Why I can't vote for Beto O'Rourke

In 1998 Robert Francis O'Rourke, (@BetoORourke) then age 26, was charged with a DWI.

This was no ordinary DWI. It wasn't because a keen police officer noticed he crossed the center line or as a result of a holiday safety check, not even close.

At the age of twenty-six, an age where one should know better, he overserved himself on his birthday, was driving at least 75 mph, lost control of his Volvo, hit a truck, crossed the median into oncoming traffic before he came to a stop.

It was another citizen who called the police.  When they responded 'ol Robert was arrested and his Volvo was impounded.

Since the incident Mr. O'Rourke has lived an example life. The incident was adjudicated and he has apologized over-and-over. He has served his community as a part of their City Council and now represents his area of El Paso Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

His apology has been accepted.

But now he is running for the U.S. Senate, this is a game changer.

First, if Mr. O'Rouke wanted to server in the military he would be rejected. He could apply for a waiver however considering his age at the time and the fact that he put other lives at stake the waiver would be denied.

Now he wants a job where he can oversee the activities of the military.

Just a few weeks ago (August 17, 2017) the commander of the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (a unit I use to be a part of) at Fort Bliss (El Paso, TX) was relived of her command after receiving a DWI. The reason you see military leaders, both senior enlisted and officers, relieved of command after a DWI is because they loose their security clearances.  Even if they are not convicted their clearance is suspended.

Let's say for a moment that Mr. O'Rourke does get elected.

He will be one of the two individuals representing the State of Texas in Congress. Unlike what the talking heads on late night TV want you to believe about the U.S. Senate and how it is unfair that each state gets equal representation regardless of the size of the population that sent them, the Senate is designed to uphold the rights of the State and not the people (the whole 10th Amendment thing comes into play).

Because of the decisions he made at the age of 26 he will never have a security clearance above Public Use or Confidential. You may think this not to be true but as our friends on The Young Turks (

@TheYoungTurks) might advise, "Goggle It".

Mr. O'Rourke as a representative of the State of Texas will never be able to serve on committee of any consequence.

In a state with the largest military installation in the world (Fort Hood), air bases still operating B-52s and A-10s, the largest military hospital state-side he will never be in a position to make sure those installations and resources (and civilian support jobs) are secure.

My final reason is maybe splitting hairs a little, but it bothers me just the same.

His nick-name is "Beto".

Advertisements to the English speaking audience it is pronounced "Bee' - to".  To Spanish speaking: "Bay' to".  Most of those with the "Beto" yard signs don't know who Robert O'Rourke even is. He is playing to the lowest common dominator and treating people as if they are uneducated and stupid. If you can't run for office using your name then don't run.

My two cents….