One reason that people are pulled to the repugs is that security is an issue they consider when evaluating a candidate. Since we have either tried a "me too" approach like Lieberman or ignored the issue all together, there is a good chance we could get stampeded on this issue again. I think that several points need to be considered.

(1) Control the borders. Note this is not a Pat Buchanan "close the borders and throw the illegals out." This means close off all the borders between secured border crossings. People get killed every day trying to cross the border. We need to eliminate those deaths by eliminating the possibility of such crossings. When the only place to cross the border is at a secure border crossing, then we have an opportunity to know the identities of everyone entering and leaving the country. We also have an opportunity to search bags and cargo entering and leaving.

(2) Control the ports. It is a crime that cargo containers are still not being screened by the Bush administration who is supposed to be keeping us safe. Every person and container that enters and leaves a U.S. port needs to be identified and screened.

(3) Control the aircraft. Despite all the commotion about liquid explosives, nothing has been done other than a brute force approach of banning all liquids. There are no liquid explosive detectors and too few explosive detectors. In addition, the TSA is not saying how many checked bags are screened for explosives. This only leads to the conclusion that it is because it is an embarrassingly low number. Every person and item going on board a commercial aircraft should be identified and scanned for explosives.

(4) Focus on the terrorists in the War on Terror. The War on Terror is a phrase that is well placed in the american mind and should be used by us to refocus the issue. Since Iraq was not involved in a terrorist attack on the U.S., we should transition out as soon as possible. Since Osama bin Laden was involved, we should apply all our energy in finding him as soon a possible. Use the CIA, use special forces, or any other special operations group to capture him and bring him back to the U.S. After a trial that will show what a nutcase he is, he will be executed just like Tim McVeigh.

(5) Bring the Guard home. The National Guard is designed as a local militia to help with local disasters and disruptions. It is not a special reserve force to back up a war plan that had too few troops in the first place. The Guard units should be the first ones withdrawn along with their equipment. We will need them during hurricane season and during other disasters.

(6) Terrorism is a crime fought with police and prosecutors. Restore the funding and increase it for the hiring of new police officers and prosecutors. Terrorists are caught by old-fashioned police work, not be new-fashioned technology. Be increasing the number of police, we increase the chance that a terror plot will be caught before it can even start.

These points are very important for those Regan Democrats who left, were lured back by Clinton, then left again. We need to give them a reason to say, "I feel secure with a Democrat in office." Without that, little else will matter.

Now that the repugs got all their ducks in a row and passed the school funding program, does this sink Carol Strayhorn for governor?

She was strongest when lashing out at Rick Perry for lack of leadership on the school financing issue. If he couldn't get any plan, no matter how bad, passed by June 1st, she would have received a huge boost. The American Teacher's Union endorsed her so early for just this funding issue.

Now that falls to the side as Perry and the other incumbents can wave their hands and claim its all fixed now. There is no driving issue to push anti-Perry votes toward Strayhorn.

With Kinky all tied up with his crazy border control statements, now is the time that Chris Bell can step into the breach and consolidate his position as the only viable alternative to Perry.