Concurrence to Texas is Independent Minded but Acts Dependenly in US

After reading Politics is Bigger in Texas’ article, “Texas is Independent-minded But ActsDependently in U.S.”, I found it to be an interesting article. It entails that Texas is too boastful and too proud to realize that it isn’t as bad as it perceives itself to be. The author is punctual and honest when pointing this out about our state. Not too many people take the time to realize how people act or carry themselves in this very popular state. I have lived in different states and never have I come across a state so obsessive about its name, history, and last but not least how big it is. I do agree with the author and know that there is another state that happens to be bigger than the state of Texas.  But when you think about the fact that Texas has some wonderful roadways, farm lands, forests, the Grand Canyons, our vastness we do have a lot to boast about.  Additionally, when you think about where we have come from in fighting for our independence, we do have a lot to boast about.  We also have that one name thing going on – Texas.  I mean when you think about it, who hasn’t heard about the state of Texas.  Then just ponder about driving out of the state to get to another state.  You will be driving for awhile.  It isn’t the same as driving from Virginia to Maryland or Delaware or Pennsylvania.  We may not accomplish everything we set out to do but we can say that we have done a lot.

Mortorcyclists and Safety

May is the month that Texas takes time to promote motorcycle safety. This is not to say that Texas doesn’t promote motorcycle safety all year! It is very important for those who do not know about motorcycle safety to understand the risks associated with driving on the road with motorcyclists. How many people know of someone or even better knew someone with a motorcycle? We like them and they seem cool until you have an accident on one. There is no barrier between you, another car, or even the ground. Just imagine how you would feel if you had no control and didn’t know what was going to happen to you if you were in the midst of a motorcycle accident! The major things to consider are that Texas does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, know about weather conditions while riding or driving, and finally how we all drive around motorcyclists. According to THINK Biker Catalogue, in their 2010 edition, we can change our driving habits for ourselves and motorcyclists. If we change our driving habits, we can promote better safety and hopefully lower insurance rates as well as casualties. When driving, we all need to turn our heads instead of relying on our side view mirrors. We must not ride the bumper of a motorcycle because they stop much faster than vehicles. Do not cut off motorcycles! We need to be more precautious drivers so we will take these measures with other vehicles as well to prevent so many accidents.

Ridiculous Spending When Money is so Important

After reading bluetexas2011's article, "Texas Spends Millions on College Education for Inmates" I was very intrigued by her article. I had not taken the time to check into such a matter that very well is dear to my heart. Education is a very important factor in the lives of those who plan to obtain stability in life. She wrote a very well stated argument with a lot of opinion. With the knowledge she put in front of me this evening, I can say that Texas should indeed cut most or if not all the budget for the inmates in regards to education. Like she pointed out, about 95% of the funding isn't coming back to a crashing Texas government. Additionally, for any of those who have obtained a job and have not paid back their debts, then their check needs to be garnished just like someone who owes child support. If that is not an option their tax return should be withheld and those who are habitual felons need not have the opportunity.  As hard as things are for me, I know there is someone who has it worse.  With that being said, teachers are the ones who help mold our society and help prevent a dim cold future. Texas has to wake up and realize how very important education is and that it is a privilege. Also, that budget cuts to public education is not an option especially with a state that is 44^th in the country in education as is.

How Important is Education to Texas?

The biggest question of all right now in Texas is, How Important is Education to Texas?   Evidently education is not very important since Texas has proposed a bill to cut billions of dollars from our schools.  Meaning that there will be fewer teachers and bigger classrooms in a deficit as it is. At this point in time, we as a state are ranked 44^th in the nation without much to look forward to in the future.   Since I am a student of higher public education, this is of major concern to me. Texas could have received money from the government just like other states did but our governor decided against it.  Now the Texas legislature is trying to balance the budget on the backs of those who already were having problems just struggling to make it.  What will happen to us in the future when each generation is not receiving a proper education as were their fore fathers?  Do we really want to be put in that type of situation?  As an accounting clerk for Travis County, that is completely unacceptable for the state to be in such a deficit. They should have been getting audited and had other procedures put in place so that this would not occur.  According to the article that came out Saturday a week ago by Raise Your Hand Texas, we are really at a very unacceptable level and to cut more money is unethical.  How are we to cut funding and be expected to increase our ranking in regards to education?  Texas must stop teaching to just pass the tests. We need to get back to teaching all of the fundamentals as in China and India.

Americans Should Understand That Rights Are Not Gifts

Leonard Pitts works with the Miami Herald and wrote a commentary that really hit home with him. He is glad that more and more people are opening their eyes to Gay and Lesbian relationships. He himself has solidified his love with his partner by marrying him. It’s proven that more people approve of homosexual marriages.  From the last poll that was taken, it stated that 51 percent of people now approve whereas 5 years ago only 36 percent of people did. That is fine, but the question that lies is does the majority have the right to judge? He says no and we all agree when it pertains to something we love or want. We as a people are very judgmental and don't consider our actions until the consequences are staring us right in our faces. With that being said, that part of his argument is understood. The only thing is can he honestly say he has not judged anyone or has not used his power as a writer to turn the other cheek. I truly doubt it!!! His conclusion makes sense but will not carry any weight when you really think about it. Our rights aren't gifts but are misused and missed when they are taken away. His argument is poorly written and very hypocritical in my eyes. Don't get me wrong, I am no angel and have passed judgment too. All in all I am woman enough to step back and assess myself before trying to have people feel sorry for me. I have made my decisions and do live with every one of them. Personally I don't see what another female could do for me but I am sure that a homosexual female would probably have tons to tell me. I am content with my man and glad to say it. Pitts needs time to deal with his decision and make sure that it’s the right one he would like to make because everyone doesn't agree and won't agree.

Education Spending Brought Home

While Texas and the rest of the United States go through the challenges of balancing the budgets, schools suffer more and more. Holly Hansen in her latest article goes in a little deeper to see what her local school district is doing with their money. Being as it may, her local school district is Leander. In this district and many other districts in Texas, teachers make up only 52% of employees. Curiously, although 13.4% of students are considered “Gifted/Talented” and only 4.9% are “Bilingual/ESL,” the Leander district employs 59 Bilingual/ESL teachers and only 36 Gifted/Talented teachers. That makes a lot of sense! No wonder Texas is so low on the totem pole when it comes to education and no one is doing anything about it. I plan as a mother of a 3yr old to put him in the best district I possibly can so that he will have the education to succeed since some districts focus on athletics than schooling. For example, Leander in 2006 passed a $286 million dollar bond and in 2007 passed a $559 million dollar bond to supposedly be used for schools and school expenses. This bond was the largest bond ever in Central Texas!!! The bond was supposed to construct numerous schools, including a new regional sports stadium with a $22.5 million dollar price tag. A second stadium, A.C. Bible, was completely demolished and rebuilt for about $12 million dollars. Leander ISD did open the new state of the art Vandergrift High School last year for $117.6 million dollars and the John Gupton Stadium. Two additional schools will be completed but will not actually open because there is not enough funding to hire the appropriate staff. Which makes you and even I wonder about how important is education over athletics? We all have to take into account that the children we are raising now are our future and it is very important for us not to leave an insurmountable amount of debt for our decisions that just put more burdens on us in the future. We all need to make it known to those who need to be notified that they have a job to do and make it happen. Our future are in their hands, so what will you do?

Should Sonograms Be Forced Upon An Expectant Mother Who Decides To Have An Abortion?

Taking a look at Texas State and Local Government, there is an issue being considered by congress. The issue being considered is should sonograms be forced upon an expectant mother who decides to have an abortion? It is understood why congress would like to pass this bill but what I wonder is, have they taken in to effect of different circumstances. When it comes to being raped or having a child out of a situation of the sort, it is very difficult to raise a child. That is why Congress needs to review the bill and take into account others’ feelings and lives.sonograms