The Llano Ledger


Newsletter Text V100

Accessing The Llano Ledger Website Without Generously Providing Financial Assistance To This Publication Not Only Denies Desperately Needed Funds For Investigative Expenses, But Amounts To Theft Of This Writer's Labor.

BANNER AND POP-UP ADVERTISING PAYS ONLY FOR WEBSITE

*****As repeatedly and strongly asserted on both Ledger websites, this publication receives NO compensation from Maxpages nor the advertisers. None. Banner and pop-up advertising pays ONLY for the website itself, -- a "free" website. People still mistakenly think there is compensation. ... How do I make it any clearer???

Want this publication to continue? Send a financial donation to P.O. Box 997, Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609. Ask your friends to do the same. Otherwise, The Ledger will not survive. ... When will this readership finally wake up? Think there's an indefinite free ride? Think any business can survive without compensation? Think it's always the other guy's responsibility? Think again. The clock is ticking...*****

********************July 9, 2001********************

*****Truth, A Moving Target In Llano County*****

Ran into Precinct 2 Commissioner Keith Faulkner two days in a row recently and had the opportunity to ask a few questions regarding the Courthouse restoration project. Readers will recall Ole' Keith is up for re-election, and being the consummate politician he is, remains concerned as always with his public persona.

Faulkner, indeed, has charisma, -- as do other Llano County officials. ... Otherwise, how could they be elected and returned to office term after term? Although appearances are deceiving and despite the fact Ole' Keith has repeatedly been skewered in this publication, he is quite likeable and a friendly Good Old Boy.

Cunning enough to calculatingly place a little distance between himself and the Llano political establishment, Faulkner is quick to point out he is not originally from here. In this area approximately some twenty years, however, he's savvy enough to know the dirty open secret most indicative of the "Llano mentality", -- you 'ain't' shit if you're not born and raised in Llano County, particularly Llano.

Despite the distance Ole' Keith carefully places between himself and his cronies on the Commissioners' Court, he has become part of the problem and is indeed a Good Old Boy embraced by the Llano political establishment for a variety of reasons. -- Not the least of which is one hand washes the other.

In fairness to the Commissioner, however, he is equally quick to point out, being in business for years, he knows how to get things done. Quite true, -- and of course what's in his best interests. ... Like the Lakeshore Library building project.

Ole' Keith joined Friends of the Lakeshore Library years ago. He also put in quite a bit of "sweat equity" into the current facility when it was remodeled several years back. Certainly need to give credit where credit is due, no? Not only that, he has been quite instrumental in moving things along as the Library plans to erect a new building.

Nothing wrong with any of this, is there? ... Unless of course, the Commissioner personally benefits financially from the project. We'll certainly see, won't we?.

Then again, as a businessman and shrewd politician, the money trail will undoubtedly be long, involved, and convoluted as hell, -- as every other damned Llano County project in recent history.

At the very least, the Commissioner's personal involvement in the building project will certainly benefit him politically. ... Again, nothing wrong with that as long as his deep pockets are not financially lined in the process.

Regarding the Courthouse restoration project, Faulkner strongly claims no Llano County taxpayer funds will be spent, -- only state money. This certainly does not jive with information supplied by other sources. Then again, truth in Llano County is indeed a moving target.

Ole' Keith also asserts contractors' vehicles are in fact parked at the rear of the building from time to time. Imagine that. ... Interesting, isn't it?

He also confirmed there was an asbestos problem with floor tiles that has finally been solved, -- at no Llano County taxpayer expense. ... Equally fascinating, no?

With the courthouse closed as long as it has, reasonable access to records has become another issue. ... That, of course, fits nicely into long-standing policies of obfuscation and stonewalling regarding the release of public information by corrupt and abusive Llano County officials. ... Right, J.P.? Conveniently allows you and the "Boys" on the Commissioners' Court to conduct as much business privately as possible, no?

Readers are reminded the "Judge" had stonewalled an earlier Open Records Request by not fully honoring it. ... Par for the course in Llano County, isn't it? Finally, Faulkner claims "restoration" may take approximately another year or less, an assertion running counter to other sources who claim construction is nowhere near complete. We'll see, won't we?

Readers will recall Faulkner, as well as Precinct 3 Commissioner Duane Steuven, unethically placed pressure on the former Library Director to eject this writer from the Llano County Library System approximately two years ago. They were unsuccessful at that time since the former Director courageously refused.

Two additional Internet Use "Agreements" written by our apparently corrupt and abusive County Attorney, Cheryll Mabray and forced on all patrons, were required to eventually eject this writer from the Library System. ... Dear Ole' Cheryll finally got it right, -- after three tries. ... Along with the assistance of newly installed Library Director Dian Ray and her equally gutless fellow employees who placed personal gain ahead of principle. ... Then again, this is Llano County, isn't it?

Most pointedly and in violation of the First Amendment, corrupt and abusive Llano County officials control what can and cannot be written on public computers. These white-collar criminals tolerate no criticism on public machines and have glaringly and shamelessly shit on the United States Constitution.

Reminiscent of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, isn't it? Then again, this is Llano County where day is night, night is day, and manure smells sweet...

All joking aside, the Commissioner was generously offered space to respond every time his ass is soundly skewered in this publication. -- A courtesy clearly not afforded this writer in the Llano County Library System by corrupt and abusive officials who cowardly fear exposure. ... Would like to sincerely and publicly thank Faulkner and Steuven, however, for placing unethical pressure on Library System employees.

Most pointedly, it exposed the librarians for the gutless shills they are, enabling this writer to finally take off the gloves and aggressively go after the corrupt and abusive sons of bitches who run and own our County. ... Without having to worry any longer about unethical and apparently illegal pressure placed on library staff this writer mistakenly considered friends.

*****"President" Trashes Independence Day*****

That's right. Ole' George "The Tush" Bush spent the Fourth of July dumping on rights so precious the Founders placed them in the First Amendment. Not only guaranteeing freedom of speech, a free press, and freedom of assembly, the First Amendment demands church-state separation, i.e. freedom of religion as well as freedom FROM it.

After all, this nation is not a theocracy and quite thankfully there is no state religion. The "President" and his cronies on the Fascist Right, however, can't accept this and are doing all they can to subvert constitutionally required church-state separation. ... Glaringly quite un-American.

While there is in fact nothing wrong with self-supported charitable activities by religious groups, there is a serious constitutional issue when taxpayer dollars are used to support churches mandated by tenet to proselytize doctrine.

Indeed, there is no question churches will ultimately make indigent assistance conditional on acceptance of religious tenets. Absolutely no doubt. Especially, in Evangelical Christianity hell-bent on spreading the faith to all, -- regardless of whether or not it is wanted.

Worse yet, there is no way churches will keep government money separate and apart from church funds. The "President" is intent, however, on shoving his spiritual views down the throat of all. Sadly, par for the course for an arrogant Aryan. ... Can you imagine the public uproar had "The Tush" been a Satanist rather than the Christian he claims to be?

*****"President" Dropping In Polls*****

Interestingly, Ole' George's approval rating has dropped 10 points since April. Apparently, people are beginning to wake up and see the dolt for what he is, -- a "President" appointed by a partisan U.S. Supreme Court. Currently, his popularity stands at 52%. ... Not to worry, though. There's a long, long way to go until next year's congressional elections.

Precisely, what the GOP is so afraid of. After all, Americans are waking up to a "manufactured" energy crisis and beginning to realize they've been suckered a third time, -- 1973, 1979, and now.

With footdragging on patients' rights, the energy "crisis", and environmental issues, it is indeed becoming clear to many the "President" and GOP are champions of big business and excessive corporate greed. Interestingly, the "President's" Republican henchmen are growing increasingly impatient with him as well.

Although having a long way to go in terms of credibility, Democrats are growing aggressive and apparently smell blood. No more than symbolism over substance? Too early to tell. ... The party of the jackass will have to do far more to distinguish itself from deep-pocketed Republicans. Can they? Doubtful. Extremely doubtful.

... What's Ole' George's reaction to falling numbers? More photo opportunities, "demonstrating" his connection with the common man. -- Apparently, the "President" has no respect for the intelligence of the average American. ... He's right, isn't he???

*****Unintended Consequences*****

Even an increasingly fascist and partisan U.S. Supreme Court cannot often predict consequences of unconstitutional bad decisions. Readers will recall the Court recently ruled religious groups can meet at public schools.

The Saddleback Unified School District in California has chosen to ban all clubs rather than risk having to open its doors to gay and lesbian groups. Interesting, isn't it?

Can you imagine the howls of the Religious Right should they (gays) have sought to meet? Worse yet, can you imagine the reaction had a Satanist group chosen to do the same? ... Oh, the webs we weave...

*****Spy-Plane Finally Returns*****

Remember the EP-3 spy-plane forced down in the "Peoples' Republic" after colliding with a Chinese fighter jet? The incident dates back to April 1. ... April Fools' Day. -- And yes, the American people were suckered.

The "President" was forced by Chinese officials to have American technicians dismantle the aircraft and ship it home in crates. Can you imagine the howls of protest from the GOP had it been Clinton or any other Democratic president?

Yet, Republicans remain deafeningly silent. -- Even Sen. Jesse Helms, one of the most "conservative" and outspoken members of the U.S. Senate.

Amazing how these gutless fascists look the other way when one of their own cowardly runs, -- as the "President" did.

... All for one reason, -- Ole' George could not afford alienating the business community by screwing up commerce with a communist state well-known for its use of slave labor.

Principle? What the hell's that? ... Only when convenient and certainly never when it threatens the corporate bottom line. Interestingly, the Chinese have submitted an itemized bill for $1 million. While a spokesman for "The Tush" has indicated the bill will not be paid, the "Administration" is considering reimbursing the Chinese for "reasonable expenses." ... Hey, Jesse? ... Cat cut your tongue?

*****Felony Child Abuse*****

Fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, does it? Five staff members of the Heartland Christian Academy in northeastern Missouri have been charged with multiple counts of felony child abuse.

Not only do these right-wing fascists physically assault children with a paddle, they apparently punish students by forcing them to stand in manure as deep as chest high.

... Sounds like the "Christian" thing to do, doesn't it? -- An outrageous perversion of Christianity, should the charges be true.

The school's founder, 73-year-old Charles Sharpe, made his millions in the insurance business. Now, he seems to think he has the duty to spend the loot instilling his personal values into children any way he damn well sees fit.

Sharpe is a long-time friend of U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and has been a politically active backer of organized school prayer. Apparently, this extremist cannot accept the fact our nation is not a theocracy, subject to his distorted "religious" views.

Amusingly, Sharpe is quite put out regarding the charges, disingenuously complains he's having shit shoveled on him, and has fought back with a lawsuit. Nothing quite like Aryan arrogance, is there? ... Or the stench of bullshit.

The arrests have left him "outraged" and has shamelessly whined "For the first time in my life, I'm a little disillusioned about what America has become."

... Hey, Charlie? Remove your head from your rump. You're an embarrassment and outrage not only to yourself, but to millions of Christians who wouldn't think of engaging in such sick behavior, pal.

Commenting further, this pathetic excuse for a human being crowed "A group of little men thinks they can stop God? No."

... Hey, Charlie? ... You, speak for God? Who the hell are you to speak for anyone other than yourself? More pointedly, who are you to inflict your sick views on defenseless children?

*****Jenna Penalized*****

"Party Girl" Jenna Bush was fined $600 and had her driver's license suspended for 30 days. In addition, she will have to do 36 hours of community service and attend an alcohol-related crimes seminar. The young woman did not even have the courage to attend the court proceeding, but changed her plea to a second underaged drinking charge from innocent to no contest through her attorney. Since this is a second underaged drinking-related offense, the original charge will go on her record as a conviction.

Her sister, Barbara, pleaded no contest to a similar charge earlier. Interestingly, both women are victims of a zero-tolerance bill their father signed into law while governor. Interesting, isn't it? The example made of these two young ladies will do nothing to stem the tide of underaged drinking, however. If anything, it will sadly encourage the problem. Again, the Fascist Right has placed a Band Aid on an arterial wound, imposing an oversimplistic solution on an enormously difficult problem.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer refused comment, however, claiming it "a family matter, not a government matter, and it's not an issue the White House is going to get into." ... The hell it's not a government matter, Mr. Fleischer. Wake up. The zero-tolerance statute the "President's" daughter was convicted of was signed into law by Ole' George himself as Texas governor.

Certainly didn't prevent her from violating it twice and embarrassing her parents, did it, sir? Won't stop her from drinking, either. ... Just make her a little sneakier, don't you think? Remember when you were 19, -- or has your head been up your ass too long?

What it did, however, was give the young lady a permanent criminal record. For what? Doing nothing worse than taking an underaged drink? The hypocrisy is stunning. ... Especially coming from a partisan U.S. Supreme Court-appointed and imposed "President" who has far worse than an underaged drinking charge in his past, -- a drunken driving conviction. ... And a mother, the First Lady, never charged with manslaughter, or even given a ticket for running a stop sign that resulted in the death of a fellow student years ago. ... An incident Mrs. Bush will not address to this day. Interesting, isn't it?

While underaged alcohol consumption is indeed a problem in this country, zero-tolerance laws do not work and are not a solution as clearly indicated by both Bush daughters. What it does create in young people is a deep distrust and lack of respect for law enforcement and the court system. Mission accomplished, Mr. "President." A job "well-done", sir.

*****Perfection*****

Typographical errors drive you nuts? Been a problem for many area publications, including this one. ... Especially since there is no spell check function in the software provided by Maxpages. Being a speed reader, it is also extremely difficult to proof-read one's own material.

Compounding the problem is the limitation of the software itself. After over two years of effort looking for a way around this perpetually nagging problem however, a solution has finally been found. ... A round-about way of finding most errors without use of a proof-reader.

Some of you may have noticed earlier editions being updated. Only typographical errors are being corrected, however. -- Not substance. Fortunately, there were far fewer errors than expected. Usually one or two per edition so far.

... Extremely painful though, for a perfectionist. All joking aside, typographical accuracy is important and every effort is made to ensure it.

*****Unbridled Fear*****

As strongly asserted in the last ten Newsletters, gut-wrenching fear generated by the Narcotics Enforcement Team is quite impressive. After all, these Nazi stormtroopers not only outrageously intimidate defendants and their gutless attorneys, but even innocent third parties who have suffered at their corrupt and abusive hands.

Recently, a source came forward with allegations regarding the death of a loved one under exceptionally curious circumstances. Sadly, the survivor got cold feet.

Most pointedly and quite publicly, how in hell do you expect these abuses to end if you don't have the guts to stand up and expose them to the light of day?

Every time a source cowardly runs the other way, the corrupt and abusive sons of bitches win. Every g-ddamned time. Worse yet, another nail is driven into the coffin of liberty.

If you don't have the courage to stand up and do the right thing, why should this writer continue to place himself in physical and legal jeopardy trying to expose the outrageous corruption and abuse?

Despite the lack of financial assistance from a cowardly and selfish community, the Llano Ledger and Llano Ledger 2 visitor count stands in excess of 126,000. ... Over two years, now. For what?

Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger



Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam Tx. 78609

llanoledger@mailcity.com

Page Updated Mon Jul 9, 2001 12:57pm EDT