Katyzuela

“It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.” Commentary is talking about the front page of yesterday’s Chron which is today’s featured photo.  See this from the Chron:

Outside the Latin Market in Katy, a group of Houstonians danced in celebration of the U.S. capture of controversial Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. 

Music blared, Venezuelan flags were prominently displayed alongside the U.S. flag in a show of unity. Many wore both flags around their necks as a cape, a show that the results from a U.S. military operation conducted early Saturday morning were cause for mass cheer and optimism.

“I haven’t seen my family in almost 11 years,” a woman told KHOU 11. “And I thought it was a dream. But now, thanks to the actions of President Trump, it’s gonna be a reality. I’m gonna be able to go back and see my family, to go back to my country and walk free, not in fear for my life anymore. I’m grateful and thankful that we are united.”

Over the last ten years, Katy has grown into the epicenter of Venezuelan culture in the city. According to U.S. Census Data, more than 15,000 Venezuelans call Katy home, with the population tripling from 2012 to 2022. Many in the area have dubbed it “Katyzuela” or “Venezuelita” due to its constant showing of the Venezuelan diaspora through local businesses and more. 

Maduro, who was serving a third term as Venezuelan President, had been widely criticized for his rule as an autocrat, as several Venezuelans fled the country due to his leadership. He was indicted in 2020 during the first Trump Administration on charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, and according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, he will stand to face trial over that indictment.

Some say this is about oil. Some say this is about illegal drugs. I didn’t hear much about the democracy thing. The current regime may very well decide to cooperate so they can stay in charge. For the folks in Katyzuela and elsewhere, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.”

_____

Here is the reaction from our Democratic Party candidates for U.S. Senator in Texas:

In opposition, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett, of Dallas, said, “Trump promised no ‘new stupid wars,’ yet he’s starting one with Venezuela without congressional approval. People can’t afford groceries and millions are losing health care, but this is where his focus is. This is unconstitutional and not what the American people asked for.”

And this:

Democratic Rep. James Talarico, of Austin, who’s running for the same Texas Senate seat as Crockett, shared that he, too, believed the Trump administration’s actions were corrupt. 

In a statement, he said, ” Last year, Trump promised American oil executives ‘a great deal’ if they donated $1 billion to his campaign. Today, he gave them Venezuela — home to the largest oil reserves in the world. The president is putting American troops in harm’s way for a deeply corrupt deal.”

Good statements from both.

_____

I thought about this when the NFL Playoff schedule was released last night. See this from the Chron:

The Houston Texans‘ stranglehold on a familiar playoff slot is over.

For the first time in their playoff history, the Texans will not play in the postseason’s opening game.

The NFL announced its playoff schedule Sunday night, with the Texans playing at Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12. The game will be televised by ESPN and ABC.

And this:

In their first eight playoff appearances, the Texans always hosted the Saturday afternoon playoff opener, a source of either amusement or consternation, depending on perspective. Now, they’ll close the opening round in their third straight playoff appearance, a first in franchise history.

But in their first appearance as a wild card, the Texans will have to do something they’ve never done before: win a road playoff game. Houston is 0-6 in the postseason away from home, with all those games occurring in the divisional round.

Monday night playoff action in prime time for the Texans. Very nice.

I was at NRG yesterday with my best friend. During the game we were introduced on the jumbotron to new Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai.

We won and are the fifth seed in the AFC. Houston and Pittsburgh met in the NFL playoffs when we had the Oilers. The Texans have never played the Steelers in the playoffs. Got it?