Protesters Do Their Thing at ExxonMobil Meeting

ExxonMobil is holding its annual shareholders meeting at the Meyerson this morning. About a dozen protesters have assembled across the street. They have magaphones and are doing a call and response.

“What do we want?!”

“Cows!”

At least that’s how it sounded to this passerby. The cops have set up a barricade all along Flora street as if to hold back an invading army. I said to one bemused bike cop, “Looks like you really have your hands full today.”

“We’re pretty overwhelmed,” he joked, “but we’ll try to make it.”

Leading Off (5/26/10)

1. I can’t wait to vote hard on the wet/dry referendum. It’s a no-brainer that this patchwork of dry areas in Dallas has to go. The liquor industry, though? They want to keep beer out of grocery stores (and in liquor stores), so they’re predicting all hell will break loose if we change the status quo. The DMN runs an editorial today taking a look at three North Texas cities that have recently gone down this road. The verdict? I’ll drink to it.

2. You’ve been following the dustup over at the District Attorney’s office? The county auditor says it told Craig Watkins back in 2008 that it had found evidence that Constable Jaime Cortes was getting kickbacks from a crooked tower. Craig Watkins’ office says, “Nope. Never got that memo. We didn’t hear about this till late 2009. Are we working a case against Cortes? Maybe. Maybe not.” Now you’re up to date. Me, I’m just waiting for the sweet, sweet, on-message quote from our good friend Eric Celeste, the communications director for Watkins’ reelection campaign. Eric is going to have to earn his retainer this month.

3. I love it when Dallas defies its stereotype. Yes, we’re right here in the Bible Belt. Those East Coast liberals (damn you, East Coast liberals!) think we’re all conservative and creationist down here. Well, let’s ignore the latter for now. But along comes progressive Royal Lane Baptist, which got booted from the Baptist General Convention of Texas for having gay deacons. Royal Lane Baptist, established 1952, was also one of the first to have women as deacons. Now, about that fossil record …

4. Did you know that in Dallas there’s nothing to stop you from picking up a stray dog and, even if it has tags IDing the owner, selling it? The Council is expected to pass an ordinance today that will change that. Kudos to citizen Brad Kirby, who, after having his microchipped huskies stolen, is behind the change.