Welcome to The World's Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc.
My name is Susan DuQuesnay Bankston. I live in Richmond, Texas, in the heart of Tom DeLay's old district. It's nuttier than squirrel poop here.
I am honored and privileged to know Miss Juanita Jean Herownself, hairdresser extraordinary and political maven. Since she does not have time to fiddle with this internet stuff, I type her website for her and you can read it if you want to. If you don't, she truly does not give a big bear's butt.
A lot of what I post here has to do with local politics, but you probably have the same folks in your local government.
This ain't a blog. Blogs are way too trendy for me. This is a professional political organization.
Juanita, thank you for your service. The hardest part of politics is the dreary, painstaking work on the nuts and bolts.
Good government is not produced by the lazy or the careless.
Meanwhile, in Austin, a bunch of guitar owners/players have started an “open carry” campaign. They are carrying their guitars into restaurants, shops, on public streets. Hope you’ll be finished soon because it is just anarchy out here.
1Juanita Jean sez: “This is the third day of this. You damn well better love the TDP platform.”
JJ, I’m not a Texan, and I don’t know yet what’s in the party platform, but I AM a card-carrying Democrat, so I’m sure I’ll love the platform! 😀 Good work!
2Democrat Platform can be done with one sentence. Everything wingnuts stand for is Bull#$#$!!!
3@OldMayfly – I LOVE the “Open Carry” for guitars idea! And as I’ve said before: In New York City, when you say “Open Carry”, people think you’re referring to walking around in public carrying a beverage in a cup without a lid on it! 🙂
4Juanita Jean, looking forward to reading the Texas Democratic Party platform! Texas thanks you, as do we Americans in other states who appreciate all your efforts to turn Texas BLUE. As a concrete note of thanks, will read for specific portions that will work well for the Wendy Davis and Leticia Van de Putte campaigns, as well as any other candidates you support.
Can already anticipate the delicious change from having read through that plank of plankton salad the Texas GOPee dressed in a sour grape drivel of negativity. Can’t confirm it, but it’s been rumored they literally peed in it attempting to make it better.
Goals, objectives and solutions. Go BLUE Texas!
5I’m eager to read it too. I will love it if it includes some long term plans for water conservation and efficiency and not just digging up bunches of good farmland for reservoirs.
6p.s. Honey Juanita Jean, whatever you’re doing, I’m all with you. I’ve been reading incoming emails and texts all day. Almost as good as being there, maybe better. Tedious hard work for y’all.
7Since the pen is mightier than the sword, (howitzers not withstanding) you wield a powerful force for progress contained in your words. Can’t think of anyone better suited to
8that responsibility. May the Force be with you.
Hope you don’t have to contend with the horseflies old Tom Jefferson kept swatting and complaining about while working on the Declaration. Pity nobody had invented screens, since his lodgings were close to a stable. Ah, summer in Philadelphia.
9A link to the Texas Democratic Party Platform was just posted by Texas Tribune editor Ross Ramsey on Twitter. Here’s the platform:
http://www.txdemocrats.org/pdf/2014-Platform.pdf
10Ms. J, thanks. I just skimmed it, but it looks delicious!
11@Zyxomma – I just read the Preamble. Yeah, THAT’S why I’m a Democrat, people! I’ll read the rest little by little — it’s 62 pages, and I’m sure it’s all good!
12JJ, I know from experience that this kind of writing sucks swamp water. It is so tedious, so open to revision of the revisions of the revisions . . . but I hope like hell there is a strong plank on not just physical health but mental health as well. That mental health thing never made it into the ADA and sure should have! Maybe you all can give it a shove in Washington all the way back in Texas! Go, JJ!
13I found an error — From the Party Platform under “Immigration”:
“The Texas Democratic Party recognizes that we are a nation of immigrants.”
Sorry, but that is incorrect. There are still Native American people here (I am one of them), and we really do need to keep reminding everyone that we are here and not all of us are “immigrants”. That really is important to me — I get tired of hearing “We are a nation of immigrants”. No, we’re not. I hope the Party corrects that error and makes some mention of the Native population in Texas. I doubt that I will have any other complaints! Thanks.
14JJ, what I’ve read of it is a thing of beauty and a joy forever– mostly the preamble, family planning, women’s rights, energy and environment and religious freedom parts. You go, woman. Thank you for all your hard and tedious work.
3 typos on the first line of page 35, in case there’s time to correct them. Didn’t notice any others.
15You done good, Juanita Jean.
16Ms J, your ancestors migrated here too, just much longer ago. Every human, except perhaps a few in East Africa, is descended from someone who picked up and moved down the road, over some mountain, or across the sea. Even the Native peoples of these continents moved around a lot.
17JJ: That Preamble brought tears to my eyes. I’m going to sit down now and read the planks. Thank you so much for putting your work into this for us.
Info about the Open Carry Guitar Rally in Dallas: It’ll be July 4th at the Continental Ave. Bridge Park from 6 until 8 pm. There’ll be partying and such afterward at some of the fine Trinity Groves establishments, such as Babb Brothers BBQ. There’s an information page for it on Facebook.
In the past few days this has exploded and there’s now a Facebook something or other for an Open Carry Guitars of Texas group and apparently others as well. The Instigator of this is old friend Barry Kooda of the Nervebreakers. This is snowballing too fast to keep up with so it was obviously an idea whose time had come.
18JJ,
Just skimmed the draft.
It’s Wonderful.
Thanks to you, and everybody else who took the time.
19@Origuy You know I am not talking about that, and yes I’ve heard *that* Bering Straits argument countless times before. That was millennia ago, if ever. There are Native tribes that have creation stories which place us here since the beginning of time. So no — Not all the Native people “picked up and moved here”. Sorry, but we were always here — not just the East Africans. Where did they come from, the East Africans? I am talking about modern day immigration, as you know. We are *not* immigrants. Period. This is not a “nation of immigrants”, and we Natives need to keep reminding people of this because we have been forgotten. We are not immigrants and we never were. We have been on this continent since forever.
20I’m sure it will be a beacon for the rest of the country.
21Thanks to you and all others who worked so hard.
Hence the name, Native Americans. You are absolutely right, Ms. Jay. You may be outnumbered by us immigrants, but you are the authentic and original occupants of this land.
22I am selectively reading different sections of the Party Platform, and I just read the section entitled “GOOD JOBS BUILD STRONG COMMUNITIES”. Under this heading is the subdivision “To Improve Wages and Working Conditions”. This is a truly excellent list of points — too many to copy and paste here, but definitely read this section while you are selectively skimming the platform. This is very good work, JJ and platform committee. Thank you.
23Thank you, maryelle. I hate to rag on my own Democrats, but at least mention the Native people in the midst of the immigration discussion. We are very few — only about 3 million of us are left — but we remain here nevertheless. And we have always been here.
24My 11 year olds go to a lot of soccer games and tournaments. Accordingly, I’d like to have the platform include a provision to lower the driving age to 10.
25Now fellow Democrats it is up us to work just as hard and as well to get people to VOTE! Let’s do it. Everyone needs to be encouraged and reminded that every vote is important.
26Dear Ms. J:
With all due respect. Unless you were dropped here by “the stork”….. please tell us…..to what Indian Nation you belong…. And also know, to your 3 million….. there are 300 million……. “others”…. MOST DESCENDED FROM IMMIGRANTS.
We, The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA….. ARE A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS.
People who came here from other countries because….. they were looking for a better life….better than potato famine, (Ireland) than State mandated religion, (the U.K.) Better than a Monarchy,)again…. the U.K.), or like my grandma….freedom to love whomever she wished. And, for her…. a Canadian……. marriage meant American citizenship…. in the 1900’s. For my grandfather… it meant he served in WWI.
WE ALL ARE DESCENDED FROM PEOPLE……. WHO CAME HERE FROM SOME WHERE ELSE……
ONCE AGAIN… Thank you Juanita Jean for all your hard work, and for all the hard work of those folks who helped draft “THIS MOST EXCELLENT PARTY PLATFORM”.
27Proud to be a Democrat.
28@Miemaw — With all due respect to YOU, Native people are not immigrant, and we Americans are NOT ALL of immigrant background. Therefore, this is not a “nation of immigrants” as long as we exist here. This seems to matter to you, so I will answer this: My Native background is Sioux (Oglala Lakota), Seminole and Mayan. I have some non-Native background, but about 3/4 of my ancestors were Native to the North/Central American continent. Some tribes have creation stories placing us here since the beginning of time, as I’ve said. You can have it your way and discount our existence if you want to. You can insist that since we are only 3 million Natives and you who are from non-Native backgrounds outnumber us by a million to one, then we don’t count. Have it your way if that makes you feel better. But we will not buy into that. We will not be discounted or ignored just because our numbers are few. We are not immigrants and we are of this nation too, just as you are.
I am not “descended from people who came here from somewhere else”. I don’t know why so many people have a hard time accepting the existence of Native people who were here since time began. It’s truly amazing to me, but I have seen this all of my life. We are NOT immigrants, we did not derive from immigrants, and we are still here.
I won’t belabor this point any more. Thanks to those of you who actually understand that Native people inhabited this country for millennia before your ancestors got here. And we’re still here.
29Miss Prissybritches, in our house, we’re green progressive liberal Democrats. In fact, we’re on a mission to slap the taste out the mouths of the GOPeers who deride liberals. Looney Lib, my tookus, that a joke out the mouths of crazy war deficit ‘conservatives.’ If forced, I’ll vote for HRC over any Republican. But I sure would like to see a more liberal candidate for 2016. Hill’s vote for the invasion of Iraq and her ties to Wall Street & Walmart do concern me.
Meanwhile, back to focus on 2014 and sending some folks to Congress to support President Obama. He sure could accomplish a lot in two years, if working with a functional Congress. Mitch going the way of Cantor would be a good start!
And, Texas, please do yourselves a favor and elect Governor Wendy Davis and LT Gov Leticia Van de Putte. Still sorting through the TDP platform for sound bytes to bolster their campaigns. Sure wish Howard Dean and the Big Dawg would help them. Media, media, media, the ladies deserve more media attention.
30Ms. J one of the things that made an indelible impression on me during the 2010 Winter Olympics was the performance of the First Nations. To me First Nations is a perfect illustration that the first nations in North America were the diverse native populations who lived on and for the land.
One of my favorite websites: http://www.barefootsworld.net/lakotalexicon.html#w
I’m a fourth generation interloper, but I share the First Nation affinity for the land. We live near Pyramid Lake home to the Paiute Nation and Lake Tahoe, home of the Washoe Nation. For us the beauty of the Sierra Nevada matches the true spirit and heart of the First Nations.
31@Polite Kool Marxist – Thanks for the link to the Lakota lexicon. My Sioux grandfather was born on the Pine Ridge reservation and he spoke Lakota fluently. I was born and raised in New York City, however, so I never had a chance to learn the Sioux language. Thanks for your appreciation of the First Nations.
32Back at you, Ms. J! My appreciation for the First Nations is based wholly on their custodial protection of the lands, air and water we all need to live. And, of course, their leadership in stopping the Keystone XL pipeline disaster and their kind ways of educating we interlopers. On the political side, it’s ridiculous that the BIA does not have a director from the First Nations and a staff conversant in the issues.
Have had my issues with President Obama, but sure did appreciate his reach out to Sioux leaders.
This Boy Howdy will always remain grateful to my First Nation mentor, Mary Williams. Her kindness and patience will stay in my head forever guiding my approach to political issues. Arizona is wealthy with First Nations, but as leader of her community, Mary Williams will always be my role model for what works. My junior year in college, she allowed me into her community to teach math and chemistry. Did teach, but I learned more.
http://arizonaexperience.org/people/indian-tribes-and-communities
Democratic Party for progress, love, truth, history, respect, equality and diversity. Still chuckling at the GOP sending their KKKlucker Rand Paul to Detroit to speak on diversity.
33Miemaw, you are one fine Texas woman and we love the wisdom of your comments. You are spot on the issue of immigration reform. We are predominantly a nation of immigrants, and as such we need more of the Democratic Party to solve the issues that unite all of us, immigrant and First Nations. Food, health care, education, clean air, clean water and re-energizing the “American Dream.”
Said the “water” word a few times, expect Marge Wood any minute. You rick Marge!
34oops, Rock on Marge!
35Polite Kool Marxist #31 sez: “Democratic Party for progress, love, truth, history, respect, equality and diversity.” Yes, and I believe the Texas Democratic Party Platform — what I’ve read of it so far, anyway — does an outstanding job of delineating these values.
I have a good friend on the Tohono O’odham reservation in AZ http://arizonaexperience.org/people/native-american/tohono-o-odham-nation She is a true blue Dem who volunteers to drive residents of the reservation to the polling places during elections. But she said she only drives them if they are voting for Democrats, not Republicans. haha
Obama won his election with major votes from Native Americans. From Jan. 2013, here is a rundown of his top ten vote-getting counties:
http://go.bloomberg.com/political-capital/2013-01-09/obamas-top-10-counties-in-2012/
Number one on the list was:
“1. Shannon, South Dakota (93%): included within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the southwestern part of the state.”
So, Obama is right to reach out to the Native population. I believe we are “natural Democrats” in terms of our worldview.
I hope Texans will not overlook the Native vote when doing outreach. Texas Natives may be few in number, but I believe they are loyal Democrats in their hearts. Now, let’s get them to vote for Wendy and Leticia!
36Ms. J, well said! Texas needs Wendy and Leticia! America needs liberal Democrats in every state.
With no apology, I resent DINOs as much as the Tea Bags get riled up over RINOs. Point in case, retiring Max Baucus, who wiped single payer from the health reform debate. Dumb is dumb. And, st00pid is what it is.
Loving the ladies like Leticia, Wendy and Senator Warren. Us guys and you gals who have experienced war know the chicken hawk males have no answers to the wisdom of Democratic women.
First Nations in Canada, First Americans in the USA are the future, as are all children however they arrived here, and the adults who grew up learning to share and care. Air, water, food, education and housing.
Ms. J, Texas is lucky to have wonderful people working hard, like the Bankstons, to move Texas forward. Good people like Mayor Julián Castro of San Antonio and his twin brother Joaquín in the U.S. Congress (TX-20), Democratic party, and so many others mentioned here at The World’s Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc.
As you hope, I see GOP outreach 0, while the Democratic tent is inclusive, yet ready to admit its faults and reach out as has President Obama.
37I’m here! I’m here! I just read awhile ago in a little news article in the STATESMAN about the what, 52,000 children, many alone and far from home, refugees. I feel sorry for refugees in other countries but I can’t understand why we have more than 50 thousand small children alone in our country and no good suggested solutions. WHAT IS THEIR DEAL, THE GOP, doing all they can to undo President Obama’s attempts at governing? And related, probably, the Koch brothers’ money. Are they the ones giving Abbott ten million dollars for his ad campaign this fall all over Texas? I didn’t sign up soon enough for one of the Koch brothers one hour film being shown all over the place today. I’ll have to borrow a copy. Anyone seen it yet? Oh, yes, PKM, water water water, esp. in west Texas. Huge floods around Rockport a couple days ago. Okay I’ll quit after I say, yes, native Americans knew how to take care of the land and we need to learn from what they knew.
38p.s THANK YOU JUANITA JEAN/SUSAN. I hope you are sound asleep.
39Marge Wood, there are many ways we can care for these children, who are deserving of compassion and asylum status. And, unite them with their families here in the USA, rather than sending them back to the conditions their families sacrificed to send their children here.
$RMoney would be allowed to keep one residence and a vacation home. (the American Dream), while Grumpy McIrrelevant can consult his wife to determine the number of homes they need to surrender to down size to one, plus a vacation home. Jobs, jobs, jobs and a win win to do the right thing and care for these children.
The banks who screwed “we the people” turn over the properties they have in foreclosure, either to the original owners, or if the owners cannot be found, to new owners at a reduced rate.
Where we live, there are a depressing number of homes going to ruin for lack of a family to live in the houses.
Then, we snatch up/RICO all the off shore money to pay off Dubya’s war debt and provide the money needed to educate, feed and assist all Americans to an equal shot at the “American Dream.”
2014, bring on the war profiteer tax, restore the death tax (no free rides for the Walton moochers ,Paris Hilton and their ilk) destroy the trust fund baby no tax and pay for the Dubya/Rummy/Cheney wars by repealing the the MIC loopholes. In essence, repair the Reaganomics and ast00pid.
40Marge Wood, closed military bases is brilliant. Homes and jobs, jobs, jobs. When humanity meets opportunity, we all win.
Our darling Reagan and his CIA thug Gust1 thoroughly screwed Central America. Gust2, the st00pid, and his fellow morons created vacuum central in the Middle East.
President Obama is correct. The only way we can fix those GOPee messes is through diplomacy and humanitarian aid. Our credibility in those regions would be greatly bolstered, if we vote in 2014 to oust the chicken hawks and deficit morons in Congress.
You take Facebook, good friend. I’ll continue with e-mail bombing the Congress varmints, spreading the word about the Kochroaches and seeing to it that Shelly Adelson loses his gaming license and $billions.
Odd quirky dink, Nancy No Reagan actually did one good thing. She set up a program to assist low income seniors with institutionalized youth. Purpose for the seniors and a little income, while the kids received the individual attention what the too small staff couldn’t provide.
Not taking away income from the professional staff in schools and institutions, but giving them the boost they need.
41