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Beach closure bills criticized
On the last day to file bills in the Texas Legislature , two were submitted (House Bill 4660 and Senate Bill 2188) by Rio Grande Valley lawmakers, Rep. Janie Lopez and Sen. Adam Hinojosa.
These proposed bills would give a Texas municipality the authority to close beaches and beach access points for “space flight activities.”
Recall that Space Explorations has petitioned to incorporate Starbase as a municipality and the vote will take place during the May 3 general election. So, proposed bills would be specific to SpaceX activities.
Would this beach closure authority be abused by SpaceX? Remember that local residents have frequently complained about the beach closures, which now are determined by the county.
Also, there is that pesky Open Beaches Act appeal awaiting by native American groups who have challenged the constitutionality of SpaceX beach closures and argue that they violate the Open Beaches Amendment of the Texas Constitution?
Consequently, if these bills pass, will SpaceX get free reign over our coast and beaches aided by our Texas legislature? Will our natural resources — wetlands, beaches, parks, refuges — and “quality of life” again be sacrificed for SpaceX, a private company, and its profits?
Diane Teter
Edinburg
Attacks decried
Oppression and intimidation were the tools of the Nazi Party to use against the Jews and those who stood in their way of ruling. Oppression and intimidation continue to be used by those who want their way, no matter the cost to their victims. They wield the First Amendment’s “freedom of speech” as a shield to commit atrocities and escape accountability for the damage caused by their mayhem.
“It is our constitutional right!” they shout.
The Tesla company and vehicle owners have become victims of this group, organized to create mayhem, threats and damage to vehicles. They call it their “constitutional right” to do so. Openly, as a show of force, they go to Tesla dealerships to damage vehicles and property. Even Tesla owners are targeted, to the point where our president has warned them to be aware of the dangers of being a Tesla owner.
I call them the “Brown Shirts” of the Nazi Party, who did the dirty work for the Nazis in power in Germany, hoping for a reward afterward.
Who in their right mind would destroy a vehicle that has no fault? A “green vehicle” at that — one that uses neither gasoline or diesel. This is the future we strive for: cleaner air and less damage to our environment.
This is an attack on those who strive to move humanity forward, by those who want to drag humanity back to the Stone Age.
Rafael Madrigal
Pharr
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