The Texas Legislature online shows that the Gov. vetoed the "probation reform" bill. A question: Have you since the bill passed sought modification rather than revocation of a defendant's supervision? I have.

Should we show good faith with the Gov. by "expanding the margins" of our judgment as to revocation vs. modification? I still had several defendants today who just wanted low pen time to avoid the "rigors" of probation.

I think we should use our best judgement to see that justice is done, and not take into account a bill that on it's face is grossly irresponsible.

When those who voted for this bad bill run for re-election and they have an opponent, we should make it a point to inform their opponent of this bill, why it was a dangerous bill, and urge the opponent to beat the incumbenant about the head and shoulders with his vote. Every legislator who voted for this bill should be made to pay a political price for his foolishness.

This is even more true for those legislators who voted for S.B. 1195 (requiring police to use a DPS consent to search form). Any legislator too dumb to know that Texas is a border state, and that there is a serious problem with narcotics and illegal alien smuggling, and that we are at war with terrorists who will likely sneak across our borders, has no business being in the legislature.

I think we should all pool a couple of quarters. I know of a lady that needs a fruit basket and some nilla wafers...