Friday, January 23, 2026
AFTER 20 YEARS – DOES KING DAVID DESERVE FOUR MORE?
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
For 20 years, David Betancourt has promised the voters the world, and delivered nothing. It’s barely been three months since Betancourt began his campaign outreach to Cameron County, and like clockwork, he is out on the hustings reminding voters of his Democratic lineage, and of his “hard work” as Cameron County Treasurer.
As a descendant of true Democrats in his late father Adolfo and late mom Janie, David has sat at the center of Cameron County’s finances as county treasurer. Unfortunately, he’s transformed from a real Democrat into an entrenched part of an old establishment that talks about progress but never delivers.
Year after year, without shame, David requested pay raises from the Cameron County Commissioners Court and never once in all of those 20 years did he fight for employee raises. Instead, he fought for himself.
For 20 years, David Betancourt has promised the voters the world, and delivered nothing. It’s barely been three months since Betancourt began his campaign outreach to Cameron County, and like clockwork, he is out on the hustings reminding voters of his Democratic lineage, and of his “hard work” as Cameron County Treasurer.
As a descendant of true Democrats in his late father Adolfo and late mom Janie, David has sat at the center of Cameron County’s finances as county treasurer. Unfortunately, he’s transformed from a real Democrat into an entrenched part of an old establishment that talks about progress but never delivers.
The Cameron County Commissioners Court, this year, finally appeased the king by giving him a raise of $12,693 FY 2025-2026, lifting his total compensation from $83,676 to $96,368.
A closer analysis reveals, after two decades, taxpayers aren’t seeing results for their money; they’re seeing higher bills, stale leadership, and a treasurer who’s more interested in holding the title than doing the job.
Now, as he faces a challenger in former JP Jonathan Gracia who has openly called for change and lower taxes on our homes, Betancourt has literally, and conveniently, altered his campaign signs promising to – you guessed it – to lower taxes in a epiphany election. This new tune sounds less like reform and more like desperation to keep the Betancourt gravy train going.
(After Gracia called for lower taxes, Betancourt's signs conveniently plastered an addition saying he was "helping to lower taxes," while giving himself a salary raise.)
Let’s be honest: David Betancourt has become the definition of complacency. He rarely shows up to work, stays detached from the community he’s supposed to serve, and hasn’t led with initiative or engagement. While other public servants step up to make Cameron County stronger, he’s been content to coast — a taker, not a giver. He doesn’t contribute, he doesn't connect, and he doesn’t care to show up unless someone else throws a party or there’s a campaign sign nearby.
It's a breath of fresh air that current county judge Eddie Treviño has called on all "real Democrats" to
rally around the party of the people. That only stands to reason since Treviño, and Betancourt as well, are asking the voters in the Democratic Party primary for the nomination to face Republican party nominees in November. We're Democrats and should be justly proud to uphold and promote our ideals.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, everyone will acknowledge that the Democrats are under siege by the Republicans in Cameron County and across South Texas. It’s going to take energetic and engaged leaders to withstand the attacks that will not stop for the foreseeable future. Don’t look to David Betancourt for any help there.
Betancourt –has ridden his family’s coattails his entire life. Up to now he hasn't had to work or worry because his name recognition has carried him to a campaign victory, and he has flaunted his entitlement to public office – and check – as if it was a family heirloom.
Now Betancourt, after 20 years of minimal effort and maximum self-interest, wants one more four-year term. But for who? For him – or for us? If two decades of inaction weren’t enough time to make a difference, what could possibly change in another four years?
Change will not come from the Betancourt dynasty. Change will come from the people of Cameron County. And this year, that change starts at the ballot box. Sorry David, your time is up!
A closer analysis reveals, after two decades, taxpayers aren’t seeing results for their money; they’re seeing higher bills, stale leadership, and a treasurer who’s more interested in holding the title than doing the job.
Now, as he faces a challenger in former JP Jonathan Gracia who has openly called for change and lower taxes on our homes, Betancourt has literally, and conveniently, altered his campaign signs promising to – you guessed it – to lower taxes in a epiphany election. This new tune sounds less like reform and more like desperation to keep the Betancourt gravy train going.
(After Gracia called for lower taxes, Betancourt's signs conveniently plastered an addition saying he was "helping to lower taxes," while giving himself a salary raise.)
Let’s be honest: David Betancourt has become the definition of complacency. He rarely shows up to work, stays detached from the community he’s supposed to serve, and hasn’t led with initiative or engagement. While other public servants step up to make Cameron County stronger, he’s been content to coast — a taker, not a giver. He doesn’t contribute, he doesn't connect, and he doesn’t care to show up unless someone else throws a party or there’s a campaign sign nearby.
It's a breath of fresh air that current county judge Eddie Treviño has called on all "real Democrats" to
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, everyone will acknowledge that the Democrats are under siege by the Republicans in Cameron County and across South Texas. It’s going to take energetic and engaged leaders to withstand the attacks that will not stop for the foreseeable future. Don’t look to David Betancourt for any help there.
Betancourt –has ridden his family’s coattails his entire life. Up to now he hasn't had to work or worry because his name recognition has carried him to a campaign victory, and he has flaunted his entitlement to public office – and check – as if it was a family heirloom.
Now Betancourt, after 20 years of minimal effort and maximum self-interest, wants one more four-year term. But for who? For him – or for us? If two decades of inaction weren’t enough time to make a difference, what could possibly change in another four years?
Change will not come from the Betancourt dynasty. Change will come from the people of Cameron County. And this year, that change starts at the ballot box. Sorry David, your time is up!
Thursday, January 22, 2026
SORRY HELEN: WACO CHOSE SOMEBODY WHO MANAGED WELL, NOT SOMEONE WITH A GOOD RAP
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
By Sam Shaw
The Waco Bridge
Various Sources
Last November 2025, City of Brownsville Manager Helen Ramirez surprised everyone by announcing that she was leaving her position to take care of her ailing hubby.
It became apparent that it wasn't really her husband's illness that took her from the city, but rather, that there was some other reason for her departure. Rumors abounded, but as far as anyone could tell, there was some other reason for her departure. Those rumors gained traction and the general consensus was that Ramirez had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, possibly leading to her husband moving to Austin with their son.
Last November 2025, City of Brownsville Manager Helen Ramirez surprised everyone by announcing that she was leaving her position to take care of her ailing hubby.
She started cleaning up for her departure by tying loose ends and it wasn't until mid-December that she was given a going-away party by some of her close co-workers. That's why locals were surprised when it was discovered that she had simultaneously applied for the vacancy for a city manager in Waco
and had a tour and interview in the city January 6-8.
She was, according to reports, given the choice to resign or face termination. City sources closed ranks to prevent the story from being confirmed.
Well, it appears that Helen's run of bad luck has carried over to her application for the Waco gig. She was one of four finalists for the job, but just this Tuesday the city council skipped over her and two others and elected an assistant city manager who had ben in Waco since 2020. And one of our seven readers correctly commented that Ramirez was hired by the City of San Marcos as its first Economic and Local Business Development Department Director January 21. (So obviously she was sending out her resume all over while playing us.)
Her stint at the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation wasn't anything to crow about, though. https://rrunrrun.blogspot.com/2025/10/helen-ramirez-leaves-dont-let-door-hit.html
The Waco city council closed the books on the months-long city manager search Tuesday, selecting police department and City Hall veteran Ryan Holt from a pool of four finalists. Holt has served as Waco’s assistant city manager since 2020, following a more than two-decade career with the Waco Police Department, where he ended as chief.
Holt’s contract begins Jan. 30 with an annual salary set at $345,000.
“It’s a great honor,” Holt told The Waco Bridge in an interview after the meeting.
Holt is taking over for current Waco City Manager Bradley Ford, who announced his resignation in September. Ford cited difficulties reconciling the demands of the position with the responsibilities of fatherhood.
“Ryan Holt has demonstrated steady leadership, strong operational expertise, and a deep understanding of Waco’s organization and community,” said Waco Mayor Jim Holmes in a Tuesday press release.
“Throughout the selection process, he distinguished himself through his commitment to transparency, collaboration, and service,” Holmes said. “City Council is confident that Ryan is the right leader to guide Waco forward.”
The finalists for the position included Waco Deputy City Manager Diedra Emerson; Jared Miller, the chief operating officer for the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and Ramirez, of Brownsville.
“It’s a great honor,” Holt told The Waco Bridge in an interview after the meeting.
Holt is taking over for current Waco City Manager Bradley Ford, who announced his resignation in September. Ford cited difficulties reconciling the demands of the position with the responsibilities of fatherhood.
“Ryan Holt has demonstrated steady leadership, strong operational expertise, and a deep understanding of Waco’s organization and community,” said Waco Mayor Jim Holmes in a Tuesday press release.
“Throughout the selection process, he distinguished himself through his commitment to transparency, collaboration, and service,” Holmes said. “City Council is confident that Ryan is the right leader to guide Waco forward.”
The finalists for the position included Waco Deputy City Manager Diedra Emerson; Jared Miller, the chief operating officer for the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and Ramirez, of Brownsville.
PRAISE THE LORD AND PASS THE NOOSE AND LIGHT THE CROSS!
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Most people can’t or won’t see the connection. Some just choose not to. It’s uncomfortable. It feels unreal. And honestly, it’s easier for many to live in the delusion than face what’s really there.
It’s easy to dismiss things tied to MAGA by throwing scripture at them, but the Western church has been doing that long before this photo was taken.
The real work is recognizing what this looks like in the 21st century. That’s where the cognitive dissonance hits. And the truth is, a lot of people are afraid to take the side of those they’ve been taught to resent and fear, whether or not they’ll admit it.
OK. PAY ATTENTION, PLEASE. TARIFFS ARE PAID BY AMERICANS (REPEAT)
Researchers revealed the $200 billion in added customs revenue last year came almost entirely from American importers, manufacturers, and ultimately, everyday consumers, leading to higher prices and less product availability.
With Trump threatening more tariffs and the Supreme Court reviewing their legality, the impact on Americans remains front and center.
Mark Bennet
The question is, who wasn't bright enough to know that?
Marissa Shryock
I’ll take “things that are obvious for 500 please”
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
TRAGIC AND FUNNY! WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND, DON'T IT?
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Little Saint James was sold by Denmark to the United States as part of the 1917 transfer of the Danish West Indies
The 1917 “Lansing Declaration” meant Denmark agreeing to sell the West Indies while the U.S. dropped any potential objections to Denmark’s full control over Greenland.
So Denmark traded away an island that would decades later become synonymous with one of America’s darkest modern scandals, in part to lock in Greenland forever.
Now a U.S. president with personal ties to that scandal is using economic coercion on Denmark (and allies) to take control of Greenland.
DENMARK HAS BEEN A FRIEND IN NEED
TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED AT THE OLD BRIDGE TUESDAY TO NAB CARRETERO
Mexican government authorities arrested Víctor José Carretero Zardeneta, a well-known customs broker and media businessman, at the old international bridge in Matamoros, Tamaulipas.
The reasons for the arrest are unknown, but police sources suggest it may be part of the crackdown on federal crimes being implemented in this region from the nation's capital.
Carretero Zardeneta is highly regarded in the city's religious circles, as he also pastors a Christian church called Impacto de Vida in the area of northern Tamaulipas and southern Texas.
This is a developing story.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
PORT TO LEASE DOCK, STORAGE SPACE FOR MEXICAN OIL
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Oscar Luebbert-Gutierrez is the first cousin of the late Ernesto Gutierrez Sr., (AKA El Pajaro), the father of port commissioner Ernesto Gutierrez Jr. (AKA El Pajarito.)
In today's meeting agenda, the board will consider awarding a new lease at the port to Luga Petroil, a McAllen-based company which names Daniel Luebbert Camargo as one of its registered agents. Daniel Leubbert Camargo is the son of Oscar Leubbert Gutierrez.
Luga Petroil's contact in McAllen is Daniel Luebbert Camargo, son of Reynosa Mayor Oscar Luebbert Gutierrez who formed a financial group – Luebbert -Martinez-Aldama – composed of companies in customs, transport and combustibles that a news report names as a group than was formed to move Mexican oil.
His father Oscar Luebbert Gutierrez and his grupo empresarial applied on August 21, 2024 – four months after they made a generous campaign contribution to port commissioner Gutierrez – for waterfront properties at the Port of Brownsville to set up a "land-borne terminal for diesel, bio diesel, lube oil, and to recycle oil" that covered "1,492 acres and 325 linear feet of dock space" and goes under the name of OLG (Oscar Luebbert Gutierrez) Petroleum.
Publicly and privately, Port of Brownsville chairman Esteban Guerra has denied that any of the stolen crude (huachicol) ended up at the port and that all that activity took place at the port at Rio Hondo.
The minutes of that meeting indicate that Commissioner Gutierrez was present and took part in the discussion and vote on his relative (Luebbert Gutierrez's) application and approval on the consent to assignment of the port property. Chairman Steve Guerra also voted in favor of the motion.
The connection between Luebbert's grupo empresarial and the port commissioner goes beyond familial association. In fact, Luebbert's partner Fernando Martinez Tirado took an active role in Ernesto Gutierrez Jr.'s election in 2024 with a generous $5,000 contribution.
In fact, the use of the port to transfer Mexican oil has drawn the attention of social media and border pundits: "The Port of Brownsville has become a transfer node in the transit of stolen Mexican oil. It and Los Indios Bridge offer a discreet entry and distribution points....And who is behind the logistics at the border?..." TikTok @Edypintor777
Are we making too much of the ties between the Luebbert Camargo and their relative Ernesto Gutierrez on the board of the Port of Brownsville's commission? Maybe, but much stranger things have happened. Or perhaps, will.
Monday, January 19, 2026
SHADES OF EPSTEIN! GUERRA RELEASES, WITHDRAWS, AND RE-RELEASES CAMPAIGN REPORT
Last Friday was the deadline to submit the candidate/office/holder campaign finance report for the period covering July 15, 2025 to January 15, 2026 for candidates running for the different county and district races.
For the most part, these reports are a boring and mundane listing of contributors, political sign makers, etc., who have felt compelled to pitch in to a candidate for federal, state, county, and local district races to remain in the good graces of the various contenders. This year – apart from the above-mentioned races for party primaries – there are there are the local non-partisan local district such as Texas Southmost Junior College, the Brownsville Navigation District, etc.
It's a dreary business to comb through the reports that are prepared, supposedly, by the candidates' treasurer and filed with the campaign officers at the various entities. So-and-so gave so much to so-and-so, etc., until you run into something "different."
Such was the case when we checked the reports posted online for the candidates running in the Democratic Primary for Cameron County Judge against incumbent Eddie Treviño. The two other candidates include Brownsville Navigation chair Steve Guerra and former county sheriff Eric Garza. The State of Texas require you to list your contributions, expenditures, amounts, and the identity and address of the contributors and/or vendors. Boring.
That is, until we perused the initial report posted by Guerra where, in 12 pages listing some 40-odd contributors Guerra reported that he had received approximately $56,000 in cash from his admiring benefactors. It wasn't a great number, or unusual, for that matter. The others' reports also dutifully listed their campaigns' numbers.
What stood out like a sore thumb was that someone – his treasurer Samuel Guerrero, maybe? – had redacted every address of every contributor, although the law requires candidates to list not only their name, amount, date of contribution, occupation of the donor, but also their address. The State of Texas insists on the candidates being transparent of these details.
We were miffed. Why would anyone black out the address of the contributors, we wondered. So apparently did everyone else. Treviño didn't. Neither did Garza. Since it was Friday afternoon and the government offices were closed, we couldn't inquire of the public election officials but it still gnawed at our curiosity. And today it's a national holiday. That curiosity, apparently, was shared by others and we sought some answers.
Would you believe that the next time we looked that afternoon, the redacted (blacked out) report had been removed and another, with all the addresses listed, had been posted in its place?
Guerra's minions had apparently been alerted to the growing interest in the blacked out information and – in a fit of forced transparency – had removed the redactions and handed in a complete report as required by state election law. Had he done the same thing in previous reports where he had been a candidate for the port? We looked, and he hadn't. So why now? Only the Shadow knows.
Oh, by the way, in case you're wondering, Trump wasn't on the list.
VETERAN CAMERON COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FILES FOR PORT
By Steve Taylor
Rio Grande Guardian
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville resident and community advocate David A. Garcia has announced plans to run for Place 2 in the upcoming Brownsville Navigation District Commission election.
The election takes place on May 2. The filing period has just opened.
Place 2 will be an open seat because long-term director John Wood has announced he is not seeking re-election.
Garcia said he has worked alongside many officials for many years to improve the economic well-being of the region. He said he enters the race with the vast experience, knowledge, and trust necessary to keep the Port moving in a positive direction.
Rio Grande Guardian
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville resident and community advocate David A. Garcia has announced plans to run for Place 2 in the upcoming Brownsville Navigation District Commission election.
The election takes place on May 2. The filing period has just opened.
Place 2 will be an open seat because long-term director John Wood has announced he is not seeking re-election.
Garcia said he has worked alongside many officials for many years to improve the economic well-being of the region. He said he enters the race with the vast experience, knowledge, and trust necessary to keep the Port moving in a positive direction.
“Through my work at the federal and local levels on projects of national, state, and regional significance, I have touched the lives of many citizens directly and indirectly which has been one of my greatest joys,” Garcia said. “Specifically, I have worked on policy to include the Port of Brownsville ship channel widening and deepening project in the annual federal authorization bill – a project that is underway today.”
Garcia said he has also been involved in some of the most important infrastructure projects in the region that have gone from concept to construction.
“I want to use my background to work with the Board and Administration to continue to raise the bar and take the Port of Brownsville to new heights. I genuinely love this community and want to see it prosper and I know I can continue building on its success,” he said.
Garcia pointed out that he spent ten years working in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill to ensure the priorities of South Texans were at the forefront at the Administration and agency level. He said he then came home to work for Cameron County for 15 years. He said that during this time he worked under four County Judges, numerous County Commissioners and alongside many elected and non-elected officials.
Garcia said he understands the intersection of government, business, and community, focusing on economic and workforce development to foster an improved economic environment for the residents in South Texas. In building his consulting practice, Garcia said he has represented private and public entities, assisting them with the challenges and obstacles they faced in their growth and expansion efforts.
“Over the years, I have built many relationships with people from all walks of life. I will call upon those relationships and work with my colleagues to continue the momentum to make more dreams come true for those looking for better opportunities. I am amazed with what is happening at the Port – the economic engine of South Texas and am pleased to have played a small part in its progress,” Garcia said.
“I am blessed to have built a professional career serving others but now it is time to give back by serving in this capacity. If given the opportunity, my mission is simple: I want to HELP so that people can continue to succeed and businesses can thrive. The time is now and we must capitalize on opportunities presented to us.”
Garcia said he has also been involved in some of the most important infrastructure projects in the region that have gone from concept to construction.
“I want to use my background to work with the Board and Administration to continue to raise the bar and take the Port of Brownsville to new heights. I genuinely love this community and want to see it prosper and I know I can continue building on its success,” he said.
Garcia pointed out that he spent ten years working in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill to ensure the priorities of South Texans were at the forefront at the Administration and agency level. He said he then came home to work for Cameron County for 15 years. He said that during this time he worked under four County Judges, numerous County Commissioners and alongside many elected and non-elected officials.
Garcia said he understands the intersection of government, business, and community, focusing on economic and workforce development to foster an improved economic environment for the residents in South Texas. In building his consulting practice, Garcia said he has represented private and public entities, assisting them with the challenges and obstacles they faced in their growth and expansion efforts.
“Over the years, I have built many relationships with people from all walks of life. I will call upon those relationships and work with my colleagues to continue the momentum to make more dreams come true for those looking for better opportunities. I am amazed with what is happening at the Port – the economic engine of South Texas and am pleased to have played a small part in its progress,” Garcia said.
“I am blessed to have built a professional career serving others but now it is time to give back by serving in this capacity. If given the opportunity, my mission is simple: I want to HELP so that people can continue to succeed and businesses can thrive. The time is now and we must capitalize on opportunities presented to us.”
TODAY ISN'T JUST ANOTHER FEDERAL HOLIDAY. IT'S REV. KING'S B-DAY!
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
On the Reverend Martin Luther King's birthday.
There he was leading protests using a middle-aged and diminutive Rosa Parks fighting to simply sit in front of a bus, seeing blacks getting beaten by Bull Connor's deputies and chewed up by police dogs and assaulted with water cannons just for asking for the right to seat at a lunch counter or to register to vote.
And then there was the backlash from the status quo with jailings, beatings, drummed up charges and FBI harassment and surveillance. Little black girls died in the bombing of Baptist churches. Supporters of the civil rights movement were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in dark, back country roads of the South by hoodlums of the KKK.
King's answer to that violence against his people was unbelievable.
"Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." –Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” –Strength to Love
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” –Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” –Letter from Birmingham Jail
“I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.” –Letter from Birmingham Jail
“I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live.” –Detroit
“We have been repeatedly faced with a cruel irony of watching Negro and white boys on TV screens as they kill and die together for a nation that has been unable to seat them together in the same school room.” –Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam
For this, he was shot April 4, 1968 in Memphis by a sniper who no one believed was acting alone.
Happy Birthday, Martin.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
AND WHAT ABOUT TEXAS CASTLE LAWS? NOT FOR YOU, PEDRO!
In Donna, ICE agents hop over the fence and this resident is arrested for asking for a warrant in his property. And people told us we were being dramatic. We fucking told you this was going to happen.
This has been happening all over South Texas. The only reason it’s not getting attention, it’s because TX government supports this and there is no pushback from the communities here since they did a good job of dividing the Hispanic communities in this areas for a while now that led to this.
When it Applies: Unlawful, forceful entry or attempted forceful removal from these places.
Reasonable belief that someone is committing or attempting to commit aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery.
This has been happening all over South Texas. The only reason it’s not getting attention, it’s because TX government supports this and there is no pushback from the communities here since they did a good job of dividing the Hispanic communities in this areas for a while now that led to this.
Key Aspects of Texas Castle Doctrine
Where it Applies: Your home, vehicle, and place of business/employment.When it Applies: Unlawful, forceful entry or attempted forceful removal from these places.
Reasonable belief that someone is committing or attempting to commit aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery.
No Duty to Retreat: You don't have to back down in a place you have a legal right to be (home, car, work) when facing a threat.
Reasonable Force: The force used must be reasonable and proportional to the threat, though Texas law presumes reasonableness in specific situations.
What's Needed: The intruder must be entering unlawfully and with force (e.g., breaking a door, not just an unlocked door), and the location must be occupied.
A WRITER'S LAMENTATION TO THE LONELINESS OF PROMETHEUS
To live the day singing
A new song
Each dawn
Having given my song to light and warm...
And
No one hears the fire in my words
And every rosy-fingered dawn
I'm chained to this rock
A new song grows
And my endless penance
Is no one will hear it
And time devours it
Every night
To grow again
Tomorrow
And again...
The bloody-beaked vulture mocks me
MY COMMUNITY IS THREATENED BY I.C.E. VIOLENCE AGAINST US
I grew up on the border in a mixed-status family, like many Latinos in Texas.
In the Rio Grande Valley, we’re proud of who we are. Proud of our culture, proud of our families and the community we’ve built, and proud to be American. So when our identity is questioned and our neighbors are treated like suspects, we feel threatened.
Right now, families across Texas are terrified. Longtime members of our communities are being taken in ICE raids. Parents are scared to go to work. Kids are scared to go to school. And masked agents with no accountability are showing up in our neighborhoods — using force without transparency.
This isn’t border security.
When Texans asked for border security, they didn’t mean masked men violently ripping neighbors out of their communities. They didn’t mean disorder and chaos.
I believe we can demand border security and keep Texans safe without dehumanizing our neighbors. That’s the kind of leadership I want to bring to the Governor’s office.
We need to show that Texans are ready for something better. If you’re with me, can you chip in $5 today to help us keep building this campaign?
Saturday, January 17, 2026
TSC TURNS 100! VAMONOS AL CONJUNTO FESTIVAL TODAY!
Courtesy Texas Southmost College
Texas Southmost College (TSC) is set to officially launch its yearlong Centennial Celebration with a vibrant and culturally rich Conjunto Festival on Saturday, January 17, 2026, inviting the entire community to gather for a free, family-friendly day of music, tradition, and togetherness.
Held on TSC’s historic Brownsville campus, the festival marks the first of many events honoring the college’s 100-year legacy as a cornerstone of education and opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley. From emerging student musicians to legendary headliners, the Conjunto Festival reflects TSC’s deep commitment to education, culture, and community engagement.
Headlining the Centennial Kickoff
The evening concert lineup will be led by Michael Salgado, one of the most influential figures in modern Conjunto music. Known for his virtuosic accordion style and chart-topping career, Salgado’s performance is expected to be a major highlight of the celebration, bringing his signature energy and South Texas sound to the Centennial stage.
Also making a special headliner appearance is Sunny Sauceda, a three-time Grammy Award winner and newly announced Deputy Director of Texas Folklife. Sauceda’s presence adds both star power and cultural significance to the event, bridging tradition and innovation while celebrating the music that defines the region.
Celebrating Tradition, Students, and Community
By centering its Centennial kickoff around Conjunto music, Texas Southmost College pays tribute to a genre deeply rooted in the history and identity of South Texas. The festival showcases a blend of student-centered competitions and acclaimed performers, symbolizing the college’s role in nurturing both education and cultural heritage.
Guests can enjoy live music throughout the day, along with food vendors, a beer garden, and fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages. Lawn chairs are welcome, allowing families and friends to comfortably enjoy the performances. Outside food, beverages, and tents will not be permitted, as a variety of on-site options will be available.
Conjunto Festival Schedule of Events
Saturday, January 17, 2026
11:00 AM – Battle by the Rio: Student Duo Competition
SET-B Lecture Hall (711 Ringgold Rd.)
12:00 PM – Battle by the Rio Finals
Amphitheater (2110 Gorgas Dr.)
3:00 PM – Alize Niño
3:30 PM – Los Fresnos Conjunto Halcón
4:00 PM – La Lexxion
5:00 PM – Fruty Villarreal y Los Mavericks
6:00 PM – Gilberto Perez Jr. y Sus Compadres
7:00 PM – Grupo Destacado
8:00 PM – Tejano Boys
8:45 PM – Fireworks
9:00 PM – Program & Student Competition Awards
9:30 PM – Michael Salgado
A Century of Impact
For nearly a century, Texas Southmost College has played a vital role in expanding access to affordable education while remaining deeply connected to the cultural fabric of the Rio Grande Valley. The Conjunto Festival not only honors that legacy but also sets an inviting, celebratory tone for the many Centennial events still to come.
A NOT-SO-SUBTLE COLD FINGER TO IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT GOONS
By AJ+
“[ICE agents] bound me like an animal, even after I told them that I was disabled.”
A week after ICE’s killing of Renee Good, people in Minneapolis continue to face mounting violence from the U.S. immigration officers President Donald Trump has deployed on the city in a violent crackdown.
On Jan. 15, ICE agents violently dragged Aliya Rahman, a U.S. citizen, from her car as she was on her way to an appointment at a traumatic brain injury center. She repeatedly requested medical treatment but was only taken to the hospital after passing out in a cell.
The government agency has carried out at least 10 shootings since September and is responsible for a number of killings.
Additionally, 32 people died in ICE custody in the last year – the highest number since 2004, when the same number of people died in its facilities.
Friday, January 16, 2026
FIL VELA'S REASONS FOR ENDORSING TREVINO FOR COUNTY JUDGE
By Filemon Vela Jr.
Former Congressman
I’ve known Eddie Treviño Jr. almost all my life.
We've seen him serve for 25 years as a public servant, a mayor, and now as our County Judge. For better or worse, there's no mystery about who he is, where he comes from, or what he stands for — his record is public, consistent, and rooted in service.
As County Judge, Eddie has delivered real results: lowering the county tax rate year after year, investing in drainage and flood control, improving roads and infrastructure, expanding parks and public spaces, and keeping the county financially stable while preparing for growth. These aren't talking points — they're tangible accomplishments that families, neighborhoods, and small businesses across Cameron County benefit from every single day.
I worked with him to make sure SpaceX brought much-needed jobs to Cameron County. We found and allocated $150 million for the Port of Brownsville ship channel deepening project, and worked on the Gateway Bridge Remodernization, obtaining $264 million in federal funds, plus a new pedestrian bridge presidential permit, making it the most technologically advanced Port of Entry in the US.
Leadership isn't about being unknown or untested. It's about accountability, consistency, and showing up when it matters. Eddie's record is open, proven, and built over decades of service. And it reflects the values of a proud Democrat — fairness, responsibility, transparency, and a deep commitment to working families.
We don't have to guess who Eddie Treviño Jr. is. We know him. We know his work. And we know Cameron County is stronger because of it.
ACCORDING TO NAVARRETE: TOP 10 IMMIGRATION LIES
By Ruben Navarrete
Creators Syndicate
The worst thing about the immigration debate is not the divisiveness. It’s the dishonesty.
After more than 36 years of covering this rhetorical shoving match, I can tell you this much: The whole bloody thing is replete with lies. I’ve compiled a list of the top ten untruths.
Incidentally, the biggest whopper of them all — No. 1 on the list — was recently in the news as the result of a new and awful initiative by the Trump administration.
We’ll get there. First, here’s the rest of the list.
No. 10: “The United States can seal the U.S.-Mexico border.”
Creators Syndicate
The worst thing about the immigration debate is not the divisiveness. It’s the dishonesty.
After more than 36 years of covering this rhetorical shoving match, I can tell you this much: The whole bloody thing is replete with lies. I’ve compiled a list of the top ten untruths.
Incidentally, the biggest whopper of them all — No. 1 on the list — was recently in the news as the result of a new and awful initiative by the Trump administration.
We’ll get there. First, here’s the rest of the list.
No. 10: “The United States can seal the U.S.-Mexico border.”
No, it really can’t. The U.S. government can “secure” the border, and it should do so. But the idea that we can totally “seal” a 1,950-mile-long border that crosses rivers, mountains, private property and Native American reservations is a fallacy rooted in a mixture of ignorance and arrogance.
No. 9: “If you deport undocumented immigrants, they stay gone.” For many years, I’ve heard border patrol officers including the leaders of their union try to make the point about a porous U.S.-Mexico border by claiming that they would arrest the same person two or three times in a single shift. Now, restrictionists argue that the deported don’t return.
No. 8: “No one objects to high-tech workers.”
No. 9: “If you deport undocumented immigrants, they stay gone.” For many years, I’ve heard border patrol officers including the leaders of their union try to make the point about a porous U.S.-Mexico border by claiming that they would arrest the same person two or three times in a single shift. Now, restrictionists argue that the deported don’t return.
No. 8: “No one objects to high-tech workers.”
In December 2024, a MAGA civil war broke out over H-1B visas, which U.S. companies use to hire highly-skilled foreign workers. The globalist tech bros attacked American workers as incompetent, lazy and entitled. The “America First” brigade hurled racist insults at high-tech workers from India.
No. 7: “Immigrants are defiant, and they refuse to assimilate.”
No. 7: “Immigrants are defiant, and they refuse to assimilate.”
People see a Spanish-language billboard, and they act as if immigrants asked for it. Consistent with the pattern set by German and Italian immigrants in previous centuries, Latino immigrant grandparents speak to their grandchildren in Spanish and the grandchildren respond in English.
No. 6: “Undocumented immigrants steal jobs from U.S. workers.”
No. 6: “Undocumented immigrants steal jobs from U.S. workers.”
Now that the Trump administration claims to have deported more than 600,000 and pressured more than twice that many to “self-deport,” employers are feeling squeezed. Immigrants do jobs that Americans won’t do at any wage. We already knew that. It’s how we got here.
No. 5: “Democrats are pro-immigrant, Republicans are anti-immigrant.”
No. 5: “Democrats are pro-immigrant, Republicans are anti-immigrant.”
Three former Democratic presidents (Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden) militarized the border and deported record numbers of people. The last president who pushed immigration reform — which included legalizing the undocumented — was George W. Bush, a Republican.
No. 4: “If people come the right way and follow rules, they’ll be fine.”
Among the shameful shenanigans pulled by the Trump administration was the canceling of asylum claims, immigration hearings and even citizenship swearing-in ceremonies for those who tried to come to the United States “the right way” and “follow the rules.”
No. 3: “Immigration enforcement is about the rule of law.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are under so much pressure to meet a daily quota of 3,000 arrests that they break the law to enforce the law. They scrapped due process, engaged in racial profiling, abandoned their own standard of “reasonable suspicion” before a search, and brutalized U.S. citizens. There is no rule of law, only the law of the jungle.
No. 2: “Resistance to immigration is not about race or ethnicity.”
No. 2: “Resistance to immigration is not about race or ethnicity.”
Do you see a lot of white immigrants being rounded up? Me neither. For instance, in cities like New York and Boston, there are an estimated 10,000 to 100,000 Irish immigrants living illegally. President Donald Trump’s immigration raids don’t extend to those neighborhoods. And, in May, white Afrikaner “refugees” were welcomed into the United States with open arms.
And now for the gold medal winner.
No. 1: “The only problem is illegal immigrants. Legal immigrants are welcome.”
And now for the gold medal winner.
No. 1: “The only problem is illegal immigrants. Legal immigrants are welcome.”
Even legal immigrants and U.S. citizens are not safe from deportation under the Trump administration. According to the New York Times, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plans to ramp up efforts to strip naturalized U.S. citizens of their citizenship — including but not limited to those who “unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship.”
Like any country, the United States has the right to determine who can enter and who can’t. But it has to do it the right way, by treating people humanely and following the rules. If they do all that, U.S. officials won’t have to lie and cheat. Such behavior harms the whole immigration process.
Let’s at least be honest about that.
Like any country, the United States has the right to determine who can enter and who can’t. But it has to do it the right way, by treating people humanely and following the rules. If they do all that, U.S. officials won’t have to lie and cheat. Such behavior harms the whole immigration process.
Let’s at least be honest about that.
FRIDAY FUNNIES: I JUST CAN'T SEE HOW YOU CAN BEAR IT!
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
An 80-year-old man was having his annual checkup when the doctor asked how he was feeling.
"I've never been better!" he boasted.
"I've got an 18-year-old bride who's pregnant and having my child! What do you think about that?"
An 80-year-old man was having his annual checkup when the doctor asked how he was feeling.
"I've never been better!" he boasted.
"I've got an 18-year-old bride who's pregnant and having my child! What do you think about that?"
The doctor considered this for a moment, then said, "Let me tell you a story. I knew a guy who was an avid hunter. He never missed a season. But one day he went out in a bit of a hurry and accidentally grabbed his umbrella instead of his gun."
The doctor continued, "So he was in the woods and suddenly a grizzly bear appeared in front of him! He raised up his umbrella, pointed it at the bear, and squeezed the handle. And do you know what happened?" the doctor queried.
Dumbfounded, the old man replied, "No, what?"
The doctor continued, "The bear dropped dead in front of him."
"That's impossible!" exclaimed the old man.
"Someone else must have shot the bear."
"That's kind of what I'm aiming at," replied the doctor.
The doctor continued, "So he was in the woods and suddenly a grizzly bear appeared in front of him! He raised up his umbrella, pointed it at the bear, and squeezed the handle. And do you know what happened?" the doctor queried.
Dumbfounded, the old man replied, "No, what?"
The doctor continued, "The bear dropped dead in front of him."
"That's impossible!" exclaimed the old man.
"Someone else must have shot the bear."
"That's kind of what I'm aiming at," replied the doctor.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
THE REMAINS OF MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR DEAD LIE BURIED UNDER US
By Juan Montoya
Did you know that if you live in South Texas or in Northern Mexico, it is highly probable that you have stepped on or reside in a place built over the graves of U.S. or Mexican soldiers of the Mexican-American War?
In fact, except for a few U.S. officers with influential families in the East Coast or high-ranking Mexican military officers who could afford to transport their remain home, the majority of the lower-ranked soldiers were buried where they fell.
Notable among those whose families retrieved their remains for a formal funeral and ceremony was Colonel Truman Cross, the very first U.S. officer to die during the war with Mexico, and Major Samuel Ringgold, a casualty of the Battle of Palo Alto. 
Other notable officers disinterred from their temporary graves and reburied back in the United States were Col. Archibald Yell, former governor of Arkansas, Col. John J. Hardin, a former Illinois congressman, and Lt. Col. Henry Clay, Jr., son of the distinguished Kentucky statesman. All three died at the Battle of Buena Vista.
Major Jacob Brown Brown was killed in action while defending Fort Texas, which was renamed Fort Brown in his honor. Brown had been hit by a solid artillery shell on May 6, 1846 when it bounced off the fort's earthen walls as he stood outside the structure during the siege of Fort Texas. Brown survived for another three days, dying from his wounds on May 9.
His remains were buried at the Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, after being moved from Brownsville, Texas, which also bears his name.
Cross was killed by guerrillas operating as irregulars for the Mexican side under the leadership of Generals Antonio Canales (the so-called Chaparral Fox) one of the best- known partisan leaders in northern Mexico. Cross had left the camp at Brazos Island to have a look-see at the countryside when he was waylaid by guerrillas.
Notes another writer: "Expert horsemen, Mexican guerrillas usually fought while mounted. Heavily armed with rifles, pistols, lances, sabers, and daggers, they showed particular skill with lassos and preferred to rope their victims and drag them to death when possible. They mastered the local terrain and had the ability to use complex networks of paths, trails, and roads to strike the unwary and then to disappear into the countryside."
In fact, until the armies met in May at Palo Alto and Rasaca de la Palma (Guerra) in May 1846, the only U.S. casualties were inflicted by these irregulars or by disease.On March 25, 1846, even before those battles, the advance party of Taylor's "Army of Occupation" reached Point Isabel (now Port Isabel), where he established a fortified supply depot he named Fort Polk in honor of the President.
Throughout the Mexican War Fort Polk served the U.S. army as a supply depot and hospital. Many soldiers, who died of illness or wounds, were buried in unmarked graves outside the walls of Fort Polk. Shortly after the war the site was abandoned. In 1995, the Cameron County and Texas State historical commissions erected a marker there.
However, the larger number of these unfortunates who died were buried in mass graves on the battlefields, or in unmarked graves along the route of the armies.
Throughout the Mexican War Fort Polk served the U.S. army as a supply depot and hospital. Many soldiers, who died of illness or wounds, were buried in unmarked graves outside the walls of Fort Polk. Shortly after the war the site was abandoned. In 1995, the Cameron County and Texas State historical commissions erected a marker there.
However, the larger number of these unfortunates who died were buried in mass graves on the battlefields, or in unmarked graves along the route of the armies.
"This was hardly new in the annals of warfare. In all previous conflicts in which Americans or their colonial forebears had fallen, the bodies of dead soldiers had been treated in similar fashion. Yet for Americans this war was different. Because these men were fighting outside the United States, they were forced to inter the bodies of deceased comrades in enemy territory in places with unfamiliar names and frequently in remote spots that no friend or family member was ever likely to find even if they tried."
Eyewitness accounts tell of the human destruction at Resaca de la Palma; official reports describe 262 Mexican dead on the battlefield, while noting many more died while trying to cross the Rio Grande (U. S. Congress and Senate 1846). This number probably is the number of dead the U.S. soldiers buried the day following the battle. See Barbour (1936) and Frost (1849) for descriptions on the disposal of the dead.
Nine U.S. soldiers died and were buried at Palo Alto. Thirty-three American soldiers were killed and buried at Resaca de la Palma.
Nine U.S. soldiers died and were buried at Palo Alto. Thirty-three American soldiers were killed and buried at Resaca de la Palma.
There were other reports following the war that describe the graves of the fallen soldiers. On March 18, 1848, nearly two years after the battles, Helen Chapman passed through the Resaca de la Palma area, noting:
"One of the long beautiful green vistas... [was] pointed out by Major Scott as the scene of the deadliest fighting. As we rode down to the spot, all along in relief against the green grass, were the blackened bones of horses and men, fragments of shoes, of woolen cloth, of harness, of capes, fertile proofs of a deadly encounter. They were mostly Mexicans who fell in that line and there they remained unburied, some were buried by our soldiers and some remained where they fell."
"One of the long beautiful green vistas... [was] pointed out by Major Scott as the scene of the deadliest fighting. As we rode down to the spot, all along in relief against the green grass, were the blackened bones of horses and men, fragments of shoes, of woolen cloth, of harness, of capes, fertile proofs of a deadly encounter. They were mostly Mexicans who fell in that line and there they remained unburied, some were buried by our soldiers and some remained where they fell."
However, among the dead were American soldiers who were also buried in a mass grave. These piles of bones remained visible to all travelers and it wasn't until a 100-year storm in later years that the piles of bleached bones were scattered across the countryside and covered with sediment over time. The U.S. government contracted a private firm to transfer and reinter the remains of 3,800 soldiers from Brownsville National Cemetery to Alexandria National Cemetery.
Most of the soldiers originally interred at Brownsville were casualties of the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and an 1885-86 yellow fever epidemic. Major Jacob Brown, for whom the fort was named, is now buried at Alexandria. One grave at Alexandria contains the remains of 1,537 unknown soldiers originally buried at the Brownsville Cemetery.
Remains were also transferred from Fort Ringgold, in Rio Grande City, Texas. A gray granite monument marks a grave containing the remains of 16 Americans.
But Chapman also noted that she had seen another mass grave:
"Further on... we came to a very beautiful spot, a large green open space which was the camping ground of General Arista where all his baggage and booty was found. On the opposite side of the road are two large circular places where the turf has been turned up, and there lie the bodies of those who fell upon the field. Two large pits were dug and into were thrown Americans and Mexicans. On the camping ground of Arista, are three or four graves, two of Sergeants and two, I believe, of Officers whose bodies have since been removed."
By mid-July General Zachary Taylor started to moved his army from its occupation by steamboat from Matamoros to Camargo, 250 miles upriver, which had been set up as a staging area for the campaign in Monterrey and Northern Mexico. Along the way, and soldier who strayed away from his companions was open game for the guerrillas who trailed the troops from the thick chaparral along the river.
Dysentery and other diseases wreaked havoc on the U.S. army garrisoned at Camargo in the summer of 1846. Approximately 1,500 U.S. soldiers (15 percent of the troops) – regular Army and volunteers – died soon after their arrival in Mexico, and were buried along the banks of the Río San Juan. Camargo was referred to by soldiers writing home as "the yawning grave."
The same treatment of offices and common soldiers was carried on throughout the war. It happened at Buena Vista and in other battles where U.S. soldiers fell, including Mexico City. It wasn't until 1852 that the Mexico City National Cemetery was established by congressional act to gather the American dead that lay in the nearby fields and to provide burial space for Americans that died in the vicinity.
The remains were gathered in 1851 and buried in a common grave at this cemetery. They were not identified so they are classified as unknown soldiers A small monument marks the common grave of 750 unidentified American dead of the War of 1847. Inscribed on the monument are the words:
To the honored memory
of 750 Americans
known but to God
whose bones collected
by their country’s order
are here buried.
This created the first U.S. national cemetery anywhere and still stands as the only significant effort made by the federal government to recover the remains of any soldiers who lost their lives during the war with Mexico and to memorialize them.
But the 1,000s of common soldiers – U.S. and Mexicans – who died in that war in South Texas and northern Mexico remain buried under us as we make our daily rounds.
"THE ACCUSED SHALL ENJOY THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL...AND THE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL"
By Ben Allen
Quora
In 1961, a man with an 8th-grade education picked up a pencil in his prison cell and accidentally changed American history forever.
Clarence Earl Gideon was nobody special. At 51, he was a drifter with gray hair, weathered skin, and a lifetime of hard luck. He'd bounced from town to town doing odd jobs, barely scraping by, occasionally spending time in jail for minor offenses. He never finished school. He never had money. And on August 4, 1961, when he stood in a Florida courtroom accused of breaking into a pool hall, he didn't have a lawyer.
The evidence against him was razor-thin—someone claimed they saw him near the Bay Harbor Pool Room around 5:30 AM with coins in his pocket. Five dollars in change was missing from the building, along with some beer and soda. That was it. Gideon swore he was innocent, but who was listening to a poor drifter with a criminal record?
When his trial began, Gideon made what he believed was a simple, constitutional request: "Your Honor, I request this court to appoint counsel to represent me in this trial."
The judge's response was polite but devastating: "Mr. Gideon, I am sorry, but I cannot appoint counsel to represent you in this case. Under the laws of the State of Florida, the only time the court can appoint counsel to represent a defendant is when that person is charged with a capital offense."
Think about that for a moment. The American legal system—with all its complexity, its procedural rules, its technical language—was asking a man who never finished middle school to defend himself against trained prosecutors. They expected him to understand evidence law, cross-examine witnesses, and protect his own constitutional rights.
Gideon tried his best. He questioned witnesses. He proclaimed his innocence. But how do you defend yourself when you don't speak the language of the law? The jury found him guilty. On August 25, 1961, Judge Robert L. McCrary sentenced him to the maximum: five years in Florida State Prison.
Most people would have given up. But Clarence Earl Gideon wasn't most people.
In the prison library, surrounded by law books he could barely understand, Gideon began to read. Slowly, painfully, he taught himself about the Constitution. He discovered the Sixth Amendment's promise of "assistance of counsel." He learned about the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of due process. And he realized something that burned in his chest: the system was fundamentally broken.
How could justice exist when rich defendants got lawyers but poor ones faced prosecutors alone?
Gideon filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court. They rejected it without comment.
So he picked up his pencil again. In shaky handwriting on prison stationery, across five hand-printed pages with imperfect spelling, he wrote a petition to the United States Supreme Court. He signed it. He folded it. And on January 8, 1962, one poor prisoner's voice reached the highest court in America.
Against every odd imaginable, they listened.
The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions every year. Most are dismissed without a second glance. But something about Gideon's case struck a chord. On June 4, 1962, they agreed to hear his appeal. And because he couldn't afford an attorney, they appointed him one of the finest lawyers in the country: Abe Fortas, who would later become a Supreme Court Justice himself.
On January 15, 1963, Fortas made an argument so simple it was devastating: If Clarence Darrow—perhaps the greatest criminal attorney in American history—hired a lawyer when he was charged with a crime, how could a man with an eighth-grade education possibly defend himself?
The answer was obvious. He couldn't. Nobody could.
On March 18, 1963, the Supreme Court announced its decision: 9 to 0. Unanimous. Justice Hugo Black, who had been arguing for this exact outcome for over twenty years, wrote the opinion.
In 1961, a man with an 8th-grade education picked up a pencil in his prison cell and accidentally changed American history forever.
Clarence Earl Gideon was nobody special. At 51, he was a drifter with gray hair, weathered skin, and a lifetime of hard luck. He'd bounced from town to town doing odd jobs, barely scraping by, occasionally spending time in jail for minor offenses. He never finished school. He never had money. And on August 4, 1961, when he stood in a Florida courtroom accused of breaking into a pool hall, he didn't have a lawyer.
The evidence against him was razor-thin—someone claimed they saw him near the Bay Harbor Pool Room around 5:30 AM with coins in his pocket. Five dollars in change was missing from the building, along with some beer and soda. That was it. Gideon swore he was innocent, but who was listening to a poor drifter with a criminal record?
When his trial began, Gideon made what he believed was a simple, constitutional request: "Your Honor, I request this court to appoint counsel to represent me in this trial."
The judge's response was polite but devastating: "Mr. Gideon, I am sorry, but I cannot appoint counsel to represent you in this case. Under the laws of the State of Florida, the only time the court can appoint counsel to represent a defendant is when that person is charged with a capital offense."
Think about that for a moment. The American legal system—with all its complexity, its procedural rules, its technical language—was asking a man who never finished middle school to defend himself against trained prosecutors. They expected him to understand evidence law, cross-examine witnesses, and protect his own constitutional rights.
Gideon tried his best. He questioned witnesses. He proclaimed his innocence. But how do you defend yourself when you don't speak the language of the law? The jury found him guilty. On August 25, 1961, Judge Robert L. McCrary sentenced him to the maximum: five years in Florida State Prison.
Most people would have given up. But Clarence Earl Gideon wasn't most people.
In the prison library, surrounded by law books he could barely understand, Gideon began to read. Slowly, painfully, he taught himself about the Constitution. He discovered the Sixth Amendment's promise of "assistance of counsel." He learned about the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of due process. And he realized something that burned in his chest: the system was fundamentally broken.
How could justice exist when rich defendants got lawyers but poor ones faced prosecutors alone?
Gideon filed a petition with the Florida Supreme Court. They rejected it without comment.
So he picked up his pencil again. In shaky handwriting on prison stationery, across five hand-printed pages with imperfect spelling, he wrote a petition to the United States Supreme Court. He signed it. He folded it. And on January 8, 1962, one poor prisoner's voice reached the highest court in America.
Against every odd imaginable, they listened.
The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions every year. Most are dismissed without a second glance. But something about Gideon's case struck a chord. On June 4, 1962, they agreed to hear his appeal. And because he couldn't afford an attorney, they appointed him one of the finest lawyers in the country: Abe Fortas, who would later become a Supreme Court Justice himself.
On January 15, 1963, Fortas made an argument so simple it was devastating: If Clarence Darrow—perhaps the greatest criminal attorney in American history—hired a lawyer when he was charged with a crime, how could a man with an eighth-grade education possibly defend himself?
The answer was obvious. He couldn't. Nobody could.
On March 18, 1963, the Supreme Court announced its decision: 9 to 0. Unanimous. Justice Hugo Black, who had been arguing for this exact outcome for over twenty years, wrote the opinion.
The Court declared that the right to counsel was "fundamental and essential to a fair trial." States must provide lawyers to poor defendants facing serious charges. The old precedent was overturned. And Gideon's case was sent back to Florida for a new trial.
This time, Gideon had a lawyer: Fred Turner. With professional representation, everything changed. Turner exposed weaknesses in the prosecution's case. He revealed that the state's key witness might have committed the burglary himself. He demonstrated reasonable doubt where before there had seemed to be only guilt.
On August 5, 1963—in the same courthouse, before the same judge—the jury delivered its verdict:
Not guilty.
After more than two years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Clarence Earl Gideon walked free.
But his legacy walked with him. Because of one man's pencil-written petition, the American justice system fundamentally transformed. States across the country had to create public defender offices. Thousands of prisoners convicted without lawyers got new trials. The principle that justice should not depend on wealth became law.
Gideon himself returned to his quiet life. He married for a fifth time. He struggled with health issues. When he died of cancer on January 18, 1972, at age 61, he was still poor. His family initially buried him in an unmarked grave in Missouri.
But years later, the ACLU placed a granite headstone on that grave. The inscription came from Gideon's own words in a letter to Abe Fortas: "Each era finds an improvement in law for the benefit of mankind."
Today, every single time you hear the words "you have the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you"—those words exist because one man refused to accept that poor people should face justice alone.
Clarence Earl Gideon proved that the most powerful force for change isn't wealth, status, or education. Sometimes it's simply the courage to pick up a pencil and write: "This is not right."
And sometimes, against all odds, the world agrees.
This time, Gideon had a lawyer: Fred Turner. With professional representation, everything changed. Turner exposed weaknesses in the prosecution's case. He revealed that the state's key witness might have committed the burglary himself. He demonstrated reasonable doubt where before there had seemed to be only guilt.
On August 5, 1963—in the same courthouse, before the same judge—the jury delivered its verdict:
Not guilty.
After more than two years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Clarence Earl Gideon walked free.
But his legacy walked with him. Because of one man's pencil-written petition, the American justice system fundamentally transformed. States across the country had to create public defender offices. Thousands of prisoners convicted without lawyers got new trials. The principle that justice should not depend on wealth became law.
Gideon himself returned to his quiet life. He married for a fifth time. He struggled with health issues. When he died of cancer on January 18, 1972, at age 61, he was still poor. His family initially buried him in an unmarked grave in Missouri.
But years later, the ACLU placed a granite headstone on that grave. The inscription came from Gideon's own words in a letter to Abe Fortas: "Each era finds an improvement in law for the benefit of mankind."
Today, every single time you hear the words "you have the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you"—those words exist because one man refused to accept that poor people should face justice alone.
Clarence Earl Gideon proved that the most powerful force for change isn't wealth, status, or education. Sometimes it's simply the courage to pick up a pencil and write: "This is not right."
And sometimes, against all odds, the world agrees.
"LET GOD SORT THEM OUT," NEW PLANK ON THE 2026 GOP PLATFORM
La Cebolla
WASHINGTON—Adopting a new set of national policy positions ahead of this year’s midterms, top GOP leaders released an updated party platform Tuesday to introduce their official “ICE kills everyone” agenda for 2026.
“In our continuing fight to make America great again, it is vital we maintain Republican control of the government so we can ensure the extrajudicial killing of all U.S. citizens at the hands of ICE officers,” said Republican National Committee chair Joe Gruters, claiming the new platform pillar represented the priorities of everyday, hard-working Americans who wished to be summarily executed by an agent of the U.S. government.
“Cowardly Democrats have made it clear they intend to take away your God-given right to be shot point-blank by a federal law enforcement officer, but we will not let them. Republicans must remain in power come November if we are to have any chance of the entire nation being beaten to death for simply walking down the street or driving a car. We promise, a vote for our party is a vote for a bullet to each and every American face.”
Gruters also touted a national ad campaign that would feature hours of real-life footage highlighting the Republican Party’s long-standing commitment to violence and degradation.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
CAMERON COUNTY GOP PRIMARY'S STEALTH BALLOT; AND THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES ENDORSEMENT BY CARDENAS COLONIA BUILDERS OF PCT. 2 CANDIDATE CAMPOS
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Part 1
Of particular interest to voters in Brownsville – the county's biggest city – are the contested positions of party chair and Precinct 2 county commissioner. Bell's handpicked candidate is the race between De Leon and Birschbach, a recent transplant whose greatest accomplishment was that he just moved here from Colorado. De Leon is a lifelong resident of Cameron County.
It took us a while to finally nail down the candidates for the Republican Party primary ballot on the Cameron County ballot.
We had emailed local chairperson Deborah Bell through the party's website on the day that the filings were done, to no avail. On the other hand, Democratic Party county chair Jared Hockema made his party's filings available to us minutes after the deadline for filings the same evening December 8.
It seems as if Bell was purposely going out of her way to prevent non-Republicans from learning who was on the county's ballots. Up to today, we could not find a list on the GOP's county website. Go figure. Below is the list of the main positions sought and their Republican candidates. For example, there are 10 other Republican challengers to incumbent governor Greg Abbott across the state.
In fact, we had to find a statewide website on the internet to get a full list of the party's candidates for office.https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-cbp-ui/candidate-ballot-order
But, as they say, all politics are local, so we have prepared a culled down list of candidates for the main local positions for Cameron County that directly affect local residents. A can be seen, the party's aim, under Bell, is to place a candidate – any candidate with a pulse – on the general ballot in November's general election. They will face the winners in the Democratic Party primaries in November, most of who are incumbent Democrats. They are listed below.
U. S. Representative District 34
Luis Buentello
Jay Nagy
Mayra Flores
Eric Flores
Fred Hinojosa
Scott Mandel
Gregory Scott Kunkle Jr.
Keith Allen
(Take your pick. Trump has endorsed Eric Flores after he had Mayra Flores campaign for him in Hispanic-leaning districts across the west in his last election. It didn't help that Mayra Flores, who ran on platform of God, Family, and Country, has divorced her Border Patrol husband since. Besides Mayra, Eric Flores and Scott Mandel lead in media attention and fundraising. Today Mandel kowtowed to the Trump forces and withdrew from the race, endorsing Eric Flores.)County Judge
Mauro Garza
(Garza unsuccessfully ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas 34th Congressional District now held by incumbent Vicente "Chente" Gonzalez.)County Clerk
Ricardo (Rick) Herrera
(Newcomer.)
County Treasurer
Lucy Jeannette Gonzalez
(Newcomer.)
County Commissioner Precinct 2
Jonathan Campos
Barbie Lopez
(Newcomers.)
County Commissioner Precinct 4
Oscar Guerra
Ricardo (Rick) Balli
(Newcomers.)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2
Julian B. Martinez
(Newcomer)
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 3
Ricardo Alejandro
(Newcomer)
County Chair
Lorraine De Leon
Jim Birschbach
(Newcomers)
The other race of interest is the race for the county commissioner's Precinct 2 position now held by incumbent Joey Lopez. Candidates Jonathan Campos and Barbie Lopez are both vying to replace Joey Lopez in November.
Of particular interest is the fact the Campos (called some guy in a cowboy hat) who is running against Barbie Lopez, is that he is the apparent favorite candidate of the Cardenas clan, of CUBCO land developers (and Ricky Cardenas' Quinta-Anita) fame. Local county administrators and precinct commissioners cringe when they hear that the Cardenas have a subdivision going up in their jurisdiction because they know of their predilection to construct their sub-standard developments in the area between three to five miles outside of cities' extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ.) in the county.
Cameron County's Model Subdivision rules was approved then that made the two-mile space allow developers to build their subdivisions without curb and gutter, lighting, rural-grade roads, no sidewalks, open drainage, and septic tanks. When the cities extend their ETJ through natural growth and annexation, the burden of the improvements to bring them up to subdivision falls on the county taxpayers.
A prime example is the Cardenas abuse of subdivision rules in their development of substandard subdivisions (read colonias) has ben reported in social media as far back as 2018 when the then-commissioner of Precinct 2, Alex Dominguez, had to deal with the headaches of residents complaining of the cynically named Laguna Seca subdivision that was built in a flood zone and used a homeowners association clause in their deeds that made low-income residents responsible for operating pumps to deal with widespread flooding. https://rrunrrun.blogspot.com/2018/09/laguan-seca.html
Is Campos ready to run interference in the county as Pct. 2 commissioner to continue to allow these kind of development for this benefactors?
Apparently, they think so and have placed his campaign signs on their development office. In fact, Mauro Garza, candidate for county judge, has endorsed the guy in he cowboy hat for that precinct. Barbie Lopez's supporters say that there is a real chance that they could get an endorsement by national Republicans – maybe up to Trump – to endorse her.
If Campos is successful, county taxpayers should brace themselves to continue following the Cardenas clan's path of substandard developments and fixing them at public expense.
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