Madness! Madness!

The words uttered at the conclusion of the 1950's blockbuster film, "Bridge Over the River Kwai," were unforgettable.  Surveying the results of the idiocy that went into building a bridge for Japanese forces by British POWs, the James Donald character, Major Clipton, cried out, "Madness!  Madness!"  Viewing the political terrain of South Texas, many of us, at times, would probably like to echo James Donald's memorable lines.

Yes, we have our own type of madness in the Valley, a madness of a barren political landscape of one-party rule, badly informed voters, ethically flawed electioneering and miniscule voter turnouts. It is little wonder, then, that a few devoted politiqueras have traditionally been able to swing not a few elections in our region of the state for big-mule politicians, who just seem to never fade away .

The latest madness to afflict Cameron County is a drive to establish a county healthcare district, which would be overseen by a non-elected board, and which would have the right to exercise eminent domain and to raise property taxes.  Although the proponents of the district are seeking to assuage the electorate with assurances that the ad valorem rate will not be raised and that the district will be supported with grant funding, let us recall the many times in recent history when the promises of politicians just did not work out.  Somewhere, some time, I seem to remember some sort of plan that was going to save the average family $2500 a year in healthcare costs and to allow folks to keep their family doctors.  Need I say more about the necessity of recalling past history?

Please read Bill Hudson's great summary (in these pages) of what such a healthcare district could mean for you and for your taxes.  Hopefully, you will agree that for us to allow passage of SB 2034 and HB 4182 would be the height of madness!