Gays? Once again, the power of our judiciary to amaze never ceases.

An immigration judge granted a Mexican immigrant asylum, citing his sexual orientation and the severe persecution of gays in Mexico, the immigrant’s lawyer said Tuesday.

Did the judge miss the memo?

What began as a mere whisper has turned into an outcry — rumors that Harris County Judge Robert Eckels is set to resign from office to join LoneStarTimes.com as a full-time blogger.

Via this morning’s Houston Chronicle:

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said Wednesday he is mulling offers from the private sector and can’t rule out walking away from the four-year term he just won in November.

An early resignation would create a political whirlwind in county government, where officials serve without term limits and open seats are rare.

“In the last 90 days I’ve had conversations with a New York firm and international investment banking firms,” Eckels said, saying he often has been approached by lobbying and law firms interested in hiring him.

“I have had more serious discussions than in the past. They are more concrete.”

He is contemplating those offers, he said, but it is premature to talk about who he is “visiting with.”

“I don’t have to decide today. But I don’t rule out anything,” said Eckels…

Hmm…

… Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt talked to Eckels Tuesday. Bettencourt declined to divulge the particulars of their conversation, but said his fellow Republican gave him the sense that he was seriously weighing other options.

“There’s no doubt Robert is considering doing something else,” Bettencourt said.

Hmm…

KHOU’s Doug Miller has more:

One of the most powerful political leaders in the Houston area tells 11 News he may resign.

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said he’s seriously considering leaving office to take a job in the private sector.

Eckels has lead the one of the biggest city governments in the nation for 12 years as Harris County Judge.

He presides over the Harris County Commissioner’s Court and won national media attention for his leadership during the Katrina evacuee crisis.

He said two law firms have contacted him in the last six months, and an aide said he’s also been contacted by an investment banking firm.

And he could also make a lot of money as a lobbyist.

But now he said someone is talking to him about a job that does not involve lobbying, and he’s considering taking it.

“I’m interested. I’d be foolish not to consider it,” he said…

Hmm….

For now, Eckels, who is out of town on business this week, says he has not signed a contract with the unidentified potential employer, but he confirms he’s engaged in serious discussions over a job that could lead to his resignation as Harris County Judge.

Reached for comment while relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Grand Cayman, LoneStarTimes.com publisher and sole revenue receiver David Benzion issued the following statement:

“I have no comment in direct response to the ever-growing chorus of rumor and speculation that Judge Eckels will soon be joining LST as a full-time blogger.”

“I will simply say this–Robert Eckels is a honorable and decent man and a fine public servant, and I have long been impressed by his good humor, wit, and excellent typing skills.”

“With the addition of the massive revenues now being generated by LST’s online store, let’s just say that ‘all options are on the table.’”

Stay tuned to LST for further developments…

There has been so much hysteria about the Compean/Ramos convictions that the increase in violence along the border has been overlooked. Whether you are a part of the Al Sharpton-ing of the Judicial system or if you support the removal of bad cops from our streets, you should read this article about the incident earlier this year when our National Guard troops retreated from armed men.

The men who confronted the soldiers were armed with automatic weapons and wearing ballistic vests when they saw the soldiers, split into two groups and appeared to be trying to surround them, authorities said. Before the Guardsmen retreated, one gunman came within 35 feet of the soldiers, according to a National Guard report. The outlaws’ nationality was unclear, investigators said.

Split into two groups, appeared to be surrounding them. Wow. Which leads to this:

Texas soldiers will undergo additional training on what to do if they are separated from their teams or taken hostage or kidnapped.

Wow again. Texas soldiers. Hostages. Perhaps the NG needs to rethink their rules of engagement.

Straight from the heart of Texas yesterday, a few clear headed lawmakers got into the act.

Rep. Debbie Riddle (R) thinks that it should be against the law for any

governing body of a municipality, the commissioners court of a county, or a sheriff, municipal police department, municipal attorney, county attorney, district attorney, or criminal district attorney

to not enforce immigration laws. In other words, adios sanctuary cities.

Sen. John Carona (R) has proposed tightening up the law for vehicles carrying gravel and such. Good. I’m tired of chipped windshields.

Sen. Glen Hegar (R) has proposed eliminating the ability of tax appraisers to increase your appraisals for each year that your property was not re-appraised. In other words, they could no longer increase your appraisal 20 or 30 %, just the current 10% cap.

Yeah, yeah, I know, pretty slim pickin’s. At least there wasn’t another Po’ Folks Bill of Rights or a day honoring a thug.

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