The Laredo Underground

In most big cities, there's an established media, and an "alternative press" that espouses edgy politics, speaks truth to power, rakes muck etc.

As with so much else in Laredo, we've got our own version of the standard: the mighty Laredo Underground! I think there might be four of them.

The Laredo Chameleon - Scourge of welfare whiners & local politicians, friend to random links and animated gif artists. The website design screams "class," at least when it's not screaming at its readers in poorly spelled caps to vote out State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, arguably one the most powerful democrats in Texas. Good idea, guys.

Jay St. John - Our favorite Mexico-broadcasting, FCC-dodging gringo with an off-handed racist remark, Jay recently got kicked off the FM dial, possibly through the machinations of our ubiquitous mayor, who was understandably sick of being referred to as "the walrus." But you can't keep a good Imus impersonator down - Jay is now broadcasting twice as loud in AM.

Laredos - A monthly(ish) magazine devoted to unmasking corrupt politicians, giving bogus medical advice, reviewing Harry Potter books, discussing Jesus...actually, whatever you want to write. The most legit of the Chameleon/St. John/Laredos triumvirate. Do these guys all hang out on Friday nights?

The Shell station on San Bernardo - I love this place (see pic above). Same folks that brought you the Chameleon. Who do they think is reading? Actually, Laredo probably is one of the few cities where politicians pump their own gas.