Still waiting for a little shame to seep in

To the Houston mayoral contest.

Mayor Annise Parker and challenger Ben Hall are debating the meaning of "debate."

Hall two weeks ago called on Parker to join him in six televised debates. Parker said one was enough.

Then on Thursday, Parker tweeted: "Looking forward to the first of many campaign debates this weekend, as well as more forums like last night. Plenty of chances to see us."

Hall's chief strategist John Weaver, also on Twitter, replied, "Phony post Ms. Parker. No 'debates' this weekend. There are forums, but no debates. (Hall) and Houston still waiting."

Parker's tweet referred to a Saturday event hosted by the Baptist Ministers' Association of Houston & Vicinity at 6 p.m. at J.J. Roberson Family Life Center, 4810 Redbud.

A June 5 post on the ministers' Facebook page referred to the event as a forum. So did ads for the event and the candidates' written invitations, said Hall press secretary Julia Smekalina. Parker spokeswoman Sue Davis said she has not seen written materials for the event but said it was referred to as a debate in her conversations with the ministers' group. A member of the group did not return a call Thursday.

There's more at the first link, but I just can't take any more. I've listened to a better exchange of competing ideas at Cub Scout den mothers' meetings. Really; I was a Cub Scout, and those women could throw down with my mom. This geek fighting on Twitter is like watching Dumb and Dumber play checkers.

Maybe some day we'll see some healthy democratic leadership demonstrated in this town, but it doesn't look like it's going to show up in 2013.

Update: With a tip of the chapeau to the Democratic Underground.

From the latest Gallup Poll this guy is gaining. Something like an 80/20 spread...

And all apologies to Sylvia.



Your nobody called today
He hung up when I asked his name
Well I wonder
if he thinks he's being clever
You say nobody tells the truth
The fact is what you say is true
but I can govern like nobody can