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Mussels and Muscles
Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Texas hornshell mussel as an endangered species. The action threatens access to water sources for ranchers in southeast New Mexico and west Texas. Landowners and businesses in the region are being asked to sign a “contract” that requires them to engage in conservation practices to…
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Ninotchka
Sadly, contemporary comedic movies usually offer us a boring combination of juvenile antics and crude language. Fortunately, when we want light-hearted entertainment, we are not limited to the offerings of modern film makers. Technology allows us to enjoy some the cinematic gems of the past. And Ninotchka is one of those gems. Greta Garbo is…
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Cornerstone of Liberty
Cornerstone of Liberty: Property Rights in 21st Century America, by Timothy Sandefur and Christina Sandefur, presents a compelling story about the importance of property rights. Private property rights are not just dry abstractions of political philosophy. Nor is property a mere economic concept. Like the freedoms of speech or religion, private property affects our everyday…
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Local Control Means Local Tyranny
In the 2017 legislative session, Texas lawmakers sought to restrict the ability of local governments to violate property rights. Not surprisingly, local governments and the supporters of regulations pertaining to plastic bags, trees, short-term rentals, and more were upset. They argued that local governments should be allowed to enact the laws that their citizens want….
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Short-term Rentals and Property Rights
In the 2017 legislative session, Texas lawmakers considered numerous bills aimed at limiting the ability of local governments to pass ordinances regulating private property. One of these bills addressed short-term rentals (STRs). According to the Texas Tribune, proponents of SB451 (the Senate bill addressing STRs), said that the bill “would protect homeowners from strict local…
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Remember the Alamo
For thirteen days in early 1836, the Mexican army laid siege to the Alamo. When the battle had ended, nearly two hundred brave Texans were dead. “Remember the Alamo” became a rallying for the Texas army, and less than two months later, Texas had secured its independence. Perhaps more than any other event in Texas…
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Principals and Principles
In mid-January, the Greater Houston Partnership held its annual meeting. Incoming board chair, Marc Watts called upon members to be more “civically engaged.” He said that business leaders have important values to contribute to the political process. And one of those values is the willingness to compromise. The third value is the willingness to compromise….
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