The

Southeast Texas Political Review 

2010

produced by 

Klein and Associates Political Relations

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"The Story Behind The Story In East Texas Politics"

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SET POLITICAL Review

         ___________________________________________

by

Philip R. Klein, Editor

Last Updated : 09/03/2010 09:33:11 AM

     Welcome to Reader Mail! This is a new section of our web site dedicated to email sent to us, comments made on other web sites and the answers to questions asked of us in public.

If you have questions that you would like us to answer - and we will answer any question sent to us - please email us at setreview@gtbizclass.com and we shall post the question and our response. From time to time we will answer posed to us on other web sites. So fire away! And we shall also!

_________

From Beaumont :

"I am a reader from Beaumont and absolutely enjoy your site. It is refreshing to see someone that is on top of what we all know but do not hear about. I am concerned, however, with what I am reading on the sites that write about you. Especially about your statistics. I think you should comment in public. They are making you out to be a liar......"

Answer : Well.....what can we do about that? First it was a low tech bad spelling web site. That didn't work and in fact increased readership. Second, it was an exaggeration of the stories we write. That didn't work and our readership increased. Third, it was attack the numbers. You know, group it all together. Bad spelling, low tech, no readers. That didn't work - and our readership increased again. We use MS Frontpage. Why? We have a low tech web site. That simple. Why? Because I don't want nor have the time to learn another. Since I write about 90% of what goes up - I get to choose what I use. Now, as for the counter - there is a plug in on MSFP that every year on January 1 we reset to zero. Then we let it ride. It is what it is. That tracks all inbound first hits for the day on the default. If you click on it to refresh during the day - you can again score another hit. However, if you come in on the default page, then travel to another page, it does not register as another hit they tell me. So - we began tracking page views. That is when someone comes in through the front page, then goes and reads other pages. So far - we have just over 1.6 million page views. That is pretty good? Who knows. Who cares. Read it or not - it is what it is. As we are thankful that you the reader are reading - we sell no ads - and we never will. There is no money in this thing other than what goes out in time on the net, baud rates and lawyers fees. Besides - it pisses off the other side. That simple. I hope this helps you. Oh...last month ..... the BIGGEST MONTH in the history of the Review...........thanks again. 

From Orange County :

From Beaumont :

Answer : Well...at least they are honest.

From Beaumont :

From Fannett :

"Dear Mr. Klein,

Thank you very much for your support of the Jefferson County Constables. We are very proud to know that you stand for our police officers in our area. Those that are against them shall hear our vote......"

Answer : Thanks. It is a no brainer...

From Beaumont :

"Can you believe that you are on the same side of a political issue as Rhonda Dugas? LOL!"

Answer : No - Rhonda just wants more air time. She is just mugging. It is okay.

From Port Arthur :

"You write a story on KFDM and they answered you. I bet you are laughing all the way to your next hit!"

Answer : No - I am not laughing. But I am in political love with Ms. Swatner. Damn! This girl has it going on!!!!!

From Houston :

"OMG I love your web site. My dad is a lawyer in Beaumont and turned me on to it. It reminds me why I left Southeast Texas! Thanks for the good laughs at those dumb ass politicians."

Answer : For those of you out of the area - it is funny - for those of us that live it - it is a nightmare.

From Beaumont :

"I know you hear this which many have written you sir. Thank you on behalf of all of us that work with the Jefferson County Constables offices....."

Answer : Thanks for your comments. Hang in there.

From Beaumont :

Answer : Thanks to the reader who sent this to me. Too funny.

From Beaumont :

"I think Mr. Morgan was a COACH that “TAUGHT” (?????)  history"

Answer : Imagine that.

From Port Arthur :

Answer : It is what it is....

From Nederland :

From Port Arthur :

Answer : Funny. Never thought of it like that.

From Orange County :

"You can put all the bells and whistles you want into new schools. They really don't add to education. I have been in the classroom for 30 years and it boils down to the kids wanting to learn something, and that is backed by their parent's belief in an actual education."

Answer : Imagine that?

From Beaumont :

"Phil -

They say you can't write. Your editorial is the best piece of work I have seen in this area in 30 years. As one reporter / writer to another, you are one of us. Watch the comma's."

Answer : Thanks so much. I am not a reporter, never have been a reporter, and not a good writer, but I do the best I can do with many mistakes. I am humbled coming from you sir. Wow.

From Nederland :

"Klein; I have been reading your bull*&## for years and always thought you were fully of *#&# - but I got to tell you friend you are right on it! Congrats big boy. Four years of predicting it and you called it right on the money."

Answer : Thanks. But it is not over yet. I have predicted that there will be some sort of "fee" (tax) increase or some type of tax increase. We will see. The funny thing - there already has been and the media ignored it. Property values are UP meaning MORE TAXES IN THE HANDS OF THESE GUYS!

From Houston :

"Not shy to say it. You are right in your editorial on KFDM. I worked there five years ago and it was like everyone wanted Griffith to go. You call them out then and now! Good job!"

Answer : Ah....it is all they have now. Sad - because as much as they think I don't like them - I do. I am just disapointed. Now two party system and no media. Although FOX 4 is killing everyone. Except Jerry Jordan and the Examiner.

From Beaumont :

"....I am a cop. All of us on the street know you support us. You have for the last 10 years I have been around and I for one that wears the badge say that I am glad to know you and appreciate your support of all of us."

Answer : I know. And I am sorry about all that you guys are going through right now. Hang in.

From Beaumont :

"Just wanted you to know that the Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy / Corrections Union voted last Friday to delay the raise they were supposed to get this year until next year.  This was the 5% raise in their contract  (5% for Deputies / 4% Jail)

Anyway....since you always support LEO's ...I thought you'd like to know"

Answer : You guys didn't have to do  that. There are other "items" that should be cut. A deal is a deal. But if none of the taxpayers say thanks....let me be the first. And each of you should know of my 100% support for you guys. Keep the faith.
 

From Beaumont :

"Good gosh Mr. Klein. I am one of the deputies that is getting laid off. I want you to know that everything you have said has come true over the past two years. People call you crazy and people say you don't know what you are talking about. They are wrong. Thanks for your support of police officers everywhere."

Answer : Well...I have not be correct on everything - but close. I know what they say. It has been 15 years of it. But we try to give you what is going on in  the back rooms. And you cops in the cop shop - we are behind all of you 100%. It has been a tough weekend - that story later this week.

From Beaumont :

"It will be interesting to see to what extent the lay-offs being pushed by Domingue, Walker and Arnold disproportionately impact people of color."

Answer : Now that is an interesting statement. We wonder if we are the only ones watching.

From Beaumont :

Answer : Well....remember when Eddie said he only voted D all his life because his bosses told him too? My My - how we all in the GOP have short memories. Or do we? We have always said that he acted life a D? Have we not?

From Beaumont :

"For years I have read your web site. My friends and co-workers said you were a radical and not to listen to what you had to say. As a republican that gives money at certain events your name always came up as someone to stay away from. Now I read everything you have said for the last four years is coming true. Why don't you take over the party? We need a leader like you Mr. Klein! You are not radical and the only one that I can tell that has told the truth. BTW, the media is a joke in this area.

Answer : Well, I am starting a speaking tour in Southeast Texas. I have been invited to nine speeches being at one Rotary Club (I accepted), one political fundraiser in Hardin County (thinking about it) and one in Jasper County (thinking about it). The rest are for small gatherings or clubs. I have a specific message that I am sending out. I have no intent to run a party or the party - but I recognize that this site is now being brought into another scope of media. Read those words as you would read them. As for the media. They are good people with low pay and a hard job in Southeast Texas. They are being taught the left wing way in College. There are little or no conservative media people. It is that simple.

From Port Arthur :

"By having contributions from a business, would that disqualify Derouen from the upcoming election?"

Answer : No - but it does violate election laws. The problem? Someone has to file a complaint. Not gonna happen - it is a Parker thing.

From Port Arthur :

"...and as a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce in Port Arthur I can assure you there are many very angry business owners regarding the Reid situation. Anyone that knows Robert Reid knows he is a good man and does not deserve this. As well I am shocked my knowledge that Judge Walker would rule the way he did. He has ruined this county in four years and continued the culture of corruption in Jefferson County. Shame on Walker and shame on Judge Elect Marc Derouen."

Answer : Gezzz...please....drama. This is the most Corrupt County In Texas. I have said it for years. It is not the law - but who you know. Derouen is simply working the system. But it gives us a good insight regarding ..... well.......never mind. Everything has a way of coming around. Everything. My guess - he was scared of Reid.  

From Port Arthur :

"I hear Mark Domingue is getting a job from our new incoming county judge. As my husband who has been a dedicated police officer for 10 years to the citizens of Jefferson County? I don't think so Mr. Klein! I assure you we will march on County Commissioners if they try and pull this *#&#. Thank you for printing it. We don't hear it on TV or read it in the paper.

Answer : Get your boots on girl. Go get 'em because it is going to happen. Either at the airport or as an assistant to the county judge. Oh yes it is. As for the media - call them! They will take your call. The sad part is that the media is there not only to tell a story but to be the advocate for the people who don't have a voice. That is dead. Sorry. It just is - thus you have government running amuck.

From Beaumont :

"You are *&#&#*## with the wrong guy bud. Watch what you say."

Answer : Gee...okay. I will. Sorry.

From Port Arthur :

"Mr. Klein;

Thank you thank you thank you for being real news. I am a county employee and read you everyday. You are the only media site that has told the truth or told us what we going to happen. Two years ago you predicted what was going to happen and it did. We have people in our office that say you are crazy or a nut. You are neither Mr. Klein. Many of us are upset at how the elected officials have run our county. Now our pay and jobs may be in trouble because of Ron Walker and what he has done to us. Just call me and my co-workers loyal readers. Thank you..."

Answer : No - we are not the media. We are just a "blog" (Newsletter) telling you what is going to happen and why. Remember this - this is the democratic party and YOUR MONEY. Remember that. Remember it.

From Beaumont Texas :

"......................and as a matter of question where is KFDM the news leader?"

Answer : Someone is running for political office. And if you will remember kids - when Carl Griffith was in office the no money was.....well...worse than this? It is too funny to watch them sit on their tails.

From Beaumont :

"I read your post about the Sheriff and his navy being paid for by fees to industry or whatever it was. I'm sure that's absorbed by industry and not passed on to its customers. I was driving down 69 this afternoon when I saw an expensive king-cab pick-up pulling one of those expensive Zodiac boats. It said Jefferson County Sheriff on the side of the boat. I wonder who's paying for the pick-up truck and the gasoline and the deputies who ride around in the boats. Is the whole thing being paid for by "fees," or whatever, or are the taxpayers paying for it? What about the insurance and retirement for the deputies? I learned a long time ago to hold onto my wallet anytime the government tells me it's not going to cost me anything."

Answer : Putting lipstick on the pig Woods did. It was bad.

From Beaumont :

"I must ask why you answer people in your column that call you names?"

Answer : Most that I have come across like the writer that writes me about once a month (twice this month) like to challenge me in what I write. But they are too scared to sign their names. Then they get frustrated and call names. Funny thing - they have an agenda but then again maybe not so much. I think they are just confused. So a play with them a little. It gets their blood going and you always know when - when they call names.

From Port Arthur :

"Cut and pasted from the blog site Operation Klein Watch 2010: "Philip R. Klein, self-proclaimed political consultant, can't recognize a shrewd campaign strategy when he sees one. Why should any candidate waste money on a potentially expensive campaign when contesting irregularities in an application can eliminate an opponent? " Maybe because all Americans, not just Democrats, have a constitutional right to VOTE for the candidate of their choosing. A peak under the veil of this blog exposes one of its main contributors , no need to go further, but it speaks volumes to the mind set of the political machine running for the JP office in Pr. 2.

By his own admission Mr. Derouen has bragged about the tremendous financial war chest he has accumulated so if he doesn't have to run an expensive campaign where does the money go. Not to worry, Mr. Derouen DOES have the experience of running a campaign where the monies collected didn't need to be spent on the campaign itself. Should make for another heck of an election night party. The real question remains: Why would Mr. Derouen expose himself to the extreme risk of negative publicity, already being encounter by HIS challenge of Mr. Reid's petition, if he has the Democratic Party Machine behind him (including by some observers the most astute politician in Southeast Texas, Former State Sen. Carl Parker) a massive (by his own admission) campaign war chest with which he can easily out spend any opponent two to three maybe four times to one, and has the backing of the voters of Pr. 2 ? Maybe he just likes to throw big election night parties or MAYBE he knows he doesn't have the backing of the voters of Pr. 2 in this horse race. Kind of strange, the injured horse shoots the healthy horse and wins the race. Hopefully not only in America and not in Jefferson County.

In the end what all of this comes down to is  that if you want Marc Derouen as your next JP go vote for him its your right however if you would prefer Robert Reid you ought have the opportunity, after all for the time being this is still America."

Answer : Perfect example. This is how they think. Anything it takes to kill the indepedent. Since I do not read the site - and cannot comment due to litigation - this is the machine in Jefferson County. They fear and will attempt to do anything they can to stop anyone from running against them or say anything about them. But they don't have the guts to sign their names or be proud of their stance. Think about it - if you are a baby killer are you going to stand up and say I AM A BABY KILLER and be proud. It is the example of honorable guys like Chairman Adams v. a wus like OKW. Throw a rock and run like a little school girl. Side bar - if Reid goes back to court and wins - he is now the front runner. Derouen has political baggage now.

From Beaumont :

As usual you've proven yourself to be nothing but a liar. The Senator in question who supposedly tried to enter the bike rally on Pleasure Island wasn't even there. But that's no surprise. But now you have once again accused Patrick Swain of "cooking the books". Ok Mr Klein.......where is you're evidence? Time and time again you have accused Patrick Swain of cooking the books. Let's see your evidence. Where are the numbers? Where are the scanned pages that show the bogus numbers and where is your proof that this is happening? I mean really...let's get down to the rat killing. When you accuse someone of fraud it usually means you have solid evidence. Let's see it.

Come on Mr. HotXXXX   I wanna see on your pages the proof of fraud taking place in the County Auditors office. Put your money where your mouth is. Never mind that that office is audited by outside auditors that report any improprieties to the state. Never mind that this office have received several awards from state officials on their effeciency (sic) and accuracy. Hey....I'll give anyone the benefit of the doubt....even a weasel like you. So I challenge you here and now. Let's see your hard evidence. Not your pinion or your conjecture......let's see your evidence. Let's get it out there for everyone to see. Scan the pages and publish the numbers that are being falsified so we can do something about it. If you cant' then shut you're pie hole until you can produce it.
 

Answer : You can do that. But it will not work.

From Houston :

"It is nice to see the Jefferson County Mafia is still in firm control!"

Answer : Yes sir. You are with them or against them. End of story.

From Beaumont :

"So I gotta ask Klein? Where were your buddies in the media on the Derouen story?

Answer : Well, they were there. FOX covered it, PANEWS Covered It, BE Covered It - the Examiner shall be writing a piece for this week I have heard (will be interesting to see where they land). As for KFDM and KBMT? They were busy covering other things. You know. However, as much as I do not like the thick skinned one over at the Gator blog - I was passed this post he did - WOW! Gator off the fence. Wow!

http://blog.beaumontenterprise.com/bayou/2010/07/14/deruoen-1-citizens-of-port-arthur-0/

From PATOWN :

"I know and work with Marc's wife and they are great people. They are very upset with you right now. It is like you are trying to take down a very good man. As much as I agree with them that some of the stuff you have written is hurtful much of it is true. Just watch the way you write your articles. Please. People read it all over the place and it hurts feelings sometimes....."

Answer : Well how do I approach this note. Okay - this is politics. Marc is applying for a job for the taxpayers. He kicked the other guy out for not signing his name and had help from an insider. Is that fair? As for being upset with me - okay. So? Add them to the list. I am sorry if saying the truth hurts. Frankly, he needs to buck up and get off the party line. He should learn from his boss Carl Sr. - who when I see him he is always the first to stick out his hand and say something nice. A class act. We disagree politically - but we both understand that politics is politics and there is life far from it. As for my writing - I see it as I see it. End of story.

From Orange County :

"OMG already. Get off this Derouen's ass. It is Jefferson County and nothing is new here! He is the hand picked man! Get over it already!"

Answer : Okay - I am over it. NOT - nope - not when the taxpayers don't get to vote. They have the right to vote. End of story.

From Port Arthur Texas :

"As usual you are dead wrong. When police officers are hired as security for a private they have every right to ask that question. They also have the right to scan you and if you will not submit to the scan they have a right to refuse entrance to the event. They also have the right to hold you for the police if something illegal is found during a search. For someone who claims to be a private security specialist you should know this. The Senator was also dead wrong telling the officer that he could not ask him that....because as a hired security person for the event he can and the law is very clear on this. Instead of being a smart ass and thinking he knew the law, he should have simply responded "no I do not have a weapon" and he would have been allowed in. But if you give them any crap at all they are within their rights to refuse entrance. Now I agree that it's not the most conducive thing for business but as far as the letter of the law is concerned it was a perfectly legal question. And as usual, what does Tom Maness have to do with any of this? Have any charges been filed? Has there been a complaint filed with his office?"

Answer : I love it when I get letters such as this one. Obviously you have ignored something called "probable cause." A citizen coming to a public place and a public event is asked if they are carrying? Okay - let's use your theory - can I see your papers? Does an officer have the right to ask that when someone is simply walking into an event. In the Private Security world - we have two types of events - a "open" event and a "closed" event. In such - an "open" event it is open to the public. The public can go as they wish and free. And unless a "51" is posted - a police officer must have probable cause to ask the question. In a "closed" event - meaning an invitation gig on or off a government property - it is closed to the general population. Meaning? It is an invitation event and private security does screening. To suggest that a public event - on public property - mandates that police can ask if you have a weapon based upon entrance into the event - is well simply stupid and can I boldly suggest you don't know the law. But I get that because in the police academy they do not teach this - other than one day. Suggested reading : TOC § 1702. As for being a "specialist" in my field - no I do not claim to be one. I claim to work hard in knowing the law and not being too much of a "know it all." If wrong I make it right. There is a huge difference between the laws. And it is important for private security to understand the Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure - it is equally important for Law Enforcement to understand the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. If they have time. Thus misunderstandings such as the Senators situation does not happen.

From Beaumont :

"Once again I read something on your web site that I do not see in the paper or on TV. Are you the news?

Answer : No....we are not the news....we are doing what we have done for years.

From Vidor :

"My bet is you are going to be the talk of the Vidor multi-class reunion with Coon and Co. as well as your ex-wife."

Answer : Funny boy...very funny. I am sure my name will come up. 

From Houston :

"...I am a lawyer from Houston directed to your site and lawsuit. May I say good luck to you. The question (as I see it) will be does a anonymous blogger have the same rights as someone who signs their name. I believe you have the law on your side."

Answer : Well - I am not sure I agree with you. But I am sure we are going to Washington with this. This will be a ground breaking case. This case will write law in Texas and beyond. And it will answer such for our lifetime. Keep watching for the other shoe to drop. Not only is there a civil tort...but....keep tuned.

From Kountze :

Answer : Well thank you for the nice words. I was detained because I have been out of the country six or more times since February 1. It is nothing new - just a random procedure I am told. My partner did not get searched nor checked - waved through. It is interesting. I am all good with it.

From Beaumont :

"Tidbits is my favorite post of the week! Why?"

Answer : Sorry about that and the other six letters we got. It was a very busy week last week with no sleep. It is what it is - we will not let you down again......well.....maybe.

From Port Arthur :

"I will try to keep this brief and to the point. I hope that un-bias logic and reasoning will prevail in this email. I have been an observer of your website for quite a while. Much of your information I disagree with and many times I can "shake hands" in agreement with you. But, I felt compelled to express points you have overlooked while critiquing Port Arthur, Texas. Port Arthur still exist true grassroots people that feel equally or more passionate like you. I respect any communities attempt to challenge government to make change (i.e. the petition drive against John Beard)in their community. The community is gradually shifting the historical mindset of passiveness and apathy which has fueled the recklessness of the City of Port Arthur's government. Another example, PA mayor son and the controversial grant. I saw his vision quite similar to your calling for change and community partnership with the police. If you ever get a chance to get a copy of the grant, you will realize as part of the grant he budgeted over $50,000 for a policing program to work with the youth? That effort was ignored and shunned by upper management and by the Houston group that the grant was given to. Another example, former PAISD teachers and principals coming out of retirement to help increase educational attainment that PAISD is struggling to do?

So, there are substantial amount of grassroots community working with the same or bigger platform as you. I think your fuel to flame is more of a benefit to those pushing change in Port Arthur than you think. Thank you for your time Mr. Klien.

Answer : Well.....that is a good letter. We simply point out the absurd. How can we hit all areas of PA city government. It would take a book or an interested Newspaper with a real reporter to hit it week after week. Sorry if that hurt some feelings. Bottom line - it is a mess and it is too late. It has to crash. It will be fun watching it and the finger pointing. It is like a rock going to the deep water now. That bad.

From Vidor :

"Harrison went to Vidor High School with my dad. He was a #### then and one now....."

Answer : He is who he is. He just took it too far. And he is spineless. Really spineless. But I have said it before - you have a lot to lose. He is not the only other one in the media behind this - get ready to be shocked.

From Beaumont :

"You did a wonderful job on FOX this morning. Glad to see you back! Keep up the good work and go get 'em boy!"

Answer : Thank you. Mike did a great job in asking the questions and giving me a fair amount of time.

From Houston :

"..and the wife and I are fighting about it. What is the deal between you and Neil Harrison. We used to work together at KLVI and I assure you he hates you."

Answer : Neil Harrison, who works with Clear Channel in Houston, lives in Sugarland and now is the Tech Guy for Clear Channel in Houston. He was the news man for KLVI. Neil got caught writing a web site and stalking our offices on camera in Nederland. Why? Well because once we found out that Neil was the Sam The Eagle Editor and Editor of another web site - we did a check on a guy that would stalk our offices and write a strange web sight. Kind of a stalker type gig. So we did a background and found that he was a convicted criminal and we posted it. He was convicted of Obstruction charged by the Port Arthur Police Department. My opinion of Harrison is that he is a very sick person and that nothing can be taken for granted by him. I am surprised that Clear Channel keeps him employed - but then it is what it is. What he does on his off time and his "freedom of speech" as he calls it is what it is. You will hear more about Neil in the upcoming months. He is a very angry yet sad person. Now that 10,000 people will read this about Neil - I am sure most of you will feel as we do - sad for him. Very very sad. We are hearing some chatter today - the law firm is handling it. Another count. They just keep adding it on. Parody? Right?

From Beaumont :

"The only reason BISD and PAISD have showed gains in overall passing rates is ?

1) improvements in learning

2) cheating (by the district)

3)TEA lowered the passing score on the tests to 40% ( Remember when 70 was a passing rate?)

The answer is C . Districts across the State saw improvements in passing rates."

 Answer : Funny - but sad.

From Orange :

"Why is anyone shocked at the dropout/non graduation rate at PA Memorial? Most of the kids and their parents do not see the value of an education. The kids love the school for social reasons, but as far as education, why care?  I have worked in brand new high schools and I have worked in old termite filled schools. In both, the education boiled down to the kids wanting to learn, not some Taj Mahal."

Answer : Please stop talking about the "childrens" like that. Please. Bigger is better.

From Beaumont :

"....and while you were gone you didn't miss much. Only a few dead bodies and a couple of shootings. Nothing much. Welcome home!"

Answer :    It is nice to see nothing changes.

From Port Arthur :

"WTF Budddy? Where have you been? It is like I had to watch TV to get the political news!"

Answer : You are okay. It didn't hurt did it? We are back.

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