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Published in “The Brownsville Herald” February 25, 2007
 

On February 18 an article “Life in the Philippines – People’s War against terror” by E. Elizabeth Garcia, appeared in the Brownsville Herald. It noted that toxic waste residues might still be a problem at our former bases in the Philippines and mentioned the rape of a young woman there by a Marine.
I was saddened by the reports.
I served six tours in the Vietnam Conflict and frequently visited and worked in the Philippines at the facilities in Cavite City as well as those in Baguio, Santa Rita, Angeles City and Onlongapo.
Over the last forty four years or so, I have periodically lived and worked in the Philippines and consider it my second home. I have also frequently visited and continue to visit the Clark Airbase vacation area which is the home of a world class golf course, casino and gourmet restaurants not to mention a quite good duty free shop.
I also often visited the now excellent recreation areas at the former Subic Naval Base where in addition to the great golf course and casino there is also a world class marina. In fact, a family member currently leases a vacation residence that was originally a part of officer housing, to avail the family of the great golf and forest areas. The forest may be one of the few that still exist in the area due substantially to the military conservation efforts. More »

Published Brownsville Herald February 11, 2007  

As many of you who read my columns know I am Libertarian and advocate for the smallest government possible consistent with maintaining order.
The smallest should be the Federal Government whose basic goals should be related to protecting the people from harm and refereeing between the States.
In my scheme the most power would be reserved to the communities and the people. This concept has been sorely troubled of late because of the more appearances of misuse of office that pop up with each sunrise.
The worst of it is that our elected officials seem to think that they should rule by decree after secret meetings!
In the city the Mayor and commissioners are running the city; I wonder why we even have a City Manager! More »