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?