The terms for it are infinite. You may have heard it as "herb" or "reefer." Avid fans of Reggae music are probably familiar with the term "ganga." More commonly, we probably know it as "weed." Regardless, all these terms refer to the same thing, Marijuana. Marijuana is one of the more interesting subjects in society. While it's still an illegal substance, many claim it to be harmless to the body. This argument has caused many to rally, protest, and call for its legalization. Someone calling for its legalization is one of my colleagues , Mr. Tyler Avey.
In Tyler Avey's editorial, Legalize It!, Mr. Avey believes the state can profit immensely by legalizing marijuana. By legalizing it, the state then has the ability to place a tax on it. Also, Mr. Avey feels the effort to prosecute marijuana users is "mind-boggling." If legalized, the prosecution of marijuana would only be focused on people who try to profit off of trade. He also goes on to express his thoughts on how marijuana is already easily accessible to minors and how public safety is not at high risk of being compromised as people would think. Due to a lack of a definite test to determine the amount of THC in one's body, zero tolerance will be granted to anyone accused of driving under the influence of marijuana. All in all, Mr. Avey believes the legalization of marijuana is not only inevitable, but can be of mutual benefit to the state as well as its citizens.
Mr. Avey does indeed make valid points. Can the state gain a considerable amount of revenue taxing marijuana? Sure. Would legalizing it lessen the burden on law enforcement? Sure. I cannot disagree with any of Mr. Avey's arguments. Yet, I still disagree with the legalization of it. My argument comes from a moral standpoint. Carrying the "boyscout" attitude I have, I still consider marijuana a taboo thing. I don't mean that like I'm some extreme advocate against it. Even as common as its usage is, its just something I refuse to acknowledge as something you should do in a "normal" day. My perception of marijuana is its an addictive substance. I feel legalizing it will just increase its likelihood of abuse and dependency.
My biggest argument against its legalization is its potential negative effects on society. If more and more people begin to smoke marijuana, I believe productivity as a society will dwindle. While it is not a scientific fact, I find the conception that marijuana causes a loss of motivation and increase in laziness to be true. Time and time again, my personal experiences have proven me right. I truly don't believe the younger population in our state can handle such a privilege, assuming that 18 will be the legal age to purchase it. Texas already being towards the bottom of the totem pole in education and closer to the top in poverty do not need its future generation to be a bunch of unmotivated "potheads." I make this point because I believe legalization will not only assure substance abuse, but also a progressive rise in users. Not only will current users increase their desire to use it, but more and more people who chose to avoid it before for moral reasons will now pick up the habit because it is deemed "OK" by stripping it of its unlawfulness.
I also think it makes our community look very unattractive. If legalization is indeed inevitable, I would like to see some regulations on it like the banning of its usage in public settings. I don't have a problem if you chose to smoke it in the confinement of you own property, but smoking marijuana freely and openly in public places feels very classless to me. I honestly would not like to live in a place where every time I walk outside, it looks like a Rastafarian festival is taking place.
In conclusion, there is just too many flaws in our society as is to throw in something like marijuana into the mix. If you are truly that bored, go read a book or go play at the park, maybe help your mom with something in the kitchen. At least that's what I'll be doing. I guarantee you this, the state is not getting a cent more in tax money than what I'm already required to pay.
Texas: Big Guts and Budget Cuts/ Legalize It! / http://biggutsandbudgetcuts.blogspot.com/2011/05/legalize-it.html/ May 2nd, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Slow It Down Big Fella!
The famous state slogan goes "Everything is bigger in Texas." Maybe we should adopt a new phrase, "Everything is faster in Texas." Things that make the Lone Star State so distinguishable is it's cowboy persona, football heritage, superior barbecue, and soon to be the fastest speed limit in the entire nation. According to proposals, the speed limit on designated highways and roads will be upped to a blazing 85 mph. Having said that, Texas is already near the top of the nation with more than 500 miles of interstate roads at 80 mph.
The motive for increasing the speed limit seems just a little bit wacky, not to mention potentially dangerous. The main flaw with this plan is the risk of public safety. Even with a limit in the 70 mph range along most major interstate, motorist tend to exceed that limit by a considerable margin. A limit essentially serves nothing more then a mere suggestion. Having a speed limit at 85 mph will almost certainly have it's fair share of automobilist who will drive above 90 mph. That is just too risky for not only the driver, but the others sharing the same road. Has the time required to come to an emergency stop even being considered? At such an alarming speed, the chances of coming to a halt will certainly diminish substantially. Any collisions at this fast of pace will almost certainly result in serious injury or fatality. Also, with distractions such as texting causing more accidents then ever, raising the speed limit will only throw gas into the flames.
It is scientifically proven to be a direct correlation between higher speeds and automobile accidents. Raising speed limits up to 85 mph will almost certainly increase the number of car crashes statewide. This could possibly give insurance providers extra incentive to raise their premiums. In a cruel world where inflation is inevitable, not to mention outrageous, we should always capitalize on the few opportunities where we can actually control price fluctuation. There is however, two sides to this argument. With a higher speed limit, the flexibility for drivers is greater. Raising the limit to 85 mph could actually decrease the number of speeding tickets, which in turn, could possibly lower insurance premiums. That being said, I believe the latter is far more the unlikely scenario. Being a teenager, my insurance rates are already stunningly high considering my driving record looks like Mr. Clean just got done with it. Any increase in rates will certainly make good ol' mom and dad ready to put me up for adoption.
Probably one of the biggest topics in the nation continues to be the soaring price of petroleum and gasoline. The relation is obvious. The higher the mph, the lower the mpg. With gas rapidly approaching $4 per gallon for simple 87 octane quality gas, Texans will certainly grimace seeing their bank accounts depleted from time spent at the fuel pump. Citizens don't need to be baited to use any more gasoline then what they already consume. Gas companies will be salivating over this possible amendment. Thanks to the Texas House, these greedy heathens might become even more profitable then before.
There should be absolutely no reason for speed limits to increase in Texas. They are fine the way they are. Raising the speed limit an extra 5 or 10 miles is not worth the risk of civilian casualties, and the price burden it could potentially place on the public. The ends do not justify the means. My ideas and opinion could be thought of as rather traditional, kind of "inside-the-box" if you must say. However, I do see myself as an ordinary citizen, and as an ordinary citizen, these are the things that distress me most . What is so special in Texas that we must rush to anyways? Last time I checked Disney World was in Orlando. I'm sure wherever your commute takes you, it can sure wait the extra few minutes.
MyFoxDFW. "Texas Could Raise Speed Limits to 85". http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/traffic/040711-texas-could-raise-speed-limits-to-85. April 7th, 2011
The motive for increasing the speed limit seems just a little bit wacky, not to mention potentially dangerous. The main flaw with this plan is the risk of public safety. Even with a limit in the 70 mph range along most major interstate, motorist tend to exceed that limit by a considerable margin. A limit essentially serves nothing more then a mere suggestion. Having a speed limit at 85 mph will almost certainly have it's fair share of automobilist who will drive above 90 mph. That is just too risky for not only the driver, but the others sharing the same road. Has the time required to come to an emergency stop even being considered? At such an alarming speed, the chances of coming to a halt will certainly diminish substantially. Any collisions at this fast of pace will almost certainly result in serious injury or fatality. Also, with distractions such as texting causing more accidents then ever, raising the speed limit will only throw gas into the flames.
It is scientifically proven to be a direct correlation between higher speeds and automobile accidents. Raising speed limits up to 85 mph will almost certainly increase the number of car crashes statewide. This could possibly give insurance providers extra incentive to raise their premiums. In a cruel world where inflation is inevitable, not to mention outrageous, we should always capitalize on the few opportunities where we can actually control price fluctuation. There is however, two sides to this argument. With a higher speed limit, the flexibility for drivers is greater. Raising the limit to 85 mph could actually decrease the number of speeding tickets, which in turn, could possibly lower insurance premiums. That being said, I believe the latter is far more the unlikely scenario. Being a teenager, my insurance rates are already stunningly high considering my driving record looks like Mr. Clean just got done with it. Any increase in rates will certainly make good ol' mom and dad ready to put me up for adoption.
Probably one of the biggest topics in the nation continues to be the soaring price of petroleum and gasoline. The relation is obvious. The higher the mph, the lower the mpg. With gas rapidly approaching $4 per gallon for simple 87 octane quality gas, Texans will certainly grimace seeing their bank accounts depleted from time spent at the fuel pump. Citizens don't need to be baited to use any more gasoline then what they already consume. Gas companies will be salivating over this possible amendment. Thanks to the Texas House, these greedy heathens might become even more profitable then before.
There should be absolutely no reason for speed limits to increase in Texas. They are fine the way they are. Raising the speed limit an extra 5 or 10 miles is not worth the risk of civilian casualties, and the price burden it could potentially place on the public. The ends do not justify the means. My ideas and opinion could be thought of as rather traditional, kind of "inside-the-box" if you must say. However, I do see myself as an ordinary citizen, and as an ordinary citizen, these are the things that distress me most . What is so special in Texas that we must rush to anyways? Last time I checked Disney World was in Orlando. I'm sure wherever your commute takes you, it can sure wait the extra few minutes.
MyFoxDFW. "Texas Could Raise Speed Limits to 85". http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/traffic/040711-texas-could-raise-speed-limits-to-85. April 7th, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Closets Are For Clothes.
For as long as I've had the cognitive ability to process ethical and moral issues, I've had to hear discussions about whether same-sex marriage or homosexuality should be permitted or not. I've been exploited to the subject of homosexuality through just about every media outlet available. Homosexuality is so frowned upon in our society, a gay man or lesbian can be potentially discharged from the armed forces just for being gay. That's some serious business huh? The issue of homosexuality has been amplified to a monumental issue in our society today, but does it really warrant this much attention?
In an editorial titled Do You REALLY Believe God Hates Gay Marriage...?, written by one of my bright and intelligent classmates, Priscella Brandell, Mrs. Brandell gives her take regarding homosexuality. Her viewpoint is that the nature of homosexuality is taken way to seriously. Mrs. Brandell personally feels that it is lunatic that the country is "so stuck on old, tired (and faulty) traditions." She argues and gives a rebuttal to the debate of whether homosexuality essentially violates the word of God,which could be considered the foundation of our nation. Brandell believes that we might just have conveniently "cherry picked" through the Bible to decide what and what not to live by. She gives specific examples of this by listing interesting verses from the Bible such as Deuteronomy 22:13-21, Deuteronomy 22:22, Mark 10:1-12, and Leviticus 18:19-23, which are all seen as verses that are commonly disobeyed today. According to Mrs. Brandell, she describes our society as highly "hypocritical", using religion as an explanation and excuse to why homosexuality should be prohibited, but to condone "biblical laws" to be breached without any major repercussions.
I must say on this particular issue, I agree 100% with Mrs. Brandell. Homosexuality is something that people take WAY overboard. I personally believe all members of society are entitled to equality. Just because someone's sexual orientation is different, doesn't grant everyone else the green light to ostracize them. I myself am completely straight, yet I don't look at my counterparts as inferior in any sense My personal opinion is diversity is what makes this nation so superior. The diversity and blend of different cultures, ideas, and value allow America to set itself apart.
However, over the course of history, we have demoted "gays" on the social ladder and for kicks, even slapped on some completely unwarranted nicknames for them. We've made it impossible for "gays" to come out the closet without being worried about humiliation and rejection. I'm personally embarrassed by people who make ignorant statements like "gays" are a disgrace to our society and mankind. My question to them is what are you doing to better society except sitting back and bickering? And really WHO CARES?!?! If "gays" are allowed to wed, is that going to stop you from doing what you want to accomplish in life? Is it really going to hinder your enjoyment of the world? All sarcasm aside, probably not. So lets just stop being so judgmental, and grant the "gays" of the world what anyone else is entitled too, the ability to join in union with a loved one. And for all the hardcore Jesus lovers out there who completely despise of me and Mrs. Brandell at this moment in time, I believe in the bible it also says not to judge, so does that make you in the wrong too?
For my grand finale, I want to recite a fascinating quote by James Baldwin, " Everybody's journey is individual. If you fall in love with a boy, you fall in love with a boy. The fact that many Americans consider it a disease says more about them then it does about homosexuality." Riveting stuff I must say.
Power Of The Sheeple/ Do You Really Believe God Hates Gay Marriage...?/ http://powerofthesheeple.blogspot.com/2011/04/do-you-really-think-god-hates-gay.html/ April 4th, 2011
In an editorial titled Do You REALLY Believe God Hates Gay Marriage...?, written by one of my bright and intelligent classmates, Priscella Brandell, Mrs. Brandell gives her take regarding homosexuality. Her viewpoint is that the nature of homosexuality is taken way to seriously. Mrs. Brandell personally feels that it is lunatic that the country is "so stuck on old, tired (and faulty) traditions." She argues and gives a rebuttal to the debate of whether homosexuality essentially violates the word of God,which could be considered the foundation of our nation. Brandell believes that we might just have conveniently "cherry picked" through the Bible to decide what and what not to live by. She gives specific examples of this by listing interesting verses from the Bible such as Deuteronomy 22:13-21, Deuteronomy 22:22, Mark 10:1-12, and Leviticus 18:19-23, which are all seen as verses that are commonly disobeyed today. According to Mrs. Brandell, she describes our society as highly "hypocritical", using religion as an explanation and excuse to why homosexuality should be prohibited, but to condone "biblical laws" to be breached without any major repercussions.
I must say on this particular issue, I agree 100% with Mrs. Brandell. Homosexuality is something that people take WAY overboard. I personally believe all members of society are entitled to equality. Just because someone's sexual orientation is different, doesn't grant everyone else the green light to ostracize them. I myself am completely straight, yet I don't look at my counterparts as inferior in any sense My personal opinion is diversity is what makes this nation so superior. The diversity and blend of different cultures, ideas, and value allow America to set itself apart.
However, over the course of history, we have demoted "gays" on the social ladder and for kicks, even slapped on some completely unwarranted nicknames for them. We've made it impossible for "gays" to come out the closet without being worried about humiliation and rejection. I'm personally embarrassed by people who make ignorant statements like "gays" are a disgrace to our society and mankind. My question to them is what are you doing to better society except sitting back and bickering? And really WHO CARES?!?! If "gays" are allowed to wed, is that going to stop you from doing what you want to accomplish in life? Is it really going to hinder your enjoyment of the world? All sarcasm aside, probably not. So lets just stop being so judgmental, and grant the "gays" of the world what anyone else is entitled too, the ability to join in union with a loved one. And for all the hardcore Jesus lovers out there who completely despise of me and Mrs. Brandell at this moment in time, I believe in the bible it also says not to judge, so does that make you in the wrong too?
For my grand finale, I want to recite a fascinating quote by James Baldwin, " Everybody's journey is individual. If you fall in love with a boy, you fall in love with a boy. The fact that many Americans consider it a disease says more about them then it does about homosexuality." Riveting stuff I must say.
Power Of The Sheeple/ Do You Really Believe God Hates Gay Marriage...?/ http://powerofthesheeple.blogspot.com/2011/04/do-you-really-think-god-hates-gay.html/ April 4th, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Education On a Rainy Day.
Lets us start by taking a famous quote from John f. Kennedy. "Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation". Let's just sit for a minute and appreciate the true beauty in those words, because its those same words that are taken for granted today. Sadly, our state legislators fall into that category, the same people that are entrusted to lead Texas into prosperity which makes it that much worse. What citizens expect from their legislators is the courage and bravery to take leadership in the face of adversity, to meet a problem head on by finding a solution for the greater good regardless of the circumstance. From my personal viewpoint on what has happened this year, I believe our state legislators have not exuded any of these qualities.
The year of 2011 for the state of Texas has not been a pleasant one thus far. An astronomical budget crisis has resulted in devastating consequences around Texas. The state's hand has been forced to cut spending on a multitude of programs. While I understand that obviously not enough money can be spread around to please everyone, its time the state takes a stand and prioritizes. It's disheartening to see how the state has decided to go about handling the state's education system. According to proposals, education funds will be cut by the billions which will send a crippling blow to public schools statewide. Embarrassingly, we are watching what is already a lackluster education system go from bad to worse. Likely scenarios include classes being forced into contraction, extra curricular programs being cut, and teachers handed pink slips. Due to larger class sizes, students might find that getting help from teachers for any needed assistance might become increasingly difficult. Smaller classrooms also hold the advantage of letting teachers better understand their students strength and weaknesses. It allows for a stronger teacher-student relationship, where instructors can get a better grip on what topics need further addressing. Additionally, extra curricular programs are in danger which comes at huge misfortune for students.. Extra curriculars provide a chance to find particular interest in a subject, whether it's athletics, arts, drama and theater, or any academic groups. The chance to pursue a desired passion should not be put into dollar amounts. Higher education is also bracing for significant cuts. In an article posted on Yahoo News, it states that up to $ 772 million will be cut from Texas colleges and universities. As a result, students will find it much more difficult to find financial aid to pay for college classes. Almost sounds like a script out of a horror movie.
The daunting reality that the future generation WILL be uneducated and unprepared to fill gaps in the most important fields is worrisome. While I by no means declare myself a merit scholar of any sort, I genuinely know the power that an education can provide, not just in the context of grades and book knowledge and statistics, but the advancement of human character and the maturation of individuals with limitless potential. We are unrighteously robbing the "future" of quality education, we are ridding of one of the most significant professions in teaching, and we are simply dismantling the well being of our state for years to come.
The time has come for the state to tap into the Rainy Day Fund. It is utterly unfathomably why the state has been so hesitant thus far to allocate some of the funds to public education. The state has made it clear on their agenda that the education of our current students is not a priority which is a considerable mistake. The Rainy Day Fund is set aside for emergency purposes and if the potential consequences of having a vastly under educated population isn't an emergency, quite frankly I don't know what qualifies as one. Using a portion of the Rainy Day Fund will not solve every problem with our school systems, but by saving teacher jobs, its definitely a step forward, not five steps back. The government found a way to bail out Wall Street and faltering titans such as General Motors, yet we simply do nothing as we face a problem of epic proportions. At this point, all we can do is sit back and watch the farce going on in Austin. Hopefully somewhere along the fiasco, good hair Perry and his goons will do the right thing or we might just see plenty rainy days in the future forecast.
YahooNews. http://news.yahoo.
The year of 2011 for the state of Texas has not been a pleasant one thus far. An astronomical budget crisis has resulted in devastating consequences around Texas. The state's hand has been forced to cut spending on a multitude of programs. While I understand that obviously not enough money can be spread around to please everyone, its time the state takes a stand and prioritizes. It's disheartening to see how the state has decided to go about handling the state's education system. According to proposals, education funds will be cut by the billions which will send a crippling blow to public schools statewide. Embarrassingly, we are watching what is already a lackluster education system go from bad to worse. Likely scenarios include classes being forced into contraction, extra curricular programs being cut, and teachers handed pink slips. Due to larger class sizes, students might find that getting help from teachers for any needed assistance might become increasingly difficult. Smaller classrooms also hold the advantage of letting teachers better understand their students strength and weaknesses. It allows for a stronger teacher-student relationship, where instructors can get a better grip on what topics need further addressing. Additionally, extra curricular programs are in danger which comes at huge misfortune for students.. Extra curriculars provide a chance to find particular interest in a subject, whether it's athletics, arts, drama and theater, or any academic groups. The chance to pursue a desired passion should not be put into dollar amounts. Higher education is also bracing for significant cuts. In an article posted on Yahoo News, it states that up to $ 772 million will be cut from Texas colleges and universities. As a result, students will find it much more difficult to find financial aid to pay for college classes. Almost sounds like a script out of a horror movie.
The daunting reality that the future generation WILL be uneducated and unprepared to fill gaps in the most important fields is worrisome. While I by no means declare myself a merit scholar of any sort, I genuinely know the power that an education can provide, not just in the context of grades and book knowledge and statistics, but the advancement of human character and the maturation of individuals with limitless potential. We are unrighteously robbing the "future" of quality education, we are ridding of one of the most significant professions in teaching, and we are simply dismantling the well being of our state for years to come.
The time has come for the state to tap into the Rainy Day Fund. It is utterly unfathomably why the state has been so hesitant thus far to allocate some of the funds to public education. The state has made it clear on their agenda that the education of our current students is not a priority which is a considerable mistake. The Rainy Day Fund is set aside for emergency purposes and if the potential consequences of having a vastly under educated population isn't an emergency, quite frankly I don't know what qualifies as one. Using a portion of the Rainy Day Fund will not solve every problem with our school systems, but by saving teacher jobs, its definitely a step forward, not five steps back. The government found a way to bail out Wall Street and faltering titans such as General Motors, yet we simply do nothing as we face a problem of epic proportions. At this point, all we can do is sit back and watch the farce going on in Austin. Hopefully somewhere along the fiasco, good hair Perry and his goons will do the right thing or we might just see plenty rainy days in the future forecast.
YahooNews. http://news.yahoo.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
"Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition."
It is no secret that the state of Texas is in the middle of what we can consider a colossal budget crisis. With such a significant shortage of cash flow, copious programs across the state are getting slashed as if they were Wal-Mart prices. One of the programs taking the biggest blow is our education system. Schools are being forced to close extra curricular programs, if not the school entirely, and teachers are being dropped like flies. With already such a lackluster public education system, one can only imagine the significance of the budget cuts.
In a commentary titled "Cutting Administrative Costs Could Improve Texas Education", written in right leaning blog Empower Texans, Fernando Trevino describes how cutting administrative cost could actually benefit the Texas education system. Trevino's intended audience is directed at people who are asking for the heads of Texas officials for cutting education funds. A vast majority of the general public strongly oppose the states decision to carve into the education budget. He wants the readers to view the situation from a different angle. Fernando Trevino is a political activist studying political science at Texas A&M University. He has had experience working with politics such as working as a district intern for a U.S congressman, as well as organizing a Republican club at his high school.While we may agree or disagree, it's pretty safe to assume Mr. Trevino's experience in the field as well as his educational background provides us with a credible opinion, and one that comes with sufficient backing.
In his commentary, Mr. Trevino feels as though cutting administrative cost could actually improve the Texas education system by being able to downsize the number of school districts in certain areas. By doing so, with fewer administrative cost, money can be better allocated, and put to more efficient use in the classrooms. Trevino feels by doing so, educational standards in the state will be right up to par with the rest of the country. The reason Trevino likely feels this way is because of his viewpoint on what a school district is intended for. Its a place for a student to achieve a first class education, a place where the future is prepared for unbounded opportunities. While Trevino's opinion is one that is respectable, his assessment has a few blemishes. For instance, we can understand where Trevino is headed with his proposal to downsize certain school districts. However, what criteria must one area meet to be considered for downsizing? Several areas of Texas are densely populated, and cutting schools will only overload classrooms. In this scenario, it would be much harder for students to ask instructors for any assistance if needed. Trevino's proposal is based off his assumption that school's are not a place for employment, rather a place for the future to bloom. While Trevino's stance on this is reasonable, this approach isn't fully thought out. While the latter part of his inference is indeed true, I think he has not thought about it from a teacher's perspective. Becoming a teacher is one of the more satisfying jobs one can have. Knowing that you have touched the lives of young, bright, and driven individuals, and influenced them in a positive manner is an amazing accomplishment. Being a teacher should not be about a career opportunity, but a chance to do good, a chance to find genuine fulfillment in your life. Though it may seem as cutting administrative cost at this point seems just about inevitable, only time can tell the ramifications of this whole process.
Empower Texans. "Cutting Administrative Costs Could Improve Texas Education" http://empowertexans.com/node/1591. March 14, 2011
In a commentary titled "Cutting Administrative Costs Could Improve Texas Education", written in right leaning blog Empower Texans, Fernando Trevino describes how cutting administrative cost could actually benefit the Texas education system. Trevino's intended audience is directed at people who are asking for the heads of Texas officials for cutting education funds. A vast majority of the general public strongly oppose the states decision to carve into the education budget. He wants the readers to view the situation from a different angle. Fernando Trevino is a political activist studying political science at Texas A&M University. He has had experience working with politics such as working as a district intern for a U.S congressman, as well as organizing a Republican club at his high school.While we may agree or disagree, it's pretty safe to assume Mr. Trevino's experience in the field as well as his educational background provides us with a credible opinion, and one that comes with sufficient backing.
In his commentary, Mr. Trevino feels as though cutting administrative cost could actually improve the Texas education system by being able to downsize the number of school districts in certain areas. By doing so, with fewer administrative cost, money can be better allocated, and put to more efficient use in the classrooms. Trevino feels by doing so, educational standards in the state will be right up to par with the rest of the country. The reason Trevino likely feels this way is because of his viewpoint on what a school district is intended for. Its a place for a student to achieve a first class education, a place where the future is prepared for unbounded opportunities. While Trevino's opinion is one that is respectable, his assessment has a few blemishes. For instance, we can understand where Trevino is headed with his proposal to downsize certain school districts. However, what criteria must one area meet to be considered for downsizing? Several areas of Texas are densely populated, and cutting schools will only overload classrooms. In this scenario, it would be much harder for students to ask instructors for any assistance if needed. Trevino's proposal is based off his assumption that school's are not a place for employment, rather a place for the future to bloom. While Trevino's stance on this is reasonable, this approach isn't fully thought out. While the latter part of his inference is indeed true, I think he has not thought about it from a teacher's perspective. Becoming a teacher is one of the more satisfying jobs one can have. Knowing that you have touched the lives of young, bright, and driven individuals, and influenced them in a positive manner is an amazing accomplishment. Being a teacher should not be about a career opportunity, but a chance to do good, a chance to find genuine fulfillment in your life. Though it may seem as cutting administrative cost at this point seems just about inevitable, only time can tell the ramifications of this whole process.
Empower Texans. "Cutting Administrative Costs Could Improve Texas Education" http://empowertexans.com/node/1591. March 14, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Hide Your Kids, Hide Your Wife.
Austin, we have a serious issue on our hands. It appears that the money tree in Texas is no longer providing our wonderful state the ripe dollar bills we love and are accustomed to harvesting. No fruit equals no nourishment. No money equals no funding. Lame attempt at a metaphor or clever figure or speech, you decide; however that is essentially what is happening. Texas is facing a monumental budget shortage, causing the Capitol to take whatever desperate measures they can to stop the bleeding. Programs all over the state are getting the axe, very notably public education and its downward tumble. It looks as though the prison system is next in line for the almighty slash.
The state has proposed to release prisoners who have been incarcerated due to non-violent reasons and instead, they would be placed in treatment and rehabilitation facilities. The mission is to potentially save the state the money that would be spent on sheltering inmates. In an editorial written in the Houston Chronicle by an undisclosed author, the written work is intended for the readers of the general population. When we hear that prisoners are seriously being considered for release in mass numbers, it is inevitable that some will began to question the logic and try to make sense, if any, of it. I think the author of this editorial wants to try to present a different side and thought process to this controversial matter.
We are able to base the credibility of this author due to source the editorial was published in. In this case, being the Houston Chronicle, the source happens to be the biggest newspaper in the state of Texas, as well as ranking in the top ten of all national newspapers. The author of the text believes that this solution is indeed sensible, and that rehab and treatment should be the preferred course of action regardless of budget cut or not. The author refers to the large volume of foreign nationals, particularly from Mexico, inside of Texas prisons that are being held for non-violent reasons. Of the 12,000 that are currently being housed, 3,000 of those are being detained for non-violent reasons. By deporting those 3,000 instead of continuing to incarcerate them, the state can save up to 54 million annually. This particular author thinks that with assurance of public safety, this proposal certainly does have possibilities. The logic behind this personally seems flawed to me. I honestly don't think it is possible to fully guarantee the safety of citizens. There is no definite way or process to determine future behavior of inmates, and to assure that their re-entrance to society is a smooth process for them and their surroundings. Having said that, my biggest concern with the authors opinion is about principle. When we engage in illegal activity, we must be aware of the potential consequences we impose on ourselves. One of those consequences very well may be serving an X amount of time inside a prison cell. Deciding to release these prisoners would be sending a message that serious breach of the law would merely result in essentially a slap on the wrist. In my viewpoint, the fear or being stripped of my liberties and privileges inside a penitentiary would make me less inclined to commit such actions. Even with the good and honest intent of rehab facilities, how can we really know if these former inmates will really take it with full seriousness and have true intent to better themselves.While it appears likely that the author might just get their wish, it seems as though to many unanswered questions are left on the table to fully satisfy the skeptics out there.
Houston Chronicle.Get out of jail card? Releasing prisoners to trim budget has possibilities http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/7439705.html Feb. 22, 2011
The state has proposed to release prisoners who have been incarcerated due to non-violent reasons and instead, they would be placed in treatment and rehabilitation facilities. The mission is to potentially save the state the money that would be spent on sheltering inmates. In an editorial written in the Houston Chronicle by an undisclosed author, the written work is intended for the readers of the general population. When we hear that prisoners are seriously being considered for release in mass numbers, it is inevitable that some will began to question the logic and try to make sense, if any, of it. I think the author of this editorial wants to try to present a different side and thought process to this controversial matter.
We are able to base the credibility of this author due to source the editorial was published in. In this case, being the Houston Chronicle, the source happens to be the biggest newspaper in the state of Texas, as well as ranking in the top ten of all national newspapers. The author of the text believes that this solution is indeed sensible, and that rehab and treatment should be the preferred course of action regardless of budget cut or not. The author refers to the large volume of foreign nationals, particularly from Mexico, inside of Texas prisons that are being held for non-violent reasons. Of the 12,000 that are currently being housed, 3,000 of those are being detained for non-violent reasons. By deporting those 3,000 instead of continuing to incarcerate them, the state can save up to 54 million annually. This particular author thinks that with assurance of public safety, this proposal certainly does have possibilities. The logic behind this personally seems flawed to me. I honestly don't think it is possible to fully guarantee the safety of citizens. There is no definite way or process to determine future behavior of inmates, and to assure that their re-entrance to society is a smooth process for them and their surroundings. Having said that, my biggest concern with the authors opinion is about principle. When we engage in illegal activity, we must be aware of the potential consequences we impose on ourselves. One of those consequences very well may be serving an X amount of time inside a prison cell. Deciding to release these prisoners would be sending a message that serious breach of the law would merely result in essentially a slap on the wrist. In my viewpoint, the fear or being stripped of my liberties and privileges inside a penitentiary would make me less inclined to commit such actions. Even with the good and honest intent of rehab facilities, how can we really know if these former inmates will really take it with full seriousness and have true intent to better themselves.While it appears likely that the author might just get their wish, it seems as though to many unanswered questions are left on the table to fully satisfy the skeptics out there.
Houston Chronicle.Get out of jail card? Releasing prisoners to trim budget has possibilities http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/7439705.html Feb. 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Not In His House!
Due to amazing technological advancements, we've gone from cell-phones that take the shape of a brick, and evolved them into razor thin smart phones that are capable of some of the most absurd things such as starting a car with a touch of a simple button! In an age where smart phones are the new standard and the "in" thing to own, we have been empowered with countless luxuries and conveniences. However, it is true what they say, power in the wrong hands is dangerous. Many cell phone users are linked to starting a pandemic know as "sexting", which refers to sending explicit photos through picture messages to another party. The percentage of sexters has progressively grown over the years which has caused concern by higher authorities.
So all of you naughty kids and raging hormone adolescents beware, theirs a chance your sexting privileges can be revoked if Austin Senator Kirk Watson has something to say about the matter . Watson has filed a bill that would make sexting by children a distinct crime and would create an educational program that would attempt to impede the growing issue of sexting. Under proposed Bill 407, first time offenders could be thrown a fine and a class C misdemeanor while 3rd time offenders could face potential jail time up to a year as well as a class A misdemeanor. It would give also give Judges the right to assign teens as well as parents to attend anti-sexting courses. Even recipients of sexts are susceptible to punishments under this bill. So beware, not only can sexting cause emotional repercussions, it can lead you into a whole heap of legal problems as well. Lets keep it PG-13 won't we!
So all of you naughty kids and raging hormone adolescents beware, theirs a chance your sexting privileges can be revoked if Austin Senator Kirk Watson has something to say about the matter . Watson has filed a bill that would make sexting by children a distinct crime and would create an educational program that would attempt to impede the growing issue of sexting. Under proposed Bill 407, first time offenders could be thrown a fine and a class C misdemeanor while 3rd time offenders could face potential jail time up to a year as well as a class A misdemeanor. It would give also give Judges the right to assign teens as well as parents to attend anti-sexting courses. Even recipients of sexts are susceptible to punishments under this bill. So beware, not only can sexting cause emotional repercussions, it can lead you into a whole heap of legal problems as well. Lets keep it PG-13 won't we!
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