the world.

Berkeley's latest onslaught of the Marines is just another attack in a long history on our country. It is against Federal law to willfully obstruct the recruiting or enlistment service of the United States. American taxpayer money should not be used to support those cities that break our laws. Berkeley should lose all Federal funding for their smug denouncement of the Marine Corps. Patriotic Americans should not subsidize cities that tell the Marines to ``get out of town.''

Now, I am a fierce proponent of the First Amendment protecting freedom of speech. The city of Berkeley can bash the Marines in their resolutions, but freedom of speech is not free of consequences. And the consequences should be loss of Federal funds appropriated to the city.

I believe that we must respect those that afforded us those rights and hold them in the highest esteem for their sacrifices. And like it or not, it is the U.S. military that has always been on the front lines to defend the liberties of all Americans, even the hippies in Berkeley.

February 19th marks the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The month long battle against Imperial Japan resulted in 26,000 U.S. casualties, mostly young Marines. The quiet riverbank of the Potomac is home to the Iwo Jima Memorial. It is a solemn reminder that the Marines are ``always faithful'' to the United States of America. Joe Rosenthal took his famous photograph of five Marines and a Navy Corpsman hosting Old Glory above Mount Suribachi. Of the six flag-raisers in the Memorial, three were killed after the stars and stripes were raised above the volcano. One was Harlan Block from South Texas.

The Marines go where others fear to tread, and the timid are not found. They fight for all American values, including the rights of people in Berkeley to say what they want. But the few--the noble few-- the proud--the Marines deserve the honor, respect, and thanks of a grateful Nation.

Ronald Reagan best summed it up when he said, ``Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.'' And as for the unwelcome Marines out in Berkeley: send 'em all to Texas! We'll have a parade, fly the flag and the high school band will play the Marine Hymn. Oooh Rah! Semper Fi!

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, the Iranian Government still lives in the Stone Age. Two Iranian sisters will be stoned to death after a court convicted them of adultery. One sister's husband was upset that he and his wife didn't get along, so he planted a video camera in their home while he was away. A videotape showed the two sisters in the company of other men, but did not show either woman engaged in a sexual act.

The husband turned the videotape over to the adultery police to prosecute the women. These two sisters were tried twice for this so- called crime. The first trial resulted in a conviction, and the women were convicted of illegal relations. Each sister received 99 lashes. But it gets worse: a second trial convicted the two sisters of adultery and they were sentenced to death.

Last year, Jafar Kiani was stoned to death for alleged adultery. Now these two sisters are next in line for the savage rock throwing. Doesn't anyone think lashing and stoning is a bit severe for adultery? I guess the Iranian Government has never heard of cruel and unusual punishment. And where is the outcry from the world of women's rights groups when they are needed to protest these acts from the Stone Age?

And that's just the way it is.

Oh where, oh where has the American air base gone? Oh where or where can it be? With its 6,000 phantom troops and 32 million missing dollars, oh where, oh where can it be?

Madam Speaker, let me explain. Corruption has struck again, and just like times in the past, it's at the taxpayers' expense.

Government investigators recently uncovered the newest scam in contracting. This time it's a phantom air base in Iraq, purchased by the U.S. taxpayers at the tune of $32 million.

Madam Speaker, here it is, or here it's supposed to be. This is a photograph of the location in Iraq where the air base is, or where it was supposed to be built. But you can see that there is nothing to see because it was never built.

Last month the Inspector General at the Defense Department released a report about money spent to help train and equip Iraqi military and police forces. The contracting project in question was awarded to Ellis Environmental Group, a U.S. company based out of Florida, in 2006. The U.S. Air Force paid the company $32 million for this project, this air base in Iraq. The construction contract would have involved the creation of barracks and offices for 6,000 Iraqi troops in Ramadi, the capital of the Anbar province.

But the project had to be abandoned before anything was ever built when the Iraqi Defense Ministry failed to obtain this desert land for the base.

So what happened to the $32 million the Air Force doled out to Ellis Environmental? The alarming answer is no one knows. And the company won't say.

An Air Force spokesman says the contractor set up a camp for construction workers and began design work for the headquarters before the project was halted. But nothing was ever built. All we know now is that none of the $32 million the U.S. paid out to these contractors was returned to U.S. taxpayers. The Air Force is set to begin an audit of the project, but no one knows how long that's going to take.

The Inspector General report documents more abuses. And USA Today Matt Keller, reporter, said the findings show ``the military didn't keep adequate records of equipment for the Iraqis ranging from generators and garage trucks to thousands of guns and grenade launchers. Separately, the United States has launched a criminal investigation into allegations that weapons it bought for the Iraqi soldiers ended up in the hands of insurgent and terrorist groups.''

Madam Speaker, this ought not to be.

In the meantime, Ellis Environmental Group has changed its name.

If a crime has been committed, these outlaws responsible need to be held accountable. Madam Speaker, war profiteers that make money off of war by building ``phantom'' military bases like this one should be prosecuted. This type of conduct fits the definition of war crimes. Maybe we should build a real prison for war criminals out in this desert in the sands of Iraq to house thieves that steal American money.

So, Madam Speaker, oh where, oh where has the American base gone? Oh where, oh where can it be? With its 6,000 phantom troops and 32 million missing dollars, it's where, oh where no one can see.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the fine work and outstanding public service of my friend, Lester Ray Wisegerber. In 2004, Lester Ray Wisegerber became president of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. He drew upon his diverse background to lead and represent the city of Dayton. Being a true Texan and Dayton resident for 72 years, his happy spirit and love of the town made Lester Ray a natural promoter of the city.

Celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary last December, Lester Ray and his wife Betty Jo are the proud parents of four children, twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. During his lifetime Lester Ray has worn many hats, working for instance as a rancher, and a rice farmer. He helped form the Seaberg Rice Company and is also an inventor. His inventions include the ``Easy Start'', Dr. Hennessey's Dental Flosser, and a fuel saving motor.

Lester Ray has a long career in public service. Throughout the years, he has assisted and been recognized by numerous boards and organizations. For two terms, he served on the Dayton City Council. He served on the board of the Liberty County Farm Bureau. He served on the Dayton ISD school board for fifteen years. His service to Dayton ISD has helped improve both the life and education for the children of our community. As a former bronco football player, Lester Ray's love for sports gave way to the organization of the Bronco Booster Club Oyster Supper. For twenty four years, Lester Ray served in the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department. The list of this model citizen's accomplishments will have lasting effects on our children and our community.

Actively involved in local politics, Lester Ray currently serves as the chairman of the Liberty County Republican Party. During this time, he has successfully promoted candidates for numerous elected positions. His hard work and love for Liberty County has earned him enduring respect throughout the community.

On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I commend this remarkable Texan for his exemplary service and dedication to the city of Dayton.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the border war with Mexico continues. On the Mexican side of the border, Mexican nationals hide on rocky hills and throw rocks at American border agents. These assaults have continued to increase and escalate to the point that the Border Patrol recently acted in self-defense and fired tear gas at the unruly mobs.

You see, these are the same Mexican nationals that later will illegally sneak into America when the Border Patrol isn't watching. After the most recent tear gas episode, the Mexican Government sent a self-righteous statement to the United States that said, even though ``these incidents are a response to hostile acts against Border Patrol agents by Mexican citizens, the actions by U.S. authorities are unacceptable.''

The Mexican Government seems to arrogantly support its rock-throwing nationals but doesn't want Americans to defend themselves.

Mexico needs to get its lawless house in order and control the disorderly mobs that lurk on the border. The United States should use every tool available to protect our borders from invaders, rock throwers, and drug smugglers. And if Mexico cries tears about it, too bad.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Berkeley, California, has fallen off the deep end, and it wasn't caused by an earthquake either.

The city council passed a resolution telling the local United States Marine Corps recruiting station that it was ``not welcome in the city, and if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders.''

Mayor Tom Bates said, ``The Marines don't belong here, they shouldn't have come here, and they should leave.''

Shame on Mayor Bates. He has flippantly and pompously denounced those noble few--the proud--the chosen--the Marines that represent everything that is good and right about America. These defenders of democracy deserve better than Berkeley's arrogant disapproval.

These deplorable anti-Marine city council members must still have a sixties peacenik, hippie mentality that world peace can occur by sitting around smoking dope and banging on the tambourine.

Berkeley should lose all Federal funding for their smug denouncement of the Marine Corps. Patriotic Americans should not subsidize cities that tell the Marines to ``get out of town.''

And as for the Marines, we'll take them all in Texas. We'll have a parade, fly the flag, and sing the Marine Hymn. So Semper Fi.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, the city of Houston recently lost a Texas Gentleman and great civic leader. Former Houston Mayor Louie Welch died on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. He was 89 years old. Mayor Welch's contributions to Houston government will impact generations of city residents that now enjoy a better quality of life and greater economic opportunity.

Louie Welch was born on Dec. 9, 1918 in the west Texas town of Lockney. Welch was an industrious boy who performed many tasks to earn money such as sell magazines, deliver milk and sell popcorn for a nickel a bag. In high school, he participated in debate and was elected president of his senior class. These activities were an early sign of his life-long interest in politics.

Welch attended Abilene Christian University and graduated in 1940 with a history degree. While in college, he met his future wife, Iola Faye Cure and they were married on Dec. 17, 1940. They later had five children. After Iola Faye died, Louie married Helen.

After graduating from college, his political career began in 1949 as a Houston city councilman. He served four terms as council member. With a tough political resolve, he ran for Houston mayor four times before finally becoming successful. Welch served as mayor of Houston from 1964 to 1973.

His mother's religious influence left a permanent impression with Welch who, in addition to graduating from a Christian university, was a member of Garden Oaks Church of Christ for more than 35 years and frequently quoted from the Bible throughout his life. I had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees at Abilene Christian University with the Mayor.

Mayor Welch will be remembered for a rich legacy of vital construction projects that he helped oversee to completion which improved city services and prepared for future growth in Houston. These projects included construction of Bush Intercontinental Airport, Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston reservoirs which provided much needed water supplies for Houston's rapidly growing residential and commercial areas. Welch's other projects involved closing down inefficient sewer treatment plants, starting the cleanup of the Houston Ship Channel and bayou beautification.

His leadership abilities also extended into national positions with Welch serving as vice president of the National League of Cities from 1970 to 1973 and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors from 1972 to 1973.

Mayor Welch was a man who loved Houston tremendously. He joked that he didn't tell his sons that they were born in that ``northern'' city of Dallas until they were much older to protect them from the horrible truth for as long as possible.

He was known for his witty observations on Texas politics and himself. He once said, ``When I was elected mayor I spent the better part of my first term weeding out the political appointees I had inherited from my predecessor. Virtually all of my second term, I spent weeding out my own political appointees.''

Welch even served a brief stint as guest weatherman for the local TV channel ABC 13. When weatherman Ed Brandon gave the forecast for the chance of rain one day, Mayor Welch was hiding above him in the studio on a ladder and dumped a bucket of water on Brandon's head. He told the very surprised weatherman, ``You never get that right. Let's face it: it's always 50 percent. Either it's going to rain or it's not going to rain.''

Following his years as mayor, Welch went to work for the Houston Chamber of Commerce, which later became the Greater Houston Partnership, and served as president of the organization for 12 years.

I met the Mayor when I was a teenager. I showed up at the Garden Oaks Church of Christ one Wednesday night seeking out a local girl. The Mayor cornered me and wanted to know who I was and my intentions. I was quite intimidated by the 5'6" Mayor, but after the interrogation, I was approved to speak to the girl--(but she still turned me down for a date).

Years later, I went to see the Mayor, then President of the Houston Chamber, because I had decided to run as a Republican for State District Judge in Houston. Being a political nobody and novice I needed sound political advice from an expert. The Mayor told me no Republican had been elected to a state judgeship in Hous`ton since Reconstruction. So, he recommended instead that I run for the non-partisan position of City Council, because Houstonians preferred ``nobodies'' over Republicans. I did overcome the handicap of being a Republican and for years appreciated his wise political counsel when I served as a judge.

When I taught an Adult Sunday School Class at Bammel Church of Christ, Louie and

his wife Helen would always sit on the front row of the class. The Mayor would interrupt my lesson at some critical point and make a humorous comment about the lesson that would sidetrack our discussion. Louie Welch knew the Good Book as well as the Apostle Paul, but he was much funnier. We shall miss Louie Welch.

His son Gary Welch recently told the Houston Chronicle, ``I would like for him to be remembered as a mayor who cared deeply about the city of Houston and each and every person who lived in the city of Houston.''

And that's just the way it is.