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SATURDAY AUGUST 5, 2017
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2 Texans vie for homeland security secretary
Official’s brother arrested Del Bosque charged with drunk driving By César G. Rodriguez
Congressman, former governor in the running By Kevin Diaz and Jame Osborne H EA R ST NEWSPAPE RS
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s marquee campaign promise to build a border wall didn’t always McCaul have the support of the two Texans currently being considered to Perry be his next homeland security secretary. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Trump’s energy secretary, said in 2011 that a 2,000mile fence “doesn’t make sense.” Texas Congressman Michael McCaul, in a 2015 interview, called it “kind of simplistic.” Like a lot of Texas Republicans, Perry and McCaul long have
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advocated securing the border in other ways, and only recently in their careers have come to embrace Trump’s vision of a wall. McCaul rolled out a $10 billion border bill in the House last week. “We must have physical barriers – including a wall, where necessary,” said McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. But McCaul’s emphasis on technology and law enforcement — mirroring Perry’s policies as governor — doesn’t match Trump’s vision for a 2,000-mile border wall paid for by Mexico. The two Texans also have run afoul of border and immigration hawks in other ways. Positions they have taken on foreign worker visas and legal migrant labor — issues important to Texas farmers — have earned them low
The brother of a local high ranking law enforcement official has been arrested on the suspicion of driving drunk, according to reports. Ricardo del Bosque, 32,
Del Bosque
was charged with driving while intoxicated July 28, according to an open records request obtained by
Brother continues on A8
Courtesy
The driver of this vehicle was allegedly driving drunk, according to law enforcement officials.
ZAPATA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
King’s Way Church / Courtesy
The Zapata County Fire Department recently held a presentation for a group of children from King’s Way Church.
FIREFIGHTERS HOST TOUR FOR CHILDREN
Homeland continues on A8
UNITED NATIONS
Tougher sanctions could cost N. Korea $1B
King’s Way Church members learn emergency procedures
US proposes ban of coal
By César G. Rodriguez THE ZAPATA TIME S
By Anne Gearan WA S H INGT ON P O ST
The United States has proposed wide new United Nations sanctions on North Korea that would ban exports of coal and other commodities, a U.N. Security Council diplomat said Friday. The new penalties are likely to be adopted quickly by the Security Council in response to two North
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Korean intercontinental ballistic-missile launches last month, the diplomat said. A vote could come as soon as Saturday. The bans on coal, lead, iron and seafood exports could deny North Korea $1 billion in annual revenue, out of total exports of $3 billion, according to the diplomat, who insisted on being identified only as a Securi-
King’s Way Church / Courtesy
U.N. continues on A8
A firefighter helps a boy try on firefighting gear. Recently, the Zapata County Fire Department opened its doors to a group of children from King’s Way Church.
group of children from King’s Way Church recently visited the Zapata County Fire Department to learn about fire prevention, 911 and emergencies, according to first responders. The visit took place July 20. “After the presentation the kids had a few questions for us in which they were answered. One of the questions was, ‘Do the fire
trucks have water in them right now?’ We quickly showed the kids that our trucks are always ready by turning on our deck gun and spraying water into the air,” the department said in a statement. Children found it fascinating, first responders said. Furthermore, four children lined up to try out the bunker gear. All had the same comment, “It’s very heavy,” according to fire officials. “We would like to thank Kings Way Church for giving us a chance to inTour continues on A8
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Jeff Sessions vows crackdown on leaks By Joseph Tanfani TR IB UNE WASHINGT ON BUR EAU
WASHINGTON — Under pressure by President Donald Trump to stanch unauthorized disclosures of classified information to the media, At-
Sessions
torney General Jeff Sessions on Friday announced new efforts to find and prosecute those responsible for what he called an "un-
precedented rise in leaks" and threatened a more aggressive stance toward journalists. Sessions revealed no new cases, but said the Department of Justice has tripled the number of leak investigations this year. The pace is so heavy, he said, that the FBI has in-
creased resources for leak cases and has created a new counterintelligence squad to manage them. He also said he was reconsidering policies put in place during the Obama administration that limited the information prosecutors could demand
from reporters. "We are taking a stand," he said. "This culture of leaking must stop." The Obama administration was aggressive in pursuing cases against government officials who revealed secrets to Leaks continues on A8
Zin brief A2 | Saturday, August 5, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
CALENDAR
AROUND THE NATION
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, AUG. 5 Brightwood College Back to School Event. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 6410 McPherson Road. Event is free and open to the public. Will feature refreshments, a moonwalk, face painting, a bike show, a Taekwondo exhibition, a photo booth, a variety of food booths, campus tours, program demonstrations and a school supplies drive for which everyone is invited to bring and donate supplies. Attendees will be entered to win prizes.
ASSOCIATED PRE SS
Today is Saturday, Aug. 5, the 217th day of 2017. There are 148 days left in the year.
Today's Highlights in History: On August 5, 1957, the teenage dance show "American Bandstand," hosted by Dick Clark, made its network debut on ABC-TV. The British cartoon character Andy Capp, created by Reginald Smythe, first appeared in the Daily Mirror.
MONDAY, AUG. 7 Ray of Light Anxiety and Depression Support Group Meeting in English. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Recurring event. English group meets every 1st Monday of the month. Westcare Foundation, 1616 Callaghan St. Ray of Light Anxiety and Depression Support Group provides a forum for people with anxiety and/or depression to meet, talk, share experiences and learn more about the conditions. Support groups can help individuals make connections with others facing similar challenges. While a support group does not replace an individual's medical care, it can be a valuable resource to gain insight, strength, and hope. The support group welcomes adults suffering from anxiety and/or depression to participate in free confidential support group meetings and social events. For more info, contact Anna Maria Pulido Saldivar at gruporayitodeluz@gmail.com or 956307-2014.
Ross D. Franklin / AP
Uprooted trees caused major damage at the Phoenix Zoo, and the zoo was closed for business as staff and work crews we busy with cleanup Friday in Phoenix.
WESTERN STATES MOP UP AFTER SUMMER STORMS
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9 Rhythm Path Library Drumming Circle. 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library. 1920 Palo Blanco. Event is free and and family friendly. Join the library drumming circle and learn to play West African rhythms and songs. Preregistration encouraged. For more information, contact Analiza Perez-Gomez at 956795-2400 ext. 2401.
SATURDAY, AUG. 12 Harry Potter Book Club. 3 p.m - 5 p.m. McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Branch Library. 1920 Palo Blanco. Event is free and children, teens and adults are welcome to attend. Discussion about “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” will be held at the meeting. For more information, contact Analiza PerezGomez at 956-795-2400 ext. 2401.
PHOENIX — Desert communities in Arizona and California were cleaning up Friday after summer storms unleashed muddy torrents into roadways and toppled huge trees into homes and vehicles. A man in Los Angeles County was hoisted to safety by a helicopter when his pickup truck was surrounded by a river of muddy water. Residents of the Phoenix metro area surveyed damage in their neighborhoods after high winds and heavy downbursts of rain downed scores of huge, old trees Thursday evening. Jesse Thomas of All About Trees said
Friday the phone at his Phoenix tree-removal service was ringing non-stop. The summer storms in the U.S. Southwest are known as monsoons, a term many associate with the Indian subcontinent and the Bay of Bengal. A monsoon is simply a reversal of winds, National Weather Service forecaster Travis Wilson said. In the American Southwest, that means a switch of the region’s wintertime westerly winds for the summertime’s southerly and southeasterly flow bringing in moisture from Mexico’s Gulf of California.
FRIDAY, AUG. 18 South Texas Food Bank Empty Bowls XI. Laredo Energy Arena. TexMex power rock trio Los Lonely Boys will perform. The event includes a dinner, a benefit concert and a silent auction featuring artworks from local and regional artists. Sponsorship tables of 10 that include dinner and access to silent auction items are available. There are different levels of sponsorship available: Diamond $20,000, Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500 and Bronze $1,500. Individual table tickets are $150. Table tickets are available at the food bank, 1907 Freight at Riverside. Concert only tickets are $10, $15 and $25. Tickets are available at the LEA box office, Ticketmaster.com, select Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
Swimmers’ lives claimed along US beaches POINT PLEASANT BEACH, N.J. — Rip currents have caused several deaths at the New Jersey shore this summer, prompting warnings from lifeguards and weather forecasters for swimmers to be aware and keep themselves safe. Six people died between June and July due to rip currents in
New Jersey, including a 24year-old Slovakian woman in the U.S. to work a summer job on the shore. Rip currents are to blame for most of the 59 deaths that have occurred in the surf zone along the nation’s beaches so far this year, and scientists are hoping swimmers pay closer attention to the narrow currents that pull them away from the shore. Rip currents have claimed 735 lives in the U.S. since 2002. There were 40 rip current deaths nationwide by the end
of July compared with 58 in all of 2016, data from the National Weather Service shows . Florida leads the nation with 11 so far this year. New Jersey and Texas had six and North Carolina had five. “What usually happens is a wave can knock them off their feet and start to pull on them,” said Atlantic City Beach patrol Lt. John Ammerman. “They don’t relax and float with it. They generally panic and have trouble.” — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND THE WORLD UN agency cites jump in migrant deaths on US-Mexico border GENEVA — The U.N.’s migration agency said Friday that it has tallied an increase this year in deaths of people trying to enter the United States from Mexico even as illegal crossings appear to have dropped sharply. The International Organization of Migration counted 232 migrant deaths through the end of July, up from 204 a year earlier. U.S. authorities have denied entry 140,000 times during the first half of the year, barely half of last year’s count, giving a rough sense of how sharply illegal crossings have dropped this year. Fifty bodies were found in July alone, including 10 discovered in a truck in San Antonio, Texas, the migration agency
Rodrigo Abd / AP
In this file photo dated March 25, a man fishes in the river near to a cross in memory of a migrant who died trying to cross to the U.S., on the bank of the Rio Grande river in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas state, Mexico, across the border from Laredo, Texas. The U.N.'s migration agency said Friday the number of deaths among migrants trying to cross from Mexico to the United States has increased by 17-percent this year compared to a year ago, with 50 bodies found in July alone.
said. The Geneva-based agency said the higher toll could not be fully explained. It made no reference to President Donald
Trump’s calls for tighter border controls, but cited factors like hot weather and swelling Rio Grande waters. The Border Patrol has count-
ed 156 deaths on the Mexican border during the first seven months of the year, down 19 percent from 193 during the same period of 2016. The U.N. agency’s tally is based on figures from U.S. county medical examiners and sheriff’s offices and media reports from the Mexican side of the border. Thousands have died crossing the border since the mid-1990s, when heightened enforcement in San Diego and El Paso, Texas, pushed traffic into Arizona’s remote, scorching deserts. In recent years, South Texas has become the busiest corridor for illegal crossings and also the most deadly. For the first seven months of the year, the Border Patrol reported 80 deaths in its Rio Grande Valley sector and 64 in its Laredo sector — both in South Texas — and 49 in its Tucson, Arizona, sector. — Compiled from AP reports
AROUND TEXAS Experts: Suspect in 4 deaths fits ‘serial killer’ profile A Texas man suspected in the cold-case killings of two women and two girls 20 years ago fits the profile of a serial killer because he chose his victims by gender and age, and derived pleasure from the control he exerted over them before they died, criminal experts and law enforcement officials said Friday.
On this date: In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Adm. David G. Farragut led his fleet to victory in the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama. In 1884, the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty's pedestal was laid on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor. In 1924, the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" by Harold Gray made its debut. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the National Labor Board, which was later replaced with the National Labor Relations Board. In 1936, Jesse Owens of the United States won the 200-meter dash at the Berlin Olympics, collecting the third of his four gold medals. In 1953, Operation Big Switch began as remaining prisoners taken during the Korean War were exchanged at Panmunjom. In 1962, actress Marilyn Monroe, 36, was found dead in her Los Angeles home; her death was ruled a probable suicide from "acute barbiturate poisoning." South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was arrested; it was the beginning of 27 years of imprisonment. In 1967, "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn," the first Pink Floyd album, was released in the United Kingdom on the Columbia label. In 1969, the U.S. space probe Mariner 7 flew by Mars, sending back photographs and scientific data. In 1974, the White House released transcripts of subpoenaed tape recordings showing that President Richard Nixon and his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, had discussed a plan in June 1972 to use the CIA to thwart the FBI's Watergate investigation; revelation of the tape sparked Nixon's resignation. In 1986, it was revealed by Arts & Antiques magazine that artist Andrew Wyeth had, over a 15-year period, secretly created some 240 drawings and paintings of a woman named Helga Testorf, a neighbor in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. In 1991, Democratic congressional leaders formally launched an investigation into whether the 1980 Reagan-Bush campaign had secretly conspired with Iran to delay release of American hostages until after the presidential election, thereby preventing an "October surprise" that supposedly would have benefited President Jimmy Carter. (A task force later concluded there was "no credible evidence" of such a deal.) Ten years ago: President George W. Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai began meeting at Camp David to discuss security issues in Afghanistan. Lorena Ochoa won the Women's British Open — the first women's professional tournament played at venerable St. Andrews — for her first major title. Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, one of the most influential Roman Catholic figures in France, died in Paris at age 80. Comedian Stanley Myron Handelman died in Panorama City, California, at age 77. Five years ago: The robotic explorer Curiosity blazed through the pink skies of Mars, steering itself to a gentle landing inside a giant crater. One year ago: The opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics took place in Rio de Janeiro as Brazil laced its high-energy party with a sobering message of the dangers of global warming. Today's Birthdays: Actor John Saxon is 81. Actress Loni Anderson is 72. Actress Erika Slezak is 71. Rock singer Rick Derringer is 70. Actress Holly Palance is 67. Singer Samantha Sang is 64. Rock musician Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister) is 62. Actress-singer Maureen McCormick is 61. Rock musician Pat Smear is 58. Author David Baldacci is 57. Actress Tawney Kitaen is 56. Actress Janet McTeer is 56. Country musician Mark O'Connor is 56. Actor Mark Strong is 54. Actor Jonathan Silverman is 51. Country singer Terri Clark is 49. Retired MLB All-Star John Olerud is 49. Country musician Will Sellers (Old Dominion) is 39. Actor Jesse Williams is 37. Actor Brendon Ryan Barrett is 31. Actress Meegan Warner (TV: "TURN: Washington's Spies") is 26. Actor Albert Tsai is 13. Thought for Today: "What worries you, masters you." — John Locke, English philosopher (1632-1704).
CONTACT US William Lewis Reece, 58, is charged in the deaths of 19year-old Tiffany Johnston, 17-year-old Jessica Cain and 12-year-old Laura Smither. Reece also is suspected, but not charged, in the death of 20-year-old Kelli Cox, whose remains were discovered outside Houston and identified last year. Reece was already serving a 60-year prison sentence in Texas for kidnapping when he led police to graves where Cain and Cox’s remains were found.
All four victims disappeared over a four-month period in 1997. Johnston was from Oklahoma, while the three others were from Texas. Oklahoma prosecutors announced Thursday they would seek the death penalty in the Johnston killing, and Reece has pleaded not guilty. He faces two more counts of murder in Galveston County, but authorities say those charges in Texas are on hold pending the outcome of Reece’s Oklahoma trial.
Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady declined to comment on Reece’s case Friday, but described Reece as a serial killer because his actions were “truly horrific.” Joseph Cillo, a professor of criminal justice at St. Leo University in Florida, said Friday that Reece fits the profile of a serial killer because he apparently followed a pattern of choosing young females and left behind little evidence. — Compiled from AP reports
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THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, August 5, 2017 |
A3
STATE
Texas to move about 1,000 Texas sees inmates because of prison heat growing number of typhus cases ASSOCIATED PRE SS
A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
HOUSTON — Texas is seeing a growing number of cases of typhus, a disease that was thought to be almost eradicated in the U.S. Texas Department of State Health Services data show there were more than 360 typhus cases in the state last year, compared to 30 cases in 2003. A majority of the cases occurred in the southern portion of the state, the Houston Chronicle reported . More than 40 counties in the state have seen cases of the disease, and people ages 5 to 19 had the highest rate of the disease. “We can now add typhus to the growing list of tropical infections striking Texas,” said Dr. Peter Hotez, founding dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital. “Chagas, dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya and now typhus — tropical diseases have become the new normal in south and southeast Texas.” The potentially fatal disease is transmitted by fleas that are mostly carried by opossums and other backyard animals. The disease is often difficult to diagnose because it can be confused with other viral ailments. Symptoms include headaches,
“Chagas, dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya and now typhus — tropical diseases have become the new normal in south and southeast Texas.” chills, a rash, achy muscles, nausea and vomiting. “We think this is a true increase, not just a growing recognition of the disease or increased surveillance,” said Dr. Kristy Murray, a Baylor associate professor of infectious disease. “We’re seeing a lot more cases in more areas, and it’s becoming a bigger burden. The positive is it can be treated successfully if it’s recognized.” Diagnosis delays can complicate recovery. Many of those infected with typhus spent time in an intensive care unit because of the severity of their symptoms, Murray said. Flea protection for pets is important to help stop spread of the disease, Murry said. Typhus was common in the U.S. through the 1940s, but there were less than 100 cases reported nationwide by the mid-1950s.
HOUSTON — About 1,000 inmates sensitive to heat will be temporarily moved from a sweltering Southeast Texas prison without air conditioning to other state prisons to comply with a judge’s order, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said Thursday. In a 12-page filing to U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said inmates whose health is worsened by heat over 88 degrees will be moved from the Pack Unit prison to state prisons that have climate-controlled, airconditioned housing. The department also said it would post signs around Pack Unit to inform inmates and officers where in the prison they can find respite if they become ill from the heat. Ellison said last month that the prison system was “deliberately indifferent” to the heat risks. His preliminary injunction did not require the prison agency to install air conditioning in areas where heat-sensitive inmates are housed at the Pack Unit, about 65 miles northwest of Houston, but said those
inmates needed to reside where temperatures are no higher than 88 degrees by reconfiguring areas already cooled. The judge also said the heat-threatened inmates could be moved to other prisons around the state, the step the prison agency is taking. “Other options were considered but determined not to be practical or their effectiveness could not be guaranteed,” prison system spokesman Jason Clark said in a statement. “Adding temporary air conditioning in a prison not built for AC would be costly, and it’s unknown whether untested equipment would bring the heat index to a level required by the court,” he said. The inmate transfers would be temporary because the facilities receiving them lack the infrastructure required long term, Clark said. The judge’s order, resulting from a lawsuit by six inmates who argued the intense heat at the Pack Unit threatened their health and violated their constitutional rights against cruel and unusual punishment, covered hundreds of the unit’s nearly 1,500 inmates who already have a variety of health
conditions or are at least 65 years old. More than 700 inmates, for example, have high blood pressure, according to court documents. Evidence presented to the court during a nineday hearing in June showed the heat index at the prison, the combination of temperature and humidity, topped 100 degrees during 13 days in 2016, and was between 90 and 99 degrees on 55 days. On July 19, the date of Ellison’s ruling, it was 104. On Thursday, it was in the mid-90s with a heat index of more than 100. Prison system officials argued they provide inmates with showers, fans and ice water, other ventilation, unlimited rest periods in air-conditioned areas and education concerning heat precautions. The prison infirmary at the Pack Unit is air conditioned along with administrative offices, visitation areas, the education department, the barbershop and a small portion of the prison craft shop, although housing areas are not. Records show 23 Texas inmates have died of heat stroke since 1998, although no heat-related deaths
have occurred at the Pack Unit, which was built in 1983. Texas has 106 prisons, 28 of them fully air conditioned. Under the injunction, the prison agency also was told to install screens on windows in housing areas to keep out insects and develop a heat wave policy for the Pack Unit. In a statement, the inmates’ attorney, Jeff Edwards, called the state’s proposal “a commonsense victory” that still falls short of a long-term solution to a long-ignored problem. A hearing on the case is set for next week so attorneys for the inmates can respond. The state has said it will appeal Ellison’s ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The prison agency had “substantial precautions ... in place to protect inmates from the summer heat,” according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. He also said Texas taxpayers “shouldn’t be on the hook for tens of millions of dollars to pay for expensive prison air conditioning systems, which are unnecessary and not constitutionally mandated.”
Texas House OKs school finance fix ASSOCIATED PRE SS
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House has again approved a sweeping, $1.8 billion plan to begin overhauling the state’s troubled school finance system. Republican Rep. Dan Huberty’s proposal
increases per-pupil funding while offering extra money for school transportation and educating dyslexic students. Friday’s 130-12 vote mirrored House support during the regular legislative session. The original bill died after
the Texas Senate attached a plan offering taxpayer-funded vouchers letting students attend private schools. It’s back for the special session, but still faces Senate uncertainty. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the Senate, has bashed the plan
as a “Ponzi scheme,” saying it relies on state budget gimmicks. Still, Huberty says it’s the “first step in fixing school finance.” Full school finance reform is required since Texas’ Supreme Court ruled the system minimally constitutional.
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A4 | Saturday, August 5, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
COMMENTARY
OTHER VIEWS
Trump’s hateful humor is not funny at all By Jeffrey Weiss TH E DA L LAS MORNING NEWS
You may have noticed a week or so ago when President Donald Trump told a conference of police officers that they need not avoid injuring arrested suspects. And you may have noted that the president’s spokesperson explained that he had been joking. I have zero doubt that Trump was trying to get the cops to laugh. For that to be considered justification, however, was an apparently astonishing ignorance of the history of "humor" and of many examples of where "jokes" are a clear method of encouraging hateful and racist behavior. Was Trump guilty of that? Who knows? Who can read his mind? Let us leave aside a discussion about how important it can be for a president to nudge Americans into a higher moral standard. And let us leave aside the value of great law enforcement officers who quietly treat their suspects far better than a guilty arrestee likely treated his or her victims. Or that great cops realize that suspects are innocent until proved guilty. Here’s what Trump had to say to officers at Suffolk County Police Department in New York on efforts to combat the gang MS-13: "And when you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon - you just see them thrown in, rough - I said, please don’t be too nice. (Laughter.) Like when you guys put somebody in the car and you’re protecting their head, you know, the way you put their hand over? Like, don’t hit their head and they’ve just killed somebody - don’t hit their head. I said, you can take the hand away, OK?" And here’s what White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, among several Trump spokespeople and supporters, told reporters: "I believe he was making a joke at the time." No doubt. And the best way to understand the reason that such an explanation is not remotely an excuse is to look at the history of "jokes." The only way to do that, like the need to open up a parasite-ridden pig to understand the stink and the harm, is to offer clear examples of the use of hateful "humor." Let’s start with a more positive, artistic borrowing of the idea of hate jokes as a way of showing the evil of early Nazi Germany. There’s a great song in the musical "Cabaret." Here’s the last verse of "If You Could See Her Through My Eyes," a
“And when you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon ... please don’t be too nice.” U.S. President Donald Trump song about a man with a gorilla for a girlfriend: "Oh, I understand your objection, I grant my problem’s not small; But if you could see her through my eyes, she wouldn’t look Jewish at all!" Oy. For anti-black racist "humor," let’s look at the use of watermelons as an easy example. William Black did a splendid analysis for The Atlantic a few years ago: "The trope came into full force when slaves won their emancipation during the Civil War. Free black people grew, ate and sold watermelons, and in doing so made the fruit a symbol of their freedom. Southern whites, threatened by blacks’ newfound freedom, responded by making the fruit a symbol of black people’s perceived uncleanliness, laziness, childishness and unwanted public presence." And OMG: "A popular postcard portrayed an elderly black man carrying a watermelon in each arm only to happen upon a stray chicken. The man laments, ‘Dis am de wust perdickermunt ob mah life.’" Anti-Asian "jokes?" For amazing visual evidence, check out Mickey Rooney’s 1961 performance as Japanese photographer I.Y. Yunioshi in the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany’s." He wore yellow makeup and huge prosthetic false teeth. Hysterical. And let’s leave history aside for a final poke into the guts of this. Laughfactory.com has a page just filled with "racist jokes" Here are some examples: "What did God say when he made the first black man? ‘Damn, I burnt one’." "Q: Why do Mexicans eat beans for dinner? A: So they can take bubble baths." Funny? Not remotely. No kidding: What should Americans do about the most recent examples of humor-asexcuse? What can we do with the idea that a line calling for police officers to injure suspects is excused as a joke? Laughing is probably not a solution. Jeffrey Weiss is a former Dallas Morning News reporter and a writer in Dallas.
COMMENTARY
Trump triggered speculation about an indictment By Callum Borchers WASHINGTON P O ST
With a tap of the thumb, President Donald Trump on Friday invited speculation that he or a family member could be indicted by a federal grand jury whose existence was reported a day earlier by the Wall Street Journal. The president retweeted a video clip from the “Fox & Friends” morning show, his favorite, in which the hosts and guest Jeanine Pirro “Judge Jeanine” on Fox and a longtime Trump friend - cast an investigation of possible coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign, led by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, as a politically motivated witch hunt. That the president would endorse such a view is unsurprising, but it seemed odd that he
would call the attention of his 35 million followers to what came next - a discussion of indictments. “This is an agenda,” Pirro said, “and my concern is if they end up with an indictment against a family member just to, you know, just to get at Donald Trump when they couldn’t get at him, there’s going to be real uproar, a real uprising in this country.” “Who says they can’t get at him?” replied host Brian Kilmeade. “Look, I was a prosecutor for 32 years,” Pirro answered. “You can indict a ham sandwich.” The clear implication was that indictments against Trump or a family member would be unjustified. Yet “Fox & Friends” presented them as real possibilities. Why would the president voluntarily lend credence to that notion?
It is too early to gauge the likelihood that a grand jury impaneled in Washington several weeks ago as part of Mueller’s investigation will indict anyone. “Fox & Friends” was just doing what cable news shows do - looking ahead to one possible outcome and filling airtime by chatting about it. In this case, the Trump-friendly program’s goal was to preemptively delegitimize any indictment that might be handed down. That makes sense for TV talkers, but for Trump to entertain the prospect of an indictment is an unforced error that plants questions about whether he has any reason to think an indictment might be coming. A more prudent strategy would be to project confidence that he has nothing to worry about because he did nothing wrong. Trump’s retweet also is
EDITORIAL
Immigration plan hurts working families By Therese Raphael BL OOMBERG
Whatever part of America President Donald Trump was making great again when he set the goal of reducing immigration by half, it wasn’t the part with working parents. Access to high-quality, affordable and flexible child care is already inadequate in much of the U.S. for all but the well-off, and government spending on child-care and early education is among the lowest of all developed nations. These failings have huge costs: Decades of research have established the link between quality child care and lifelong benefits from academic performance to health outcomes and earning potential. Not only
does high-quality child care benefit children and families, it also brings wider economic benefits, as former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke once noted: “Economically speaking, early childhood programs are a good investment with inflation-adjusted annual rates of return on the funds dedicated to these programs, estimated to reach 10 percent or higher. Very few alternative investments can promise that kind of return.” Trump’s ideas would only make the situation for working parents worse. In 2015, 1.8 million people worked in earlychildhood care and education in the U.S. compared to 1.1 million in 1990, an increase of 56 percent,
according to the Migration Policy Institute. Nationally, 18 percent of those workers are immigrants; in California, it’s one in four. The consequences of inadequate child-care provisioning can already be seen in London. While U.K. parents generally have more options than American parents, childcare costs in London are a third higher than the national average and there is a chronic undersupply, with only 32 places for each 100 children under age 5. Neither in the U.K. nor the U.S. is anything set in stone. While Brexit may well be irreversible, Prime Minister Theresa May could recognize that ensuring adequate child-care provisions, like ensuring
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.
striking in the context of reports that his new chief of staff, John F. Kelly, is trying to help him steer clear of trouble by restricting the information that reaches the president. A front-page story in Friday’s New York Times put it like this: “Mr. Kelly, 67, has told his new employees that he was hired to manage the staff, not the president. He will not try to change Mr. Trump’s Twitter or TV-watching habits. But he has also said he wants to closely monitor the information the president consumes, quickly counter dubious news stories with verified facts, and limit the posse of people urging Mr. Trump to tweet something they feel passionately about.” The question is whether Kelly’s managerial discipline can make up for the things (or the thumbs) he can’t control.
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
that the National Health Service has access to sufficient numbers of nurses, doctors and other staff, will require higher levels of immigration and at different skill levels, and adjust her hard-line policy to reflect that. In the U.S., it’s unlikely that Congress will pass Trump’s plan. Plenty of lawmakers in the president’s own Republican Party oppose such strict limits on legal immigration. But lawmakers should do more than simply reject the proposal: They should explain to American families why it would leave them worse off. Therese Raphael writes editorials for Bloomberg View.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, August 5, 2017 |
A5
STATE ZAPATA COUNTY BLOTTER
Zapata County Fire Department / Courtesy
Crews with the Zapata County Fire Department rendered aid to a child in a recent all-terrain vehicle accident. The child was airlifted to an area hospital.
Child injured in vehicle accident By César G. Rodriguez TH E ZAPATA T IME S
A child sustained injuries after being involved in a recent all-terrain vehicle accident, according to the Zapata County Fire Department. The incident occurred
July 23. Paramedics rendered aid to the child before being airlifted to an area hospital for further care. “We highly recommend, no matter how precautious a parent can be, never have children riding on any kind of ATV with-
out proper protection. This incident could (had) gone way worse. “Thankfully, our helicopter services were prompt as always, and the patient received the proper care and transport,” the fire department said in a statement.
Family found guilty of misusing relief funds A S S OCIAT E D PRE SS
LUFKIN, Texas — An East Texas minister and his family have been convicted of using hurricane relief funds to pay off personal expenses and fund operations of a 40member Jasper church. Walter and Rosie Diggles and their adult daughter, Anita Diggles, were all found guilty Thursday of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Walter Diggles also was convicted of two counts of theft of federal funds, 11 counts of wire fraud and three of money launder-
ing. Rosie Diggles also was convicted of 10 counts of wire fraud and one of money laundering. U.S. District Judge Ron Clark will determine the family’s sentences. Walter Diggles is a former executive director of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments and was a “registered agent” of the Deep East Texas Foundation, a nonprofit that continued to operate after Texas forfeited its charter in 2007. According to trial evidence, he defrauded federal authorities by inflating the amount his
foundation needed for social service programs. He received about $4.4 million from 2007 to 2012 through federal Social Services Block Grant funds. Of that, $1.3 million was spent on personal expenses, such as transportation, funeral expenses and church rent. Prosecutors said members of the Lighthouse Church operated an afterschool program, and that Rosie and Anita Diggles prepared documents and reimbursement packets to request funds in support of the learning center.
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
ZAPATA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
1 Oscar Aaron Gonzalez, 26, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana on July 21. 1 Ronald Wayne Samdahl, 39, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated on July 22. 1 Ernesto Jose Gomez, 32, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated on July 23. 1 Roy Gene Zepeda, 42, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance on July 24.
1 Abundio Gonzales Jr., 32, was arrested and charged with assault on July 19. 1 Derly Torres Jr., 27, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated on July 20. 1 Ismael Aguilar, 46, was arrested and charged with assault by contact on July 22. 1 Javier Chapa III, 18, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on July 22. 1 Rodrigo Antioco Espinoza, Jr., 21, was arrested
and charged with driving while intoxicated on July 22. 1 Jorge Olivero Rocha, 35, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated on July 22. 1 Daniel Alberto Salinas, 18, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia on July 23. 1 Joan Zuñiga, 18, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana on July 23. 1 Juan Emilio Ortiz, 28, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault of date, family, household member with weapon on July 25.
Woman charged with animal cruelty ASSOCIATED PRE SS
KELLER, Texas — A northeast Texas woman has been charged with animal cruelty after more than 100 cats and dogs were rescued from her home. Fifty-six-year-old Deborah Thompson has been charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals.
Officers were called to Thompson’s house Monday because of a foul odor on the property. They obtained a search warrant after being denied entry. The city says officers found almost 30 dogs and more than 80 cats in the home. Police say the Humane Society of North
Texas was awarded custody of the seized animals Thursday. Humane Society officials say all the animals required urgent care because of dehydration and malnourishment. Thompson was arrested and booked into Keller jail Thursday with bail set at $20,000 but has since been released.
Texas man pleads guilty to smuggling circuits overseas ASSOCIATED PRE SS
PLANO, Texas — Prosecutors say a Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal charges that he smuggled circuits abroad for use by space programs in China and Russia. Sixty-two-year-old Peter Zuccarelli of Plano, north of Dallas, pleaded guilty Thursday to
charges that include conspiring to smuggle and illegally export from the U.S. Prosecutors say that starting in 2015, Zuccarelli used his company to place orders with U.S. suppliers for the circuits, known as radiation-hardened integrated circuits. He repackaged them as “touch screen parts” and shipped
them out of the U.S. The circuits have space and military applications so their export is strictly controlled by federal law. Authorities say he created fake paperwork and made false statements to regulators in an attempt to conceal the smuggling. Zuccarelli faces up to five years in prison.
Sports&Outdoors A6 | Saturday, August 5, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: DALLAS COWBOYS
NBA: SAN ANTONIO SPURS
LT: ‘HE NEEDS TO San Antonio FIND SOMEONE HE makes Patty CAN TRUST’ Mills signing official
Gus Ruelas / Associated Press file
Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott is still waiting to hear whether the NFL will suspend him for violating the league’s personal conduct policy for multiple incidents he’s been involved in since Dallas drafted him.
Tomlinson with some words of wisdom for Zeke By Brandon George TH E DA L LAS MORNING NEWS
CANTON, Ohio - Former TCU and Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson said Ezekiel Elliott needs to find someone he can trust so that he can escape the off-thefield drama that has plagued him. The Cowboys running back is still waiting to hear whether the NFL will suspend him for violating the league’s personal conduct policy for multiple incidents he’s been involved in since Dallas drafted him fourth overall in 2016 out of Ohio State. Tomlinson, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, said the 22-year-old Elliott is facing a challenge of becoming an NFL star at a young age. "You have a lot more time on your hands but you have a lot more money that you never had," Tomlinson said. "And you have friends who want to party and enjoy the success of what you have done, but at the same time, it’s hard for us to tell our friends, ’No,’ tell our family, ’No,’ and I struggled with that as well. And so, he’s a young guy. No question he has room to grow. But here’s the thing, Zeke is going to have to find someone he can trust that’s going to teach him the right things to do and he’s going to have to listen. He’s going to have to depend on some
people. That’s a tough one, but he’s going to have to do that." For Tomlinson, he leaned heavily on two NFL stars when he was entering the league in 2001 as the fifth overall pick. "For me, it started early. For me, I got with (late Chargers linebacker) Junior Seau," Tomlinson said. "Junior told me where to propose to my wife. I built a great relationship with Junior. And also, I would call Emmitt (Smith) a lot. Emmitt told me how to get massages, chiropractor, stretching, what to eat. I was on the phone a lot my rookie year with Emmitt." Tomlinson said he’s impressed with Elliott on the field after he led the NFL in rushing as a rookie with 1,631 yards. The Cowboys have been working in training camp at emphasizing Elliott more in the passing game, however, in his second season. Tomlinson was a dual-threat for most of his career, finishing with 4,772 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. "That’s the next natural progression for Ezekiel," Tomlinson said. "He’s already a terrific runner. He’s a natural runner, great instincts. He can do things that you can’t coach. If a hole is closed, he can jump outside. He can jump backside. Those are things you can’t coach. It’s a God-given ability. "The next phase of his career is starting to catch the ball out of the backfield, starting to beat people one-on-one out of the
backfield because what’s going to happen is everybody is going to gear up to stop him this year. They’ve seen all of the plays that the Cowboys do well, all the runs that they do well, and they’re going to play those plays. Now, Zeke is going to have to learn to beat people in different ways. And I think he has the ability." But Tomlinson said it won’t be easy for Elliott just to follow a standout rookie season with another breakout campaign because teams have seen his portfolio. "The challenge is taking it and adding another aspect of your game and maybe some things that you weren’t good at," Tomlinson said. "For example, I wasn’t good my rookie year at running in the A-gap because at TCU I was on the edges a lot. We ran options. So I was a perimeter runner. So I would glance in the middle, but I’m trying to bounce it and I had to get better at being patient and staying inside and those are some of the things that you just learn because what happens was people used to say, ’Oh, we know he’s going to bounce it.’ So they play me on the edges and then when I started learning how to run up the middle most of the time it was wide open because people thought, ’He’s going to bounce it.’ But I didn’t. I adjusted my game, so those are some of the things that Ezekiel might have to do himself."
Eric Gay / Associated Press file
San Antonio guard Patty Mills averaged 9.5 points and a career-best 3.5 assists last season.
Spurs guard averaged 9.5 points per game in 2016-17 By Jeff McDonald SAN ANTONIO EXPRE SS-NEWS
In a move more than a month in the making, the Spurs on Friday formally announced the re-signing of point guard Patty Mills. The 28-year-old Australian was the first player to agree to terms with the Spurs at the dawn of free agency July 1, but just this week put pen to paper. His contract, according to league sources, will pay approximately $50 million over four years. Used primarily as a backup, Mills averaged 9.5 points and a career-best 3.5 assists last season, while shooting 41.1 percent from 3-point range. He was a key member of a bench that once again ranked among the NBA’s best. The re-signing of Mills became a greater priority this offseason in light of uncertainty involving incumbent starter Tony Parker, who suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon in May and is expected to be out until January at minimum. Entering his ninth NBA season, and seventh with the Spurs, Mills will open as the most experienced healthy point guard on a roster that includes second-year player Dejounte Murray and rookie Derrick White. Second-year guard Bryn Forbes, the star of the Spurs’ Summer League team last month, might also see time at point if he makes the team out of camp.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: HOUSTON TEXANS
Fuller injury opens up an opportunity for Strong By John McClain H OUSTO N CHRONI CLE
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – Receiver Jaelen Strong felt awful when he found out receiver Will Fuller had suffered a broken collarbone in practice Wednesday. "Will's my brother, first," Strong said Thursday. "I have a heavy heart because I know how hard he works. He really dedicated himself this offseason. He'll work just as hard to get back." Strong, who's playing in
his third season, moves up a spot with Braxton Miller with Fuller out for two to three months. Strong can play inside or outside. "This is a great opportunity," he said. "I've got to continue doing what I've been doing since I got to camp. Whatever the coaches ask me to do, I'll do it to the best of my ability. "I'm very happy with where I am right now. I feel like I'm making strides. Being a little more experienced each year plays a big part in it."
Texans receiver DeAndrew White impresses in first few practices Receiver DeAndrew White, a Houston native who played at North Shore and Alabama, has been very impressive in his first three practices. White, 6-0, 195, was signed as a free agent. He had two catches as a rookie with San Francisco and none with New England last year, but he's attracting attention because of his acrobatic receptions. "He did a great job," receiver DeAndre Hop-
kins said about White. "His assignments, he knew. He was in a similar offense to this at the Patriots. "When he first came in, outside the meeting room, he stayed extra just to get his assignments down." Hopkins, who had the day off Thursday, isn't surprised at White's fast start with his third team in three years. "No, the NFL is a small community," Hopkins said. "Most guys know each other, or we have similar friends. It's not
like he's an outsider from Europe that we don't know. "We have things to converse about because the NFL is a small group." Tyler Ervin off to impressive start at Texans training camp One of the most impressive Texans in training camp has been secondyear running back Tyler Ervin. Ervin, a fourth-round pick last year, had a disappointing rookie season. It's obvious from watch-
ing him in the offseason program he's more comfortable in the system. Ervin has impressed his coaches as a runner, receiver and return man. He's also impressed teammate Lamar Miller, the starting running back. "I think he's been doing a great job," Miller said Thursday. "Coming in as a rookie, just getting adjusted to the NFL, learning a different system and role and things like that, it's kind of tough as a rookie.”
Zfrontera THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, August 5, 2017 |
RIBEREÑA EN BREVE REGRESO A CLASES 1 Evento de arranque del año escolar organizado por el Distrito Escolar Independiente del Condado de Zapata, el 10 de agosto de 9:30 a.m. a 12:30 p.m. en el Zapata County Community Center. El primer día de clases se realizará el 28 de agosto. FERIA DE SALUD COMUNITARIA 1 El Condado de Zapata junto con organismos y entidades públicas invita a la Primera Feria Anual de Salud Comunitaria, el 16 de agosto, de 5 p.m. a 7 p.m.; Club Boys & Girls, 302 6th Avenue. Habrá regalos para los primeros 500 niños. PRUEBA DE AGUA 1 Texas A&M Agrilife Extension invita al público a realizar pruebas de agua de manera gratuita. Pruebas permitirán encontrar salinidad, nitratos, arsénico y presencia de bacterias. Lleve sus muestras a la Oficina de la Extensión del Condado de Zapata en 200E. 7th avenue, suite 249, el martes 1 de agosto. Las pruebas se realizarán el miércoles 2 de agosto. Mayores informes en 956-765-9820. NOCHE MEXICANA 1 La Ciudad de Roma invita a la Noche Mexicana que se celebrará el 14 de septiembre de 7 p.m. a 11 p.m. Disfrute de bailes folclóricos y antojitos mexicanos en la Plaza Guadalupe de la Ciudad de Roma. CAMINATA CONTRA CÁNCER 1 Walk All Over Cancer! en su cuarta caminata anual. Inscripciones en el Ayuntamiento llamando al 956-8491411 x 9241 o en el 956-844-1428. Caminata iniciará en Citizens State Bank o en el Centro Comuniario de Roma el sábado 21 de octubre. ANIVERSARIO DE CIUDAD DE ROMA 1 La ciudad de Roma invita al 250 aniversario de su fundación el sábado 14 de noviembre de 2015, de 8 a.m. a 11:30 p.m. 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. PAGO EN LÍNEA 1 La Ciudad de Roma informa a sus residentes que a partir de ahora el servicio del agua puede pagarse en línea a cualquier hora las 24 horas del día. LLENADO DE APLICACIONES 1 La Ciudad de Roma ofrece el servicio de llenado de aplicaciones para CHIP, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Chip, Prenatal y otros. Contacte a Gaby Rodríguez para una cita en el centro comunitario o en su domicilio al 956246-7177.
ACCIDENTE DWI
ZCFD
Arrestan a sospechoso
Resulta menor lesionado en accidente Por César G. Rodríguez
Acusado es hermano de jefe de la Oficina del Alguacil Por César G. Rodríguez THE ZAPATA TIME S
El hermano de un oficial de alto rango de las fuerzas del orden ha sido arrestado bajo la sospecha de que conducía alcoholizado, de acuerdo a reportes. Ricardo del Bosque, de 32 años de edad, fue acusado de conducir mientras estaba intoxicado el 28 de julio, de acuerdo a una solicitud de información pública obtenida por The Zapata Times. Él se encuentra libre bajo fianza. Él es hermano del jefe
de la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Zapata Raymundo del Bosque Del Bosque Jr. El 14 de julio, paramédicos respondieron a reportes sobre un accidente en el que participó un solo vehículo en el área de la cuadra 1200 de Hidalgo Boulevard. Las autoridades descubrieron una camioneta blanca con severo daño frontal. Identificado como el
conductor, Ricardo del Bosque supuestamente rechazó recibir tratamiento médico, de acuerdo al Departametno de Bomberos del Condado de Zapata. Declaraciones sobre su arresto no estuvieron disponibles el viernes. Guardias del Departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Texas ejecutaron una orden de arresto. Un capitán de guardias dijo esta semana que tuvieron la custodia de Ricardo del Bosque cuando “tuvieron contacto” con el acusado. No está claro cómo sucedió.
TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Un menor presentaba lesiones después de participar en un accidente con un vehículo todo terreno (ATV por sus siglas en inglés), de acuerdo al Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de Zapata. El incidente ocurrió el 23 de julio. Los paramédicos brindaron auxilio al menor antes de ser transportado vía aérea a un hospital cercano para tratamiento médico. “Recomendamos ampliamente, que sin importar las precauciones que un padre de
A7
“Afortunadamente, nuestros servicios de helicóptero llegaron rápido” Departamento de Bomberos
familia pueda tomar, nunca permitan que los niños viajen en algún tipo de vehículo ATV sin la protección adecuada. Este incidente pudo haber sido peor. “Afortunadamente, nuestros servicios de helicóptero llegaron rápido como siempre, y el paciente recibió el cuidado apropiado y su transportación”, dijo el Departamento de Bomberos en un comunicado.
KING’S WAY CHURCH
PREVENCIÓN DE INCENDIOS Niños visitan Departamento de Bomberos dentro de programa de verano Por César G. Rodríguez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
U
n grupo de niños de la iglesia King’s Way Church recientemente visitó el Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de Zapata para aprender sobre la prevención de incendios, el servicio 9-1-1 y las emergencias, de acuerdo a los primeros respondientes. La visita se llevó a cabo el 20 de julio. “Después de la presentación, los niños tenían algunas preguntas para nosotros a las que se les dio respuesta. Una de las preguntas era. ‘¿Los camiones de bomberos llevan agua en su interior en este momento?’ Nosotros rápidamente les mostramos que nuestros camiones siempre están listos para encender nuestra manguera y disparar agua al aire”, dijo el departamento en un comunicado.
Los niños encontraron la visita fascinante, dijeron los primeros respondientes. Además, cuatro de los menores se probaron el traje especial para incendios. Todos hicieron el mismo comentario, “está muy pesado”, de acuerdo a los bomberos. “Nos gustaría agradecer a la iglesia King’s Way Church por darnos la oportunidad de difundir el conocimiento en la prevención de incendios a nuestra juventud”, dijo el departamento. Los niños fueron parte del programa de la iglesia SKILS+, un porgrama de verano. “Gracias al Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de Zapata por permitirnos visitarlos hoy. Los niños disfrutaron de una presentación sobre prevención de incendios....luego se divirtieron probándose el traje de bomberos para combatir los incendios y revisando el carro de bomberos”, dijo la iglesia en un comunicado.
Foto de cortesía | ZCFD
Un niño vistiendo un traje de bombero sonríe para la cámara durante la visita realizada al Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de Zapata por parte de los menores participantes en el programa de verano King’s Way Church, en julio.
COLUMNA
México, gran productor petrolero Por Raúl Sinencio Chávez TIEMP O DE ZAPATA
Hacia las postrimerías de la dictadura porfiriana, México se reveló como gran productor de petróleo. Y la cuna de este despegue fue Ébano, San Luis Potosí, municipio cercano a Tamaulipas. Hasta entonces nuestro país consumía hidrocarburos importados en buena medida de Estados Unidos. Pero el flujo nacional de oro negro pronto iba a brotar con fuerza. Circunstancias peculiares enmarcaron el suceso. Para comenzar, el régimen de Porfirio Díaz consideraba improbable que el subsuelo mexicano atesorara crudo en volúmenes suficientes. La idea hacía alarde de argumentos pretendidamente sólidos. Por instrucciones presidenciales, el Instituto Geológico preparó sendas investigaciones. Las dirigiría Juan Villarello, rancio miembro de la institución, quien en 1902 recorrió la Huasteca y alrededores, dispuesto a preparar el reporte pedido. “Hombre de grandes conocimientos”, Villarello lo redactaría “bien fundado” en apariencias. El
documento relativo, “con muchas razones científicas”, alegaba “que en México no había estructuras geológicas propicias a acumulaciones” de oro negro, cuenta José López Portillo y Weber. “Como ejemplo de su tesis”, refiere López Portillo y Weber—aquella eminencia puso “¡nada menos que a Cerro Azul y Papantla!”, en Veracruz. Enfatizó asimismo que “por las chapopoteras” abundantes en la zona acabaron evaporándose “todos los valiosos hidrocarburos ligeros”. De esta forma, “el poco petróleo que pudiera haber quedado en el yacimiento, nada valdría”. Ezequiel Ordóñez Aguilar, segundo componente del equipo, disintió con tales conclusiones. Mejor dicho, él opinaría exactamente lo contrario. Según López Portillo y Weber, era mero “principiante”. No obstante, don Ezequiel tenía once años de pertenecer al Instituto Geológico. Distaba mucho de ser neófito y desconocido. Subdirector de la institución en 1897, Ordóñez Aguilar visitó ese año el gigantesco campo petrolero de Bakú, a orillas del mar Caspio. Aparte de conocimientos
prácticos en la materia, poseía el “principiante” obra teórica ya publicada. Resulta comprensible, por ende, que don Ezequiel y Villarello recibieran la encomienda de marras. Prosigue López Portillo y Weber: “Con menos sabiduría pero con mayor intuición”, Ordóñez Aguilar “prefirió creer en la evidencia más bien que en los razonamientos científicos”. Rechazó “el informe de Villarello y formuló el suyo propio, sosteniendo que en México sí había petróleo. Pero sus afirmaciones parecieron tan infundadas al director del Instituto Geológico, que destinó el informe en que se hacían al cesto de papeles inútiles”. Craso error. En la porción sureste de San Luis Potosí, el magnate estadounidense Edward Doheny estaba casi quebrado. Tras costosas exploraciones, sus geólogos foráneos sólo lograron conseguir magras cantidades de crudo. Por casualidad, don Ezequiel se relacionaría con el angloamericano, recomendándole perforar al pie del cerro de La Pez, hoy Ébano, SLP. Indica Gabriel Antonio Méndez: “El domingo 3 de abril de 1904 y cuando la perforación
alcanzaba […] 1,650 pies”, saltó vigoroso “chorro de petróleo de 15 metros de altura, con producción de 1,500 barriles diarios”. Brotaría así el pozo “La Pez número 1”, primero comercializable. Ocurrieron enseguida similares hallazgos que confirmaron la riqueza del subsuelo nacional. Porfirio Díaz se hizo de la vista gorda y otorgó enormes privilegios a los monopolios extranjeros, dominados por la Huasteca Petroleum Company, de Edward Doheny, y la Compañía Mexicana de Petróleo El Águila, que regentearía el inglés Weetman Pearson. Si los estudios alternativos elaborados por Ordóñez Aguilar nunca se publicaron, el disparatado informe de Villarello apareció impreso en 1908, quizás para avalar la ley minera del año siguiente. El ordenamiento porfiriano –detalla Francisco Colmenares—dio “como propiedad exclusiva del dueño del suelo los criaderos o depósitos de combustibles minerales en todas sus formas y variedades”. En 1938 Lázaro Cárdenas nacionalizó la industria petrolera y con ella colaboraría don Ezequiel.
A8 | Saturday, August 5, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES
FROM THE COVER BROTHER From page A1 The Zapata Times. He has been released on bond. He is the brother of Zapata County Sheriff’s Office Chief Raymundo del Bosque Jr. On July 14, paramedics responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash in the
HOMELAND From page A1
grades from NumbersUSA, a group that supports Trump’s “America First” policies and advocates for reductions in all forms of immigration. “Neither one of them has shown a real consciousness that immigration policy is not just about security, but heavily about how it influences the labor market,” said Roy Beck, founder and president of NumbersUSA. “It’s not just about physical security. It’s about economic security.” The next homeland security secretary will be taking over an immigration system that is under fire from all sides. In Texas, produce farmers like Bernie Phiel, 66, of Lubbock, are watching nervously as Mexican farmworkers granted amnesty by the U.S. government during the 1980s are getting to an age where they’ll soon be retiring. Farmers are hoping Congress will pass legislation allowing easier access for temporary farm workers from Mexico, but with the heated politics around immigration, passing such a bill likely would be an uphill climb. “There’s no one to take their place,” Phiel said of the retiring workers. “People need to wake up. We have a severe, severe labor shortage in the vegetable fields.”
area of the 1200 block of Hidalgo Boulevard. Authorities discovered a white pickup with heavy front damage. Identified as the driver, Ricardo del Bosque allegedly refused treatment, according to the Zapata County Fire Department. Allegations on his arrest were not available as of
Friday. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens served him with the arrest warrant. A game warden captain said this week they took custody of Ricardo del Bosque when they “came in contact” with the defendant. It’s not clear how that happened.
TOUR From page A1
But it’s the fraught politics of the wall that likely will occupy the new homeland security secretary when Congress returns in September to iron out spending bills for the next year, including a recent Housepassed measure allocating $1.6 billion for Trump’s wall. Even as the Trump administration has begun to acknowledge that a $20 billion-plus borderlength wall never will become a reality, there are signs that Trump has been saddled by its significance as a political symbol. Trump reportedly described the wall as “the least important thing we are talking about, but politically this might be the most important.” That’s according to a transcript obtained by the Washington Post and released Thursday of a call between Trump and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in January. Trump appeared to be pressing the Mexican government privately to end its public defiance on paying for the wall. While their positions on the wall haven’t always aligned with Trump, both Perry and McCaul have been vetted by the administration already. McCaul was considered for the homeland security post last fall, before losing out to former Marine Corps Gen.
John Kelly, who took over this week as White House chief of staff. Perry already has gone through the Senate confirmation process as Trump’s pick to head the Energy Department. His selection, however, would create another Cabinet opening for the Trump administration. But for both Perry and McCaul, it’s been a long journey to meet Trump on the issue of the border. Perry had to make amends with Trump since their days as rivals in the Republican presidential primaries, when Trump attacked him in a tweet for “an absolutely horrible job of securing the border.” He declared then that the Texan should be “ashamed of himself.” Asked about Trump’s attacks during summer 2015, Perry said in a television interview: “Well, I don’t think he understands the challenge, obviously. I was the governor of Texas for 14 years. The governor of that state with the 1,200mile Mexican border.” Despite Perry’s record as a border state governor, the issue dogged him in the 2012 presidential campaign as well. He was bludgeoned by opponents as “soft on illegal immigration.” In one exchange with candidate Rick Santorum, of Pennsylvania, Perry even questioned the logic of building a wall on the U.S. Mexico border.
journalists, pursuing more cases than any other administration. No journalists were prosecuted under President Barack Obama, but prosecutors subpoenaed records, secretly obtained telephone logs and pressured reporters to reveal their sources. In 2015, then-Attorney General Eric Holder announced that some of the Justice Department’s efforts aimed at reporters had gone too far. He changed policy to make it more difficult for prosecutors to go after journalists’ records. Sessions said those policies are now under review, at what he said was the suggestion of FBI
still the knowledge of fire prevention to our youth,” the department said.
LEAKS From page A1
U.N. From page A1 ty Council diplomat in a briefing for reporters. The U.N. sanctions would also cap North Korea’s lucrative program of farming out laborers, called guest workers, to other nations, the diplomat said. Employer nations, which include China and Russia, would be barred from increasing the number of North Korean workers they use. The additional sanctions, which were hashed out by U.S. and Chinese diplomats over the past month, do not contain the toughest penalties under discussion, including broad new prohibitions
The children were part of the church’s SKILS+, a summer enrichment program. “Thank you to the Zapata County Fire Department for letting us visit today. The kids
enjoyed a fire prevention presentation … then had a great time trying the firefighter gear on and checking out the fire engine,” the church said in a statement.
agents and prosecutors. "We respect the important role that the press plays, and we’ll give them respect, but it is not unlimited," Sessions said. "They cannot place lives at risk with impunity. We must balance the press’s role with protecting our national security and the lives of those who serve in the intelligence community, the armed forces and all law-abiding Americans." That announcement drew quick criticism from media organizations, which said the administration was trying to use the law to stop reporters from doing their jobs. "What the attorney general is suggesting is a dangerous threat to the freedom of the American people to know and un-
derstand what their leaders are doing, and why," said David Boardman, chairman of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. In a briefing after Sessions’ remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein said the department would consult with news organizations during the review, which he said was just beginning. Sessions said Rosenstein would oversee all leak investigations. Since Trump took office, news organizations have revealed a secret foreign intelligence warrant regarding a Trump adviser, Trump’s Oval Office conversations with senior Russian officials a day after he fired FBI Director James Comey and other usually closely guarded secrets.
on all exports of oil as well as potential additional banking and commercial penalties opposed by China and Russia. The diplomat acknowledged that the United States had sought some elements that were not part of the new proposal but would not provide details. U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley had identified oil as one area she hoped to target when discussions began. The new sanctions would prohibit new joint ventures between North Korean entities and foreign corporations and cap foreign investment in existing ventures. There are also new restrictions on North Korean imports of “dual
use” products - commercial items that could have benign applications but can also be turned to military use. The goal is to restrict North Korea’s access to hard currency and products that it can use to further its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, both of which the Security Council has declared out of bounds. “We are looking for as many ways to squeeze them to get them to the table,” the diplomat said. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is on an Asian tour focused partly on increasing pressure on North Korea and by extension its traditional ally and protector China.
THE ZAPATA TIMES | Saturday, August 5, 2017 |
A9
BUSINESS
Apple to release cellular-capable watch to break iPhone ties
Toyota, Mazda to build $1.6 billion plant in US
By Mark Gurman, Scott Moritz and Ian King B L OOMBE RG NEWS
By Sintia Radu Apple Inc. is planning to release a version of its smartwatch later this year that can connect directly to cellular networks, a move designed to reduce the device’s reliance on the iPhone, people familiar with the matter said. Currently, Apple requires its smartwatch to be connected wirelessly to an iPhone to stream music, download directions in maps, and send messages while on the go. Equipped with LTE chips, at least some new Apple Watch models, planned for release by the end of the year, will be able to conduct many tasks without an iPhone in range, the people said. For example, a user would be able to download new songs and use apps and leave their smartphone at home. Intel Corp. will supply the LTE modems for the new Watch, according to another person familiar with the situation. That’s a big win for the chipmaker, which has been trying for years to get its components into more Apple mobile devices. Qualcomm Inc. has been the main modem supplier for iPhones and other Apple mobile gadgets, but the two companies are embroiled in a bitter legal dispute. Apple added Intel as a modem supplier for some iPhones last year. Apple is already in talks with carriers in the U.S. and Europe about offering the cellular version, the people added. The carriers supporting the LTE Apple Watch, at least at launch, may be a limited subset of those that carry the iPhone, one of the people said. However, AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc. and T-Mobile US Inc. in the U.S. plan to sell the device, according to other people familiar with the matter. The new device could still be delayed beyond 2017 -- indeed, the company had already postponed a cellular-capable smartwatch last year.
WASHINGTON P O ST
Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle
In this 2016 file photo, Apple CEO Tim Cook talks about the Apple Watch Series 2 watch during an event in San Francisco, California.
Apple declined to comment. While the Apple Watch remains a small part of Apple’s overall revenue, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said earlier this week it’s the best-selling smartwatch “by a very wide margin.” Sales of the device grew more than 50 percent in the third quarter, Cook added. In the larger wearables category, which includes cheaper fitness bands, Apple ranks third behind Xiaomi Corp. and Fitbit Inc., according to research firm Strategy Analytics. Apple does not break out sales numbers for the Watch like it does for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Making the Apple Watch more of a standalone device may boost sales of the product. “It would be a game changer,” said Gene Munster, cofounder of Loup Ventures and a long-time Apple analyst. “If they could deliver an experience that
isn’t tethered to an iPhone, it could kick start a new direction for the business.” Still, he’s concerned about battery life in such a device. Last year, Apple took a step toward making the Apple Watch a more independent device by selling some new models with a GPS chip. This allows the device to accurately track distance traveled by wearers when they leave their iPhones behind on walks or runs. The company had planned to release an LTE-capable model last year, but chose to hold off due to battery life issues, Bloomberg News reported at the time. Cramming an LTE radio into a device as small as a watch remains a challenge, but Apple has been exploring ways to improve battery life, people familiar with the company’s work said. In addition to adding a cellular chip to the Apple Watch, the Cupertino,
California-based company is planning software changes for the device. WatchOS 4 is coming in the fall with more Siri voice-enabled features, the ability to connect to gym equipment, send payments in iMessage and display news stories, Apple said in June at its Worldwide Developers Conference. Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 2 alongside the iPhone 7 line in September. The company plans to debut three new iPhone models this fall, including one with a revamped design and a 3-D facial recognition scanner for unlocking the device, Bloomberg News has reported. Apple could choose to debut its new Watch models alongside the new iPhone like it did last year. Apple also plans to release its Siri-driven HomePod speaker and the iMac Pro desktop computer in December, the company said in June.
Toyota Motor Corp and Mazda Motor Corp announced plans on Friday to build a $1.6 billion assembly plant in the U.S., and work together to develop electric car and advanced safety technologies. The plant is expected to produce up to 300,000 cars a year, and create jobs for 4,000 workers. It is expected to begin operations in 2021, but a location for the plant has not yet been decided. Toyota will produce the Corolla model for the North American market, while Mazda will makecross-over models. As part of the deal, Toyota will gain a 5 percent stake in Mazda. “This is a partnership in which those who are passionate about cars will work together to make ever-better cars,” Toyota’s President Akio Toyoda said in a statement. The announcement was greeted with a congratulatory tweet from President Donald Trump, who campaigned on a promise to bring back manufacturing jobs to the U.S. In January, Trump warned Toyota - in a tweet - that the company would be hit by a “big border tax” if it went ahead with plans to move operations to Mexico. With Friday’s announcement, Toyota will shelve plans to produce the Corolla in Mexico, and instead use the facility to make its Tacoma truck model. The automakers’ alliance grew out of a May 2015 agreement between Mazda and Toyota to “mutually benefit the companies in such forms as leveraging the resources of both companies and complementing each other’s products and
technologies toward the goal of making moreappealing cars,” Toyota said in a statement. In practical terms, it is a way for Mazda to ensure its survival in a competitive market that requires more and more resources, analysts say. “Toyota may benefit from a taste of Mazda’s zoom-zoom flavor and add to its global volume count, but most of the benefit of the link-up goes to Mazda, which desperately needs U.S. production in this protectionist era and help with advanced technology development,” Michelle Krebs, analyst for Autotrader, an online marketplace for car shoppers and sellers, said in a statement. Karl Brauer, an analyst at Kelley Blue Book, said pooling resources could help Mazda compete in the development of electric vehicles and advanced safety technologies. “Mazda is down on resources compared to many other automakers and they can’t compete with companies like Toyota or Volkswagen on innovating,” Brauer said in an interview. “It make perfect sense that they would join with Toyota and help spread the cost of building the plant and producing the vehicles. Also, Mazda will get the benefit of all Toyota’s advanced work on hybrids and electric vehicles.” He also suggested that Trump’s tweet in January may have prompted Toyota to reconsider its plans to shift production to Mexico. “I don’t know why else they would have switched,” Brauer said. “They could have revamped that plant in Mexico to allow for Mazda to produce there as well, or future electric vehicles. It would have been less expensive.”
Google said to work on news product competing with Snapchat By Gerry Smith and Sarah Frier BL O O MBE RG
Alphabet Inc.’s Google is working with publishers on a news product called Stamp that would serve up articles in a mobile magazine-like design,
similar to Snapchat’s Discover service, according to a person familiar with the matter. Stamp evolved from media relationships Google already has for another one of its products, called AMP, which is meant to help load articles faster. The Wall Street Journal reported the
talks earlier. “The success of the open source AMP project is down to the constant collaboration with publishers that involves working early on upcoming features,” Google said Friday in a statement. “We don’t have anything to announce at the moment but
look forward to sharing more soon.” Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, is under pressure as it works to prove that its photo- and video-sharing application serves up something unique to users. While Snap has invented several new ways of
communicating on mobile phones, Facebook Inc. has been steadily copying its most popular products. Now Google is following Snap’s creations, too. Snap has been changing the Discover function of its application, with plans to focus on more episodic video content.
A10 | Saturday, August 5, 2017 | THE ZAPATA TIMES