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U.S. - MEXICO BORDER WALL
Immigration talks resume Senator Schumer takes back multibillion-dollar funding offer By Sahil Kapur, Laura Litvan and Steven T. Dennis B L OOMBE RG NEWS
Schumer Rescinds Wall Offer to Trump as Immigration Talks Resume Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday he withdrew the offer he made last week to give President Donald Trump more than the initial $1.6 billion he requested for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. “It was part of a package” on immigration that didn’t come together, Schumer of New York told reporters. “We’re going to have to start on a new basis and the wall offer is off the table.” Republicans called the minority leader’s move a step back in the continuing debate over immigration. The threeday shutdown that ended Monday may have hastened an immigration debate in the Senate, but it also deepened the acrimony and highlighted bitter divisions between the two parties that stand in the way of
a compromise. Still, Schumer said Monday’s agreement to end the three-day government shutdown provided a “glimmer of hope” for renewed talks. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he will keep his word to take up immigration next month as long as the government remains open. “Whoever gets 60 votes wins” on immigration bills, McConnell said. After the impasse was resolved Monday, immigration hardliners and Trump’s White House exulted in what officials swiftly portrayed as a Democratic surrender. “Big win for Republicans as Democrats cave on Shutdown,” Trump said on Twitter late Monday. “Nobody knows for sure that the Republicans & Democrats will be able to reach a deal” on immigration, he tweeted on Tuesday morning, “but everyone will be trying.” White House congressional liaison Marc Short said Tuesday that bipartisan talks on immigration had restarted.
Lynne Sladky / AP
A police officer stands outside of the office of Sen. Marco Rubio as protesters march in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and Congress passing a clean Dream Act on Monday in Doral, Florida. They weren't permitted to enter the office.
GOP Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said members of a bipartisan group will present ideas to top party members in the coming days. Second-ranking Republican John Cornyn of Texas called Schumer’s move a setback. He
said a border-security plan will need more than a one-year appropriation in exchange for protecting young immigrants from deportation. “We need a plan and we need the funding to pay for the plan as part of this negotia-
U.S. BORDER PATROL’S EL PASO SECTOR
FEDS MOVE TO REPLACE BORDER WALL
tion,” Cornyn said. “It’s got to be a whole system of infrastructure, people and technology.” Progressives blasted Democratic leaders for giving in too easily to McConnell’s vague Talks continues on A10
NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
Michelle Siu/The Canadian Press/AP
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, left, poses for a photo before holding a bilateral meeting with Mexico's Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal in Toronto.
US wants ‘step back’ on auto sector Russell Contreras / Associated Press
A U.S. Border Patrol vehicle drives next to a U.S-Mexico border fence in the booming New Mexico town of Santa Teresa. The Trump administration is waiving numerous laws to clear the way for replacing existing vehicle barriers along a stretch of the US-Mexico border in New Mexico.
Numerous laws waived to clear the way for barriers
Partners won’t make counteroffer on car rules By Josh Wingrove and Eric Martin
By Russell Contreras A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Trump administration announced Monday it was preparing to replace existing vehicle barriers along a stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico that officials call “an area of high illegal entry.” The notice published in the Federal Register said the area extends around 20 miles west of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. According to the notice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
will replace the existing barriers with bollard walls to deter and prevent illegal crossings. Bollard walls are made up of sturdy, vertical posts that are spaced to provide visibility to the other side but are difficult to walk through “There is presently a need to construct physical barriers and roads in the vicinity of the border of the United States to deter illegal crossings in the project area,” Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in the notice. The targeted area is part of the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector
that federal officials say remains an active route for human smuggling and drug trafficking. In 2016, officials said the Border Patrol in the sector arrested more than 25,000 immigrants suspected of trying to enter the country illegally and seized around 67,000 pounds of marijuana. Santa Teresa, New Mexico — a booming industrial border town — is west of El Paso, Texas. This marks the third time Homeland Security under President Donald Trump has used broad powers under a 2005 law to waive laws such Border continues on A10
BL OOMBERG NEWS
The U.S., Canada and Mexico kicked off a crucial round of NAFTA negotiations with little sign of progress on the critical issue of automobiles. As round six of North American Free Trade Agreement talks get underway in Montreal, observers say the latest session needs to show progress to keep U.S. President Donald Trump from following through on his threat to withdraw. Yet Canada and Mexico aren’t arriving with a specific counter-proposal on U.S. demands on the auto sector, with one saying instead a “step back” is needed. One of the president’s hallmark proposals is to NAFTA continues on A10
Zin brief A2 | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
CALENDAR
AROUND THE NATION
TODAY IN HISTORY
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Laredo Gateway Rotary presents Paul Harris Foundation Dinner. 6:30 p.m. Laredo Energy Arena. The Paul Harris Fellow honoree is Juan Francisco Ochoa, restauranteur extraordinaire. For table information, contact Rotarian Bill Green at 956728-2501 or 956-237-9704 or email bbgreen@lmtonline.com
THURSDAY, JAN. 25 Villa San Agustin de Laredo Genealogical Society Meeting. 3 to 5 p.m. Joe A. Guerra Public Library, second floor. Speakers: Ricardo Palacios, Mary Treviño, Lily Perez. "The Story of the Tomb of Tomás Sánchez, The Founder of Laredo.” For more info, call Sylvia Reash at 956 763-1810.
SATURDAY, JAN. 27 Holy Redeemer Church annual dance. Laredo Civic Center Ballroom. Music by Calle 8. Person tickets are $25 per person. For more information call Amparo at 286-0862.
SATURDAY, FEB. 3 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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.
Saturday, Feb. 10 Conference and Resource Fair for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities, 8:30am-1:30pm, UT Health Regional Campus Laredo, 1937 E. Bustamante, This is a free resource fair for parents of children with special needs it is also open to the community. To register call Oda Garcia at 956-7120037 email ogarcia@mrgbahec.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 3 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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.
Ryan Hermens/The Paducah Sun/AP
Gov. Matt Bevin speaks during a media briefing at the Marshall County Board of Education following a shooting at Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky on Tuesday.
2 DEAD, 17 HURT IN SCHOOL SHOOTING BENTON, Ky. — A 15-year-old student killed two classmates and hit a dozen others with gunfire Tuesday, methodically firing a handgun inside a crowded atrium at his rural Kentucky high school. “He was determined. He knew what he was doing,” said Alexandria Caporali, who grabbed her stunned friend and ran into a classroom as their classmates hit the floor. “It was one right after another — bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,” she added. “You could see his arm jerking as he was pulling the trigger.”
He kept firing, she said, until he ran out of ammunition and took off running, trying to get away. Police arrested their suspect moments later, leading him away in handcuffs to be charged with murder and attempted murder. Authorities did not identify the gunman responsible for the nation’s first fatal school shooting of 2018, nor did they release any details about a motive. Kentucky State Police Lt. Michael Webb said detectives are looking into his home and background. — Compiled from AP reports
SATURDAY, APRIL 7 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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.
SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Habitat for Humanity Laredo major fundraiser Golfing For Roofs golf tournament. Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course. Hole sponsorships are title $10,000, platinum $5,000, diamond $2,500, gold $1,500, silver $1,000, bronze. For information, call 724-3227.
SATURDAY, MAY 5 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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.
SATURDAY, JUNE 2 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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.
SATURDAY, JULY 7 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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.
SATURDAY, AUG. 4 First United Methodist Church Used Book Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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. Submit calendar items by emailing editorial@lmtonline.com with the event’s name, date and time, location, purpose and contact information for a representative. Items will run as space is available.
Suit alleges Motel 6 discriminated against Latinos PHOENIX — A civil rights group sued Motel 6 on Tuesday, alleging it discriminated against some Latino customers at two locations in Phoenix by giving their whereabouts and personal information to U.S. immigration agents who later arrested at least seven guests. The lawsuit by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund said Motel 6
had a corporate policy or practice of giving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents information that guests provided at check-in. It also alleges that Motel 6 provided such information without requiring authorities to get a warrant or without having a reasonable suspicion that crimes were being committed. Motel 6 declined to comment on the lawsuit but said in a statement that it takes guests’ privacy seriously. The national budget motel chain said in September that its
Phoenix employees will no longer work with immigration authorities after the Phoenix New Times newspaper reported that workers were providing guests’ names to agents who later arrested 20 people on immigration charges. Earlier this month, the Washington state attorney general sued the chain, saying it had violated a state consumer protection law by providing the private information of thousands of guests to immigration agents without a warrant. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND TEXAS Senator Carlos Uresti stands trial in fraud case State Sen. Carlos Uresti and co-defendant Gain Cain knew that FourWinds Logisitics was a sinking frac-company yet claimed that it was successful because they stood to make large amounts of money, a prosecutor said during opening statements of their criminal fraud trial Monday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Blackwell told jurors that Uresti lied to prospective investors to lure them to invest with FourWinds. “‘I’ve invested too. I’ve made money,’” Uresti said to a group of Mexican investors, according to Blackwell. “It’s a lie.” Uresti, who Blackwell said was financially “overextended” and “bouncing checks,” never invested any of his own money in FourWinds. It went bankrupt in 2015. “He needed money and he
John Davenport / San Antonio Express-News
State Senator Carlos Uresti walks Monday morning into the John H. Wood, Jr. Federal Courthouse.
needed it soon,” Blackwell said of Uresti’s reasons for getting involved with FourWinds. Uresti, a San Antonio Democrat, 54, faces 11 felony charges, including securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. He faces years in prison and millions in fines if convicted. He has denied the charges. Gary Cain, 61, faces nine felony
charges. He also has denied the charges. Four FourWinds employees have pleaded guilty for their in roles, including former CEO Stan Bates and Chief Operating Officer Shannon Smith. Bates pleaded guilty to eight felony charges two weeks ago rather than stand trial with Uresti and Cain. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE NATION Car bombs kill at least 27 in east Libya city of Benghazi BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) — Twin car bombs exploded as people left a mosque in a residential area of the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Tuesday night, killing 27 and wounding over 30 in an attack timed to cause mass casualties among first responders, officials said.
Capt. Tarek Alkharraz, spokesman for military and police forces in Benghazi, said the first explosion went off in the Salmani neighborhood around 8:20 p.m. Tuesday and the second bomb went off a half hour later as residents and medics gathered to evacuate the wounded. Local health official Hani Belras Ali said at least 27 people died had died so far and 32 were wounded. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the
Today is Wednesday, Jan. 24, the 24th day of 2018. There are 341 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 24, 1848, James W. Marshall discovered a gold nugget at Sutter's Mill in northern California, a discovery that led to the gold rush of '49. On this date: In A.D. 41, Roman Emperor Caligula, 28, was assassinated by members of the Praetorian Guard after a reign of nearly four years; he was succeeded by his uncle Claudius. In 1742, Charles VII was elected Holy Roman Emperor during the War of the Austrian Succession. In 1908, the Boy Scouts movement began in England under the aegis of Robert Baden-Powell. In 1939, at least 28,000 people were killed by an earthquake that devastated the city of Chillan in Chile. In 1942, the Roberts Commission placed much of the blame for America's lack of preparedness for Imperial Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on Rear Adm. Husband E. Kimmel and Lt. Gen. Walter C. Short, the Navy and Army commanders. In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill concluded a wartime conference in Casablanca, Morocco. In 1965, British statesman Winston Churchill died in London at age 90. In 1975, the extremist group FALN bombed Fraunces Tavern in New York City, killing four people. In 1978, a nuclear-powered Soviet satellite, Cosmos 954, plunged through Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated, scattering radioactive debris over parts of northern Canada. In 1989, confessed serial killer Theodore Bundy was executed in Florida's electric chair. In 1993, retired Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall died in Bethesda, Maryland, at age 84. In 2003, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge was sworn as the first secretary of the new Department of Homeland Security. Ten years ago: Congressional leaders announced a deal with the White House on an economic stimulus package that would give most tax filers refunds of $600 to $1,200. French bank Societe Generale announced it had uncovered a 4.9 billion euro ($7.14 billion) fraud by a single futures trader. Italian Premier Romano Prodi resigned after his center-left coalition lost a Senate confidence vote. Five years ago: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced the lifting of a ban on women serving in combat. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee opened a hearing into President Barack Obama's nomination of Sen. John Kerry to be secretary of state. President Obama appointed Mary Jo White, a former prosecutor, to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. New Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson announced he was changing his team's nickname to the Pelicans for the start of next season. One year ago: President Donald Trump moved swiftly to advance the controversial Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines, signing executive actions to aggressively overhaul America's energy policy and deal a sharp blow to Barack Obama's legacy on climate change. The 89th annual Academy Awards nominations were announced; the retro musical "La La Land" received a record-tying 14 nods; eight went to eventual best picture winner "Moonlight." Today's Birthdays: Actor Jerry Maren is 99. Cajun musician Doug Kershaw is 82. Singer-songwriter Ray Stevens is 79. Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond is 77. Singer Aaron Neville is 77. Actor Michael Ontkean is 72. Actor Daniel Auteuil is 68. Country singersongwriter Becky Hobbs is 68. Comedian Yakov Smirnoff is 67. South Korean President Moon Jae-in is 65. Actor William Allen Young is 64. Bandleader-musician Jools Holland is 60. Actress Nastassja Kinski is 57. Rhythm-and-blues singer Theo Peoples is 57. Country musician Keech Rainwater (Lonestar) is 55. Obama White House budget director Shaun Donovan is 52. Comedian Phil LaMarr is 51. Olympic gold medal gymnast Mary Lou Retton is 50. Rhythm-andblues singer Sleepy Brown (Society of Soul) is 48. Actor Matthew Lillard is 48. Actress Merrilee McCommas is 47. Blues/rock singer Beth Hart is 46. Actor Ed Helms is 44. Actor Mark Hildreth is 40. Actress Tatyana Ali is 39. Rock musician Mitchell Marlow (Filter) is 39. Actress Carrie Coon is 37. Actor Daveed Diggs is 36. Actor Justin Baldoni is 34. Actress Mischa Barton is 32. Thought for Today: "God gives us relatives; thank God, we can choose our friends." — Addison Mizner, Architect (1872-1933).
CONTACT US bombings. The United Nations condemned the attack on social media, saying that direct or indiscriminate attacks on civilians are prohibited under international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes. Libya fell into chaos following the ouster and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, and since 2014 it has been split between rival governments and parliaments based in the western and eastern regions, each backed by
different militias and tribes. Islamic State fighters had established footholds amid the disorder but have been mostly driven out of the main cities. Benghazi remains a trouble spot, where bombings and attacks still occur. The city has seen fighting between forces loyal to local strongman Khalifa Hifter, a former U.S.-based Libyan opposition member who leads remnants of Libya’s National Army in the east, and Islamist militia opponents. — Compiled from AP reports
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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 |
STATE
KDFW Fox4 / AP
Law enforcement personnel gather outside the high school in Italy, Texas, following an active shooter incident at the school Monday morning. Sheriff's officials said a boy who is a student at the school was taken into custody.
16-year-old charged in school shooting A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
ITALY, Texas — A 15-year-old girl who was wounded in a Texas high school shooting is “in good spirits,” and the 16-year-old boy suspected of opening fire in the cafeteria has been charged as a juvenile with aggravated assault, officials said Tuesday. School District superintendent Lee Joffre told reporters outside Italy High School that he visited the girl at a Dallas hospital. “It is an amazing demonstration of her strength that she was able to survive this,” he said of the girl, who authorities have not identified. Joffre did not provide details about her condition. He said in a statement released to the community later in the day that she was shot multiple times. The teenage boy who was arrested not long after the shooting Monday morning at the school south of Dallas was meanwhile charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, the Ellis County district attorney’s office announced Tuesday. A preliminary hearing in juvenile court is sched-
uled for Wednesday. He was being held at a juvenile detention center. Police have not released the suspect’s name and Italy police Chief Michael Taylor did not respond to a request for comment. Cassie Shook, a 17-yearold junior at the school, earlier told The Associated Press that she was driving up to the cafeteria Monday when she saw “the doors fly open and everyone screaming and running out of the building.” She said she was angry when she learned who the suspect was because she had complained about him at least twice to school officials, including to a vice principal. “This could have been avoidable,” she said. “There were so many signs.” Tina Haight, whose daughter attends the school, told KDFW-TV in Dallas that she had complained to school administrators after the same boy threw scissors at her daughter in anger. Joffre said Tuesday that he couldn’t comment on disciplinary actions involving students, but that the school district adheres to regulations established by the Texas Education Agency.
“I have confidence that our administration always addresses the Texas education code appropriately,” he said. Shook said the girl who was shot had moved to the school district a few months earlier. She said the girl had briefly dated the suspect, but that she did not know much about her. Ellis County sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Fitzgerald said authorities would inquire about any dating history involving the two as part of the investigation. Fitzgerald said officials know where the suspect obtained the handgun used in the shooting but he declined to publicly reveal that information. Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives searched the school for weapons and explosive devices before students arrived Tuesday. Joffre said law enforcement officers would be on campus through the day. “It was an extra assurance for us to be ready for our students today,” he said. Italy, a town of about 2,000 people that dubs itself “The Biggest Little Town In Texas,” is about 40 miles south of Dallas.
A3
Zopinion
Letters to the editor Send your signed letter to editorial@lmtonline.com
A4 | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Renewables aren’t up to the job By Merrill Matthews TR IB UN E NEWS SE RV ICE
Last March President Donald Trump issued an executive order "promoting energy independence and economic growth." While he specifically included "renewable sources," he clearly intended to unleash the nation’s massive fossil fuel resources, which is the only conceivable way to achieve energy independence — at least for the foreseeable future. Since the 1970s, when Middle East oil producing countries imposed an oil embargo to punish the U.S. for its support of Israel, U.S. policy has promoted energy independence. The U.S. had supposedly reached "peak oil" in the early ’70s, where easy-to-reach crude oil had already been extracted; production was expected to decline while prices increased. Thus it seemed that embracing renewable energy sources, especially corn-based ethanol, would be necessary to fill the energy gap. But American innovation came to the rescue, as it so often does. Natural gas and crude oil producers developed ways to crack the shale formations that contained untold reserves of oil and gas. That process, known as "fracking," along with horizontal drilling, opened up vast new hydrocarbon resources. Today, the U.S. has become the world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas. In 2016, the U.S. produced 14.9 million barrels a day of crude oil, associated liquids, and biofuels, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Saudi Arabia only produced 12.4 million barrels per day and Russia 11.2 million. In addition, the U.S. produced 27 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2015, compared with Russia’s 21.1 trillion. Third-ranked Iran extracts one-quarter of what the U.S. produced. Even so, the U.S. must still import about 6 million barrels of crude oil per day. Renewable sources help, but play a minor role. And that’s after eight years of the most pro-renewable energy president we’ve ever had and billions of dollars in subsidies. Take electricity generation, which is the largest source of energy consumption. According to the EIA, natural gas
powers about 34 percent of electricity generation, coal 30 percent and nuclear power 20 percent. Renewable energy sources provide 15 percent, with about half of that from hydro power. When people think of "renewables," they generally think of wind and solar power. Yet wind power only provides 6 percent of total electricity generation, solar 1 percent and biomass — consisting of organic material like wood, plants and corn cobs — only about 2 percent. That’s barely enough to run one of our major cities, much less the largest economy in the world. And that’s only if the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, which they often aren’t. The EIA reports, "During the recent cold weather event that affected much of the eastern United States, more natural gas was withdrawn from storage fields around the country than at any other point in history." Renewables can’t match that. Even hydro power can be sporadic, as Montana experienced during last summer’s drought. And then there’s ethanol, which makes up about 10 percent of our gasoline. But car manufacturers have repeatedly warned that increasing that ratio will damage millions of car engines. The good news is that the U.S. has had a longrunning energy-sector relationship with Canada and Mexico, thanks in large part to the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which let energy products and services flow between countries with no tariffs and limited restrictions. In 2016, the three North American economies produced a total of 22 million barrels of crude oil per day and about 33.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2015. Free trade in energy has transformed North America, helping the continent close in on energy independence, while boosting economic growth for all three countries. Energy independence for the U.S. alone is still years away — and may never arrive if we rely solely on renewables. But thanks to free trade, energy independence for North America is within our grasp. Merrill Matthews is a Tribune News Service columnist.
COLUMN
Plenty of blame to go around on shutdown By Carl P. Leubsdorf DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Republicans called it the "Schumer shutdown," citing the Senate Democratic leader’s role in blocking the bill to prevent a government shutdown. The Democrats labeled it the "Trump shutdown," blaming lack of Republican urgency and the president’s shifting positions on the key immigration issue. But every party involved in the brief federal shutdown bears some blame. And the underlying reasons reflect a pattern that will unfortunately recur in the future, perhaps as soon as three weeks, unless lawmakers — especially the Republican majority — remember that Congress can lead on issues and the Trump White House gets its act together. Ironically, there is substantial bipartisan agreement on many of the underlying issues, including money for hurricane relief, opioid relief, community health centers and children’s health, and the need to permanently protect the young people brought here illegally as children and temporarily protected by President Barack Obama’s 2012 executive order that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Here is why everyone, in no meaningful order, is responsible: President Donald Trump: Trump, who sold himself to the American people as a master dealmaker, made no effort to make one. Perhaps it’s because he angered advocates of a DACA fix the last time he tried by saying one day he’d accept whatever Congress passed and then rejecting two days later a bipartisan plan to do just that.
The underlying reasons reflect a pattern that will unfortunately recur in the future, perhaps as soon as three weeks, unless lawmakers — remember that Congress can lead on issues and the Trump White House gets its act together
Vice President Mike Pence: Unlike prior vice presidents, the former House Republican was AWOL. He has little credibility among Senate Democrats and was in the Middle East, defending Trump’s controversial decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and attacking Democrats. White House staff: Publicized disagreements among Trump and some staff members created substantial confusion and frustration on Capitol Hill. Trump’s change on DACA proposals is largely blamed on pressure from Chief of Staff John Kelly and senior adviser Stephen Miller, architect of many hardline Trump immigration moves. The same thing apparently happened again last Friday when the White House shot down Schumer’s hopeful characterization of a meeting at which he says he agreed to fund Trump’s "wall" along the U.S.-Mexican border. House Republicans: Because they are dominated by members more conservative than the country and the rules let them ignore minority Democrats, they have repeatedly passed legislation unacceptable to the more bipartisan Senate, especially funding bills stalemated by disagreement over the balance between defense and domestic spending. This time, they passed a bill they knew Senate
Democrats would reject. House Democrats: They have no blame because they have no power. House GOP procedures previously blocked their ability to form a bipartisan majority on immigration with less conservative Republicans. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell: Though his majority is smaller, McConnell has run the Senate like the House, ignoring the Democrats whenever possible and using the rules to block their amendments. He blamed the lack of a clear White House position as a reason for delaying an immigration debate. His prior failure to follow through on health and immigration promises concerned many Democrats. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer: Under pressure from the DACA youths and their supporters, Schumer and fellow Democrats cast the votes shutting down the government, unrealistically demanding the interim funding bill also protect DACA recipients. They felt they needed to take a stand on an issue where the public favors their position. But their retreat reflected recognition they are politically vulnerable to GOP criticism, especially in proTrump states where Democratic senators face tough re-election fights. By displaying willingness to schedule Senate
LETTERS POLICY Laredo Morning Times does not publish anonymous letters. To be published, letters must include the writer's first and last names as well as a phone number to verify identity. The phone number IS NOT published; it is used solely to verify identity and to clarify content, if necessary. Identity of the letter writer must be verified before publication. We want to assure our readers that a letter is written by the person who signs the
letter. Laredo Morning Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. This space allows for public debate of the issues of the day. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No name-calling or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Also, letters longer than 500 words will not be accepted. Via email, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
debate with an open amendment process on DACA, McConnell seemed to accept Tennessee Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander’s plea Saturday he abandon his argument the Senate would consider immigration "as soon as we figure out" Trump’s stance. "It is a pretty poor excuse to sit here and say: We can’t deal with President Trump, "Alexander said. "We are the U.S. Senate. We can make our own decisions about DACA" and other issues and present them to the House and to the president. Of course, it’s not that simple. Even if McConnell keeps his word and a bipartisan Senate majority passes a DACA bill, doubt remains if House GOP leaders would schedule it. But Pennsylvania Rep. Charlie Dent, a prominent GOP moderate, said on MSNBC that a bipartisan bill could pass the House, and the Freedom Caucus chair, North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, told MSNBC, "We’re willing to find a deal." Trump’s position remains disturbingly imprecise. Another thing not simple is assessing the political impact of the shutdown, though Republicans declared victory and some liberal groups accused the Democrats of surrender. After both the 1996 and 2013 shutdowns, the Democratic White House was seen the initial victor. But when Americans next voted, Democratic President Bill Clinton won in 1996, and congressional Republicans in 2014, suggesting future events will influence ultimate judgments. Carl P. Leubsdorf is a Dallas Morning News columnist.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 |
NATIONAL
Ex-gymnast lashes out at doctor By Ed White and Mike Householder A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
LANSING, Mich. — A former elite gymnast said Tuesday that a sports doctor who treated Olympic athletes overlooked what turned out to be a broken leg while he molested her in the basement of his home, one of the latest victims to testify at a Michigan sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar. Isabell Hutchins practiced for weeks at a Lansing-area gymnastics club and even competed at national events despite acute leg pain as a teen in 2011. She said Nassar did nothing to encourage her to get help and instead molested her during latenight appointments at his home. “You were never a real doctor. You did not heal me. You only hurt me,” Hutchins told Nassar, who was seated a few feet away in the Ingham County courtroom as the sentencing phase reached a sixth day. Nassar has admitted sexually assaulting athletes when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which is the sport’s national governing organization and trains Olympians. His accusers said he would use his ungloved hands to penetrate them, often without explanation, while they were on a table seeking treatment for a variety of injuries. The accusers, many of whom were children, said they trusted Nassar to treat them properly, were in denial about what was happening or were afraid to speak up. He sometimes used a sheet or his body to block the view of any parent in the room.
Dale G.Young/Detroit News/AP
Larry Nassar looks at the gallery in the court during the sixth day of his sentencing hearing Tuesday in Lansing, Mich. Nassar has admitted sexually assaulting athletes when he was employed by Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which is the sport's national governing organization and trains Olympians.
“I’d been told during my entire gymnastics career to not question authority,” Hutchins said. Nassar, 54, pleaded guilty to assaulting seven people in the Lansing area, but the sentencing hearing has been open to anyone who said they were a victim. More than 150 women and girls have confronted him in court or had a statement read on their behalf since Jan. 16. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina will sentence Nassar on Wednesday after hearing from a few more accusers. Under a plea deal, he faces a minimum of 25 to 40 years behind bars, although the actual punishment could be much higher. He already has been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for child pornography crimes. The mother of a victim, Anne Swinehart, beseeched those following the case to “quit shaming and blaming the parents.” “Trust me,” she said, “you would not have known, and you would not have done anything
differently. So stop.” Aquilina, who has made it a practice to praise each speaker, tried to ease Swinehart’s feelings about letting her daughter down. “The red flags may have been there, but they were designed to be hidden. Leave the blame here with him,” the judge said of Nassar. She subsequently heard from Mattie Larson, a former member of the national gymnastics team, who said Nassar’s fingers “always seemed to find a way” to her genitals, even when he was supposed to be treating her for ankle and foot injuries. Some of the accusers have criticized Michigan State, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee for not doing enough to stop Nassar, and Larson also gave an unflattering portrayal of the Karolyi ranch outside Huntsville, Texas, where the national team trained. She said it was very remote, the “perfect environment” for Nassar and abusive coaches “to thrive.”
A5
Zfrontera A6 | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
RIBEREÑA EN BREVE Competencia de tiro al plato y carne asada 1 El club Boys and Girls de Zapata presenta el onceavo torneo de tiro al plato y competencia de carne asada el sábado 27 de enero en el rancho Ramírez a partir de las 8 a.m. Para inscribirse entre a la página www.bgcazapata.com o llame a Mark Alvarenga al 956337-5751.
Junta 1 La reunión de la Sociedad Genealógica del Nuevo Santander se ha reprogramado para el sábado 27 de enero, con un recorrido histórico en San Ygnacio, a las 2 p.m.
Curso en línea 1 La ciudad de Miguel Alemán, México, invita al curso en línea “APP-Aprende” que la compañía TELCEL ofrece completamente gratis a niños, jóvenes y adultos para facilitar el aprendizaje en oficios tales como navegar en Internet, Técnico en Sistema e Informática, reparador de celulares, y tablets entre otros. El curso se ofrecerá en la plaza principal del 24 al 28 de enero desde las 4 p.m.
Exámenes de salud 1 La Ciudad de Roma invita a la realización de exámenes de salud cardiovascular Life Line Screening con tecnología avanzada de ultrasonido que proporciona una visión en el interior de las arterias, en el Centro Comunitario de la Ciudad de Roma, de 8 a.m. a 3 p.m., el 31 de enero, patrocinado por Peripheral Vascular Associates. Se requiere registro previo llamando al 1-888653-6450.
Conferencia sobre aves 1 Roma Bluffs World Birding Center presentará a los maestros naturalistas Volker Imschweiler y Sally Merrill, en el seminario “Nurturing Native Plants Butterflies and Birds Need to Live Here”, a la 1 p.m., el sábado 3 de febrero.
Día de Aprecio a Adulto Mayor 1 Acompañe a celebrar y mostrar su aprecio por los Adultos Mayores y Winter Texans, que serán honrados por sus logros y por lo que siguen haciendo a favor de su comunidad, el jueves 22 de febrero.
Genealogía 1 Reciba ayuda personalizada para investigar a sus ancestros utilizando recursos en línea. Voluntarios entrenados le ayudarán todos los martes de 6:30 p.m a 8 p.m., en Roma Birding Center. Evento patrocinado por la Iglesia de Jesús de los Santos de los Últimos Días.
Aviario 1 La Ciudad de Roma invita a visitar el aviario Roma Bluffs World Birding Center en el distrito histórico de Roma de jueves a domingo de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. Mayores informes al 956-8491411.
NUEVO LAREDO, TAMAULIPAS
EMITEN ALERTA POR OLA DE VIOLENCIA desde una prisión federal mexicana. Ese grupo se convirtió en el CDN, o Cártel de Noreste. El CDN controla no solo las rutas de las drogas, sino también el contrabando, las extorsiones, los secuestros y los homicidios al azar, dijo Arturo Fontes, un ex agente del FBI.
Nota del editor: Esta es la primera parte de un reportaje sobre una serie de eventos relacionados al narcotráfico que se han suscitado en Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. TIEMP O DE ZAPATA Y ASSOCIATED PRE SS
En el transcurso de una semana, la sobrina del ex líder de los Zetas fue arrestada en relación con el homicidio de un fiscal de rango superior en Nuevo Laredo, el Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos colocó a Tamaulipas en el más alto nivel de peligro potencial y un periodista en la Ciudad Hermana fue fatalmente apuñalado. La reciente serie de eventos se produce en un momento en que los funcionarios de las Ciudades Hermanas intentan llevar a cabo ideas para promover el turismo en Nuevo Laredo, como una fiesta en el puente peatonal y una zona turística segura. "Nuevo Laredo quiere desarrollar ese distrito histórico del centro al sur del Puente 1 (uno) para corresponder con lo que estamos haciendo en nuestra área del centro”, dijo el alcalde de Laredo, Pete Sáenz. Advertencia de viaje El 10 de enero, Tamaulipas y otros cuatro estados mexicanos recibieron los avisos más severos de “no viajar” en virtud de un renovado sistema del Departamento de Estado, colocándolos al mismo nivel que países devastados por la guerra como Siria, Yemen y Somalia. Los otros cuatro estados son Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán y Guerrero en la costa del Pacífico. Todos los estados son puntos críticos de la actividad de los cárteles de las drogas, ya sea que alberguen rutas de tráfico o cultivo extensivo de drogas. México tiene 31 estados, la mitad de los cuales están ahora bajo nivel de advertencia 3 o 4. Tamaulipas ha estado dividido
Foto de cortesía
Ricardo Martínez Chávez, principal fiscal del estado en Nuevo Laredo, fue asesinado el 4 de enero de 2017.
durante mucho tiempo por guerras territoriales entre cárteles de la droga rivales, y Sinaloa es el hogar del cártel del mismo nombre. Michoacán estaba tan dominado por un cártel de drogas que vigilantes tomaron las armas en 2013 para expulsarlos. Fracturas de los cárteles La fractura interna de los cárteles de la droga mexicanos ha provocado un aumento de la violencia en todo el país en el último año y las advertencias del Departamento de Estado resaltan el deterioro de la seguridad en México bajo el presidente Enrique Peña Nieto. Él asumió el cargo hace cinco años y prometió mejorar la seguridad. “Claramente, los éxitos de los últimos años se están deshaciendo”, dijo Eric Olson, un experto en seguridad latinoamericana en el Woodrow Wilson Center, al Dallas Morning News. “México ha tenido dificultades y en gran medida no ha logrado restablecer el control en los estados donde el crimen organizado tiene sus raíces más profundas y donde los gobiernos locales y estatales son esencialmente parte de la empresa criminal”. La violencia es muy familiar en Nuevo Laredo, donde las fracturas en el cártel de los Zetas dominante desde hace mucho tiempo y
la creciente demanda de heroína y otros opiáceos en los Estados Unidos hacen que los residentes se sientan asediados. La corrupción generalizada en el gobierno mexicano y en las fuerzas de seguridad también contribuye a la anarquía y el miedo. El alcalde de Nuevo Laredo, Enrique Rivas, es un blanco frecuente de amenazas de los cárteles en conflicto. Funcionarios de las fuerzas de seguridad de EU creen que el alcalde vive la mayor parte del tiempo en Laredo. En un mensaje de texto al Dallas Morning News en agosto, el alcalde negó que Nuevo Laredo sea peligroso. Cuando se le preguntó si vive en el lado de EU, por razones de seguridad, el alcalde no respondió a los mensajes de texto ni a las llamadas telefónicas. Nuevo Laredo ha sido sacudido por la violencia desde el nacimiento de los Zetas, un grupo paramilitar que lucha contra el cártel de Sinaloa de Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán por el control de la lucrativa ruta de la droga I-35, desde hace más de 10 años. En los últimos años, los Zetas se dividieron en dos grupos. Uno es conocido como La Vieja Guardia, que se enfrentó a familiares del ex líder Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, quien se cree que influye en las operaciones
RÍO BRAVO, TEXAS
Supuesta líder arrestada El 6 de enero, la sobrina de Treviño, Sofía del Carmen Monsiváis Treviño, fue arrestada en Nuevo Laredo por marinos mexicanos en relación con el homicidio de Ricardo Martínez Chávez, el principal fiscal del estado en la ciudad. El 4 de enero de 2017, hombres armados emboscaron, dieron muerte a tiros a Martínez y a otros tres servidores públicos en Nuevo Laredo. Monsiváis fue inicialmente arrestada por cargos federales de crimen organizado, pero ahora enfrenta cargos estatales relacionados con el asesinato de Martínez. Ella es la presunta líder del CDN. En una audiencia celebrada en 2016, un agente federal testificó que el CDN está a cargo de los familiares de Treviño, quien está acusado de estar detrás de las matanzas masivas en México. Conocido como “Z-40” y “Cuarenta”, Treviño también es buscado en Texas por los cargos de haber ordenado cinco homicidios en Laredo durante 2005 y 2006. Fue sucedido por su hermano, Omar, quien fue arrestado en 2015. Ambos están en México y enfrentan extradición a los Estados Unidos. “(Monsiváis) era alguien que vivía en Nuevo Laredo y después de “Cuarenta” y el arresto de su otro hermano, ella tomó las riendas por un tiempo”, dijo Fontes. “Y luego, en los últimos meses, ha mantenido un perfil bajo” Junto con Nuevo Laredo, el CDN controla partes de los estados fronterizos de Nuevo León y Coahuila, dijo.
CLUB BOYS AND GIRLS
Acusan a alcalde de fraude y lavado de dinero TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
El alcalde de Río Bravo Francisco Peña se encuentra entre las cuatro personas Peña que han sido acusadas formalmente en conexión con un fraude de asistencia médica y lavado de dinero, anunció el jueves la Oficina del Procurador General. Peña, de 82 años, de Laredo; Rodney Mesquias, de 47 años, de San Antonio; Henry McInnis, de 47 años, de Harlingen; y José Garza, de 40 años, de Harlingen, fueron nombrados en una acusación formal de 11 cargos presentada en el distrito sur de Texas. Los hombres fueron acusados de conspirar para cometer fraude de asistencia médica y de conspirar para realizar lavado de dinero. Mesquias y McInnis fueron acusados de seis cargos de fraude de asistencia médica, y Garza y Peña fueron acusados de un cargo de fraude de asistencia médica cada uno. Peña también fue acusado de un cargo de dar declaraciones falsas y de un cargo de obstrucción a una investigación de asistencia médica. Mesquias y
McInnis fueron acusados de un cargo de obstrucción de justicia cada uno. Mesquias era propietario y controlaba el Grupo Merida Health Care, una colección de entidades dedicadas al cuidado de la salud ubicadas por todo el estado de Texas que proporcionaban además servicios de hospicio. McInnis y Garza ayudaban a control, gestionar y supervisar las entidades de Mesquias. Peña, un médico con licencia, fungía como director médico de las entidades afiliadas al grupo Merida. De acuerdo con la acusación formal, Mesquias, McInnis, Garza y Peña participaron en la conspiración para cometer fraude de asistencia médica que involucró 150 millones de dólares en facturas de Medicare por servicios de hospicio y de salud en el hogar. Mesquias, McInnis y Garza provocaron el soborno a directores médicos de las entidades afiliadas al Grupo Merida, incluyendo a Peña, a cambio de certificar que pacientes calificaban para recibir ciertos servicios, cuando en realidad no era así, y por referir pacientes para recibir dichos servicios, dijo la Oficina del Procurador General. Mesquias, McInnis, Garza y Peña también mantuvieron a pacientes recibiendo servicios de
hospicio por varios años de manera fraudulenta para poder incrementar los ingresos de Medicare, establece la acusación formal. También se alega que la conspiración incluía el lavado de los ingresos provenientes del fraude, por ejemplo, usando prestanombres para ocultar las identidades de los verdaderos beneficiarios: los propietarios de las entidades afiliadas al Grupo Merida. Peña le habría dado información falsa al FBI y obstruyó una investigación relacionada al cuidado de la salud. Una fuente confidencial que trabajó en la industria del cuidado de la salud se reunió con Peña en su oficina en el Ayuntamiento de Río Bravo y en otro lugar, de acuerdo con la acusación formal. Durante estas reuniones, la fuente supuestamente sobornó a Peña con un total de 5.000 dólares para que refiriera ilegalmente a pacientes de hospicio. Posteriormente, Peña fue entrevistado por el FBI y negó haber aceptado sobornos a cambio de referir pacientes. Después de la entrevista, Peña supuestamente contactó a la fuente y la instruyó para engañar al FBI en caso que la fuente fuera entrevistada sobre los sobornos que Peña recibió.
Foto de cortesía / Club Boys and Girls de Zapata
La competencia de tiro al plato se llevará a cabo el sábado 27 de enero en el rancho Ramírez en Zapata.
Invitan a torneo de tiro al plato Por Mayra Garza TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
El club Boys and Girls de Zapata llevará a cabo el onceavo torneo anual de tiro al plato y competencia de carne asada el próximo sábado 27 de enero en el rancho Ramírez, ubicado dos millas al este de la Preparatoria Zapata, a partir de las 8 a.m. La competencia consistirá en escuadras de cinco participantes y la primera serie comenzará a partir de las 8 a.m. La cuota de inscripción es de 120 dólares para tiradores adultos y 60 dólares para tiradores juveniles (las escuadras juveniles deberán contar con un entrenador o patrocinador presente durante la competencia). Los tiradores deberán estar inscritos 30 minutos antes de la serie y traer sus propias municiones. Los premios de tiro al plato serán otorgados a los tiradores de cualquier categoría que obtengan los mejores tres puntajes y recibirán 1.500 dólares,
1.000 dólares y 500 dólares respectivamente. Los premios individuales serán concedidos a los mejores tiradores de cada categoría y los dos primeros lugares de la categoría femenil y juvenil. La competencia de carne asada consiste en fajitas, pollo y costillas de puerco con frijoles pan de campo como guarniciones. La cuota de inscripción es de 200 dólares por equipo y los asadores podrán ser montados desde el viernes 26 de enero, de 12 p.m. a 5 p.m. Todos los equipos deberán estar listos antes de las 8 a.m. el día de la competencia. Los tres primeros lugares serán premiados con 1.000 dólares, 600 dólares y 400 dólares, respectivamente. Los fondos provenientes del evento beneficiarán al club Boys and Girls de Zapata que sirve a más de 400 niños de todas las edades. Para inscribirse entre a la página www.bgcazapata.com o llame a Mark Alvarenga al 956-337-5751.
Sports&Outdoors THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 |
A7
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: HOUSTON ASTROS
Astros' Jon Singleton, Dean Deetz suspended after failed drug tests By Matt Young H OUSTON CHRONICLE
Astros minor leaguers Jon Singleton and Dean Deetz were both hit with lengthy suspensions after another failed drug test Tuesday. Deetz, a righthanded reliever who was added to the Astros' 40-man roster this offseason, received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Singleton received a 100game suspension without pay after a third positive test for a drug of abuse in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The 24-year-old Deetz had worked his way up the Astros' system since being drafted in the 11th round in 2014. After a solid start to last season at
Class AA Corpus Christi, Deetz was promoted to AAA Fresno, where he struggled a bit. "Let me say first and foremost that I have never knowingly taken a performance enhancing substance of any kind," Deetz said in a statement released by the Major League Baseball Players Association. "I come from a small town, and know how fortunate I am to call myself a professional baseball player. I would never jeopardize that opportunity, or betray those who have supported me along the way, by trying to cheat in order to gain an advantage. As I explained to the arbitrator in my appeal, I have no idea how I could possibly have tested positive and although I am disappointed with the outcome, I will abide by his decision. I would like to apologize to my family, friends, the Houston Astros organization, coaches, teammates and fans that have been impacted by
Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle file
Astros minor leaguers Jon Singleton (pictured) and Dean Deetz were hit with a 100-game and an 80-game supension, respectively, for failed drug tests Tuesday.
this situation. I will continue working diligently to clear my name and, in the meantime, rebuild the trust of those who
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
have been affected by this result." Singleton, who received a 50-game suspension for a sec-
ond failed drug test in December 2012, was once one of the Astros' top prospects and spent parts of the 2014 and 2015 seasons in the big leagues. The Astros thought so highly of Singleton they signed him to a contract in 2014 that guaranteed him $10 million. Singleton spent of all of 2016 in Fresno, where he hit .202 with 20 home runs. He played all of last season in Corpus Christi, batting .205 with 18 home runs. "Throughout our system, our players are educated through MLB's Drug Prevention and Treatment programs," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said in a statement. "Therefore, it is disappointing when any player is in violation of the policies that are in place. We hope that these young men will learn from this experience moving forward. The Astros will continue to fully support Major League Baseball's Drug Prevention and Treatment Programs."
NBA: DALLAS MAVERICKS
MAVS’ RICK CARLISLE APOLOGIZES FOR FLIP OUT ON SALAH MEJRI Lynne Sladky / Associated Press file
ESPN announced Tuesday that former star slugger Alex Rodriguez is joining the network as an analyst for Sunday Night Baseball.
A-Rod again replaces Boone, joins ESPN Network A S S OCI AT E D PRE SS
BRISTOL, Conn. — Alex Rodriguez is taking over for Aaron Boone again, this time moving into the ESPN booth for Sunday Night Baseball. ESPN announced Tuesday that A-Rod was joining its crew as an analyst. The former star slugger will become a rare, two-network announcer — he will continue as a studio analyst for Fox Sports in the postseason. Rodriguez fills the ESPN spot held last season by Boone, hired last month to manage the New York Yankees. Boone hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning of Game 7 in the 2003 AL Championship Series against Boston, but the third baseman tore up his knee in the offseason and missed a year. Rodriguez became his replacement with the Yankees, acquired from Texas in a trade before the 2004 season. Rodriguez stayed with the team through 2016 and hit 696 career home runs. “I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my broadcasting career,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “It’s an exciting time in baseball and now I get that front-row seat to tell that story every Sunday night on ESPN,as well as calling my fourth postseason on Fox, where I started this journey.”
The 42-year-old Rodriguez keeps raising his profile since missing the 2014 season because of a drug suspension. Along with his baseball broadcasting, he works as an adviser for the Yankees and often shows up on red carpets with girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. Rodriguez’s new job led some to suggest on social media that someday he should follow Boone a third time, as manager of the Yankees. Shortly before the Yankees officially hired Boone, J-Lo posted on Instagram : “It couldn’t be clearer.(hash)arodforyankeesmanager.” The ESPN Sunday night crew will include play-by-play broadcaster Matt Vasgersian, analyst Jessica Mendoza and reporter Buster Olney. Rodriguez and the new crew make its debut on Thursday, March 29, when the San Francisco Giants visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on opening day. The first Sunday night telecast is GiantsDodgers on April 1. “Alex’s achievements as a player speak for themselves, and I’ve been greatly impressed by the passion and dedication he has put into his broadcasting career,” Mendoza said. Vasgersian replaces Dan Shulman, who had been the play-by-play voice on Sunday nights for seven seasons.
By Eddie Sefko THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Mavs coach Rick Carlisle apologizes for flipping out on Salah Mejri after his ejection vs. Wizards It may not have been a summit meeting, but it was an important visit that coach Rick Carlisle had with backup big man Salah Mejri on Tuesday, the day after "The Mej" was ejected against Washington for arguing a foul call. Bottom line: Carlisle apologized for his handling of the situation. "I had a long talk with Salah about what happened and apologized to him for behavior that was really emotional, uncalled for and unprofessional on my part," Carlisle said. "He’s one of our best competitors. Things got heated. Conflict sometimes can bring out communication, which is what I’m hoping comes from this. But I want to make sure that he understands and all our fans understand how important he is to our team and how sorry I am about what happened when he was ejected." The situation was such that Carlisle was concerned about the momentum swaying in a game the Mavericks had dominated. They were ahead by double figures when Mejri picked up two technical fouls and the ejection in the third quarter. Carlisle said he’s finding out that in the heat of battle, Salah disappears and "The Mej" takes over. "It’s his alter-ego - it’s ’The Mej,’ " Carlisle said. "So I got to work on my relationship with The Mej and trying to even the keel out. "Competitiveness in heated NBA games can sometimes bring out uncontrolled emotions. It can happen to players and it can happen to coaches. None of us are perfect and we have to talk it out, and work it out. The reality is he’s been one of our most productive players in recent weeks from a plus-minus standpoint and he knows that. We need him." Mejri said that he appreciated Carlisle talking through the situation on the morning after. He said the situation was over and that, while the media may have overblown the situation a bit, Mejri understood that everybody has a job to do.
Tom Pennington / Getty Images
Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle apologized for flipping out on backup big man Salah Mejri on Tuesday after his ejection against the Washington Wizards.
"I’m playing with energy, with edge," the 7-2 Mejri said. "Sometimes, it hurts me. But that’s the way I am. I’m not going to change. There are a lot of people who don’t like me. I don’t like a lot of people, too. I don’t need fans from other places to like me. I’m happy with what I’m doing. Everybody makes mistakes. I’ll keep growing." Asked if he becomes a different sort of person during games, he said: "For sure. A lot of people say I’m a nice guy outside. But once the lights are on, I get focused. I get
competitive. If I stop playing with attitude, stop playing angry - and then I don’t play angry, they’re like, ’no, please play angry.’ "I’m big, man. I have this beard. I talk aggressive . Maybe it’s new for the referees and they think I’m fighting with them. But I’m just talking to them. Everybody has the right to talk to the referees, no?" They do, but there are players in the NBA who get eyed by the referees a little more closely than others. Asked if he is getting a bad reputation, Mejri said: "I don’t care."
A8 | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
ENTERTAINMENT
Oscars make history with transgender nominees
Bill Cosby is hitting the town again
By Jake Coyle By Michael Sisak
A S S O CIAT E D PRE SS
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
NEW YORK — Oscar nods for women and minorities drew many of the headlines in Tuesday’s nominations, but this year’s Academy Awards also mark a breakthrough for transgender filmmakers. Yance Ford, the director of the documentary “Strong Island” and a trans man, became the first transgender filmmaker nominated for an Oscar. His film, a Netflix release about Ford’s investigation into his brother’s 1992 murder, was nominated for best documentary. Sebastian Lelio’s “A Fantastic Woman,” Chile’s Oscar entry, was also nominated for best foreign language film. It stars Daniela Vega, a trans actress, as a transgender singer mistreated in the aftermath of her boyfriend’s death. Alluding to those nominations, as well as those for films featuring prominent gay characters such as “The Shape of Water,” “Call Me By Your Name” and “Lady Bird,” GLAAD applauded the Oscar field. “It’s a big day for LGBTQ-inclusive films at the Academy Awards. Films like ‘The Shape of Water,’ ‘A Fantastic Woman,’ ‘Lady Bird,’ and ‘Call Me By Your Name’ not only have complex, detailed, and moving portrayals, but prove that audiences and critics alike are hungry for stories which embrace diversity,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO. “These important stories move the
Theo Wargo / Getty Images
Yance Ford and Joslyn Barnes attend the 2018 Film Society Of Lincoln Center & Film Comment Luncheon at Lincoln Ristorante in New York City.
needle forward on LGBTQ acceptance at a time when media images are often the front lines for marginalized communities.” Some had hoped Vega would become the first transgender actor nominated. Hollywood has come under increasing criticism for celebrating trans stories played by non-trans stars, while failing to cast transgender actors. Hilary Swank ("Boys Don’t Cry”), Jared Leto ("Dallas Buyers Club”), Eddie Redmayne ("The Danish Girl”) and Felicity Huffman ("Transamerica”) have all garnered Oscar nominations for trans roles, with Swank and Leto winning. But the transgender stars of Sean Baker’s 2015 film “Tangerine” escaped Oscar notice, too, though the film’s Mya Taylor won an Independent Spirit Award. Lelio said Tuesday he sees “A Fantastic Woman” as a love story “that happens to happen to a
transgender woman.” “For me, it has always been a film about the limits to our empathy,” Lelio said. “About what we are willing to allow from others, where we draw the line in terms of which people are legitimate or which acts of love are legitimate or not.” Transgender people have been nominated in other Oscar categories. The composer Angela Morley received two nods, for 1974’s “The Little Prince” and 1976’s “The Slipper and the Rose.” Most recently, singer Anohni, formerly known as Antony of Antony and the Johnsons, became the first transgendered performer ever nominated. She collaborated with J. Ralph on the nominated song “Manta Ray” for the documentary “Racing Extinction.” But when the category’s other nominees — Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, the Weeknd — were given performing slots during the 2016 broadcast, Anohni was not, and she opted to boycott the ceremony.
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PHILADELPHIA — Bill Cosby is suddenly out and about in his hometown of Philadelphia in what legal experts say appears to be an effort by the comedian to rebuild his good-guy image ahead of his retrial on sexual assault charges in the spring. In the past two weeks, the 80-year-old Cosby emerged from a long period of near-seclusion to have dinner with friends at a restaurant and gave his first comedy performance in more than two years. Cosby’s publicists turned both nights into media spectacles, letting reporters tag along as he enjoyed penne and sausage earlier this month and inviting cameras in as he told jokes Monday at a jazz club. Legal experts say Cosby’s team appears to be orchestrating the public outings and media coverage to influence potential jurors at his April 2 retrial on charges of molesting a Temple University employee at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. The former TV star’s first trial ended in a hung jury over the summer. “It’s the ‘Bill Cosby is not a bad guy’ defense,” said Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson. By playing up Cosby’s comedic past and Philadelphia roots, Levenson said, his team is attempting to recast his image from that of a predator accused of drugging and molesting about 60 women over five decades.
Prosecutors have asked a judge to let 19 of those women testify at Cosby’s retrial, which is likely to unfold in a far more hostile climate than his first trial. In recent months, the (hash)MeToo torrent of sexual misconduct allegations has brought down numerous powerful men, including Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Matt Lauer and Michigan Rep. John Conyers. “The defense is saying, ‘If they’re going to try to make this about his reputation, we better start building back up his reputation,”’ Levenson said. Cosby’s spokesman, Andrew Wyatt, denied the comedian’s recent public appearances are aimed at influencing a potential jury. He said that the entertainer gets “hundreds of requests per day” and that he accepted the jazz club invitation because he wanted to honor Philadelphia musician Tony Williams. “Living life is not a strategy,” Wyatt said “Mr. Cosby is a human being. When did being a human being become a strategy? He has to live life to the fullest.” Cosby’s accusers see his re-emergence as a slap in the face. “While he’s laughing, they’re crying,” said Gloria Allred, the lawyer for about 30 Cosby accusers. “Perhaps this is some sort of charm offensive, but I think there are many, many people who believe the accusers, and they are not charmed by what appears to be an act,” she added. “It feels manipulative of public opinion.” Earlier Monday, Cosby
spoke at a star-studded memorial service in New York for choreographer George Faison’s longtime partner. Over the weekend, Cosby’s social media accounts featured photos of him visiting a Philadelphia barber and a cafe and expressing support for the Super Bowl-bound Eagles. During his hour-long jazz club performance, Cosby appeared at ease at he reminisced about his childhood and pounded the drums. He didn’t touch on his criminal case and wouldn’t answer reporters’ questions about it afterward, saying: “I came here tonight to enjoy being with my friends and the musicians and the people who came.” Outside the restaurant where he ate dinner with friends Jan. 10, Cosby shook a reporter’s hand and told her: “Please don’t put me on MeToo.” Wyatt argued Cosby’s life shouldn’t stop just because he is facing charges. “When you have to go to traffic court, do you stop going to work?” he said. When reminded that the charges against Cosby are more serious and could put him in prison for the rest of his life, the spokesman replied: “People have to go to court every day. They still go out and enjoy life.” Wyatt said Cosby has been out in public frequently near his primary home in Massachusetts. The difference now: He is inviting the media. Wyatt issued a press release about Cosby’s comedy performance about two hours before he was to take the stage.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 |
A9
BUSINESS
Kimberly-Clark feels the pinch as birthrates drop ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Workers from the Goldin Solar company install a solar panel system on the roof of a home in Palmetto Bay, Florida a day after the Trump administration announced it will impose duties of as much as 30 percent on solar equipment made abroad.
Trump slaps tariffs on solar cells, washing machines By Paul Wiseman and David Koenig A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s move Tuesday to tax imported solar cells and washing machines is meant to make good on his vow to reverse decades of U.S. support for free trade and to protect American jobs from foreign competition. But the tariffs — already denounced by China, Germany and Mexico — are likely to heighten tensions between the United States and its trade partners, slow the U.S. solar-installation business and raise prices for American consumers. And even touchier trade cases lie ahead, involving China’s overproduction of steel and aluminum and its theft of trade secrets, with consequences for American industry and workers. “My administration is committed to defending American companies, and they’ve been very badly hurt from harmful import surges that threaten the livelihood of their workers,” Trump said as he signed the tariffs. “The United States will not be taken advantage of anymore.” Trump had campaigned on the argument that foreign nations had long outmaneuvered the United States at the negotiating table and had unfairly subsidized their own industries at the expense of American jobs. He pledged to return manufacturing jobs to America by killing or renegotiating trade deals and cracking down on such countries as China and Mexico that sell more to the United States than they buy from it. Almost as soon as he
took office, Trump abandoned an Asia-Pacific trade pact negotiated by the Obama administration. And Trump’s trade team is engaged in a contentious effort to rewrite the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. But until Tuesday, the administration had not imposed major tariffs on imported goods. It is now slapping an immediate tariff of 30 percent on most imported solar modules; the rate will gradually phase out in four years. For large residential washing machines, tariffs will start at up to 50 percent and phase out after three years. The White House is dusting off a trade weapon not used since President George W. Bush imposed tariffs on imported steel in 2002. The Trade Act of 1974 allows a president to temporarily impose tariffs or other trade barriers on imports that are deemed to damage U.S. industries. The solar case emerged from a complaint by two U.S.-based companies that manufactured solar cells, the building blocks of solar panels: Suniva Inc., the Georgia-based subsidiary of a Chinese firm, which declared bankruptcy in April; and SolarWorld Americas, the U.S. subsidiary of a German company. The two companies argued that they had been crushed by an influx of cheap imported solar cells and modules, mostly produced by Chinese companies. China’s share of global solar-cell production shot up from 7 percent in 2005 to nearly 70 percent last year. As prices plunged, nearly 30 U.S. plants closed over the past five years.
DALLAS — Americans are having fewer babies, and diaper makers are feeling the pinch. Kimberly-Clark said Tuesday it will cut as many as 5,500 jobs, or 13 percent of its workforce, in an attempt to lower costs. The job cuts come as the maker of Huggies and Kleenex — like other consumer-products companies — is seeing a decline in demand for some core products as U.S. birthrates fall. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the general fertility rate fell 11 percent between 2007 and 2016. Only provisional data is available for 2017, but it tells the same story: Women under 30 are having fewer children and aren’t in the market for diapers, tissue and other products that new parents buy in bulk. “You can’t encourage moms to use more diapers in developed mar-
kets when the babies aren’t being born in those markets,” KimberlyClark CEO Tom Falk said in a conference call. The Dallas-based company also said that it plans to close or sell about 10 manufacturing plants while expanding production elsewhere. It’s also looking to exit or sell some low-margin businesses that make up about 1 percent of company sales. The company did not say where the job cuts would take place. Makers of consumer products are also getting squeezed between higher commodity prices and lower retail prices as shoppers scour the internet for the best deals. While competitor Procter & Gamble also reported earnings that met expectations, analysts showed some concern about the first quarterly price decline since 2011, as well poor diaper sales. Kimberly-Clark Corp. anticipates pre-tax savings of $500 million to
$550 million by the end of 2021 from the cost-cutting moves. It foresees total pre-tax restructuring charges in a range of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion. The company also reported mixed fourth-quarter results on Tuesday. Its adjusted profit of $1.57 per share was 3 cents better than what analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research forecast. But revenue of $4.58 billion was slightly below Wall Street’s expectations. Kimberly-Clark’s annual sales declined for the three-year period between 2013 and 2016, according to FactSet. But annual sales rose slightly in 2017 from the prior-year period. The company is looking to save more than $1.5 billion between 2018 and 2021 as part of its ongoing costsavings program. Shares in Kimberly-Clark ticked up less than 1 percent in afternoon trading.
Tech and consumer stocks rise; Netflix leaps By Marley Jay ASSOCIATED PRE SS
NEW YORK — Technology and consumerfocused companies led U.S. stocks to more records Tuesday. Netflix, at the center of both groups, soared after saying it gained more than 8 million subscribers at the end of 2017. Bond prices rose and yields fell after the Bank of Japan said it isn’t cutting back its stimulus programs. Yields had reached long-time highs, and the decline helped high-dividend companies like utilities and real estate investment trusts. Health care and household goods companies fell after Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble gave disappointing quarterly reports. U.S. solar power companies spiked after President Donald Trump approved tariffs on imported solar-energy components. Some investors were relieved: analysts said the tariffs will make production more expensive for U.S. companies, but they weren’t as harsh as they could have been. Companies that do their manufacturing overseas finished lower and some of the U.S. companies gave up their gains before trading ended. “You could probably argue that this particular tariff is the first implementation of the protectionist rhetoric than he
ran on,” said Randy Frederick, vice president of trading & derivatives at Charles Schwab. That didn’t worry investors much, but Frederick said stocks might decline if there are signs other countries are retaliating or that the administration is preparing to take more aggressive steps. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index added 6.16 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,839.13. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 3.79 points to 26,210.81. The 30-stock index was pulled lower by Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble’s losses. The Nasdaq composite jumped 52.26 points, or 0.7 percent, to 7,460.29. The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks rose 5.54 points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,610.71. Netflix said it picked up 8.3 million subscribers in the fourth quarter, a much stronger result than the company and analysts had expected. The streaming video company’s stock soared $22.71, or 10 percent, to $250.29. Big technology companies also rallied. Facebook rose $3.98, or 2.1 percent, to $189.35 and Google’s parent company Alphabet gained $12.01, or 1 percent, to $1,176.17. Online retailer Amazon climbed $35.23, or 2.7 percent, to $1,362.54. The tariff on imported solar-energy components will start at 30 percent and it’s aimed at cheaper imports places like South Korea and China. The
latter country called the measures an abuse of trade remedies. Raymond James analyst Pavel Molchanov said the extra costs from the tariffs will stop some projects from being built, but added that solar power capacity in the U.S. should keep growing at a rapid pace over the next few years. First Solar rose as much as 8.6 percent before turning lower and falling 48 cents to $68.48. SunPower gained 6.8 percent early on, but later fell 56 cents, or 6.4 percent, to $8.16. However Sunrun gained 37 cents, or 6.1 percent, to $6.41. JinkoSolar Holdings sank $1.85, or 7.9 percent, to $21.52 and Canadian Solar declined 13 cents to $15.64. The administration also placed a tariff of 50 percent on large washing machines and some components. Whirlpool climbed $5.33, or 3.2 percent, to $171.98. Johnson & Johnson dropped after the health care giant said sharply higher spending canceled out a big jump in sales. A federal appeals court also ruled against Johnson & Johnson, saying a patent on its rheumatoid arthritis drug Remicade isn’t valid. Remicade is its biggest-selling drug and the ruling could lead to increased competition. Its stock shed $6.31, or 4.3 percent, to $141.83. Tide detergent maker Procter & Gamble lost
$2.84, or 3.1 percent, to $89.05. The company reported a bigger profit and better sales than Wall Street expected, but analysts said its profit margins were weak. Bond prices turned higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.62 percent from 2.66 percent. For the last few days, the 10-year yield has been at its highest level since September 2014. Asian stock indexes also rose after the Bank of Japan said it will continue making massive asset purchases and using negative interest rates to spur inflation. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index jumped 1.3 percent and South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.4 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.7 percent. Benchmark U.S. crude rose 90 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $64.47 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, used to price international oils, added 93 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $69.96 a barrel in London. Wholesale gasoline rose 3 cents to $1.91 a gallon. Heating oil added 3 cents to $2.09 a gallon. Natural gas jumped 22 cents, or 6.8 percent, to $3.44 per 1,000 cubic feet. Gold rose $4.80 to $1,336.70 an ounce. Silver lost 8 cents to $16.91 an ounce. Copper fell 9 cents to $3.11 a pound. The dollar slid to 110.30 yen from 110.99 yen. The euro edged up to $1.2294 from $1.2258.
A10 | Wednesday, January 24, 2018 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
FROM THE COVER
Extradition of ex-governor rejected A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
MEXICO CITY — A judge in Mexico has ruled the country should not extradite a former governor of the border state of Tamaulipas wanted on U.S. moneylaundering charges. The federal Judiciary Council said Tuesday that Eugenio Her-
TALKS From page A1 promises, although he did offer some potentially significant concessions. Throughout the showdown, the two sides largely stayed in their corners, with Democrats demanding protection for people known as dreamers -- young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children -- and Republicans attacking them for putting “illegal immigrants” ahead of American citizens. As Graham said Monday, there’s still no clear path in the Senate to getting the 60 votes needed to advance any immigration bill. “There’s a play being made by the White House to pick up 48 Republicans and 12 Democrats. That ain’t gonna work. I’ve seen that play a bunch.
BORDER From page A1 as the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act for the border barriers. In September, it waived reviews for a 3-mile stretch in Calexico, California. President George W. Bush’s administration issued the previous five waivers in 2008. But critics said the waivers are an overreach
nandez Flores faces more serious charges in Mexico, and so should be tried in his home country. However, the opinion is not binding. Mexico’s government can argue it has a “temporary” extradition arrangement with the United States that allows suspects to be extradited and tried north of the border, and then returned quickly
to Mexico for another trial, before serving either sentence. Hernandez was arrested Oct. 6 on Mexican charges of misuse of public funds and use of illicit funds Hernandez was indicted on money laundering charges in Texas in 2015. He governed from 2005 to 2010.
That gets you nothing,” Graham said. “There’s a play by Democrats to pick up 12 of us. That ain’t gonna work. We’ve got about five or six for my proposal, but you’re not going to get 12.” “So the only way you’re ever going to get something out of the Senate that has the chance to get on the president’s desk is to make it close to 70 votes,” he added. They’re not close yet. Perhaps the most constructive result of the three-day standoff was that it crystallized which Senate moderates were most interested in a deal -- and it got them talking. A bipartisan group of 22 senators met multiple times, with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine leading discussions about where they might find agreement. “If we had not taken this cause for two days, I don’t think we would
have had this commitment from the group of senators plus the majority leader to move forward in three weeks,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat. But it’s not at all clear that these new conversations will budge Republican leaders or Trump. During the standoff, McConnell poured fuel on the animosity by accusing Democrats of holding the fate of government funding hostage to the cause of “illegal immigration,” which some considered dismissive of the dreamers. And Trump released an ad over the weekend saying Democrats would be “complicit in every murder committed by illegal immigrants,” sparking cries of racist fear-mongering. What Trump will support regarding dreamers “depends on what we get
in exchange,” White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney told CNN Tuesday. “What do we get for border security? What do we get for the wall?” Some Republicans said the shutdown may actually do “lasting damage” to prospects of a dreamer legalization deal, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows said Sunday. If there’s no action by March 5, the roughly 690,000 recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program will begin to face the risk of deportation. “There is a possibility” Congress could fail to act, Meadows of North Carolina said. Some progressives said the outcome validated their deep concerns about whether Democratic leaders can use the limited leverage they have in the Senate minority.
and a threat to the environment. Brian Segee, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said federal authorities are waiving more than 30 environmental laws to speed construction of the proposal area around Santa Teresa, New Mexico. “The Trump administration is stopping at nothing to ram through this destructive border wall,” Segee said. “Trump’s divisive border
wall is a humanitarian and environmental disaster, and it won’t do anything to stop illegal drug or human smuggling.” The Center for Biological Diversity said it is considering whether to challenge the waiver in court. The administration has insisted new wall funding be part of any pending immigration reform deal, but President Donald Trump has been unclear about how long the wall would be and how it
should be designed. The administration has asked for $1.6 billion this year to build or replace 74 miles (118 kilometers) of barriers in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and San Diego and plans to request another $1.6 billion next year. A proposal by Customs and Border Protection calls for spending $18 billion over 10 years to extend barriers to cover nearly half the border. Mexico has steadfastly rejected Trump’s demand that it pay for the wall.
NAFTA From page A1 hike the share of a car that must be built in the three countries to 85 percent, with an additional requirement for 50 percent U.S. content. Canada and Mexico have dismissed those proposals, but Canada indicated it will bring new thinking to the table. Canada’s chief negotiator, Steve Verheul, said he won’t make an autos counter-proposal but will offer “new ideas” to spur discussion on the topic. The Mexican delegation will also not present a counter-proposal but is willing to discuss the issue, according to a person familiar with negotiations, who spoke on condition they not be identified. ‘Step Back’ “We don’t see a lot of value in making a counter-proposal, a formal counter-proposal right now. We think we need to take a step back, talk about ideas, generate some traction with some ideas and move in that direction,” Verheul told reporters in Montreal. “We will be bringing new ideas on the autos rules of origin issue, we’ll be putting those on the table, trying to initiate a discussion, trying to find ways to move that issue forward.” Verheul and Mexican counterpart Kenneth Smith Ramos spoke to reporters as NAFTA talks formally began Tuesday, though negotiations had resumed on Sunday. As Trump himself signaled he thought talks were going well, both the Canadian and Mexican lead negotiators put a positive spin on negotiations. “We’re working constructively with the U.S. and with Canada with a clear goal of modernizing the NAFTA,” Smith Ramos said. Negotiators are trying to advance as much as possible on the most
controversial issues and finalize those where consensus exists, he said. They hope to near completion on chapters including telecommunications, anti-corruption, measures to protect against disease and pests and technical barriers to trade, he said. Verheul and Smith Ramos downplayed the impact of a deal to salvage the Trans Pacific Partnership, which 11 nations including Canada and Mexico will proceed with after Trump quit. “TPP will make no difference,” Verheul said. Breakthrough ‘Possibility’ The three countries might make a breakthrough on autos by discussing changes to how the actual value of a car is calculated, Dennis Darby, chief executive officer of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters industry group, said in a telephone interview. “If there’s a willingness to talk about how you calculate the rules of origin in terms of what gets included, there’s possibility for movement,” Darby said. Industry has discussed expanding the “definition of the value chain” to include, in part, technological developments in cars, he said. “What we understand from the negotiators is that’s at least something” being considered, he said. Trump wants to increase the share of a typical vehicle coming from NAFTA from the current 62.5 percent. He also wants to expand the list of parts whose origin is actually traced -- something that would add a paperwork burden for automakers and potentially lead to certain parts, that are currently “deemed” domestic because they are not traced, being counted as foreign. To raise the auto threshold without changing how it’s calculated “is just not practical,” Darby said.