Opinion

It’s about immigrants and immigrants are not about drugs. We should stop confl ating the two issues. Immigrants are basically of two types – those fleeing danger in their homeland and seeking asylum in the US and those coming here for jobs or to reunite with their families. Virtually none of the immigrants are involved in drug dealing, and they tend to be the victims of human trafficking, not the perpetrators. Seeking asylum is a legal process consistent with international and US laws. Those seeking asylum are not “illegal” and should not be treated as such.

“Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” These words written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge came to my mind as I surveyed the water leak in Alpine on Christmas day. Water was flooding the parking lot of the U.S. Attorney’s Office next to the Federal Courthouse on Highway 118. It was everywhere, and it was certainly not fit for drinking. Unlike the abundance of water found in the ocean setting for Coleridge’s poem, we don’t have an overabundance of water in our area. Every drop wasted should be a concern for all of us.

“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” ― Gerard Way, American singer, songwriter, and comic book writer.

“All I know is what I read in the papers.”— Will Rogers. “Newspapers aren’t what they used to be,” I was challenged last week.

At Alpine ISD, one of our core goals is to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, while maintaining a positive campus culture. This is a goal we take incredibly seriously. However, it’s a priority that the state of Texas supports with their rhetoric, but not with their money.

Happy New Year Alpine. It is hard to believe that another year is winding down and 2022 is in the rear-view mirror.

“Big results require big ambitions.” — Heraclitus, ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher “Good afternoon, I hope you remember me from the early 1980s before I moved to Hemphill,” the message in my inbox from Gary Stewart began. “You were a helpful boss and advocate, and I appreciated your advice.” “Certainly, I remember you,” I responded as soon as I saw Gary’s words.

Ride for the Brand For those who may have missed it last week, the PRCA National Finals rodeo was last week in Las Vegas. Sul Ross had 3 current or former members of the SR Rodeo team qualified and participating in the finals.

“They err, who thinks Santa Claus comes down through the chimney; he really enters through the heart.” — Paul M. Ell Santa Claus is real.

In my meeting with Alpine City Manager on Dec. 12, we reviewed problems I’ve had with the Water Department meter readings and inaccurate billing. She acknowledged I had been overcharged by 7,000 gallons in November. She was unable to say when I would receive the credit and unable to assure me the December billing would be accurate.