William Dietrich has been named the new port director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville by the Brownsville Navigation District Board of commissioners.
The board held the unanimous vote at its Aug. 7 meeting. The board had named Dietrich, the port’s police chief since July 2022, interim port director in December. He succeeds Eduardo Campirano, who stepped down Dec. 31 after serving as port director for 16 years. Dietrich is the ninth port director in the entity’s 88-year history.
“I would like to congratulate Mr. Dietrich and commend him on the progress happening at the Port of Brownsville,” said BND Chairman Esteban Guerra. “The unprecedented achievements at the port in recent years have positioned us for continued success. I am certain under Mr. Dietrich’s leadership the port will advance as a beacon of prosperity for the future.”
Dietrich worked for the Brownsville Police Department for 26 years before joining the port as police chief. He was part of BPD’s uniformed services command, investigative services command, special investigations unit and hazardous devices unit before retiring as commander in 2022.
Dietrich is a U.S. Army veteran and graduate of the Canadian Police College who holds a bachelor’s degree in science from what is now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a master’s degree in leadership from Western Governor’s University.
“I am honored to continue serving the Port of Brownsville and would like to thank our (BND) Board of Commissioners for their confidence,” he said. “Alongside our port staff and under the guidance of the BND Board we will continue to carry out the port’s mission to bring economic opportunities for the benefit of our communities.”
The largest land-owning public port authority in the nation, the Port of Brownsville encompasses 40,000 acres and is the only deep-water seaport directly on the U.S.-Mexico border. It handles more steel bound for Mexico than any other U.S. port and is a major hub for ship recycling and shipbuilding.
In 2022, the port’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ No. 62), maintained its spot as the second highest ranking FTZ in the country in exported commodities, according to the FTZ Board. More than $8.2 billion in exported goods moved through the port that year. FTZ No. 62 has been ranked among the top FTZ’s in the United States — there are 193 of them — since 2012.
A jury has been selected for one of three suspects in the child abuse death of a Sebastian teen who allegedly was starved and abused.
Cameron County court records indicate the jury was selected Monday for 39-year-old Ruben Gonzalez Cordoba.
He is charged in a 10-count indictment with his girlfriend, 33-year-old Sabrina Loredo — the child’s mother — and Antonia Gonzalez, 56, the child’s grandmother.
They are charged with murder, aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury-family violence, injury to a child and engaging in organized criminal activity.
The 14-year-old child was allegedly killed by his family on Jan. 23, 2021, in Willacy County.
All three cases were moved to Cameron County from Willacy County.
An initial call to the sheriff’s office came from Valley Baptist Medical Center personnel about the “possible sexual assault of a child, male,” the sheriff’s social media site reported at the time.
Willacy County Sheriff Joe Salazar’s office then began an investigation.
The 10-count indictment against each of the Sebastian family members lists numerous alleged offenses including murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, injury to a child, family violence, engaging in organized criminal activity, also not providing the boy enough to eat or drink, not providing medical attention, cutting him, slicing him, striking, kicking, burning, puncturing, scratching, offensively touching him with a belt or bow and arrow or unknown object, exposing him to injury from other people and animals, forcing him to perform manual labor, applying pressure to his body, allowing him to be assaulted and concealing him from anyone who might render emergency assistance.
Texas A&M Yell Leaders Grayson Poage, Jake Carter and Josiah Brantley lead a yell during a freshman camp for students to embrace Aggie traditions at the Texas A&M McAllen campus Monday Aug. 12, 2024, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])
The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center in McAllen on Monday kicked of its annual Howdy Week.
The event ushered in a weeklong student orientation program, with the Passionate Aggies Leading McAllen (PALM) Camp.
“PALM Camp is a student-led interactive experience for newly enrolled students to learn the traditions and values of Texas A&M University and build meaningful connections with peers,” Texas A&M said in a news release.
Camp attendees will practice yells and sons with Yell Leaders and meet the university’s mascot, Reveille X.
“After PALM Camp, the week continues with a series of informational sessions on campus designed to prepare students for a successful first year in Aggieland,” the release stated.
The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center is in its seventh year in McAllen as the university continues to invest in the Rio Grande Valley.
In January, officials broke found on the Texas A&M Health Nursing Education and Research Building, inching the Rio Grande Valley closer to recruiting, educating and producing more medical experts amid a shortage of helpers.
Texas A&M over the last few years has also announced new degrees and programs available for Valley students.
Texas A&M center in McAllen hosted their own version of a freshman camp for students to embrace Aggie traditions with a special appearance from College Station Yell Leaders and the mascot, Reveille, on Monday Aug. 12, 2024, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Reveille, the Texas A&M mascot, makes an appearance at the Texas A&M McAllen campus during a freshman camp for students to embrace Aggie traditions on Monday Aug. 12, 2024, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Texas A&M center in McAllen hosted their own version of a freshman camp for students to embrace Aggie traditions with a special appearance from College Station Yell Leaders and the mascot, Reveille, on Monday Aug. 12, 2024, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Texas A&M Yell Leaders Josiah Brantley and Jake Carter lead a cheer during a freshman camp for students to embrace Aggie traditions at the Texas A&M McAllen campus Monday Aug. 12, 2024, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Texas A&M Yell Leaders Grayson Poage, Jake Carter and Josiah Brantley lead a yell during a freshman camp for students to embrace Aggie traditions at the Texas A&M McAllen campus Monday Aug. 12, 2024, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])
The San Benito High School band practices during Summer Band Camp on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (Travis Whitehead | Valley Morning Star)
Sergio Velazquez, 17, performs his solo on the alto sax for the San Benito High School band during Summer Band Camp on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (Travis Whitehead | Valley Morning Star)
SAN BENITO — The glistening and the shining and the singing heralded the imminent arrival of a newness arising from the old.
The alto saxophone sang from the energy and the passion of one Sergio Velazquez as he practiced last Wednesday with the San Benito High School Band.
It’s Summer Band Camp and the Greyhound band has taken to the field in the afternoon to practice steps, movements, and the sounds of this year’s show “inSPIREd”.
“I like the show because I get to play at the start,” said Sergio, 17, a senior who actually gets to perform a solo as does Tanya Serna, who has a solo performance with the color guard.
The young women in the color guard moved in finely choreographed performances with their flags rippling in flashes of red and gold, those colors emboldened by the strong afternoon sun.
“Actually, I am really enjoy it,” said Tanya, 17, a senior.
“It gives me a sense of confidence that I got selected for it, that I’m good enough at it,” Tanya said. “I have learned a lot about myself in my four years in band.”
This show stands out for many reasons. Recall that the music in the show of the Harlingen High School Band is a mix of three pieces by three different artists from different time periods beginning in the late 1800s and continuing through 1988 until just recently.
The Greyhound show, on the other hand, is a mix of several songs from different albums of the same band, Muse, an English rock band formed in 1994. The word muse refers to a figure in Greek Mythology which inspires artistic creativity, thus the name of the Greyhound band’s show, “inSPIREd,” Dayri Mendoza, director of bands for San Benito Independent School District, said.
“One thing that is going to be different from other shows is that we are going to be using three-dimensional shapes on the field,” Mendoza.
Emma Aguilar, 16, drum major, directs the San Benito High School Greyhound band during Summer Band Camp on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (Travis Whitehead | Valley Morning Star)
Those “three-dimensional shapes” will be tall spires around which the band will march.
“Visually it’s going to be a lot different, because the past few years the trend has been to use two-dimensional props,” Mendoza said. “It’s going to allow us to use the space in a different way when we are moving around.”
The band members seemed to enjoy the uniqueness and the freshness and the innovation of this year’s show.
“It’s pretty intense,” said Emma Aguilar, 16, a senior and a trombone player who is serving as drum major.
“I like the show because how it incorporates spires into the field,” she said. “It’s going smoothly and it’s positive so far.”
Samwisdom Sok, 17, also liked the show and the progress of the practice. He often goes by Sam for short.
“I really enjoy the show especially because I feel like every year it gets better and better, better equipment,” said Sam, a senior.
Sam plays tuba but this year for the first time ever he’s a drum major. The other drum majors have previous experience in that role.
“I feel like it’s somewhat of a challenge, but I think I’m up to par with them,” he said.
A few minutes later, he and Emma both were on platforms directing the Greyhound band as it prepared for the fall season of the 2024-2025 school year.
The Cameron County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting in Brownsville stemming from a drug robbery.
The sheriff’s office said on Facebook that deputies responded to Katarina and Florencia avenues on Saturday in reference to a man who had been shot multiple times, including a wound to his neck.
“Investigators learned that the victim was conducting a narcotics deal when the suspect demanded the victim give him the money and the narcotics,” the Facebook post stated. “The victim attempted to calm the suspect down but was consequently shot in the back.”
On Sunday, investigators canvassing the neighborhood obtained surveillance footage showing the suspect leaving the scene.
They identified him as Angel Sanchez, who lives in the vicinity of where the murder occurred, the sheriff’s office said.
“Sheriff’s investigators approached Sanchez’s residence and saw him setting fire to clothing,” the post stated. “Sheriff’s Investigators detained Sanchez and secured the clothing that he set on fire.”
The sheriff’s office said Sanchez confessed to the shooting and to burning the clothing he was wearing at the time of the shooting to impede the investigation.
Authorities did not immediately identify the victim.
Sanchez is charged with murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
A rabbit forages along the walking path during a break in the rain showers Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald)
The Season of Creation is an ecumenical monthlong moment of prayerful reflection and celebration that began several years ago and calls us to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion and commitment together. During this season we join together as sisters and brothers of a universal family in prayer and action to renew our appreciation, our commitment and our care and activities to protect and bring new life to Mother Earth, our Common Home, as we thank our loving God for the beautiful gift of all creation.
The theme for this Season of Creation is “To Hope and Act with Creation,” and it is also the theme designated by Pope Francis for the World Day of Prayer of Creation, which takes place on Sept. 1, the first day of the annual Season of Creation, which will end on Oct. 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the patron saint of ecology and is beloved by many Christian and other denominations. Pope Francis in the statement Laudato Si calls Mother Earth, our Common Home, that we will pass on to the next generations. Pope Francis’ World Day of Prayer focuses on thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for the beautiful gift of all of creation, and asking God’s continuing blessings on this wonderful gift.
The Laudato Si Movement points out that in accord with this year’s theme of hope, the symbol is the first fruits of hope inspired by Romans 8:19-25, which is to produce new life. The biblical image pictures the Earth as a mother groaning as in childbirth (Romans 8:22). Saint Francis understood this when he referred often to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures. In so many ways the present moment we live sadly shows that we are not fully relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator but most often as a resource to be used selfishly and not to protect, enrich and renew this wonderful gift. “Creation is groaning” because of our selfishness and our unsustainable actions that harm her.
What can we do to show our respect for all of Creation, and work together to renew the face of Mother Earth? Catholic Climate Covenant proposes a practical, pastoral and spiritual way for each one individually, as a family or as a community or parish to participate in the Season of Creation. Individuals and communities are invited to participate through prayer, sustainability projects and advocacy.
Prayer: Host an ecumenical prayer gathering that unites all Christians s for the Care of our Common Home. One option is to host an interactive Feast of Saint Francis program.
Sustainability: Lead a clean-up or carbon reduction project that helps all of Creation thrive, such as improving energy efficiency.
Advocacy: Raise our voices in civic, church, political and social forums for climate justice by participating in or leading an ongoing campaign that supports our Common Home.
The Catholic Climate Covenant also mentions that some dioceses and parishes are celebrating the Season of Creation with a special Mass – a “Mass for Creation,” sometimes called a “Green Mass.” The Mass for Creation is chosen to bring to light the important theme of Catholic Social Teaching around issues of stewardship, through the lens of integral ecology: care for creatures, care for the earth and its climate, care for water, and care for each other.
Our Catholic faith, led by the example of the teaching and action of Pope Francis, stresses that the church following the teaching of Jesus exhorts believers to work for the common good. This calls for respect for the dignity of life in all its forms on our Common Home, especially for human life from its sacred beginning until its natural end as determined by God. This care for our Common Home should commit us to the construction of more just, supportive, fraternal and peaceful societies. Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si: “Everyone’s talents and involvements are needed to address the damage of human abuse of God’s creation. All people can ecumenically cooperate as instruments of God for the care of Creation according to his or her culture, religious background, political system, experience, involvements, and talents.”
In conclusion, I share a couple of lines from the Pledge of Commitment to protect and heal God’s creation: “We have come to renew our covenant with God and with one another with Christ Jesus our Lord. We have come to help protect God’s creation. We have come as followers of Jesus to commit ourselves anew to one another and to heal injustice and poverty. We will remember always that God speaks to us through the beauty of his creation, and we will try out best to answer God’s call to reverence all that He has created.”
The Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer is bishop emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo.
TSTC will offer Pre-Allied Health online this fall. (Courtesy: Adobe Stock via Texas State Technical College/TSTC)
HARLINGEN — Texas State Technical College will introduce an online program this fall for students who want to pursue a career in health care but are undecided about which pathway to take, as well as for students who need to take prerequisite courses for related areas of study.
TSTC’s new Pre-Allied Health certificate of completion program will join the college’s other health-related programs, including Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Health Information Technology, LVN to RN Transition Nursing, Surgical Technology and Vocational Nursing.
“The program consolidates the students that want to pursue an allied health career at TSTC into one initial group that can later be dispersed into specific programs,” said Sarah Brooks, TSTC’s director of alignment and program team lead for Health Information Technology.
Eduardo Saldivar, TSTC’s academic team lead for Pre-Allied Health, said the program will be offered online to provide flexibility and accessibility for students across the state.
“We can accommodate the various schedules and commitments of our students, many of whom may be balancing work, family and other responsibilities,” he said. “The online format allows students to access coursework from anywhere, including those in rural communities that lack local access to such programs.”
The Pre-Allied Health curriculum will include courses in anatomy and physiology; biology; chemistry; and medical terminology.
Brooks said students can expect to engage with a variety of learning materials like lectures, case studies and interactive assignments that will be accessible through Canvas, a learning management system.
“Students will explore practical components such as virtual labs and simulations that will enhance their understanding and application of medical concepts,” she said. “They will also receive full support from instructors who will be there to guide them.”
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
Varsity girls participants state the race during the 36th Annual Yellow Jacket Invitational cross country meet at David Ybarra Middle School on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Edcouch. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])
Check out the reported RGV high school cross country results from this past weekend. Coaches, please report any updates or corrections to [email protected].
36th Annual Yellow Jacket Invitational
David Ybarra Middle School
Edcouch, TX
Individual
Boys
1. Raphael Garcia, Eagle Pass, 16:18.23; 2. Juan Manuel Aguinaga, Edcouch-Elsa, 16:22.90; 3. Alex Alvarez, Eagle Pass, 16:23.80; 4. Zachary Lamar, Harlingen High, 16:27.11; 5. Jose Ventura, Lasara, 16:27.57; 6. Ubaldo Flores, Harlingen High, 16:42.14; 7. Yahir Martinez, Edinburg Economedes, 16:49.99; 8. Javier Ramirez, Eagle Pass Winn, 16:51.61; 9. Oscar Valencia, Edinburg Economedes, 17:03.70; 10. Raymond Mandell, Eagle Pass, 17:04.09.
Commentary offered this week addressed expected beneficiaries of elections, a papal declaration for a season of renewal and offensive campaign rhetoric. Other contributions debated the recent assassination attempt, the change in Democratic Party candidate and our water crisis, among other topics.
As always, we welcome your thoughts on current issues, and thank those who have shared theirs.
Souls sold
Donald Trump believes God was on his side when he was shot at. Others concur that it was the hand of God that protected him. When Trump instigated a mob of Neanderthals to storm and ravage the Capitol, hang Mike Pence and forcefully stay in power, does he believe God was on his side when he committed this crime? Or was it the devil?
How come God sided with the convicted felon who never goes to church and not with Corey Comperatore, who was there supporting him and who went to church every Sunday with his wife and children? Why was God not on their side? Hoo-boy, as they say, God works in mysterious ways.
Panel one: “I have a perfect relationship with God…” Panel two: “The perfect-est! He loves me… this I know!” Panel three: “He helps me reel in the suckers… …asks for nothing…” Panel four: “He’s like a contractor I can stiff for eternity! So sue me!!”
Allow me to share Eric Luft’s letter to the Republican Party. It is so true:
“Dear Republican Party: You Sold Your Soul.
“You used to stand for patriotism, but you sold your soul to a traitor who conspired with an enemy to destroy our democracy. You used to stand for our armed forces, but you sold your soul to a draft dodger who mocked their courage and sacrifice. You used to stand for hard-working Americans, but you sold your soul to a con man who made his fortune by cheating them. You used to stand for the American Dream, but you sold your soul to a racist who traded the Statue of Liberty for walls and cages. You used to stand for family values, but you sold your soul to a predator who betrayed all three of his wives. And you used to stand for Jesus, but you sold your soul to a wolf in sheep’s clothing who makes a mockery of Christianity. Whatever he paid you for your soul, I hope it was worth it. But knowing him, you’re probably still waiting for your check.” Amen and Hoo-boy!
Italo J. Zarate
Brownsville
Biden, Harris draw support
President Joe Biden again proved that, unlike his past opponent, he is for America and not his ego, just his friends, or just the radical fringe.
Thank you Joe! Your thoughtful decision gives all of us a better chance of continued good government in America. It also gives us Independents, Democrats and progressives the chance to focus on and continue the progress made under Joe’s guidance, and the benefits of governance by Democrats rather than the hateful, divisive, violently radical party the Republicans have become.
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., pass each other as Harris moves to the podium to speak during a campaign event in Wilmington, Del., Aug. 12, 2020. She’s already broken barriers, and now Vice President Harris could soon become the first Black woman to head a major party’s presidential ticket after President Joe Biden’s ended his reelection bid. The 59-year-old Harris was endorsed by Biden on Sunday, July 21, after he stepped aside amid widespread concerns about the viability of his candidacy. (Carolyn Kaster/AP File Photo)
Welcome to the fray, Vice President Kamala Harris. You will continue the future of America unaffected by excess wealth, a criminal conviction, radical ideals or the lack of ethics and morality clearly demonstrated by the radical Republicans, MAGA and their past president. You are a lawyer and therefore know the difference between lawful acts and those of your opponent. Good Luck! Trump will fight dirty. Please stay above his muck.
Ned Sheats
Mission
Democrats questioned
Bernie Sanders, a 2016 and 2020 Democratic Party presidential candidate: “In Vermont, everyone knows I’m a Socialist.” Shouldn’t come as a surprise that Sanders and his bride honeymooned in the former Soviet Union. He also visited Cuba and Nicaragua and had high praise for Communist leaders Fidel Castro and Daniel Ortega.
Though it seems unbelievable, Sen. Kamala Harris’ voting record was even more liberal than Comrade Bernie’s. During her years as Biden’s “border czar,” millions of illegal immigrants, including murderers, rapists and thieves and Lord only knows how many tons of illegal drugs, made their way across the southern border. Harris is a great presidential candidate for leftists in the Valley and America.
The Democratic Party’s 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had no response when asked five times to explain the difference between a socialist and a Democrat. Synonyms for socialist include communist, , Marxist, Bolshevik, etc.
From cpusa.com, June 20, 2016: Why does the Communist Party USA support Democratic Party candidates for the presidency instead of running their own candidates? “The presidential election is not just about candidates. It is about choosing what direction the country will go in. So we work with allies in the union movement, in immigrant rights and civil rights and environment and organizations of women, LGBTQ, youth, and retirees with the goal of stopping extremists like Trump ….”
A question specifically for Democrats Colin Allred, Vicente Gonzalez, Morgan LaMantia, Michelle Vallejo, Henry Cuellar and liberal writers on this forum: What are the differences between the Democratic Party and the CPUSA?
A second question for Gonzalez: Would you explain to the people you represent why you had a six-figure account with the Chinese Communist Party-affiliated Bank of China? Expecting Gonzalez to respond to that question would be like expecting snow in the Valley in August.
Natividad Rodriguez
Harlingen
America’s crossroads
America is at a crossroads. We are about to decide whether we continue as a democracy or live under a dictatorship.
The Heritage Society is working with Donald Trump on Project 2025, a 900-page document outlining how he can transform our republic into an autocracy.
The plan is for Trump to take partisan control of the Department of Justice, the FBI, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission, and to replace all the civil servants with people whose only qualification is loyalty to him.
Project 2025 explains how Trump can deploy the military for domestic law enforcement by invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807. It offers a blueprint on how he can jail his political opponents, take over local law enforcement and end the separation of church and state.
“…idiot! Why can’t you perceive this”
In an Orwellian twist, they even want to purge terms like “reproductive rights” from all laws and federal regulations.
What can we expect if Trump gets re-elected? A nationwide ban on abortion and contraception. A repeal of civil liberties and workers’ protections. Cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Canceling health care for 45 million Americans. A dictatorship on Day 1. If Trump gets back in office, he’s not leaving.
How can we prevent this? By voting Democratic up and down the ballot.
We can argue about policy differences later. Right now, the choice is between freedom and despotism.
Many before us have fought and died for our liberty. All we have to do is vote.
Philip Riffe
Austin
Deficient commander
We need a good commander in chief who is on 24/7. One who can make spilt decisions immediately and good decisions. We have the Chinese on the Pacific side (Alaska) and the Russians on the Atlantic side (Cuba).
This administration has done nothing to prevent this action. North Korea is a problem too.
I will not say who, I will vote for, that is my privilege of keeping it to myself. I will not say a bad word about either party for most if not all are liars. The politicians will promise you what you want to hear.
We need to close the borders, lower food and gas prices. Who will do this? Who knows?
Vote and vote your conscience, but vote. Remember, we all make mistakes. Can you throw the first stone?
I served my country for 24½ years and I will tell you that the USA is in trouble. We need a strong commander in chief.
Jose Garcia
Pharr
Biden bashed
It started to “smell” back in January when the Democratic National Convention started to block out any candidates wishing to participate in the presidential primaries. “Learn the origin, synonyms, examples and history of the word democracy, which refers to a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting.”
According to Mr. Webster, primaries are a big part of a democracy! So we have the DNC deciding that the people have no right to choose from a pool of worthy candidates and decide to block any attempt to challenge the incumbent and kill any opportunity to host debates during the primaries!
Suddenly a first in the history of presidential debates, a debate was scheduled in June! Debates always start in September, but not this year! Now the smell is really getting bad and the master plan starts to reveal itself! No primary challengers, no debates between challengers and the incumbent, a presidential debate in June and the soiled diaper gets completely pulled off! “Beware the Ides of March”! Certain death for the chances for Biden’s re-election and the puppet masters cut the strings!
“Uh…” “Yiha! Yihya! Yiya!” “Groan…”
The jig is up! The world gets to see what conservative news agencies have been reporting for years! Forget about the 14 million votes Joe Biden received from the voters, now, according to the rules that have been changed and manipulated by the powers that be, a few thousand delegates are going to deny the voters their choice and will now complete the well-orchestrated plan to remove Biden at the last moment!
Folks, the world has been lied to for years and the Democrat political machine has lied to the American people with the help of the left-wing media! They knew he was in decline and lied to us daily!
Elections have consequences and the 2020 election of Joe Biden has opened many eyes! What happened to the party of compassion? All that is left is for Biden to write a book after he leaves and title it “Obama’s Third Term”! That would answer a lot of questions!
Ernest Gorena
Brownsville
Water waste
Regarding the July 24 front-page article about the water crisis by Berenice Garcia, our ongoing drought has caused our farmers and residents of the Valley to face restrictions on the use of water. But how about the wasted water because people don’t fix that leaky faucet or toilet that runs constantly? Why don’t businesses and residents alike quit watering their yards until our reservoirs fill up again?
Climate change: The class divide… “How tedious. The gardeners are begging for water again.”
Any time I have been in a restaurant and have used the restroom and noticed a running toilet or leaky faucet I have personally brought it to the manager’s attention. We must all do our part to save water.
Suzanne Oviedo
Mission
Concerns about SPI
What is now happening to South Padre Island’s surrounding habitat? Is the very habitat essential to migratory birds being destroyed for the short-term economic goals of our local and state politicians?
According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, unless authorized by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is “unlawful at any time, by means or in any manner to” “kill” or “take” “any migratory bird, nest” or “egg of any such bird” and encompasses activities that “foreseeably” result in the unauthorized killing of migratory birds as well as the destruction of their nests and eggs.
Let’s consider the events now unfolding.
A game camera showing three Wilson plover eggs in nest cup with rocket engines firing in the background on June 6, 2024. (Courtesy: Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program)
A report issued by the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program immediately following the fourth test launch of a SpaceX rocket documents extensive damage to active migratory bird nests at Boca Chica; all shorebird nests monitored following the rocket launch on June 6 were either missing eggs, had damaged eggs, or both.
Map of South Padre Island’s planned expansion of its convention center. (Courtesy Image)
Critical habitat is being destroyed at both ends of the island. This vital habitat plays an essential role in supporting migratory birds as well as an important ecotourism economic draw to our RGV area.
Why is our local environment, once valued for ecotourism with parks, beaches and wildlife refuges being sacrificed for short-term profit and entertainment? When will the long-term destructive effects of industrialization, both aerospace and leisure, be calculated and acknowledged?
Diane Teter
Edinburg
Shooting addressed
Some say Donald Trump pumping his fist after he was grazed let the audience know he was OK. Others saw the gesture, the extreme facial anger and the repeating of what appeared to be the word “fight” three times as not just encouraging support for his candidacy but exploiting the moment to build resentment and perhaps even retaliatory violence. His son Eric wrote, “This is the fighter America needs.”
One politician offered, “First they tried to keep him off the ballot, then they tried to jail him, and now this.” Blame for the event was already being deflected away from the unidentified dead shooter onto the political opposition, the black-hearted demon Democrats of the left. Another politician said, “Joe Biden sent the orders.”
His audience got the angry message. One of the attendees said, “Trump is immortal, I will fight for him to the end.” This was clearly an opportunity to elevate Trump from human to super-human. Commentator Martha MacCallum offered, “There are not too many humans that are made that way. Support for him will exponentially increase.” Sean Hannity said, “He’s been through more than most people can take.”
Former Republican leader Newt Gingrich took the failed assassination attempt as an indicator of God’s partisan view of the election. He said, “It was providential” that Trump turned his head at the right moment. Perhaps it was just very lucky.
Kimball Shinkoskey
Wood Cross, Utah
Stopping Trump
A 20-year-old youngster lost his life attempting to assassinate Donald Trump. If security had done a better job, if his dad had not bought the AR-15, if he had ignored Donald’s antics, the incident would probably not have happened. But “if” is a big word in the dictionary. It happened.
If the young man wanted to stop Trump’s effort to do away with our Constitution and our democracy, it was not necessary to sacrifice his life. With our cherished democracy, millions of Americans stopped Trump once and they will do it again come November. Although Trump and his cohorts want to do away with democracy, the American people will not let that happen. So, do your part, vote Democrat! Make democracy great again!
If Trump loses again, who knows what he’ll do? He’s already told us he wants to be a dictator on day one. And as we saw on Jan. 6, he’s not shy about using violence to gain power. This time the chants will be, “Hang Joe Biden!” Hang Kamala Harris!” “Hang Nancy Pelosi!” “Burn the Constitution!” “Destroy Democracy!” Hoo-boy.
As Liz Cheney said, “The Republican Party has lost its principles and frankly they seem to be led by morons.” Amen!
Italo J. Zarate
Brownsville
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Commentary: Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is an ecumenical monthlong moment of prayerful reflection and celebration that began several years ago and calls us to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion and commitment together. During this season we join together as sisters and brothers of a universal family in prayer and action to renew our appreciation, our commitment and our care and activities to protect and bring new life to Mother Earth, our Common Home, as we thank our loving God for the beautiful gift of all creation.
The theme for this Season of Creation is “To Hope and Act with Creation,” and it is also the theme designated by Pope Francis for the World Day of Prayer of Creation, which takes place on Sept. 1, the first day of the annual Season of Creation, which will end on Oct. 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the patron saint of ecology and is beloved by many Christian and other denominations. Pope Francis in the statement Laudato Si calls Mother Earth, our Common Home, that we will pass on to the next generations. Pope Francis’ World Day of Prayer focuses on thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for the beautiful gift of all of creation, and asking God’s continuing blessings on this wonderful gift.
The Laudato Si Movement points out that in accord with this year’s theme of hope, the symbol is the first fruits of hope inspired by Romans 8:19-25, which is to produce new life. The biblical image pictures the Earth as a mother groaning as in childbirth (Romans 8:22). Saint Francis understood this when he referred often to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures. In so many ways the present moment we live sadly shows that we are not fully relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator but most often as a resource to be used selfishly and not to protect, enrich and renew this wonderful gift. “Creation is groaning” because of our selfishness and our unsustainable actions that harm her.
What can we do to show our respect for all of Creation, and work together to renew the face of Mother Earth? Catholic Climate Covenant proposes a practical, pastoral and spiritual way for each one individually, as a family or as a community or parish to participate in the Season of Creation. Individuals and communities are invited to participate through prayer, sustainability projects and advocacy.
Prayer: Host an ecumenical prayer gathering that unites all Christians s for the Care of our Common Home. One option is to host an interactive Feast of Saint Francis program.
Sustainability: Lead a clean-up or carbon reduction project that helps all of Creation thrive, such as improving energy efficiency.
Advocacy: Raise our voices in civic, church, political and social forums for climate justice by participating in or leading an ongoing campaign that supports our Common Home.
The Catholic Climate Covenant also mentions that some dioceses and parishes are celebrating the Season of Creation with a special Mass – a “Mass for Creation,” sometimes called a “Green Mass.” The Mass for Creation is chosen to bring to light the important theme of Catholic Social Teaching around issues of stewardship, through the lens of integral ecology: care for creatures, care for the earth and its climate, care for water, and care for each other.
Our Catholic faith, led by the example of the teaching and action of Pope Francis, stresses that the church following the teaching of Jesus exhorts believers to work for the common good. This calls for respect for the dignity of life in all its forms on our Common Home, especially for human life from its sacred beginning until its natural end as determined by God. This care for our Common Home should commit us to the construction of more just, supportive, fraternal and peaceful societies. Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si: “Everyone’s talents and involvements are needed to address the damage of human abuse of God’s creation. All people can ecumenically cooperate as instruments of God for the care of Creation according to his or her culture, religious background, political system, experience, involvements, and talents.”
In conclusion, I share a couple of lines from the Pledge of Commitment to protect and heal God’s creation: “We have come to renew our covenant with God and with one another with Christ Jesus our Lord. We have come to help protect God’s creation. We have come as followers of Jesus to commit ourselves anew to one another and to heal injustice and poverty. We will remember always that God speaks to us through the beauty of his creation, and we will try out best to answer God’s call to reverence all that He has created.”
The Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer is bishop emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo.