Glenn Melancon

Texans for a Brighter Tomorrow

Best Days Ahead of Us

I always get a chuckle when people talk about the “good ol’ days.”  When people image the past, they usually imagine themselves in a utopian cottage or a royal palace.  For the vast majority of people in past, their life was nasty, brutish, and short.

Before the late 1900s, humans lacked basic knowledge of microbiology and chemistry.  Instead of science they relied on common sense and superstitions to make sense of the world.  These methods were not very reliable.

Humans are particularly bad with evaluating novelty. We can’t recognize the benefits of something new.  We also have a hard time admitting the dangers of something old.

Two everyday items that had a hard time breaking through were potatoes and tomatoes. These two plants were indigenous to the Americas.  When explorers brought them back home, Europeans refused to eat them.

Can you imagine Italy without a tomato sauce or a St, Patrick’s Day boiled meal with potatoes?  Who would the nightmare of a burger without fries?

Europeans were convinced these modern staples were poisonous.  It took centuries to overcome this “common sense” of the Good Ol’ Days.

Hot showers and regular baths took even longer to catch on.  Well into the 1800s Europeans rarely bathed or washed their hands. 

In 1846 Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian doctor, discovered hand washing prevented patient deaths.   Backed with data to support his argument, he recommended doctors wash their hands before treating their patients. 

Unfortunately, doctors refused to listen.  They refused to accept that they themselves introduced deadly pathogens into their patents.  I am certainly happy more doctors and nurse learn real science.

Hand washing was a relatively pain free and inexpensive solution to premature death.  What happens, however, when the solution costs someone money?

We don’t have to look much farther than the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke.  In 1964 year US Surgeon General linked smoking to cancer and discouraged its use.

The merchants of death kicked into high gear.  They hired public relations firms to discredit the government’s report.  There was big money in selling cancer in a stick.  

Thankfully, we put the Good Ol’ Days behind us.  Our society values reality over conspiracies. We are getting better at distinguishing good from bad.  America’s best days are ahead.  

Family Memories

My dad, CW3 Yves “Buster” Melancon, served twenty seven years in the United States Army. This meant that most of my first fourteen years were away from my extended family.  Holidays were a treat. 

Unlike my cousins, whose parents stayed closer to South Louisiana, I only saw my grandparents at Christmas.  Eventually, I only saw my grandmothers.  Both of my grandfathers died before I developed any real memory of them. Death cuts short new memories.

From second to fifth grade we lived in Bamberg, Germany.  During those three years, we were almost completely isolated from our family.   In 1973 a long distance call was expensive and an overseas call was a luxury.

Dad retired in 1980, and we moved to “The West Bank” across from New Orleans for his new life.  The metroplex offered him a variety of job opportunities.  I’m sure a big benefit for both my mom and dad was living within an hour of their mothers and most of her brothers and sisters. 

We did see them more often, especially at huge Cajun weddings.  My mom had twelve brothers and sisters, and I had 50 cousins on her side.  During my high school years, we gathered to eat, drink, and dance.  For the first time I got to know my cousins.

After those brief four years, I moved off to college in Lafayette.  Visits home became less and less frequent.  At that point Christmas became an annual event at my parent’s house.  My dad’s mother had a stroke and moved into their house.  Dad’s siblings and my cousins all gathered to put a smile on Maw Maw’s face.

In 1989 I married Jackie.  We met in Lafayette, but remarkably she had grown up in my mom’s home parish, St. Charles.  Jackie knew many of my cousins on the “Landeche side” of the family.  Our wedding was in Luling, Louisiana, not far from New Orleans.  Both of our families and many of our high school and college friends attended.  We sure passed a good time.

Over the next four years, I worked on my Masters and Doctorate in History.  Since Jackie was teaching in Lafayette, we lived there.  Luckily, her extended family on her mom’s side lived within an hour.  We had plenty of support for our first son, Christopher, and then Alexandre was born.

We both knew life would change when I graduated from LSU.  That’s when I got a job at Southeastern in Durant.  We found ourselves hours away from home, but not family.  I had two aunts that lived in North Texas.  They had come here long ago to work at TI. 

This year will be different.  Christopher is in the US Army and Alexandre is in the US Air Force.  We don’t know exactly what Christmas will look like, but Jackie and I will be eating Thanksgiving dinner alone.  We want to make sure the people we love stay safe to make memories with them.  

Our parents taught us that true love requires sacrifices. We will live to celebrate together next year.

Reality Wins

Reality does not depend upon your beliefs.  For example, gravity is a scientific theory.   If you drop an object on earth, it will fall unless acted upon by an outside force.  You don’t have to believe in gravity for it to work.

Since January 2020, conservative politicians have been trying to speak Covid 19 away.  They pretended that their public denials would change reality.  Dallas television star and megachurch pastor, Kenneth Copeland, stood before his congregation and blew Covid away.

Copeland’s magic failed.  Despite the false claims it would magically disappear one day, it has not and it will not.

Something has changed, however.   Since the election, Republican governors across the Midwest have been imposing new covid-19 restrictions. They had to face reality.   The virus is spreading. 

Before the election, they kept up the charade. Parroting the lie that covid-19 was simply the flu.

Conservatives demanded that everyone go about their daily lives as normal.  In the North and South Dakota, Republican governors rejected any government action.  They argued that individual choice was enough to slow the spread.   They now have the worst cases in America.

In Texas Governor Greg Abbott put Republican election efforts ahead of public safety.  He rejected the reality of a pandemic and increased capacity in bars and restaurants.

Abbott wanted the spread the lie that Covid 19 was defeated and the economy was bouncing back.  That was a political narrative that didn’t match reality.

Day by day Texans watched with their own eyes as Covid cases climbed in the month of October.  This period produced a false sense of comfort.  The number of deaths seemed to remain flat.

Like the Indian summer we often enjoy every fall, Covid without deaths will come to an end quickly.  Death is a lagging feature of Covid.  First people get sick.  Hospitalization rates then go up.  An increased number of dead are the last phase of the spread.

Covid 19’s will be an arctic blast on economic activity.  The struggling airlines industry has already started cutting back flights.  Many of us know traveling for business and pleasure simply is not safe.

Unfortunately, about 40 percent of Americans are denying reality.  They will not take precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones or their neighbors.  They continue to believe the political lies. They continue to spread the virus.

You don’t have to believe in Covid 19 to get sick.  Please be careful.  Wear your mask.  Wash your hands.  Keep your distance.

America Is Moving Forward

America is moving forward.  We have some big problems to face, and name calling will not solve them.  Leadership requires correctly identifying real problems, developing solutions to those problems and then implanting the solutions.

As all of us can see, Covid 19 did not magically disappear after the election.  In fact it is spreading at dangerous levels here in Grayson County and Texas.  For over a week local ICU rooms have been full. 

We know that small steps can make a big difference.  On Tuesday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert, a Republican, issued a state-wide mask mandate.  Wearing masks protects our health and jobs. 

We shouldn’t wait for government to act.  Governor Greg Abbot seems scared to take decisive action.  His failure to ask for small sacrifices is causing rolling shut downs across the state.  Wear your mask and keep a safe distance.

Even when Covid 19 is eventual driven down, however, Texas still faces a growing problem.  Texas trails the nation and has then highest number of uninsured citizens.  Health insurance is a big problem for Texas families.

Many other conservative states have already accepted federal funds under ObamaCare, or the Affordable Care Act.  Those states expanded Medicaid and drove down their uninsured rate. Texans pay federal taxes, but our legislature is blocking that money from returning to us.

Another big issue that needs attention is the trade war with China.  Contrary to bombastic assertions, trade wars are not easy to win.  It has raised taxes on Texas families between $831 and $2,031. 

China responded to these taxes by raising tariffs on US farm products.  American soybean farmers in particular are vulnerable.  Not only has China turned to Russia for alternative product, it is also looking to boast its own agricultural production.

The longer this conflict drags out the more damage done to US interests.  Mutual tax reduction is the only path forward.

Probably the biggest problem facing Texas right now is public education.  Before Covid 19 the exodus of teachers from the profession hit a five year high.  Public insults, high stakes testing and declining pay and benefits all drive teachers away. 

There is no relief on the horizon. Every pay raise goes immediately to the insurance company to cover health insurance.  Retired teachers are in a worse position because they don’t receive Social Security and their benefits are frozen.  The solution begins with respecting teachers and better compensation.

We can fix our problems.  It takes leaders who will focus on solutions rather than insults.  Are Texas voters ready to demand solutions from newly elected officials?

Democracies Count Votes

Legendary coach Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” In baseball it’s the last out.  He wanted his players to play until the end.  In politics elections are over after the last vote counted.

Once again we see the hollowness of conservative understanding of States’ Rights and Constitutional Law.  States, not presidents, set electoral law and policy. For better or worse states count votes differently. That’s the Law. That’s the Constitution.

No candidate has the right to unilaterally shut down the counting. Counting votes is essential to the electoral process.  States have already legislated when that process will end.

State law requires local election offices to count thoroughly.   They have standards to apply to each vote.  These standards have been in place for years.

It is a reckless lie to claim Americans have never counted votes after Election Day. It happens every election.

Do you really want to through away military ballots?  Do you really want to through way ballots cast by senior citizens or the disabled?  Your candidate can’t just declare victory and demand states stop counting all of the votes.

Conservatives must live in a Burger King drive through culture.  They want it their way, now.  No candidate is entitled to an office.  Our government rests on the consent of the governed, not the dictates of personal whim.

What ever happened to the traditional saying “Patience is a virtue”?

There are several states that have substantial outstanding ballots or close races: Arizona, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.  The final electoral vote depends on who wins each.  Neither candidate is guaranteed to win the remaining votes.

If you are tied of this election year dance, the simple solution would be to eliminate the Electoral College.  No modern republic uses this archaic and complicated system.  Our European allies watch this chaos with bewilderment.

Why not just count the votes.  The candidate with the most votes wins.  It works for school boards, city councils and governors.  Let the people decide.

I can already hear the objections.  “The Electoral College is tradition.  We can’t change the constitution.  We must follow the law.”

Really?  Both the Constitution and the Law requires counting votes after the elections.  It’s not Burger King.  It’s American democracy.

Samuel Paty

“Depuis la cour de la Sorbonne, lieu historique de l’enseignement universitaire français, le président de la République Emmanuel Macron a rendu un hommage national au professeur Samuel Paty.” Publié le 21 octobre 2020 Translation by Google

A religious fundamentalist assassinated Samuel Paty for sharing satirical cartoons with his class. Satirical expression is an essential feature of “The West.” It has allowed us to challenge the absurdities of tradition and authority.

Je suis Samuel Paty

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a moving homage to Professor Paty. I don’t always agree with Macron’s public policies, but he understands republican values.

____________________________

Samuel PATY was passionately fond of teaching and he did so well in several colleges and high schools including that of Conflans-Saint-Honorine. We all have anchored in our hearts, in our memories, the memory of a teacher who changed the course of our lives. You know, this teacher who taught us to read, to count, to trust us. This teacher who not only taught us a knowledge but opened a path for us by a book, a look, by his consideration.

Samuel PATY was one of these, of those teachers who will not be forgotten, of these enthusiasts able to spend nights learning the history of religions in order to better understand his students and their beliefs. Of these humble people who questioned themselves a thousand times, as for this course on freedom of expression and freedom of conscience that he had been preparing since July again last summer in Moulins by your side and the doubts he shared through requirement, out of delicacy.

Samuel PATY basically embodied the teacher that JAURÈS dreamed of in this letter to teachers which has just been read: “firmness united with tenderness”. He who shows the greatness of thought, teaches respect, shows what civilization is.

The one who made it his business to “make republicans.”

So, the words of Ferdinand BUISSON come back as if they were echoed. think for himself, that he owes neither faith nor obedience to anyone, that it is up to him to seek the truth and not to receive it ready-made from a master, a director, a leader, whoever he is “” To make republicans “, that was the fight of Samuel PATY.

And while this task today may seem daunting, especially where violence, intimidation, sometimes resignation takes precedence, it is more essential, more topical, than ever. Here in France, we love our Nation, its geography, its landscapes and its history, its culture and its metamorphoses, its spirit and its heart. And we want to teach it to all of our children.

Proud American

I am proud to live in America.   I am even prouder to live in Modern America.  Unlike the divine right monarchies and theocracies of the Bible, our constitution empowers people to create and improve a government.

Unfortunately, the original intent of those early voters limited participation to white, male property owners.  They looked out for themselves and subjugated women, slaves and laborers. The seed, however, had already been planted. The desire to participate grew. 

Early nineteenth century Americans witnessed an extraordinary change in attitudes.  White working class voters realized southern, race based slavery hurt wages and economic opportunity.  When plantation owners demand the right to spread slavery into the West, white voters handed the White House to Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln was a free spoiler, and he pledge to stop the spread of slavery.  White supremacists refused to accept the loss. Not only did they leave the United States of America, but they also attacked the United States of America. 

What started as a spirited defense of racism ended with a full retreat.  Reconstruction not only freed the slaves, but the 14^th Amendment provided birth right citizenship, equal protection of laws and the right to vote for African American males. 

This expansion of constitutional rights was so vast that many historians refer to it as a second American Revolution.  The initial promise soon fizzled however.  Systematic racism returned under the segregation laws, but the dream of a better America remained alive. 

The Populist and Progressive movements demanded government protection against abusive business practices.  Starting in the mid-West, they regulated banks, railroads, and food production.  Progressives in particular pushed for, and won, women’s suffrage. 

All of these changes produced big results in the 20^th Century.  Voters had more power than the bankers, industrialists, and merchants.  They used that power when the Great Depression hit.

Unlike previous financial collapses, voters used the power of government to heal the pain.   Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal expanded electricity into rural America, provided unemployment relief, regulated Wall Street, and rebuilt Main Street.  Seniors who had lost everything gained a new Social Security program to prevent suffering.

The next generation built on that success.  Lyndon Johnson shepherded through Congress not only a Civil Rights Act in 1964 but also Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

Modern America took 200 years to build.  I am proud to live in Modern America.  Liberals have been at the forefront of these changes.  For the last 40 years, conservatives have failed to tear it down. I am proud to be a liberal. We will not retreat.  We will push for a more perfect union.

Shut Down This Circus

Like a Carnival Barker, Donald Trump is a master of exaggeration and misrepresentation.  It is a great quality for someone trying to sell a lie.  It is a horrible quality for a public servant.

In the closing days of the campaign Donald is selling a whooper.  We’ve “rounded the corner” on Covid 19.  We may have rounded the corner, but he has turned America in the wrong direction.

After making progress in July to reduce infections, starting in September, the number of cases increased again.  By Election Day, Americans will be getting sick and dying like they were last Spring.  

Instead of accepting responsibility, Donald Trump has turned his fire toward the scientists and Dr. Anthony Fauci.  At the start of the pandemic, Dr. Fauci asked Americans not to buy or steal surgical masks.  Front-line healthcare professionals needed them.

Since that time, scientific studies have shown that simple, inexpensive cloth masks slow the spread of Covid 19.  Much like covering our mouths when we cough, or covering our nose when we sneeze, cloth masks reduce our chance of infecting others. 

Rejecting the science that saves American lives, Donald is mocking the scientists for adapting to changing circumstance.   Science is doing what it does best, telling us the truth.  Donald is doing what he does best, exaggerating and misrepresenting.

Donald did the same thing when he said Mexico would pay for his wasteful wall.  Ignoring the fact that most undocumented residence flew to America on a plane or used another legal point of entry, he used fear of Mexico to build support.  He famously said “Mexico will pay for the wall.”

It has not.  Donald diverted funds from the Department of Defense.  Congress had approved funding for base schools and National Guard and Reserve equipment.  The children of our Troops and local first responders paid for the wasteful wall, not Mexico.  

Donald has release a new and improved version of this exaggeration and misrepresentation.  With Senate Republicans blocking the Democrats’ effort to provide a pandemic relief package, Donald now claims he has a bigger package.  On top of that he barks “China will pay for it.”

Does anyone believe this fantasy?  Donald made a similar false claim about his trade war.  His tariffs have added over $2000 in new taxes on American families, not China.

How can anyone forget his 2016 campaign promise?  “I won’t be playing golf.”  Before the pandemic hit hard in February, Donald had already spent $133.8 million of our money to play at Mar-a-Lago.

Where are the conservatives?  Republicans like John Ratcliff praised Donald and won a promotion.  Others, like John Cornyn, stay silent and hope you don’t notice.  In two weeks we find out if voters will shut down this circus.  

Make Your Voice Heard.

Let’s talk voting.  Vote by mail is safe and effective.  Don’t be afraid to exercise you lawful right by mail or in person.  Voting is important to our democracy.  

Return you vote by mail as soon as possible.  Don’t forget to include the appropriate postage.  The United States Postal Service is one of the most trusted institutions in America.

If you have concerns about vote by mail, you can ONLY return your vote by mail ballot in person at the main Sherman Office during the early vote period and on Election Day.   You can personally deliver it to the Elections Administration (EA) office (115 W. Houston, Sherman).  You must have an ID.  

Governor Greg Abbot has declared that Drop Boxes can NOT be used.  He did allow one location, in each county, where ballots can be hand delivered and that location will be the Elections Administration.

Do NOT use the voting site entrance.  Use the same entrance as ADA voters come in, but the EA will have a separate area where hand delivered mail ballots are received.  Those voters delivering mail ballots must show ID and sign a log.  Voters, who cannot enter the building, may call and someone will come to their car.

If you want to vote in person, please remember that the central Elections Administration office (115 W. Houston, Sherman) is a busy site.  Other locations around the country have less traffic.  Avoid the lines by voting at one of these. 

Also, don’t feel the need to crowd into one site the first day.  Make a plan and vote on an off day. Vote at time that is less likely to have a crowd.   You can vote at any site in Grayson County.

If you would like to see a sample ballot, go to the Grayson County Elections Administration and follow these steps:    https://www.co.grayson.tx.us/page/elec.home .    You may NOT use your cell phone while voting, but you can bring in a sample ballot.

1. On the left side of the page look for November 2020 Joint Election.

2. Place the cursor on the arrow and click Sample ballot for your city.

If you have a mail in ballot, but you decided to vote in person, you must bring your unmarked ballot with you to the polls.  Tell the election worker at check in that you have changed your mind and are voting in person.

Reminder, you must vote all the way down the ballot.  The Texas legislature eliminated straight ticket voting.  There is no single button to vote for all the Democrats or all the Republicans this year.

Make your voice heard.  Vote.   Democracy works best when every vote is counted.

Original Intent…to Discriminate

The “original intent” of the 14th Amendment never included “all persons” even though the text say “all persons.” Courts have slowly expanded “all” to mean “all.”

Judge Barrett will follow the “original intent”, not evolved precedent, or what the English called common law. Conservatives have already said they will pass law allowing employers to discriminate against LBGTQ. They can simply file suit to revive laws banning marriage equality.

Barrett’s legal philosophy will mean less freedom for individuals and more authority for states and employers. Building a legal bridge to the 19th century!!