(Ed.'s Note: A woman, barely visible, sits on the sidewalk at rear right on the west side of McDavitt Blvd. nursing her head and crying after the SUV pictured above was struck by the silver truck that veered off and stopped front right. The crash created immediate congestion because part of the rear end blocked one lane and the rest of the traffic had to take turns going through. The inconsiderate nature of our local drivers made it worse. This happened at about 11:30 this morning. Hope everyone is well, if not a bit scared.)
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
ABOUT TIME THAT MCDAVITT BLVD. GET WIDENED, RIGHT COMMISSIONERS?
ELIZONDO AND PENA: WE CAN'T WAIT UNTIL JUNE TO DUMP CHAVEZ
(After two years in the role, Brownsville ISD Superintendent Dr. Jesus Chavez announced he is retiring. Chavez made the announcement during a February school board meeting. He said he will finish out his contract — which ends in June 2026 — before retiring. A majority of the board at that meeting voted to approve his retirement then.)
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
XII.E.1. Discussion and consideration regarding the Superintendent’s contract, including placing the Superintendent on administrative leave, suspension, or termination of contract. Discussion and consideration on naming an Interim Superintendent. (Board Agenda Request Carlos Elizondo/Board Support Minerva Pena)
This past February Brownsville Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jesus Chavez announced – and a board majority accepted – his retirement effective June 30.
That acceptance, however, is now under challenge with two agenda items, to be heard in executive session, that Chavez be terminated immediately and an interim superintendent be appointed in his place.
The agenda items for Chavez's removal to be considered come as the BISD Board of Trustees had already begun the vetting process to select the next superintendent. The two trustees requesting the agenda item are Carlos Elizondo supported by Minerva Peña.
This past February Brownsville Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jesus Chavez announced – and a board majority accepted – his retirement effective June 30.
That acceptance, however, is now under challenge with two agenda items, to be heard in executive session, that Chavez be terminated immediately and an interim superintendent be appointed in his place.
Elizondo and Peña are usually joined by trustee Frank Ortiz. Sources say that board members Denise Garza and Neida Ruth Soto-Grantland are "on the fence."
So far, neither Elizondo nor Peña have made public their choice for Chavez interim replacement.
TRUMP'S POLL NUMBERS UP WITH DICTATORS, RACISTS, AND BILLIONAIRES
Dear Leader's new poll numbers are out. Looks like he's still got a strong following in certain segments of society.
FALLEN ANGEL: TRUTH, PAIN, AND RESPONSIBILITY IN CHAVEZ'S LEGACY
(Ed.'s Note: Like the majority of us, the writer of this piece was stunned when he learned of the alleged sexual grooming and abuse of women and minors by the late Cesar Chavez, the founder and leader of the United Farm Workers Union. Chavez died more than 30 years ago and cannot be confronted with or be prosecuted on the charges. The writer's reaction to the controversy below.)
Impacto
The news of the abuse of women and children by César Chávez came as a shock to many—especially to those of us who had invested so much of our lives, our hopes, and our sacrifices in the success of the United Farm Workers.
Faced with these horrifying headlines and the painful details now emerging, the UFW and the César Chávez Foundation made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the national celebrations traditionally held on March 31 to honor César’s birthday.
Like many others, I joined the union as a young dreamer searching for justice and freedom. In 1970, I began my journey as a full-time organizer, earning five dollars a week in wages and ten dollars for food. Thousands of us sacrificed deeply to win union contracts and to build what felt like a foundation of hope.
The news of the abuse of women and children by César Chávez came as a shock to many—especially to those of us who had invested so much of our lives, our hopes, and our sacrifices in the success of the United Farm Workers.
Faced with these horrifying headlines and the painful details now emerging, the UFW and the César Chávez Foundation made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the national celebrations traditionally held on March 31 to honor César’s birthday.
Like many others, I joined the union as a young dreamer searching for justice and freedom. In 1970, I began my journey as a full-time organizer, earning five dollars a week in wages and ten dollars for food. Thousands of us sacrificed deeply to win union contracts and to build what felt like a foundation of hope.
Joining the union changed my life. I stopped selling drugs. I got rid of the two pistols I owned—guns I once believed I might use against my enemies. Through the movement, I learned that love was stronger than hate, and that nonviolence could become my path toward healing.
César died in 1993. By 1994, I became the founding director of the César E. Chávez Foundation.
As a human rights activist, I have witnessed many movements where leaders abused the power entrusted to them. Still, reading that César abused UFW cofounder Dolores Huerta, and that he abused children in the 1970s, was devastating—hard to read, harder to absorb.
Over the years, I had written more than once that César was neither a god nor a saint. I challenged him and the union on several issues and came close to being fired more than once for doing so. I believed then, as I do now, that movements must allow for truth, dissent, and accountability.
I hope that all who were abused can now feel safe enough to come forward. And when they do, we must meet them not with doubt or defensiveness, but with love, respect, and a genuine commitment to help them heal. In doing so, perhaps we may also find a way to heal ourselves.
Dolores Huerta struggled for decades as a powerful woman leader within a movement dominated by men and burdened by a heavy cloud of machismo.
César died in 1993. By 1994, I became the founding director of the César E. Chávez Foundation.
As a human rights activist, I have witnessed many movements where leaders abused the power entrusted to them. Still, reading that César abused UFW cofounder Dolores Huerta, and that he abused children in the 1970s, was devastating—hard to read, harder to absorb.
Over the years, I had written more than once that César was neither a god nor a saint. I challenged him and the union on several issues and came close to being fired more than once for doing so. I believed then, as I do now, that movements must allow for truth, dissent, and accountability.
I hope that all who were abused can now feel safe enough to come forward. And when they do, we must meet them not with doubt or defensiveness, but with love, respect, and a genuine commitment to help them heal. In doing so, perhaps we may also find a way to heal ourselves.
Dolores Huerta struggled for decades as a powerful woman leader within a movement dominated by men and burdened by a heavy cloud of machismo.
More than twenty years ago, she left the UFW and founded the Dolores Huerta Foundation, creating a new and vibrant home where young people—especially young girls and women—could organize, grow, and flourish. At nearly 96 years old, she remains a face of freedom for so many.
The UFW built a national movement that empowered farmworkers and their allies to confront large growers and their right-wing supporters. Through boycotts of lettuce and grapes, the union won contracts that transformed lives. Activists like myself learned how to organize, challenge a racist system, and fight for justice without violence. The sacrifices were immense—and many of us continue that fight for human rights to this day.
Now, efforts are already underway to remove César’s name from buildings and schools. This moment is painful not only for the movement, but for the Chávez family, and especially for the victims who have come forward. We should not be surprised if more victims emerge.
As we move forward, we must ensure that the rights of young girls and women are protected, and that our response to victims and their families is thoughtful, compassionate, and just.
The enemies of the union—of Chávez, of farmworkers, of Mexican Americans—will call for a public lynching and the total destruction of a movement that, despite its flaws, has accomplished profound good. We must not allow their hatred to define this moment.
Instead, we must commit ourselves to honest leadership and to building safeguards that protect everyone, without exception.
Many of us will feel anger, disappointment, and regret. We will search for the rainbow we so desperately need right now.
They say that when one star disappears, it makes room for three others to appear.
The UFW built a national movement that empowered farmworkers and their allies to confront large growers and their right-wing supporters. Through boycotts of lettuce and grapes, the union won contracts that transformed lives. Activists like myself learned how to organize, challenge a racist system, and fight for justice without violence. The sacrifices were immense—and many of us continue that fight for human rights to this day.
Now, efforts are already underway to remove César’s name from buildings and schools. This moment is painful not only for the movement, but for the Chávez family, and especially for the victims who have come forward. We should not be surprised if more victims emerge.
As we move forward, we must ensure that the rights of young girls and women are protected, and that our response to victims and their families is thoughtful, compassionate, and just.
The enemies of the union—of Chávez, of farmworkers, of Mexican Americans—will call for a public lynching and the total destruction of a movement that, despite its flaws, has accomplished profound good. We must not allow their hatred to define this moment.
Instead, we must commit ourselves to honest leadership and to building safeguards that protect everyone, without exception.
Many of us will feel anger, disappointment, and regret. We will search for the rainbow we so desperately need right now.
They say that when one star disappears, it makes room for three others to appear.
Monday, March 30, 2026
LAID OFF AT TRICO? CAMERON WORKFORCE WANTS TO HELP
Let’s get you back to work-- attend our Rapid Response!
Date: March 31st
Time: 8:30am
Location: Brownsville Events Center, 1 Event Center, Brownsville, TX. 78526
THRIVING, MAYOR? REALLY? HAVE YOU ASKED DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES?
By Ron Whitlock
Rio Grande Guardian
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Mayor John Cowen, Jr., held his 2026 State of the City Address at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center..
It was titled “Prosperity and Purpose.”
During his address he spoke about his city’s rapid growth, economic strength, and rising national
recognition.
To support that growth, the city is investing heavily in infrastructure. Cowen said an historic $215 million capital improvement plan is underway, focusing on road reconstruction, drainage enhancements, and smart traffic systems aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion.
“Brownsville is not just growing—we are thriving. And people across the country are taking notice,” Cowen said.
Cowen pointed out that for every one person leaving Brownsville, three new residents are choosing to move in. He said this underscored the city’s increasing appeal.
“Brownsville is growing at an unprecedented pace, with more people choosing to move here than leave, driven by billions in investment and a strong focus on infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life to build a thriving, future-ready city,” Cowen said.
Rio Grande Guardian
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Mayor John Cowen, Jr., held his 2026 State of the City Address at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center..
It was titled “Prosperity and Purpose.”
During his address he spoke about his city’s rapid growth, economic strength, and rising national
(That's not the man behind the curtain in the staged production of the State-of-The- City by the marketing and communications smoke-and-mirrors department. It's Cowen.)
To support that growth, the city is investing heavily in infrastructure. Cowen said an historic $215 million capital improvement plan is underway, focusing on road reconstruction, drainage enhancements, and smart traffic systems aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion.
“Brownsville is not just growing—we are thriving. And people across the country are taking notice,” Cowen said.
Cowen pointed out that for every one person leaving Brownsville, three new residents are choosing to move in. He said this underscored the city’s increasing appeal.
“Brownsville is growing at an unprecedented pace, with more people choosing to move here than leave, driven by billions in investment and a strong focus on infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life to build a thriving, future-ready city,” Cowen said.
To read rest of Whitlock's story, click on link: https://riograndeguardian.com/stories/cowen-brownsville-is-not-just-growing-we-are-thriving,63485
EVERY TIME THE EPSTEIN AFFAIR RESURFACES, BOMBS EXPLODE SOMEWHERE
By Senator Claude Malhuret
Special to El Rrun-Rrun"Every time the Epstein affair resurfaces, bombs explode somewhere in the world and cause a distraction." Senator Claude Malhuret stood up in the French Senate this week and systematically torched every single member of Trump's cabinet.
Nobody was spared. Not one.
"A year ago, here in France, I compared Trump's presidency to Nero's Court. I was wrong. It's the miracle court," Malhuret began. Then he went through the roster.
"An anti-vaxxer, former heroin addict as Minister of Health." (That's RFK Jr)
"A climate-skeptic Minister of Economy." (That's Scott Bessent)
"An alcoholic TV host, Minister of the Armed Forces." (That's Pete Hegseth)
"An old Qatar agent, Minister of Justice." (That's Pam Bondi, whose former firm collected $115,000 a month lobbying for Qatar)
"A groupie of Putin, Minister of National Security." (That's Tulsi Gabbard)
Then he pulled back and went bigger.
Then he pulled back and went bigger.
"A Turkish proverb says: when a clown settles in a palace, he does not become king. It is the palace that 
becomes a circus."
Malhuret pointed out that since Trump created his so-called Board of Peace, he has launched more military strikes than Biden did in his entire term. He called out the Boeing jet Qatar gifted Trump worth $400 million.
He called out the stock market manipulation that only insiders benefit from. He called out the Gulf investment deals enriching Trump and his family.
"Any one of these conflicts of interest would have caused an immediate procedure of impeachment here," Malhuret said. "But we are not here. We are in MAGA's America where public business is conducted in favor of private interests."
Then came the line that cut deepest. "Every time the Epstein affair resurfaces, bombs explode somewhere in the world and cause a distraction."
This is how the world sees us now.
Not through Fox News. Not through Truth Social. Through the cold, clear eyes of allied nations watching a great country be hollowed out by crooks.
Every American should hear this speech. Share it.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
ON 14TH STREET'S EL TENAMPA, A SPLASH OF MEXICAN ARTISTIC COLOR
MARIA FELIX
WALL OF MEXICAN STARS
CANTINFLAS AND CORNELIO REYNA
THE BOYS IN THE BACK
CHENTE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS
Saturday, March 28, 2026
AT LAGUNA VISTA, A LACKLUSTER CAMPAIGN AGAINST MAYOR
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Is there a secret slate between Laguna Vista mayoral candidate Darla Jones and Position 2 candidate Nataly Ruiz joining to use social media to portray incumbent mayor Mike Carter in a negative light raising concerns about the accuracy of their allegations?
It will be important to see how her public appearances evolve, especially amid concerns about negative campaigning and anonymous online attacks directed at the mayor, who is seeking reelection while emphasizing transparency in his campaign.
Last Saturday, she held a public meeting where only a few people attended to hear concerns about other elected officials and to listen to her plans if elected. Today, they will hold a met-and-greet.
Facebook posts appear to show that Ruiz may be running as part of a slate alongside candidate Jones, who is using a similar approach in promoting her campaign and political promises. She recently invited the public to her first meet-and-greet today as part of her campaign efforts.
What stands out is the use of what seems to be an older photo, raising concerns about the accuracy of her campaign messaging and potentially creating a misleading impression. A few years have passed since some of those pictures were taken.
Despite the volume of criticism and ongoing commentary directed at current leadership, there has not yet been a clearly outlined plan presented for the future of Laguna Vista. So far, the focus has remained on complaints rather than specific solutions or a defined vision for the town.
Is there a secret slate between Laguna Vista mayoral candidate Darla Jones and Position 2 candidate Nataly Ruiz joining to use social media to portray incumbent mayor Mike Carter in a negative light raising concerns about the accuracy of their allegations?
It will be important to see how her public appearances evolve, especially amid concerns about negative campaigning and anonymous online attacks directed at the mayor, who is seeking reelection while emphasizing transparency in his campaign.
Ruiz has been very “active” on social media, frequently posting political content and appearing to receive input or support from anonymous “residents.” However, when she invites supporters to meet-and-greet events, the response has been notably low.
Facebook posts appear to show that Ruiz may be running as part of a slate alongside candidate Jones, who is using a similar approach in promoting her campaign and political promises. She recently invited the public to her first meet-and-greet today as part of her campaign efforts.
What stands out is the use of what seems to be an older photo, raising concerns about the accuracy of her campaign messaging and potentially creating a misleading impression. A few years have passed since some of those pictures were taken.
Despite the volume of criticism and ongoing commentary directed at current leadership, there has not yet been a clearly outlined plan presented for the future of Laguna Vista. So far, the focus has remained on complaints rather than specific solutions or a defined vision for the town.
WHO AMONG THE ELITE 8 IS GOING TO THE BIG DANCE?
Saturday, March 28
South Region: No. 9 Iowa vs. No. 3 Illinois | 6:09 p.m. ET
West Region: No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 1 Arizona 8:49 p.m. ET
Sunday, March 29
Midwest Region: No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 6 Tennessee 2:15 p.m. ET
East Region: No. 1 Duke vs No. 2 UConn 5:05 p.m. ET
WOMEN ARE THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY; THE HALF THAT GAVE BIRTH TO THE OTHER HALF...
National Women's Law Center
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act on February 12, 2026, 13 days after it was introduced by Representative Chip Roy.
The bill is very similar to the SAVE Act and would create unfair and unnecessary barriers to voting, especially for married women. Further, the bill now mandates that every state send private voter information to the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill continues to require documents that can be difficult and expensive to obtain to register to vote, such as birth certificates and passports, as well as imposes a restrictive photo ID requirement at the polls.
The SAVE Act (H.R. 22) is a dangerous and anti-democratic bill that would make it significantly harder for millions of U.S. citizens to vote. The bill was first introduced in response to the repeatedly debunked claims that people who were not U.S. citizens voted in the 2024 elections. Now the House of Representatives is expected to vote on it again soon, putting millions of people’s rights at risk, especially married women and trans people.
Under the SAVE Act, anyone who has changed their name after birth will face increased barriers to voting. That’s because this bill requires voters who don’t have a passport to present a birth certificate that matches the name on their REAL ID or driver’s license. This is particularly relevant for married women who legally change their last name after marriage.
The SAVE Act (H.R. 22) is a dangerous and anti-democratic bill that would make it significantly harder for millions of U.S. citizens to vote. The bill was first introduced in response to the repeatedly debunked claims that people who were not U.S. citizens voted in the 2024 elections. Now the House of Representatives is expected to vote on it again soon, putting millions of people’s rights at risk, especially married women and trans people.
Under the SAVE Act, anyone who has changed their name after birth will face increased barriers to voting. That’s because this bill requires voters who don’t have a passport to present a birth certificate that matches the name on their REAL ID or driver’s license. This is particularly relevant for married women who legally change their last name after marriage.
To read rest of story, click on link: https://nwlc.org/how-the-save-act-could-disenfranchise-millions-of-married-women-and-trans-voters/
CAMERON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT: WE DO HOUSE CALLS
(Ed's Note: And you thought that county lawmen had no sense of humor. Apparently, the sign on the door where the deputies conducted a drug raid was placed to discourage potential customers from knocking on the doors for their daily dose. This address is located in the Cameron Park colonia, which is technically outside the City of Brownsville limits. You saw it here first.)
Friday, March 27, 2026
GO AHEAD AND HATE YOUR NEIGHBOR, GO AHEAD AND CHEAT A FRIEND. DO IT IN THE NAME OF HEAVEN...ONE BONE SPUR SOLDIER RUNS AWAY
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
Fourteen soldiers gone.
Hundreds wounded.
Thousands of civilians erased, including children who never saw tomorrow. Schools reduced to rubble, hospitals silenced, and tens of thousands forced to flee lives they once called normal. Behind every statistic is a face, a family, a future that no longer exists.
And yet, while the world watches cities burn and economies strain under the weight of war—oil prices rising, instability spreading, and billions being spent —some questions remain untouched, unanswered.
Power shifts, alliances harden, and narratives move on. But accountability?
That seems to stand still.
It forces an uncomfortable realization: in a world where war moves fast and consequences move slow, what truly matters—and who is ever held responsible?
It forces an uncomfortable realization: in a world where war moves fast and consequences move slow, what truly matters—and who is ever held responsible?
FRIDAY'S NOT SO FUNNY FUNNIES: $140,000 "GHOST" GIG FOR RUBEN O'BELL
Ruben O'Bell and GBEDC (GBIC) Board chairman Ben Peña
O'Bell's Better Side
By Juan Montoya
The stonewalling by Gilbert Salinas, CEO of the Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation (formerly GBIC) and board chair Ben Peña continues over the apparent irregular hiring of Ruben O'Bell at a princely starting salary of $140,000 salary as a "Senior Director of Government Affairs" last February.
The first request for information into O'Bell's hiring was sent to the city and the GBIC.
It read:
Request #PR-2026-127
"Dear Sir., Ms. Please consider this a formal information request. I am inquiring into the recent hiring of Ruben O'Bell for a position in the GBIC. I would like to know:
1. The hiring date for for Ruben OBell
2. Salary amount
3. Job description
4. How long was the position posted, where, and how many other applicants were considered?
6. Who does Ruben OBell answer to or his supervisor?
7. What budget account does his salary come from?"
In response, we received a one-page letter that answered just a few things such as salary and hiring date, basically a non-response. We were more specific the second time and sent the request below and copied City Manager Alan Gard, Salinas, and GBEDC records keeper and VP Jerry Briones.
Request #PR-2026-240Subject: Public Information Request – Records Related to Employment of Ruben O’Bell (GBIC/GB EDC) Request PR-2026-127 Dear Public Information Officer, Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552).
I respectfully request copies of specific public records related to the hiring, employment, duties, and compensation of Ruben O’Bell at the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC). This request is limited to records created or maintained between January 1, 2025 and the present date. This request includes records maintained in electronic or physical form, including communications stored on personal devices, personal email accounts, or messaging platforms if those records relate to official business conducted on behalf of GBIC (GB EDC)or the City of Brownsville.
This request is to be reasonably specific. If any portion of this request is believed to be unclear, please contact me so that I may promptly clarify it rather than delaying the request. Please confirm receipt of this request.
SECTION I – EMPLOYMENT AND HIRING RECORDS Please provide copies of the following documents related to the hiring and employment of Ruben O’Bell: 1. The official job description associated with the position held by Ruben O’Bell. 2. The executed offer letter referenced in the Personnel Action Notice. 3. Any employment agreement, memorandum of employment terms, or contract governing the position. 4. The Personnel Action Notice and all supporting documents associated with the hiring. 5. Any documents approving or authorizing the creation of the position. 6. Documents identifying the individual or individuals responsible for approving the hiring decision. 7. Any documents identifying GBIC policies or procedures governing the hiring of staff.
SECTION II – RECRUITMENT AND HIRING PROCESS Please provide: 8. Documentation showing whether the position was publicly posted, including where and when the position was posted. 9. Copies of any job postings or recruitment announcements associated with the position. 10. Any applications, resumes, or candidate materials submitted for the position, with personal identifying information redacted if required by law. 11. Records identifying the number of applicants or candidates considered for the position. 12. Any evaluation materials, interview notes, or scoring sheets used during the hiring process. 
SECTION III – ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Please provide: 13. Any organizational chart identifying Ruben O’Bell’s position within GBIC. 14. Documents identifying the supervisor or reporting structure associated with the position. 15. Any documents describing the duties, responsibilities, or scope of work assigned to the role.
SECTION IV – BUDGET AND SALARY AUTHORIZATION Please provide: 16. The GBIC fiscal year 2025–2026 budget and any amendments related to staffing. 17. Documentation identifying the budget account or line item funding the salary of Ruben O’Bell. 18. Any documents authorizing or approving the salary level associated with the position. 19. Any records reflecting changes to staffing budgets related to the creation of this position.
SECTION V – FINANCIAL AND EXPENSE RECORDS Please provide: 20. Records showing payments, reimbursements, or benefits provided to Ruben O’Bell. 21. Any travel expense reports, reimbursement requests, or expense documentation associated with the position. 22. A complete accounts payable or vendor payment report for GBIC from January 1, 2025 to present.
SECTION VI – GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES Please provide: 23. Any documents describing the responsibilities of the position related to government affairs, legislative relations, or lobbying activities. 24. Any communications with members of the Texas Legislature or legislative staff referencing the position. 25. Any grant applications, legislative funding requests, or appropriations requests prepared by or involving Ruben O’Bell.
SECTION VII – COMMUNICATIONS Please provide: 26. All email communications, including attachments, between GBIC leadership and Ruben O’Bell referencing employment, hiring, legislative matters, or consulting services between January 1, 2025 and the present. 27. Communications between GBIC leadership and officials of the City of Brownsville referencing the position. 28. Any communications referencing the creation, funding, duties, or purpose of the position.
Why is the GBEDC, the city manager, CEO Salinas, and board chair Ben Peña stonewalling this information request? If everything related to his hiring was on the up-and-up, why not release it so that the public can rest assured that there was no favoritism or hanky-panky going on? That and given the fact that we already have our elected representatives in Austin to lobby for us, isn't this just a "ghost" job created for O'Bell by his bods Salinas and Peña create specially for him with the public's money?
Given this non-response, we are now turning to State of Texas Attorney General, and also to our elected representatives for relief and for the adherence of the GBEDC and the City of Brownsville to the state's Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552).
Thursday, March 26, 2026
THE WORDS OF A 4-STAR HERO TO A DRAFT-DODGING MALINGERER
McRaven’s comments stood out not just for how direct they were, but for who they came from: a highly respected military leader warning about leadership, unity, and America’s standing in the world.
WHEN RACISM REARS ITS UGLY HEAD IN "NICE" PEOPLE...
By Juan Montoya
When Andres transferred to the University of Indiana from Texas Southmost College, his father – working as the head gardener at the Crooked Tree Good Sam trailer park for snowbirds in Brownsville off FM 802– could not help him with money, only with his goodbye and his blessing.The only way that Andres was able to attend the Midwest school was because his family had worked in the fields there picking tomatoes and cucumbers every summer for as long as he could remember. They would return to Brownsville in October and enroll in the migrant school that started in October and let out in April, just in time for the families to start their annual northward trek.
It had been the same when he had volunteered for the military. He had a brush with the law after he and his neighbor got nailed knocking over vending machines and he had to start working at a local used clothing warehouse making bales of ropa usada. When he tired of it, he enrolled for GED classes and passed. Then he enlisted and was gone for four years. His father had seen him off at the Trailways station and gave him a hug. That's was all he had to give him.
But now, after two years in Indiana paid by the G.I Bill and in-state tuition for his migrant status, he came home for Christmas and was looking forward to graduating with his Masters in business the next May. He had called his parents, who still lived in the home they had bought with the earnings from their field work, to tell them that he would be home in two days. The road in front of his home was a dirt road still coated with caliche, just across a small concrete irrigation canal from his father's workplace.
The morning after he arrived from Indiana, his mother said his father wanted to see him. She said he was across the street at work. Andres walked out and saw his father, wearing rubber boots since he and the crew were using water from a small resaca to water the plants around the trailers, waving at him. There was a portly white man standing by his father looking Andres over.
As a kid, Andres used to see his father, muddy and wet, come in after a nightlong riego session in the cotton fields as a blue northern struck the hinterlands in Olmito. The steam from the coffee his mother gave him framed his face as he fought off the chill.
"Que paso, Dad?," he asked. his father.
"Nada, quiero que conoscas a Mr. Katzenbaum, mi patron."
Katzenbaum, pleasant and bland, spoke to him and said: "So you're Andres, Jose's son?"
"Yes sir," Andres said, extending his hand.
"And you're going to get a Masters. from Bloomington?," the man asked. "I'm from Indiana, too."
"Well, a pleasure to meet another Hoosier," replied Andres.
Then Katzenbaum turned slightly away from his father and asked Andres in a lower voice: "You're going to graduate from Indiana University? And you claim him?," he asked, nodding slightly to his father, whose boots and pant legs were coated with mud.
It took a bit for Andres to fathom what the man had told him. But when he did, bile rose in his gut and he said firmly.
"Yes, of course I do. He is my father. Good day, sir."
Andres walked away and as he jumped over the concrete ditch, he glanced backward and saw that
his father, proud of him and his education, was smiling at Katzenbaum, totally unaware of the insult the other man had heaped upon his humble station.
his father, proud of him and his education, was smiling at Katzenbaum, totally unaware of the insult the other man had heaped upon his humble station.
HOW WE WEAPONIZED RELIGION AGAINST NATIVE AMERICANS
The Song of Hiawatha
XXII. Hiawatha's Departure
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"Then the Black-Robe chief, the Prophet,
Told his message to the people,
Told the purport of his mission,
Told them of the Virgin Mary,
And her blessed Son, the Saviour,
How in distant lands and ages
He had lived on earth as we do;
How he fasted, prayed, and labored;
How the Jews, the tribe accursed,
Mocked him, scourged him, crucified him;
How he rose from where they laid him,
Walked again with his disciples,
And ascended into heaven."
(After the priests had gone to sleep, Hiawatha left his village on his canoe and departed west.)
"The Puritans at first had high hopes of saving the souls in North America and at first thought in terms of Indian acculturation. Their position was, of course, ethnocentric. They believed the Indians would readily give up their way of life and gladly accept the God and the civilization that was being offered to them.
"A rapid disillusionment set in as the Indians came to be viewed as a stumbling block to civilization, and in New England they were viewed with particular hatred as agents of the devil. In general the Indians by the latter years of the 17th Century were despised because they had tried to remain Indian and had shown little desire to become Christian gentlemen.
"In shaping an Indian policy the Americans of the Revolutionary generation had their first experience of discovering what the creation of an American empire for liberty meant to other peoples. A great new nation was to rise on the North American continent.
"What was to be the place of the Indians within this nation? From the time of the Revolution it was apparent that the attitude of the actual empire builders, and ultimately the attitudes of the empire builders, not the leaders of the Revolutionary generation, were to prevail."
"Race and Manifest Destiny: The Origins of Racial Anglo-Saxonism": Reginald Horsman, Harvard University Press, 1981
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
SO MUCH FOR NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS AND "CONFIDENTIALITY"
(Did GBEDC CEO Gilbert Salinas just screw it up revealing confidential information before other Valley EDC competitors? "Por la boca muere el pez" is a popular saying which is used to refer to people who won't shut up and speak more than they should. For a fish to open their mouth is to die (open the mouth to bite a bait).
By Steve Taylor and Daniela Capistran
Rio Grande Guardian
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - For the first time ever, Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation is asking its counterparts across the Rio Grande Valley to send them their workers so they can meet demand.
Gilberto Salinas, president of GBEDC, asked for help when speaking to a room full of economic development leaders from across the region. The event was hosted by Hidalgo County and held at UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Center for Innovation & Commercialization in Weslaco.
“I only have one action item. Just to open up those lines of communication,” Salinas said to his fellow economic development leaders.
Gilberto Salinas, president of GBEDC, asked for help when speaking to a room full of economic development leaders from across the region. The event was hosted by Hidalgo County and held at UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Center for Innovation & Commercialization in Weslaco.
“I only have one action item. Just to open up those lines of communication,” Salinas said to his fellow economic development leaders.
(In contrast, McAllen's EDC has just announced that after almost two years of behind-the-scenes negotiations, a French automotive technology company is investing $225 million in McAllen to establish an advanced manufacturing facility that’s expected to create hundreds of high-paying jobs at the city’s industrial park.
According to Elizabeth Suarez, president and chief executive officer for the McAllen Economic Development Corp. and McAllen Chamber of Commerce, the EDC had been working on securing this development for McAllen since November 2024, all without saying a word.) https://myrgv.com/alerts-mcm/2026/03/24/transformative-french-auto-company-building-major-manufacturing-center-in-mcallen/
According to Elizabeth Suarez, president and chief executive officer for the McAllen Economic Development Corp. and McAllen Chamber of Commerce, the EDC had been working on securing this development for McAllen since November 2024, all without saying a word.) https://myrgv.com/alerts-mcm/2026/03/24/transformative-french-auto-company-building-major-manufacturing-center-in-mcallen/
Salinas said suppliers to big manufacturing companies typically need to be located within a two-hour radius.
‘That's what a lot of companies are looking for, just-in-time delivery. So, that puts the Upper Valley in a great position, and they're already doing a lot of business with companies (in the Brownsville area),” Salinas said.
“Yes, we do have companies out of Austin, San Antonio, but I want many of our local companies in the Valley doing business with these large corporations that are coming in to the Valley.”
Salinas said that for the longest time he used to think of local as anything south of Rancho Viejo.
“That was my definition of local. Everything south of Rancho Viejo was Brownsville. Everything we recruited was for Brownsville. But now that I've come back (to the Valley from Central Texas), and now we’re working on just a different caliber of projects, both in scope, size and magnitude…
“It is Economic Development 101, listen to your client, right? What does the prospect want? And one of the things that we caught ourselves hearing when we listened to them was: their definition of local was everything from Brownsville to McAllen, and then the shoulders, which are the areas outside of Brownsville and McAllen. And obviously I would cringe. We kept hearing it over and over again… if that doesn't say that we have to now be regional, I don't know what does.”
The demand for more workers is growing exponentially due to big projects coming in, in and around Brownsville, Salinas said. After discussing the growth of SpaceX and liquefied natural gas export terminals at the Port of Brownsville, Salinas said there is more on the way.
In his power-point presentation, Salinas showed two slides marked “confidential.” The slides contained details of more than a dozen new projects GBEDC is working on. And, by the way, the fact that the slides were marked “confidential” did not stop other economic development leaders from taking photos of the slides.
The names of the new companies GBEDC is working with were not listed on the slides. But the number of new jobs was. And so was the capital investment. It was easily more than ten thousand new bobs and billions of dollars in investment.
GBEDC asked the RGG Business Journal not to post the two slides because they were marked confidential.
To read rest of story, click on link: https://riograndeguardian.com/stories/salinas-asks-valley-edcs-to-help-bring-workers-to-brownsville,60643
DESPITE HIS "CHEATING" MAIL-IN VOTE, TRUMP'S CANDIDATE LOSES
Various Sources
President Trump, who has long railed against mail-in voting — including on Monday, when he called it “mail-in-cheating” — used the method himself in a Florida special election on Tuesday. Records show that he mailed his ballot at least one other time in 2020.
Trump, who wants to restrict the method, voted by mail this month in Florida's special elections, public records show. Records from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections indicate the president voted by mail in Tuesday's special election for Florida's 87th district statehouse seat.
Emily Gregory’s victory in Palm Beach brought the Democratic surge to President Trump’s backyard, while a union leader leads in a race for a state senate seat vacated by Florida’s lieutenant governor.
The county elections website says the president requested the ballot on Saturday, March 14, it was received the following day, and his vote was submitted and counted. The president was at his Palm Beach estate that weekend, when early voting in person was available.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
SALINAS, GBEDC (GBIC) STILL STONEWALLING ON O'BELL'S $140,000 GIG
By Juan Montoya
The stonewalling by Gilbert Salinas, CEO of the Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation (formerly GBIC) continues over the apparent irregular hiring of Ruben O'Bell at a princely starting salary of $140,000 salary as a "Senior Director of Government Affairs" last February.
The first request for information into O'Bell's hiring was sent to the city and the GBIC.
It read:
Request #PR-2026-127
"Dear Sir., Ms. Please consider this a formal information request. I am inquiring into the recent hiring of Ruben O'Bell for a position in the GBIC. I would like to know:
1. The hiring date for for Ruben OBell
2. Salary amount
3. Job description
4. How long was the position posted, where, and how many other applicants were considered?
6. Who does Ruben OBell answer to or his supervisor?
7. What budget account does his salary come from?"
In response, we received a one-page letter that answered just a few things such as salary and hiring date, basically a non-response. We were more specific the second time and sent the request below and copied City Manager Alan Gard, Salinas, and GBEDC records keeper and VP Jerry Briones.
Request #PR-2026-240Subject: Public Information Request – Records Related to Employment of Ruben O’Bell (GBIC/GB EDC) Request PR-2026-127 Dear Public Information Officer, Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552).
I respectfully request copies of specific public records related to the hiring, employment, duties, and compensation of Ruben O’Bell at the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC). This request is limited to records created or maintained between January 1, 2025 and the present date. This request includes records maintained in electronic or physical form, including communications stored on personal devices, personal email accounts, or messaging platforms if those records relate to official business conducted on behalf of GBIC (GB EDC)or the City of Brownsville.
This request is to be reasonably specific. If any portion of this request is believed to be unclear, please contact me so that I may promptly clarify it rather than delaying the request. Please confirm receipt of this request.
SECTION I – EMPLOYMENT AND HIRING RECORDS Please provide copies of the following documents related to the hiring and employment of Ruben O’Bell: 1. The official job description associated with the position held by Ruben O’Bell. 2. The executed offer letter referenced in the Personnel Action Notice. 3. Any employment agreement, memorandum of employment terms, or contract governing the position. 4. The Personnel Action Notice and all supporting documents associated with the hiring. 5. Any documents approving or authorizing the creation of the position. 6. Documents identifying the individual or individuals responsible for approving the hiring decision. 7. Any documents identifying GBIC policies or procedures governing the hiring of staff.
SECTION II – RECRUITMENT AND HIRING PROCESS Please provide: 8. Documentation showing whether the position was publicly posted, including where and when the position was posted. 9. Copies of any job postings or recruitment announcements associated with the position. 10. Any applications, resumes, or candidate materials submitted for the position, with personal identifying information redacted if required by law. 11. Records identifying the number of applicants or candidates considered for the position. 12. Any evaluation materials, interview notes, or scoring sheets used during the hiring process.
SECTION III – ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Please provide: 13. Any organizational chart identifying Ruben O’Bell’s position within GBIC. 14. Documents identifying the supervisor or reporting structure associated with the position. 15. Any documents describing the duties, responsibilities, or scope of work assigned to the role.
SECTION IV – BUDGET AND SALARY AUTHORIZATION Please provide: 16. The GBIC fiscal year 2025–2026 budget and any amendments related to staffing. 17. Documentation identifying the budget account or line item funding the salary of Ruben O’Bell. 18. Any documents authorizing or approving the salary level associated with the position. 19. Any records reflecting changes to staffing budgets related to the creation of this position.
SECTION V – FINANCIAL AND EXPENSE RECORDS Please provide: 20. Records showing payments, reimbursements, or benefits provided to Ruben O’Bell. 21. Any travel expense reports, reimbursement requests, or expense documentation associated with the position. 22. A complete accounts payable or vendor payment report for GBIC from January 1, 2025 to present.
SECTION VI – GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES Please provide: 23. Any documents describing the responsibilities of the position related to government affairs, legislative relations, or lobbying activities. 24. Any communications with members of the Texas Legislature or legislative staff referencing the position. 25. Any grant applications, legislative funding requests, or appropriations requests prepared by or involving Ruben O’Bell.
SECTION VII – COMMUNICATIONS Please provide: 26. All email communications, including attachments, between GBIC leadership and Ruben O’Bell referencing employment, hiring, legislative matters, or consulting services between January 1, 2025 and the present. 27. Communications between GBIC leadership and officials of the City of Brownsville referencing the position. 28. Any communications referencing the creation, funding, duties, or purpose of the position.
SECTION VIII – CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND ETHICS DISCLOSURES Please provide: 29. Any conflict-of-interest disclosures filed by Ruben O’Bell. 30. Any outside employment approvals or disclosures associated with the position. 31. Any conflict-of-interest disclosures involving GBIC leadership related to this position.
SECTION IX – BOARD OVERSIGHT Please provide: 32. Any GBIC board agendas, minutes, or executive session references discussing the creation, funding, or duties of the position. 33. Any board communications referencing the hiring of Ruben O’Bell.
CLARIFICATION If responsive records exist but are withheld, please identify the specific exception under Chapter 552 and indicate whether a request for an Attorney General ruling has been submitted. If responsive records do not exist, please confirm that no responsive records exist. Thank you for your attention to this request. -- Juan Montoya
And what did we get? Would you believe the 2026 GBEDC budget and the same one-page letter we got before?
Why is the GBEDC, the city manager, and CEO Salinas stonewalling this information request? If everything related to his hiring was on the up-and-up, why not release it so that the public can rest assured that there was no favoritism or hanky-panky going on? That and given the fact that we already have our elected representatives in Austin to lobby for us, isn't this just a "ghost" job created for O'Bell by his bod Salinas?
Given this non-response, we are now turning to State of Texas Attorney General, and also to our elected representatives for relief and for the adherence of the GBEDC and the City of Brownsville to the state's Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552).
We tried.
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