Pubdate: Sat, 21 Sep 2002 Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX) Copyright: 2002 Amarillo Globe-News Contact: http://amarillonet.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13 Author: Rusty Donelson POLITICS NOT INVITED TO THE PARTY? On Sept. 4, Tulia was graced by a visit from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tony Sanchez. When asked about the Tulia drug bust, Sanchez said, "It's improper for anybody running for political office to politicize this issue." When exactly did racism and injustice cease being political issues? When did Sanchez decide those issues were not relevant to his campaign for governor? Was it when he crossed the county lines into Swisher and Hale counties to court the votes of the Democratic Party faithful? Indeed, it appears that Sanchez's attempt to dodge the issues of racism and injustice while pandering for votes in Tulia indicate he has "politicized" them already. If so, have these issues suddenly become worthy of his attention now that he has left Swisher and Hale counties? Sanchez is hopeful that the attorney general's investigation of "the problem" in Tulia will "have a good resolution." Is he suggesting that John Cornyn is not politicizing these issues? Even more interesting would be an explanation as to why the Texas Democratic Party brain trust has lost sight of these "non-political" issues. There still are a few thoughtful voters in this part of the state who will not surrender their votes to the practitioners of political expediency. Rusty Donelson, Plainview - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D