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Challenges of Being a Transgender
Opioid Deaths: Another Drug War Failure P A G E
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Tiny House = Freedom from Debt
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RELEVANT NEWS & STORIES ON BUSINESS, POLITICS, RELIGION & PEOPLE Vol. 21 No. 012
Complimentary Copy
Pokes’ Signal Caller Swings Into Longview
Downtown Wine Swirl seeks poster art
The City of Tyler Main Street Department is seeking artwork to feature in a commemorative limited-edition poster print as part of its fourth annual Downtown Tyler Wine Swirl. Artists are invited to submit images of their artwork in a contest to select a work of art to be reproduced for the print.
SEN. TED CRUZ
By Joycelyne Fadojutimi and Kelly Bell, East Texas Review The Big Pines Boys and Girls Club is setting up for its annual speakers’ series, and this year is above and beyond the norm. The guest speaker for 2017 will be Dallas Cowboys rookie sensation Dak Prescott. The Boys and Girls Club’s president and CEO Bryan Partee is like his young charges when it comes to meeting Prescott--he can hardly wait. “We are really excited about this event,” he said. “It’s not often you can get a person the caliber of Dak Prescott helping our organization, but it speaks volumes to what we are doing.” The Boys and Girls Club worked with an affiliate agency for Prescott, Pro Sports MVP, to set up the event. KLTV’s Delany Brey will serve as emcee, leading up to Prescott’s speech in which he will talk about his mother Peggy Prescott and the value of mentoring. This is the overriding objective of the Boys and Girls Club--to direct young minds onto the straight and narrow. Prescott will be an ideal mouthpiece for spreading this vital message. He and Brey will also have a question and answer session, and then Prescott will answer questions from the audience.
See WINE SWIRL on Page 2
UTT to Hold Business Plan Competition
The University of Texas at Tyler will hold the inaugural Patriot Business Plan Competition, Dr. James Lumpkin, College of Business and Technology dean, announced.
March 23 - March 30, 2017
See PRESCOTT on Page 3
The 35th Annual Taste of Longview sponsored by the Pilot Club of Longview and the East Texas Restaurant Association will be on Tuesday, April 4, at Maude Cobb Convention Center. Many local restaurants will Ancestry.com is a powfeature samples of their erful online tool that helps signature foods, and muyou discover your past by sic will entertain guests providing access to historical records and family histories. For those who are curious about their family history, the Library will be At the Council meeting hosting a seminar on April on Wednesday, March 22, 8 at 9 a.m. Tyler Mayor Martin Heines See HISTORY on Page 2 and the Tyler City Council awarded a construction Tyler Forums contract to Gracon Confor Bond Projects struction, Inc. for the GoldTyler ISD will hold Com- en Road Backwash Pump munity Forums on March 23, March 28, March 30, April 4, April 6 and April 11 to present information to the public on proposed Bond projects for this year.
Library Slates Seminar for Family History
throughout the evening. General admission tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door), and doors open at 7 p.m. Platinum sponsor reserved tables are available for $350 which includes 10 tickets to the Taste, a wine tasting and admission at 6:30 p.m.
Longview Transit Forges Ahead
See TASTE on Page 2
Slates Public Meeting March 27
By Kelly Bell, East Texas Review Longview Transit Director of Operations Tequita Mumphrey is preparing for an upcoming open-to-the-public forum to seek out community input on the subject of a new transfer center at
Station and Clearwell Baffles project for the amount of $4,435,000. Currently, water from the water distribution system is used as source for filter backwash supply water.
See COUNCIL on Page 2
Longview’s Multimodal Transportation Facility. The meeting will be held at the Longview Public Library from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on March 27. She points out that public transportation improves
By Kelly Hall
Across Texas, our oil and natural gas industry fuels our local and state economies, generating jobs and providing tax revenue for everything from roads to schools. And, that’s especially true right here in East Texas. That’s why the Longview Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner for Texas Energy Day on March 22nd – a day intended to remind all Texans and our state lawmakers about the role of oil and natural gas in our daily lives and our state and local economy.
economic develepment and, hence, the quality of life for local residents, enabling them to pursue such American ideals as steady work, private transportation, a home and well-supported children.
See TRANSIT on Page 3
Blackwell Named Mineola Athletic Director
East Texas’ Energy Impact
Local.......................2-3 Opinion..................... 4 Business.................... 5 Gospel Spotlight...... 6 State/National.......... 7 Health........................ 8
See CRUZ on Page 7
‘Anyone can ride the bus’, says LRT officials. Here’s a few ‘regulars’.
Council approves construction contract
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today attended a reception hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. There, Sen. Cruz received the “Spirit of Enterprise” award in recognition of the pro-growth, pro-jobs policies he has advanced during his time in the Senate. “During my time in Washington, I have worked to promote policies that foster economic opportunity for the 27 million Texans I represent,” Sen. Cruz said.
Good Eats at Taste of Longview
See UTT on Page 2
See BOND on Page 2
Sen. Cruz awarded ‘Spirit of Enterprise’
Here in Longview, we’re an energy epicenter in some very real and remarkable ways. We sit at the crossroads of rail lines, pipelines, chemical industry facilities and the Haynesville/Bossier shale formation. And, the energy industry ties with the manufacturing (which, I’d add, relies on a strong energy sector) for employment in the area, second only to our ever-expanding health care sector.
See EAST TEXAS ENERGY on Page 7
Mineola ISD has named Luke Blackwell as the new Athletic Director and Head Coach for the Yellowjackets. Coach Blackwell is credited for the success of the football program the past three years with his leadership in guiding the team to bring home the 2016 State 3A Division I State Football Championship Title.
See MINEOLA on Page 2
Monday, March 27, 2017 • 5 to 6 pm
LONGVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY
The City of Longview has received funding for a new Transfer Center. The public is invited to share comments regarding its location at this public meeting.
Bus Route #3
Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry. Psalm 51:1-2 MSG
2
Local News
March 23-30, 2017
Good Eats at Taste of Longview From Page 1
‘Reservations Accepted’, artwork by Dennis Carson
Downtown Wine Swirl seeks poster art From Page 1
The artist whose work is selected will receive a $250 prize and the honor of having their work represent the Wine Swirl online and in publications. “The Downtown Tyler Wine Swirl is a much-anticipated community event,” said City of Tyler Main Street Department Leader Beverly Abell, “and people are already looking forward to it again in June. Art is an important part of the Swirl,” she concluded. The Downtown Tyler Wine Swirl, set for June 24, is an event geared toward showcasing Texas wines and area restaurants. In addition, it is a fundraiser. Abell said that though Main Street is a City of Tyler department, a large part of the department’s budget comes through fundraising projects such as the Swirl. Abell explained that a Wine Swirl is a showcase of locally owned restaurants and Texas vineyards. Ticket-holders will be able to “swirl” from site to site downtown to sample food and wine while enjoying live entertainment and art. Artists are encouraged to go to www.TylerWineSwirl. com for full rules on the art contest. The contest is open to all media, though the artwork itself must translate well to print. In addition, the artwork must communicate the enjoyment of wine and food, in keeping with the Wine Swirl event. Those who want more information should go to www. TylerWineSwirl.com or call Gallery Main Street at (903) 593-6905.
Gold level sponsorship is $175 and includes 5 tickets and ½ of a reserved table (table will be shared with another Gold sponsor). Silver level is $75 , including two general admission tickets. All sponsors will be included in the advertising. For tickets and sponsorships, stop by the Camera Shop Hallmark (next to Albertson’s on Loop 281), or call Betty at 903-6636930. Tickets and tables can also be purchased online with PayPal at tasteoflongview@ gmail.com.
The Pilot Club of Longview is an organization of Executive, Business and Professional Leaders working to improve the quality of life in their local community, with a focus on brain health, helping people with brain-related disorders (such as Alzheimer’s) and prevention of brain injuries, especially in children. The Pilot Club of Longview returns funds raised through the Taste to organizations such as Miracle League of East Texas (barrier-free baseball program for children with disabilities),
Mountain High Retreat and Circle of Friends (camps for adult brain injury survivors), Unforgettable Tuesdays Day Club (a weekly respite care program for persons with dementia), The Alzheimer’s Association, Adopt a School Program (Ware Elementary), 4 Anchor clubs in Longview and Kilgore, Longview Community Ministries, Arc of Gregg County, Heroes on the Water and Windridge Equestrian Center. Advance tickets are available in Longview at the Camera Shop Hallmark,
Blackwell Named Mineola Athletic Director
From Page 1
Blackwell was previously the Yellowjacket Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. Blackwell is a 1995 graduate of Mineola High School and after earning his degree in Business Administration and Finance from UT Tyler, began his teaching and coaching career in Coldspring ISD in 2003. He returned to Mineola in 2008, where he has served as Head Boys Track Coach for the past 9 years as well as defensive coordinator and the Assistant Head Football Coach for the past 5 years during which Mineola had 3 consecutive semi-final and 2 state qualifying years before earning the State Title in 2016. Blackwell’s level of ex-
SPRING INTO GOOD HEALTH! Join us at our FREE Community Health Fair. Saturday, March 25 | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Activities Include:
Location:
• Giant Walk-through Inflatable Colon • Glucose Screenings • Blood Pressure Screenings • Cholesterol Checks • Immunizations • Children’s Dental Services • Fun for Everyone
Parking Lot, North Tyler Clinic 2231 W. Gentry Pkwy., Tyler For more information, call or email
(903) 877-8672 or crc.outreach@uthct.edu
cellence also carries over to his Head Boys Track coaching role as evidenced in the program’s success with 6 straight District Championships, 2 consecutive area championships, a regional championship, and a state
championship in the 4X400 relay in 2015. During his tenure, 18 school records have been broken in track. Superintendent Kim Tunnell stated, “We are excited for the opportunity to name a Mineola graduate to the
From Page 1
The competition is open to all The University of Texas at Tyler students and Tyler residents, competing in separate tracks. It is sponsored by the college’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute and City of Tyler Innovation Pipeline. Successful teams can win monetary support for business development, incubator space and mentorship assistance. Initial entries will include a five-minute or less YouTube video explaining, demonstrating or otherwise showing how an idea or business solves a need or is innovative, with details about the idea or product. Video submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 1, 2017. For complete details, visit uttyler.edu/cbt/eii.php. “Start your planning today! We are looking forward to a great event that will benefit the City of Tyler and The University of Texas at Tyler,” said Dr. Kevin James, assistant professor
From Page 1
Healing Just Feels Better Here.
uthealth.org
Head Coach and Athletic Director position and have the utmost confidence in Coach Blackwell’s ability to not only continue the tradition of excellence in our athletic programs, but also take us to the next level of competition in all boys and girls programs.” Coach Blackwell will assume this new position immediately. “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to lead the Mineola Athletic Program into the next chapter of our district’s history,” he said. “I am excited to continue to build upon the foundation and tradition that we have been able to establish through the tremendous success of our programs during Coach Drennon’s tenure,” he added.
Slates UTT to Hold Business Library Seminar for Plan Competition Family History of marketing and event coordinator. Judges will evaluate all videos, and advancing teams from the first round will have the opportunity to work with a mentor to refine the pitch in preparation for finals, James added. Advancing teams will go on to present their business plan at finals to be held Friday, March 23, 2018 at The University of Texas at Tyler. Judges will select winners based on presentation. For additional information, contact James, kjames@uttyler.edu. The University of Texas at Tyler Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute, or EI2, serves as the focal point of entrepreneurship education, research and outreach within the college and across the university and business community. Addressing all aspects of entrepreneurship, EI2 will have a special focus on women and minority entrepreneurs.
Tyler Forums for Bond Projects
NORTHEAST TEXAS CENTER FOR RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH
Longview locations of Texas Bank & Trust, Topp Office Supply (on Eastman Road), Spring Hill Bank (Gilmer and Hollybrook locations), A-1 Trophies (on Pine Tree Road), Papacita’s, and Cace’s Kitchen (on High Street). For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Betty Rodgers at 903-663-6930 or Michelle Norris at 903-240-8862. Information is also available on www.facebook.com/ Taste of Longview or at tasteoflongview@gmail.com.
Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford, Director of Facilities Tim Loper and other Tyler ISD administrators will present the information and answer questions. The schedule: • Thurs., March 23, 6 p.m. First Christian Church 4202 S. Broadway Avenue • Tues., March 28, 6 p.m. College Hill Baptist Church
1314 W. Houston St. • Thurs., March 30, (En español), 6 p.m. St. Peter Claver Church 615 W. Cochran St. • Tues., April 4, 6 p.m. New Life Community Church 1201 N. Northwest Loop 323 • Thurs., April 6 St. Louis Baptist Church 4000 Frankston Hwy • Tues., April 11 (En español) Iglesia Nueva Vida Asamblea 102 W. Bow St.
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From Page 1
Presenter Scott Fitzgerald will show seminar-goers how to effectively use Ancestry.com. Scott is the current first Vice-President and Quarterly Editor of East Texas Genealogical Society and has served as President for five years. He was made a Fellow of the Texas State Genealogical Society for his contributions to TxSGS and Texas Genealogy. “The Library has offered Ancestry.com services for a while now,” said Connie Greer, access librarian. “Now, we are excited to offer a class that is specifically designed to help find those tough-to-locate ancestors!” For more information about this or any Library program, please visit the Library at 201 S. College Ave. in Downtown Tyler, call (903) 593-7323 (READ) or go to www.TylerLibrary.com.
Council contract From Page 1
The backwash water is used to clean the rapid sand filters, which are part of the water treatment process. Once completed, the pump station, a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirement, will pull water from the clearwells to use in the filter backwash process. Construction is expected to begin by June and will be complete by April 2018.
March 23-30, 2017
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Local News
Longview Transit Forges Ahead, Slates Public Meeting March 27 From Page 1
Locally, public transportation has been a public service since 2003. Mumphrey outlined the concept of public transportation. “The stigma that public transportation is [just] for the poor is unfounded,” she said. “Anyone can ride the bus. You do not have to drive your car every day.” College students and well-heeled professionals frequently use public transportation. In fact, college students get a semester pass. The success of Longview’s public transportation system is due to multiple factors. The system employs veteran drivers, many of whom have been on the job since its inception. Technical innovations like fare boxes and cameras have also greatly benefited Longview Transit. “We are the company to
Longview Transit Director of Operations Tequita Mumphrey and General Manager Scott Lewis
watch,” she said. “The people in the industry watch us and Tyler.” Mumphrey also reports that use of local public transportation is on the rise, and for good reason. “We have an amazing safety record because of our experienced and caring drivers,” she said.
“The new demand is to get riders up to [the] Target store area.” She also has no doubt that Longview Transit’s service to the city will keep growing. “As people age and drive less we want them to know we are here for them,” she said. “Grandma can go to
the doctor on the bus, and does not have to worry about not having a ride or not being able to drive.” Along with constant technological upgrades the system also maintains guidelines that make using public transportation enjoyable. Conduct rules include:
• Limited conversation while buses are en route • No profanity •No eating • No headphones for music The mother of Longview’s Public Transit System was the late Councilwoman Sidney Willis, who spoke with others who perceived public transportation as an excellent venue to achieving a better quality of local life. This notion survived challenges from those who did not agree with Willis’ vision. “This is one of the reasons we have gone aboveboard to be successful,” said Mumphrey. “The ridership need is there. This is an opportunity to get people from welfare to work. It creates independence.” She described how being able to get to jobs because of public transportation has enabled many locals to buy their own
cars and homes. According to Mumphrey, every dollar invested in public transportation generates about four dollars in local economic return. Longview Transit employs what it calls Fixed Route Service in which buses travel established routes on a rigidly adhered-to schedule. The vehicles can stop anywhere along these routes (when it is safe) to pick up or drop off riders. Would-be passengers are encouraged to be on the correct sides of streets and at a safe distance from intersections when they flag down a bus. Standard bus fare is $1.25, and MSD is $.60. This expansion of local public transportation commenced in 2010 when the city of Longview devised a master plan for a multimodal transportation facility centered around the soon-to-be-renovated Amtrak Train Depot.
Prescott: Pokes’ Signal Caller Swings Into Longview
From Page 1
Proceeds from the event will fund activities not only by the Big Pines Boys and Girls Club, but from Boys and Girls Clubs within a 225-mile radius. Clubs that will benefit from the program include those in Elysian Fields, Gladewater, Hallsville, Hughes Springs, Jefferson, Longview, Marshall, Mt. Pleasant, Ore City and Waskom. Partee is upbeat and enthusiastic about the event’s positive implications. “That’s the great thing about this event--it’s not proprietary, it’s global,” he said. “There are Cowboy fans in every community we serve and beyond. It is going to be a great event, but even better--every guest should know that they are empowering the club to change lives throughout East Texas.” The program will be held April 27 at LeTourneau University’s Belcher Center. For tickets and additional information please visit http://www.belchercenter. com/Community.html. After long-time starting Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo went down with a back injury in the NFL’s 2016 preseason,
fourth-round draft pick Dak Prescott stepped in and made history, leading Dallas to a 13-3 regular season record and 10-0 versus non-divisional rivals. Setting records as he led his team past one surprised, frustrated opponent after another this youthful phenomenon took the Cowboys to the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers (a team they defeated during the regular season,) only to fall 34-31 to a last-second field goal. Still, it was a massive rebound from a 4-12 2015 season, and gives hope for a glittering future. Perhaps because he matriculated at a small school (Mississippi State) he was still available in the fourth round. Still, his schoolboy record should have given NFL scouts a clue to his infinite potential. A native of Sulphur, Louisiana, Prescott gave early indication of his pending gridiron greatness his senior season at Haughton High School. He completed 159 passes that 2011 season, and a whopping 39 of them were for touchdowns. Nothing changed when he moved on to Mississippi State. Starting for the Bulldogs for the 2013, 2014 and 2015
seasons Prescott finished his college career holding all the school’s passing records--in 38 separate categories. He threw for 9376 yards and 70 touchdowns while still finding time to run for 2521 yards and 41 touchdowns. He resembles Roger Staubach and Randall Cunningham in how he combines stellar throwing and running ability. Not surprisingly, he raised many eyebrows in training camp, quickly catching the attention of head coach Jason Garrett and his offensive assistant coaches. For only the fourth time in franchise history a rookie started a regular season as quarterback, and the first one since 2001 when Quincy Carter briefly was first stringer. In week six of the 2016 season, Prescott set a league record by attempting his 176th consecutive pass without an interception. New England Patriot QB Tom Brady had held the old record at 162 in a row back in 2000-2001. Very few people have ever managed to break a record set by Brady. Prescott finished 2016 with a record eleven games with a quarterback rating of 100 or over. Rus-
sell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks had held the old record of nine games, set in 2012. Prescott’s season-ending rating of 104.9 ranked him third in the 32-team NFL--best of any rookie in league history. His 67.78% pass completion average broke Pittsburgh Steeler Ben Roethlisberger’s rookie record. Prescott set yet another rookie mark
on December 18, 2016 in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he finished the day with an 88.9% completion average. The old rookie record in this category was set in 2013 when Tampa Bay’s Mike Glennon achieved 87.0%. It was a season for the ages. Prescott finished his 2016 debut campaign with
3667 passing yards and 29 touchdowns versus just four interceptions. He also rushed for six TDs. It was no surprise when he was voted into the Pro Bowl and named the league’s Rookie of the Year for 2016, receiving 28 of 50 votes, beating rookie running back teammate Ezekiel Elliot by seven votes. Cowboy fans can hardly wait for next year.
Vision Services Optometry & Optical
Wellness Pointe accepts most medical and dental insurance plans, CHIP, Medicaid, and Medicare. Affordable payment options are available for qualified patients. Walk-ins and new patients are welcome at all locations!
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4
Opinion
March 23-30, 2017
Challenges of Being a Transgender By Walter E.Williams
Determining one’s own sex or that of another used to be a simple matter. First, there was the matter of appearance, whether a person looked like a male or looked like a female. If appearance produced some uncertainties, one could determine sex by examining a person’s birth certificate. If appearance and a birth certificate produced uncertainties, the ultimate, absolute proof of sex was a person’s chromosomes; XX marked a female, and XY marked a male. Case closed. But those old-fashioned simple methods of identifying sex have changed. In fact, relying on those old tried-and-true methods of sex identification qualifies one for opprobrium, with the charge of being homophobic. Today — independent of appearance, genitalia, birth certificate and chromosomes — one is a male or female based on how one labels oneself. This new liberty applies to not only sex but also race. Rachel Dolezal, born Caucasian, chose to be a black person. By becoming a black person, she became the president of the Spokane, Washington, office of the NAACP and an instructor of Africana studies at Eastern Washington University. As far as she is concerned, she’s still a black person now, and she has a new legal name, Nkechi Amare Diallo, which means “gift of God” in Ibo. A notable beneficiary of racial fakery is Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who claimed that she was of Cherokee Indian ancestry. That helped her land a $430,000 job for a year at diversity-hungry Harvard University as a professor of law. If Diallo and Warren were not leftist, learned college professors and students would condemn their behavior as
racial appropriation. But let’s explore further the idea of freeing oneself from the oppression of biological determinism. There is no better testing ground than America’s colleges, which are at the forefront of transgenderism, for seeing how this might work. How tolerant would college administrators be of conservative male students, if they said that they feel womanish, going into the ladies’ bathroom and showering facilities? Would these men, claiming to be women, be eligible for tryouts for the women’s basketball or field hockey team? Suppose a college honored the right of its students to free themselves from biological determinism and allowed those with XY chromosomes to play on teams formerly designated as XX teams. I would anticipate a problem competing with other colleges. An unenlightened women’s basketball team might refuse to play against a mixed-chromosome team whose starting five consists of 6-foot-6-inch, 200-pound XYers. The NCAA should have a rule stating that refusal to play a mixed-chromosome team leads to forfeiture of the game. It’s no different from a team of
MIssion - Why We Exist
To continuously improve communication between the people of East Texas.
Vision - What We Want To Be
One of the best community papers in the Nation. Provider of positive and edifying news about people, places and businesses.
Publisher/CEO
Joycelyne Fadojutimi
Marketing/PR Keisha Roland
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Contributing Writers
Joycelyne Fadojutimi • Kelly Bell • Kelly Hall Walter E. Williams • Nathaniel Sillin Gus West • Rev. Dr. Alison Boden Steve Chapman • Michael A. Guido, D.D. East Texas Review is published at 517 S. Mobberly Ave., Longview, TX 75602 Email us at joycelyn@easttexasreview.com Visit us online: EastTexasReview.com Like us on: facebook.com/EastTexasReview The entire contents of the East Texas Review are copyrighted 2017. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The Publisher welcomes input from the public. You may write or e-mail your comments. East Texas Review reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of East Texas Review or its advertisers. Submission deadline - Every Friday.
white players refusing to play another because it has black players. It’s not just college sports that would yield benefits for those escaping biological determinism. What about allowing XYers who claim they are women to compete in the Women’s International Boxing Association? Then there are the
Olympics. The men’s fastest 100-meter speed is 9.58 seconds. The women’s record is 10.49 seconds. What about giving XY people a greater chance at winning the gold by permitting them to compete in the women’s event? They could qualify by just swearing that they feel womanish or suffer from gender dysphoria.
You say, “There you go, Williams, picking on colleges again!” I applaud the fact that some colleges are taking a leadership role in fighting biological determinism. Barnard College President Debora Spar wrote: “There was no question that Barnard must reaffirm its mission as a college for women.
And there was little debate that trans women should be eligible for admission to Barnard.” With that announcement, Barnard College joined a growing list of women’s colleges — along with Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Mills College and Simmons College — that have updated their admissions policies to take transgender women’s applications into consideration. The question that remains is just how much equality these enlightened colleges will permit between XXers and XYers. Will they sexually integrate all of their facilities? Or will they endeavor to develop the morally repugnant policy of “separate but equal”? Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. To find out more about Walter E. Williams, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
Hispanics Shouldn’t Over-Interpret the Election of Trump By Gus West It’s safe to say that Donald Trump doesn’t have many fans in the Hispanic community. The real estate mogul rose to power spewing rhetoric that was openly hostile to Latinos. He’s promised to deport more undocumented immigrants and build a wall along the nation’s southern border. And who can forget his smear of Mexican immigrants as “criminals” and “rapists?” But Hispanics shouldn’t take Trump’s election as a personal affront -- or a signal that they’re unwelcome in their own land. In fact, polling data show the United States remains far more united in its commitment to tolerance, diversity, and fair immigration policy than at any time in our history. Those who value these principles can’t afford to be distracted by their private contempt for Trump. Now is the time for sober, loyal opposition focused on the legitimate policy threats posed by an erratic president. That process starts with the recognition that Trump’s divisive tenor, particularly on immigration issues, isn’t representative of the nation at large. After all, his share of the popular vote was nearly 3 million short of his opponent Hillary Clinton’s. The “rigged system” that Trump spent much of the campaign decrying is what installed him in the White House. If anything, Trump’s brand of hateful fear-mongering has helped unify Americans against his most extreme views. A majority opposes Trump’s plan to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. His commitment to mass deportation is no more popular. According to a new Gallup poll, more Americans are satisfied with current immigration levels than at any time since the organization began monitoring the issue. A separate survey finds support for offering a “path to citizenship” for illegal immigrants has hit a new high of 60 percent.
In other words, Trump was elected despite his attitudes towards Hispanics -- not because of them. The economy played a more decisive role in the recent presidential election than immigration. In November’s exit polls, more than half of voters ranked the economy as the top national issue. Trump claimed the votes of 78 percent of Americans who said they’d lost ground financially in recent years. They bought his argument that he could create the kinds of steady, middle-class jobs that have been missing from our economy since at least the Great Recession. For Americans that feel left behind by current economic trends -- including many blacks and Hispanics -- Trump represented a break from the status quo. When asked which of Trump’s qualities mattered most to his voters, 82 percent pointed to his potential to “bring change.” In return for that change, many of these voters were willing to overlook the president’s profound character flaws. Twenty percent of his voters disapproved of his temperament, according to the exit polls. The same share judged him dishonest and untrustworthy. Latinos should refuse to be distracted by Trump’s rhetoric -- and should train their critique on his policies and the threat he poses to the values and institutions on which our republic rests. It’s essential that the Hispanic community -- and all those who support the ideals of pluralism, equality, individual liberty, and the rule of law -- commit to forcefully and vigilantly opposing the president whenever his policies violate these principles. A “loyal opposition” is loyal to these constitutional principles, not to the occupant of the Oval Office. Hispanics must resist the temptation to latch onto every breach of civility and tasteless comment Trump generates -- and reserve their energies for the genuine policy battles that lie ahead. Gus West is president of the Hispanic Institute.
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Business
March 23-30, 2017
By Nathaniel Sillin You may not have seen one in your neighborhood yet, but the tiny house phenomenon has spread across the country. For some, the move is driven by a desire to downsize and live a minimalistic lifestyle. Others see it as a way to decrease their impact on the environment. Economics are often a large part of the equation. Buying and maintaining a tiny home is relatively inexpensive, and the savings can help many people on their path towards financial freedom. Tiny-home living (often shortened to tiny living) isn’t for everyone. However, tiny living requires ingenuity and resourcefulness and we can all learn something from those who choose tiny. Freedom from debt is priceless. Living within one’s means is a foundational belief to many within the tiny living community. Between labor and materials, a tiny home could cost about $20,000 to $60,000 to build. By contrast, the U.S. Census Bureau found the
median sale price for a new home in December 2016 was $322,500. The relatively low price gives you a chance to own a tiny home without having a mortgage that’ll take three decades to pay off. The ongoing savings in the form of lower utility, tax and maintenance bills also make it easier to pay off non-housing debts, such as student loans, and live a debt-free life. That being said, you can live in a larger home and still look for ways to lower your monthly expenses and fight lifestyle inflation (spending more as you make more money). A common tip is to allocate half of your next raise or bonus to your savings or use it to pay down debts. But why not challenge yourself and use your entire raise or bonus to build your net worth? Make room for things that are important. Moving into a tiny home can require major downsizing, but some view that as a feature rather than a disadvantage. It’s not about getting rid of things that aren’t
absolutely necessary, after all sometimes “unnecessary” decorations turn a house into a home. Rather, from furniture to clothing, you have to decide what’s important to you and leave the rest behind. It’s easy to fill a large home with clutter and then attempt to clean every spring. Perhaps a better approach would be to take a tiny-home mindset to the store with you. Don’t get bogged down by asking yourself if you can live without something — you can live without many things — instead, try to only spend money on things that add meaning and joy to your life. You have more space than meets the eye. Watch a tour of a tiny home, and you’ll see that great organization skills and original storage ideas are a must. Tables turn into benches and chairs double as shelves — everything seems to have at least two purposes. How could a little imagination transform your
home? Might a new shelving system and selling items that aren’t important to you anymore give you more room? Inventiveness and thinking outside the box are keys to making the
most of what you have. High-quality products are worth the investment. Many tiny-home owners are keenly aware of the waste they’re putting back into the world. Some even
AG Paxton: Beware of Callers Posing as the IRS in Tax Scam
With the April 18th income tax deadline looming, Attorney General Ken Paxton is warning Texans to be aware of a recurring tax-related scam involving unsolicited calls from people masquerading as Internal Revenue Service agents. Scam artists tell consumers that they owe back taxes and threaten to have them arrested if they don’t provide immediate payment. If you receive an unexpected call from someone who claims to be with the IRS, follow these tips from the Consumer Protection Division of the attorney general’s office: • Hang up! The IRS never makes unsolicited threatening phone calls. • The IRS will never ask you to send money via wire or a prepaid credit card. • Don’t be fooled by caller ID indicating it’s the IRS. Scammers use “spoof” phone numbers to give the appearance of being legitimate. • Be suspicious of voice mail messages from scam artists who claim they’re with the IRS and leave a call back number with a Washington, D.C., area code. Report the phone number to the Texas attorney general’s office and the IRS. • If you think you may owe money to the IRS, contact it directly at 800-829-1040 or at www.irs.gov.
Some scammers use letters or emails that appear official, however, legitimate communications from the IRS will come in a form letter and typically do not demand sensitive personal information. Scam communications may include typos or other mistakes that can be a warning sign. When in doubt of a letter’s authenticity, call the IRS to find out if the letter is legitimate. While the IRS has announced partnerships with some private debt collectors, these businesses will not operate in the same manner as a scammer. Find more information about their operations here: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/ small-businesses-self-employed/private-debt-collection. Help combat fraud in Texas by reporting suspicious solicitations. Write down the date and time of the call, the organization’s name, and the name and phone number left by the solicitor. You can file a complaint online with the Consumer Protection Division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office here: https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/ file-a-consumer-complaint and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration here: https://www.treasury.gov/ tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml.
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choose to live in a tiny home because it’ll reduce their ecological footprint. The savings that come from tiny living and this approach to life often lead to investments in long-lasting products rather than cheaper alternatives. Quality over quantity is certainly a worthwhile mentality to adopt. Put it into practice by looking for companies that offer lifetime warranties on their products. You might be surprised to find that from socks to power tools there are dozens of manufacturers that uphold this promise. How will you make use of these lessons? Simple living and conscious buying aren’t exclusive traits of tiny-home owners. Regardless of the size of your home, you may find that incorporating these principles and practices save you time and money. Two valuable resources that should never be wasted. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney
Gospel Spotlight
March 23-30, 2017
REFLECTIONS ON LENT
Try to Find Out What is Pleasing to God By Rev. Dr. Alison L. Boden, Princeton University Chapel
Can God Really Clean Up My Mess? By Michael A. Guido, D.D. “Can God really clean up the mess in my life? Am I so important to Him that He would hear my voice above all the other voices that call on Him every day? Do I make a difference to Him when so many others seem to have more significant issues than I? Should I really bother Him if I don’t really have much faith? Can God do a few miracles for me? If I don’t have money to give will He still hear me?” We often hear of God’s power but question whether or not He can do what He says He is able to do. Sometimes when we ask the question can God we do so with hope and other times with hopelessness even resignation wondering if He really is a can do God! In Psalm 78:19 our writer makes an interesting statement: “They spoke against God” because they questioned His ability when the Israelites were walking in the wilderness and had no food. They even asked, “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” They questioned God’s ability to do something when they saw nothing. But God can do anything with nothing. Perhaps they forgot about Creation: “In the beginning God created” everything - and He did it from nothing. Nothing! God has unlimited resources and might that exceed anything we can imagine. And we must not forget His unlimited love! So, when we add His resources to His might and mix in His love then add His wisdom with the plan He has laid out for each of us, it is not “CAN GOD” - it is GOD CAN! Our God is a CAN DO GOD!
A man comes into town, leading a young cow on a rope. Everybody knows who he is – he is very well known and respected. But people scurry inside. They bolt their doors and shutters. I wonder if the man’s expression is one of sorrow, or frustration, or fear. He was feeling each of these things. He had been sent into town on an errand he did not want to do, and for which he could be killed. He had loved Saul, the great king, but God had rejected him, because he had disobeyed. Saul did not do what God had commanded in fighting a violent, neighboring kingdom. He kept the king as his own trophy prisoner. He listened to his troops as they said they should be able to keep, rather than destroy, some of the best of the loot. God then sent Samuel to Saul to tell him that he was now decommissioned as king. Samuel is heartbroken for Saul’s failure. He walks into Bethlehem with the oil with which to make the covenant with a new king. To the people, this makes Samuel an enemy of the man they know as king. This is treason. No wonder they lock their doors. No wonder the elders of the city approach him, shaking, to ask if he means them any harm. “No, no!” he says. “Just here to perform a sacrifice with this little cow. Come and do it with me. Jesse, why
Longview Christian Fellowship 2101 W. Marshall Ave. | Longview | 903-759-1401 | www.lcfchurch.org Prayer Time: 10:00am | Worship Service: 10:30am | Pastor Bob Cammack
don’t you bring yours sons, too?” And when they got to the place of sacrifice, Samuel asked to be introduced to every one of them. When Samuel sees Eliab, the eldest of Jesse’s sons, he is sure that he must be looking at the next king. The young man is good looking, tall, and well-built. Saul had been the tallest, most vigorous and handsome man of his generation – Eliab has got to be his successor. But God tells Samuel, “No – don’t look at a person’s build. My criteria for king are those things that can’t be seen with the naked eye. This strapping fellow is not the one.” And so Samuel sees the parade of seven of the sons of Jesse, and none of them is the one. The littlest
and motivating – a love with such depth of traction in the heart – that it is a love-in-action, a love that doesn’t stop with emotion but that expends itself in service, advocacy, courageous and selfless deeds of justice and mercy. I imagine that God looks upon
How do we refine our hearts so that they are lovely for God, and for all who care enough to pay such attention, to look upon? That’s what these weeks of Lent are about – self-investigation, repentance, the cultivation of faith within our ver y hearts and minds. one, out watching the sheep, is sent for, and David is God’s chosen king. He is ruddy and handsome, with beautiful eyes, but that is not why God chooses him. As God tells Samuel, “I look on the heart.” Lovely David has those qualities associated with the heart in that day – emotion, but also character, intellect, judgment, integrity, soul. As a very human king, he will act beautifully out of these qualities, sometimes, and sometimes he will not. For two women, in particular, his selfish choices will end in their awful violation. God looks on the heart. For those of us who would prefer not to be judged on our physique, and who won’t be winning any beauty contests anytime soon, this is great news. Please, dear God, look upon my heart. And yet – what would God find there? Much that is admirable, and plenty that is not. Perhaps we should prefer to be judged by appearances – with a few bucks, they can more easily be manipulated! A good workout regimen, plastic surgery, the latest thing in diets, a little Botox, gastric bypass, lipids suctioning, a flattering new wardrobe and a talented hairdresser and voil à ! – we’re all there! We could never purchase our way to a lovelier or more faithful heart. The hard work is all ours to do; we just can’t hire a professional. How do we refine our hearts so that they are lovely for God, and for all who care enough to pay such attention, to look upon? That’s what these weeks of Lent are about – self-investigation, repentance, the cultivation of faith within our very hearts and minds, doing an inventory of our hearts and then discerning what must be kept, what discarded, what improved, what drastically altered, and what is to be added anew. What is our heart’s true content? I imagine that the “God who is love” looks upon our hearts in hopes of seeing love. Real love, selfless love, love for neighbor and healthy love for oneself. I imagine that God hopes to see a love so strong
our hearts in hopes of seeing faith – the profoundest trust that God is God, that the One who created the cosmos is moving with power through our lives and losses and joys, always leading us onward to salvation, accompanying us closely whether the path leads through deserts of danger or despair or through fields of lush abundance. I imagine that God hopes to see our same faith in Christ as savior, brother, friend, one who would lay down his very life for us, open heaven to us. I imagine that God hopes to look upon our hearts and see honesty – honesty with ourselves - the good, the bad, and the ugly; honesty with others, especially the unjust; honesty in our every dealing, even though it may cost us. And I imagine that God would look upon our hearts and hope to see generosity – a readiness to part with the good things that we have if they can lift up another – our time, our hope, our money, our possessions, our faith, our humor, and, of course, our love. Leaders have to “have heart” as we see in the selection of David as king. Any heart whose content is pleasing to God is the heart that will serve its owner well throughout life, a critical guide. The poet William Carlos Williams wrote, “but it is wisdom to believe the heart. Columbus found a world but had no chart save one that faith deciphered in the skies. To trust the soul’s invincible surmise was all his science and his only art.” The best leaders anywhere, and the best citizens of God’s realm, have cultivated a faithful and truthful heart that is their compass above all other things, and that may be contrary to perceived wisdom. Everyone knows, for instance, that scrawny teenage shepherds shouldn’t be kings. But it is little David who will vanquish the giant that is his nation’s greatest enemy, and all with a childish... slingshot. “Try to find out what is pleasing to God,” says our passage from Ephesians. Samuel had to do that – what was ob-
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vious and pleasing to Samuel turned out not to be so to God. I attended a lecture this past week by the Christian writer Marilynne Robinson; her novels Housekeeping, Gilead, and Home are the best known, but she is an essayist as well. She spoke on the subject of some Christians’ habit of not speaking, of not raising their voices or sharing their opinions publicly, on matters of faith – faith and public policy, faith and human welfare, faith and civil liberties, or biblical interpretation – a host of topics. We don’t do it because of our aversion to sounding like pompous people who are sure of what is pleasing to God. We have plenty of those people in our culture today, as we all know. No – we don’t want to become what we dislike at best or think sinful at worst – loud-crowing roosters who tell everybody else what is on the mind of God and how the people they have never liked anyway are also very unpleasing to the Almighty. But Robinson challenged us listeners to get over our hesitation to defer to our own spiritual modesty in the face of Christian bullies, or we let them carry the entire conversation about what is pleasing to God, even to some people’s hurt. We must proceed with all humility, of course, but also with faithful courage. We are not entirely ignorant of what is pleasing to God. How could that ever include torture? Many issues are more nuanced, but our summons from Scripture is to try to find out – to expend ourselves in discernment, and then robust conversation. We begin by looking on our own hearts, as well as on the hearts of others. “Try to find out what is pleasing to God,” says the Letter to the Ephesians, not so we can become rule-lovers but life-livers and life-givers. Pray, talk, protest, work, love, and like Samuel, listen for a divine voice, small as a whisper. Speak with the wise. Consult the wisdom of your own heart. Sometimes those things that please God defy common sense, like the selection of a worthy king. What is pleasing to God are those worthy things that can be seen when looking on the heart, and so perhaps those things can be our guide – where, in whatever question is before us, is faithfulness, is love, is honesty, is generosity, is mercy? These things, we know, are pleasing to the God who is love. Where are they in our own hearts? Looking on our hearts, can the Holy One indeed see what is needed for leaders in God’s in-breaking realm of peace and salvation? Let us make the cultivation of hearts such as these our projects in this Lenten season and always.
March 23-30, 2017
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State/National
Opioid Deaths: Another Drug War Failure By Steve Chapman
Illicit drug use is an old phenomenon, and Jeff Sessions has an old solution: take off the gloves. “We have too much of a tolerance for drug use,” the attorney general complained to an audience of law enforcement officials Wednesday, promising more aggressive policing. “Our nation needs to say clearly once again that using drugs is bad,” he declared. “It will destroy your life.” That claim will fall on a lot of deaf ears among the 100 million Americans who have used marijuana — most of whom found it did not destroy their lives and some of whom found it made their lives better. He is right, though, that tolerance is rampant. A Gallup Poll last year showed that 60 percent of Americans think pot should be legalized for recreational use — as eight states and the District of Columbia have done. Medical marijuana is allowed in 28 states and D.C. But in his prepared remarks, Sessions insisted cannabis is “only slightly less awful” than heroin. Oh, please. The nation is in the midst of an epidemic of overdose deaths involving heroin and other opioids. In 2015, 32,000 Americans died of such overdoses. Compare that with the number of people who died from ingesting an excess of marijuana: zero. Pot, in fact, appears to be saving lives. A 2014 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that states allowing medical marijuana had 25 percent fewer deaths from prescription drug overdoses than states forbidding it. People often use opioids to relieve pain. But “individuals with chronic pain and their medical providers may be opting to treat pain entirely or in part with medical marijuana, in states where this is legal,” said Johns Hopkins University professor Colleen Barry, the lead author. Sessions made a point of commenting on this unwelcome scientific data: “Give me a break.” He paid lip service to “treatment and prevention,” but don’t expect much there. The Affordable Care Act, which the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have vowed to repeal, has been “the largest expansion of drug treatment in U.S. history,” according to Stanford University psychiatry professor Keith Humphreys. If they have their way, we can expect the largest
contraction of drug treatment in U.S. history. Promoting treatment goes against the approach long preferred by hard-line politicians. The most effective remedy for opioid addiction is medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, with drugs like methadone and buprenorphine. But if you’d like to stop shooting heroin, you may search in vain for help. The Drug Policy Alliance reports that “access to MAT is severely limited by extensive federal and state regulations and restrictions. A scant 12 percent of individuals with opioid dependence receive methadone, and only nine percent of substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States offer specialized treatment of opioid dependence with MAT.” Among the people who could most benefit from this sort of treatment are prison inmates. But a DPA survey found no state correctional systems that provide it — even though a report last year from the surgeon general compared it to giving insulin to diabetics. Upon release, opioid-prone offenders are particularly susceptible to dying of an overdose, apparently because addicts’ physical tolerance diminishes while they are locked up. Zealous drug warriors bridle at anything except prohibition and abstinence. Closing down “pill mills,” where physicians allegedly overprescribe opioids, is a
East Texas’ Energy Impact
Cruz: ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ From Page1
“I am honored to receive the ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ award from the Chamber, an organization that works hard to advance policies that create jobs and expand opportunity. When I meet with business leaders in Texas, there is an enthusiasm and excitement that I have not seen in a long time. I believe we’ve been given an historic opportunity to implement health care reform, regulatory reform and fundamental tax reform to lift wages and grow our economy to lift wages and grow our economy. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to deliver on the promises we made to the American people, and with the members of the Chamber to promote these policies.” “Businesses of all shapes and sizes need sound, commonsense policy in place in order to get off the ground, grow, and succeed,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The Spirit of Enterprise Award recognizes those members of Congress who have done what’s right for
favorite option. Such lifesaving measures as facilitating access to sterile syringes and naloxone, which is used to reverse overdoses before they kill, are inherently suspect. The criminalization of opioid use often has fatal consequences, because it leaves addicts to obtain supplies from street dealers rather than pharmacists. The drugs they get may be surreptitiously laced with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids that are cheaper than prescription meds but much more potent — raising the overdose risk. Crackdowns have other unhealthy side effects. “When the police shut down a local pill mill, they rarely identify the users and help them get treatment, and heroin and fentanyl dealers are quick to move in to exploit the new business opportunity,” writes New York University professor Mark A.R. Kleiman in the March/ April issue of Foreign Affairs. “In 2014, deaths from overdosing on prescription opioids fell, but deaths from fentanyl overdoses almost doubled.” It’s often said that drugs are a crutch for those who can’t cope with reality. Give Sessions credit: He needs no artificial substances to disregard truth. Steve Chapman blogs at http://www.chicagotribune. com/news/opinion/chapman.
From Page1
The senator receives the Spirit of Enterprise award from a US Chamber of Commerce official.
our friends, family, and neighbors running businesses across the country. We applaud Sen. Cruz for his commitment to free enterprise and economic growth.” The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award is given annually to members of Congress based on their votes on critical business legislation as outlined in the Chamber’s annual scorecard, How They Voted. Members who
supported the Chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of those votes qualify to receive the award. During the second session of the 114th Congress, the Chamber scored members on 8 Senate votes and 14 House votes related to access to capital for small businesses, ensuring our workforce has the skills necessary for the jobs of tomorrow, and helping American manufacturers compete in a global econ-
Annual Teddy Bear Picnic set
The Children’s Park 8th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic will be held on April 2, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at The Children’s Park, located at 110 E. Dobbs St., in Tyler. Effrots are being combined with the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Tyler’s beautiful Azalea Trail. Families are being asked to bring picnic blankets, and children, to bring their favorite teddy bears to join in the fun. Box lunches and water will be pro-
vided for the first 200 people. Stations will be set up throughout the park to enhance the experience of spending intentional time together as a family. “For every bear will gather there for certain because, today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic,” the event organizers said. Admission is free. For information, call (903) 939-1597 or visit at www.childrensparktyler.org.
omy. In addition, votes in support of building the U.S. water infrastructure system, protecting intellectual property, and updating energy policy also factored into scoring. This is the 29th year that the U.S. Chamber has formally honored the accomplishments of this select group of members of Congress. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation
Since the early East Texas gushers in 1930, East Texans have produced nearly 5.5 billion barrels of oil to date. But beyond the barrels, our region’s pipeline infrastructure has played a key role in moving energy across the state and around the nation. It was the “Big Inch” pipeline in World War II that delivered East Texas crude to Pennsylvania. Today, pipeline infrastructure in and around Longview has grown and continues to expand in capacity and the amount of product moved. For example, pipelines in our area play a key role in moving petroleum product from Cushing, Oklahoma as well as to and from the Permian Basin of West Texas. Houston-based Plains built a 16-inch, 226-mile pipeline from the Plains Basin at Duncan, Oklahoma to Longview. Plains’ investment in East Texas should continue to pay dividends as the company looks to increase capacity from Longview to Shreve-
port through a joint-partnership. The East Texas rail facility puts Longview and American Midstream Partners’ on the map for its ability to seamlessly move good and products from production and product terminals to markets across Texas and the U.S. Drilling down further, East Texas’ economic strength and diversity benefits from an industry cluster that brings together machinery, chemicals, fabricated metals and other manufacturing-related fields right here in Longview’s backyard. Companies like Halliburton Services and Eastman Chemical are joined by telecommunications equipment manufacturers like General Dynamics SATCOM, all relying on Longview’s and East Texas’ workforce and our strong energy sector.[1] While the Texas energy sector may experience its ups and downs, as we’ve seen and felt over the past year, it’s a crucial part of our community and our local economy.
Area's Best Business Review
Presented by: Metro News ©2017 All Rights Reserved. 1-800-580-1039 Spending more and buying less? Maybe you should be shopping at WALMART where your dollar goes a lot further! Conveniently located at 4006 Estes Pkwy, in Longview, phone (903) 236-0947; this full line department store offers something that most other stores can’t compete with… the area’s very lowest prices on EVERYTHING! Food to feed your family, toys to entertain your children, school supplies, sporting goods, tools, and auto accessories. Nearly every little thing you can think of! Most “regular” retail department stores feature “full retail” prices. At WAL-MART, this is not the case! Here you get the service you want, the quality you look for, and prices you can afford! Open 24 hours, they can meet all of your needs at any given time day or night. If you are shopping for appliances or furniture WAL-MART offers you the kind of quality you deserve. We, The editors of this 2017 Area’s Best Business Review, offer this suggestion to the people in our area: So, whether or not you need a big grocery shopping trip, get your tire changed or pick-up a prescription, do what smart shoppers do…make WAL-MART your one-stop shopping headquarters for the best products, the largest selection and the ultimate in everyday bargains!
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Health
March 23-30, 2017
Treatment options such as vaginal reconstruction with no messy products enable women to enjoy life again
Chi l d b vag ir th c a inal n bring a nd u trauma, teri ne p rola ps e By Kelly Bell, East Texas Review
T
he joys that come with a new baby are obvious, intense and enduring, but there is a flip side. The stresses of birthing can lead to incontinence, vaginal muscle and tissue damage, which can go as far as a collapsing uterus. The passage of time can make these effects more noticeable, but there are alternatives to merely putting up with them. The uterus (also known as the womb) is a muscular organ supported by pelvic muscles and ligaments which can be stretched and weakened to the point they no longer hold up the uterus. This leads to uterine prolapse. The uterus migrates into the vagina, or birth canal. In cases of an incomplete prolapse the uterus drifts only partway into the vagina. When there is a complete prolapse the uterus sags so far into the vagina that part of it may extend to the outside of the birth canal. Symptoms are unmistakable although in cases of minor prolapse women may not notice anything. Moderate to severe prolapse shows up as follows: * A woman feels like she’s sitting on a ball * Vaginal bleeding * Increased discharge * Painful sexual intercourse * Seeing the uterus or cervix protruding from the vagina * Pulling sensation or heavy feeling in the pelvis * Constipation * Recurrent bladder infections Risk factors and severity of symptoms increase as women age and estrogen levels decrease. Because the estrogen hormone strengthens the pelvis muscles, damage to pelvic muscles and tissues during pregnancy and childbirth can precipitate prolapse later in life. Women who have had multiple children, and postmenopausal women are at the greatest risk. Activities and conditions that place stress of the pelvic muscles increase the risk of prolapse. The following further increase the likelihood of prolapse: * Obesity * Chronic coughing * Chronic constipation Doctors can detect uterine prolapse through physical exam and by evaluating symptoms. During such exams doctors insert an instrument called a speculum to view the interior of the vagina and examine the vaginal canal and uterus.
A vaginal speculum can be inserted into a woman’s vagina during a regular exam.
Meet Dr. Charles Newlin,M.D.
Diagnostic Clinic of Longview
Dr. Charles Newlin, MD explains that there are both surgical and non-surgical options for this condition. A Longview native, Newlin graduated from Longview Christian School before attending LeTourneau University and earning his undergraduate degree there. He took his medical degree from the Texas A&M College of Medicine, and finished his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas. A member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, the Texas Medical Association, and the Christian Medical Association, he and his wife are delighted o return to Longview. For treatment options and questions in general, please contact Dr. Charles Newlin with the Diagnostic Clinic of Longview at (903) 757-6042.
With every heart we help, we help another heart keep smiling. That’s why our patients say their heart belongs to Longview Regional Medical Center. Our cardiac care team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We offer: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Chest Pain Center Heart Risk Assessment P.A.D. Coalition Stroke Center
2901 N Fourth Street • Longview • 903-758-1818 • www.LongviewRegional.com Longivew Regional is recognized as Certified Stroke and Chest Pain Accredited facility
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