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NAFTA
ZAPATA, TEXAS
Christmas Parade set for Thursday, Dec. 7 ZAPATA TIME S
David Maung / Bloomberg
A CBP officer signals a truck entering from Mexico at a border crossing in San Diego. Negotiators resume talks Wednesday under the unnerving possibility that the $1 trillion trade pact will unravel completely taking the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar down with it.
Thinking the unthinkable Officials prepare for trade pack doomsday as talks resume
All businesses, churches, clubs, schools, organizations and elected officials in Zapata are invited to participate in this year's
Christmas Parade. The parade and lighting of the county plaza is set for Thursday, Dec. 7. The parade lineup is set for 5 p.m. at Glenn Street and 17th Avenue behind Our
Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. All entries must be in line no later than 5:30 p.m. The parade will start promptly at 6 p.m. and proceed on 17th Avenue
and head south on U.S. 83, taking a left on 6th Avenue to end the parade. Trophies will be awarded for the top three best decorated floats. Parade continues on A8
SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE CONSORTIUM
LCC SPEARHEADS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
By Justin Villamil and Katherine Greifeld B L OOMBE RG NEWS
Lurking around the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations that resume Wednesday is a small yet unnerving possibility: The $1 trillion trade pact unravels completely, taking the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar down with it. “There’s about a 10 percent chance that one side completely walks away,” said Shawn Snyder, head of investment strategy at Citi Personal Wealth Management in New York. “That would be a significant event.” The peso would slide 11 percent against the dollar if NAFTA collapses, according to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, among the currency’s top three forecasters this year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. says the loonie could swoon as much as 8 percent from current levels. Granted, most analysts take a far more sanguine view. The median forecast among strategists tracked by Bloomberg is for both currencies to actually strengthen more than 4 percent each by the end of next year. The peso will probably gain to 18.3 per U.S. dollar from 19.15 now, while the loonie may advance to 1.22 from 1.27, according to the estimates. Yet the peso is particularly susceptible to jitters about NAFTA, a treaty in place for almost a quarter century that covers about $1 trillion in total U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico. On Aug. 28, the day after President Donald Trump tweeted that NAFTA was the “worst trade deal ever made,” the peso dropped 1.4 percent -- more than any other currency in the world. It plummeted 8.7 percent the week he was elected president. The peso and the loonie each rose less than 0.5 percent as of 11:54 a.m. New York time today. Here’s what analysts are saying: Citi’s Snyder: * “People just assume that it’s going to be fine, because I don’t think they can fathom the idea of it not working out. Canada and Mexico are starting to prepare for the idea that they have to walk away from it, but I don’t think they will.” * “Eventually they’ll come to some sort of agreement, but right now, it’s not progressing that well.” Tom Nakamura, a money manager at AGF Investments Inc. in Toronto: * “If talks break down and the possibility of NAFTA continues on A10
LCC / Courtesy photo
Local and statewide educational leaders sign an agreement of cooperation regarding Hispanic male student success. Pictured, from left, is Zapata County ISD Superintendent Carlos Gonzalez, United ISD Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction David H. Gonzalez, Southwest Texas Junior College President Hector Gonzales, South Texas College President Shirley Reed, LCC President Ricardo J. Solis, Del Mar College President Mark Escamilla, Laredo ISD Superintendent Sylvia Rios, and Texas A&M International University President Pablo Arenaz.
Officials pledge commitment to student success in higher education SPECIAL TO THE TIME S
ZCISD Superintendent Carlos Gonzalez was among the local and regional educational institution leaders from across the state who convened at Laredo Community College to pledge their commitment to student success in higher education with the signing of two key agreements of cooperation on Friday, Nov. 10 at the college's historic Fort McIntosh Campus. During the first agreement, each of the partnering institutions agreed to share best practices as it relates to student success in
the classroom, as well as fostering open dialogue and discussion regarding Hispanic male student success. Joining LCC President Ricardo J. Solis in the signing of this crucial imperative were college presidents and school superintendents, including Mark Escamilla - Del Mar College president, Hector Gonzales - Southwest Texas Junior College president, Shirley Reed - South Texas College president, Pablo Arenaz Texas A&M International University president, Carlos Gonzalez - Zapata LCC continues on A10
LCC / Courtesy photo
A second agreement of cooperation was signed between Del Mar College President Mark Escamilla, South Texas College President Shirley Reed, Southwest Texas Junior College President Hector Gonzales, and LCC President Ricardo J. Solis to commemorate a new South Texas College Consortium partnership. The partnering institutions are working on several innovative workforce programs for regional and border economic development.
WORLD ENERGY OUTLOOK
Report: Shale boom is the biggest in history U.S. to dominate global oil, gas markets for many years By Grant Smith BL O O MBE RG
The U.S. will be a dominant force in global oil and gas markets for many years to come as the shale boom becomes the biggest supply surge in history, the International Energy Agency predicted. By 2025, the growth in American oil production will equal that achieved by Saudi Arabia at the height of its expansion, and increases in natural gas will surpass those of the former Soviet Union, the agency said in its annual World Ener-
gy Outlook. The boom will turn the U.S., still among the biggest oil importers, into a net exporter of fossil fuels. “The United States will be the undisputed leader of global oil and gas markets for decades to come,” IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said Tuesday in an interview with Bloomberg television. “There’s big growth coming from shale oil, and as such there’ll be a big difference between the U.S. and other producers.” The agency raised estimates for the amount of shale oil that can be tech-
nically recovered by about 30 percent to 105 billion barrels. Forecasts for shale-oil output in 2025 were bolstered by 34 percent to 9 million barrels a day. The U.S. industry “has emerged from its trial-by-fire as a leaner and hungrier version of its former self, remarkably resilient and reacting to any sign of higher prices caused by OPEC’s return to active market management,” the IEA said. While oil prices have recovered to a two-year high above $60 a barrel, they’re Shale continues on A8
Spencer Platt / Getty Images
A man fills his car up with gas at a station on Tuesday in New York City. According to a new report by the International Energy Agency, (IEA) global oil demand will fall only slightly alongside the predicted rise in electric vehicles over the next two decades.
Zin brief A2 | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
CALENDAR
AROUND THE NATION
TODAY IN HISTORY
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. - noon. 1220 McClelland Ave. Hard cover $1, paperback $0.50, magazines and children’s books, $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions. Teen Volunteers Weekly Meeting. 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Middle school and high school students can earn community hours.
THURSDAY, NOV. 16 Preschool Books & Boogie: Songs and crafts for toddlers. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Free event.
FRIDAY, NOV. 17 Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press
12th Annual Radiothon. Hosted by Make A Wish Foundation and Big Buck Country 98.1. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Mall del Norte, Centre Court. Call 712-9474 to pledge or renew support. For more information, call 235-0673.
Two women embrace outside Rancho Tehama Elementary School, where a gunman opened fire Tuesday in Corning, California. Authorities said, a gunman choosing targets at random, opened fire in a rural Northern California town Tuesday, killing four people at several sites and wounding others at the elementary school before police shot him dead.
SATURDAY, NOV. 18 FamilySearch.org Workshop (Genealogy): Research your family history. 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. All ages. Free event. Percy Jackson Book Club. To Discuss Sea of Monsters. 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free Books While Supplies Last. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. All ages. Free event. Enriching your faith through scouting. 2 p.m. Mass at 6 p.m. Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall, 2219 Galveston St. The Diocese of Laredo Catholic Committee on Scouting presents a mini retreat for all adult leaders and volunteers. The fee is $20. For information on how to register, contact Alexandra Manrique at amanrique@gsgst.org or Rodolfo Sanchez at san1a5s9b1@sbcglobal.net.
TUESDAY, NOV. 21 Knit with Us: Learn to Knit. For adults. Free and open to the public. 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. For more information, call 956-795-2400, ext. 2403. LEGO Night. 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Play with LEGOs and LEGO robotics. All ages. Free and open to the public.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. - noon. 1220 McClelland Ave. Hard cover $1, paperback $0.50, magazines and children’s books, $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions. Teen Volunteers Weekly Meeting. 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Middle school and high school students can earn community hours.
GUNMAN KILLS 4 AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RED BLUFF, Calif. — A gunman choosing targets at random opened fire in a rural Northern California town Tuesday, killing four people at several sites and wounding others at an elementary school before police shot him dead, authorities said. The gunfire began around 8 a.m. in the community of Rancho Tehama Reserve. Police offered no immediate word on the assailant's motive, but a sheriff's official said the shooter's neighbors had reported a domestic violence incident. "It was very clear at the onset that we had an individual that was randomly picking targets," Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston said. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and children screaming at an elementary school about five miles down a road from where the shooting is believed to have started. Several people were wounded at the school, said Jeanine Quist, an administrative assistant with the Corning Union Elementary School District. Salvador Tello said the gunman fired at a truck in front of him as he was dropping off his three children. Tello said he was
about three blocks from the school when bullets made "big holes" in the truck in front of him. He said he forced his children to duck down and slammed his truck into reverse and headed to the children's grandmother's house. "I put my kids down and put my truck in reverse and went out," he said. "I don't believe it because I wake up, take my kids, feed them cereal and put them in the truck and says 'Let's go to school like a normal day.'" On the way, he said, he saw an apparent gunshot victim and police at another scene. Details were still sketchy hours after the shootings, and authorities did not have a firm count of the wounded due to the number of places the gunman attacked, Johnston said. Authorities recovered a semi-automatic rifle and two handguns. The subdivision is described on its website as a "quiet private country community" where "the people are friendly and the pace is relaxed." The homeowner association's website says there are 2,016 lots in the community and 1,346 voting members. — Compiled from AP reports
THURSDAY, NOV. 23 Preschool Books & Boogie: Songs and crafts for toddlers. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Free event.
SATURDAY, NOV. 25 FamilySearch.org Workshop (Genealogy): Research your family history. 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. All ages. Free event.
TUESDAY, NOV. 28 A family night event. St. Patrick Church Men's Club bowling tournament fundraiser. 5:30 p.m. Jett Bowl North for scholarships and other parish needs. $125 per team of five. Lane sponsorships are $500, $300, $200. Information call Dennis Eveland 286-2118 or Narciso Castro 740-2226. Knit with Us: Learn to Knit. For adults. Free and open to the public. 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. For more information, call 956-795-2400, ext. 2403. LEGO Night. 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Play with LEGOs and LEGO robotics. All ages. Free and open to the public. Borderwall as Architecture: A Manifesto for the U.S.-México Boundary. 7:30 p.m. TAMIU Student Center Ballroom, 5201 University Blvd. International Bank of Commerce Keynote Speaker Series presentation featuring Ronald Rael, author and associate professor of architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. The event is free and open to the public. The author will be available for book signing following the lecture.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. - noon. 1220 McClelland Ave. Hard cover $1, paperback $0.50, magazines and children’s books, $0.25. Public is invited. Proceeds are used to support the church’s missions. Teen Volunteers Weekly Meeting. 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library, 1920 Palo Blanco. Middle school and high school students can earn community hours.
AROUND THE WORLD Climate negotiators look to leaders to boost talks BONN, Germany — Diplomats began wrapping up negotiations on advancing the Paris climate accord Tuesday at a global conference in Germany, setting the stage for political leaders to fly in and provide a final shot of momentum. The talks now in their second week are largely technical in nature. But the Trump administration’s threat to pull the U.S. out of the agreement and extreme weather events in many parts of the world have created pressure for other governments at the meeting to strongly affirm their support for the 2015 Paris accord. Much of the limelight Wednesday is expected to fall on Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, which is co-hosting the U.N. talks in Bonn with Fiji. Environmental campaigners want Germany to show its
Lukas Schulze / Getty Images,
Al Gore talks at the America's Pledge launch event "We Are Still In" at the UN Climate Change Conference on Tuesday.
commitment to curbing global warming by announcing a deadline for phasing out the use of coal, a major greenhouse gas. President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands, whose country risks being swallowed by the Pacific Ocean if global warming causes sea levels to keep rising, said a declaration that Germany will end its use
of coal “would be a signal of hope for my country and for every vulnerable country around the world.” Merkel will be joined by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron, who has come out strongly in favor of efforts to fight climate change. — Compiled from AP reports
CONTACT US
AROUND TEXAS Texas State suspends frats and sororities after pledge dies SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State University officials say they have suspended all fraternity and sorority chapter activities following the death of a fraternity pledge after an initiation ritual.
Today is Wednesday, Nov. 15, the 319th day of 2017. There are 46 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Nov. 15, 1942, the naval Battle of Guadalcanal ended during World War II with a decisive U.S. victory over Japanese forces. On this date: In 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation. In 1806, explorer Zebulon Pike sighted the mountaintop now known as Pikes Peak in present-day Colorado. In 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman began their "March to the Sea" from Atlanta; the campaign ended with the capture of Savannah on Dec. 21. In 1926, the National Broadcasting Company began operating its radio network. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. In 1959, four members of the Clutter family of Holcomb, Kansas, were found murdered in their home. (Exconvicts Richard Hickock and Perry Smith were later convicted of the killings and hanged in a case made famous by the Truman Capote book "In Cold Blood.") In 1966, the flight of Gemini 12, the final mission of the Gemini program, ended successfully as astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. splashed down safely in the Atlantic after spending four days in orbit. In 1986, a government tribunal in Nicaragua convicted American Eugene Hasenfus of charges related to his role in delivering arms to Contra rebels, and sentenced him to 30 years in prison. (Hasenfus was pardoned a month later.) In 1987, 28 of 82 people aboard a Continental Airlines DC-9, including the pilots, were killed when the jetliner crashed seconds after taking off from Denver's Stapleton International Airport. Ten years ago: During a feisty Democratic debate in Las Vegas, Hillary Rodham Clinton accused her closest rivals, Barack Obama and John Edwards, of slinging mud "right out of the Republican playbook" and sharply criticized their records. Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh, killing more than 3,200 people and leaving millions homeless. Baseball player Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice, charged with lying when he told a federal grand jury that he did not knowingly use performance-enhancing drugs. (Bonds was later convicted on the obstruction of justice count, which was overturned in 2015.) San Diego Padres ace Jake Peavy won the NL Cy Young Award in a unanimous vote. Actress Lindsay Lohan (LOH'-un) completed her jail sentence for drunken driving in a swift 84 minutes. Five years ago: The Justice Department announced that BP had agreed to plead guilty to a raft of charges in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill and pay a record $4.5 billion, including nearly $1.3 billion in criminal fines. Four veterans were killed and 13 people injured when a freight train slammed into a parade float carrying wounded warriors and their spouses at a rail crossing in Midland, Texas. Detroit's Miguel Cabrera was named the American League's Most Valuable Player by the Baseball Writers' Association of America; San Francisco's Buster Posey was the National League MVP. Today's Birthdays: Actor Ed Asner is 88. Singer Petula Clark is 85. Comedian Jack Burns is 84. Actress Joanna Barnes is 83. Actor Yaphet Kotto is 78. Actor Sam Waterston is 77. Classical conductor Daniel Barenboim is 75. Pop singer Frida is 72. Actor Bob Gunton is 72. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is 70. Actress Beverly D'Angelo is 66. Director-actor James Widdoes is 64. Rock singer-producer Mitch Easter is 63. News correspondent John Roberts is 61. Former "Jay Leno Show" bandleader Kevin Eubanks is 60. Comedian Judy Gold is 55. Actress Rachel True is 51. Rapper E-40 is 50. Country singer Jack Ingram is 47. Actor Jay Harrington is 46. Actor Jonny Lee Miller is 45. Actress Sydney Tamiia Poitier is 44. Christian rock musician David Carr is 43. Rock singer-musician Chad Kroeger is 43. Rock musician Jesse Sandoval is 43. Actress Virginie Ledoyen is 41. Actor Sean Murray is 40. Pop singer Ace Young is 37. Golfer Lorena Ochoa is 36. Hip-hop artist B.o.B is 29. Actress Shailene Woodley is 26. Thought for Today : "In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou has attained it thou art a fool." — Simon Ben Azzai, 2nd century (A.D.) Jewish scholar.
In a statement Tuesday, they said Matt Ellis was found unresponsive Monday morning at an off-campus apartment. The 20-year-old sophomore from Humble, Texas, had attended a party that Phi Kappa Psi fraternity members hosted Sunday night at the apartment. An autopsy has been ordered. Police in San Marcos, Texas, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Austin, say
they suspect alcohol played a role in the death. A message left at the Phi Kappa Psi national office for comment was not immediately returned. University President Denise Trauth said the suspension is a first step and chapters won’t be reinstated until a review is done of the entire fraternity and sorority system on campus. — Compiled from AP reports
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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 |
A3
CRIME
Fired prosecutor apologizes over Uber flap A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
DALLAS — A now-fired Dallas County prosecutor has apologized for berating an Uber driver during a ride home from a bar in an in-
cident that prompted her dismissal. Ex-Assistant District Attorney Jody Warner said Tuesday that she was “uncomfortable with the route” taken Friday by driver Shaun Platt.
Police chief fired following sex harassment complaint A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
ALTON, Texas — A South Texas police chief has been fired after it was determined he sexually harassed a person working in his department. Alton City Manager Jorge Arcaute says in a statement that interviews with police personnel revealed that Chief Enrique Sotelo “did exhibit behavior that constitutes sexual harassment.” A department employee had filed a harassment complaint against him last month and he was later placed on administrative leave before he was ultimately fired Friday. Arcaute says the investigation also found that Sotelo created and allowed a hostile work environment. Multiple calls to Sotelo by The Monitor newspaper were not returned. He was appointed police chief in 2009. The Monitor reports his predecessor was arrested for public lewdness. Another Alton police chief was fired after being charged with sexual assault in 2007.
Warner, who’d been with the DA’s office six years, says she’s prosecuted sexual offender cases and may have been on edge. She also apologized for her language and said she’d been drinking.
District Attorney Faith Johnson on Monday fired Warner, saying such behavior violated the integrity of the office. Platt recorded part of the conversation and accused
Warner of hitting, insulting and falsely alleging he was kidnapping her. Platt says he summoned police when Warner refused to exit his vehicle. Warner was not charged.
School districts to change Confederate school names ASSOCIATED PRE SS
AUSTIN — School district leaders in Austin say they’ll move forward with renaming five schools whose names have ties to the Confederacy, regardless of whether local communities push back.
The Austin AmericanStatesman reports administrators explained their proposal Monday to the district’s Board of Trustees. The schools being considered are Fulmore Middle School, Lanier High School, Reagan High School, Eastside
Memorial High School at The Johnston Campus and the now-closed Allan Elementary School. Each school was named after a person who sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War. Trustee Amber Elenz says the district should make clear to parents,
neighbors and staff that leaving the current names in place isn’t an option. The plan calls for creating re-naming committees in January, gathering public submissions in February and board action in March.
Zopinion
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A4 | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
The siege mentality problem By David Brooks N EW YORK T I ME S
Why are so many conservative evangelicals in Alabama still supporting Roy Moore? For that matter, why have so many evangelicals around the country spent the past two years embracing Donald Trump? I just took part in a compelling conversation on this subject at the Faith Angle Forum, founded by the late Michael Cromartie of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, and came away with one core explanation: the siege mentality. In fact, I’d say the siege mentality explains most of the dysfunctional group behavior these days, on left and right. You see the siege mentality not just among evangelical Christians but also among the campus social justice warriors and the gun lobbyists, in North Korea and Iran, and in the populist movements across Europe. The siege mentality starts with a sense of collective victimhood. It’s not just that our group has opponents. The whole “culture” or the whole world is irredeemably hostile. From this flows a deep sense of pessimism. Things are bad now. Our enemies are growing stronger. And things are about to get worse. The world our children inherit will be horrific. The siege mentality floats on apocalyptic fear. The odd thing is that the siege mentality feels kind of good to the people who grab on to it. It gives its proponents a straightforward way to interpret the world — the noble us versus the powerful them. It gives them a clear sense of group membership and a clear social identity. It offers a ready explanation for the bad things that happen in life. Most of all, it gives people a narrative to express their own superiority: We may be losing, but at least we are the holy remnant. We have the innocence of victimhood. We are martyrs in a spiteful world. Leaders, even sports coaches, try to whip up the siege mentality, because it makes their job easier. After all, this mentality encourages people to conform and follow orders. Resentment can be a great motivator. It’s us against the world! The siege mentality also excuses the leader’s bad behavior. When our very existence is on the line we can’t be worrying about things like humility, sexual morality, honesty and basic decency. In times of war all is permissible. Even molesting teenagers can be overlooked because our group’s survival is at stake. In the end, though, the siege mentality ends up being self-destructive. Groups smitten with the siege mentality filter out discordant facts and become more extreme versions of themselves, leading to further marginalization. They take mainstream loathing as a badge of honor and wind up taking pleasure in
their most unattractive instincts. The siege mentality ends up displacing whatever creed the group started with. Evangelical Christians, for example, had a humane model for leadership — servant leadership — but, feeling besieged, they swapped it for Donald Trump, for gladiator pagan leadership. Why is this mindset so prevalent now? Well, it’s partially because the country is divided and many groups feel under assault. According to a Pew Research Center poll, 64 percent of Americans believe that their group has been losing most of the time. But that’s not the main reason the siege mentality is so prevalent. It’s because we’re in a historic transitional moment and the very foundations of society are now open to question. In the 1960s the civil rights leaders suffered injustice and oppression. But they had a basic faith in the foundations of society. They wanted a place at the table. Today people are more likely to think the table itself stinks, or there is no common table. Today Christians are more likely to argue that the liberal order itself is intolerant toward faith. Social justice warriors are prone to argue that America is racist and oppressive in its very bones. The evil is inherent in the basic structure. How should one respond to the siege mentality, to the Alabamians now rallying around Roy Moore? Well, it’s right to be disgusted, and it feels good to be contemptuous. But contempt only breeds contempt. Contempt for the conservatives in Alabama will just justify their siege mentality and make the social disorder that flows from it worse. The fact is, the siege mentality arises from overgeneralization: They are all out to get us. It shouldn’t be met with a counter-overgeneralization: Those people are all sick. It should be met with confident pluralism. We have a shared moral culture, and some things are beyond the boundaries, like tolerating sexual harassment. But within the boundaries of our liberal polity, we’re going to give one another the benefit of the doubt. Suppose America’s leaders had gone to conservative evangelicals a decade ago and said: Look, we understand that changing attitudes about gay marriage put you in a tough position. We’re not going to stop doing what we think is right, but we’re going to try to work out some accommodation with you on religious liberty so you can feel at home here and practice your faith. That might have felt more like a conversation than a siege. That might have spared us the populist revolts that brought us Roy Moore, and Donald Trump, and the repugnant habits of mind that now excuse them. David Brooks is a columnist with the New York Times.
COLUMN
The Hollywood version of a Texas filibuster By Ken Herman COX NEWSPAPERS
AUSTIN — I wasn’t ever going to write about this ever again. Really. And there were at least two good reasons not to write about it ever again. I’m sick of typing about it. You’re sick of reading what I type about it. But then something happened. Hollywood happened, and Lord knows Hollywood is where we look these days for moral guidance. I blame Hollywood. For everything. Except “Caddyshack,” which remains the pinnacle of American cinema. There’s a movie in the works — “Let Her Speak” — that’s sure to be Hollywood’s fawning version of then-Sen. Wendy Davis in her famous among some, infamous among others, performance of the June 2013 filibuster that brought a rowdy, rule-breaking crowd to the Senate chamber to cheer her on as she successfully briefly delayed approval of abortion restrictions favored by a clear majority of senators. Whew, that was a long sentence. And it was a long day in the Senate when Davis performed the nearly 13-hour filibuster that made her famous and launched her 2014 gubernatorial campaign that gave us Gov. Greg Abbott. Way to go, Democrats. For the record, and in case you missed my redundant previous columns about that extraordinary day in the Texas Senate, let me remind you that I was on Davis’ side in opposing the abortion restriction measure that later was approved in a subsequent special session and parts of which have been stricken down in court. My beef is about pro-
cess. Filibusters are dumb and counter to our basic notions about how law is made. Ban the filibuster. Anyway, even as word spread from Hollywood last week that Sandra Bullock was on board to play Davis in the movie, I had no plans to revisit this topic until the movie actually is produced and projected onto silver screens. So why am I bothering you with this today? Tilove. Jonathan Tilove. (And that’s pronounced tie-love, as in the diagnosable condition in which you really, really like ties.) Tilove, chief political reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, is the hardest working man in journalism. Among other things, he produces a bit of online magic called “First Reading.” It really should be called “While Regular People Were Sleeping” because he produces it overnight while regular people were sleeping. On Monday, while others still were reporting that Bullock (one of the few local woman named Bullock who never were married to the late Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock) was to play Davis, Tilove told us about the script, a copy of which he has procured. My two basic gripes about the Davis filibuster have been about the filibuster, not Davis. Filibusters are dumb, unfair and should be verboten. If we didn’t have filibusters and they had them in Slobovia (Upper or Lower) we’d laugh and say, “Wait a minute, the legislative process can be brought to a halt by somebody who can stand and talk for a long time while wearing clandestine equipment allowing one to answer nature’s call while standing and talking for a long time?”
Oh, those wacky Slobovians (Upper or Lower), we would say. That’s what a filibuster is: a nonsensical procedure in which physical endurance — in the face of the reality of the vote count — becomes a part of legislating. It causes nothing more than delay, because filibusters only are done when the filibusterer is on the losing side of an issue. So next time you pick a Texas Senate candidate, be sure to take into account physical condition. In addition to debates, there should be a decathlon. Under the rules, our current governor would not be allowed to filibuster in the Texas Senate. The rules, and rulings made on them, states that a member speaking on the floor “must stand upright at his desk and may not lean or sit on his desk or chair.” The “Let Her Speak” script, of course, is very pro-Davis. But included are two scenes in which a Davis colleague makes my two points about filibusters. Thank you, Hollywood version of Kirk Watson, D-Austin. (And I’m with Tilove: Billy Bob Thornton should play Watson.) In a key scene showing outnumbered Dems strategizing about a possible filibuster, then-Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, tells Davis it would take “a hell of a long time.” Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, chimes in, “Can’t be done. Not under our rules.” Watson, listing the rules, says, “No sitting, no eating. ... No taking a piss.” “I know the damn rules!” Davis says, sparking this from Watson: “Then look around you!
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
D’you see any triathletes here? Any God-damn Olympians?” The stage directions then say, “Wendy looks at her colleagues. One by one. Kirk’s right. They’re not out of ‘Cocoon,’ but they’re not far from it.” (In case you’ve forgotten, “Cocoon” was a 1995 movie about geezers. It was pretty good, but no “Caddyshack.”) So, right there in the “Let Her Speak” script is the nod to the nonsense of physical endurance as part of legislating. At another point in the script, Watson makes my point about marathon talking in the face of the reality that the other side has the votes. The scene shows some Watson-Davis tension as she gears up for the filibuster and he seems to question the wisdom of it. “You think I’m not outraged?” Watson tells her. “You think I like showin’ up every day just to lose, over and over?” Davis then rebuffs Watson’s suggestion that she seems to think she’s “the only one courageous enough to fight.” “That’s exactly what you’re saying!” Watson says. “Trust me, senator. I can fight! I can God-damn fight! Difference between you and me is, I can also count.” Exactly right, Hollywood version of Watson. (Note to Watson’s clergy person. The movie is based on a true story, but Hollywood sometimes shows folks saying things they don’t really say.) Final notion: Any chance the GOP-controlled Texas Capitol machinery allows Hollywood to use the Senate chamber to film this tale? Ken Herman is a columnist for the Austin American-Statesman.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 |
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STATE
Prison guard Catholic cardinal DiNardo condemns ‘forces of division’ pleads guilty in By Rachel Zoll A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops decried what he said were “the forces of division” in the country, as he called Monday for immigration policies that keep families together and a “humane” approach to policing the border. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Texas, affirmed the government’s authority to protect national security. But he said recent policies and attitudes have often been rooted in unfounded anxiety about people who “look, talk and even think differently.” That fear is present both within and outside the church, he said. “The forces of division prey on our fear of the unfamiliar, the different. But fear is not of God,” said DiNardo, in an address to the bishops’ fall meeting in Baltimore. “They tempt us to see a threat in the stranger.” DiNardo never mentioned President Donald Trump by name, focusing instead on government policy. DiNardo said the country had a “moral responsibility” to protect the border “in a humane way.” He said a “pro-life immigration policy is one that does not tear families apart.” And he expressed support for young immigrants known by their advocates as Dreamers. For “those who have only known the United States as their home, we make Pope Francis’ words our own: keep on dreaming,” DiNardo said. Trump has said an aggressive deportation policy and restrictions on refugee entry to the U.S.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, speaks at a news conference during the USCCB's annual fall meeting in Baltimore on Monday.
are critical for national security. His administration has decided to phase out temporary deportation protections enacted under former President Barack Obama for a number of those young people brought to the country illegally as children, giving Congress until March to come up with a new policy. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program has protected about 800,000 people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or came with families that overstayed visas. The bishops’ assembly opened with a Sunday night Mass celebrated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the conference. In his sermon, Parolin urged the
bishops to dispel “the shadows of polarization, divisiveness and societal breakdown by the pure light of the Gospel.” The Vatican provided no information about Parolin’s trip in the U.S. On Monday, he met with Vice President Mike Pence, according to a White House news release, which said the men discussed issues including religious freedom, human trafficking and the plight of Christian and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. Parolin told the Catholic TV network EWTN that he and Pence also discussed the church’s position on the need for a “compassionate approach to the issue of migration.” The White House news release did not mention immigration. The 68-million-mem-
ber U.S. Catholic church, the country’s largest denomination by far, runs a nationwide network of support programs for refugees and immigrants. Immigrants comprise a large share of church members, including a growing presence of Latinos, both newcomers and U.S.born parishioners. Pope Francis has made aid for immigrants and refugees a priority of his pontificate. DiNardo linked the church’s advocacy for immigrants with the Roman Catholic teaching against abortion, saying respect for others begins in the womb. He also called for stronger religious liberty protections for health care workers and others who oppose abortion. Several bishops said the precarious situation for immigrants was the result of inaction by several presidential administrations that did not enact comprehensive immigration reform. Still, church leaders noted that animosity toward immigrants has intensified over the past year or so. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich said “that poisoning rhetoric” is having an impact on parishioners. Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, referencing the Trump campaign slogan “Make America Great Again,” said, “We can make America great, but you don’t make America great by making America mean.” Along with advocating for immigrants, the bishops have started a new initiative against racism, which has had a “troubling resurgence,” said Bishop George Murry, of Youngston, Ohio.
bribery case ASSOCIATED PRE SS
HOUSTON — A federal prison guard in Texas faces up to 15 years behind bars for smuggling drugs and electronic devices to inmates at a Houston-area lockup. Jacoby Derrell Randall of Houston pleaded guilty Monday to bribery of a federal employee. Investigators say evidence shows the 28-yearold Randall was smug-
gling banned items including food, marijuana and electronics to inmates at the Joe Corley Detention Facility in Conroe. A law enforcement statement says the investigation began earlier this year. Authorities didn’t immediately say how much Randall was paid or who provided the bribes. Randall remains free on bond pending sentencing next year.
Panel reprimands judge for intervening in nephew’s case ASSOCIATED PRE SS
DALLAS — A Dallas judge has been reprimanded by a state judicial panel for intervening in a criminal case involving her nephew and for scolding jurors in a separate case who found a man guilty of rape. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued its reprimand Thursday to state District Judge Teresa Hawthorne. The commission determined Hawthorne repeatedly contacted a judge in Lubbock County
seeking to have a warrant against her nephew withdrawn. The outcome of the criminal case wasn’t immediately clear. The Dallas Morning News reports the panel also found that Hawthorne told jurors in an unrelated rape case that she would not have found the defendant guilty. One juror relayed that Hawthorne said she was “disturbed” by the jury’s decision. She declined to comment Monday on the reprimand.
Zfrontera A6 | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
TCEQ
RIBEREÑA EN BREVE
WEBB
Colecta de libros 1 El distrito escolar Zapata Independent School District invita a la colecta de libros nuevos o ligeramente usados para niños, adolescentes o adultos jóvenes para la creación de la biblioteca “Little Lending Libraries”. Los libros se recibirán hasta el 17 de noviembre en todas las bibliotecas del distrito escolar, en el edificio adminsitrativo de ZCISD así como en el Boys & Girls Club de Zapata. Mayores informes al 956-7655855.
Gran apertura 1 Fidel and Andrea R. Villarreal Elementary invitan a la Gran Apertura de IBC en Villarrealville, el evento se realizará el viernes 17 de noviembre en Villarral Elementary a las 9:30 a.m. Para reservar llame a Javier Ramírez al 956-7658361.
Kermés Guerrero 1 Para celebrar la Revolución Mexicana el 17 de noviembre se llevará a cabo una Kermes en la Plaza Principal de Nueva Ciudad Guerrero. Quien desee instalar un puesto de venta deberá visitar la oficina de desarrollo económico en presidencia para separar su lugar.
Campaña de la vista 1 El sistema DIF de Nueva Ciudad Guerrero invita a toda la ciudadanía a la campaña de la vista, el día 17 de noviembre apartir de de las 9 a.m. a 3 p.m. en sus instalaciones ubicadas en la Avenida Eisenhower.
Aviario 1 La Ciuda de Roma invita a visitar el aviario Roma Bluffs World Birding Center en el distrito histórico de Roma. El aviario estará abierto desde el jueves a domingo de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. hasta enero. Mayores informes al 956849-1411
Carne asada 1 La Ciudad de Roma invita a su tradicional evento de carne asada Gobble Til you Wobble Cookoff el 18 de noviembre en el Parque Municipal de Roma. Registre a su equipo en Roma City Hall, 77 Convento Street. Mayores informes al 956849-1411.
Desfile de Navidad 1 El Desfile de Navidad y la iluminación de la Plaza del Condado se realizarán el jueves 7 de diciembre, los tres coches alegoricos mejor decorados recibirán trofeos. El desfile comenzará a las 6 p.m. en 17th Ave. detrás de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. Finalmente se encenderán las luces del árbol de Navidad en la Plaza del Condado donde Santa estará repartiendo regalos.
Pago de impuestos 1 Desde diciembre, los pagos por impuestos a la propiedad de la Ciudad de Roma deberán realizarse en la oficina de impuestos del Distrito Escolar de Roma, localizado en el 608 N. García St.
Danny Zaragoza / Zapata Times
En esta foto de archivo de 2014 ciudadanas de Río Bravo se reunen afuera de la Planta Tratadora de Agua para anunciar que continuarán hirviendo el agua, inclusive después que se levantara la alerta.
Planta tratadora cumple con requisitos de calidad E SPECIAL PARA TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
LAREDO— Funcionarios del Condado de Webb celebran la finalización del proyecto de agua que mejora la calidad del agua de los residentes de Río Bravo y El Cenizo, y sobrepasa los requisitos de calidad del agua que indica la Comisión de Calidad Medioambiental de Texas (TCEQ por sus siglas en inglés). Un total de 920.000 dólares fueron gastados en el diseño e instalación de la más reciente tecnología para desinfectar con luz ultra violeta en las Instalaciones de la Planta Tratadora de Agua del Condado de Webb localizada en Río Bravo. Este proyecto marca un
hito para el condado ya que esta instalación se encuentra en regla con la ley Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), establecida por la Agencia de Protección Medioambiental y administrada por TCEQ. “Estamos agradecidos por la oportunidad de demostrar nuestro compromiso con los residentes de Río Bravo y El Cenizo que la calidad del agua es nuestra prioridad número uno”, dijo el Juez del Condado de Webb Tano Tijerina. “El compromiso del condado y nuestros líderes son de apremio, este proyecto totaliza solo una fracción de los fondos gastados en la Planta Tratadora de Agua, los cuales sobrepasaban los
3,7 millones de dólares en rehabilitación, mejoras a procesos y entrenamiento de operadores”, dijo Adrián Montemayor, Director de Sistemas de Utilidades. “Asegurarse de que la planta tratadora de agua estuviera al 100 por ciento para los constituyentes del Precinto 1 ha sido una de mis prioridades principales desde que tomé protesta en enero. Continuaré monitoreando de cerca la planta de agua y trabajaré junto a Montemayor para asegurar que continuemos haciendo lo mejor para mejorar la calidad de agua en mi precinto”, dijo el Comisionado Jesse González. Utilidades del Condado de Webb proporciona servicios de agua y de drenaje a más de 8.000
clientes en el distrito sur del Condado de Webb. El Departamento de Utilidades ha estado reparando y mejorando sus instalaciones tratadoras de agua desde 2013, después de que información saliera a la luz de que la pasada administración y manejo de las instalaciones llevaron a fallos significativos en la operación y en la calidad del agua. Hoy, el Condado de Webb proporciona niveles mejorados de administración y operación con licencia las 24 horas al día para sus clientes. La financiación inicial para este proyecto fue otorgada por la Corte de Comisionados en el año fiscal de 2015. Los fondos adicionales fueron proporcionados en el año fiscal 2016.
TAMAULIPAS
Reciben reconocimiento nacional E SPECIAL PARA TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
CIUDAD DE MÉXICO— El Gobierno de Tamaulipas fue reconocido por el Consejo Nacional de Evaluación de la Política de Desarrollo Social (CONEVAL), por lograr el mayor avance en normar los elementos de monitoreo y evaluación de la política social estatal. El galardón fue recibido en la capital del país por el Secretario de Bienestar Social, Gerardo Peña Flores en el marco del Seminario de Buenas Prácticas en Monitoreo y Evaluación en las entidades federativas 2017. Luego de la entrega del reconocimiento, el Gobernador Francisco García Cabeza de Vaca destacó que desde el inicio de su administración se implementó un expediente social único, lo que permitió desarrollar programas sociales que verdaderamente atienden las necesidades de los tamaulipecos.
Foto de cortesía
El galardón fue recibido en la Ciudad de México durante el Seminario de Buenas Prácticas en Monitoreo y Evaluación desarrollado por el CONEVAL.
Estas acciones facultaron tener un mayor avance en implementar los instrumentos de monitoreo y evaluación, que hicieron que la entidad avanzara nueve posiciones, desplazando a 10 estados en el Índice de Monitoreo de Evaluación Federativa 2017. Por su parte el Secretario de Bienestar Social, al recibir el reconocimiento, dijo, “en la administración… reconocemos en la política social una vocación de servicio, la elevamos a un eje prioritario de
gobierno y la convertimos en un medio para garantizar condiciones de paz y seguridad para los tamaulipecos”. Peña Flores agregó que alcanzar dicho objetivo solo es posible integrando al quehacer gubernamental la evaluación objetiva de los programas sociales, que permita mejorar la toma de decisiones para reducir la marginación y pobreza en el estado de Tamaulipas. Por su parte, Gonzalo Hernández Licona, presidente del CONEVAL
reconoció que Tamaulipas ha avanzado en poco tiempo de manera significativa en el marco normativo y monitoreo definido por el Consejo Nacional de Evaluación de la Política de Desarrollo Social, lo que es fundamental para emplear las mejores prácticas en la materia. En la ceremonia también recibieron reconocimientos los Gobiernos Estatales de Durango, Coahuila, Ciudad de México, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Zacatecas, Campeche, Yucatán y el Ayuntamiento de Hermosillo, Sonora; la Secretaría de Gobierno de Michoacán, la Secretaría de Desarrollo Rural de Morelos. El seminario es organizado por el Consejo Nacional de Evaluación de la Política de Desarrollo Social, tiene por objetivo proporcionar a los funcionarios de las entidades federativas ideas, conocimientos y habilidades para fortalecer el monitoreo y evaluación de la política social estatal.
Cortesía/Alguacil del Condado de Webb
La Unidad de Narcóticos de la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Webb recibió información sobre una posible casa de seguridad. Los investigadores del alguacil realizaron una investigación en la casa del sospechoso.
Arrestan a hombre con cocaína E SPECIAL PARA TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Un hombre fue arrestado recientemente tras que una investigación revelara que su residencia podría estar siendo usada como casa de seguridad, de acuerdo con autoridades del condado. Manuel Pedroza, de 48 años de edad, fue arrestado acusado de posesión de sustancia Pedroza controlada. La Unidad de Narcóticos de la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Webb recibió información sobre una posible casa de seguridad. Los investigadores del alguacil realizaron una investigación en la casa del sospechoso. Durante la investigación, se encontró que Pedroza se encontraba en posesión de 17,5 gramos de cocaína. Los investigadores se enteraron que Pedroza había sido liberado recientemente de la cárcel del condado por cargos de posesión de sustancia controlada. Él se encuentra en la Cárcel del Condado de Webb con una fianza de 25.000 dólares. El Alguacil del Condado de Webb Martin Cuellar dijo que continuará proporcionando una fuerte presencia de las fuerzas del orden en los vecindarios de la comunidad, incluyendo patrullaje en las calles. “Felicito a la división de narcóticos por un trabajo bien hecho. La cocaína se encontraba envuelta individualmente para distribución en las calles y tenía un valor de 1.000 dólares”, dijo Cuellar.
GUERRERO AYER Y HOY
Inicia restauración de templo Nota del editor: Esta serie de artículos sobre la historia de Ciudad Guerrero, México, fueron escritos por la guerrerense Lilia Treviño Martínez (1927-2016), quien fuera profesora de la escuela Leoncio Leal. Por Lilia Treviño Martínez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Al iniciarse el año de
1998, el Comité de la Asociación tomó el acuerdo de solicitar aportaciones económicas para empezar cuanto antes la restauración de la Iglesia. La familia de la Garza ordenó y sufragó los gastos de una nueva edición del libro de su abuelo, Lorenzo de la Garza, y puso los nuevos ejemplares del mismo a
disposición de esta Asociación, para aumentar los depósitos bancarios. Simultáneamente a la distribución de las cartas que solicitaban aportaciones y que fueron entregadas personalmente por los principales miembros del Comité, empezaron a llegar las aportaciones en efectivo. Se contrató al Arquitecto Juan Antonio
Neri, de la Ciudad de Monterrey, Nuevo León; por ser experto en restauración de monumentos antiguos, para dar principio a la obra. El mencionado arquitecto presentó el presupuesto de los trabajos, y una vez aprobado éste, se dio inicio a la restauración. Los trabajos de restauración continuaron du-
rante el año de 1998 y con fecha 4 de julio, se celebró una solemne misa en el atrio del Templo que estaba en reparación. Al término de la misa hubo interesantes entrevistas que hicieron reporteros de varias ciudades vecinas, para llevar información a través de los medios de comunicación que representaban.
Sports&Outdoors THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 |
A7
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: DALLAS COWBOYS
Jerry Jones: ‘Ridiculous’ to suggest the NFL would force him to sell Cowboys By Drew Davison FO RT WORT H STAR-T E LE GRAM
FRISCO, Texas — Jerry Jones dismissed the notion that the NFL could force him to sell the Dallas Cowboys because of his attempts to block an extension for commissioner Roger Goodell. "I’ve had not one, not one, inkling of communication from the league office or any owner that would suggest something that laughable and ridiculous," Jones said on his 105.3 The Fan radio show Tuesday. "If somebody is asserting that or thinking about that kind of thing, they’re not knowledgeable on how things work in the NFL." The notion surfaced in a ProFootballTalk.com story suggesting the league could have a "nuclear option" to force Jones to sell the Cowboys, although it noted it’d be highly unlikely for the league to go down that road. But that’s how contentious things have gotten between the owners over Goodell’s extension. Jones has threatened to sue the league if the six-member compensation committee doesn’t seek approval among the other owners for Goodell’s extension. The compensation commit-
Rodger Mallison / Fort Worth Star Telegram
Dallas owner Jerry Jones tours the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sunday before his team’s game against the Falcons. Countering a report by ProFootballTalk.com, Jones said this week it’s “ridiculous” to suggest the NFL would make him sell the Cowboys due to his stance against commissioner Roger Goodell.
tee’s chairman, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, and Jones did not meet or even exchange pleasantries during the Cowboys’ latest road game. "We didn’t and, frankly, hadn’t planned to," Jones said.
Jones also disputed a report in The New York Times saying a cease-and-desist warning was issued to him regarding his conduct on Goodell’s extension. The league could discipline Jones in several manners such
as fines, docking draft picks or even a suspension. "I have had communication with the committee chairman (Blank), but other than that I’ve had no notice or anything," Jones said.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: HOUSTON TEXANS
Jones went on to say that he has garnered support in slowing the Goodell extension talks down from owners who are also not on the compensation committee. "I speak to a lot of owners and I know them to be really supportive of the idea of being able to, on their part, see what guide and give input to the committee, particularly the chairman," Jones said. "I have well over half this league that is very interested in, not only being a part of what is negotiated, but having it come back to them for approval." The owners voted 32-0 in May to grant the committee the power to negotiate with Goodell. The committee and Goodell are working on an extension that would take him through 2024. But Jones reiterated that there should be no rush to extend Goodell, particularly given the league’s current issues whether it relates to TV ratings, player protests during the national anthem or discipline. "Roger has almost 18 months (left before the contract expires)," Jones said. "We’ve got all the time in the world to evaluate what we’re doing. We’ve got all the time in the world to extend him. We need to slow this train down."
NCAA FOOTBALL: TEXAS A&M AGGIES
Rainier Ehrhardt / Associated Press Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle file
Despite another two disappointing starts at quarterback, Tom Savage will remain Houston’s signal-caller as the Texans take on Arizona this week, according to head coach Bill O'Brien.
Texans pondering what’s next after 3rd straight loss By Kristie Rieken A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans were left searching for answers about how to turn things around after their third straight loss. One thing they won’t do is switch quarterbacks, with coach Bill O’Brien saying Monday that Tom Savage will start on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Savage threw for 221 yards and a touchdown on Sunday in his second start since rookie Deshaun Watson sustained a season-ending knee injury in practice. But he was also intercepted twice and lost two fumbles in a 33-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, raising questions whether the Texans should replace him with T.J. Yates this week. O’Brien brushed off that possibility, insisting the problems on offense aren’t all Savage’s fault. “It starts with coaching,” O’Brien said. “We’ve all got to coach better, starting with me, but it’s never about one guy; it’s
never been about one guy. Football’s about 11 guys trying to do the right thing on every play.” While O’Brien shifted the blame off of Savage, the quarterback disagreed with his coach. “To be honest with you, it’s on the quarterback when (we) put up seven points,” he said. “It’s on me.” Sunday was Savage’s third start this season. He started the opener before being benched at halftime for Watson after losing two fumbles. He’s performed much the same in the last two weeks, with the offense managing one touchdown each in losses to the Colts and Rams. It’s a stark change from when Watson was running the unit and the Texans set a franchise record by scoring more than 30 points in five straight games. O’Brien isn’t concerned about Savage’s confidence and scoffed at the notion that he needs to encourage him this week. “I’m not going to come into the quarterback room with two pom-poms and do handstands and try to pump him up and
say: ‘You’re the best, you can do it,’ like the little engine that could,” O’Brien said. “That’s not what I do. I just try to coach him, try to get him to play better.” To do that O’Brien said Savage needs to work on ball security and reads, and the rest of the players on offense must do more to help him. The Texans got a big game from DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday: seven receptions for 111 yards. But Savage had trouble connecting with Houston’s other receivers and none of the rest of them finished with more than 40 yards receiving. His job could be tougher this week with Will Fuller’s status in question after the receiver injured his ribs against the Rams. “He’s slightly built, so I don’t know,” O’Brien said of the 6-foot, 185-pound Fuller. “We’ll have to see how that goes during the week.” With Savage having trouble getting Houston’s offense going on Sunday, O’Brien inserted Braxton Miller at quarterback for a couple of wildcat-type
plays. Miller, who starred at quarterback at Ohio State before moving to receiver, didn’t attempt a pass. “Just trying to mix it up a little bit,” O’Brien said. “I just felt like it didn’t really help the rhythm of the offense. It wasn’t Braxton’s fault. It just didn’t really help what we were trying to do. It didn’t have the effect that I thought it was going to have.” Sunday’s loss left the Texans (3-6) in third place in the AFC South, three games behind the Jaguars and Titans. They’ll have to find a cure for their offensive woes quickly if they hope to have any chance of reaching the postseason for the third straight year. “Any time you lose — what three in a row? You’ve got to be worried,” cornerback Kareem Jackson said. “But at the same time, I know the type of guys we got in the locker room. We’re a resilient group. I feel like we can come out of anything. We’ve just got to stay together and continue to fight.”
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher reportedly is a candidate for Texas A&M if the school moves on from Kevin Sumlin. The Seminoles have struggled in 2017 owning a 3-6 record.
Report: A&M plans to gauge Fisher’s interest By Safid Deen ORLANDO SENTINEL
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Another year, and another round of coaching job rumors surrounding Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher. The latest has been brewing for several weeks, with USA Today reporting Tuesday Texas A&M plans to inquire about poaching Fisher from FSU at the end of the season. The report states Fisher’s relationship with Texas A&M athletics director Scott Woodward and FSU’s disappointing season are two factors that could sway the eighth-year Seminoles coach away from the program. Texas A&M is expected to gauge Fisher’s interest once the school parts ways with current coach Kevin Sumlin at the end of the season, citing two people familiar with the situation, according to the report. For the third consec-
utive year, Fisher’s name has been linked to coaching jobs, with the LSU job a popular link the past two seasons. If Fisher were to leave FSU, he would owe the school at least $7 million in payment for assistant coaches and other football personnel still under contract. Fisher, who is the sixth highest paid head coach in the country making $5.7 million this year, signed an extension last year that would keep him at FSU through the 2024 season. Fisher, in his 10th season overall at FSU after joining Bobby Bowden’s staff as an offensive coordinator and assuming the head coaching job in 2010, is enduring the worst season of his head coaching career. The Seminoles are 3-6 with three games remaining and hoping to become bowl eligible this season. FSU hosts Delaware State on Saturday at noon in Doak Campbell Stadium.
A8 | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
FROM THE COVER SHALE From page A1
PARADE From page A1 After the parade ends, there will be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and gifts with Santa. RULES & REGULATIONS: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1 The parade entry form and liability release form must be received by the Chamber of Commerce office no later than Dec. 4 by 5 p.m. to participate. Application must include a signature of all participant names. 1 Make sure to get your designated number to participate and map layout by Dec. 4. 1 Drivers of vehicles must be licensed and insured as prescribed
by the Texas Deptartment of Public Safety. 1 Children ages 12 and under may not walk outside an entry. They must be in an automobile or float unless they are part of a walking unit. 1 There will be no early exits from parade route. No one will be allowed to get on or off an entry after the parade has started off. 1 No throwing – Do not throw candy or other items from your float. You may have individuals walk along your float and hand or toss candy/prizes to those along the sidewalks. 1 Only one official Santa Claus will be allowed in the parade and will be provided by the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce.
still about half the level traded earlier this decade, as the global market struggles to absorb the scale of the U.S. bonanza. It’s taken the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia almost 11 months of production cuts to clear up some of the oversupply. Reflecting the expected flood of supply, the agency cut its forecasts for oil prices to $83 a barrel for 2025 from $101 previously, and to $111 for 2040 from $125 before. Lower prices are helping to support oil demand, and the IEA raised its projections for global consumption through to 2035, despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles. The world will use just over 100 million barrels of oil a day by 2025. That will benefit the U.S. as it turns from imports to exports. The country will “see a reduction of these huge import needs,” Birol said at a press conference in
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London. That “will bring a lot of dollars to U.S. business.” Nevertheless, U.S. shale output is expected to decline from the middle of the next decade, and with investment cuts taking their toll on other new supplies, the world will become increasingly reliant once again on OPEC, according to the report. The cartel, led by Middle East producers, will see its share of the market grow to 46 percent in 2040 from 43 percent now. Yet that could still change, the IEA said. As shale has outperformed expectations so far, the IEA added a scenario in which the industry beats current projections. If shale resources turn out to be double current estimates, and the use of electric vehicles erodes demand more than anticipated, prices could stay in a “lower-forlonger” range of $50 to $70 a barrel through to 2040. “There could be further surprises ahead,” the IEA said.
Rep. Green won’t seek re-election By Will Weissert ASSOCIATED PRE SS
AUSTIN — Veteran Democratic Rep. Gene Green — a key reason Houston has become America’s largest Hispanic city without a Hispanic member of Congress — is retiring. Green becomes the sixth longtime Texas congressman to an-
nounce he’s giving up his seat, and the second Democrat. The 70-year-old said in a statement Monday that he’s “confident that I still have the support of my constituents and would be successful if I ran for another term” but wanted to spend more time with his family. Green was first elected to Congress in 1992.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 |
A9
BUSINESS
IBC opens new branch at Dallas plaza Energy leads
modest slide in stocks as oil falls
S P ECIAL T O T HE T I ME S
IBC Bank unveiled its new branch at IBC Plaza in Dallas during a ribboncutting ceremony Nov. 9, bolstering the bank’s expansion into the DFW Metroplex. The eight-story building hosts IBC Bank’s retail and commercial lending center which officially opened in September. In keeping with the bank’s strong tradition of Doing More for the communities they serve, IBC Bank presented Commit! To Dallas, an organization dedicated to helping student success from cradle to career, with a $10,000 donation to help foster its community initiatives. “Expanding into the DFW Metroplex was a natural progression for IBC,” said IBC BankOklahoma CEO Bill Schonacher. “This move solidifies the bank’s presence along the I-35 corridor, connecting Laredo, where we are headquartered, to Oklahoma. We chose the Maple District because of the growth happening in this vibrant area. As a community bank, IBC Bank prides itself on being able to serve individuals, families, small businesses and larger commercial
By Alex Veiga ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Courtesy / Jason Kindig
International Bank of Commerce officials are shown at the ribbon-cutting-ceremony for the grand opening for the IBC Dallas branch on Thursday in Dallas, Texas.
enterprises. “All of these make up our customer base as a community bank, and we are thrilled to be part of the redevelopment of this fine neighborhood where we believe abundant opportunities exist.” Schonacher further commented that, “IBC has been lending and doing business in the Dallas Metroplex for over a decade. This new branch will expand on that great business experience.” The bank’s retail branch occupies the first floor of IBC Plaza at 3800 Maple. The remaining seven floors of the fullyrenovated building have individual office suites available for immediate lease. IBC Bank said it recog-
nizes that the well-being of the U.S. economy and American jobs — many of which come from small and medium-sized businesses that depend on their ability to access a North American platform. As long-time advocates for business and free trade with firsthand knowledge of cross-border issues, IBC Bank said its executives are uniquely qualified to discuss the latest round of negotiations to update the treaty. Dennis E. Nixon, IBC Bank CEO and chairman of the board, along with Executive Vice President Gerry Schwebel and Senior Vice President Eddie Aldrete, have been deeply engaged in the North American Free Trade Agreement since negotia-
tions of the pact began in 1990, an IBC news release states. “A significant part of IBC’s growth over the past 25 years can be tied to the increased trade between the United States and Mexico fostered by NAFTA,” Nixon said. “Our expansion across the I-35 corridor, the backbone of NAFTA, extends from Laredo to Oklahoma, and now includes Dallas, a city that benefits enormously from NAFTA.” Nixon is a member of the U.S.-Mexico CEO Dialogue; Schwebel is a member of the U.S.-Mexico Economic Council, as well as the North American Economic Alliance; and Aldrete is co-chair of the Texas-Mexico Trade Coalition.
Postal Service reports red ink for 11th year in a row as mail slumps By Hope Yen A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
WASHINGTON — The beleaguered U.S. Postal Service reported a financial loss Tuesday for the 11th straight year, citing declining mail volume and costs of its pension and health care obligations even as it predicted another strong holiday season of package deliveries. It pleaded for more freedom to raise stamp prices to help keep pace with consumer demand for ever-quicker deliveries from online shopping. Without help, “our financial results will continue to deteriorate and likely at an accelerated rate,” said Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan. “We cannot generate enough revenue or cut enough costs to pay all of our bills.” The Postal Service reported a loss of $2.7 billion for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. That was better than a $5.6 billion loss in the prior year but was mainly due
to fluctuations in interest rates that reduced workers’ compensation expenses. The 2017 loss came after a double-digit increase in package delivery was unable to offset drop-offs in letter mail, which makes up more than 70 percent of total postal revenue. Mail volume fell by roughly 5 billion pieces, or 3.6 percent, as people in the digital age rely more on email for online bill payments. Revenue came to $69.6 billion, down from $71.5 billion last year. The Postal Regulatory Commission will issue a decision in the coming weeks that could give the Postal Service more flexibility to raise prices beyond the rate of inflation, marking the biggest change in its pricing system in nearly a half-century. The commission might limit how high prices could go, but the cost of a first-class stamp could jump. It’s not known by how much. The price of a first-class stamp, now 49 cents, is
slated to increase by one penny in January because of inflation. The Postal Service, an independent agency, is trying to stay financially afloat as it seeks to invest billions in new delivery trucks to get packages more nimbly to American homes. With the holiday season approaching, Brennan said, the Postal Service added hours to include early morning and evening package deliveries and was expanding service on Sundays. More recently, it began a pilot program this holiday season to provide cheap next-day service with packages delivered Sundays to people’s homes. “The Postal Service continues to win e-commerce customers, grow our package delivery business and increase market share,” Brennan said, attributing its strength in part to affordable pricing compared to rivals UPS and FedEx. “No other shipper delivers as many e-commerce packages to the home.”
Analysts have cheered the Postal Service’s promise in the digital age. Still, its parcel success hasn’t translated to profits. To become financially stable, the Postal Service is also urging Congress to provide it relief from the mandate to prefund retiree health benefits. Legislation in 2006 required the Postal Service to fund 75 years’ worth of retiree health benefits, something that neither the government nor private companies are required to do. To avert bankruptcy, the post office has defaulted on the multibilliondollar health prepayments each year since 2012. “These numbers are beyond troubling,” said Art Sackler, manager of the Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service, a broad trade group that includes mailers such as Amazon and the National Retail Federation. “There are 7.5 million private sector jobs that depend on the postal system, and these jobs are at risk unless Congress takes action on postal reform.”
Energy companies led U.S. stocks modestly lower Tuesday, erasing the small gains the market made a day earlier. The biggest drop in crude oil prices since October weighed on oil producers and other energy stocks. Disappointing results or outlooks from retailers and other companies also weighed on the market. Utilities and consumerfocused companies like packaged food and beverage makers, restaurant chains, bucked the trend. Investors had their eye on Washington D.C., where the House is expected to vote on its version of a major tax bill this week. Expectations that the tax overhaul will sharply lower corporate taxes have helped lift the market higher this year. “We’re through earnings season, which was pretty good, with earnings up about 10 percent,” said Stuart Freeman, co-head of global equity strategy for Wells Fargo Investment Institute. “Now investors are waiting and watching to see what shape this tax reduction bill is going to take.” The Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 5.97 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,578.87. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 30.23 points, or 0.1 percent, to 23,409.47. The Nasdaq composite slid 19.72 points, or 0.3 percent, to 6,737.87. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks gave up 3.81 points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,471.26. The steep drop in crude oil prices weighed on oil exploration companies and other energy sector stocks. Newfield Exploration was the biggest decliner in the S&P 500, tumbling $2.27, or 7.1 percent, to $29.82. Range Resources lost $1.23, or 6.6 percent, to $17.35. Benchmark U.S. crude fell $1.06, or 1.9 percent, to settle at $55.70 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. That’s the biggest single-day decline since October. Brent crude, used to price international oils, declined 95 cents, or 1.5 percent, to close at $62.21 a barrel in London. “There’s this perception that there’s a lot of supply waiting in the wings and as prices have moved higher that’s made the
marginal producer want to come out and just find more oil,” said Eric Freedman, chief investment officer of U.S. Bank Wealth Management. The market’s spotlight is on retailers this week, with many of the companies reporting quarterly results over the next few days, including Target Corp., Wal-Mart Stores and Best Buy. On Tuesday, Home Depot turned in betterthan-expected results and raised its outlook for the year. Shares in the homeimprovement retailer rose $2.71, or 1.6 percent, to $168.06. Advance Auto Parts vaulted 16.3 percent after the company’s latest quarterly earnings exceeded Wall Street’s expectations. The stock was the biggest gainer in the S&P 500, climbing $13.44 to $95.72. Other big retailers failed to impress traders. TJX Cos., the parent company of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, fell 4 percent after it reported revenue and earnings that missed analysts’ estimates. Its shares lost $2.82 to $67.94. Dick’s Sporting Goods slid 2.8 percent after the retailer reported a solid quarter but also said its earnings per share could drop as much as 20 percent next year. The stock gave up 73 cents to $25.59. General Electric was among the market’s big movers, sliding sharply for the second straight day after analysts downgraded the industrial conglomerate. On Monday, GE pulled back on profit expectations and slashed its dividend in half. The stock tumbled $1.12, or 5.9 percent, to $17.90 Tuesday. It’s now down 43.4 percent this year. Investors bid up shares in Buffalo Wild Wings following a report that Roark Capital has offered to buy the company for $150 a share, or $2.3 billion. Shares in the restaurant chain soared $28.10, or 24 percent, to $145.35. Bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.38 percent from 2.41 percent late Monday. In other energy futures trading, wholesale gasoline gave up 3 cents to $1.76 a gallon. Heating oil fell 3 cents to $1.91 a gallon. Natural gas slid 7 cents to $3.10 per 1,000 cubic feet. Gold rose $4 to $1,282.90 an ounce. Silver added 3 cents to $17.07 an ounce. Copper fell 5 cents to $3.07 a pound.
A10 | Wednesday, November 15, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
FROM THE COVER LCC From page A1 County ISD superintendent, Sylvia Rios - Laredo ISD superintendent along with LISD school board member Hector J. "Tito" Garcia, and representing United ISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos was David H. Gonzalez - United ISD associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction. The second agreement of cooperation was signed between the college presidents of Del Mar College, South Texas College, Southwest Texas Junior College and LCC to commemorate a new South Texas College Consortium partnership. Through this endeavor, the partnering institutions are working together on several innovative workforce programs for regional and border economic development, mainly focusing on science and technology, logistics and commerce, manufacturing, cybersecurity, drone technology, and safety. The spirit of collaboration and student success carried through as LCC held its first-ever Siete Banderas Male Student Leadership Summit on Saturday, Nov. 11. The day-long conference aimed at bringing awareness to the importance of postsecondary completion among male students, as well as encouraging students to reach their full potential. Students in attendance had an opportunity to listen to and engage with influential leaders
NAFTA From page A1 NAFTA being scrapped comes in, I think the biggest headwind for the Canadian dollar is going to be uncertainty. That uncertainty is going to erode business confidence and really make it difficult for people to make longer term decisions.” Alvise Marino, a foreign-exchange analyst at Credit Suisse Securities: * “The market appreciation for how likely that is has picked up in the past two months, primarily since round four of negotiations. Ahead of midterms in the U.S., it seems like a very controversial thing to do.” * “The states that would be, more than most, directly affected,
who offered students words of encouragement and advice. Summit speakers included Texas state Rep. Richard Pena Raymond, entertainment industry guru Rick Najera, Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Department Chair of Educational Leadership & Policy at the University of Texas - Austin Victor Saenz and Webb County Court at Law Judge Victor Villarreal. After the presentations, students attended a series of workshops and breakout sessions that provided them with the tools needed to be successful in both their career and academic aspirations. From presentations dealing with dressing for success to developing public speaking skills, the Summit covered various topics relating to leadership hacks and how to best achieve your goals. The summit is one of the latest initiatives embarked upon by LCC to ensure student success. Currently, LCC is in the midst of launching new workforce development programs in Cosmetology, Drone Science and Technology, and in the Health Sciences. Additionally, LCC is developing new and innovative methods of teaching students via digital platforms that offer individualized instruction. An upcoming Women's Leadership Summit also is in development and is scheduled to take place during the spring 2018 semester at the Fort McIntosh Campus.
that have the highest percentage of trade, are all states where you’ve seen a significant Trump performance.” Bodhi Ganguli, lead economist at Dun & Bradstreet Corp. * “I would say there’s a 30 percent chance that it might happen. You have to get an agreement from both sides, and that’s difficult.” Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA analysts wrote in an October note: * “Were NAFTA to come to an end, MXN would have scope for depreciating towards around 21.5-22.0 as the currency tends to overshoot amid negative headlines.” JPMorgan Chase & Co strategists led by Daniel Hui said in an October note:
* “Even if the only trade relationship materially disrupted is the U.S.Mexican one, Canada would still suffer from negative impacts due to the disruption of supply chains that span all three countries.” * The Canadian dollar, though less vulnerable to a NAFTA breakdown than the peso, could move to the 1.34-1.38 per dollar range if such a scenario were to play out that included an unwinding of recent Bank of Canada hikes and a weakening of WTI oil prices to around $35 a barrel, they said Eric Viloria, a currency strategist at Wells Fargo Securities: * “We see that event as a key risk to the peso” * “I’d expect the probability is quite low at this point”