Gulen backed USA State Resolutions - they are busy little cockroaches.

Gulenist state resolutions

http://turkishinvitations.weebly.com/gulenist-state-resolutions.html

Page created June 11, 2011; updated Nov 8, 2011
by C.A.S.I.L.I.P.S. - Citizens Against Special Interest Lobbying in Public Schools

The spring of 2011 saw a spate of Gulenist resolutions appearing before state legislatures across the US, nominally to recognize American-Turkish friendship and economic ties.  It seems probable that they were also aimed at facilitating and legitimizing the Gulenist agenda, and counteracting any negative publicity about the Gulen charter schools or Turkey's Gulen-backed AKP government.  As nearly all referred also to the size and/or rapid growth of the Turkish economy, the timing was noteworthy, as it coincided with a brief period of rapid growth in Turkey's GDP.  Already by fall 2011, press coverage of Turkey's economic indicators was far less favorable, but the resolutions were a done deal. 

The total number of states that are known to have adopted Gulenist resolutions is now 21.

Many of these resolutions explicitly mention Gulenist organizations (all are TAA members) including:

·         Acacia Foundation, Washington (state)

·         Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue, Arizona

·         Institute of Interfaith Dialog, Texas (branches in other states)

·         Interfaith Dialog Center (IDC) New Jersey

·         Istanbul Center, Georgia

·         Jackson Raindrop Turkish House, Mississippi

·         Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations

·         Niagara Foundation, Illinois (branches in other states)

·         Pacifica Institute d.b.a. Rosegarden Turkish-American Cultural Center

·         Pacifica Institute-Idaho

·         Pacifica Institute-Utah

·         Pioneer Academy of Science, New Jersey

·         Rumi Forum, Washington DC

·         Turkish-American Association of Kentucky

·         Turkish-American Federation of the Midwest

·         Turkish-American Society of Nebraska

·         Turkish Cultural Center New Jersey (TCC-NJ)

·         Turkish Cultural Center of Pennsylvania

·         Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians, Texas

·         West America Turkic Council

Concerns about political repression in Turkey and the increasing authoritarianism of Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan were already on the rise in early 2011 and further escalated after the arrests in March 2011 of award-winning journalist Nedim Sener and journalist/author Ahmet Sik, as well as the government's attempt to eradicate Sik's book about Fethullah Gulen.  Repression of the Kurdish people in Turkey continues under Erdogan, and other minorities such as the Alevis still struggle for equal rights.  Despite all these serious concerns, some of which were well-publicized in the U.S. and European media, Gulenist resolutions were making their way through state legislatures, with nearly all of them referring to Turkey as "cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights." 

No doubt a number of individual citizens of Turkey do value freedom and democracy, but it is questionable whether the current Turkish government merits such praise from our state legislatures in view of its recent record.

A noteworthy point about these resolutions is the remarkable similarity in their phrasing across states, once again showing the high level of coordination of Gulenist organizations across the US.  This similarity also shows that the impetus behind these resolutions came from the Gulen Movement itself, not the sponsoring legislators.  Several of the resolutions mention state legislators participating in Gulenist Turkey trips.

Here is state-by-state information on Gulenist state resolutions that have been identified to date. 
Arizona

Senate Resolution 1010, 50th Legislature

"Whereas, the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both dearly cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights; and..."
.........
"That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit an official copy of this Resolution to the Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue and its umbrella organization West America Turkic Council."
Arkansas

House Resolution 1033, March 30, 2011

"WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both dearly cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and.......

"WHEREAS, in its alliances with the United States, the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty, as well as its tolerance of others in secular and religious venues; and
.........
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT upon adoption of this resolution, an appropriate copy shall be provided to the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives."
Georgia

House Resolution 555

"Commending the Turkish-American community in Georgia and the Istanbul Center and recognizing March 29, 2011, as Turkish-American Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes."
..........
"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend the Turkish-American community of Georgia and the Istanbul Center for their contributions to the State of Georgia and recognize March 29, 2011, as Turkish-American Day at the state capitol."

Global Atlanta, April 1, 2011 "State Government Honors Turkish Community"
"Tarik Celik, executive director for the [Istanbul] center, accepted the Senate resolution, which recognized the contributions of the 8,000 Turkish-Americans and 500 Turkish owned businesses in Georgia."
Hawaii

House Resolution 30, 26th Legislature, 2011

The version that passed can be viewed here, and here are some public comments.

"WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies that cherish the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and

"WHEREAS, in its alliance with the united States, the Republic of Turkey demonstrates a commitment to world peace and liberty, as well as a tolerance of others regarding secular and religious issues; and......"

The resolution was mentioned in articles of the Hawaii Free Press on March 6, 2011 and May 22, 2011; they reported that "HCR30 only passed after being stripped of all references to Gulen front groups."  The original version mentioned the Pacifica Institute. 
Idaho

Senate Resolution No. 102, Sixty-first Legislature First Regular Session - 2011

"WHEREAS, the Senate of the state of Idaho in the First Regular Session of the Sixty-first Idaho Legislature recognizes that the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both embracing the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights;

"WHEREAS, the United States and the Republic of Turkey have shared common ideals, in which freedom and democracy are the foundation of peace, prosperity and security; and....."

"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an official copy of this resolution be distributed to the West America Turkic Council and to the Pacifica Institute-Idaho."
Indiana

Senate Concurrent Resolution 36 - 2011 1st Regular Session

"Whereas, The Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights;

"Whereas, In its alliances with the United States, Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to peace and liberty, as well as its political and religious tolerance; ..........

"Whereas, The Niagara Foundation and the Turkish- American Federation of the Midwest are huge proponents of the Turkish-Hoosier Friendship Task Force;

"Whereas, Within the last three years, 400 civic leaders, elected officials, and academics traveled to Turkey to strengthen the relationship between Hoosiers and Turkish people. .........

"The Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Bilal Eksili."
[Bilal Eksili is affiliated with the Holy Dove Foundation, another Gulenist organization.]
Kansas

Senate Resolution No. 1811;  Adopted Feb 8, 2011
Sponsor: Senator Chris Steineger

"WHEREAS, The Republic of Turkey is a democratic, secular, unitary, constitutional republic;
and
"WHEREAS, The Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing
allies. Both nations cherish freedom, democracy and human rights; and
"WHEREAS, In its alliances with the United States, the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated
its commitment to world peace and liberty, as well as its tolerance of others in secular and
religious venues; ...."
Kentucky

SR202  11 Reg. Sess.

"WHEREAS, the Turkish-American Association of Kentucky is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2006 to offer services to Turkic and Turkish-American people living in Louisville and neighboring cities; and

"WHEREAS, the Turkish-American Association of Kentucky is working in cooperation with members of the General Assembly to bring cultural exchange and friendship between lawmakers and the Turkish-American community in Kentucky; and

"WHEREAS, members of the Turkish-American Association of Kentucky who are introducing the program to the General Assembly include Mahmut Yeter, President, Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations; Emre Celik, President, Rumi Forum, Washington, D.C.; Sinan Bilgen, Member, Turkish-American Association of Kentucky; Nazif Muhtaroglu, Member, Turkish-American Association of Kentucky; and Mehmet Saracoglu, Member, Turkish-American Association of Kentucky; and .......'
Louisiana

House Resolution NO. 192, Regular Session, 2010
Sponsor: Representative Jim Tucker
Adopted June 20, 2010

"WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both dearly cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and
WHEREAS, in its alliances with the United States, the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty as well as its tolerance of others in the secular and religious venues;...

"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians."
Mississippi

House Resolution 45 - 2011 Regular Session
By: Representatives Dedeaux, Zuber, Holland, Reynolds, Scott, Bell

"A resolution recognizing the contributions of the Republic of Turkey and the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians, including the value of Mississippi's positive relationship with them, and recognizing the Mississippi-Turkish Hospitality Leadership Network."

"WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights; and

"WHEREAS, in its alliances with the United States, the democratic nation of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty, as well as its tolerance of others in both secular and religious venues; and  .........

"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians, the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, the Jackson Raindrop Turkish House and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps."
Missouri

The website of State Senator Joe Keaveny (accessed Nov 8, 2011) states that "I met with members of the Turkish community in Missouri, and briefed them on legislative happenings in the Missouri Senate. This group of people was honored with a standing ovation and a goodwill resolution passed by the House, which recognizes the Turkish community in our state and honors their friendship. // Two members of the community were Mehmet Salih Erdogan and Ismail Ozgun, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) deputies from Denizli and Balikesir. They were applauded for their efforts for the Niagara Foundation, an interfaith dialogue organization founded by Turkish citizens active in the Midwestern states of the U.S., the Turkish American Society of Missouri (TASOM), and the Chicago-based Turkish American Federation of Midwest, an umbrella organization of Turkish organizations in Midwestern states."

A Today's Zaman article of May 1, 2011 entitled "Missouri honors Turks with goodwill resolution" also refers to this.

The number and full text of this resolution have not yet been located.
Nebraska

Legislative Resolution 204, 102nd Legislature First Session.   Adopted May 25, 2011.
Introduced by Senators Brenda Council, Tanya Cook, Amanda McGill, Heath Mello, Jeremy Nordquist.

"WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and
WHEREAS, in its alliances with the United States, Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to peace and liberty, as well as its political and religious tolerance;...

"WHEREAS, the Niagara Foundation of Nebraska, a not-for-profit organization subsidized by citizens of Turkey and America, has recognized the efforts of influential Nebraskans for their contributions to the atmosphere of tolerance and diversity in Nebraska; and
WHEREAS, the Turkish American Society of Nebraska, a not-for-profit organization, is instrumental in assisting many displaced immigrants invited to Nebraska; ...

...That a copy of this resolution be sent to Ismail Ozcan, Executive Director of the Niagara Foundation of Nebraska."
New Jersey

A state resolution is mentioned on the website of the Turkish Cultural Center of New Jersey.  As often happens on Gulenist websites, the article is not dated; it is stated that this happened on Nov 22, presumably 2011 although this is not stated.  Here are excerpts of the description from the TCCNJ website:

"NJ Assembly, NJ Senate and Governor's Office declared November 22nd as Turkish Cultural Heritage Day. Turkish American organizations Interfaith Dialog Center (IDC), Pioneer Academy of Science, Turkish Cultural Center (TCC-NJ) were given resolutions by aforementioned offices since their contributions to NJ in education, culture and promoting interfaith dialog.

"Resolution ceremonies were held in both the State Senate and Assembly. Director of the IDC Dr. Levent Koc, Director of the TCC-NJ Mevlut Kirazli and Principal of Pioneer Academy were joined on the floor by three Congressional Members from Turkish Grand Assembly, Abdurrahman Kurt, Canan Candemir Celik and Mehmet Nil Hidir.  .......

"Speaker of the Assembly Sheila Y. Oliver presented the resolutions and, Assemblyman Thomas Giblin praised IDC's activities, which he attended many times. He also talked about his several visits to Pioneer Academy, whose academic success and good management he appreciated very much. Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose too talked about IDC's activities and her trip to Turkey with IDC in the summer of 2009."

(Note: In August 2011, the Interfaith Dialog Center was renamed the Peace Islands Institute.)
New Mexico

Senate Memorial 10, 50th Legislature, 1st Session

"Whereas, The Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both dearly cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights,

"Whereas, In its alliance with the United States, the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty, as well as its tolerance of others in the secular and religious venues;
..........
"Be it further resolved that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians..."
Oklahoma

HR 1103 Second Regular Session of the Fifty-second Legislature, May 25, 2010

"A Resolution recognizing the many contributions made by citizens of the Republic of
Turkey; creating Oklahoman-Turkish Friendship Alliance to further Oklahoma-Turkey
relations; and directing distribution."

HCR 1002  First session, 53rd Legislature.   Adopted Feb 7, 2011
Sponsors: Gary Stanislawski, John Sullivan

"WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both dearly cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights; and

"WHEREAS, in its alliances with the United States, the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty, as well as its tolerance of others in the secular and religious venues; and...

"THAT an official copy of this resolution be distributed to Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians."
Oregon

House Resolution 2 - 76th Oregon Legislative Assembly--2011 Regular Session

"Whereas  the  Republic  of  Turkey  and  the  United  States  of  America  are  long-standing  friends and allies,  both  dearly  cherishing  the  universal  values  of  freedom,  democracy  and  human  rights;  and

"Whereas  in  its  alliance  with  the  United  States,  the  Republic  of  Turkey  has  demonstrated  its commitment  to  world  peace  and  liberty,  as  well  as  its  tolerance  of  others  in  the  secular  and  religious  venues;  and
.................
“Resolved, That a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Pacifica Institute doing business as the Rosegarden Turkish-American Cultural Center and to its umbrella organization, the West America Turkic Council.”

An article appeared in the Portland Islam Examiner on April 12, 2011 discussing this resolution:

"The declaration was sponsored by Rep. Tim Freeman a republican from the Umpqua Region and Portland democrat Rep. Jules Bailey.  Freeman told lawmakers that the idea stemmed when he was on a legislative trip to Republic of Turkey last year.  The trip which was hosted by Portland's Rosegarden Turkish-American Cultural Center exposed Freeman to the possibilities of Europe's sixth-largest economy."
Pennsylvania

Senate Resolution No.114 Session of 2011
Introduced by Smucker, Brubaker, Farnese, Dinniman, Alloway, Greenleaf, Fontana, Schwank, Boscola and Tartaglione, May 9, 2011
Adopted, May 9, 2011 

In contrast to other states, this resolution makes no mention of Turkey's commitment to democracy or human rights.

"RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Turkish Cultural Center of Pennsylvania, 274 W Main St., Leola, PA 17540."
Texas

Texas has gone further than all other states, as it has in everything connected to Gulen, by honoring not just Gulenist organizations, but their leader himself.  On January 25, 2011 the Texas Senate passed SR 85, a resolution honoring Fethullah Gulen.  The authors were Eddie Lucio III, Troy Fraser, Joan Huffman, Jane Nelson, Leticia Van de Putte.
Utah

State Joint Resolution 21, 2011 General Session
Chief Sponsor: Peter C. Knudson
House Sponsor: Eric K. Hutchings
Co-sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble

"WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies, both dearly cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights;

"WHEREAS, in its alliances with the United States, the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty as well as its secular and religious tolerance of others;
.....
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the West America Turkic Council and to the Pacifica Institute-Utah."

Virginia

Senate Joint Resolution NO. 455
Patrons––Petersen, Barker, Colgan, Herring, Houck, Howell, Locke, Marsden, McDougle, Miller, Y.B.,
Norment, Puckett, Puller and Stuart; Delegates: Carr, Ebbin, Plum, Scott, J.M., Sickles and Watts
Agreed to by the Senate, February 23, 2011
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 26, 2011

"WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey and the United States are long-standing allies, both cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and

"WHEREAS, in its alliances with the United States, the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty, as well as its political and religious tolerance; and
........
"WHEREAS, in Northern Virginia, Turkish Americans are proprietors of businesses specializing in
granite, tile, and iron works, many others are professors at Virginia institutions of higher education, and there are 15 state chapters of the Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations throughout the Commonwealth; ...."

Washington

House Resolution No. 2011-4640, 62nd Legislature, Regular Session
Representatives Upthegrove, Liias, Eddy, Cody, Kenney, Billig, Appleton, Miloscia, Dickerson, Haigh, Hudgins, Kelley, Ladenburg, Stanford, Lytton, Reykdal, Orwall, McCoy, Fitzgibbon, Maxwell, and Ryu
Adopted March 16, 2011

"WHEREAS, The Washington State and Turkish Constitutions are rooted in the shared principles of
democracy, equality, and religious freedom; and

"WHEREAS, The Republic of Turkey is the world's fifteenth largest economy and a valued trading
partner with the State of Washington, with over three hundred fifty million dollars in products exported to that nation in 2009; .....

"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Chief Clerk of
the House of Representatives to the West America Turkic Council and the Acacia Foundation."

BLOGGER'S NOTE: MOST OF THESE LEGISLATURES WHO HAVE SPONSORED RESOLUTIONS RECEIVED FREE TRIPS TO TURKEY. 

Gulen Politicians hesitant to accept FREE Turkey trips!

Turkey chase

Politicians are starting to learn that if "you touch it, you will burn"  and the message is clear to any of our lawmakers accepting free trips to Turkey or dinners at the Gulen Interfaith dialog (which is really a Gulen sales job)  

"you sell us out, we vote you out"   Politicians are playing it safe. 

 Please note:  The travel agency, tours, hotels are all own and operated by the Gulenists.

Some lawmakers have second thoughts about Turkey trips

By Laylan Copelin and Mike Ward

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Updated: 7:26 a.m. Sunday, June 19, 2011

Published: 10:32 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2011

For Texas legislators, one of the most coveted activities in recent years has been 10-day trips to Turkey, paid for in full or in part by various Turkish American organizations.

A dozen or so state officials, including several Central Texas legislators, have taken the trips in the past several years, and more have been invited this year.

Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, said he has taken many fact-finding trips, including to almost every country in Europe, but Turkey stands out.

He said last fall's trip to Turkey was "the best I've taken" because of the high level of government officials and business leaders he was able to meet.

"They are trying to improve relations," Fraser said. "It was a trade mission."

The Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians, an umbrella group for Turkish Americans, said the trips are about good will, not lobbying.

"These trips serve to further the business, commercial and cultural relations between Texas and Turkey," said Kemal Oksuz, the council's president-elect.

However, some legislators say they're having second thoughts about going this year, in part because of a recent New York Times article that suggested connections between the Harmony Schools, which operate 33 charter schools in Texas, and several Turkish American businesses and organizations, including the Houston-based Turquoise Council.

The Times questioned whether those connections favor Turkish American companies in bids to build the schools or provide education services.

Additionally, conservative bloggers have implied that the Harmony Schools promote Islam.

Harmony officials deny that their schools teach religion, They also have said they have no connection to the Turquoise Council and its trips.

Despite the denials, Rep. Sid Miller, R-Stephenville, said he believes there are connections between the Turquoise Council, the Harmony Schools and the promotion of Islam.

"After I researched it, I'm not interested," he said of the council's invitation to visit Turkey.

As for the Harmony Schools, Miller said, "Apparently it's (involved in) indoctrination of Islam."

Although Turkey is a moderate Muslim nation, Miller said: "That just means they're nonviolent. They won't cut off your head."

Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, said, "It's a tempting trip." But he said he worried about "political overtones" because of reports about Muslim connections.

"If it's true — and I don't know that it is — if they're teaching Islam, that's a problem," said Christian, a supporter of charter schools.

Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, visited Turkey a few years ago to observe its education system, among other things.

"I don't remember that anyone talked about the Harmony Schools or anything that anyone in Turkey was doing in Texas," she said. "They didn't make a big deal out of religion. It really wasn't brought up. They wanted people to understand their country."

Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, traveled to Turkey five years ago but said he hasn't decided whether to return this year.

"It was the single most educational trip I've taken," he said. "You have in-depth conversations with the people there, the officials in government, in business, different groups, different ethnicities. You meet and talk with real people."

Rep. Ken Legler, R-Pasadena, said he is tempted to go because his district includes part of the Houston Ship Channel and he is interested in encouraging more Turkish trade through the port.

But he said he hesitated to accept an offer for an all-expenses-paid trip for him and his wife.

"It would look like a junket," Legler said. "I'm just worried about how it looks."

Lawmakers who have taken the trips have reported their value at between $3,200 and $3,800.

The itinerary includes visits with government and business leaders, journalists and everyday citizens, as well as sightseeing at tourist attractions and religious sites.

There's also time for fun, including a yacht trip on the Bosporus strait, a balloon flight and shopping in the city's famous bazaars.

Twenty years ago, the Legislature ostensibly outlawed pleasure trips paid for by lobbyists after news reports about lawmakers taking ski trips and golf junkets to exotic locales. But state law still allows lawmakers to travel at someone else's expense for fact-finding trips or if the lawmaker gives a speech or performs some other service that is "more than perfunctory."

That allowed the Association of General Contractors, for example, to pay $72,000 to take a dozen lawmakers to Maui for its annual conference in 2010. The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston typically takes 15 or 20 state and local officials to Israel every other year, according to that group's lobbyist.

Over the years, lawmakers have visited a variety of places, from Taiwan to Cuba to Europe. Opportunities to visit Turkey — a U.S. ally and trading partner — have increased dramatically in the past two years with the creation of the Turquoise Council.

The council, which operates in seven states and the nation's capital, raised its profile at the Texas Capitol this year, with a congressional delegation from Turkey visiting Gov. Rick Perry, Education Commissioner Robert Scott and Comptroller Susan Combs, as well as hosting a "Texan-Turkic Friendship Reception" for state officials on Jan. 25.

Oksuz, of the Turquoise Council, said Texas is Turkey's largest business and trading partner among the 50 states and that Houston and Austin are sister cities to Istanbul and Antalya, respectively.

The trips are not limited to legislators. Judges, congressional staffers and other officials are invited.

Travis County Constable Bruce Elfant and his wife went to Turkey in June 2008 with state Reps. Donna Howard, Valinda Bolton and Elliott Naishtat, all Austin Democrats, as guests of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, a Turkish American foundation associated with the Turquoise Council. The officials paid part of their expenses.

"It was amazing," Elfant said. "We talked about our cultures and what we don't understand about one another."

Several Texas lawmakers considering traveling to Turkey later this year are weighing whether the public's perception will be that the trips are more junkets than jaunts associated with their jobs.

Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, attended the general contractors Maui conference last year and traveled to Cuba to study how that country prepares for hurricanes. But he said he won't accept the Turquoise Council invitation.

"I was looking for the good government purpose for the trip," Whitmire said. "But I haven't found it."

Scott, who oversees charter schools, won't be going to Turkey.

"He just didn't feel comfortable with the perception," said Debbie Ratcliffe, the education agency's communications director.

Scott has allowed the state's more successful charter schools, including Harmony, to expand without obtaining a new charter for each campus.

Rep. Charlie Howard, R-Sugar Land, said he doesn't take trips paid for by someone else.

"As an elected official, I don't think I need to be taking anything of that value," he said. "It could be tied to a future vote."

During this summer's special session, for example, the Legislature is considering whether to have the state back construction bonds for charter schools.

The sponsor of that measure, Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, said she's been invited to Turkey but hasn't gone.

"I generally don't go on trips like that unless there's some legislative issue," she said. "But I can't imagine what it would be in Turkey. It sounds like a cultural affairs tour or something like that."

Oksuz said there is no connection between the trips and the legislation, although his private construction company has built schools for Harmony.

In January, after Fraser and four other senators returned from Turkey, they co-authored Senate Resolution 85 honoring Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish Muslim preacher who lives in Pennsylvania but has a large worldwide following, including the Gulen Institute at the University of Houston.

The Senate approved the resolution on the day the Turkish congressional delegation was making the rounds at the Capitol.

State Sen. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, who made the trip with Fraser, said he prepared the resolution in response to his Turkey hosts and his admiration for the people.

"Their attitude — we call it nice Christian values. Of course, it's not Christian," Lucio said. "Humanitarian is the word I'm looking for."

Lucio said he is planning a return visit, courtesy of the Turquoise Council, later this year: "I'd like to see more of the country."

lcopelin@statesman.com; 445-3617; mward@statesman.com

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http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/some-lawmakers-have-second-thoughts-about-turkey-trips-1548440.html