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CATHOLIC CHURCH
Zapata schools vary in new state ratings
Helping priests
By NICK GEORGIOU THE ZAPATA TIMES
ZCISD’s accountability rating has fallen from recognized to academically acceptable. According to official ratings released by the state Friday, Zapata High School dropped from
recognized to acceptable as did Villarreal Elementary. Zapata Middle remained acceptable. On the upside, Benavides Elementary boosted its rating from recognized to the coveted exemplary. And Zapata South
See SCHOOLS PAGE 9A
But some question prelate’s treatment By VALERIE GODINES FITZGERALD THE ZAPATA TIMES
When allegations of sexual abuse surfaced against Father Hugh Clarke at St. Patrick’s Church in the mid-1980s, church officials whisked him out of state to a special treatment center headed by a priest who believed troubled priests could stop being attracted to
minors. Bishop James Tamayo, then an assistant priest in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, investigated the allegations involving three boys and referred Clarke to the Renewal, Rest and ReCreation center in Alexandria, Va., which was headed by the Rev. John Harvey. During Clarke’s two-month stay, he had 40 sessions with his
private psychologist, who ultimately would send him home, saying that those suffering from “difficulties” such as his generally had a “poor-to-guarded” prognosis, according to church documents obtained by The Zapata Times. The therapist, John Kinnane, also warned Clarke’s supervi-
See CHURCH PAGE 10A
TRADE
Mexico recoups foreign dollars By ANDREW KREIGHBAUM THE ZAPATA TIMES
A United Nations report released Tuesday showed foreign direct investment in Mexico rebounded last year from a sharp decline following a U.S.-born recession in 2008. But investment by Mexican companies abroad more than doubled last year to more than $14.3 billion. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development released its annual World Investment Report. The report was released in London and at Texas A&M International University. TAMIU was the only U.S. launch site for the report. The report found that as the world economy continued to rebound last year from the 2008 U.S. financial crisis, developing economies such as those of Mexico and Brazil absorbed close to half of global foreign direct investment for the first time. “This further demonstrates the growing importance of developing economies to the world economy,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon states in the report. Latin America saw some of the greatest growth in foreign direct investment, at 13 percent, and Mexico saw growth of 22 percent, to $19 billion, according to the report. Worldwide, foreign direct investment grew by only 5 percent. “This runs contrary to the perception we have of Mexico as being in the doldrums,” said Tagi Sagafi-nejad, director of the Center for the Study of Western
See MEXICO PAGE 9A
CHEERS FOR THE NEW YEAR
Photos by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
TOP: Zapata High School cheerleaders, in white t-shirts and red shorts, lead a group of middle school students at their cheerleading workshop Tuesday. ABOVE: Arlina Saenz, right, and other girls follow along as high school cheerleader Jackie Salinas, front, leads them during a clinic Tuesday morning. LEFT: High school mascots “Henrietta” and “Henry” were part of the cheerleading clinic Tuesday morning. The clinic was hosted by the Zapata High School cheerleaders.
PAGE 2A
Zin brief CALENDAR
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
AROUND TEXAS
TODAY IN HISTORY
SATURDAY, JULY 30 Spend the evening at the Texas A&M International University Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium and enjoy “The Little Star That Could” at 5 p.m., “Violent Universe: Catastrophes of the Cosmos” at 6 p.m. and Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” at 7 p.m. General admission is $5 and $4 for children and TAMIU students, faculty, staff and alumni. Premium shows are $1 more. For additional show times, call 326-DOME (3663) or click on tamiu.edu/planetarium. Noon Optimist Club will host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the United High School freshman campus, 8800 McPherson Road, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. There are boys and girls, men and women age groups. The entry fee is $50. Call Juan Loera at 235-4595 or David Gonzalez at 754-1145. Entry forms are available at IBC locations, Parks and Recreation centers, Boys and Girls Clubs and Bucket’s Bar and Grill on McPherson. Proceeds fund Optimist Club youth projects. Admission is $10 for adults and $1 for children under 12 to benefit the South Texas Food Bank mission of feeding the hungry. Ten bands will be in action.
MONDAY, AUGUST 1 Aqua Zumba, a water fitness class, is now being offered at Texas A&M International University. Integrating the Zumba formula with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, the Aqua Zumba class blends all into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that is cardio-conditioning, body-toning and, most of all, exhilarating beyond belief. Class will be held from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the TAMIU Residential Learning Center. Register at the Rec Center Front Desk for Monday sessions from July 11 – Aug 15. Class fee is $20 for members and $40 for non-members. For more information, please contact Denise Schuster at 326-3017 or e-mail dschuster@tamiu.edu.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 The Alzheimer’s support group will meet today at 7 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Building B of the Laredo Medical Center. The support group is for family members and caregivers taking care of someone who has Alzheimer’s. For more information, contact Melissa L. Guerra at 693-9991.
SATURDAY, AUG. 6 The Diocese of Laredo will hold a Mass of Thanksgiving today at 9 a.m. at the Laredo Energy Arena. The mass begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. The event will have live music and entertainment beginning at 9:30 a.m. The mass is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 7272140.
THURSDAY, AUG. 11 The South Texas Food Bank’s Empty Bowls V fundraiser for the hungry will take place today at the Laredo Energy Arena (LEA) from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event features five-time Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe winner Christopher Cross. A table of 10 tickets starts at $1,000 per table, including dinner and access to a silent auction of artwork. Concert tickets can be purchased at the LEA box office and Ticketmaster for $25, $15 and $10. For information call the South Texas Food Bank at 568-3673, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by David J. Phillip | AP
Miguel Hanson, right, kisses his fiancée Diana Wesley by the computer on Thursday in Humble. The couple couldn’t get a friend to serve as the minister at their wedding, so they decided to create their own. When Miguel Hanson and his fiancée Diana Wesley get married on Saturday, a computer will conduct the ceremony.
Computer to officiate By JUAN A. LOZANO ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON — You could call it “My Big Fat Computer Geek Wedding.” When Miguel Hanson and Diana Wesley get married Saturday, they won’t stand before a gray haired minister holding a Bible. Instead, they’ll be looking at a 30-inch monitor. On one half of the screen, they’ll see a virtual minister with an animated, square face with blue eyes and thin, oval glasses. His voice will be heard over a sound system while the text of what he’s saying will show up on the other half of the screen. Hanson, a Houston web developer, created the minister software program when the couple couldn’t get a friend to serve as the minister at their wedding. “I was like, you know I’m going to write my own minister,” Hanson said.
Wesley, a high school sign language teacher, said she’s aware of the nerd jokes that might come the couple’s way once more people hear about the wedding. But the couple says being married by a computer fits who they are. They met through a website called “Sweet on Geeks” and love science fiction and fantasy. “That’s kind of our thing,” Wesley said. “In fact, my maid of honor, she’s making my cake and she’s making it with Nerds (candy) as the topping and not icing. That’s kind of the theme, the geeked out wedding.” The ceremony will take place in Hanson’s parents’ backyard in Houston. Wesley, 30, said she wanted a small wedding, and the couple started planning it after Hanson, 33, proposed in May. The computer will greet the couple’s 30 or so guests in a mechanical, robotic voice.
Woman arrested in death of stepdaughter
Texas sues Life Partners Holdings in subpoena flap
Liberty Hall opening in Tyler set for September
EL PASO — Authorities say a West Texas woman has been arrested in the death of her 22month-old stepdaughter amid allegations of child abuse. Twenty-eight-year-old Maria Estrella Hernandez of Horizon City is charged with injury to a minor and capital murder. Jail records show her bail is $575,000. The public defender’s office did not immediately respond calls regarding Hernandez’s case.
AUSTIN — Texas securities regulators have sued a company for refusing to comply with subpoenas in a death benefits investigation. Securities Commissioner Benette Zivley on Friday announced the lawsuit against Waco-based Life Partners Holdings Inc. and founder Brian Pardo. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in state district court in Austin.
School ratings plummet under tougher standards
Pilgrim’s Pride closing chicken plant in Dallas
TYLER — Coming soon to a vintage movie theater and electronic gadgets near you: creepy zombies, classic flicks and a stroll down memory lane. Tyler is publicizing the opening of the 1930s era Liberty Hall, creating a promotional video accessible via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and the Web. Officials said they want to debut downtown Tyler’s performance venue before a worldwide audience, and they are turning to social media to help do it.
AUSTIN — Texas school ratings plummeted Friday under new standards imposed by the Texas Education Agency, with the number of unacceptable schools jumping more than 400 percent. The number of exemplary schools fell from 2,637 last year to 1,224 in 2011. Unacceptable schools rose from 104 to 569.
GREELEY, Colo. — Pilgrim’s Pride says it’s closing a chicken processing plant in Dallas, eliminating 1,000 jobs. The company said Friday that the plant would be closed within 60 days and production would be shifted to several of its other facilities in the area, including the processing and prepared-foods plants in Mount Pleasant.
No injuries in Lubbock vacant office building fire LUBBOCK — A fire has damaged part of a vacant office building in downtown Lubbock. Investigators say nobody was hurt in the blaze Thursday night. Utilities had been shut off in the unoccupied building. — Compiled from AP reports
MONDAY, SEPT. 5 This Labor Day weekend, the Laredo Chamber of Commerce will be hosting “one of South Texas best golf tournaments” today from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Laredo Country Club! Call the Laredo Chamber of Commerce at 722-9895 for information.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21 The 18th Annual Logistics and Manufacturing Association’s Symposium will be taking place today, tomorrow and Friday at Texas A&M International University. The theme, entitled “Mexico’s Top Manufacturing and Consuming Regions Utilizing Port Laredo,” will focus on the ability for transportation and communications infrastructure, port and border administration, market access, and the overall business environment to govern a port’s ability to become a leader in facilitating global supply chains. For more information, contact Joseph Mendiola at info@ldfonline.org. To submit an item for the calendar, send the name of the event, the date, time, location and contact phone number to editorial@lmtonline.com
AROUND THE NATION Pro-Democratic outside groups raised $10M
CONTACT US
WASHINGTON — Outside fundraising groups supporting President Barack Obama and Democratic candidates raised a combined $10 million during the first six months of 2011, providing the first glimpse into how Democrats intend to compete with outside Republican groups planning to pour millions of dollars into next year’s elections.
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Kansas compiled no data to support abortion rules TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas officials drafted new regulations for abortion providers without independently compiling data or studies on how the new rules would make the procedures safer for the women seeking them, and attorneys for providers expect the lack of such research to be a central issue in a federal lawsuit challenging the rules.
Today is Saturday, July 30, the 211th day of 2011. There are 154 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On July 30, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a measure making “In God We Trust” the national motto, replacing “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of many, one”). On this date: In 1511, painter and architect Giorgio Vasari, known for his biographies of Italian artists, was born in Arezzo, Tuscany. In 1619, the first representative assembly in America convened in Jamestown in the Virginia Colony. In 1729, Baltimore, Md. was founded. In 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces tried to take Petersburg, Va., by exploding a gunpowder-filled mine under Confederate defense lines; the attack failed. In 1918, poet Joyce Kilmer, a sergeant in the 165th U.S. Infantry Regiment, was killed during the Second Battle of the Marne in World War I. (Kilmer is perhaps best remembered for his poem “Trees.”) In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill creating a women’s auxiliary agency in the Navy known as “Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service” — WAVES for short. In 1945, the Portland class heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during World War II. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Medicare bill, which went into effect the following year. In 1975, former Teamsters union president Jimmy Hoffa disappeared in suburban Detroit. In 1980, Israel’s Knesset passed a law reaffirming all of Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state. Ten years ago: Robert MuellerPresident George W. Bush’s choice to head the FBI, promised the Senate Judiciary Committee that if confirmed, he would move forcefully to fix problems at the agency. Typhoon Toraji churned through Taiwan, killing some 200 people. Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s ruling party won a special parliamentary election. Today’s Birthdays: Actor Edd “Kookie” Byrnes is 78. Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig is 77. Blues musician Buddy Guy is 75. Movie director Peter Bogdanovich is 72. Former U.S. Rep. Patricia Schroeder, D-Colo., is 71. Singer Paul Anka is 70. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is 64. Blues singer-musician Otis Taylor is 63. Actor Ken Olin is 57. Actress Delta Burke is 55. Movie director Richard Linklater is 51. Actor Laurence Fishburne is 50. Actress Lisa Kudrow is 48. Bluegrass musician Danny Roberts (The Grascals) is 48. Actress Vivica A. Fox is 47. Actor Terry Crews is 43. Movie director Christopher Nolan (“Inception”) is 41. Actor Tom Green is 40. Actress Hilary Swank is 37. Actress Jaime Pressly is 34. Thought for Today: “Individualism is rather like innocence; there must be something unconscious about it.” — Louis Kronenberger, American drama critic (1904-1980).
Photo by T. Rob Brown/The Joplin Globe | AP
Cody Berry, of Joplin, Mo., a drywall finisher with OT’s Quality Drywall Inc. of Joplin, works inside a garage Tuesday morning at a home being rebuilt on Byers Avenue, near the intersection with 26th Street in Joplin.
CDC: Fungus cluster after Joplin tornado a first JOPLIN, Mo. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a fungus found in 13
people injured in the Joplin tornado was the first known cluster occurring after a tornado. The Joplin Globe reports that the agency says no cases of mucormycosis have been reported since June 17. — Compiled from AP reports
SUBSCRIPTIONS/DELIVERY (956) 728-2555 The Zapata Times is distributed on Saturdays to 4,000 households in Zapata County. For subscribers of the Laredo Morning Times and for those who buy the Laredo Morning Times at newsstands, the Zapata Times is inserted. The Zapata Times is free. The Zapata Times is published by the Laredo Morning Times, a division of The Hearst Corporation, P.O. Box 2129, Laredo, Texas 78044. Phone (956) 728-2500. The Zapata office is at 1309 N. U.S. Hwy. 83 at 14th Avenue, Suite 2, Zapata, TX 78076. Call (956) 765-5113 or e-mail thezapatatimes.net
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
Zlocal
PAGE 3A
Bank, store aid yearly drive SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
IBC Bank, in partnership with H-E-B and Operation Interdependence®, collected hundreds of care packages along with over 3,000 letters of support from the Brush County community in support of the fourth annual Operation Care Drop, an annual donation drive that ran from May 30 through July 4. Overall, the drive collected 23 tons of supplies and over 20,000 letters of gratitude and support that will reach more than 80,000 of the nation’s servicemen and women. More than 225 IBC branches across Texas and Oklahoma and 69 H-E-B stores in Texas with instore IBC branches took part in Operation Care Drop this year. A website and a Facebook page were also introduced for the public to learn more about the initiative and ways to get involved. The letter-writing component of the initiative received a bigger push this year due to the support of community organizations and school districts. Area media partners were KLDO-TV, KETF-TV,
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Courtesy photo
Ricardo Ramirez, IBC Bank Zapata president and E-4 specialist Josue Hinojosa, of the Alpha 404 Army Science Board at Fort Bliss and former IBC Bank employee, pose during this year’s conclusion of Operation Care Drop. Hinojosa has returned from a tour in Afghanistan and wanted to thank IBC Bank for its involvement in Operation Care Drop. KXOF-TV, LATV and radio stations KRRG, KQUR, XGTS, KNEX, KJBZ and KOOL. “Operation Care Drop has become one of the most important initiatives within IBC Bank. As a community-focused institution, we feel it is our duty to encourage the community to support the men and women who are overseas serving our country,” said IBC Chairman and CEO Dennis E. Nixon. “We
are so grateful to our partners and to everyone who has supported Operation Care Drop to make this year’s drive our most successful yet.” To help increase the number of care packages and letters of support that Operation Interdependence sends servicemen and women, IBC Bank enlisted the help of H-E-B grocery stores in 2008 and the partnership has significantly contributed to the
initiative’s success. “H-E-B strives to be a community partner, and we make it a priority to give back. We are honored to work with IBC and Operation Interdependence for the third consecutive year to show our support and gratitude to those serving overseas to defend our freedoms,” said Winell Herron, group vice-president of Public Affairs, Diversity, and Environmental Affairs for H-E-B.
Farmers, ranchers get loan help SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a high demand for guaranteed farm ownership and direct farm operating funds and has prompted USDA to transfer appropriated funds between programs as authorized by law to meet the urgent credit needs of producers, including begin-
Guillen part of warden graduation
ning and minority farmers and ranchers. “Demand is strong for direct operating loans and guaranteed farm ownership loans, while demand for subsidized guaranteed operating loans has stabilized,” said Vilsack. “With these funds, we can help thousands of producers establish and maintain their family farming operations.” The transfer will make
an additional $100 million in loan funds available for the direct operating loan program, providing 1,600 small, beginning and minority farmers with resources to establish and maintain family farming operations. This measure will allow all of the backlogged loans to be funded and provide sufficient funds to meet the needs of new loan appli-
cants for these programs while at the same time leaving sufficient funding for the subsidized guaranteed farm operating loans program to meet the expected demand for fiscal year 2011. Producers needing additional direct operating or longer-term guaranteed farm ownership loan funds canmake an application at their local Farm Service Agency office.
State Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Zapata County, delivered the keynote address at a ceremony Tuesday held at the Texas Capitol commissioning the 56th Texas Warden Cadet Class as Texas game wardens. Joining Guillen in congratulating the new game wardens were Carter Smith, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Col. Peter Flores, Law Enforcement Division director of the TPWD; and Danny Shaw of the TPWD’s Law Enforcement Training Center.
Act as protectors “Our state’s game wardens play a pivotal role in protecting Texas wildlife so it can be enjoyed by future generations,” said Guillen, chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, & Tourism. “They work hands-on with hundreds of businesses, dozens of industries, as well as millions of Texans who visit our state parks and take part in hunting and fishing activities. It was an honor to speak to these men and women who have a deep appreciation for law enforcement and our state’s natural environment.” Coming from all regions of the state, the cadets were awarded their game warden badges and took their oaths of office in the House of Representatives alongside family and friends. The cadets successfully
REP. RYAN GUILLEN: Spoke to graduating game wardens Tuesday. completed the Game Warden Training Academy, conducted by the TPWD. Out of a graduating class of 20 cadets, five will be stationed in House District 31.
Intensive program The academy is about 30 weeks long and includes courses in fish, wildlife and natural resource management, physical training, first aid, water rescue, boat operations, defensive tactics, use of firearms, civil defense training, homeland security, as well as law enforcement curriculum and tactics. Cadets also receive instruction pertaining to all department and division administrative policies and procedures. After successfully completing the training curriculum and passing the required state peace officer licensing exam, cadets are commissioned by the TPWD as game wardens.
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Zopinion
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND YOUR SIGNED LETTER TO EDITORIAL@LMTONLINE.COM
COLUMN
OTHER VIEWS
Debt crisis reflects poor leadership By JONATHAN GURWITZ SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
I
n March of 2006, the public debt of the United States was approaching the statutory limit of $8.2 trillion. In order to avert a government default, Congress was considering a resolution to raise the debt limit to $9 trillion. A senator rose to oppose the measure. “The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure,” he said. “It is a sign that the U.S. government can’t pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ... foreign countries to finance our government’s reckless fiscal policies.”
Explains leadership Explaining his vote to oppose raising the debt limit, the senator said, “Leadership means that the buck stops here.” Despite his impassioned opposition, the resolution narrowly passed. Default was avoided. The senator who spoke these words was no tea partier in patriotic garb, no Grover Norquist acolyte. It was Barack Obama. Once again, public debt is pushing up against a statutory limit, now $14.3 trillion. The nation desperately needs leadership on the debt crisis. And no one can take seriously the president who as a senator said that the buck stops here.
Bigger government As chief executive, Obama has presided over an unprecedented expansion of government spending and government debt. Federal expenditures have increased 30 percent in the last three years. President Obama has added $3.7 trillion to the national debt. Under what counts as an Obama budget, the government is borrowing 40 cents for every dollar it spends. The bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform that Obama created made it a matter of national urgency to achieve $4 trillion in debt reduction over the next decade.
Denial must stop “It is long past time for America’s leaders to put up or shut up,” commission members wrote in their final report issued in December. “The era of debt denial is over.”
More debt wanted Two months later, Obama kept the denial going. He submitted a 2012 budget proposal that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would add $9.5 trillion in debt over the next 10 years. It was a joke — so much of a joke that the Democraticcontrolled Senate rejected it 97-0. For months, the White House and Democrats on Capitol Hill pleaded for a “clean” debt ceiling vote, effectively a blank check to increase the debt cap without tying it to efforts that reduce future indebtedness. More denial. Now the president wants a grand bargain to raise the debt ceiling and reduce the debt. More jokes.
No Obama plan
YOUR OPINION
Obama ignored the debt commission’s plan. He ridiculed the budget proposal of House Republicans to cut $6 trillion over 10 years. He threatened to veto the new GOP cut, cap and balance plan. But as this is written, the president hasn’t presented any detailed alternative. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and Republican leader Mitch McConnell came up with 11th-hour proposals that Obama opposed because they don’t raise taxes, before conceding Friday morning that he could sign them with “plenty of modifications.”
Sheriff Gonzalez says his hard work and dedication is responsible for county’s safety
Alternatives In the so-called debt crisis debate, on one side you have plans from bipartisan groups such as the debt commission, plans from Republicans, even a plan from a leading Democrat that would pull the United States back from the brink of economic ruin. On the other side you have the White House with nothing but platitudes, hypocrisy and scare tactics.
Blame game Then-Sen. Obama was right five years ago when he said raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. But a president who blames everyone else for failing to reach a debt-ceiling agreement, who derides the work of others while offering nothing constructive of his own and who has elevated passing the buck to an art form has no business intoning the words of Harry Truman. (Email Jonathan Gurwitz at jgurwitz@express-news.net)
To the editor: Unfortunately Renato Ramirez is forcing me to again defend myself. Renato always throws the first stone then tries to hide his hand; wanting to appear as the victim. This will be my last response to his letters personally attacking me, as I have more things to attend to than answering letters. The USA Today article that Renato mentions does not indicate my responses to the reporter, Mr. Kevin Johnson. It is very elementary to figure out that the more patrol you have in a community, the lower your crime rate. Therefore, thank you, Renato, for admitting that the crime rate in Zapata has gone down because of my efforts. I
will be using your very positive comments about me in to my advantage in the future. Renato also needed to have mentioned the almost 700 reader comments that totally disagree with the one-sided, politically motivated article. The rest of Renato’s insulting letter is really not even worthy of a response, but I will oblige just to clarify matters for the readers. The “yo-yo” man (Spanish for me-me; a person always wanting to talk about himself only and how good he is without really knowing what the people around him think) states, not surprisingly, that he and I “are significantly different in education, in intellect, in generosity, in contributions for the public
good, in business acumen and financial success, and physically.” This is extremely elementary and childish, especially coming from an “educated man.” I have seen many uneducated persons with a lot of common sense and also a lot of educated individuals with absolutely no common sense and I am totally convinced that Renato fits in the latter category. Apparently, he is so intelligent that he appears ignorant. Renato knows of no personal donations that I make because I don’t go around seeking publicity. Admittedly, my donations are in no way as big as his because I don’t live off of high interest rates charged to struggling families. Now let me briefly toot my own
COLUMN
Mass of Thanksgiving nears A
Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, inside the Laredo Energy Arena. Doors open at 9 a.m., with live musical performances and live folkloric dancers beginning at 9:15 a.m. For months now, the diocesan staff and members of our clergy have been working diligently in planning the execution of this historic Mass. And it has been during the weekly planning committee meetings that I have reminded everyone of, and emphasized, the most important element of this celebration. We gather to celebrate the conclusion of the Diocesan Year commemorating the 10th anniversary of the canonical erection of the Diocese of Laredo. And as such, I have reminded everyone of our mission to be disciples and to evangelize. As followers
“
JAMES TAMAYO
of Jesus Christ, he told us to go out to the world and share the Good News and to tell people of God’s love. It is in this spirit, and as disciples, that I have asked you to invite 10 of your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors to the Mass of Thanksgiving. For nearly a year, the envisioning team for the Diocese of Laredo met month after month discerning the priorities for the people of this seven-county faith community. However, they couldn’t do it alone. Inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the envisioning team set off for listening sessions throughout the diocese. The members of this team traveled to Heb-
bronville, Zapata, Eagle Pass and Carrizo Springs to listen to the needs you deem a priority. Listening sessions were also held in Laredo at San Agustín Cathedral in downtown Laredo, Nuestra Señora del Rosario in South Laredo and at St. Patrick in North Laredo. In addition, the team hosted a listening session at the Annual Diocesan Conference and our priests also had the opportunity to answer the questionnaire and voice their concerns. The envisioning team listened to you. They took note of everything you said and wrote and molded these priorities into a vision for our diocese. I am eager to take my flock on a journey, but before we can take that trip we need to know how to get there. And this mutually shared pastoral vision provides the road map. And I will share this with
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Zapata 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. The Zapata Times does not allow the use of pseudonyms. Letters are edited for style, grammar, length and civility. No namecalling or gratuitous abuse is allowed. Via e-mail, send letters to editorial@lmtonline.com or mail them to Letters to the Editor, 111 Esperanza Drive, Laredo, TX 78041.
horn here as Renato is inquiring. I started at 15 years old as a volunteer fireman and became one of the first emergency medical technicians in the county, all as a volunteer. For eight years now I have been an adjunct instructor at the regional police academy. Twice, I have been chosen for prestigious awards by the board of directors of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. My accomplishments are many. Now as to playing a flute, I don’t know what Renato has against flute players, but I have never played the flute. I was in band for two years in high school and left to be a volunteer at the fire department. Signed, Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr.
DOONESBURY | GARRY TRUDEAU
you next Saturday as Catholics from Dimmit, Jim Hogg, LaSalle, Maverick, Webb, Zapata and Zavala counties gather for this Mass in which I will proclaim a mutually shared pastoral vision for the Diocese of Laredo. All of the aforementioned reasons are extremely significant, but the most important reason that we gather is to give praise and thanks to God. In the Gospel of Matthew (18:20) Jesus tells us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” We must never lose sight of the most important reason for this liturgical celebration. Next Saturday we celebrate because we praise the Lord, God Almighty, and ask for His continued blessings for the people of the Diocese of Laredo — Todo Con Amor.
Crime & More
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 5A
Mexico’s military Troops find nearly 2 busy south of river tons of pot near Roma By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ
By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
As part of enforcement actions done in Reynosa, the Mexican town across the border from McAllen, Mexico’s defense ministry, or SEDENA, released figures last weekend of seizures made in a week’s span. A Mexican military report highlights the discovery of narcograves, in addition to marijuana and weapons seizures. Enforcement actions to counter narcotrafficking and organized crime took place from July 17 to July 23.
Two narcograves were found sometime during that week. SEDENA officials did not release the exact grave locations, where seven bodies were discovered. No one was identified in the reports. Military officials say they also found skeletal remains. SEDENA’s seizures in marijuana added up to approximately 731 pounds. Other small amounts of cocaine and crystal meth were seized. Firearms seizures included 302 assault rifles, 123 handguns, 13 grenades, two rocket launchers, one
rocket, 22,043 rounds for various calibers and 763 ammo clips. As for tactical equipment, troops seized 38 camouflage uniforms, 23 bulletproof vests and 15 Kevlar helmets. SEDENA reported 44 arrests. Out of 46 vehicles seized, two were armored. In addition, soldiers confiscated a motorcycle. Currency seizures added up to 17,727 pesos and $190,450. Soldiers turned over all items seized and the arrestees to federal officials. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
Feds nab 3 alleged Zetas Army: Hotel room full of weapons By CÉSAR G. RODRIGUEZ THE ZAPATA TIMES
Mexican federal officials obtained an arrest warrant for three alleged members of Los Zetas who operated north of Monterrey, along the Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo highway, officials announced Wednesday. Mexico’s defense ministry, SEDENA, arrested the men in June. Federal officials ordered the men held for 40 days for the Assistant Attorney General’s Office for Special Investigations on Organized Crime, SIEDO, to gather evidence to prosecute the case. Raúl Martínez Lugo, known as “Comandante Chiva”; Juan Francisco
Galván Valdez, known as “El Juanillo” or “El Tapón”; and Ernesto Fuentes Rodríguez, known as “El Gordo,” are being accused of involvement in organized crime and possession of firearms. A Mexico’s attorney general’s office report states the men worked for Los Zetas north of the Nuevo León state. Soldiers arrested them June 14 at about 11 a.m. while patrolling the Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo highway. Troops noticed two men acting in a suspicious manner. The men got nervous
and eluded authorities at a hotel called Sunset, located off the highway. While inspecting the building, military personnel spotted Martínez Lugo, an alleged leader operating in several small towns in the area. Six assault rifles were seized, as well as 19 ammo clips, 367 rounds of ammo, two vehicles, tactical equipment, and small amounts of narcotics. The alleged offenders are being held in the prison Centro Federal de Readaptación Social Número 3 in Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville.
THE ZAPATA TIMES
Mexican federal officials are investigating a seizure of more than 1,900 pounds of marijuana found in a small town across the Rio Grande from Roma, the Procuraduría General de la República or PGR, Mexico’s attorney general’s office, an-
nounced Tuesday. A PGR report states soldiers patrolling the northern Tamaulipas town of Miguel Alemán near Guardados de Arriba discovered 157 bundles of marijuana scattered along the riverbanks. The contraband added up to 1,941.39 pounds, the PGR report states. Soldiers seized the narcotic
without incident and turned it over to federal officials for an investigation. An investigation is under way to determine who the contraband belongs to. The people responsible will face federal charges for possession of narcotics. (César G. Rodriguez may be reached at 728-2568 or cesar@lmtonline.com)
THE BLOTTER ASSAULT Rodrigo Antioco Espinoza was arrested and charged with assault and possession of a controlled substance at about 1:15 a.m. July 24 in the 5300 block of Carrizo Lane. He was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. A woman reported at 2:43 a.m. July 24 in the 300 block of Banderas Avenue that a person assaulted her and broke two wooden doors from a residence. She believes she knows who the offender was. Bobby Joe Green was arrested and charged with assault family violence at about 12:15 p.m. Monday in the 2400 block of Carla Street. Green was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. Deputies responded to an assault family violence call at 11:29 a.m. Monday in the 2400 block of Carla Street. An incident report states that a man
assaulted his sister. Deputies responded to a fight in progress at 9:06 p.m. Tuesday in the 900 block of Medina Avenue. Efrain Vidal Jr. was arrested and charged with public intoxication and assault. Deputies also arrested Aristo Ariel Villarreal and charged him with assault. Both people were taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. Enrique Cavazos Gonzalez was arrested and charged with assault family violence at about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of Third Street in Lopeño. He was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail.
BURGLARY Deputies responded to a burglary of a habitation at 12:36 p.m. July 22 at the Palo’s Blancos Ranch, off Old Falcon Road. The complainant told deputies that someone used bolt cutters
to break into the ranch. Deputies went out to a burglary call during the morning hours of July 24 at Charco Prieto Ranch, off Los Lobos Road. An incident report states it seemed that nothing was taken, but both houses on the ranch were ransacked. A burglary of a habitation was reported at 10:23 p.m. Monday in the 5400 block of Cuellar Lane in the Siesta Shores.
THEFT Kenneth Alan Rich was arrested and charged with theft at approximately 10:45 p.m. July 22 in the 100 block of River Drive. The man was taken to the Zapata Regional Jail. A person reported at 10:32 a.m. Wednesday at the sheriff’s office that someone stole a trailer from a ranch.
PUBLIC NOTICE Attention: ALL Homeowners
The Enviromental Health Department is now enforcing regulations for all new septic installations as well as most modifications of existing systems. All installations are prohibited unless an application for permit is made by the owner of the proposed septic system and a permit is issued by the Enviromental Health Department, an application requires information such as the lot size and where the septic system will be located. The design shown here is from a typical compartment septic tank. For more information, please call the Enviromental Department at (956) 765-6201 or stop by the office located at 2505 North U.S. Highway 83, Zapata, Texas.
Conventional Drain Field System Conventional Media Distribution System
PAGE 6A
Zentertainment
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
Photo by Jeff Roberson | AP
Ophelia Williams stands next to an 8-foot-tall statue of legendary musician Chuck Berry during a ceremony Friday, in University City, Mo. The statue was dedicated near Blueberry Hill, the University City club where the octogenarian still performs monthly.
Statue honors music legend Riders, music set for Laredo Chuck Berry Photo courtesy of JC Photography | Special to the Times
Professional bullrider Colby Scallions of Itasca rides “Brass Knuckles” in Lakie last month. Scallions is with several professional bullriders in Roswell, New Mexico, but will fly directly into Laredo for Saturday’s event.
By EMILIO RÁBAGO III THE ZAPATA TIMES
The excitement and ambience of professional bullriding is returning to the Gateway City today when the “Rockin’ on the Rio Tour” takes place. Set for the Laredo International Fair and Exposition Grounds, “Rockin’ on the Rio” will feature bullriders from Rafter C Producitons of Bertram. Live music will be performed on two stages, according to event organizer Tony Lopez. “Laredoan Mick Cruz will be opening up for the bullriding performances at 6 p.m.,” Lopez said. Other area groups that will be playing will be Indezzizo and Grupo Destino, as well as Cruz’ band, Diamondback. Headlining the event’s musical acts will be pop-
ular Tejano groups Los Palominos and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales. The groups have been in the area recently and have countless hit songs that Laredo likes. Los Palominos will surely perform hits such as “Por Eso te Amo,” “Corazón de Cristal,” “Obsession” and “Te Quiero Más.” The Latin Grammy awardwinning band is composed of brothers of Johnny Arreola on accordion, James on bajo sexto, Jorge on bass and Jesse on drums. With more than 20 albums released, David Lee Garza is in a class all his own, having recruited several top voices that have launched their successful solo careers. Some of the singers who have worked with David Lee include Emilio Navaira, Ram Herrera, Jay Perez, Marcos Orosco, Joey Marti-
nez and Mark Ledesma. As you know, Emilio, Ram and Jay became Tejano superstars themselves. Some of David Lee Garza’s top singles include “Te Quiero, Te Amo,” “No Hay Mañana,” “Nadie Como Yo,” “Tonta,” “Una Noche Más,” “Amores Sin Igual” and “Aqui Estaré.”
Family fun Gates open at 1 p.m., with a fajita cook-off beginning at 1 p.m. More than 20 teams have signed up for the cook-off. Children will be able to have fun rock climbing, riding a mechanical bull, or bungee jumping. The LIFE rodeo arena will be pounding with about 50 professional bulls and 30-45 professional bullriders in action. “There will be more than
40 professional bullriders from all over Texas, Mexico, Brazil and even Austrailia,” Lopez said. Among the big names that will make the trip to Laredo is Colby Scallions, who is ranked No. 1 in the Rafter C Productions circuit. Scallions recently got a “damn-near perfect” 98point score, so expect some good bulls and riders Saturday. Johnny Carmona of Rafter C says “Rockin’ on the Rio” will be the event with the biggest payout this weekend in the entire state of Texas. More than $10,000 will be paid to the riders, assuring that big names will make the trip. Lopez said three Laredoans will participate, as well. (Emilio Rábago III may be reached at 728-2564 or erabago@lmtonline.com. Follow him on Twitter: @3milio956)
Winfrey to recycle her old shows By LYNN ELBER ASSOCIATED PRESS
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Oprah Winfrey is repackaging her now-ended daytime talk show to make it a key part of the lineup for OWN, her struggling cable channel. Winfrey said Friday she will host the new series that will recycle episodes of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” as a “classroom” intended to help viewers improve their lives. The show, titled “Own Your Life,” will air weekdays at 7 p.m. Zapata time starting Oct. 10. Appearing at a session of the Television Critics Association to announce the revamped series, Winfrey took the opportunity to reinforce her commitment to the channel. Friends ask, “Are you enjoying your time in the Mediterranean?” Winfrey said. But she’s not on holiday, she said, “I’m here,” and working in the Los Angeles offices of OWN. It was announced earlier this month that Winfrey was expanding her role at OWN beyond the position of chairman, taking on the additional roles of chief executive officer and chief creative officer. Winfrey is claiming the title once held by Christina Norman, the former CEO who was dismissed in May in the wake of disappointing ratings for the channel. Norman’s position has been filled in the interim by Peter Liguori, the chief operating officer for Discovery Communications. OWN, which premiered Jan. 1, is a joint venture of Discovery and Winfrey’s Harpo Inc. Since Winfrey’s talk show ended in May, she has pledged to devote her full energies to OWN. Acknowledging OWN’s rocky start, Winfrey said Friday that one of her biggest concerns was “aligning” the channel’s executive teams, “and now we
Photo by Julie Jacobson | AP
Oprah Winfrey speaks at the 2011 Allen and Co. Sun Valley Conference on July 7, in Sun Valley, Idaho. Winfrey is repackaging her nowended daytime talk show for OWN, her struggling cable channel. have done that.” She cited the help of two executives who are with her Chicago-
based production company, Harpo: Sheri Salata and
Erik Logan, who share the title of OWN president. Putting Winfrey on camera, as well as more prominently at the company’s helm, is an attempt to turn around OWN’s fortunes. Plans had been in place to pull from the “library” of more than 4,500 “Oprah Winfrey Show” episodes in a show titled “Oprah’s Encore.” “At Oprah’s core, she is a teacher,” Salata said in a release that announced a companion online course to the talk show reruns. Viewers can sign up “to reserve their spot” in class at Oprah.com.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SELLING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK $$$ I buy cars for cash even if you still owe money$$$ Models 2003-2009
INTERESADO DE VENDER SU CARRO O TROCA? $$$ Compro carros en efectivo aunque todavia deba dinero$$$
Models 2003-2009
Call for Estimates/Llama para un Presupuesto
(956) 237-1621
By JIM SALTER ASSOCIATED PRESS
UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. — The image is timeless Americana: Chuck Berry hunched over, ready to launch into his famous Duck Walk, picking his Gibson guitar and wailing a song. It’s the image captured in the statue of the man considered by many to be the father of rock and roll, dedicated Friday in the University City Loop area of suburban St. Louis. Berry, now 84, still performs monthly at Blueberry Hill, a club and restaurant across the street from the new statue. He spoke only briefly at the dedication ceremony on a sweltering day as hundreds paid tribute to the St. Louis native. “I don’t know how to speak — I can sing a little bit,” Berry, wearing his signature captain’s hat and bolo tie, said after thanking people for braving the heat to come out. “I’m going to say thank you again and I love you all.” Other legends of rock paid tribute to the man whose many hits included “Johnny B. Goode,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Roll Over Beethoven” and countless others. In recorded messages, Little Richard called Berry “the greatest entertainer in the world.” Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry called him “a national treasure.” “When I had a chance to jam with him on his 80th birthday it was the highlight of my career,” Perry said. A contemporary of Ber-
ry’s, Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers, spoke at the dedication and praised Berry as rock and roll’s leading pioneer in the 1950s. “He is the one that started the whole thing,” Isley said. “It’s the song, the dance, the songwriting, the producing.” The 8-foot-tall, 1,200pound statue was sculpted by Harry Weber, also a St. Louis native, whose other works include a Bobby Orr statue in Boston, a statue of Lewis and Clark on the St. Louis riverfront and sculptures of sports figures at Busch Stadium and 11 other stadiums. About $100,000 was raised for the project, funded with private donations. “Thanks, Chuck, for providing the soundtrack for my youth,” said Weber, 69. Eric Wofford, 48, of suburban St. Louis, stood with the help of a cane at the dedication but danced with his good leg as a Baptist church group performed Berry songs. He said the first album he ever purchased was one of Berry’s in 1973. “I dropped that album on the turntable and laid the needle down, and it changed my whole point of view,” Wofford said. “It opened my eyes. He overcame any segregation. He cut through every class, white or black, upper class or lower class. He appealed to everyone.”
SÁBADO 30 DE JULIO DE 2011
Zfrontera 3,2 MILLONES DE MEXICANOS CAEN EN POBREZA EN 2 AÑOS
Agenda en Breve
Golpe económico
SÁBADO 30 DE JULIO El Club Noon Optimist invita al torneo de baloncesto 3 sobre 3, el día de hoy de 8 a.m. a 4 p.m. en el campus de estudiantes freshman de United HS, 8800 McPherson Road. Cuota de entrada es de 50 dólares. Más información llamando a Juan Loera al 235-4595 o con David Gonzalez al 754-1145. Retiro espiritual para hombres y mujeres valientes, a partir de las 8 a.m. en Comunidad Cristiana AGAPE, 102 Century Dr. N. Más información llamando al (956) 754-8929. PETCO, la Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Laredo y Gateway Gatos tendrán un Día de Aprecio a los Gatos en la tienda PETCO ubicada en 5410 San Bernardo, Suite 103, de 1 p.m. a 3 p.m., el día de hoy. El albergue tendrá gatos para ser adoptados, y Gateway Gatos hablará acerca de la misión de su grupo. También habrá dos concursos. El Centro de Educación de la Salud ofrecerá entrenamiento de CPR para estudiantes de 9 a.m. a 11:30 a.m. y de 1 p.m. a 3:30 p.m. Informes llamando al 7120037 o visitando las oficinas en 1505 Calle Del Norte, Suite 430. Pase la tarde en el Planetario Lamar Bruni Vergara de TAMIU y explore “The Little Star That Could” a las 5 p.m., “Violent Universe: Catastrophes of the Cosmos” a las 6 p.m. y Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” a las 7 p.m. Costo general: 5 dólares; niños a 4 dólares. Pro Bull Riding “Rocking’ on the Rio” Tour en LIFE Downs, Carretera 59. Puertas abren a la 1 p.m. Rodeo alas 7 p.m. Durante la tarde música con Los Palominos, David Lee Garza, Mick Cruz, Indezziso y más. Concurso de fajita a la 1 p.m. Costo en preventa: 15 dólares. Niños de 10 años y menores entran gratis. Informes en el (956) 237-8896. Hoy es el Summer Rock-Fest en Laredo Park-NRide (avenida Daugherty y Hillside Road) a partir de las 4 p.m. con las ganancias beneficiando al South Texas Food Bank. Participarán las bandas: Bastard Sons, SweeTooth, Moldy Laundry Boys, Push, Full Contact, Requiem for Redemption, Dying Breed, Sikmind, Iron Skull, RojoVil, Erebus, Pretty Visitors, Quarter Past 12 e Insomnia. Costo: 10 dólares para adultos y 1 dólar para niños de 12 años y menores. Torna-fiesta por Rockfest con Turbo350 en Cold Brew, 4520 San Bernardo Ste. 18. NUEVO LAREDO, México — Elección de la Reina de Expomex 2011, a partir de las 3 p.m. en el Centro Cultural Nuevo Laredo. Costo del boleto está sin definir. Información en el (867) 714-1200. NUEVO LAREDO, México — Taller de Creación Literaria con Jacobo Mina en Estación Palabra a las 5 p.m. Entrada gratuita. NUEVO LAREDO, México — Hoy es el sábado de albergue organizado por la Asociación Protectora de Animales de Nuevo Laredo de las 11 a.m. a las 6 p.m. en Lago de Catemaco No. 5356. Habrá campaña de adopciones y se recolectarán donaciones de cualquier especie.
LUNES 1 DE AGOSTO NUEVO LAREDO, México — “Clamor por mi Ciudad” presentará a partir de las 7:30 p.m. en la Plaza Lauro Luis Longoria a Grupo Moria, Jonathan Rivas y su banda, Hazael Campos y su banda. Así como a Samuel Hernández en Concierto. Entrada gratuita.
PÁGINA 7A
POR E. EDUARDO CASTILLO ASSOCIATED PRESS
MEXICO — La pobreza en México se incrementó de 44,5% al 46,2% de la población entre el 2008 y el 2010, atribuido principalmente a la crisis financiera internacional y el aumento en los precios de los alimentos. El Consejo Nacional de Evaluación de la Política de Desarrollo Social (Coneval), el organismo público encargado de medir la pobreza, señaló que con el incremento el número de pobres pasó de 48,8 millones a 52 millones de mexicanos. El organismo añadió que la pobreza extrema se mantuvo prácticamente sin cambios en 11,7 millones de personas, que representan
México es un país con cerca de 112,7 millones de habitantes y fue una de las naciones de América Latina más afectadas por la crisis global. un 10,4% de la población. México es un país con cerca de 112,7 millones de habitantes y fue una de las naciones de América Latina más afectadas por la crisis global. Según el Coneval, un pobre es quien tiene un ingreso menor a 2.114 pesos al mes (unos 181 dólares) en el área urbana y 1.329 pesos (113 dólares) mensuales en la zona rural. Los pobres extremos
son aquellos que perciben mensualmente menos a 978 pesos (84 dólares) en las zonas urbanas y de 684 (58 dólares) en las rurales. A partir de 2009, el Coneval ajustó la metodología de medición de la pobreza y desde entonces no sólo considera aspectos de ingresos, sino también el acceso a servicios como educación, salud, seguridad social, vivienda y alimentación.
Gonzalo Hernández Licona, secretario ejecutivo del Coneval, dijo en rueda de prensa que una explicación del incremento de la pobreza es una caída en el ingreso y mayores dificultades para el acceso a la alimentación en un periodo que coincidió con la crisis financiera internacional. “Un elemento fundamental fue la reducción del ingreso en un contexto de crisis severa”, dijo Hernández, quien señaló que los mayores efectos se resintieron en las zonas urbanas que en las rurales. El secretario de Desarrollo Social federal, Heriberto Félix Guerra, coincidió en que la crisis internacional fue la principal razón y que se tradujo en una “caída generalizada en el ingreso”.
GOBIERNO DE TAMAULIPAS
FORTALEZA EDUCATIVA
Foto Cortesía | Gobierno de Tamaulipas
Estudiantes de los diferentes confines de Tamaulipas, pero con perfil migrante, tendrán oportunidad de cursar sus estudios en la entidad y validarles su educación en Estados Unidos.
Estado organiza programas para estudiantes migrantes ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
U
n programa de educación migrante organiza el gobierno de Tamaulipas para las familias con niños y jóvenes que cursan temporada escolar en México y otra en Estados Unidos. El propósito es ofrecer una educación de calidad a la población migrante, resume la Secretaría de Educación (SET). Diódoro Guerra Rodríguez, Sec-
retario de Educación, dijo que el Gobernador del Estado, Egidio Torre Cantú, se ha interesado en fortalecer y difundir el Programa Binacional de Educación Migrante, el cual representa una respuesta de entendimiento de los gobiernos para resolver la problemática educativa de ese sector de la población. “A través de este programa se facilitan y agilizan las acciones relativas a la obtención y expedición de la Boleta Binacional México-
EUA, la cual es proporcionada por los directores de los planteles escolares”, dijo el funcionario estatal. Guerra Rodríguez señaló que dicha boleta representa un documento de transferencia de calificaciones de educación primaria y secundaria, según sea el caso, para agilizar los trámites de inscripción a planteles educativos en ambos países asegurando la continuidad y culminación de sus estudios. Precisó que también se han capacitado los directivos de los plan-
teles; principalmente en la zona fronteriza, ya que es donde existen escuelas de alta migración pendular. En la presente administración se ha reforzado el desarrollo y la operación de este programa con acciones de atención y difusión de este documento oficial; además, se han impartido cursos y seminarios a los docentes para que tengan conocimiento de la tabla de equivalencia en las calificaciones y niveles educativos.
TAMAULIPAS
EDUCACIÓN
Alertan por tormenta
Distribuirán útiles adicionales
Autoridades dicen estar preparadas ESPECIAL PARA TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
Tamaulipas se encuentra en la fase de alerta ante la evolución de la tormenta tropical Don, y se coordinan agencias federales estatales y municipales, para amortiguar sus efectos. El Director General de Protección Civil en el estado, Pedro Benavides Benavides, dijo que mantienen vigilancia en la evolución del meteoro. “La alerta verde significa que a 72 horas el fenómeno toque tierra debemos estar prevenidos”, dijo Benavides. “ De acuerdo a la trayectoria de Don se estima que el sábado por la mañana entre al continente”. Ahora están en esa fase del semáforo, para darle seguimiento a los planes de auxilio a los habitantes de
la costa. El fenómeno meteorológico, que adquirió la categoría de tormenta tropical la tarde del miércoles y tiene vientos sostenidos de 65 kilómetros por hora con ráfagas de 85 km/h, mantiene actualmente un desplazamiento de 17 km/h con dirección al noroeste, por lo que, de continuar con esas condiciones, podría impactar entre la noche del viernes y la madrugada del sábado en el sur de Texas, EUA, especialmente en las localidades de Raymondville, Galveston y Corpus Christi. “La amplitud de la banda nubosa afectará el norte de Tamaulipas, por lo que se esperan lluvias intensas en los municipios de la frontera norte” destacó. Respecto a las playas de la entidad, Pedro Benavides aclaró que hasta el momento las condiciones permiten el desempeño
normal de todos los centros vacacionales de Tamaulipas, y que existe una estrecha coordinación con las autoridades municipales y la Secretaría de Marina (Semar) para atender una eventualidad e informar de manera oportuna cualquier situación de riesgo. Indicó que el Gobierno del Estado participará este jueves, en una reunión con el Grupo de Alertamiento 1, destacamentado en Reynosa, donde también tendrán presencia representantes de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena), la Semar, la Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua), así como organismos municipales del agua y de protección civil. “Estamos preparados con todo lo que los protocolos indican, y estas actividades preventivas, como el monitoreo de la evolución del meteoro y del nivel de ríos y presas”.
TIEMPO DE ZAPATA
La Secretaría de Educación de Tamaulipas, (SET) distribuirá paquetes adicionales de útiles escolares a 60,266 alumnos de primaria y 14,795 de telesecundarias. La asignación beneficiara a quienes estudian en escuelas que se ubican en las comunidades rurales y semiurbanas que se encuentran en condiciones de mayor desventaja. A inicios de julio, la SET dio a conocer que por instrucciones del Gobernador Egidio Torre Cantú, en apoyo a la educación y a la economía de las familias tamaulipecas, entregaría al inicio del ciclo 2011-2012 paquetes de útiles escolares a 632,000 alumnos inscritos en preescolar, primaria y secundaria. Estos paquetes para estudiantes rurales, adicionales a los que se en-
tregarán por parte del Gobierno del Estado, fueron gestionados a través del Consejo Nacional de Fomento Educativo (Conafe). Sobre lo anterior, el titular de la Unidad Ejecutiva de la SET, Gerardo Terán Cantú, manifestó que esta suma de apoyos se canaliza a los alumnos de escuelas de educación básica, con lo cual se fortalecen las acciones encaminadas a ofrecer la educación con calidad y equidad que forma parte de la visión de Egidio Torre Cantú. Subrayó que con estos paquetes se apoyará de manera colateral la economía de las familias de las comunidades rurales: “Al otorgar estos paquetes adicionales se ofrece también la oportunidad de una mejor calidad de vida, aunado a que el alumno tenga un mejor aprendizaje”, reiteró.
8A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
House OKs debt bill; Senate rejects it By DAVID ESPO ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — In an unforgiving display of partisanship, the House approved emergency legislation Friday night to avoid an unprecedented government default and the Senate scuttled it less than two hours later. The final outcome — with the White House and Senate Democrats calling anew for compromise while criticizing Republicans as Tuesday’s deadline drew near — was anything but certain. “We are almost out of time” for a compromise, warned President Barack Obama as U.S. financial markets trembled at the prospect of economic chaos next week. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrial average was down for a sixth straight session. The House vote was 218-210, almost entirely along party lines, on a Republican-drafted bill to provide a quick $900 billion increase in U.S. borrowing authority — essential to allow the government to continue paying all its bills — along with $917 billion in cuts from federal spending. It had been rewritten hastily overnight to say that before any additional increase in the debt limit could take place, Congress must approve a balanced budgetamendment to the Constitution and send it to the states for ratification. That marked a concession to tea party-backed conservatives and others in the rank and file who had thwarted House Speaker John Boehner’s attempt to pass the bill Thursday night. “Today we have a chance to end this debt limit crisis,” Boehner declared, his endgame strategy upended by rebels in his own party. But the changes he made to the House GOP bill further alienated Democrats. And they complicated prospects of a compromise that could clear both houses and win Obama’s signature by next Tuesday’s deadline. At the other end of the Capitol, Senate Democrats scuttled the measure without so much as a de-
Photo by Susan Walsh | AP
House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio leaves a caucus meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington on Friday. bate on its merits. The vote was 59-41, with all Democrats, two independents and six Republicans joining in opposition. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had an alternative measure to raise the debt limit by $2.4 trillion, enough to meet Obama’s terms that it tide the Treasury over until 2013. Reid invited Republicans to suggest changes, saying, “This is likely our last chance to save this nation from default.” The Senate GOP leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, sounded as if he wanted Reid to go first. “I eagerly await the majority leader’s plan for preventing this crisis,” he said in a statement, noting the House had now passed two
bills to avoid a default and the Senate none. At the same time Reid appealed for bipartisanship, he and other party leaders accused Boehner of caving in to extremists in the GOP ranks — “the last holdouts of the tea party,” Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois called them. Republicans conceded the overnight delay had weakened Boehner’s hand in the endgame with Obama and Senate Democrats. But the Ohio Republican drew applause from his rank and file when he said the House, alone, had advanced legislation to cut deficits, and that he had “stuck his neck out” in recent weeks in hopes of concluding a sweeping deficit reduction deal with Obama.
Boehner’s measure would provide a quick $900 billion increase in borrowing authority — essential for the U.S. to keep paying all its bills after next Tuesday — and $917 billion in spending cuts. After the bill’s latest alteration, any future increases in the debt limit would be contingent on Congress approving the constitutional amendment and sending it to the states for ratification. “With conservatives insisting on the addition of a balanced-budget amendment requirement, Speaker Boehner’s bill will now cut, cap and balance” federal spending, said Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona as Friday’s scheduled vote approached. The White House called the bill
Ruling limits forensics inquiries By CHRIS TOMLINSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUSTIN — The attorney general severely limited the state’s Forensic Science Commission’s ability to investigate past cases Friday, including an examination of evidence used in a disputed death penalty case. Attorney General Greg Abbott ruled that the commission can only look at evidence analyzed, or introduced at trial, after the commission was established on Sept. 1, 2005. Law-
makers created the commission to ensure that scientifically-sound forensic methods are used in Texas, after several high-profile cases were thrown out due to unsound practices. One of the first cases the Forensic Science Commission took up was a murder investigation that ended with the execution of Cameron Todd Willingham. Arson experts hired by the commission determined that the evidence used to gain Willingham’s conviction did not meet scientific
standards. But before the commission could rule on the case, Gov. Rick Perry fired the commission’s chairman, and new chairman John Bradley asked for an attorney general’s ruling on the limits of the commission’s authority. The Texas Senate failed to confirm Bradley as chairman of the eightmember panel, which is made up of prosecutors, defense attorneys and forensic scientists. Perry was governor when Willingham was exe-
cuted in 2004, and his attorneys had sent letters to the governor’s office arguing that the evidence from the 1991 fire needed to be reviewed using the latest scientific methods. “Although the Forensic Science Commission may conduct investigations of incidents that occurred before September 1, 2005, the law that created the Commission prohibits the (it) from considering evidence that was tested or offered into evidence prior to that date,” Abbott wrote.
Parched areas may welcome Don’s rain By CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — As Tropical Storm Don crawled through the Gulf of Mexico, South Texas braced for long-awaited rain and what some saw as a practice run for storms to come. Almost all of Texas is in extreme drought, and Don’s few inches of rain won’t cure that, but any moisture is appreciated. The storm shut down 56 offshore petroleum platforms as it made its way across the central Gulf of Mexico toward a sparsely populated stretch of coastline between Corpus Christi and Brownsville. It was expected to have reached land earlier this morning, and a tropical storm warning was in effect from the mouth of the Rio Grande north to Matagorda. Dry ranch land and scrub characterize the area, with wind turbines dotting some parts. The historic King Ranch covers large swaths of the territory, and folks there welcomed Don. The storm won’t bring all the rain that’s needed but “as far as we’re concerned, we’re anticipating something and look forward to it,” said Dave Delaney, King Ranch’s vice president and general manager. “Maybe it’s the start of something.” Luis Canales of McAllen thought Don might be a practice run for people in
Photo by Jesse Mendoza/Valley Morning Star | AP
Jehu Salas, an employee at a medical supply business in San Benito, stocks up on sand bags as Tropical Storm Don approaches the Texas coast on Friday. South Texas braced for long-awaited rain and what some saw as a practice run for storms to come. Almost all of Texas is in extreme drought, and Don’s few inches of rain won’t cure that, but at this point any moisture is appreciated. an area familiar with highpowered hurricanes. “In a way, this tropical storm is a pre-test for an actual hurricane,” Canales said as he roped a grill and patio furniture to his brother’s camper trailer at Isla Blanca Park at the southern tip of Padre Island. “It helps sharpen us up for what we need.” Cameron County asked people with RVs and other vehicles prone to taking flight in high winds to move them out of its parks on the island, but few seemed to be doing it. Like Canales, Janie Rodriguez of Weslaco just secured loose items around her motor home at the park. She took down an
awning but decided to leave a fishing boat, trailer and electric car with the motor home. “They’re saying it’s OK to leave your trailers,” she said. “I’m just picking up what would blow away with the wind.” Cameron County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Charles Hoskins said he didn’t expect a mandatory evacuation of county campgrounds if Don behaved as predicted, but he thought it would be in people’s best interest to consider moving their property. Three to 5 inches of rain was expected. Lightning flashed in the distance above a darkening Gulf, but the beach re-
mained packed Friday afternoon on Padre Island. Surfers carried boards to the water, and children frolicked in sand. People on parasails glided behind boats in the Laguna Madre. Traffic backed up across the causeway connecting Padre Island to the mainland, but it appeared to be due more to construction than the volume of traffic. No one appeared to be boarding up windows or taking other precautions associated with stronger storms. In Harlingen, about 40 minutes inland, county employees loaded sandbags for residents. The area has many flood-prone neighborhoods that fill up just from summer thunderstorms.
a non-starter. Press secretary Jay Carney issued a statement that called it a “political exercise” and said congressional leaders should turn their efforts to a compromise that Obama can sign by Tuesday. The developments occurred one day after Boehner was forced to postpone a vote in the House for fear the earlier version of his measure would suffer a defeat. But by forcing a delay, the conservative rebels upended the leadership’s strategy of making their bill the only one that could clear Congress before a default and win Obama’s reluctant signature. Administration officials say that without legislation in place by Tuesday, the Treasury will no longer be able to pay all its bills.
Feds to step up hunt for Asian carp By TAMMY WEBBER ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHICAGO — Federal officials announced Friday that they will begin intensive monitoring of waterways near Lake Michigan next week after genetic material from the invasive Asian carp showed up in a third consecutive round of testing. Crews will use electric jolts to stun fish, sweep the waterway with halfmile-long nets and conduct additional sampling in Lake Calumet and the Calumet River near Chicago during a four-day period beginning Monday, the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Council announced Friday. DNA from silver carp, one of two Asian species threatening to enter the Great Lakes after migrating northward from the South for decades, was found in 11 samples in the lake and the river during testing in July. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced on July 22 that it had found two consecutive samples containing DNA from silver carp and would increase its response if DNA was found in a third sample. Some scientists say if the large, voracious carp establish a foothold in the Great Lakes, they could unravel the food web by gobbling plankton needed by smaller fish that feed prized sport varieties such as walleye and trout. Environmentalists and officials from several states are calling on the corps to immediately close shipping locks that separate the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds. It is unclear from the sampling whether live fish are in the lake or if genetic material came from dead fish or was carried into the lake from bilge water, said Chris
McCloud, Illinois Department of Natural Resources spokesman. “We’re going to take this one step at a time, then we will make informed decisions,” McCloud said. He said biologists will take more samples Monday, then begin electrofishing and netting through Thursday. If at least one carp is found, those steps would be intensified; if two or more are found, officials would evaluate whether to use a toxin to kill the carp, McCloud said. “We remain vigilant both in monitoring to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, and also in investigating all possible sources of Asian carp DNA to minimize the human transfer element such as people unknowingly using Asian carp as bait or other activities that could transfer them to the Great Lakes,” John Goss, director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said. The samples were taken above an electric barrier about 25 miles from Chicago designed to prevent aquatic species from moving between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. Officials contend the barrier is working and there’s no evidence Asian carp have passed through it. Just one has been found on the Lake Michigan side of the barrier. But environmentalists say the federal and Illinois governments must act more quickly and forcefully to ensure the carp don’t reach the Great Lakes. They favor placing structures in Chicago-area waterways to sever the century-old, man-made link between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River system.
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
THE ZAPATA TIMES 9A
RANDY J. HEINLEIN Randy J. Heinlein, 3, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2011, at Doctor’s Hospital in Laredo. Randy is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Jesus Landa; and his paternal grandfather, Harold W. Heinlein. Randy is survived by his parents: Harold G. (Julia) Heinlein; brother, Harold G. Heinlein Jr.; sisters: Samantha L. Heinlein and Selena L. Heinlein; maternal grandmother, Maria Landa; paternal grandmother, Maria Benavides; uncles: Raul (Gaby) Benavides, Saul (Maria) Landa, Jesus (Miriam) Landa, Isidro (Irene) Landa and Luis Landa; aunt, Eudelia (Nazario) Salinas; and by numerous cousins and other family members. Visitation hours were Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at 9 a.m., with a chapel service at 10:30 a.m. at Rose Gar-
den Funeral Home. Committal services followed at Zapata County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home, Daniel A. Gonzalez, funeral director, 2102 Highway 83, Zapata.
SCHOOLS Elementary’s rating jumped from acceptable to recognized. Under the state’s accountability system, schools are rated unacceptable, acceptable, recognized or exemplary. The ratings are based on, among other indicators, students’ passing rates on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or TAKS, the state’s standardized test. Although Zapata County Independent School District dropped to acceptable, ZCISD’s overall passing rates improved compared to 2010. Passing rates increased on reading (80 to 82 percent), writing (85 to 87 percent), mathematics (78 to 79 percent) and science (71 to 73 percent). In social studies, ZCISD’s passing rate dropped from 90 to 88 percent. Other indicators used to calculate the 2011 ratings included the performance of English-language learners, the percentage of students scoring at commended performance levels on the TAKS, the high school completion rate for the class of 2010 and the annual dropout rate for grades 7-8 during the 2009-10 school year. Many districts and schools across the state took a hit in their ratings this year because of tougher standards and the elimination of the controversial Texas Projection Measure, or TPM. The measure, which was used in 2009 and 2010, counted TAKS failures as passing if they were projected to pass within three years. This significantly inflated the ratings of districts and
Photo by Richard Drew | AP
Continued from Page 1A
In social studies, ZCISD’s passing rate dropped from 90 to 88 percent. schools. For example, the number of districts earning a recognized rating jumped from 288, or 28 percent, in 2008 to 567, or 55 percent, in 2010. Opponents of TPM said it masked schools’ true performance. Supporters, meanwhile, contended that TPM was a good tool because it measured progress and supported the neediest children, such as special education students and English-language learners. But faced with public opposition, the Texas commissioner of education, Robert Scott, announced in April the elimination of the measure. Texas lawmakers also unanimously voted against further use of the measure this legislative session. This upcoming school year, the state will phase out TAKS, replacing it with a new state test called the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. The new test is supposed to be more difficult than the TAKS. And it will better gauge college readiness, the Texas Education Agency has said. (Nick Georgiou may be reached at 728-2582 or ngeorgiou@lmtonline.com)
Specialist Michael Gagliano, right, directs trades at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday.
Debate has markets edgy By DANIEL WAGNER, DAVID K. RANDALL AND JONATHAN FAHEY ASSOCIATED PRESS
The word of the day in financial markets: Anxious. On Friday, traders did something they rarely do: they sold what are considered to be the world’s safest short-term investments. Traders typically buy short term U.S. Treasurys on Friday because they want their money in a safe place in case something happens over the weekend. But this week, they instead bought longer-duration bonds as concerns grew that the federal government may not be able to pay all of its bills next month. Yields on bonds due in one month rose higher than those due in six months. The higher the yield, the higher the implied risk of the bond.
Analysts say it’s a clear sign a short-term default is a growing possibility. The sell-off in short-term Treasurys shows “the market is very concerned,” said Thomas Tzitzouris, head of fixed income research at Strategas Research Partners. “It’s not panic, but we are pre-positioning in case something goes wrong over the weekend.” Stocks continued a weeklong slide after a dismal report on economic growth added to the anxiety. Major indexes erased some of their early losses on Friday after President Barack Obama said there were many paths to a compromise on raising the debt limit. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 96.87 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 12,143.24. The combination of bad economic news and grow-
ing worries about a possible debt default was evident in nearly every measure of investor confidence: The Dow Jones industrial average had a sixth straight day of losses, a string that has erased 581.17 points. All 10 industry groups in the S&P 500 stock index fell. Gold rose nearly 1 percent to $1,631 an ounce. A measure of stock market volatility, the VIX, rose 6 percent. The cost to protect against a U.S. default within the next year reached a record high. The cost to insure Treasurys for one year jumped 54 percent. Longer-term government bond prices rose as traders saw them as less likely to be affected by short-term positioning in Washington. The yield on the 10-year Treasu-
ry bond fell to 2.79 percent, its lowest level of the year. Bond prices move in the opposite direction of their yields. The Standard and Poor’s 500 index lost 8.39 points, or 0.6 percent, to 1,292.28. The Nasdaq composite fell 9.87, or 0.4 percent, to 2,756.38. If Congress fails to act by Tuesday, the U.S. may not be able to pay all its financial obligations. That includes interest payments on bonds and the salaries of federal employees. A default on U.S. Treasury debt could wreak havoc on financial markets and the economy. Many analysts continue to believe a deal to raise the country’s borrowing limit will be made before the Tuesday deadline. Some argue that the market’s recent downturn is overshadowing strong corporate earnings reports.
MEXICO Continued from Page 1A Hemispheric Trade at Texas A&M International University. Sagafi-nejad presented the 2011 investment report Tuesday at the TAMIU campus. Antonio Rodriguez, a professor of business at TAMIU, said it is important for developing economies to increase foreign direct investment to fuel internal economic growth. The Mexican mining industry will receive $4.73 billion in investments in 2011, the Mexican Mining Chamber said last week, according to Reuters reports.
Electronics manufacturers such as Flextronics, Wistron, Jabil and TPV Technology have also invested in Mexican workforces. “It seems to me that it shows Mexico has this Janus face. On the one hand, it’s an emerging market, it’s a dynamic economy,” Sagafi-nejad said. “On the other hand, you have the masses of people drawn to illicit activities out of desperation.” Mexican investments abroad grew even faster, jumping from $1.1 billion in 2008 to $7 billion in 2009
and $14.3 billion last year. Large Latin American countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico acquired new stakes in developed countries such as the U.S., where opportunities surfaced after the financial crisis. Foreign direct investment from those countries is expected to decrease in 2011. The report ranked Mexico 18th for inflows of foreign direct investment in 2010. The largest recipient of foreign direct investment was China, which saw an increase of 11 percent to
$106 billion. However, rising wages and production costs have helped shift investment from manufacturing to high-tech industries, the UN report notes. Sagafi-nejad said it was significant the UN report was released in Laredo. “It is an honor for the university to be chosen,” he said. “Not Harvard, not Wharton … but Laredo. It deserves some recognition.” (Andrew Kreighbaum may be reached at 728-2538 or akreighbaum@lmtonline.com)
10A THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
CHURCH Continued from Page 1A sors that part of his condition was his denial that he even had a problem. And the therapist also had strict instructions for his supervisors: Watch him closely. Upon his return, Clarke was transferred to another church in Corpus Christi and was then promoted to monsignor. It’s not clear from the documents whether the boys’ allegations were ever reported to law enforcement. The parents of two of the boys received counseling and decided to drop the issue, according to the records obtained in a separate lawsuit which resulted in a $1.2 million settlement for three plaintiffs who claim they were sexually abused by Clarke in the 1970s at a church in Corpus Christi.
Clarke’s treatment Questions have been raised as to whether Clarke’s treatment was effective, and experts in treating sex offenders released from prison say two months in treatment is not enough time to combat a serious sexual disorder. Clarke was diagnosed with a “psychosexual disorder,” which could encompass a number of sexual disorders, such as pedophilia. Treatment center literature at the time Clarke attended the facility focused on mostly homosexual issues, but it also addressed sex with minors and the liability that came with it. “Another consideration which might be mentioned is the possibility of legal proceedings, and major financial lawsuits for which the Diocese or religious group may be liable,” states treatment center literature from the 1980s. It refers to a priest who had received a seven-year prison sentence for “lewd
The literature also told priests to “try not to get anxious or tense. The guillotine is broken anyhow. And say a prayer for the ministry.” contact with a teen-age boy.” Church officials needed to consider the “hazards to the individual, the Church, the Diocese, and the religious group; and, damage done to others (especially minors) and families,” according to the literature. The literature also told priests to “try not to get anxious or tense. The guillotine is broken anyhow. And say a prayer for the ministry.” It also recommended that they “establish a straight-forward policy, that is to say, that you encourage your men to ‘get tough’ with themselves.” Harvey, who died in 2010, was the founding director of Courage, an organization that encourages gay Catholics to live a chaste life. Clarke died in Ireland in 2002. The Renewal, Rest and Re-Creation Center is no longer in operation, according to church officials. Today, church officials say, accusations are handled differently. And many different, credible treatment programs exist for priests suffering from sexual disorders such as pedophilia. “The policy of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, since establishment of the Charter for the Protection of Young People by the American Bishops more than a decade ago, is to immediately report any credible allegation of sexual abuse by Church workers, including Clergy, to the District Attorney regardless of the age of the accuser,” according to a statement issued by the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “If an allegation involves a Priest, he is removed from ministry immediately and, if found
guilty, is permanently removed from ministry and treatment may be offered,” the statement continues.
Effective therapy Liles Arnold, chair of the Council on Sex Offender Treatment for the state and a treatment provider, said that in the council’s treatment programs, there’s no “talk about curing a pedophile, but the research very much supports the effectiveness of treatment and the relapse rate of somebody who completes the treatment is really low — in the 10 to 15 percent range.” Arnold said he has learned about the sexabuse scandal in the Catholic Church, in which priests committing abuse were moved from parish to parish as part of a cover up, from media reports. “In the final analysis, it perpetuated secrecy, and secrecy is the oxygen to the flame when it comes to sexual offending,” he said. “Two months of therapy certainly isn’t sufficient. I don’t know what this guy would have said to his therapist. Having done this for 20 years, it is longterm therapy and longterm accountability. It’s more than ‘I can’t believe I did this, and I know I will never do this again.’” A major form of mandated treatment for sex offenders released from prison is cognitive therapy, which addresses thinking distortions. “An individual who commits a sex offense is telling himself certain things about the behavior he is engaging in. ‘This isn’t a big deal. If I were
hurting this kid, he would be yelling and screaming, and I’ll only do it a little bit,’” Arnold said. Arnold noted that most offenders aren’t looking to “maliciously harm the victims.” “When you read of these horrific cases of kids abducted off the streets and murdered and sexually abused … those guys need to be locked up for good. The uncle who molests his niece or the coach who molests a student … their point isn’t to harm the victim. The point is to gratify themselves, and they do so without thinking of the harm, and it’s those thinking distortions that drive that behavior,” Arnold said. They also use polygraphs in their treatment. Arnold said the treatment program, where offenders go weekly for help, is designed to last three years, but it can go up to four years. About 60,000 registered sex offenders are in Texas communities, and there are 425 licensed sex offender treatment providers. Arnold suspects that “tens of thousands” of offenders are in treatment. He said the research is “dubious as to how much you can teach and create empathy in another person.” One thing that is most effective with offenders is victim panels. Adults victimized as children will meet with the offenders and let them see how the abuse has impacted their lives. Most treatment programs also have “chaperone training.” Typically, the chaperone for the offender is a close family member. Initially, the offender is restricted from all contact
with minors and then moves to supervised contact with minors. Even when the offender “gets off paper” (no longer on parole or probation), he or she shouldn’t be without supervision.
Another expert Michael Arambula, a psychiatrist with a doctorate in pharmacy, serves on the state medical board and is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry who teaches forensics to residents at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He is also asked to evaluate sex cases for the prosecution or defense in criminal cases and in civil cases. He pointed out that sex offenders rarely volunteer for treatment. A goal of therapy when they are ordered to go is to assemble their “offense cycle.” If they tend to abuse when they have a disagreement or when something negative has happened at work, these offenders struggle dealing with adversity, and abusing can soothe and re-establish power. “Look at the patterns and they are glaring,” Arambula said. By learning their offense cycle, they can address their
problem many steps ahead before the abuse ever happens. “Breaking down the denial is a big part of therapy,” he added. “A pedophile is at a mall or something and sees a little kid — pedophiles can pick out needy kids, usually a kid having problems at home … and if that kid looks at his crotch, to a pedophile that is a signal to them that they are interested. Those thinking errors or cognitive distortions are portrayed out in group (therapy) as well.” During group therapy, members catch him with his distorted thinking. Over time, the offender can develop empathy for the victim. But not all do. Medication can also be used, typically certain anti-depressants, which can reduce sexual drive and anxiety at the same time. Or Depo-Provera can be used; it reduces testosterone. The most effective treatment, according to European literature, is castration. The relapse rate for untreated offenders is 35 to 40 percent, Arambula said. When people get therapy, that rate can be knocked down to 10 percent. With surgery, it is 2 to 3 percent. (Valerie Godines Fitzgerald may be reached at 728-2557 or vfitzgerald@lmtonline.com)
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
ON THE WEB: THEZAPATATIMES.COM
Sports&Outdoors HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
It all starts Monday Fall sport high school athletes report to the field and gym this week By CLARA SANDOVAL THE ZAPATA TIMES
In only two days, the gym will be full of athletes to mark the start of the fall high school sports: football, volleyball and girls’
and boys’ cross country. All four teams are coming off very successful seasons that had them in the playoffs or the regional and state meet. The high school football players will report to the Zapata High School gym
promptly at 7:30 a.m. Monday in full workout gear, which includes a T-shirt, shorts and a pair of cleats. The football players will be meeting with the coaches before they proceed outside for a full workout.
Volleyball players will report at 8 a.m. Monday to the gym in their own practice gear and will go through drills until 11 a.m.
See HIGH SCHOOL PAGE 2B
NFL
NFL saved, heart happy T
he recent announcement that NFL owners and players have agreed to come to terms brought a sigh of relief from fans across the nation and ended the lockout, which had lasted more than 100 days. I was preparing for the worst and planned to fill my Sundays with other activities to fill the void I would be left with in the absence of football. I was thinking of cleaning out that room I throw all my junk in, but the notion made my head hurt, so I’m just going to ask my house cleaning lady to attack the task for me. Now I know what I’ll be doing every Sunday for the next couple of months: sitting in front of my television, watching football and rooting for the game itself because I really don’t have a favorite team. Sorry, Cowboys fans, not everyone living in Texas is one of you. High school football starts my week off on the right note. Then comes Saturday, which one means only one thing: college football, which I absolutely love. This week, I was fortunate enough to head over to the Big 12 media days in Dallas. Being around all those college coaches and players to talk some football was an absolute dream. High school and college football still have some purity, and that is what I love about them. They are unlike their professional counterpart, the NFL, which is home to overpaid, millionaire crybabies. Don’t get me started on the salaries these guys make — we would run out of room. All this talk about canceling or shortening the season only brought sadness to me and many fans across the nation. While the owners were attempting to stiff-arm the players, it was the fans that were losing out, not the players, because this is a sporting event many people look forward to. Sunday’s are a time to put on your favorite team’s colors and root for them in the belief that if we root loudly enough for them, somehow it will help them on the field. It is a time to gather with family and friends and fire up the grill for some carne asada and watch some football. Some people take this game too seriously, and I have witnessed fights break out because someone had to rub it in that their team was whooping
See COLUMN PAGE 2B
Photo by Eric Gay | AP
The Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Romo participates in an NFL training camp walk through, Friday, in San Antonio.
ROMO BACK IN THE SADDLE Cowboys’ QB ready to play after year of change By JAIME ARON ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN ANTONIO — A lot has changed since the last time Tony Romo threw a pass that counted. He missed 10 games last season while dealing with a broken collarbone. Seeing the Dallas Cowboys play better without him stoked his desire, too. He returns with a new bond to the head coach, because new boss Jason Garrett was his coordinator the last four years. His bond with teammates is stronger, too, now that
they’ve seen him organize and run offseason workouts. Then there’s the biggest change in his life: He’s a married man. Not that Romo expects it to matter on the football field. “Maybe there’s a little more dinner on the table at the house at night,” Romo said, laughing. “That would be the biggest difference.” This is Romo’s fifth training camp as the starter, his first trying to bounce back from a losing record. He went 1-5 last season, both the most losses and the fewest starts of his career.
Although backups Jon Kitna and Stephen McGee went a combined 5-5 in his absence, there was never a question about this still being Romo’s team. It’s possible he appreciates that more than ever, and is more determined than ever to live up to that responsibility. The lockout gave him a perfect opportunity to assert himself. With no formal offseason from the club, he filled the void by coordinating offseason workouts in the Dallas area. More than 40 players attended, with
See ROMO PAGE 2B
MLB
Clemens demands charges be dropped By NEDRA PICKLER ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP
Former Major League baseball star pitcher Roger Clemens has cited “double jeapordy” in his request that all charges against him be dropped in the wake of his recent mistrial.
WASHINGTON — With his trial abruptly cut short, former baseball star Roger Clemens argued Friday that prosecutors intentionally goaded him into asking for a mistrial and asked a judge to throw out his indictment on charges of lying to Congress. Clemens argued that a new trial would violate his constitu-
tional right against the double jeopardy of facing the same charge twice. His lawyers said prosecutors’ revelation that a teammate told his wife that Clemens confessed to using a drug “was no accident.” They said the prosecutors chose to ignore U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton’s order against using her testimony so they could provoke a mistrial
See CLEMENS PAGE 2B
PAGE 2B
Zscores
NASCAR’s Pastrana injured at X games
NBA OKs Euro play Stars of the game mull alternatives By BRIAN MAHONEY ASSOCIATED PRESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
INDIANAPOLIS — Michael Waltrip can live with the risks taken by Travis Pastrana. He just thought the action sports star was indestructible. Think again, Michael. The Maryland native with a shelf full of X Games gold medals, two world-record stunts and a relentless passion to try almost anything took a nasty spill at the X Games on Thursday night, breaking his right foot and ankle. He was scheduled for surgery Friday and will have to postpone his highly anticipated Nationwide Series debut that was to take place tonight in Clermont, Ind. “When I think of Travis Pastrana, I think of Superman,” Waltrip said Friday as drivers practiced for this weekend’s Brickyard 400. “I just assumed it would all be OK.” His hectic weekend schedule, hyped as the Pastranathon, sounded downright crazy but was intended to expose him to more mainstream sports fans. Pastrana was scheduled to compete Thursday and Friday in the Moto X Best Trick competition, then
Photo by Jae C. Hong | AP
NASCAR driver Travis Pastrana crashes while competing in the Moto X best trick event at the X Games in Los Angeles on Thursday. fly from Los Angeles to Indianapolis for tonight’s race. The next day he was scheduled to fly back for another X Games event, RallyCross. But after four years of trying to perfect a trick called the 720, Pastrana desperately wanted to hit it at this week’s X Games. The 27-year-old missed on his first attempt, got up and tried it again on a second bid with far worse results. “When he fell over the first time and got back up, I’m like ‘Perfect, that’s Travis. He’ll get there,”’ said Waltrip, who was watching it play out on television. “Then on the second attempt, obviously, we weren’t so fortunate. I got an amazing, sweet email from him last night
saying how devastated he was, but how passionate he was about putting that behind him and getting on with his NASCAR career.” Though it’s not clear how long it will take Pastrana to get back, Waltrip said the team hopes to have Pastrana back for the Sept. 9 race at Richmond. Wherever he goes, he’s likely to draw big crowds. He’s one of America’s most popular stuntmen, having won 16 X Games gold medals and multiple supercross, motocross and rally championships. His popularity has grown with a series of motorcycle and automobile jumps and appearances in video games. And it seems there’s nothing he won’t try.
ROMO Continued from Page 1B Romo deciding who would do what when, and making sure everyone stuck to it. The work itself was important. The fact everyone followed Romo’s lead was, too. “I wanted to make sure we went from one drill to the next on time; seven minutes here for stretch, got 14 plays in team, 10 in 7-on-7, things of that nature,” he said. “Blow the whistle, two minutes for a water break, boom, boom, boom. These guys are professionals. They just want structure. I think that’s what we were trying to provide this offseason. It was good.” Tight end Jason Witten said Romo set a tone that will carry over in camp and perhaps the entire season. “He’s always been a good leader as far as the standard he creates on the field, but I think he’s let everybody know this off season what we’re going to be about and that there’s no time to mess around or miss an opportunity,” said Witten, who is close friends with Romo. “Everybody realizes that the time’s now for us.” Romo may have been the most excited to be practicing over the summer simply because he’d been away for so long. His season ended with a
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
jarring hit against the New York Giants on Oct. 25. Other than some light tosses before going on injured reserve, Romo had been away from playing football more than six months by the time those workouts began in May. Of course, Romo was around the club throughout the 10 games he missed. He was there for the firing of Wade Phillips and the promotion of Garrett, and saw the way the team responded to Garrett’s interim leadership. But it’s not the same when you’re hurt. As teammates practiced, he was off doing rehabilitation, thinking about what he was missing. “The easy answer is the passion for the game,” he said. “You love it and you miss it and it’s hard to watch the game. You want to be out there competing and doing what you love to do.” Garrett was a backup to Troy Aikman for several years. He recalls the Hall of Famer fighting those same emotions during his injuryforced layoffs. “You have to step back and emotionally detach yourself from it and then you can re-engage from a different point of view,” Garrett said. “It’s hard for those guys to do it. But once you are able to do it,
there is a lot to learn. Watching other people, continuing to remind yourself what a unique opportunity you had; ‘when I get that chance again I’m really going to be ready.’ Don’t get me wrong, Tony Romo gets himself ready to play. But when your perspective changes, maybe you can get re-energized, you can get refocused.” Romo also saw teammates rally around Kitna, a veteran who hung on and thrived largely because of his leadership. He remains Romo’s biggest fan, saying the team is better off if Romo takes every snap this season. He knows that intangibles are nice, but talent matters most. “As a quarterback, you’ve naturally been given the position of leadership,” Kitna said. “It is about winning.” Romo has done that, boasting a career record of 39-22 since working his way up from being an undrafted third-stringer. He’ll have playmakers around him this season, from receivers Dez Bryant and Miles Austin to tight end Jason Witten. Felix Jones will be the lead running back, and Garrett will still be calling plays. “It’s great to be back out,” Romo said. “I’m as excited as a guy can be to be playing football again.”
If NBA stars are serious about playing overseas, basketball’s governing body says they will be welcomed. Just as long as they promise to leave once the lockout ends. FIBA announced Friday it would clear NBA players under contract to play in its leagues during the work stoppage, provided the deals they sign come with opt-out clauses. In a ruling that paves the way for players to earn a paycheck, FIBA agreed with NBA and players’ association officials that players are free to sign anywhere but do so at their own risk of injury. “As the world governing body for basketball, we strongly hope that the labor dispute will be resolved as soon as possible, and that the NBA season is able to begin as scheduled,” secretary general Patrick Baumann said in a statement. “In view of our role to promote basketball worldwide, we support any player wishing to play the game, wherever and whenever. We do so while obviously taking the interests, rights and obligations of all parties into account.” Playing overseas has emerged as an option for NBA players during a work stoppage that threatens to last months and could even wipe out the entire season. Nets All-Star Deron Williams has a deal with Turkish club Besiktas — which is also courting Kobe Bryant — and most top players said they would consider playing overseas. Union executive director Billy Hunter has endorsed
Photo by Bullit Marquez | AP
Kobe Bryant, of the Los Angeles Lakers, is one of many players exploring the idea of playing in Europe this year if the NBA lockout persists. the idea, with players believing it will pressure owners at the bargaining table if they see their players have options elsewhere, and FIBA may have been faced with a legal challenge had it denied the players. “Our players are gratified by today’s announcement by FIBA, although it comes as no surprise,” Hunter said in a statement. “We have consistently advised our members that in the event of a lockout they would have the right to be compensated for playing basketball irrespective of whether they were under contract to an NBA team or not. We have encouraged all of our players to pursue such opportunities and will continue to do so.” If a player under NBA contract agrees to a deal in
a FIBA-affiliated league, he first must be cleared to go by the NBA. The league will allow partial clearance, meaning it must be guaranteed the player returns to his NBA team once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. FIBA will then give its approval once the player has signed a declaration stating he will do so. There is still plenty of doubt that top players will head to Europe or Asia. All-Star-caliber players may not find enough money to make it worthwhile, and numerous players who have signed overseas have stories of missed or late payments from their teams there. Also, their NBA teams could void their contracts if they are significantly injured playing in another league.
HIGH SCHOOL Continued from Page 1B The second session will be for the incoming freshmen, who need to report at 1 p.m. “The girls are ready to come and practice hard,” Zapata coach Rosie Villarreal said. “They are truly looking forward to starting the season and have been calling all week to make sure about the start time on Monday.” The girls’ cross country team is working toward getting back to the state meet and has not taken any days off from those
long summer months. They have been practicing since May 31, but starting Monday, they will move their practice time to 7:15 p.m. at Hawk Stadium. Any girls still interested in joining the team can come stop by practice with a physical in hand. The Lady Hawks return all-state runner sophomore Jazmin Garcia, who placed in the top nine at last year’s state cross country meet. Zapata has lost three core runners, but the
team has been working hard all summer to fill the void left by Marelena Garcia, Gloria Juegiu and Alba Garcia. “Right now, we are growing as a team,” Zapata girls’ cross country coach Mike Villarreal said. “We are going to miss those three seniors, but we have one of the top 10 runners in the state in Jazmin. We are working on getting the whole team to the state.” (Clara Sandoval can be reached at sandoval.clara@gmail.com)
COLUMN Continued from Page 1B up on someone else’s team, especially when “Da ’Boys” are involved. I would never categorize myself as a fanatic of football because I can draw the line. The only thing I am a fanatic about is Michael Bublé, my favorite jazz singer, whom I have
seen perform more than 10 times (four this year alone). I love everything about football the game itself, and it doesn’t matter at what level I watch it, whether it be middle school football or a professional game.
Football is back on Sunday, and that makes my heart sigh with joy; that is all that matters. So are you ready for some football?! (Clara Sandoval can be reached at sandoval.clara@gmail.com)
CLEMENS Continued from Page 1B because their case was going badly. The mistrial came on the second day of testimony in a trial that had been expected to last four to six weeks. Most legal experts who reviewed copies of the Clemens transcripts for The Associated Press say he probably will face a second trial under rules established by the Supreme Court. They said that when a mistrial is requested by the accused, the general rule is that the guarantee against double jeopardy does not prevent another trial unless the judge finds prosecutors provoked a mistrial. But the experts point out there’s no indication prosecutors would have wanted to start their case over
so soon. But the Clemens team argued “this is the rare case” that meets the standard. “By the time the government provoked the mistrial, its highly experienced counsel had suffered a series of setbacks that cast doubt on the case against Mr. Clemens,” defense attorneys wrote. They pointed out that prosecutors have not said they made a mistake and argued that the violations “were critical, hotly contested pretrial issues that no experienced prosecutor could simply have missed when it came time to finalize exhibits and prepare witnesses.” Prosecutors have three weeks to respond. Walton
has set a Sept. 2 hearing on the retrial issue. Clemens’ attorneys argued that the record-setting pitcher has lived in a continuing state of anxiety and insecurity over the possibility that even though innocent he may be found guilty. They argued a second trial would reward government misconduct by giving prosecutors a chance to improve jury selection, hone its trial strategy and address other issues raised early in the first trial. “The government had its day in court and squandered it with misconduct that irretrievably wasted time, money and the opportunity for a one-time, fair resolution of these charges for all involved,”
Clemens’ attorneys wrote in their filing. The sudden ending to Clemens’ trial came when prosecutors showed jurors a video of his 2008 testimony before Congress in which the he denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs during his 24-season career. Clemens is charged with lying under oath when he made that denial. In the video, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., pointed out that Clemens’ good friend and teammate, Andy Pettitte, says Clemens admitted using human growth hormone in a private conversation in 1999 or 2000. Clemens responded that Pettitte “misheard” or “misremembered” their conversation. But Cum-
mings said Pettitte’s wife, Laura, has given lawmakers an affidavit saying that her husband told her about the conversation with Clemens at the time it happened. Walton had ruled before the trial began that Laura Pettitte’s comments were inadmissible hearsay because she didn’t speak to Clemens directly. When jurors began to hear about Laura Pettitte’s statement, Walton quickly cut off the tape and admonished prosecutors. Clemens attorney Rusty Hardin did not object when the material appeared on the video. But after Walton stopped the presentation, Hardin at first asked the judge to tell jurors to disregard references to Laura Pettitte, but
then asked for a mistrial. Walton agreed, saying he didn’t know how he could “un-ring the bell” and give Clemens a fair trial with that jury. Clemens attorneys argued it was the second time prosecutors had violated Walton’s pre-trial orders. The first came, they said, during opening arguments when assistant U.S. attorney Steven Durham said Clemens’ Yankee teammates would testify that they used human growth hormone. Walton told jurors to ignore the mention of the other players’ drug use, since he previously told prosecutors he was concerned that it could lead jurors to conclude Clemens was guilty by association.
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
DAILY CRYPTOQUOTES — Here’s how to work it:
FAMILY CIRCUS
DENNIS THE MENACE
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LAREDO MORNING TIMES 3B
NFL
4B THE ZAPATA TIMES
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
Colts open camp minus Manning By BARRY WILNER ASSOCIATED PRESS
Peyton Manning never misses a game and rarely a snap. That’s in the regular season. The Indianapolis Colts expect to begin training camp practices Monday without their star quarterback, who not only is coming off neck surgery, but doesn’t have a contract. Coach Jim Caldwell said Friday that Manning is “not ready right now” and that the team will “turn him loose” when he is ready to play. Manning is in the midst of negotiations on a new contract that Colts owner Jim Irsay says will make the four-time league MVP the highest-paid player in NFL history. Manning has never missed a start — the streak is at 227, including playoffs, the longest active one in the league. “I’ve told him to be as cautious as he needs to be because the last time I checked, we don’t count preseason games,” Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday said. “I can tell you this, there’s not a player that works harder than he does.”
Trades finalized Miami completed its trade for Reggie Bush by sending safety Jonathon Amaya and an undisclosed draft pick to New Orleans. Bush was acquired Thursday, when he agreed to a two-year contract for nearly $10 million with the Dolphins. “It’s still pretty surreal for me,” said Bush, who can’t practice with Miami until Aug. 4 because of post-lockout league rules. “This whole experience is great. I’m looking forward to this opportunity. ... I’m just looking forward to being able to come in here
New coaches at disadvantage By ARNIE STAPLETON ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo by Ross D. Franklin | AP
The lockout may be over, but the Indianapolis Colts will still start fall camp without quarterback Peyton Manning due to ongoing contract negotiations. and contribute right away and be a difference-maker and help this team win.” Amaya was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Nevada in 2010. He led the Dolphins with 15 tackles on special teams. Pittsburgh cut veteran tackle Flozell Adams on Friday, while Atlanta is bringing back a rising star at the position, Tyson Clabo. After the Steelers agreed to terms with free agents Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott, they released the 36-year-old Adams, who was in the second year of a two-year deal and was scheduled to make $5 million this season. Adams started all 16 games in 2010 and is a fivetime Pro Bowler who spent the first 12 years of his career with Dallas. The Falcons agreed to terms with Pro Bowl tackle Clabo on a five-year deal worth $25 million, about $11.5 million in guaranteed money. Atlanta still hopes to bring back at least one of its two starting guards
from 2010: Justin Blaylock or Harvey Dahl. Atlanta opened cap room by releasing defensive end Jamaal Anderson and receiver Michael Jenkins, a pair of former firstround picks. The team cleared $7.8 million under the salary cap with those moves, then agreed to terms with DE Ray Edwards on a five-year contract. Edwards, who spent the last five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, is a strong pass rusher. He had 16 ½ sacks the past two years and gives Atlanta another threat along with John Abraham. San Francisco released veteran kicker Joe Nedney and center Eric Heitmann after they failed physicals. Nedney will be replaced by five-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers, late of the Eagles, who agreed to a deal Thursday. The 31-year-old Heitmann was placed on injured reserve last November because of a neck injury that wasn’t healing
quickly. Also: Quarterback Mark Brunell was cut by the Jets, but the 40-year-old quarterback could return to back up Mark Sanchez at a reduced salary, two people with knowledge of the situation tell The Associated Press. Brunell was due $1.25 million in base salary this year. The Jets also cut backup quarterback Kevin O’Connell, who spent last season on injured reserve after injuring his throwing shoulder. Jacksonville gave up on 2008 first-round draft pick Derrick Harvey. The defensive end had just eight sacks in 47 career games, including 32 starts. The eighth overall pick in ’08, Harvey got a five-year, $33.4 million contract that included $17.4 million guaranteed. By 2010, he was riding the bench. The Jaguars also cut starting guard Vince Manuwai, who showed up at training camp injured, out of shape and overweight.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The compacted training camps and abridged free agency are challenges for everyone. They could be doubly difficult for the eight NFL teams with new head coaches installing their schemes on the fly and getting their first real look at their rosters following the 136-day lockout. A quarter of the league’s 32 teams are rolling out a new coach this year: the Cowboys, 49ers, Panthers and Vikings in the NFC and the Broncos, Browns, Raiders and Titans in the AFC. In many ways, those eight franchises are behind the proverbial 8-ball, but they all insist they’re in much the same situation as everyone else navigating the free agency fire drill and training camp cramming sessions. “I’m not going to say that we’re going to be as even as a team that has the same playbook and has the same players,” Denver linebacker Joe Mays said. “I’m just saying that we’re not going to be too far behind.” Two of the new coaches — Dallas’ Jason Garrett and Minnesota’s Leslie Frazier — shed their interim titles this offseason and may have gotten a little bit of a head-start, and two teams promoted assistants — Hue Jackson in Oakland and Mike Munchak in Tennessee, so there’s some continuity there. Richard Seymour led some three dozen of his Raiders teammates through a week’s worth of detailed workouts in suburban Atlanta, but other teams with new coaches weren’t really able to hold what amounted to coachless minicamps during the lockout like Drew Brees did with the
New Orleans Saints. They simply didn’t have the experienced rosters, established staffs and entrenched systems and were left to work out in a more rudimentary, haphazard fashion with pockets of players getting together to lift, run, stretch and decipher the circulating playbooks. “Hopefully training camp catches us up,” Raiders safety Tyvon Branch said. “You probably know as much about the defense as I do right now.” He’s lost but certainly not alone. “Everybody’s trying to play catch-up right now,” said Broncos backup quarterback Brady Quinn. “Without a doubt, the rookies have it the hardest. So, kudos to them if they can get in the playbook and get on the field early. Because that would be quite a feat.” Teams might decide to hold back their veterans when preseason games begin, especially the free agent additions who aren’t even allowed to practice with their new teams until next Thursday. That could make for some ugly football early on. “Do you ever not see bad football from younger guys?” said Broncos safety Brian Dawkins. Frazier and Garrett got their first head coaching gigs with teams that faltered last year amid high expectations. Munchak took over for Jeff Fisher in Tennessee, and Jackson was promoted from offensive coordinator in Oakland, replacing Tom Cable. John Fox left Carolina for Denver, replaced by Ron Rivera. Jim Harbaugh left Stanford to take over for Mike Singletary in San Francisco and Pat Shurmur supplanted Eric Mangini in Cleveland.