Big expectations for new Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto. The story of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Alamo continues to play itself out with the latest revelations by the Texas Attorney General's report. Finally, the Texas Supreme Court issues an order for fast tracking divorce paperwork in Texas.
Can Mexico's new president end the drug war and spark economic growth?
This weekend Mexico swears in new president Enrique Peña Nieto, who inherits a nation that’s suffering from a long running conflict against drug traffickers and an economy that is improved but still anemic. On this side of the border, Mexico watchers are hoping Peña Nieto will be the pragmatic problem solver that he promised during his presidential campaign.
Following the dramatic saga of the DRT
In Texas there is no more iconic location than The Alamo. Located in downtown San Antonio, a pilgrimage to the cradle of Texas liberty is practically a requirement for every Texan at least once in their life.
This is, of course, where frontiersman Davy Crockett fought to death in 1836 with a band of volunteer defenders against overwhelming Mexican forces seeking to stop the Texas independence movement.
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In 1905, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas were given custodial control over the Alamo by the Texas Legislature, but that is no longer the case. The DRT had long been criticized that they weren’t interested in preserving the actual history of the Alamo and more passionate about preserving it’s myths.
In the last legislative session, following revelations that the DRT were not maintaining the Alamo properly and it was in danger of having the roof collapse, the state revoked the DRT’s Alamo custodianship and gave it to the General Land Office.
Recently, after an 18-month investigation into the DRT’s Alamo operations, the Texas Attorney General’s Office released a report that blasted the organization; the report cited mismanagement, neglect and even criminal misconduct.
San Antonio Express-News staff reporter Scott Huddleston has been covering the twists and turns of this epic story.
Remember the Alamo!
On Tuesday, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas released their official response to the Attorney General’s Office report. The group said it will use the report as a learning tool. DRT President General Karen R. Thompson talks about the report and makes it clear that the Daughters – like the heroic defenders - aren’t going to surrender the Alamo.
It all began with Sarah Reveley...
Here’s an excerpt of an official letter from the DRT dated August 2010 signed by Karen R. Thompson and addressed to Sarah Reveley.
"This is to inform you that pursuant to and in accordance with the Bylaws of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Article I Membership, Section 10, 'Termination for Cause,' we the undersigned members of the Board of Management do hereby present to the Board of Management an application to expel you from membership in The Daughters of the Republic of Texas."
The letter goes on to say that Reveley was "circulating divisive, libelous, slanderous, and/or defamatory statements or publicity; and causing a hostile work environment for volunteers and employees of the Alamo."
Sarah Reveley filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office about the DRT that started this whole mess, and she isn’t done yet.
Expediting the divorce process in Texas
The Texas Supreme Court is trying to make it easier for people who want a divorce. They have approved do-it-yourself divorce forms.
Attorneys who practice family law are not happy with the DIY divorce option. Steve Bresnen is an attorney and a lobbyist for the Texas Family Law Foundation.
The public can comment on the proposal until February first.
Additional Resources:
- Click here to read a PDF of the Supreme Court's Order
- Comments should be sent to: Rules Attorney Marisa Secco at: marisa.secco@txcourts.gov
