Category: take action

politics, social justice and ways you can make a difference in the world around you.

Wal-Mart backs hybrid semi-tractor

According to Treehugger, Wal-Mart stores is backing the design and production of a Hybrid Peterbilt Semi-Tractor.
According to Peterbilt:

The heavy duty hybrid electric Model 386, configured for on-highway use, is being developed in conjunction with Eaton and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. It is currently in the testing and evaluation phase and is expected to be available in 2010. Wal-Mart, which operates the nation’s second largest private fleet, is supporting development by helping validate the concept and refine the final design.
During third-party testing, the Eaton Hybrid Power System has routinely achieved a 5-7 percent fuel savings versus comparable, non-hybrid models.

I also read recently that Wal-Mart is changing the lighting in their store coolers to LED lights vs. incandescent or CFLs to save a bunch of money on bulb replacements and energy costs.

TD Jakes says he’s looking for a leader

Dallas Pastor TD Jakes says he’s looking for a strong leader in the next president of the U.S., not necessarily faith.

One of the most influential black leaders today, Jakes has the ear of President George W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton. He says the black clergy faces big challenges as the 2008 presidential election draws near, as they weigh competing strategies on how to work effectively for the betterment of their community.
But the challenges extend beyond the black community, Jakes says.
“I think really religion in general is struggling with politics, not just African Americans. Many, many times we’ve allowed ourselves to be taken up under the control of this party or that party, and I think that’s dangerous when you do that,” he tells Michele Norris.
“I don’t think that God should be assigned to a party. When the party goes bad, then the clergy are embarrassed, and I think that faith should transcend politics,” he says.
“If you’re going to be an effective leader… you can’t just be the president of the Christians, you have to be the president of the United States which incorporates atheists, agnostics and all brands of faith. And many Christians don’t understand that. They see this as a Christian nation but I don’t see this as a theocracy, I see it as a democracy.”

Listen to the story from NPR

Jerry Falwell dead

I’m sure this is old news to most but I just caught news of this, this morning at work.

Jerry Falwell is dead at 73.

As is Dr. Martin Luther King’s eldest daughter, Yolanda King, at 51.

If you recall, Falwell was part of the focus of the Alexandra Pelosi documentary: “Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi” which also featured a short segment about the Christian Wrestling Federation. Reportedly, Falwell was very nice to Pelosi during her filming but kicked her off his bus once he found out who her mother was.

Listen to a reflection on his life by NPR

Read more about:
Jerry Falwell & Yolanda King

Filing begins for Speaker of the House

Via e-mail:

KEFFER FILES FOR SPEAKER

Challenges Craddick to three term limit pledge

From Jim Keffer’s statement:

“State Representative Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) announced today that he has filed his candidacy paperwork for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives for the 81st Regular Session which will begin in January, 2009.
“Keffer said he will formerly announce his candidacy for Speaker at the Texas House Republican Caucus meeting scheduled for early this afternoon.
“During the past few days, a majority of the members of the Texas House have agreed that we need a new Speaker and most have stated that they would prefer the selection of a new Speaker upon adjournment of the Regular Session rather than by placing a call on the Speaker during the session.”
“Keffer also challenged incumbent Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick to publicly join with him in committing to a three-term Speaker limit.
“In my opinion, Speaker Craddick needs to announce that he will not seek another term and let the members pursue a new Speaker’s race,” said Keffer. “However, if Craddick does pursue another term, I will aggressively challenge him and will welcome others to also enter the Speaker’s race.”
“Keffer also said he will pursue a House Resolution for a three-term limit for the Speaker’s office to ensure that the power of the Speaker’s office is used for the purpose of public service and nothing more.
“Craddick was first elected House Speaker in 2003 and is currently serving his third term that he narrowly won after a strong challenge by Plano Republican Brian McCall and Waxahachie Republican Jim Pitts this past January.
“Since Craddick took over as Speaker, Republicans have lost 7 seats in the Texas House and several Democrats who have supported Craddick have been defeated in Democratic primaries. Craddick has also been the first Speaker in over 35 years to be over-ruled on a point of order by the Texas House membership which occurred in early May. Upon completion of the current term, Craddick will have served 40 years in the Texas House.
“I am committed to the three-term limit and if elected by my colleagues I am committed to being a Republican House Speaker in a Republican majority who will honor the rules, respect each member’s district, and pass good public policy.”
As an aside, sources close to Keffer tell us that he has received calls from supporters in the district telling him that Craddick is attempting to recruit and fully fund a challenger for the next election.

Helmet saves man run over by truck

You can debate the coolness of a helmet or not, but I think it might be time to go buy myself one after seeing this story:

Ryan Lipscomb of Madison, Wisconsin is alive to tell of a truck running right over his head. “I didn’t see it coming, but I sure felt it roll over my head. It feels really strange to have a truck run over your head.” The truck just kept on going, as they so often do, usually saying that they didn’t know they hit anything. The police and Lipscomb think otherwise: “The truck driver definitely would have known. You know when you run over a curb and my head was definitely higher than a curb.”

My buddy Dave McHam has taken to riding his bike all over town with $3 a gallon gas prices. He said driving his truck just doesn’t make sense. So he rides his bike to Red Oak each day (about 12-15 miles one way).
Getting much better exercise and saving loads of money I’m sure. Sounds like a great idea but I’d definitely want a Giro first.

Sally is doing better

We made a visit to Baylor Dallas last night and the family seemed to be doing well and holding strong. The doctors said Sally looks like she is doing surprisingly well.
She tried several times to sit up and asked the doctors to remove the vent. They’ll likely keep her medicated and on the vent for another day or so as she continues to recover but things are looking up.
According to Jose she will likely be moved from ICU in the next day or so if not sooner.
Many, many people have e-mailed to find out how they can help. A list is being put together for folks to provide meals for the family this week and possibly next. If you’d like to provide a meal for the family please drop us an e-mail.