Re: Why legalizing Marijuana Makes sense

In a recent post on the "Texas Made" blog of one of my fellow classmates the issue of legalizing Marijuana is discussed. The writer provides some pretty interesting data to support the legalization of this recreational drug. The money that could be raised is indeed a great plus. I also concur with the fact that police will be taking care of more serious and important issues. There is still much that would be done to make the legalization beneficial. There will still be the competition from the illegal producers and distributors. By legalizing it, it is now easier for them to inject their products into the market and sell them with less restriction. I do not believe that gang violence and the rash of violence that has been witnessed in other countries will cease, and that we will continue to see the illegal production and distribution in this country. It is all about the money, and there is LOTS of it in this business.

One for the money….

To what extent is a person willing to go in order to gain more power and money, of course to buy more supporters, and thus more power. A vicious cycle of greed and power-hunger which has victimized many people along the path of those who choose to feed their never-ending craving. In a recent article in the Texas Observer, I came across an interesting piece which presents to the readers an example of what a person is willing to do. 
 Waste Control Specialists, a company that is owned by one of Rick Perry's friends with deep pockets, Harold Simmons, is planning to open a nuclear waste facility in the state of Texas. It is well known that Mr. Simmons has contributed millions of dollars to Perry's campaigns, and it is now Perry's turn to return the favor, and using his influences to allow this facility to open in Texas is not going to surprise many people. Perry needs to consider the fact that nuclear waste is virtually indestructible, with the half-life of many of these elements being in the thousands of years, it would take a very long time for them to decay in to safer radiation levels (click here for more information). Perry's decisions now will have the potential to negatively affect the health and well being of the many generations of Texans to come. It is understandable to need to store nuclear waste in order to support nuclear reactor facilities, but to rush things and to try to downplay the consequences of a possible radiation leak is definitely not the way to go. Our leaders need to look past the dollar signs and really think things through. The life of those who allow for them to keep their positions is far more valuable than a briefcase full of Benjamin's.

Re: Expand the district or keep students paying higher tuition cost

This is in regards to Amelia Henneke's blog entry titled "Expand the District or Keep Students Paying Higher Tuition Cost" . Amelia presents a very interesting issue that has been issue of discussion as the population of Texas, and many other states for that matter, continue to grow. As the population continues to grow, young men and women throughout the region will need to expand their knowledge, attain more skills, or prepare for a higher education to improve their lives and the lives of their families or future families. Amelia brings specifically mentions Bastrop, and presents very credible data to support her argument. Personally, I agree with her in that nothing is free. The idea of a "free" education is just that, an idea. Residents pay their dues through property, sales, and other taxes. The people of Bastrop do not want to lose their "small town feel", and actually have since turned down the annexation into Austin Community's district as per this article in the Bastrop Advertiser. In my opinion, this would have been in the best interest of Bastrop to annex into the Austin Community College district. The lower tuition would allow for more people to have access to the benefit of a higher education. The idea of a large population sacrificing a relatively small amount of money for a more accessible higher education for their young is the nuts and bolts of what a collective good is. This is one of the many ideas that have made this country what it is today. Many people have sacrificed time, money, and even their lives for us to enjoy these liberties and benefits. Let us not forget that we must all play our part and give a little back to our communities, it is all for the greater good.

Dream, Dream, DREAM.....

Throughout my high school years, my time spent in the military, and now in the civilian workforce, I have come across all walks of people who are both for and against legislative action that would benefit children of illegal aliens.  To be more specific, the DREAM act.  According to the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), the DREAM act would provide a path to citizenship to children of illegal aliens by having them attend a two or four year college, or spend two years in the military in order for them to earn their citizenship, or a permanent resident status. 

Many argue that illegal immigrants have taken American jobs, tax money, and many other benefits that Americans are entitled to.  I agree.  I have seen many families of illegal immigrants that have taken advantage of services that are meant to aid the needy.  Many do not pay taxes or are able to fulfill responsibilities that most citizens must fulfill.   Nevertheless, I tend to be more lenient towards those who were brought in by their parents when they were very young.  These children deserve a chance at success.  Unfortunately, the current situation does not allow them to.  It isn’t completely fair to punish those who entered this country illegally under their parent’s supervision.

I am a firm believer in giving everybody in this great nation a chance at success, and enjoy seeing hard-working people receive the rewards of their hard work and sacrifice.  I have lived amongst many illegal immigrants and have seen what they have to go through in order to provide their families with an acceptable lifestyle.  Nevertheless, two or four years of college, or two years in the military are enough for somebody to receive a permanent resident status.  

The requirements are just too little, and relatively easy to achieve.  Granted, an education is a very expensive investment, and the risk of injury or death in the military is extremely high, it is a relatively short amount of time investment from the person who is receiving a priceless, life-long benefit.  A longer time spent in the military, or at least 4 years spent in public service along with some sort of fine.  The DREAM act should not just be a way for people to be granted automatic legal status.  Legal status should be earned.  There are thousands of people who have been waiting in line to enter this country legally, and it would not be fair to them to just grant a certain group of people instant legal status. 

  The DREAM act could be a catalyst that allows many children of illegal immigrants who have the “right stuff” to be very successful and productive citizens in this nation.  But it also needs to be fair not only the people it benefits directly, but also to other citizens, and those awaiting citizenship through the systems provided by the government.  The day when the DREAM act or something similar is passed is still far from now but with time and the right resources, everybody could benefit  from this or similar legislative actions.  

More jobs gone....

In a blog post written by Brooke Breitling, from the Texas Observer titled "Texas Senators Do Nothing to Save Thousands of Jobs," Brooke states that the Temporary Assistance for Needy Family Emergency Fund expired on September 30th.  According to Breitling, this will cause Texas to lose about 40,000 jobs.  Breitling states that the program was supposed to have gotten an extension for another three months, but was shutdown by Senate Republicans. 

The TANF program subsidizes employers to cover wages for the working poor.  When this program expires, employers would have to lay off thousands of workers nation-wide.   Breitling sites a report done by the Center for Public Policy Priorities which states that the number of TANF cases has decreased over 80% in the past few years, but not because of the number of qualifying families has decreased, but because the requirements for low income families to receive assistance are gravely exaggerated.  Of all the poor families, only a small fraction receives assistance. 

Breitling argues that the inaction of the Senate Republicans has effectively made Texas keep its ranking as the 5^th highest poverty rate.    She is perplexed, and quite annoyed at the fact that they effectively got rid of thousands of jobs in a time when jobs are already scarce. 

The data that the author uses to make these arguments is from very credible sources (Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPPP.org, and Census Bureau), and it backs up her opinion on the lack of action of government figures to allow this program to expire, which would have enabled many people to continue to work, or maybe even move away from poverty.  It makes no sense for a governing body, which is supposed to look out for the best of its citizens, to allow for programs such as these to just simply expire, leaving many of its citizens out to dry.  In part, I agree with the author when she states, “This is why the poverty rate in Texas’ poverty population is at 16.6 percent* – the 5th highest rate in the nation,” but I don’t believe it is the sole source for poverty being so high.  There are always other factors such as education, job availability, and many more which I cannot expand very extensively on. 

Our leaders need to take a closer look at what they can do to help out their citizens.  It is not only when they need their vote that they should look out for them.  In the current economic situation that this nation is going through, allowing for thousands of people to become unemployed is simply unacceptable.

On being a good neighbor.

On the editorial titled “An ally against Mexico’s terror” published on September 30, 2010 on the Austin American Statesman Online, of which the author is not stated, points out the fact that a Mexican reporter with the name of Jorge Luis Aguirre was granted political asylum in the United States due to threats against his life.  Aguirre is a reporter in the City of Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.  Juarez is currently one of, if not the most violent cities in Mexico, plagued by the criminal acts of gang members and, more significantly, drug cartel violence

The editor states that the United States has started to show support for the issues Mexico is going through at this time.  The editor also makes it clear that the United States should be showing more support, and maybe should be taking a more aggressive stance on the issue.   The extent that cartel violence has grown to is astonishing.  This can be seen in any Mexican and on some American news sources. 

The editorial concludes stating that now that the press is in danger, the United States is now willing to help out Mexico.  I agree with the conclusion to some extent.  Indeed, the media in Mexico is in danger and is a significant source of freedom for the people, but that is not the only sector that is under attack.  The influence and power of the cartels is extraordinary, extending to police, military, and government agencies.  Corruption and the need for money of the very large number of poor in Mexico have made the job of the cartels much easier than ever.  Just about every aspect of daily life has been influenced by the cartels.  Every citizen has been affected by the violence and insecurity of Juarez. 

I agree that the United States should take a more active role in the violence in cities like Ciudad Juarez.  The extent of aid and exact actions the United States should take, is something that leaders of both nations must come together and agree on.  National security of both nations is in danger. Violence has already spilled into several cities in the United States, and as the drug war continues, it will continue to claim lives in Mexico.   Both nations must unite and agree on what kind of government policy is required to help out Mexico and reduce the influx of drugs into the United States.  It is only beneficial to both to help each other out.  Personally, I think assistance has taken too long.  

Capital Metro Sets the Standard

In a recent editorial on the Austin American Statesman Online, the author describes Capital Metro's actions of disclosing their budget and just exactly where they have spent their money since 2005. Capital Metro has set an example to organizations, agencies, and big companies who may not be as clear about their finances.  This high level of transparency has earned them a rating of "gold" by the Texas Comptroller, Susan Combs.  The author makes it a point for the readers to know they are able to be more involved in the overall actions of Capital Metro by criticizing, and scrutinizing their actions if they feel the need to do so.  I personally think this is a great example that Capital Metro is setting not just for government organizations, but for business in general.  I understand that not all organizations and business are not able to disclose all information due to the fear of corporate espionage, and other similar issues, Capital Metro has really gone the extra mile.  The average citizen may now know where their tax dollars are going, and have a better means of gathering information.  I have personally taken a look at this budget, and I must say that it is a very detailed one.  I currently do not possess the knowledge to interpret most of it, but you may find the past year budgets and proposed budget for 2011 here.  Thank you for your time, and have a wonderful day.