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Today’s Stories

COVID/VACCINE LUNACY is back in the news following yesterday’s SCOTUS ruling.

Upfront: Ken Paxton and TPPF played meaningful roles in this effort. Kudos.

While the invalidation of Biden’s OSHA power grab was welcome news, the ruling was another example of the court splitting the baby, losing credibility in the process.

Unfortunately, for too many Texans, the bully pulpit worked. Most companies, according to NPR, between 50 and 60 percent of large corporations used the announcement of the mandate as an invitation to execute the federal government’s wishes.

Rep. Matt Schafer quickly pointed out that Texas employees, especially healthcare workers, will be fired despite the ruling on the unconstitutional OSHA maneuver.

Don Huffines, not surprisingly, called for a special session to address the incumbent Governor’s shortcomings. This will remain a potent line of political attack until the incumbent Governor addresses the substantive issue.

Meanwhile, Austin, the state’s petri dish for terrible ideas, announced a requirement for businesses to post “COVID-mitigation measures” outside their entrances. While this measure is unlikely to survive a legal challenge, it’s another hassle for already beleaguered businesses.

Austin’s action underscores its lack of fear towards the incumbent governor as a political matter. But that’s not his most significant problem in the last 24 hours.

GREG ABBOTT continues to step on political rakes.

10 Hours of Sideshow Bob stepping on rakes - YouTube

The embattled governor’s latest setback is another report from Texas Scorecard detailing pay issues for National Guard members serving at the border. These issues, which the publication uncovered last year, remain unresolved. Democrats in the state’s congressional delegation, meanwhile, sound similar themes.

Abbott’s dilemma is the predictable consequence of trying to govern via. Fox News hits while delivering the substantive bare minimum (i.e., the Dave Carney playbook).

The logistics of deploying thousands of guard members are inherently complex. That’s not to argue against the policy, but it is to say that that sort of undertaking requires diligent oversight by the chief executive.

However, for Greg Abbott, that oversight is irrelevant if he can get booked on Tucker Carlson. Homer Simpson summarizes well Abbott’s attitude towards the daily drudgery of being Governor.

It’s all very Dewhurst-y. (AC)

DALLAS and FORT WORTH ISDs lost their Superintendents yesterday.

This is weird energy and another sign of rough times for socialized education. Bob Dylan said it best.

Meanwhile, Joe Straus is out with an op-ed imploring “public education supporters” to vote in the Republican primary. The aim is to have liberal Republicans and Democrats vote to remove conservative members of the legislature.

None of that is new, but calling on a washed-up politico to regurgitate stale talking points suggests the education lobby operates on autopilot as the plane hurtles toward a mountain.

Maintain pressure.

KEN PAXTON took time out of his already busy day (see first item) to sue Planned Parenthood.

Attorney General Ken Paxton @KenPaxtonTX

Planned Parenthood took advantage of Texans, violated medical standards, & lied. While they’re no longer a TX Medicaid provider, they still collected millions for their bloody biz. I’m suing to get that wrongly-syphoned money back for Texans and stand for life.

Paxton has made mistakes, both personal and political. Still, this case showcases his willingness to pursue meaningful lawsuits, a characteristic that can’t be attributed to his challengers. (AC)

Hit the Links

Granbury man arrested for seditious conspiracy

Biden is a failure

Nuclear fallout ignores state lines

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FRI brief 1.14.22