As a child I was raised to believe that Christmas is a time of comfort and joy.  Jesus, the Prince of Peace, arrived in the world preaching a gospel of love.

Today I read in my local paper a threat from Ralph Hall.   He said, "If we don't solve our energy problems we're going to have to send our kids over in some kind of troop ship to take some energy away from someone else." After representing the oil and gas industry for 30 years, Ralph wants more welfare for these giant corporations.

It's time for us to stop this childish behavior.  Our children will NOT be used to steal oil.

We can do better.  We must do better.

Please join me this holiday season and renew the true meaning of Christmas.  No more wars for oil.  No more torture.  No more worshiping at the altar of crony capitalism.  America has always been stronger, prouder and more secure when we've exported hope and inspiration.

Have a Merry Christmas and joyous New Year.

Living in a "Red" state, I'm often asked, "Why are you a Democrat?" or "Wouldn't it be easier to win if you were a Republican?" For me the answer is easy. I'm a Democrat because I believe in "we," not "me."

Our founding fathers started the Constitution with the word "We" for a purpose. Our individual liberty rests upon how justly we treat those around us. As Martin Luther King said in his Letter from the Birmingham Jail, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

It's a well know fact that "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."  Ralph Hall has shown time and time again that he doesn't even recognize the problems facing Texas families.  He's even refused to offer any meaningful solutions.  Energy policy is a prime example.

The new leadership in Congress is making progress to move America in a new direction, but Ralph Hall continues to oppose good policy.  Over his objections, the House approved shifting $16 billion dollars of tax breaks from dirty fuels to renewable energy and conservation efforts.

As high energy costs eat away the American dream like termites, Ralph declared, "There's a war going on against energy from fossil fuels."  Give me a break.  Americans are simply sick and tired of being held hostage by big oil.  Texans realizes we have to change direction - Now.

The USA Today revelation that "NSA has massive database of Americans' phone calls" forces me to ask: Is the NSA monitoring the Internet? Is it creating another giant data base?

Glenn Melancon
For Congress, TX 4th
www.glennmelancon2006.com