BENTSEN'S PRESIDENTIAL PLANS Pg. 4

A JOURNAL OF FREE VOICES JUNE 2, 1989 • $1.50 Locked Out A Bosque County Family Fights to Save A Homestead

BY LOUIS DUBOSE Cleburne ANA AND MELVIN Robinson never should have had a million dollars to L lose. One million dollars, in land, cash, or oil leases is not the sort of fortune that typically ends up in the hands of a postal clerk and railroad blacksmith: But they did have it — a million dollars that they had discovered beneath their 100-acre ranch in Northeast Bosque County. A ranch they bought in 1977, when they decided that they ALAN POGUE "didn't want to spend one more day working Lana, Eric, and Melvin Robinson at the gate to their ranch for another man." The Bosque County ranch was the sort hills in the county. From the deck that wraps they have so far declined to do, they might of place that is the dream of every good around the back of the contemporary ranch argue that Melvin Robinson, like others who ol' boy: a garden, a few auction-barn cattle, home it seems that you can see all the way had jumped into the oil and gas business, and a shot at the hardscrabble existence that to Waco. And the Robinsons owned it: the was surrendering his collateral and selling for some still looks a lot better than a land, their home, the stock ponds, a small, personal property to try to stay afloat. And paycheck at the end of a 50-hour workweek. historical stone house out by the highway, if the attorneys involved could state their But before the Robinsons had settled in, they and the prettiest view in all of Bosque case, which they also have refused to do, discovered they were sitting on a rich gravel County. By luck and pluck they owned it they might argue that they were retained deposit — probably left there several all — free and clear. to represent the interest of the bank not hundred years back by the meandering Until an August day in 1985 when Melvin the interest of the Robinsons, who should Brazos river that defined one boundary of and Lana Robinson walked into the offices have had their own legal counsel. their newly-acquired property. So they of a Cleburne law firm and signed over Robinson admits that he owed big money traded their 100 acres — and Melvin's everything except their clothing and per- to First National, where he and a Cleburne services as a middleman between the El Paso sonal belongings to John Kelly, then business partner, Terry Bradley, had fi- Sand and Gravel company and the president of First National Bank of Cle- nanced several oil and gas. exploration Robinson's Bosque County neighbors — for burne. Within months, according to a ventures. Robinson and Bradley were the Fjel Hjem Ranch, located in an old lawsuit filed in Dallas by Mr. Robinson, borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars 'Norwegian community known as Cranfills the bank even had his family's personal to develop oil and gas leases. And the bank, Gap, 50 miles northwest of Waco. Here was effects, including the red wagon and tiny it seemed, was a willing lender. Though something larger than a working class wooden rocker that the Robinson's 21-year- officers at First National will not confirm dream: 420 improved acres and a house that old son Eric had played with as a child. Robinson's claim that the bank offered him sprawls across the top of one of the highest If the bankers could state their case, which Continued on page 6 _..„--N...... :111 7 --2ar VI - :Xt.' " n!: ..".1113.4>r• ' m1/41 * --- D IALOGUE •0 ttat$ ..,_iii:' IR, 1 (PO II',, , ••=1,34,a, _...... 40

. '• ---4. 1..-- I-114, 1111- . 1 Note From does indicate that it does serve a very The General important function. The Texas Observer can p.m, THE TEXAS justify' its existence as the guardian of proper You've had your fun and taken your cheap spelling. 11 shots ("Political Intelligence," TO, 5/5/89), We, as conservatives, shall continue to IP server but we'll see if you care about the real issues undertake the role of guardians of liberty. A JOURNAL OF FREE VOICES — working with Mexican law enforcement Stephen P. Munisteri agencies to get rid of murderous drug We will serve no group or party but will hew hard to Houston the truth as we find it and the right as we see it. We dealers and protecting our citizenry. - are dedicated to the whole truth, to human values On June 7, we will be hosting a meeting Blame For • above all interests, to the rights of humankind as the in South Texas to finalize plans for a joint John Tower foundation of democracy; we will take orders from U.S./Mexican law enforcement training none but our own conscience, and never will we over- look or misrepresent the truth to serve the interests of conference. The Observer is certainly James Yeager 's piece ("The Case for John the powerful or cater to the ignoble in the human spirit. invited to attend so that you can see there `Tower - ) in the April 7 issue reminds me Writers are responsible for their own work, but not is much work being done to clean up our 'that when Tower first ran for Senator he for anything they have not themselves written, and in society. I am proud- publishing them we do not necessarily imply that we ofthis work and make -was endorsed by the Observer. That seemed agree with them because this is a journal offree voices. no apologies about it. incredible to me at the time and in the light . SINCE 1954 Jim Mattox of history seems even more so. The reason Attorney General must have been his opponent, whose name Publisher: Ronnie Dugger - Austin Editor: Dave Denison I have forgotten, but still . . . Tower? Associate Editor: Louis Dubose . Newspapers and journals, I have noticed, Calendar: Elisa Lyles . Bronze Star are quick to correct factual errors but slow Washington CorresPondents: Mary Anne Reilly, With Clutters to the point of unmoving to correct errors Richard Ryan of opinion or judgment. In the name of Contributing Writers: Bill Adler, Betty Brink, Warren Burnett, Jo Clifton, John Henry Faulk, Robert Mosbacher's . "Grand Scheme" (TO. journalistic responsibility, don't you think Terry FitzPatrick, Gregg Franzwa, Bill Helmer, 4/21/89), is a grand story. That Republican, the Observer ought to issue an apology or James Harrington, Amy Johnson, Michael King, Virgil Knox, should get the Observer at least' a retraction to its readers? Mary Leni, Dana Loy, Tom McClellan, Greg Bronze Star with two elephant tusk clusters. Moses,. Debbie Nathan, Gary Pomerantz, John Walter Ligon Schwartz, Michael Ventura, Lawrence Walsh Otto Mullinax Kingsland Editorial Advisory Board: Frances Barton, Dallas Austin; Elroy Bode,. Kerrville; Chandler Rave Davidson, Houston; Bob Eckhardt, Washington, Principle's • D.C.; Sissy Farenthold, Houston; Ruperto Garcia, Review Austin; John Kenneth Galbraith, Cambridge, of Grammer Mass.; Lawrence Goodwyn, Durham, N.C.; More of James McCarty Yeager, please. • George Hendrick, Urbana, Ill.; Molly lvins, Your article on the conservatives of Texas He may be able to top his "The Case Austin; Larry L. King, Washington, D.C.; Maury (TO, 4/7/89) caused me to chuckle. As I for John Tower," but it will be hard to do. Maverick, Jr., San Antonio; Willie MOrris,' Oxford, Miss.; Kaye Northcott, Austin'," James am a product of liberal education at the Dortha Dee Vaughan Presley, Texarkana; Susan Reid, Austin; Geoffrey University of Texas, any deficiency in my Port Arthur Rips, Austin; A.R. (Babe) Schwartz, Galveston; spelling or education otherwise no doubt can Fred Schmidt, Fredericksburg; Robert Sherrill, be attributable to having received a liberal Another Reason Tallahassee, Fla. education. Second, as I dictate all my Layout and Design: Layne Jackson correspondence which is then typed by Not to Vote Typesetter: Becky Willard Contributing Photographers: Bill Albrecht, Vic secretaries, the mistakes such as the one In your April 7 issue, "Democracy's Hinterlang, Alan Pogue. which occurred in The Conservatives of Decline," Lafe Larson failed to mention a Contributing Artists: Eric Avery, Tom Ballenger, Texas news release are in part attributable connection between voter registration and Richard Bartholomew, Jeff Danziger, Beth to our word processor's spell check Epstein, Dan Hubig, Pat Johnson,'Kevin Kreneck, the jury selection process. Carlos Lowry, Ben Sargent, Dan Thibodeau, Gail capabilities not correcting the matter. Workers paid by the hour, piece-work, Woods. , Perhaps Japanese education is not as far commission, or mile cannot now be exempt Managing Publisher: Cliff Olofsort ahead of us as we thought. due to economic hardship and will not Subscription Manager: Stefan Wanstrom The most amusing aspect of your article register to vote for fear of jeopardizing their Special Projects Director: Bill Simmons is the fact that it too contained a misspelling. weekly paycheck. Development Consultant: Frances Barton It spelled my first name incorrectly despite Would workers on a monthly salary be SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year S27. two years $48. three years 569. Full- time students S15 per year. Back issues 53 prepaid. Airmail, foreign, group. the fact that my name is printed and willing to make such a sacrifice? and bulk rates on request. Microfilm editions available from University correctly spelled on the stationery of the Microfilms Intl.. 300 N. Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Any current Hazel Bussell subscriber who finds the price a burden should say so at renewal time: no news release. I also note with interest that El Paso one need Forgo reading the Obse•er simply because of the cost. you have failed to master one of the most THE TEXAS OBSERVER (ISSN 0040-4519/UPS 541300). elementary principle's [sic] of grammer Houston Blacks ©1989. is published biweekly except fora three-week interval [sic]. As I recall, it is rather inappropriate between issues in January and July (25 issues per year) by the Not Mistreated Texas Observer Publishing Co., 307 West 7th Street, Austin, to use prepositions without purpose, which Texas 78701. Telephone: (512) 477-0746. Second class postage paid at Austin, Texas. is so often the case in your column. One I was saddened to see such a biased article POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE TEXAS can only assume from such mistakes that in the April 7 issue as "Houston's Hidden OBSERVER, P.O. Box 49019. Austin, Texas 78765 liberals do not pretend to be any smarter History" by Rosalind Alexander. I lived than conservatives. near and worked in downtown Houston from I have found little use for the Texas 1915 to 1918 and I can say that I never Observer in the past; however, this incident Continued on page 22

2 • JUNE 2, 1989 \C-1T 1E TEXAS EDITORIAL server

JUNE 2, 1989 And-the .Band VOLUME 81, No. 9 FEATURES Played On Locked Out By Louis Dubose 1 HE LAST FEW .weeks of the legislative to refer to themselves and to lobbyists as Bentsen Planning T session inevitably take on a carnival "players," as in "those of us who are Presidential Bid atmosphere, but never more so . than when players on this issue . . ." By Ronnie Dugger 4 the Capitol is alive with strange admixtures - The activists on the AIDS issue are a new of interest groups. • . • kind of player and there has been some The Devil and On Tuesday, May 16, the place was question about what effect their demonstra- Mr. Mattox crawling with cops. Apparently, . it was tions were having. The conventional lobby- By Debbie Nathan 10 National Law Enforcement Week or some ing technique at the Capitol is not to march such thing, and the police were on hand around in death masks. The conventional J. Frank Dobie with display tables and public relations technique is to be careful not to offend. Translated Voltaire promotions. One unusual event in .public Ingratiation is the name of the game. By Tom McClellan , 16 relations took place at mid-day, : when .a Respect is, the rule; obsequiousness the group of five uniformed officers. from San common practice. DEPARTMENTS Antonio set themselves up as a rock band • Traditionally, it has been the legislators in the Capitol rotunda. A large sign in the who have made spectacles of themselves. Dialogue 2 shape of a police badge identified the band The lobbyist's job is to pretend not to notice. Editorial 3 as "Alamo City Heat." It wasn't evident In the normal course of things, a distin- whether anyone. in Alamo City Heat could guished member might well be able to walk Political Intelligence 13 sing; their specialty seemed to be in the bad into the Capitol having forgotten to don his imitation of rap music. Something about the trousers and the lobbyist would be expected Books and the Culture band was . . . well . . . extremely loud. to say, "You're looking well today, Sir, Lost Generations Hard to say just what they were rapping and I sure do hope we can get your support By Michael King 17 about. on our bill . . ." The Anecdotal Speaker As most Capitol tourists and workers But this session, some members of the By Tom McClellan 18 were scattering like ants to get away from gay and lesbian community have introduced a new style of guerrilla theater, with mixed Afterword Alamo City Heat, the rotunda for a brief Diabolical Rumors moment saw a clash of two sideshows: results. When a conference committee on. By Louis Dubose ' 23 suddenly out of the north hall came a parade the appropriations bill decided only days of somber activists marching in single file after the largest gay rights march ever held straight toward the band. Each activist was in AuStin to -slash the amount of money conservative colleagues who he said were dressed alike, with a black T-shirt and a devoted to the fight against AIDS, a group being criticized unfairly. "Billy Clemons hand-held death mask in front of the face. of activists held a rally on the Capitol steps was blasted in the press," McKinney said. The mask was of a white skull with dark lampooning the legislature with a mock "He didn't deserve that." He also defended hollow eyes and the T-shirt carried the carnival that included a "Shoot the Queer" Brad Wright, a churlish Houston Republican message: SILENCE = DEATH. As the band booth. who, with conservative Democrat Clemons, blared on, the activists took a few loops Members of the House of Representatives has been outspoken on the AIDS issue. around the rotunda, marching in silence have not taken such demonstrations with Wright, for his part, said on the House amidst noise, like ghosts among the living. good humor. It is difficult to say that a floor that he resented the implication by Their presence tended to.. make people backlash against the gay activists has been some "that our committee has had an uncomfortable. For several days- toward the factor in the Houk because that body is interest in seeing people suffer." But he was end of the session, these • activists were unlikely to be sympathetic to the gay willing to dismiss his critics. "I have had popping up in one place aftef another, -!`agenda" in the first place. When a routine worse things said about me by better determined to remind people at -the Capitol resolution expressing sympathy for AIDS people," he said. of unpleasant facts: that people were dying victims and their families passed the lower "There is lot of bitterness," commented of AIDS and that for the legislature, to ignore chamber, more than 50 House homophobes Clemons later in a discussion with reporters.. it would only mean that even more would Republicans and Democrats — asked to "I think what causes it is the emotions of die of AIDS: • have their names omitted from the resolu- the issue itself; the tragedy, the costs in lives tion. And when the House finally began to and money, the frustration of not having URING THE DAY .the House bells debate the omnibus AIDS funding bill on a cure. These things weigh heavily and D ring incessantly, sounding- like the May 19, expressions of petulance and people who get involved in the issue want bells in a pinball machine, and one gets the recrimination were as much a part of the desperately to do the right thing." feeling that all the groups are concentrating discussion as the dire statistics on how many What about the effect of some of the gay on a grand arcade, where if you have just are infected with the human activists' demonstrations? he was asked. the right touch you might be able to win immunodeficiency virus. "I'Ve tried to warn all players," Clemons big. Certainly as long as the appropriations On that day, the AIDS bill's lead sponsor, said. "I said, don't let a group of 40 or process is going on everyone knows there Rep. Mike McKinney, D-Centerville, 50 fringe people influence what you're is money at stake, and some legislators begin sought to publicly defend two of his going to do. Don't take it out on all AIDS

THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 3 patients because of these people." effect was to promote the kind of distaste not one person here in this legislature that But Clemons himself — despite his for one minority that made it more difficult put that anti-sodomy statute in the books. expression of diplomacy — wasn't beyond for the House to pass the bill that Clemons It's been there for years and years." On stoking the fires of resentment among House and McKinney and others have been the other hand, he admitted, the legislators members. Only days .before he began to working on all session, all of which was wouldn't vote to repeal it either. "They "warn all players" to ignore the fringe typical of the strangely childish way the . ought not to stir up a sleepin' dog," groups, he circulated a handbill put out by House tried to come to grips with the AIDS Clemons said of gay activists. "After all, an especially militant gay activist from problem. how many of them have ever been arrested Houston that happened to refer to legislators under the anti-sodomy provision?" in Austin as "these assholes." The offending NE OF THE Undercurrents in the So on the one hand Clemons discounts word was highlighted in yellow and distrib- O AIDS discussion had to do with the the importance of the statute and on the other uted to all House members. state's law that criminalizes homosexual he is quick to insist that gays are in violation "I circulated that," admitted Clemons. sex. Since the legislature and the courts have of the law.. What becomes clear from a He said it angered him "that they would been unwilling to do away with the".archaic discussion with Clemons is that he, like come up here and ask us to give them all anti-sodomy statute, conservative House many members of the House, simply that money and then talk to us like that." members are fond of reminding gay:actiVists believes that homosexuality is wrong. Thus Of course, Clemons knew full well that and even Alps, patients that homosexual the issues of gay rights — and even humane the tract he circulated did not come from sexual behavior is inegal in Texas. The treatment of AIDS victims — become ,the Gay and Lesbian. Caucus, with whom original House version of the AIDS•bill even confounding. Conservatives now have found he had been negotiating on the AIDS bill, Carried a clause notifying AIDS victims that themselves in an untenable and muddled nor did it have anything to do with the issue sodomy and using needles , with illicit drugs position: they are going along with more at hand: what the state should do to ease were crimes. social spending to address the AIDS the pain of AIDS patients and to slow down Gay activists thought this an unnecessary problem and they are insisting that gives the spread of the disease. part of the bill and-objected to it. Rep. the government the right to dictate what But Clemons apparently wanted all House Clemons said he did not quite see their point: adults do in their private sex lives. It sounds members to be reminded that some gay "They claim that we made, criminals out like big government playing Big Brother. activists are intemperate and impatient. The of•them," he said; "But. the fact is .,there's —D.D.

OBSERVATIONS Bentsen Planning Presidential Bid

ENATOR LLOYD BENTSEN wants ers. The question is whether "Texas" will out the dough to whom? Instantly, Bentsen's S the Democratic nomination for Presi- go for Bentsen or will there be a revolt by candidacy reduces the forthcoming Presi- dent in 1992. I have a fully reliable basis progressive Democrats who know him for dential campaign in Texas to just such for reporting this fact. Bentsen's orders to what he is, a complicated, but dedicated considerations. his staff are to make it, happen. agent of the major corporate interests. ., In my opinion, in due time Texans should Bentsen's decision to try again for .the Jack Martin, Bentsen's chief in distribut- line up with such progressive candidates for nomination — his ineffectual 1976 attempt ing political funds and one of the President as they may find appealing and notwithstanding — is a very serious fact for "gatekeepers" who provide access to him, refuse to tap under to the Bentsen machine. the nation and for Texas Democrats. In 1982 is well placed to advance Bentsen's candi- We are not toy cowboys who pop up Bentsen and Lt. Gov i, Bill Hobby led the dacy in Tekas. According to the May-June obediently when ordered to perform in a fundraising for the whole, party ticket that issue of Campaigns and Elections, Ronald dumb-show roundup. We are Texans, but included progressives Jim Hightower and Brown, the DeMocrats' new chairman, "in we believe what we believe; individualism, Jim Mattox and moderate progressives Ann an overture to the party's Southern moderate not conformity, is our custom. Richards and Garry Maurb. From then until wing," named Martin as "senior adViser Bentsen's nomination for President by the now these officer-holders' apparent attach- to the Democratic National Committee." In Democratic Party in 1992 would. be, I ment to or abstention from criticism of fact, the magazine reported, "he Will be one believe, the culmination of the creeping Bentsen has been low-cost. But soon enough of the DNC' s two top political strategists." takeover of the national Democratic 'Party each of them will have to decide whether Martin ran Bentsen's 1982 and. 1988 apparatus. by corporation lawyers and the to support the moderate-conServative Texas Senate campaigns. As a political, consultant, interests they represent. This takeover began Democrat or some other candidate for he handled the John Hill campaign for in 1974, two years after George McGovern President of the United States. The same governor, and his clients now in, Austin received only 33 percent of the national vote issue will face every Texas Democrat. include • Ann Richards (for governor) and for President. With the party's progressives The fact of Bentsen's candidacy — once Bob Bullock (for. lieutenant goVernor). discouraged, uncertain, and in disarray, Bob realized — will transform political relation- Whatever his .skills . may be, his charm is ,Strauss, ,the, amiable Dallas/Washington ships in every city and town in Texas. He his access to Bentsen moneybags. • corporation lawyer, and his allies such as is the powerful Texan, the chairman of the Well, now., what are the connections into John White of Texas and Terry Sanford, Senate Finance Committee, the Vice- the Bentsen money that animate any number now the Senator from North Carolina, Presidential candidate whose ticket lost of other political consultants active in Texas crushed all attempts to adopt progressive Texas. the darling of the newspaper publish- politics? Who wants what? Who's doling resolutions at the party's miniconvention in 4 • JUNE 2, 1989

411144"1,0l4r4...441. Kansas City that year. The rules were stacked; the gavel fell like a sledgehammer again and again. (I was a delegate to the convention from Travis County. See, if you wish, my report, "Fast Shuffle in Kansas City," in The Progressive for February 1975.) - EVer since, I believe, big-business law- yers and their operatives have been tighten- ing their grasp on this, then that part of the national party apparatus. The rank and file Democrats rise again and again — only to be led by Presidential candidates who turn their backs on the Democrats' progressive vision. • If Bentsen is nominated for President by the Democrats, we no lOnger will have two parties. This will be a de facto one-party country, just as Texas was until recently a one-party state. The corporations will run everything. Something fundamental will have to happen, then, to restore American politics to health. Well, 'what do you think? Don't wait for BentSen to sew up the situation behind the BILL ALBRECHT scenes — now is the time to face the question, to take your stand. Bentsen for Bentsen campaigning in Texas, 1988 -President? Somebody else? If necessary! , - uncommitted? Well, what do you think? terizations of him in the Observer as a from the first has been that he will run as conservative Democrat, he sees himself as a Hispanic in South Texas and as a law- the possessor of a voting record squarely and-order conservative everywhere else. I ON DAN MORALES in the middle of the Hispanic caucus in the don't think that's a very good theory, but EPRESENTATIVE Dan Morales, D- legislature. A former prosecutor, he (like that's what it is." — R.D. R San Antonio, the chairman of the Parmer) is tougher on crime, firmer for law House criminal jurisprudence committee, is and order, than one has come to expect most definitely not running for re-election. The progressive Democrats to be. -He favors ANDERSON & COMPANY question has been whether he would run for capital punishment. Notably, on probably COFFEE attorney general. Had the field been limited the most important single issue in Texas TEA SPICES to Land Commissioner Garry Mauro, politics for the next decade, he has refused TWO JEFFERSON SQUARE Houston attorney John Odam, and himself, to shut the door on a state income tax, AUSTIN, TEXAS 7W731 Morales almost certainly would have made apparently realizing that an adequate and 512 453 - 1533 the run, but the entry of Congressman John progressively derived source of state reve- Send me your list.. Bryant, D-Dallas, appeared to have changed nue is the prerequisite of an adequate state that. government. Name Mauro, wondering how much of the vote I had breakfast the other morning with Street he would be left with after Bryant and Rep. Morales at Las Manitas in Austin. He Morales claimed their large shares, met with is an Understated and thoughtful person. He City Zip Morales seeking to persuade him to run for is ' postured at the center of the present land commissioner. Both, that is, had to Democratic consensus in Texas. I'd say he's check their hole cards after Bryant's bet. worth watching and appreciating, and of They had been expecting Bryant to run for course criticizing, closely. the U.S. Senate against Phil Gramm — Mauro decided to stay put at the land Bryant had even asked Morales how to work office. The Mauros have an 18-month-old, a stock show in San Antonio in such a race and another child is coming in July; this (TN INN) for the Senate. was a factor. One may fairly suspect that Bryant may have decided againt the Johnny Bryant was, too. With Mauro out Senate try for two main reasons. His camp of the AG's race, Morales then swiftly had of course "run the figures," with polls executed a subtle shift of posture and "Best Lodging Location for and testings of contributors; perhaps they 'decided to 'take on Bryant, after all. Fishermen & Beachgoers" had concluded that Gramm looked unbeata- Mauro's decision "clears the way for me Group Discounts ble. Also, State Senator Hugh Partner, D- to run for AG. Sure does," Morales told Fort Worth, whose mostly progressive me as the 71st legislature neared sine die. record would put him into direct competition "I think San Antonio south — that's an (512) 749-5555 with Bryant for progressive voters, an- would identifiable political base. Garry and I P.O. Box 8 nounced his candidacy against Gramrn. In have *split it. But' not' John. He'll do well Port Aransas, TX 78373 any case, Bryant is running for AG. in Dallas, well with some of the activists. Morales, regarded as a close associate of It'll be a fun race." San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, atten- `Bryant, also working the House and Send for Free Gulf & Bay ded the fundraiser/roast of Jim Hightower Senate on the last night of the regular Fishing Information May 16 in Austin. Contrary to past charac- session, said then of Morales: "His theory

THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 5 Locked Out In Bosque County

Continued from cover allegations. According to courthouse rec- Robinson said. a $1 million line of credit, a 1983, end- ords of the transaction, the ranch was sold of-the-year letter from Kelly reminded for $750,000. N MOST STATES, the kind of fight Robinson that the bank appreciated his In a lawsuit filed in Federal Court in that Melvin and Lana Robinson began borrowing and investment in the previous Dallas, the Robinsons alleged that First I from the kitchen table of their 900- year and anticipated that the relationship National Bank, working with the two square-foot apartment in Clifton would have would continue. "I only ask that you reflect Cleburne attorneys, "devised a strategy by been futile from the beginning. They had on the level of personal service we have • which First National Bank could take the entered a business transaction without legal given you in the past and give us an Plaintiffs' unencumbered homestead prop- counsel and had lost both title to and opportunity to discuss your future borrowing erty by fraudulent means . . ." possession of a home that they had owned needs," Kelly wrote. The Robinsons claim that when they sat free and clear only a few months earlier. But then something went wrong. Accord- down to finalize their deal with the bank, With limited resources to retain an attorney, ing to Robinson's allegations, the bank they did so understanding that part of the they found themselves up against a financial began to deny routine requests for credit proceeds of the sale of the 220 acres not institution which, although small, would that he claims were essential to the designated as their homestead would be measure its investment in attorneys' fees completion of one of his gas exploration applied toward back debts at First National against the loss of the $750,000 property projects. When Robinson protested, Kelly Bank. Robinson contends that since Hallman acquired from the Robinsons. threatened to accelerate collection of had previously drafted and filed the But the Robinsons believed they had the Robinson's and Bradley's business loans, a Robinsons' homestead affidavit, the attorney state constitution on their side. Mrs. move that might have forced both men into knew that the house and 200 acres of the Robinson said that she knew that Article bankruptcy. (Asked about Robinson's alle- Fjel Hjem ranch were protected from XVI, Section 50, of the constitution includes gations, Jimmy Campbell, current president creditors by the Texas Constitution. Accord- a near iron-clad protection against a lender of First National Bank, said that he could ing to the constitution, a person's home is using the proceeds from the sale of a not comment on a case in litigation. Jim exempt from forced sale for the payment homestead to satisfy non-mortgage debt. So McCarthy, the Dallas attorney representing of debt — unless that debt is the mortgage they retained the services of Terry Bradley, the bank, also declined to comment. for which the home serves as collateral (or the Cleburne attorney who had been Melvin Negotiations had reached a delicate point, unless the creditor is the IRS). Robinson's partner in several oil and gas McCarthy said in April, and any comment In Texas, a homestead is protected from ventures. Bradley's demand letter to First could jeopardize a settlement.) creditors, according to University of Texas National Bank defined the dispute in simple The complete story of the August 1985 Law professor Jay Westbrook. Westbrook terms: transaction that cost the Robinsons their also said that the proceeds from the sale "On August 30, • 1985 a transaction ranch will probably never be told. Bank of a person's homestead are also protected occurred wherein the homestead of Melvin officials will not discuss the lawsuit. And for a period specified by the state property R. Robinson and Lana Robinson was attorney James Hallman, who handled the code. The protection does not, however, pledged to the First National Bank in transaction for the bank, would only say that preclude the voluntary use of funds derived Cleburne to secure a note for $750,000.00, the Robinsons are not credible. "They've from the sale of a homestead to pay of debts. which was not for purchase money or lost in every legal forum where they've But Melvin and Lana Robinson claim that improvements .. . appeared," Hallman said in a March they walked away from the sale of their "This transaction also included a transfer telephone interview. He predicted that the home with no money. The bank had title to of all of the furniture and fixtures located Robinsons would continue to lose in court their property, but because the Robinsons at the homestead .. . because their case "has no merit." In a had signed a legal document described as "This transaction is in direct violation of lawsuit filed in federal court in Dallas, the a collateral transfer, the bank also held the the Constitution of the State of Texas Robinsons allege that they entered the $750,000 promissory note by which Kelly (Article 16, Section 50) The transaction Pritchard & Hallman law offices having had agreed to pay for the Fjel Hjem Ranch. placed a lien on a property not subject to agreed to sell their ranch to First National In signing the promissory note over to First a lien .. . Bank President John Kelly. Kelly, the National Bank, the Robinsons had allowed Within a week the Robinsons had an Robinsons claim, had been pressuring them the profit derived from the sale of their home answer from the bank: "Certainly, any to pay off oil and gas debts at the bank and to become collateral against other loans. individual has the right to sell homestead had suggested that one way that they might Two months after they sold their house to property, and in this instance, such sale was come up with the money was to sell their Kelly, according to the Robinsons' allega- actively sought by the clients." ranch and apply some of the proceeds to tions, they were ordered to leave the Bradley, who as a business partner of their back debt. The Robinsons agreed to property. When their promissory note from Melvin Robinson was uncomfortably close do so — if they could find a buyer to pay the bank was due and they went to collect, to a case that promised to be a long time in the $1 million that they claimed the ranch they claim that Kelly told them that the litigation, referred his clients to the Dallas was worth. After suggesting the sale of the money from the sale had been applied to law firm of Vassallo and Ashmore. No one, ranch, Kelly offered the Robinsons their outstanding debts at First National it seems, suspected how long, how costly, $750,000, according to the Robinsons' Bank. "We had lost everything," Melvin or how complex the dispute with First 6 • JUNE 2, 1989 National Bank of Cleburne would become. And no one anticipated that a fight between a working-class Christian family and a small-town bank would ultimately involve the State Bar Association; the federal office of the comptroller; the FBI; the Attorney General's office; HALT, a Washington-based plaintiffs' advocacy group; the fifth circuit court of appeals in New Orleans; Hughes & Luce, one of the heavyweights from the world of Texas lawyers; a Baylor University law professor, and a half dozen other lawyers who either worked on or considered working on the case. The number of lawyers involved with the case, however, is deceptive. Because for most of the almost four years that the case was in litigation, the Robinsons represented themselves. They were left with no other option, Melvin Robinson said, because the ti lawyers representing them, citing conflicts with the plaintiffs, withdrew from the case. "We begged the Judge [magistrate Joe Tolles] not to let them withdraw," Robinson said of the Dallas attorneys repreSenting him. But Tolles, who was sitting in for Judge .. • Joe Fish, and who the Robinsons contend had the option of ordering the attorneys to

remain on the case, allowed them to depart. sk""6"4:■..,

HAT IS UNIQUE about the Robinsons' fight is not that W they fought it, but how they fought it. Somehow, Melvin Robinson came to understand Bacon's axiom that knowledge

is power. And by those terms, Robinson . . . determined to make himself a powerful man; LOUIS DUBOSE and he set out to acquire that power in the Melvin Robinson in the courthouse records Johnson County Courthouse, a three-story Greek revival structure whose most notable to make sure that you don't miss anything," result, according to Robinson, who pointed feature is a tall, hollow tower covered by Robinson said. The "DBA Book," he out the transactions during the course of an a small,. rounded dome. It is by this tower explained, lists company names by which interview, is that two banks — probagly — a phallic shaft of authority — that the individuals conduct their business ("doing unknowingly — had first liens on the same courthouse is visible from almost every business as"). Once company names were properties.) quarter of the city of Cleburne. connected to individuals, Robinson returned And Robinson, it seems, left no page For Melvin Robinson, the power that the to the index to search for transactions unturned. During months of meticulous courthouse represents does not all derive completed in the names of certain busi- research he followed the paper trails of the from the two state district courts and the nesses. From the county clerk's office, officers and members of the First National commissioners court. "The deed records Robinson, a linebacker-sized man, scram- Bank Board of Directors through hundreds here," Robinson said in an interview at the bled up the iron stairs to the district clerk's of transactions. What he discovered, accord- county clerk's office, "will tell you the story office, where he pulled a large civil docket ing to allegations in the RICO lawsuit of all these local banks, every land ledger book from a shelf. If a lawsuit (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Or- transaction, every loan, in the county." involves foreclosure, Robinson said, it is ganizations) filed in Dallas, was that the "Let me give you an example," Robinson worth the effort to follow the paper trail bank had engaged in certain unusual lending said. "Since I know the name, we'll start to determine who benefited from the bank's , patterns: "I sat down and added up how in the direct index." He began with the name action. In this way, deed by deed and much money they loaned their board of a former First National Bank director and transaction by transaction, Melvin Robinson members," Robinson said. "Then I figured within minutes was listing dozens of conducted his own personal investigation of out that they were overlining credit to them residential land transactions that had oc- the directors of the bank that he claimed [the board members]." The amount of curred within one year. From the index, had unlawfully taken his homestead. "I've money that banks can legally lend their own Robinson proceeded to the microfiche got the goods on these guys," Robinson directors is controlled by strict arithmetical copies listed by volume and page in the insisted. And all of it, he added, came from formulas, and according to the Robinsons' index. Each transaction, he said, is repre- public information available to anyone who allegations, First National Bank had ex- sented by several legal documents, including has the time to learn the system by which tended more credit than allowed to board a deed of trust that provides the name of deeds are filed and indexed. (Robinson even members. a buyer, the name of the lending institution, claimed that he discovered that one local Robinson incorporated the allegations the amount of the loan; and a legal businessman had zziortgaged several busi- about lending in the RICO case that he filed description of the property. ness properties simultaneously in different in Dallas. (RICO litigation allows plaintiffs "You also got to check the DBA book counties and with different banks. The to file against parties who meet certain THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 7 criteria. The RICO category was created as on the grievance committee and an griev- told of the alleged shooting. a weapon against organized crime.) He also ance committee member who practices law Before the 4:00 p.m. deadline passed, contacted James Lamb, a Dallas-based FBI in Ennis told Robinson that it might take Robinson had withdrawn a complaint filed agent; and Jose Hernandez, an investigator as long as six months to a year to investigate against the two Cleburne attorneys. Later, for the federal Comptroller of the the claim against Cleburne lawyers at a family meeting, the Robinsons deter- Currency's Dallas office. According to Pritchard and Hallman. The complaint was mined that they would continue their Robinson, the comptroller's office fined finally filed when an aide to State Rep. Bob litigation against the bank and that com- First National Bank for extending overline Melton, D- Gatesville, accompanied Robin- plaints about the two Cleburne attorneys credit loans to directors. Hernandez, in a son into the Austin office of the State Bar would not be withdrawn from the lawsuit. telephone interview, said that he could Association. The incident also suggested to the Robinsons neither confirm nor deny that the Cleburne that their actions were being taken seriously bank had been investigated or fined by his N AUGUST 9 of 1987, two days —they just weren't certain by whom. office. He also said that such information after Bob Melton's legislative aide During the year that followed the shoot- would not have been made available to 0 accompanied Melvin Robinson ing, the Robinsons contacted HALT, a Robinson or anyone else not immediately into the offices of the State Bar Association, Washington-based legal reform and advo- involved with either a bank or the the phone in the Robinsons' ,modest, . two cacy group. HALT spokesperson Lisa comptroller's office. bedroom Clifton apartment rang at 7:00 Richards said the organization prefers not "You can see it in the deed records," a.m. Robinson w.as.at home alone; his wife, to provide advice to individual plaintiffs. But Robinson contended. He explained that after he assumed, was somewhere between one of their counselors, when told about the the alleged fine was levied, First National Clifton and Waco, where she works in a alleged shooting incident, suggested that directors began to shift their loans to other factory that manufactures aircraft compo- public awareness of the ongoing conflict lenders, usually by borrowing from local nents. With her was. Eric Robinson, then with the bank and the attorneys would banks to pay off outstanding First National 19 and enrolled at McLennan County Junior provide his family with some protection notes. An office of the comptroller's College, also in W aco. . . against threats and possible harm. Though document obtained by the Observer The voice on the other end of the line, the Robinsons had moved from Clifton to confirms Robinson's claim about the fines. Robinson alleged in his RICO lawsuit, ask- a more secure second-floor Waco apart- One factor that motivated First National ed if Melvin Robinson was the husband of ment, closer to Lana Robinson's place of Bank to take the Fjel Hjem Ranch, Robinson Lana Robinson and if their son's name was employment, the memory of the alleged alleged, was the bank's imprudent stock Eric. The caller then mentioned by name shooting incident remained with them. They loans — made at a time when many in the both Mrs. Robinson's place of employment had also been advised by HALT that some community were investing in a stock and McLennan County Junior College. adverse publicity might encourage the bank promoted by a local attorney and a wealthy to come to terms. New Jersey investor (TO, 5/5/89). Though "I first thought that someone had been The Robinsons arranged a meeting at the First National Bank President Jimmy Camp- in a wreck," Robinson said, discuSsing the bank to ask for a settlement and also to bell denied that the Robinsons' case was incident nine months after it occurred. When advise bank officers of their intention to take even remotely related to the First Cities the caller suggested a private meeting at an their fight to the street. At the meeting, Properties stock scandal that involved many isolated roadside park, Robinson began to which included the bank's attorneys and of Cleburne's most prominent businessmen, understand the nature of the call. Concerned officers, Robinson explained that it had been Robinson contends that losses sustained by that his wife and son were in danger, he who had informed the office of the directors and the bank itself resulted in the Robinson proceeded to the meeting place comptroller of the First National's alleged bank's accelerating borrowers' debts and that the anonymous caller had described. As irregular lending practices. Then, Robinson foreclosing on properties in order to remain Robinson drove into the park, a man dressed said in an interview, he told the bank officers selvent — or at least to maintain the balance in a business suit and wearing a stocking and their lawyers what he intended to do of assets and liabilities required by bank on his face to hide his identity stepped from next. "When I found out I wasn't going regulators. When in the summer of 1985, a White Lincoln Continental, the only car to have lawyers who would stick with me, First National Bank took the Robinsons' in sight, and "just stood with the door I told them I was going to walk the town property, and also acquired by forbearance open." When Robinson opened his own car with picket signs," But what really agreement a ranch owned by Thomas Reid, door, another man, also disguised' with a astounded the bankers and their lawyers, the bank increased its real estate owned stocking mask, stepped from behind a tree Robinson said, was his revelation that he (REO) by more than $2 million. To and fired a single shotgun blast at the back had been talking to the comptroller of the document the claim that First National was of Robinson's car, according to Robinson's currency. He also claims that during the allegations. .. :. involved in the trading of First Cities stock, meeting, the bank offered him a $150,000 Robinson included in his RICO statement Robinson quoted the gunman in allega- settlement which he refused. Representa- account numbers that several members of tions in the lawsuit filed in federal court: tives of First National Bank would not the bank's board of directors had allegedly "See how easy that was. It could have just discuss the allegations with the press. used to trade First Cities stocks by wire with as easily been you, your wife, or your son. Two days after the entire Robinson family a Pasadena, California, stockbroker. Now, you have until four o'clock today to squared off with the bankers huddled in the While the Robinsons pursued their fight withdraw everything against the lawyers." First National board room, Melvin and Lana with the bank, they also opened another Robinson returned home in time for a Robinson and a dozen supporters began to front, filing against James Hallman and routine phone call from his wife who assured picket in front of First National Bank — Curtis Pritchard both a lawsuit and a formal him, he said, that she had safely arrived several blocks from downtown Cleburne. complaint with the grievance committee of in Waco and that their son was on campus. The Robinsons carried signs that read: FIRST the State Bar Association. Filing the Then, after he was unable to locate the NATIONAL BANK, C. PRITCHARD, J. grievance was not easy, Robinson said. A Bosque County sheriff, Robinson drove to HALLMAN, TOOK MY HOME ... The public Cleburne attorney who served on the state Comanche County where he related the protest was in violation of the keep-it-out- bar's grievance committee resigned from the story to State District Judge James Morgan. of-the-papers rule laid down earlier by the committee when Robinson entered his office Morgan, who divides his time between lawyers who had first represented the Robin- and requested to file a grievance. A Bosque, Hamilton, and Comanche counties, sons. And in go-along-to-get-along Hillsboro attorney to whom the Robinsons confirmed in a telephone interview that Cleburne, it was an uncommon incident, were referred had ended his two-year tenure Robinson had visited the judge's office and indeed. 8 • JUNE 2, 1989 N AUGUST 5 of last year, one the Austin law offices of Roy Minton, whom at First National Bank, the other was owned week after the picketing began, Assistant Attorney General Larry Bales by John Kelly. Each of the men had signed 0 Lana Robinson called the suggested might represent them. But Minton on as the other's trustee on the two separate Observer office. "We've decided we're couldn't take their case and two weeks after deeds of trust by which the bank had loaned going to reclaim our home, she said. they met with Minton, the Robinsons were the money to buy the houses. The auction "We're going to cut the locks and move ordered' out of their: home. posting included the name of a substitute back in." In a letter to First National Chief "They!re going to have to come and carry trustee: John Quesenbury, now the CEO at Executive Officer J.D. Quesenbury, Lana us out;" Robinson said. "And when they First National Bank. Quesenbury was Robinson explained the justification for her carry 'us out we're coming back. And if they serving as a substitute for both Standley and family's action: put us in jail, they might as well know that Kelly — former employees who were losing • "Under the present Constitution,_ _ no when we get out of jail we're coming back their property. As potential buyers gathered mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the home. I don't think that the bank is going at the courthouse, Melvin Robinson stood homestead can be valid except for purchase to want to do that." .He was right. back and watched. money, whether executed by the husband Whil6 the Robinsons'continued to occupy In a small town, this might have been or by the husband and wife jointly; and what they claimed was their home, they also more attention than a bank could endure. every pretended sale of the homestead continued to look for legal counsel. Their A few days before May 5, the date that Serr involving any condition of defeasance is RICO suit had been dismissed in Dallas by was scheduled to argue the Robinsons' void. (Campbell V. Elliott, 52 1'. 151)." Judge Joe Fish, who claimed that it failed appeal in New Orleans, attorneys for First On August 6, as Cleburne Eagle editor to establish the difference between an National Bank came to terms with the Shirley McKee focused her 35-millimeter individual and an enterprise. Something in Robinsons. The Robinsons will not discuss camera, Melvin Robinson cut the lock that the judge's dismissal of a pro se plaintiff's the settlement but the Cleburne Eagle, the bank had placed on the front gate and lawsuit on a technicality must have bothered scrappy weekly that is using aggressive news led his family up the winding road that led Baylor Law professor Brian Serr. The case coverage to make a run at an established to the home that they had left almost three statement had been prepared by the daily, again beat their competitor and years earlier. Robinsons after Melvin Robinson had spent reported the terms of 'the settlement as It was an action that got the bank's two weeks in the Baylor law library. Serr leaked by an informant: "the homestead pro- attention. Within weeks the Robinsons were described the 42-page RICO pleading as "as perty, the ranch house and approximately in the Clifton justice of the peace court of good a job as any layman could do" and 200 acres, free and unencu,mhered; a release Alvin James. It is not often that a Hughes agreed to argue the appeal before the Fifth to Melvin Robinson of oil and gas leases & Luce attorney tries an forcible entry and Circuit Court in New Orleans. Federal court located in West Texas, again, unencum- detainer case in a justice of the peace court. proceeding_ s were intentionally liberalized, bered; release from approximately $1.3 The Dallas-based law firm, which once Serr said, to make it easier for pro se million of indebtedness; and payment of fees counted among its many partners former plaintiffs. "There is room within the federal to the Robinsons' attorney in a sum reported Chief Justice John Hill, is considered 'one riles for a layman to plead a case," Serr to be in excess of $100,000." of the state's legal powerhouses. And it is aid, suggesting that Judge Fish's ruling was Lana Robinson would only say that she even more uncommon for a Hughes & Luce "not in accordance with the spirit of those was angry that someone was divulging attorney to face a pro se defendant whose rules." information about their settlement. Melvin formal education ended at Cleburne High In September of 1988, several months Robinson, in an act that should surprise no School. But after watching Justice of the after Serr agreed to argue only the appeal, one, referred Cleburne Eagle editor Shirley Peace James, who is not a lawyer, defer Robert Taylor of Houston agreed to repre- McKee to the county courthouse: "All I can to Hughes & Luce attorney Jim McCarthy, sent the Robinsons in federal court (should tell you is that public records will show if it was evident that in a court of law resolve Serr prevail) and in state district court. there is a deed record." and native intelligence are no match for Taylor took the case only four days before The Robinsons have won. by the stan- three years of law school and 10 years the statute of limitations would run out. On dards they had defined in previous inter- before the bar. What was- evident was that Tuesday, August 30, exactly four years views, only a partial victory. They lost 200 the Robinsons needed legal counsel. At the from the day that they lost their homestead, acres that was not included in the homestead end of the 20-minute proceeding, during Melvin Robinson raced to Houston, deter- and they did not get the court's resounding which the Robinsons were denied a continu- mined to beat a statute of limitations that affirmation of the Constitution's 'homestead ance and admonished by the Justice of the he could see expiring on his wristwatch. In provision. Peace, McCarthy said: "If you're . in this Houston, he met with Taylor and together Nor did Lana and Melvin Robinson get situation again Mr. Robinson, use Rule they made revisions in the case statement satisfactory answers to the many questions seven-forty- eight. If you want a continu- before making the 64 copies that had to be they wanted to ask of bank officials under ance, that's the way to go." A week later, filed by 4:30 p.m. in Bosque County. At oath and in a Court of law. the Robinsons, -still without legal counsel, 4:15, Robinson filed his final lawsuit in the And there were broader issues that the were back in the justice of the peace court county courthouse in Meridian. Several settlement obviously will not resolve. IssUes where they were ordered to leave the home months later Jim Terrell of Waco agreed that have affected people beyond the small that they had occupied. to serve as local co-counsel with Taylor. circle of plaintiffs and defendants who for Sitting in the Clifton Dairy Queen, after First National Bank began to talk settlement. four years have fought over principle and the first justice of the peace hearing, The bank had already changed. owpership; property. They are issues that Lana Robin- Robinson said that he could find no one to John Kelly was no longer an employee there. son said should be addressed in the state represent him. "It's a good ol' boy system," Nor was Jack Standley, whose family had legislature, or before a Congressional Robinson said, explaining that no lawyer in been involved in Johnson County banking for committee: Cleburne wanted to go up against the bank. several generations. "Somebody needs to really investigate He said that he had been in half a dozen And there were other signs that things these banks." Mrs. Robinson said six lawyers' offices in Waco, Dallas, and Fort were not going so well at First National months ago in the living room of a house Worth. No one wanted to take a case already Bank. On a morning in early April of this that she then claimed she owned. abandoned by attorneys who claimed they year, two houses were scheduled to be ."Somebody needs to ask them about what had a conflict with the plaintiffs. On the auctioned on the steps of the JohnSon Cdunty all those loans would have done if they'd day after their first hearing before Justice Courthouse. One was the house of Jack gone to productive businesses in Johnson of the Peace James, the RobinsOns were in Standley, a former chief executive' officer County." THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 9 The Devil and Mr. Mattox

BY DEBBIE NATHAN

El Paso Manson and Jai JoneS — that psychopathic from a ,"Baptist spiritual therapist." Her HAT IN THE WORLD charismatics who isolate people; either presentations typically include descriptions possessed Jim Mattox to appear geographically Or in some violent outlaw of being forced to have sex with corpses, on the "Geraldo" and "Oprah world like the drug trade, can get them to accounts of mini-crematoria to explain why Winfrey", shows earlier this month and to adopt all sorts of magical delusions, to no evidence of dead babies is found, take part in hysteria-laden and anti-Semitic commit unspeakably heinods crimes. We denunciations of the FBI (which doesn't discussions of devil worship? don't use "devil"_ :and "evil" interchange- believe her story), and recommendations From a vantage point that is distant from ably; we don't, for instance, believe some that disbelieVers call San Francisco Police

state capital and Capitol gossip,. it.is difficult Satan paranoics' claim that . .1-1edda Department cop Sandi Gallant — who to appraise, the claim that Mattox's upstage Nussbaum killed Lisa Steinberg because she happens to be a born-again Christian and media role in the Brownsville/Matamoros was in a satanic cult; neither do we believe forther maven in the San Francisco "red cult murder incident is a ploy to boost his that Hedda knew Son of Sam or the squad" intelligence office that used to spy ratings for next spring's gubernatorial Nightstalker; nor that the Nightstalker was on the Bay Area left. Finally, Christianson primary race against . Ann Richards, who in cahoots with Henry Lee Lucas. We don't issues dire warnings' about what happens to turned in a star TV performance at the believe that our neighborhoods and daycare teenagers who listen to "Satanic" heavy Democratic National Convention last sum- centers are nests of secret devil worshippers metal rock music. She also passes out mer. Mattox demurs, claiming he appeared organized into a worldwide network, corn- material explaining that Satanists are plan- on "Oprah" and "Geraldo" because of his mitting thousands of kidnappings, rapes, and ning to defeat Jesus Christ at His Second sincere desire to warn the public about murders with impunity, able to cover up Coming, which is supposed to happen any illegal drug consumerism. every shred of evidence with the complicity /day now. But whether cynical or well meant, of Satanic FBI agents, cops, judges, In El paw, 'Christianson's gasping audi- motives hardly matter. We're judging mere politicians, and priests. And we don't think ente included mostly high school and Fort bad taste here, or mere careerism, or even that exposing what happened in. Matamoros Bliss counselors; psychologists; and Texas major trashiness. The fact is that on national blows the cover of the International Conspir- Department of Human Services (DHS) child TV, in front of millions of viewers, the acy. "Geraldo" and "Oprah" may promote proteCtion social worker-S. They were Texas Attorney General dignified a hodge- such ideas, but they're just daytime house- offered continuing education credits from podge of kooks: Elmer Gantry-esque funda- wife TV, grocery store tabloid grist. Surely the University :of Texas at El Paso for mentalist Christian revivalists, paranoid no one of any consequence takes such attending the seminar, which was organized crackpots sharing Lyndon LaRouche-style nonsense seriously? by Susana Martinez, a Las Cruces:area theories that a cabal of international Wrong. Plenty of people 'do — people assistant district attorney. She had met Satanists is out 'to conquer the world; not who work in police departments,' district 'Christianson earlier in the year at a Texas to mention incompetent therapists whose attorneys' offices, child protection and .DHS child protection conference in Arling- "treatment" apparently has created another mental health agencies. People you might .ton where Christianson showed up along type of media curiosity: mentally ill people expect would demand evidence for such wild with parents Of 'children in California's harboring delusions that they are murderers allegations, but who don't. People who notorious McMartin preschool sex abuse and cannibals. nevertheless have the poWer to foment :caii. McMartin investigators talked with

And to top it all off, as Mattox sat on mindless paranoia, and worse, translate , it Children and came up with fantastic allega- the "Oprah Winfrey" show, one of his into legal actions that deprive citizens of tions: of ritual: animal sacrifice, abuse in fellow panelists casually resurrected the their civil liberties — and in disturbingly heliCoPte0 and in graveyards with corpses. "blood libel" rumor — an ages-old accusa- many instances, their physical freedom as 13tit no evidence ever .surfaced to support tion that Jews slaughter babies and eat them. well. such stories; What was clear was that the Such a line of discussion has little to do An example: Last year, El Paso and: Las children were... coercively interviewed by with educating the public about UT student Cruces, New Mexico, were the twin sites people 'convinced of the existence of an Mark Kilroy's death in Matamoros. for presentations by Californian Joan Chris;. !'internatiOn0. Satanic conspiracy." The You may be snickering. After all, those tianson, a born-again Christian who travels case is now falling apart in court, but some of us who read the New York Times and the country and the trash-TV circuit, of the:parents; still insist devil worshippers tune into NPR and PBS know that the people claiming to be an escapee from a cell :Of Were. . behirid it all, and they travel the who killed Kilroy and several other young an international, "transgenerational'' : •Sa7 cOunt.i-Y. :,.,rhaleing speeches, and showing men were idiosyncratic crazies — several tanic cult. Christianson says adults tortured Satantsin! paignoia films. Though they of them homosexuals who probably had and raped her when she was a small child, drop* in uninvited at Arlington, Christian- pathological problems confronting repressed impregnated' her, made her bear • four son and her companions got a presentation sexuality. We know the, carnage is not the (sometimes she says five) babies, then morn ftoth DHS conference organizers. fault of Afro-Caribbean folk religion. We forced her to ritually murder the infants, Martinez, who calls Christianson know a little something about Charles pass out chunks of their hearts and eat them. "brave," and a "survivor," says the latter's A self-admitted former prostitute and drug claims of ritual torture are "absurd, but so addict, Christianson claims she "forgot" are a whole hell of a lot of other things Debbie Nathan is a writer living in El Paso. these events until she received treatment that happen. And witchcraft has been with 10 • JUNE 2, 1989 us for hundreds of years. Look at Salem!" She believes child protection workers need to adopt such thinking in order to root out perfectly normal-looking people who secretly practice demonic tortures on kids.

EXAS IS ALREADY rife with such hysteria. In El Paso in 1985, for T instance, after a two=year-old child made vague comments about his body parts and several adults, DHS social workers, an assistant DA, and a police detective elabo- rated a case against two women daycare workers. There was virtually no evidence against the teachers, except for what small children muttered after being relentlessly interviewed and bombarded with yes-no questions detailing ritual abuse motifs. The women, Gayle Dove and Michelle Noble, were imprisoned after being convicted of sadistic sexual assault and terroristic threats which prosecutor Debra Kanof ,believed were the modus operandi of organized, diabolic sex abusers. Both women had their convictions overturned on appeal and Noble was quickly acquitted after a retrial last year. One juror suggested that a Grand Jury investigate why she was ever indicted in the first place. ANDREW KEATING But many officials persist in the "Satanists" and kill people. cised by priests. Freud was pleased that his "international devil worshipping conspir- Historically, a group.consistently victim- work tended to remove descriptions of the acy" theory. One DHS worker here said ized by the rumor has been Jews. Beginning mind from the domain and rhetoric of the recently that El Paso is filled with doctors, in the Middle Ages, they were accused of Church. lawyers, and judges who secretly practice kidnapping Christian children, ritually Both Pazder and his patient are religious Satanism and thus railroad the state's .abuse slaughtering them, and using their blood to Catholics, and Smith's "memories" are not investigations. I have heard similar state- make Passover matzoh. Such "blood libel" independent recollections at all, according ments from a DHS worker in Houston, and allegations occurred in Europe as late as the to University of Paris psychiatric anthropol- -like attitudes are not uncommon among 19th century, sometimes in towns where no ogist Sherill Muihern. While studying sheriffs, cops, assistant DAs, and civilians children were even missing. Resulting modern-day claims of people like Smith, of all stripes, including everyone from born- pogroms are still within the memory of the Muihern looked at the records of her again Christian housewives to Jewish living. sessions with Pazder. She found that Smith's psychiatrists — and not just in Texas, but The most recent Satan hysteria doesn't "memories" were constructed over a long throughout the country. . directly single out Jews as culprits — at period of time and incorporated the sugges- Where did these bizarre beliefs come least, not yet. Arthur Lyons, author of Satan tions of Pazder. Muihern describes hypnosis from? Though this time around they have Wants You, is a longtime researcher of cults as a dynamic between the hypnotizer and spread beyond the fundamentalist churches, and witch hysterias. He dates the reappear- the hypnotizee in which it is extremely J. Gordon Melton, an academic and director ance of the devil worshipping conspiracy difficult for the former to avoid suggesting of the Institute for the Study of American rumor in the U.S. to the late 1970s, when material. If that happens, once the patient Religion in Santa Barbara, California, various "urban myths" cropped up; among comes out of a trance, Muihern says, he believes the Satanic conspiracy theory them, that Proctor & Gamble's former moon or she "will have an unshakeable belief",, revives a rumor dating back to when and stars logo represented the company's in the story constructed during the session, Romans accused early Christians of ritually secret pact with the devil. In 1980, the trend no matter whether it describes real events mutilating dead babies. Christians later was formalized with the book Michelle or fantasy. She believes Smith's leveled similar charges against Gnostics, Remembers, by Michelle Smith and Cana- "memories" represent the latter. whom they called Satan worshippers. dian psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder. Smith, Nevertheless, Michelle Remembers, with Melton points out that Satanism is unlike in therapy for severe emotional disturbance, its paeans to 'the Virgin Mary and group; other religions in that it is not passed on was repeatedly hypnotized by Pazder and photos of Smith, Pazder, and an angel, from parent to child; nor does it develop then "remembered" intricate details of became a bestseller. After the couple (sans its own traditional literature. Instead, horrible, sado-masochistic rituals she was angel) appeared on Christian TV and secular through the ages, Christian churches have forced into by her Satanist parents, including talk shows, other women began contacting continually generated purported the killing of babies. Perhaps not surpris- the FBI with similar stories. Kenneth "descriptions" of the evil practices and ingly, her "memories" echoed stories of Lanning, the FBI agent who monitors such rituals of Satanists — witness the rich detail some of Sigmund Freud's 19th-century claims at the Bureau's Behavioral Science supplied to interrogators and torturers French female "hysterics," during Freud's Unit in Virginia, now gets a call a day froin during the European and American witch early career before he replaced hypnosis women — and sometimes men — claiming crazes. And apparently — in a manner with free association. Freud, who believed the same thing. similar to how the Matamoros cult studied his patients might actually be mystifying Despite allegations that thousands of the 1987 Hollywood slasher film "The recall of real childhood incest, recognized children have been butchered by a clandes- Believers" — isolated groups have at times the similarity of Satan memories to the tine national br worldwide Satanic network, used Church instruction to learn how to be testimony of religious women being exor- Lanning says no claim has ever been THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 11 substantiated. Michelle Smith imitators used therapists and found faulty hypnosis tech- of women for not unquestioningly believing to say babies were buried in fields, but now niques and other contaminating suggestions the objective accuracy of every "memory" that several excavated sites revealed noth- in virtually all cases. Conferences such as of childhood sexual abuse. But whatever the ing, the corpses are said to be burned in the one starring Joan Christianson bring reasons for such conferences' popularity, crematoria or buried in concrete. Any together "cult survivors," clergy, and self- they are "spreading like wildfire" across remaining evidence is suppressed, the rumor proclaimed "born-again" ex-Satanists with the country, Lanning says. goes, because so many cops and politicians DAs, police, child protection officials, and The biggest "conferences" these days, are Satanists. And for the past five years, mental health professionals, allowing them though, are tabloid TV broadcasts such as the story has it that the Satanists are taking to swap .intricate details about the alleged the "Oprah Winfrey" and "Geraldo" jobs in daycare centers in order to molest, network and its "rites." Such conferences shows. To get an idea of who Attorney torture, and recruit children. hold a religious attraction for many partici- General Mattox was keeping company with Lanning says that the reason a growing pants. Other attendees, such as psycholo- on these programs, a roll call is in order. number of people tell an essentially identical gists and social workers, take Satanic abuse On "Geraldo," a panelist wearing sun- story of ritual abuse is because the tale is stories literally because they don't realize glasses and pseudonymed "David" told the so easy to learn from slasher movies and it takes a lot of training to do responsible nation that devil worship is a major problem books like Michelle Remembers. Psychiatric "age-regression" hypnosis, and because of throughout the Southwest and Texas; he also anthropologist Mulhern has interviewed a facile reading of Freud that condemns him described witnessing, at age five, the many self-styled cult "survivors" and their and his followers as anti-feminist betrayers sacrifice of a teenage boy by organized cultists. "David" is actually Greg Reid, 35, an El Pasoan raised in California whom I interviewed twice during the past year. Reid says he was raised in a fundamentalist Laws and Rituals Christian family and developed childhood fears of using public restrooms, of needles, ICTURE THESE future Texas Since our lawmakers don't seem much and of doctors. Between the ages of seven P scenes: interested in studying any religions and 15, he became obsessed with the Ouija It's the harvest season, and a knife- except certified Judeo-Christian varie- boards, seances, and astral projection. wielding group of the faithful chase a ties, we can't expect them to be very Eleven years ago, he suffered multiple terrified animal, slaughter it, cook it, punctilious about defining "glorifying nervous breakdowns and major depression. then dismember the corpse while mutter- the devil." Under Brown's bill observing He dreamed of a wolf's head. He began ing prayers. Nearby, others surround an Thanksgiving or a b'ris probably seeing a "Christian therapist." In 1981, as infant. A man, chanting in a strange wouldn't get you arrested. If you're a a result of studying Biblical history and language, lifts a sharp tool and ritually fundamentalist who believes the Bible reading Michelle Remembers, he began mutilates the screaming child's genitals. says beat your kids, or if you're a lunatic "remembering- being kidnapped for a day Suddenly, police rush in, "Y'all're who practices incest because you think at age five and being drugged with Nembutal under arrest! !" they shout to the Thanks- you're Jesus — both clearly documented by members of a Satanic cult. He is now giving diners and the Jewish circumcision and not terribly uncommon crimes — you a member of the fundamentalist Christian celebrants. The cops congratulate each probably wouldn't be indicted either. But anti-cult, anti-heavy-metal-music WATCH other. "Caught us some of them ritchul if you're a self-respecting wicca, pagan, Network in El Paso. WATCH members abusers," they grin. or a Cuban immigrant who pleases your believe El Paso is a center of Satanic activity Absurd? Not according to the paranoid gods by offering them chickens, well, in the U.S. Reid, a self-styled minister who spirit and letter of three bills introduced Lord help you if Buster, Sam, and friends preaches to teenagers about Jesus, passes in the Texas Legislature this session. mistakenly labeled you a Satanist. out business cards describing himself as an SB 1832 and companion HB 3202, spon- Another bill, SB 803, passed the "Occult Research & Crime Consultant," sored by Buster Brown, R- Lake Jack- Senate and is little better. Sponsored by and says he frequently "advises" law son, and Sam Johnson, R-Plano, would Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, it raises enforcement personnel. have made it a third degree felony to criminal penalties for child abuse, includ- Another "Geraldo" guest was Ted Gun- participate in a "diabolic" cult practicing ing injury and sexual assault, if commit- derson, formerly head of the Dallas and Los rituals to "glorify" the devil — including ted as part of a "ritual." What's a ritual? Angeles FBI offices. Since retiring from the everything from cannibalism to mutila- According to Abilene policeman Lee Bureau in 1979, Gunderson has several tion, from sacrifice of animals to Reed, the mover and shaker behind the times claimed to have evidence of national "psychological abuse." bill, it's things people do when they Satanic cult crimes or of plots to kill him. Brown's office says the bill attempts gather in groups to terroristically molest He has never produced evidence. His most "to address the Matamoros problem." children. Reed, an "expert" schooled by colorful pronouncement has been to call the Ironic, given that nobody in the Matamo- books like Michelle Remembers, tours FBI "Satanic," rhetoric similar to that of ros gang has said they were glorifying Texas with people like Greg Reid (see Lyndon LaRouche, who, from his federal the devil. According to what the suspects article) and tells cops ritual child abuse prison cell, issues claims that the Satanic have told authorities, they practiced a is widespread. He admits that not even Ordo Templi Orientis is ritually murdering perverted mishmash resembling one allegation has produced material and raping children, conspiring to conquer palomayombe, an Afro-Caribbean black- evidence to support this claim. "But the world, and planning to kill Lyndon magic sect that traditionally neither we're working on finding some in LaRouche. On the "Geraldo" show that worships Satan nor sacrifices humans. Abilene," Reed says. "In a case involv- Mattox appeared on, Gunderson stated that The cult's homicidal activity suggests ing a babysitter. - huge Satanic killing fields would be un- that their leader invited rituals to express He needn't worry about such trifles. earthed within the month in Mason County, not religion but his own psychosis. Can When it comes to witch hunting, you Washington. Authorities there expressed these bills attack psychosis? Probably don't need real crimes — much less shock at the claim — Gunderson had not not. But what about constitutional nice- evidence — to prosecute. If Texas' devil notified the police or sheriff there of any ties like separation of Church and State, bills were to become law, the Crusade such information; and to date, no bodies or due process? would be even easier. —D.N. have been unearthed. Plenty of local parents and children have been thrown into near

12 • JUNE 2, 1989 no joke. The chances are that you didn't panic, though. mental patient panelist, a Jewish woman These were Mattox's co-panelists. who claimed that her family and other Jews catch his tabloid performances. But the next Granted, when Geraldo Rivera started have been sacrificing babies "since the time you hear about some nice, middle-aged schoolmarm accused of sexually torturing spewing about how Matamoros wasn't an 1700s"? This woman is in treatment for isolated incident and asked him for a nod, multiple personality disorder which means her daycare students and leaving not a shred of evidence; the next time you hear of one the Attorney General was noncommittal. On she has almost certainly been through the other hand, he uttered hardly a peep extensive hypnosis as part of her therapy. of those conferences where a lady tells everyone how she carved up multiple infant of disagreement when Oprah Winfrey said, That a Jew would make such a dangerous, "What happened to Mark [Kilroy] happens anti-Semitic claim only shows how bad devil hearts, ask yourself a few questions. Like, how many Satan conferences have the throughout this country to children who are hysteria has gotten in this country. Because being snatched from the streets." (In the so many Jewish therapists now believe in daycare investigators been to? And, how entire U.S., other than custody dispute the rumor, the chances are good that this come that confessed baby butcher hasn't snatches, fewer than 100 children are patient picked up her blood libel story from been arrested? You might also ask, how is any of this missing. Nevertheless, belief to the contrary a co-religionist. Even so, Mattox should insanity going to help solve drug abuse? periodically causes panics in which parents have noisily distanced himself from such How is it going to help Mark Kilroy? Or needlessly remove their children from malignant lunacy. anyone else besides a bunch of kooks, school.) So why did he go on trash TV? Was it And why didn't the Attorney General naivete? Or the dark lure of the False Profit? incompetents, anti-Semites .. . ❑ protest against the statements of Oprah's For whatever reason, Mattox's stardom is And Jim Mattox?

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE

WNEN CONSERVATIVES in V JOHN CONNALLY'S role as Association all railed against the federal the state House were amending the Texas campaign manager in liberal Fred wilderness program. And there was Exxon, Department of Agriculture sunset bill to take Hofheinz's race for mayor of Houston under the flag of the Petroleum Institute, away some of Commissioner Jim against incumbent Mayor Kathy Whitmire making the case for a diminished national Hightower's power to regulate pesticides, has astounded political observers throughout wilderness. Always ready to do their part. the state. When in due time we come updn an accounting of this anomaly, we will pass it along. Billie Carr, now a member of the executive committee of the Democratic Bentsen and Labor National Committee and a leading Houston liberal for decades, has sided with Hofheinz. V SENATOR Lloyd Bentsen, who combined. It increased about $150,000 just in the time it took to say those last She says she has no brief against Whitmire, has decided to go for the Democrats' but that her personal alliances and 1992 Presidential nomination (see page two sentences." allegiances with Hofheinz go back a long 4), gave a ringing speech to the Texas On trade: way. Carr ran into Connally in a public AFL-CIO COPE kickoff banquet in "South Korea sold us 488,000 place recently; he greeted her. She said she Austin before 300 trade unionists and Hyundais last year. You know how many told him she never thought she'd be on the others. American cars they let in? Sixty." same side with him in an election. He As excerpted in the May Labor News, On government: "We don't need politicians that knock replied, as she recalled, that when you're Bentsen said: workers down, but ones that will lend around for 25 years, such things happen. On politics: "Politics means the difference be- them a hand. We don't need an adminis- V WHEN WILL EXXON ever tween getting a paycheck or a welfare tration that saddles our kids with debt learn? One might expect the giant check; between celebrating Christmas but one that helps put that new generation with your children at home . . . or of Americans in the saddle." corporation's oil spill in Prince William On labor's role in the 1990 elections: Sound would begin to cause a change in having them off at war." the way Exxon executives perceive the On Bush's opposition to the minimum "Nobody's going to be more instru- wage increase: mental than the people in this room. You environment. 4 4 But apparently it hasn't — at least as far . . . did the President object when know how to organize. And next year that's exactly what you have to do, all as Exxon executive Robert Young, who also the CEO of the Brunswick Bowling Chain got $2,630,000 in 1986 — a 147 around this state . . . The steps are small. . holds a seat at the American Petroleum Find somebody who says yes. I'll get Institute, is concerned. Young turned up at percent increase? No. But he complains a Reno, Nevada, National Wilderness when we try to raise the wages of those registered. Yes, I'll go door to door. Conference recently to make the case against people setting the pins. Did he complain Yes, I'll lick some envelopes or make some phone calls. That's how we win the setting aside of federal wilderness land. when the CEO of Giant Foods went from elections. And that's how we build a Billed as the second annual conference, the $601,000 in 1981 to $3,436,000 in future for our children, not just in Texas Reno gathering was bankrolled by the timber 1986 — a 472 percent increase? Not at industry, the mining industry, and manufac- all. But he complains when we want to but all over America." turers of off-road recreational vehicles. restore the purchasing power for For two days in April (one of the days stockoys." The state labor paper also reported: was Earth Day) speakers from such groups On the deficit: "The Senator's speech had a strong as the non-partisan Citizens Against Wilder- "The last administration rolled up Democratic flavor and played very well ness in North Carolina, the American more debt than every administration from with the crowd, who interrupted him Pulpwood Association, the American Farm George Washington to Jimmy Carter several times with applause." Bureau, and the American Motorcyclist THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 13 one rationale given was the old standard, Republican Party and run for Ag Commis- "Let's take the politics out of pesticide sioner against Hightower. THE T*XAS regulation." Of course, the issue has never Hightower noted later that one of his chief been more politicized than when the detractors, Ed Small of the Southwest Cattle legislators set out to do the bidding of the Raisers Assn., appears to have his own server chemical lobby. House members, led by political agenda. "I supported Gonzalo Rick Perry, a conservative Democrat from Barrientos when he ran against Ed Small Haskell, succeeded May 10 in creating a for the state Senate, and Ed has never quite Available at the following pesticide regulation board to dilute gotten over that," Hightower said. "So locations: Hightower's power. Hightower charged the there's a lot of politics in this 'non-political' House had created a new layer of bureauc- issue." Bookstop racy that farmers will not be happy with. 2922 S. Shepherd Asked after the House debate about the V TWO MEMBERS of the Texas charge of "politics," Hightower told report- legislature wrote in May to their colleagues Houston ers. "Creating a bureaucracy doesn't shift in the New York legislature, urging them Brazos Bookstore politics out, it just isolates the politics. It not to vote in favor of the death penalty puts the politics in the back room instead in New York. Rep. Larry Evans, D- 2314 Bfssonett of out front, where the people can get at Houston, and Senator Craig Washington, D- Houston it." Houston, said in a letter carrying the Rumors also circulated around the Capitol Legislative Black Caucus letterhead, "The College News that Perry was being urged to switch to the damage caused by the death penalty. and 1101 University its utter failure to live up to the claims of Lubbock its sponsors, is not speculative. It is Observer Bequests Daily News & Tobacco abundantly available for examination by any Austin attorney Vivian Mahlab has state which is considering giving itself the 309-A Andrews Highway agreed to consult with those interested power to take human lives. Don't make the Midland mistake that Texas did; stand firm and keep in including the Observer in their the death penalty off the books in New York Guy's News Stand estate planning. For further informa- State." Evans and Washington cited the 3700 Main Street tion, contact Vivian Mahlab, attorney- potential for racial bias in the use of the Houston at-law, P.C., at 1301 Nueces, Austin, death penalty, pointing out that, "Texas has Texas 78701, or call 512/477-9400. never executed a White person for the murder of a Black person." They also called attention to the recent case of Randall Dale Adams, who was sent to Death Row in Texas, until evidence was amassed that suggested Adams was not guilty of the crime for which he was convicted.

V A CONSENSUS emerged among public interest lobbyists in the final weeks of the legislative session that the power of the special interests is stronger at the Capitol than it has been in years. The insurance A timely print job means industry, especially, flexed considerable muscle in the House by taking the teeth out nothing if it doesn't make it of an insurance reform bill. "Consumer lobbyists and consumer interests are out- to the post office on time. Our numbered 6-to-1 or better by industry people do what it takes to make lobbyists and people who are working for greed," Tom Smith of Public Citizen told your deadline. We can do the Associated Press. "They're hiring new the whole job from computer mailing list lobbyists every day, it seems," said John Hildreth of Consumers' Union, at a May production and printing to labeling and delivery. 22 press conference. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader told the Call Futura at 389 - 1500. Fort Worth Star-Telegram during a brief Em loyee Owned and Managed visit to the Dallas/Fort Worth airport that he thinks Texas legislators are misreading the mood of the public on the question of insurance reform. "There is an insurance rebellion under way in Texas and it will be reckless of the House of Representatives COMMUNICATIONS, INC. to think they can destroy consumer protec- AUSTIN, TEXAS tion," Nader said. He advocated reform 3019 Alvin DeVane, Suite 500 512 / 389-1500 measures that would remove the state's anti- trust exemption for insurance companies and Data Processing • Typesetting • Printing • Mailing not allow the industry to compile the data used to set rates. "Price fixing in the industry costs billions," Nader said. 14 • JUNE 2, 1989 THIS SEA OTTER CAN'T FIGHT BACK, BUT YOU CAILBOyCOTT OIL

You've heard plenty about the millions of dead fish and birds and sea otters in Prince William Sound. You know that the gooey residue of this act of negligence will haunt us for years. You know Exxon has done precious little to clean up the mess. These are the horrors we face today, but what about tomorrow? Once the furor has died down, will Exxon and other corporations have learned from this tragedy? Or will they go back to business as usual? We can make sure that won't happen by sending them a reminder that'll hurt in the only place most big corporations have any feelings: Their wallet. The message we want to deliver is this: Environ- mental responsibility is as important as the quality or price — —

of a company's products. We want all companies to know We want to that from now on people are going to be considering their make sure your response is accurately environmental reputation when they buy. counted. Certainly, Exxon won't tell us how many What can you do? First, make lots coupons they get. Please send them to us and well of copies of this ad. Take them down CITIZENS FOR forward them to Exxon. to your local stores, schools, offices, ENVIRONMENTAL TO LAWRENCE G. RAWL, Chairman, Exxon Corporation churches—wherever people gather. c/o Citizens For Environmental Responsibility Then, fill out and send the coupon RESPONSIBILITY 101 Church Street, Suite 6, Los Gatos, CA 95032 yourself. Sir: In response to Exxon's reckless disregard of its obligation We area non-profit group to protect the environment of Prince William Sound, Alaska: Above all, register your protest organized to help educate with your steering wheel, by turning people about corporate ❑ Enclosed is my Exxon credit card cut in half. environmental responsibility. away from Exxon gas stations. ❑ I don't have a credit card, so this is my pledge not to buy We have no agenda other than Exxon products for at least all of 1989. Hopefully, we've all learned a preserving a healthy planet. lesson from this catastrophe. Every You can help by freely Signature one of us needs to take personal reproducing or faxing this coupon and making it a huge Address responsibility for the preservation of chain letter. For other ideas (optional) this fragile planet. Here's where we on how to help, please call can start. 408-399-0339. NOTA BENE J. Frank Dobie Translated Voltaire

BY TOM McCLELLAN

WISH I COULD SWEAR to the truth my wife . . ." repeat verbatim. So at any rate, we had of the following story, but the veracity "Just a second . . ." talked quite a bit, swapping yarns and all, I of the West Texas rancher who told "No 'just a second' to it. My beloved and the previously described distillate of it :was questioned by the local newspaper wife was invited to write a sort of chat cactus had been mentioned in passing, so editor. "That man has no more regard for column for that abomination, and suffered we repaired to my place, where that potation truth." said the editor, "than he does for weekly butchery at the hands of the was available. bubblegum. Infinitely stretchable charlatan who pretends to edit it. Finally, bubble g,um. " after a year and some, when he had put 1' TURNED OUT that nearly every But the day the man introduced himself her usual greeting, 'Hello, everybody' into story I'd heard growing up was one to me I knew him only by sight, as a lank print as `Helly everbody' two weeks he knew already, and some were even and leathery hawk-nosed local, one who I running, despite her gentle remonstrations, as old as mankind. For instance, I had taken frequented that particular cafe rather than she just plain quit. And, mind you, I don't it as truth absolute that an early settler .. . the one farther out. Friendliness toward blame her. Now, what were you going to but that's a whole nother. Anyway, we got strangers was the town's greatest virtue, so say?" sidetracked onto truth: how difficult it is he asked if I was the new English teacher; "You gave me the impression you knew to capture, even impossible; how a man and when I admitted to that, he wanted to something about J. Frank Dobie." might find prints or casts, even a hairball know if I had read much J. Frank Dobie. "Why, I know as much about the man now and again, but never see the critter Aside from a single essay in which Dobie as anyone who's spent an evening and half itself. And let me tell you, no man had a accused dissertation writers of "moving the night in conversation with him. And let greater love for that rarified animal than bones from •one graveyard to another," I me tell you, the man was a khaki-clad J. Frank Dobie. told him. I was wholly unfamiliar with the marvel, brilliance with boots on. He knew " 'You take this library,' Dobie said, man's work. And that essay had been languages I hadn't even heard of: You know indicating my wife's 12-foot shelf of books. assigned by an ill-tempered grad student there's people in Texas speak Upper `A man might have read every work in it looking for excuses not to write his Sorbian? And languages he didn't know, he and know much about the authors, but .. . dissertation. could make out, even if he didn't know well, take just this little tan thing here, for "That's no good reason not to read them! And do it, mind you this, with enough instance.' And he hooked one right off the Dobie," he said: "Why, he's the greatest good Texas whiskey in him to have killed middle of the shelf. 'Voltaire's Candide. 2enius this state has ever produced!" a lesser man!" This work leveled mountains of nonsense, "Very well then," I said, "which of his "Beg your pardon, but . . ." my friend. It inspired what some say was books do you suggest I read first? I "No 'begging your pardon' to it, I saw the first novel in English, another question understand he's written a great many." that man consume . . ." of truth for you, and all in a matter of .. . "I couldn't say," he said. "I haven't read - "Texas whiskey?" Ha! The damn thing's in French! him either. Reading is something I leave "Yes, young fellow. This was in the days " 'Now, there's a more get-atable prob- up to my wife; she's nicely educated and of the Hoover administration, when the lem for the seeker: is it possible to move very cultured. About the only thing I trouble noble experiment of Prohibition had been meaning from one lingo to another, and be my eyes with is the local paper, not for dismally tried and found dismally wanting, accurate about it? Sometimes it looks like information, mind you, but to see what and an even nobler experiment had shown you can. When Horace says, Si possis recte, atrocities that poor printer's devil has that a man could harvest a few washtubs si non, quocumque modo, rem, you can put committed this week. Have you read his full of flatleaf cactus, if he had a mind to, that in English almost as briefly and with most. recent? No? Well, my neighbor Milton and many of us did have a mind to, believe the words in the same order: "If possible paid a considerable sum for a quarter-page you me. . . . Well, suffice it to say, those honestly, if not, whateverwhichaway: ad, and now finds himself announced as little animacules that turn sugar to alcohol, Money!" But that's a little cramped, and standing, at stud, rather than his horse, in Lord love 'em, don't care a bit or a mite of course each word in each language carries letters an inch and a half high, and given whether it's corn mash or prickly pear pulp a ton of cultural information that may or the horse's ancestry to boot. I tell you, if they're in, much less whether it's Texas or may not be portable. Now, when Horace . 'you need examples of gross inaccuracies and Tennessee! So: speaks of the moon shining amid the lesser felonious assaults on the printed tongue for "At that time, Dobie was about the age fires, speaking of which . . .' your English classes, look no further. Why, I am now, and I was the age you are now, "Our literary notable had by that time and you were not even a lecherous thought put away the better part of a pint of such yet. I met the man here, in this very cafe. as would make pure grain alcohol kneel and He was asking after local tales and legends do homage. My attempts to keep up with Tom McClellan vvrites a regular column for and they referred him to me. I have a perfect him had left my tongue stuck to the roof the Observer. He lives in Dallas. memory, you see; anything I hear, I can of my mouth, as the man says, but Dobie's 16 JUNE 2, 1989

loquacity was unimpaired, as was his isn't flexible enough to do that. So, heaven les moeurs les plus douces; "with the coordination. He reached himself the jar, help the translator, he's got a tough job.' sweetest manners, and he come by 'em swirled and sniffed the contents, tasted, "Well, let me tell you, young fellow: I natural." Sa phisionomie announcait son smacked his lips, and went on. was stunned by a great deal more than cactus ame: "His face announced his soul"? Let's 'It was Horace's particular excellence juice at that point. How anybody could talk just say the boy looked a lot like what was to make words do precisely what he wanted thataway with the air turned to a sort of on his mind. them to: like, sesquipedalia verba, means clear liquid and the light gone funny in it ". 'Turns out in the next sentence his head "Foot-'n-a-half-long words." And by the . . . just plain and downright amazing. You is screwed on straight, but it's less compli- time you fight your way through six can believe I was welded to the couch. cated than a bowling ball. The story teller syllables worth of adjective, you're as fed "Dobie just sat there a-sippin' and a a- figures that's why they called the kid candid, up with sesquipedalians as the writer was. rockin' and a-starin' at that little book. or maybe a trifle candied. Say, this stuff Exsors ipsa secundi: he's talking about being Pretty soon he says, 'Say, I don't know does have a kick to it„' a whetstone for others' wits, having no French from frijoles, but I'll swear I. can "And the next thing out of his mouth was cutting edge himself, you see; but you can just about make sense of this. a thunderous snore. Jove himself, laid out hear steel strop against stone in the original. " y avait en Westphalie: "There was by ambrosia. There, my lad, there was a No way to get that into English. "The moon once, in West Failure" (That's over by East greatness unshaven and a stature unbathed, amid lesser fires"; that's worse yet: right Failure) dans le chateau de baron de the like of which you won't see again any after fires, ignis, he drops the moon, luna, Thunder ten tronckh: "livin' at Rich time soon. And that man, mark well, that then.the modifier, minores, so that the moon Oldfart's place" . . . un jeune garcon: "a man did not for an instant doubt my is indeed among lesser fires; but English kid, male" . .. a qui la nature avait donne veracity. 0

BOOKS & THE CULTURE Lost Generations BY MICHAEL KING GHOST DANCING an attempted bombing of a Wisconsin America. By James Magnuson munitions plant. Gage himself had always been a political New York: Doubleday, 1989 At the time, the newspapers had made skeptic; he and Peter had bitter arguments 212' pages, $17.95 much a Peter's famous father, and the over American culpability for the oppression ... , . . , presumed connection between Gage's Peter saw while 'working as a volunteer F IT'S A WISE son who knows his own violent aesthetic and the violent death of his among peasants in Guatemala. What was father,. it's a wiser father who son. Peter was ,seen as an example of the for Peter evidence of American exploitation understands his, son. That is the reckless irresponsibility of the student was for his father only confirmation of I human nature. In his words: "I'll tell' you emotionally charged paradigm at the center movement, and his father's films as a of James Magnuson'.s novel Ghost Dancing, symptom and cause of the social decay that what I think. It's not America that's the which uses one father-son story to tell, the spawned the movement. Gage had wanted problem. It's .not Johnson or capitalism or tale of an. American generation, and to to reject such easy comparisons, but is no the system you keep' talking about. *The reconsider, in the light of that story, a good longer sure of himself, and has mixed problem is, man is 'a killer. He's never been deal of contemporary history. In a book that emotions about the current revival of his anything else. Bottom line. And, none of moves as quickly and effortlessly as a work — he wishes he could prevent his your do-gooder.schemes for land reform are detective novel,. Magnuson has engendered young daughter from ever seeing his going to touch that." Much of the structure a contemporary political drama of surprising movies. of the book is devoted . to dramatizing that power and implication. After 17 years, Gage believes that he has argument about the "system" vs. "human an novel's protagonist is Jeremiah Gage, come to terms with the death of his son, nature,' and it is a debate woven into the fabric of the tale, never simply obtrusive an American film director . who . seems when something happens that reawakens his lOosely. modeled upon Sam peckinpah — he anguish. A local priest, active in the Central as a system of ideas. Within this larger has speCialiied in vividly bloody Westerns, American sanctuary movement, has been theater of history is a more directly immediate family drama, more emotionally One. . of .which Stanley Kauffman had once found murdered, and in his possession was described, .as "a savage masterpiece from .an, old newspaper with Peter's photograph, wrenching' for Gage than politics. Peter is the master of cinematic violence." The the face scratched out. At first uncertainly, Gage's son by his first wife, Nina Friedman, novel opens in 1987, in New Mexico,, where and then with increasing desperation, Gage who slowly broke down after the death of Gage is Jiving. .He has not made films in begins searching for news of his son, feeling her atomic scientist father, himself a victim some time, essentially since the his way among the drifters and runaways of red-baiting witch-hunts. Peter, only a boy disappearance and presumed death of his who had settled in New Mexico during and when his parents divorced, had always college-student son, Peter. Peter had gone after the '60s — what one cop refers to as blamed Gage for what he saw as his father's underground in 1969, shortly before, his "Aquarian trash." . abandonment of his mother when she needed scheduled trial for assaulting . a Madison, It becomes increasingly evident that Peter him most. Gage had felt both guilty and Wisconsin, Policeman during a student may still be alive and in hiding somewhere unable to do anything else — the most demonstration; in May of 1970, he was near Santa Fe. Moreover, the upheavals and powerful sections of the novel describe apparently one of three people killed during political conflicts which sent him into flight Nina's deterioration, and Gage's have not ended — only the main theater has helplessness before it. Michael King is a writer living in Houston. changed, from. Southeast Asia to Central This private history slowly and inevitably THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 17 converges with the novel's public history. Magnuson comes to no conclusions, but one ancestors, Crazy Horse or John Brown or Nat Gage relentlessly pursues clues of his son's suspects that if Gage makes any more films, Turner, who would somehow render them possible survival and present whereabouts, they will be rooted in a reality that is not impervious to the bullets of their enemies. following a maze that leads through old only the stuff of empty nightmares. By the time his search has ended, Gage's dreams of liberation, the marginally By the end of Ghost Dancing, it becomes life has become a kind of ghost-dancing, surviving remnant of a new lost generation, apparent that the world that spits forth and yet the spirits he calls upon cannot render and finally into the new political then devours political refugees is the same him, his son, or any of the rest of us underground of Central American refugees, world that so often tears middle-class impervious to the bullets of our enemies. their protectors and exploiters. Magnuson's families asunder, all swirling together in a The novel ends in an ambivalent suspension "detective" is discovering much more than vortex of social desperation. Gage had lost between triumph and desolation: Gage's he was originally looking for — and his son because of political history that he quest has been successful, yet Peter, his whatever else happens, the son that Gage refused to acknowledge was real. In the family, and everything he holds dear remain finds will not be the son he lost. novel's controlling metaphor, he had looked at terrible risk. A father and son are Jeremiah and Peter are not the only uncomprehending at the anti-war protestors: reunited, and yet Magnuson is aware that father-son pair under Magnuson's attention. He knew it was nothing but a sideshow, the international war that initially broke Early on, Gage meets a cop who lost a son them apart has not really ended. Until it in the war that Peter refused to fight. Among he knew where the real violence was coming from it was from those reasonable-sounding has, to sustain a family in an age of cruelty, the refugees is a family of Guatemalan politicians who talked law and order and economic and political oppression, and peasants, in flight from the outrages of rubberstamped the daily bombing runs, but casual state terrorism, will remain an act dictatorship in their homeland. Almost mute when he saw those children's faces glistening of extraordinary diligence and courage. victims in Magnuson's universe — they with blood it filled him with rage and terror. Magnuson has succeeded admirably in speak not even Spanish, but a mountain It wasn't even that what they were doing was weaving together a singular family drama dialect that sounds to Gage's ear something that new; it seemed to him a kind of ghost with the unacknowledged history of his like Chinese — they are a father, a mother, dancing; a mad, messianic summoning up of time. and a boy, hidden among the many ❑ thousands in flight all around us. The boy, in an acute authorial touch, is literally speechless — he has not spoken a word since the day he watched his mother tortured nearly to death by soldiers while his father, The Anecdotal helpless, could do nothing. The parallels are never forced by Magnuson, but it slowly becomes clear that the family tale of Gage, Peter, and Nina, though in another world Speaker and on another level, echoes that of these destitute immigrants. The political pressures that had destroyed BY TOM McCLELLAN Nina's father and Nina in turn, were incomprehensible to Gage, for whom life REFLECTIONS OF A PUBLIC MAN vicissitudes in which those words need to be was a practical matter, and principles a form By Jim Wright remembered. Sometimes, to my regret, I of intellectual hypocrisy. "Gage didn't Fort Worth: Madison Publishing Co., 1984 haven't. believe in principles," writes Magnuson. 117 pages, $5.95 (paper) Whether one finds the irony of that "He really didn't believe in anything he passage delicious or poignant depends upon couldn't see. He was the ultimate show-me PEAKER of the House Jim Wright's one's sympathies. It is not possible to guy." That is of course his strength as a Reflections of a Public Man includes consider Jim Wright's book apart from its filmmaker; for most of us, nightmares are S many stories about his father; one current political context. At the time this to be forgotten or analyzed away, but Gage centers on his Dad's gift to him for his high article was written — one month ago in the the artist transformed them into the visible school graduation, a pocket watch with an reader's rearview mirror — many headlines world. As Magnuson describes it: inscription in the back: have been spilled over what the Malightco Gage was no philosopher, he just wanted Lead us not into temptation company said was a perfectly legit awl people's attention. He figured out early that but deliver us from evil. bidness deal — now under investigation by the trick of keeping their attention was to take the IRS — and Speaker Wright is his most violent dreams, his most disturbing The Congressman relates that his father remembered by The Public as the guy who nightmares, and work them into pictures, uncharacteristically exacted a promise — wanted to ram through a Federal (perceived shadows, images. A poet of violence, one and the wafer-thin $50 watch was no mean as Congressional) pay hike against Their critic had called him. Maybe he was a poet gift in the days of the Great Depression — Will. Moreover, editorial ink has painted and maybe he wasn't; but he made them look. that his son would not look to the time the Speaker with culpability in the without recalling the inscription. "What a bank/thrift fiasco, and word on the street Gage had also denied any reality to his relentless admonition for a clock!" remarks son's political idealism and activism, has it that House Majority Leader Foley is the author, then goes on to tell how the warming up back stage. ascribing instead all oppression to "human message of the watch followed him through nature," by definition unredeemable. Events Given also that this slender volume is part college and the war, and into his career in of the Speaker's problem, the reviewer is will force Gage to look beyond the surface the U.S. House of Representatives. of things to at least the possibility of inclined to find a parallel between Dad transformation. Gage had wanted only to Most of a lifetime has passed since I Wright's moral cautions inscribed in the save his son. As things turn out, he and received the present from my father. I have watch, and Daedalus's warning to Icarus not Peter are caught up in the desolate struggle learned that its message is not only for the to fly too high too long, lest the wax melt. of the political refugees, and only their wits, very young. Always — on the street or at a The gent who loaned me his copy, given each other, and the ancient spirits of the desk or in the Halls of Congress — there are him at a Union gathering at which the New Mexican earth, can save them. Speaker spoke, regards it as a collector's Tom McClellan is a writer living in Dallas. item in which I am not to scribble reflections 18 • JUNE 2, 1989

of my own, though the publisher has . . . and one must bear the occasion in mind, selfishness and evil, and to see that none of provided plenty of white space for and the orator's undoubted sincerity, to keep His creatures are mistreated. interlineations and marginalia. He claimed from adding: One might be tempted to some arch to have read it in an hour and a half and Few have trusted adverbs so blindly. sarcasms, due to the current circumstances; reported that it was a great deal like Aesop's Rhetorical rolls and flourishes aside, still. there is no odor of insincerity coming Fables "without the stories though, just the though, Wright at his best is simple, direct, from the words or the way they're put morals." and well worth reading: I don't believe that summary is quite fair; together. the book has a good many stories, such as I take quite literally the injunction to love One hopes that when the American people a thumbnail sketch from Churchill's life to one another. I think God intends for us mortal serve as Wright's final jury, they will aim creatures to patch up our differences, to banish illustrate that politicians need time to reflect: at the same moral target.

Churchill was in no haste to return to England and assume the prime ministry. He was in the French countryside painting canvasses. Who can say that the waves upon the beach or the breezes through the French lilac trees did not subliminally return in the TEXAS IN rolling phrases and the lilting thoughts which TRANSLATION inspired the English-speaking world to its own salvation? Jeff Danziger's Amended Map of Across the page from that is an anecdote Texas, a special 10" x 15" from Wright's experience as mayor of Observer mini-poster is available Weatherford. One night he received a phone for $5.00. To order, send call from a lady complaining of boys shooting birds with their air rifles, followed your name, address and check to: by a woman on the other end of town The Texas Observer phoning to ask the city's help in ridding her Poster Sales house of sparrows nesting in the eaves. He 307 West 7th transported the boys to the house with the bird problem. "Ever since that time," Austin, Texas 78701 Wright says in closing, "I have yearned for some set of problems amenable to that kind of direct action. You don't find these opportunities in the U.S. Congress." There is also a brief biography of Sam Houston with emphasis on Houston's censure by the House of Representatives in 1832 — but the reader has sufficient proof of the book's narrative content and manly style.

HE BOOK FAILS, if it fails, in passages taken from what is clearly THE TEXAS OBSERVER T-SHIRT T oratory rather than writing. To open a discourse with the chummy invitation, "Let's think a minute about the human Wear your allegiance on your chest! For only race," is not a risky rhetorical strategy for $8.50 you get a quality 100% cotton shirt an orator, who will not give his listener the with the Observer logo on the front. In gray promised minute; but the reader just may with blue logo or blue with white logo. Sizes demand that minute to ponder the human etjer run large and shirts are pre-shrunk. race, its not going always to the swiftest or the most grandiose, before returning to the text. SIZES S M L X-L Similarly, one finishes a passage from Wright's "Funeral Elegy of Wright GRAY Patman:" Few if any of our time or of our memory ROYAL have followed their convictions so BLUE undeviatingly .. . Few so unflinchingly have fought their fight and kept their faith. NAME Few if any have served the humblest of their fellow creatures so untiringly. ADDRESS Few have given of themselves so unsparingly. Few have dreamed the impossible dream CITY STATE ZIP so determinedly, resisted invincible foes so To order, complete this form and send it with your payment to: joyously, handled life's disappointments so TEXAS OBSERVER T-SHIRTS gracefully, and preserved their basic ideals so 307 W. 7th, Austin, Texas 78701 uncompromisingly through a lifetime.

THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 19 Campaign Finance: More on the "Big Money"

This is the second part of a continuing series on the campaign finances of members of the Texas Legislature. Listed below are the larger campaign contributions reported in 1988 by selected committee chairs in the House; the information is drawn from reports filed with the Secretary of State's office. In the last issue, we selected representatives who were opposed in 1988. In this issue we continue where we left off, with reports on Buzz Robnett, Ashley Smith, Terra! Smith, and Brad Wright, all of whom were opposed in 1988. We then proceed with reports on other committee chairmen whose profiles we have completed. To save space, cities have been abbreviated thus: A=Austin; D=Dallas; FW=Fort Worth; H=Houston. The complete profile of each member includes biographical and background information, personal and campaign finances, a summary of legislative activity, a voting record for key issues, and

a brief demographic profile of the member's district. If you would like more information about PPIF , please fill out and return the coupon printed below.

BUZZ ROBNETT, R—LUBBOCK Cmte. on Political Education water resources, including the (DISTRICT 82) (Amarillo); Tx. Bell Employees PAC taking, storing, control, and use of Chair ofRetirement and Aging, (D); GTE S.W. State PAC (San all water in the state, and its which has jurisdiction over aging Angelo); Auto Dealers PAC (A); Tx. appropriation and allocation;- all and the development of programs Pawnbrokers Assn. PAC (Killeen); aspects of irrigation and irrigation affecting senior citizens; nursing Hughes Interest (A). companies; the development and homes and their regulation; preservation of forests, and the benefits or participation in bene- ASHLEY SMITH, R—HOUSTON regulation and promotion of the fits of a public retirement system (DISTRICT 136) lumber industry; the creation, and the financial obligations of a Chair ofFinancial Institutions, modification, and regulation of all public retirement system. Also a which has jurisdiction over all organs of local government dealing member of the Financial Institu- matters pertaining to banking and with water and water supply. Also tions Cmte. the state banking system; savings a member of the State Affairs Contributors of $1,000: Houston and loan associations; credit Cmte. Industries PAC; Tx. Building unions; the lending of money. Contributors of $2,500: Higher Branch— Associated General Also a member of the Government Education Leg. PAC (D); Bradley Contractors PAC (A); Tx. Better Organization Cmte. Development, The Castle (A). Govt. Fund (A); Savings & Loan Contributor of $2,000: Bob J. Contributors of $1,000: Tx. PAC (A). Perry (H). Rural Water Assoc. (A); Verne Contributor of $750: Mesa Contributors of $1,000: Tx. J. Phillips (A); Tx. Dental Assoc., Petroleum Co. PAC (Amarillo). Dentists PAC (A); Ralph Thomas PAC (A); Tx. Amoco PAC (H); Terry Contributors of $500: Tx. Hull (H); T.P.Hull, Jr. (H); The L. Young (A); Tx. Assn. of Private Cemeteries PAC (FW); Bankers Acme Fund - Baker & Botts (H); Schools PAC (A); Tx. and South- Legislative League of Tx. (A); Tx. Robt. J. Crulkshan.k (H); Daniel K. western Cattle Raisers PAC (FW); Dental Assn. PAC; Energas Co. Hedges (H); SW Public Affairs Travis Co. Chiropractic PAC (A). PAC (D); Tx. Society of CPA's PAC Cmte (H); Tx. Good Govt. Fund (D); McLane PAC (Temple); Tx. (H); Autopac Auto Dealers (A); BRAD WRIGHT, R—HOUSTON- Utilities Electric Co. Employee Johnny Baker (H); Mrs. W.H. . (DISTRICT 134) PAC (D); Tx. Utilities PAC (D); Keenan (H); N.R.A. Political Victory Chairbf Public Health, which Credit Union PAC; Southwestern Fund (Washington, D.C.); Tx. Real has jurisdiction over the protec- Estate PAC (A); Bankers Legisla- tion of public health, including r •-• IM.1 M. For More Information About the eve League of Tx. (A); Tx. & supervision and control of the Southwest Cattle Raisers PAC practice of medicine and dentistry PP1F Member Profiles - (FW); Mrs. W.H. Keenan (H); and other allied health services; I Complete and return to: Johnny Baker (H); Houston mental health and mental retarda- I Sarah Searcy, Profiles Editor Industries PAC. tion; the prevention and treatment 1 1205 Nueces of mental illness and mental 1 Austin, Tx 78701 TERRAL SMITH, R—AUSTIN retardation. Also a member of the (DISTRICT 48) Transportation Cmte. ! Name Chair of Natural Resources, Contributor of $17,000: Tx. ' which has jurisdiction over the Med. Assn. PAC (A). I Address conservation of the natural Contributor of $6,000: Tx. I resources of Texas; the control Dentists PAC (A). !City, State, Zip INIII RIM MEI MINI .J and development of land and Contributor of $2,000: Hospital, A Public Service Report from the Public Policy Information Fund

20 • JUNE 2, 1989 PAC (A). Contributors of $1,000: Conservation Assn.-A). lame, Linebarger, & Graham—A); Houston Industries PAC; Tx. Gulf Contributors of $1.000: Bill Gary Anderson (Dc. Hospital Assn', Coast Conservation Assn. (SPORT- Harrison (w/ Heard, Goggan, PAC); Marshall Tyndall Tx. Com- PAC, A); FS-PAC (Tx. Funeral Blair, & Harrison- H); Janice. merce PAC); Herb Kelleher— D; Directors Assn., A); Houston Cartwright (Tx. Good Govt. Fund- Roy Orr— De Soto; Robt. Baldwin, Chapter CPA/PAC; Kitty Beard A); Jim Blair- H; Julio Laguarta III—A; Clint Smith (AT&T PAC); (H); Bankers Legislative League of (Tx. Real Estate PAC-A); H. Ross David Armbrust (Armbrust & Tx. (A); Mesa Petroleum Co. PAC Perot- D; Jack Gullahorn (Gulf Brown—A); Dennis S. Gillmore

(Amarillo); Tx. and SW Cattle Coast Conservation Assn.- A); Bill (Energas Co. PAC — D); Danny

Raisers PAC (FW); Eagle PAC (SW Abbington (Tx. Energy PAC- D); Burger — A; Loretta Patschke (Tx. Distributors, Inc., H); Marilyn Tom Hagan & Dick Cory (Central Soc. of CPA's PAC— D); Ernest Sackett (H). & SW PAC- D); Jack L. Davis (Tx. Stromberger (PAC of Independent. Utilities Electric Co. - Tx. Power & Insurance Agents of Dc.); Gaylord STAN SCHLUETER, D-KILLEEN Light Div. Employees PAC- D); Amrstrong (McGinnis, Lockridge & (District 54) Gunter Koetter (Lockwood, An- Kilgore-A); Bill Arnold (Ca- Chair of Calendars, which has drews, & Newman PAC- H); Joe blepac-A); Howard Rose (Brown, jurisdiction over the assign- Bailey (Fund for Effective Govt.- Maroney,'Rose, Barber & Dye- A); ment of bills and resolutions to H); James Dannenbaum- H; Joe Bob Johnson- A; Lyle A. appropriate calendars. Also a Allen (Enron PAC- H); Ned Johansen (Tx. Assn. of Builders member of the Govt. Organiza- Holmes- H; Fred Davenport PAC-A); Ed Howard & Rayford tion and Ways and Means (Houston Industries PAC); W.L. Price- Texarkana; Carol L. Cmtes. (Note: Schlueter does not Medford (First City Bancorp. McDonald- A; Laurie Fensternaker accept contributions from PACs, PAC- H); Drayton McLane, Jr. (Akin,Gump, Strauss, Hauer, & but does accept them from indi- (McLane PAC-Temple): Frank Feld Tx. Civic Action Cmte.-A); viduals associated with PACs;thus Thompson (Brownbuilders PAC- Wales Madden, Jr. (Mesa Petro. the PACs with which contributors H); James D. Pitcock- H; J.S. Co. PAC—Amarillo); Dave Smith are associated have been included Blanton- H; Joe Ratcliff (Tx. (Life Insurance PAC); Steve Hacker for identification purposes only.) Architects Cmte. PAC); Wallace (Prof. Ins. Agents PAC — A); Tho- Contributors of $2,000: David Scott-A; Bob Sutton- George- mas Harrison (Tx. Dentist PAC Marwitz (Tx. Medical Assn); Gene town; Jay Sloan- Georgetown; A); Robt. J. Cruikshank — H; Pat Fondren (Auto Dealers PAC); Jim Grogan Lord- Georgetown; Don Cain—A; Dr. R. Crants (21st Reynolds (S&L PAC-A); Randy King (TSWCR PAC- FW); Dane Century Cmte.— Nashville, TN); Kildow (Tx. Real Estate PAC-, A); Harris (Tx. Assn. of Business W.J. Carlisle (Tx. Bell Employee Bill Milburn-A; Don Caveness PAC); Robt. Floyd (Tx. Motor Pac— D); Jim Sewell (Tx. AGC- (Tx. Bankers Assn. /Bankers Leg. Transportation Assn. PAC-A); PAC— A); Bill Coody— Weatherford; League of Tx.- A); James Leggett Terry Grabow-A; Ed Small Larry York (The Acme Fund— H); (Tx. Beverage Alliance-A). (SWCRPAC-A); Walter Fisher (Tx. . Jim Atchley (Transportation Pol. Contributor of $1,500: Laurie Municipal League-A); Russell T. Ed. League — A); Jim Shillingburg Fenstemaker (Tx. Gulf Coast Kelley- A; Russell Graham (Ca- (Marketers-PAC— A). • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••• • ••• fa • • • • • • • • • • i• • • • •.0 • What Is the Public Policy Information Fund? • The Public Policy Information Fund's purpose is to provide Texans facts about Congress and the Texas Legislature. • • PPIF is a non-profit, non-partisan research and education organization. It has no affiliation with the Texas Observer. • • • : Board of Directors • • Chairman: Dean John Gronouski, Dean Emeritus of the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs '°' • Secretary-Treasurer: Tyrus Fain, the Gerard Companies, Austin • Dee Simpson, Texas Political Ditector of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees • Frank Smith, Attorney, Boston • Carol Barger, Attorney, Dallas • Andrew Hernandez, President, Southwest Voter Research Institute, San Antonio • • p • Staff and Consultants • Tyrus Fain, Managing Director • Sarah Searcy, Profiles Editor • Kate Fain, Public Record Research Company, Consultant • Rebecca Lightsey, LighiNcy and Knisely, Consultant • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A Public Service Report from the Public Policy information Fund

THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 21 SOCIAL CAUSE CALENDAR

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION available from Dallas and Austin. Call CONFERENCE OBSERVANCES (214) 421-4082 or (512) 474-5877 for IN SAN ANTONIO June 1, 1843 • Former slave Sojourner further information. The Freedom of Information Foundation Truth begins abolitionist lecture tour.. of Texas holds its annual statewide June 2, 1924 • Native Americans 5K MARCH TO STOP conference on June 2 and 3 at the Hyatt declared citizens .by an act of Congress. POISONED GRAPES Regency on the Riverwalk in San June 4, 1966 • James Meredith, civil Cesar Chavez, founder and president of Antonio. U.S. District Judge William rights worker, shot in Mississippi. the United Farmworkers, will lead- a Wayne Justice of Tyler is scheduled as June 7, 1965 • Supreme Court holds that march on June 3 which begins at 10 a.m. one of several speakers.‘The conference, "right of privacy" covers use of contra- in Austin. Chavez is leading the national "Freedom of Information . . . A ceptives. • effort to 'unite consumers and People's Right," will discuss what June 12, 1982 • 800,000 rally for farmworkers in a fight against the use citizens need to know as participants in nuclear disarmament during U.N. Spe- of cancer-causing pesticides on table local, state, and national governmental cial. Session. grapes. For details and registration processes. For more information call June 13 1967 • Thurgood Marshall information call (512) 474-5010. (214) 977-6658. appointed as first black Supreme Court Justice. CESAR CHAVEZ SEIZE THE ALAMO June 14, 1943 • Supreme Court invali- IN SAN ANTONIO The Gay and Lesbian Kiss-In at the dates compulsory flag salute for school A reception honoring Cesar Chavez, Alamo is a demonstration to increase children. President and founder of the United Farm public awareness and to gain support to Workers of America, is scheduled for repeal the Texas statute that outlaws' Sunday, June 4, in San Antonio's La homosexual activity. The:kiss-in will be Antonio Extension School. Denise Villita Assembly Hall. The event starts June 11 at 1 p.m. Outside the Alamo in Chavez will also read from her recent at 6 p.m. and tickets are $25. Call (512) San Antonio. for further informatiOn call work, including short stories from The 474-5010 for more details. (512) 452-4188. - Last of the Menu Girls. This free reading will be Saturday, June 17 at 4:30 p.m. HIGHTOWER AND IVINS WRITERS WORKSHOP in the Guadalupe Theater. FOR FA RMWORK ERS AN p.READING Ag Commissioner Jim Hightower and Denise Chavei, a 1984 recipient of a SOWETO DAYS ACTION columnist Molly Ivins will be keynote Rockefeller playwriting grant, will lead A march and rally against apartheid will speakers at a UFW fundraiser and tribute a week-long slimmer Writers-in-residence commemorate the anniversary of the to migrant farmers Sunday, June 11 at playwriting and short: fiction workshop. uprising in Soweto, South Africa. The 6 p.m. at the Austin Opera House. The worksbopsiwill be June 13-16, from Saturday, June 17 day of action will be Tickets are $10. Call (512) 474-5010 for 6:30 to . 8:30: p.m:, at UNAM San held in Houston. Transportation will be further information.

DIALOGUE saw a single case of black discrimination was rushing from Galveston and it was with Comprehending other than "segregation" which was great relief that we saw them drive by the customary at the time throughout the South. building. We later heard that the insurgents Animal Welfare This article tends to have one believe that surrendered to them without further Re: Richard Ryan, "Fur-Fetched" (TO, the "whites" were 100 percent wrong and bloodshed. I can't see how anyone can call 2/21/89). This guy obviously has no moral the "blacks" 100 percent right. During these their "code of silence" honorable! An ethics and can't comprehend that other years I first sold newspapers at the corner honorable person accepts the blame for his people do — so he has to make up reasons of Main and Texas every day where I could actions. The logical cause of this suicidal why he thinks people are concerned about observe the public. I then worked for action was probably their objection to being animal welfare! "Foley's" where I also met the public. I sent overseas to almost certain death since Susan Roswold never did see a black person mistreated. WWI had begun. I can't blame them for Tacoma, Washington On the fateful night of August 1917, I not wanting to go even though I tried to was working on the second floor of the SP enlist in the Navy, as had my brother who Grand Central Station on Washington served several years on the USS Wyoming. WE PRINT Avenue in the train dispatcher's office where One of the most important points that OUR MAIL we had both telephone and telegraph these writers avoid mentioning is that the The Observer welcomes letters from communication systems. I can tell you that actions of both the rioters and their captors our readers. Please keep them short we were very frightened when we got word were military, as was the resulting trial in (100-300 words). Write to: that an armed body of black soldiers was San Antonio. The civilians of Houston just on a killing rampage from Camp Logan, suffered death or injury as the result of their "Dialogue" which at that time was considered far west actions. The Texas Observer of the city. W. C. Welz 307 West 7th St. We were advised that a military convoy Baytown Austin, TX 78701

22 • JUNE 2, 1989 AFTERWORD Diabolical Rumors BY LOUIS DUBOSE

Austin cult crimes that seems to have every other And as committee members sat bewil- OTHING IN THE CAPITOL ever mother's son doing something unusual with dered, the young man's intentions became happens but that it is anticipated a chicken? And though it does seem a bit clearer: by a wave of rumors. Such is the presumptuous to define God by statute, "Section two, at the bottom of page two, nature of the place where information is the surely someone on the Capitol rumor circuit says that this act will take effect on most important commodity traded. Here, the saw that coming, too, though none perhaps September 1, 1989," Kimbrell said. "That truth is not unlike a puzzle pieced together anticipated the blandly ecumenical nature of is just about the time that we finish rush by committee. On the elevator ride down the definition: " 'God' means the Being and pledges begin their three months of to the basement, one member of the perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness initiation. And we feel that that date and conference committee on TDA Sunset offers who is worshiped as the creator and ruler certain provisions are aimed at us — not up a bit of news. On the ride back up to of the universe." And Brown's definition so much the sororities as the fraternities. the second floor that same member's of Satan seems to be one that would stand "For example, on page two, Article. IV, legislative aide discusses her own interpreta- up in most Texas courts: " 'Satan' means Section H, defines as a criminal act the tion of the ongoing shuttle between the the antithesis of God, including the Prince quote-unquote ritualistic psychological Governor's office and the offices of House of .Darkness, Devil, chief evil spirit, Evil abuse of a person. Some judges might members unfortunate enough to be serving One, Beelzebub, fallen angel, Prince of interpret what we do to pledges as ritualistic on the TDA Sunset conference committee. Evil, and Lucifer, or any other name by psychological abuse. Out of the elevator and halfway around which he is called." Never mind that this "And there are other things that worry the rotunda is the red-bearded lobbyist from is playing fast and loose with the Separation us — and the attorney who sometimes the Farm Bureau — speaking loud enough Clause. How to recognize the players if you advises us. Article IV, Section C, outlaws that some of what he says is incorporated don't have a program? ritualistic animal mutilations, into an evolving version of this particular Nor was anyone surprised by the large dismemberments, or sacrifices, "E" out- morning's truth. Then, on , through the number of wholesome University of Texas laws ritualistic hanging, torturing; or. cruci- swarm of lobbyists outside the double students who filed in when the judiciary fying of animals on crosses, and on page double doors that separate legislators and committee convened in Reagan-103, shortly one, "B" makes the consumption of animal the real center of power. That swarm after the House adjourned on the afternoon blood or animal blood intermixed with urine includes the Department of Agriculture's of the penultimate Wednesday of the or feces illegal." lone lobbyist, huddled with agency bill session. Asked by Sweetwater Democrat Temple monitors and unwittingly providing yet It was not until UT Interfraternity Council Dickson if fraternity members engaged in another piece of the story. Vice President Biff Kimbrell rose to speak any of the activities proscribed by the bill, So the careful listener steps onto the floor that one of the few genuine surprises of the Kimbrell reminded the Senator that there of the House with the moment's complete 71st legislature began to be revealed. In that had not been a single death by hazing on story which is then subject to rigorous debate sort of steady and assured voice that only the University. of Texas campus this year. and amendment by the members of the press comes of experience in public speaking, "But Senator," Kimbrell said, "We recog- who most of the time are bored and waiting Kimbrell began: nize an anti-hazing bill when I see one." for something to happen. That this same "Chairman [Bob] McFarland, Vice As Montford gaveled the Greeks to order, process goes on in hundreds of Capitol Chairman Brown, members of the commit- Brown made a motion that his bill be tabled. offices suggests that every event will be tee. I thank you for the opportunity to speak There were no objections and as students predicted at least once before it occurs. And here this afternoon. Speaking on behalf of filed from the room, Washington joked with almost every prediction will be circulated. the Interfraternity Council and the Brown: "With proponents like that we don't So there are almost no surprises. Panhellenic Council, I can tell you that all need an opposition. These guys were more of our members are concerned about cults. effective than the ACLU." . ERE, THEN, IS ONE. Not that Most of us — well, except Sigma Alpha Washington, it was rumored, had three there was anything unanticipated Mu, a Jewish fraternity — are Christians Oblate priests who were going to argite in the genesis of this particular and all of us are really against Satanic Cults. against the bill. Several progressive lobby- H ists, who had staked out the back of the story which occurs in the far east wing of But I want to state our objections to this the Capitol in the offices of Senator J.E. bill." room, said the priests were opposed to "Buster" Brown of Lake Jackson. The Kimbrell was interrupted by Houston Article IV, Section A, which proscribed the surprise comes in the revelation — or Senator Craig Washington who asked if the consumption of human blood and Section perhaps moment of Epiphany — that Brown Interfraternity Council was testifying for or IV, Article I, which declared illegal experienced when his Satanic Cult Crimes against the bill. "If you're testifying in ritualistic cannibalism. . . Bill was laid out in committee in the Reagan opposition," Washington said, "then you "It's subtly anti-sacerdotal,"' an in-the- building — just north and west of the capitol. will have to wait until the bill's proponents know lefty lobbyist said. Who else but Brown, the man who two are heard." But as the session ends, and the Capitol years ago took to Christian Radio stations "Well," Kimbrell said, "we're for some rumor-machine runs full tilt, sometimes it's to promote his brief candidacy for attorney of it and against some of it." "You may hard to know who to believe. general, would draft a bill that seeks to put proceed," Committee Chair McFarland, R- You know? a stop to the growing number of Satanic Arlington, said. THE TEXAS OBSERVER • 23 This publication is available V. in microform from University Microfilms International. • \ Call toll-free 900-521-3044. Or mail inquiry to. University Microfilms International, 300 North Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor. MI 48106.

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