[Response to "Prison Contraband": Texas and Local Government Blog]
It is a wonder how these criminals are able to manage to get cell phones, drugs, weapons, and more into their cells. This is an important matter that needs to be dealt with so Texas families can feel more secure. This shows you that security in Texas, even though we have the most prisoners and one of the biggest prison systems in the nation, how much work still needs to go into it.
You wrote this article very well and thoroughly explained how much the new security plan will cost and what it will entail. However, it would have been helpful to have a couple extra links for the reader to refer to if they chose to read up more on the subject.
I really liked the last line: "Even though $65.8 million dollars may seem like a little much, you cannot put a price on you or your family's safety." Wraps the blog up perfectly.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
What a great system...
Are the education makers in the Texas government going too far? In the 13 years I have been in school, Texas has changed the standardized test three times, each time making it more difficult for students to pass. In 2003, the test TAAS (Texas Assessment of Academic Skills) was replaced by the revamped test called the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or TAKS. My question is why is the government making the tests harder when they still have a big majority of students failing the old test?
It has also become a problem with teachers teaching to the TAKS test and not sticking to the Texas curriculum, but there is so much pressure on them (to keep their jobs) that the teachers don't think they have a choice, and really they don’t.
I don't think a score on a test should determine what kind of student you are, what kind of school you go to, what your race says about your score, etc. Even though people think they can know who you are and why you made the score you did, they really don’t. Currently, my high school is under the watchful eye of the government this year because we have made below the "Acceptable" rating for the past two years. They are even thinking about replacing our principal because of the low scores that students made on the TAKS test, but he is the hardest working man I know. It would be a shame for him to lose his job over a standardized test that is not 100% accurate on showing what the students have learned during the year.
Texas prides itself on its education system and because it has one of the hardest standardized tests in the country. But just because it's the hardest doesn't mean it should stop people from graduating high school. Passing the TAKS test on the 4 main subjects (Math, Reading, Writing, and Science) is required for a high school student to graduate. Some people don't have an aptitude for say science and they are never going to use it in the real world, but we're going to punish them by letting them fail high school completely because they didn't pass the government's test. What a great system....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Assessment_of_Knowledge_and_Skills
It has also become a problem with teachers teaching to the TAKS test and not sticking to the Texas curriculum, but there is so much pressure on them (to keep their jobs) that the teachers don't think they have a choice, and really they don’t.
I don't think a score on a test should determine what kind of student you are, what kind of school you go to, what your race says about your score, etc. Even though people think they can know who you are and why you made the score you did, they really don’t. Currently, my high school is under the watchful eye of the government this year because we have made below the "Acceptable" rating for the past two years. They are even thinking about replacing our principal because of the low scores that students made on the TAKS test, but he is the hardest working man I know. It would be a shame for him to lose his job over a standardized test that is not 100% accurate on showing what the students have learned during the year.
Texas prides itself on its education system and because it has one of the hardest standardized tests in the country. But just because it's the hardest doesn't mean it should stop people from graduating high school. Passing the TAKS test on the 4 main subjects (Math, Reading, Writing, and Science) is required for a high school student to graduate. Some people don't have an aptitude for say science and they are never going to use it in the real world, but we're going to punish them by letting them fail high school completely because they didn't pass the government's test. What a great system....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Assessment_of_Knowledge_and_Skills
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Conservative Abortion
This is my response to this article posted on the Lone Star Government Blog that dealt with the Texas government's view on abortion and gay rights, and especially new abortion requirements.
The point about the Texas government being very conservative when it comes to abortions and gay rights is true, but isn't it wrong to say that is a bad thing just because they are trying to uphold moral standards?
Minor teens should be required to inform their parents if they are pregnant and they should make the decision on how to handle the situation together. The parents should have at least 50% of say in the matter because most likely their minor is not ready to take on the responsibilities of a child, and the parents will be the ones having to take care of it, even if they are not “legally” required to. (Maybe if teens were required to tell their parents that they were having sex at 14, 15, and 16 years of age there would be less teen pregnancies and even less abortions.)
"With the ability to conceive a child, we should also have the ability to make our own decisions, to better our lives and make the best decision for the child." Just because you have the ability to conceive a child, doesn't mean you have the ability to know what is best for that child at 16 years old.
(You had very strong opinionated points but they would be stronger if they were backed up with more statistics. Also, throw in an article or two that says the same thing you do in your blog to prove your points even more.)
The point about the Texas government being very conservative when it comes to abortions and gay rights is true, but isn't it wrong to say that is a bad thing just because they are trying to uphold moral standards?
Minor teens should be required to inform their parents if they are pregnant and they should make the decision on how to handle the situation together. The parents should have at least 50% of say in the matter because most likely their minor is not ready to take on the responsibilities of a child, and the parents will be the ones having to take care of it, even if they are not “legally” required to. (Maybe if teens were required to tell their parents that they were having sex at 14, 15, and 16 years of age there would be less teen pregnancies and even less abortions.)
"With the ability to conceive a child, we should also have the ability to make our own decisions, to better our lives and make the best decision for the child." Just because you have the ability to conceive a child, doesn't mean you have the ability to know what is best for that child at 16 years old.
(You had very strong opinionated points but they would be stronger if they were backed up with more statistics. Also, throw in an article or two that says the same thing you do in your blog to prove your points even more.)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Green Again
The 21st century is not the first century to be concerned about our deteriorating environment but it is definitely the one that is taking it more seriously. We are finally at the point that our generation will be affected by it. Gas will eventually run dry, the air will be clogged with fumes and gases, and the remaining trees will stand lonely without their brothers beside them. Unless we take action now.
That action starts with the government. This blog is being written to praise the Texas government leadership and especially the City of Austin local government and their efforts to make Austin a "greener" place.
One of the programs designed to help Austin is The Green City Initiative. It is a partnership between the City of Austin and the community, with the goal of preserving and protecting Austin's environment. It has many city programs that contribute to the separate parts of the environment including clean air, land development and conservation, healthy drinking water, energy efficiency, and many more.
The City of Austin has also instated the Green Neighbor program. I've witnessed the progress of this program with my own eyes because a neighborhood connected to mine has become a "Green Neighborhood." The City of Austin’s Green Neighbor program has expanded to even more neighborhoods to provide Austinites with a comprehensive guide to environmental protection.
Overall, the local government in Austin has succeeded in making Austin a cleaner, greener place. The redevelopment of the downtown area has made the walk to restaurants, work, groceries, and shops a convenience. Also, downtown buildings are generally green and highly energy efficient. City Hall is a prime example because it has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, becoming only the second City-owned building in Austin to receive this designation. This start has helped Austin become “green” and hopefully the local government can keep the programs, and the city, healthy.
That action starts with the government. This blog is being written to praise the Texas government leadership and especially the City of Austin local government and their efforts to make Austin a "greener" place.
One of the programs designed to help Austin is The Green City Initiative. It is a partnership between the City of Austin and the community, with the goal of preserving and protecting Austin's environment. It has many city programs that contribute to the separate parts of the environment including clean air, land development and conservation, healthy drinking water, energy efficiency, and many more.
The City of Austin has also instated the Green Neighbor program. I've witnessed the progress of this program with my own eyes because a neighborhood connected to mine has become a "Green Neighborhood." The City of Austin’s Green Neighbor program has expanded to even more neighborhoods to provide Austinites with a comprehensive guide to environmental protection.
Overall, the local government in Austin has succeeded in making Austin a cleaner, greener place. The redevelopment of the downtown area has made the walk to restaurants, work, groceries, and shops a convenience. Also, downtown buildings are generally green and highly energy efficient. City Hall is a prime example because it has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, becoming only the second City-owned building in Austin to receive this designation. This start has helped Austin become “green” and hopefully the local government can keep the programs, and the city, healthy.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Texas vs. Craddick
Recent evidence has pointed to a growing rift in the Republican Party over Tom Craddick's rule of the Texas House of Representatives. This rift has been caused by controversy over Craddick's favor of special interest groups. In today's blog in the Austin Chronicle, it is stated that Representative Jim Keffer is 100% sure that Craddick will be replaced no matter which party has the power."The sentiment for change is not personal, members in the Texas House just want bipartisan leadership which is committed to restoring the rules of conduct and fairness," Keffer stated. Keffer, who is also running for Speaker of the House, promised that he will be a Speaker for the members and not just the special interest groups.
Mark McCaig, a State Republican Executive Committee member, believes that the only way to keep a Republican majority in the House is for Craddick to not seek a second term. He believes that Craddick has strayed from the conservative principles that Republicans are supposed to promote and instead promoted a lobby-driven agenda at the expense of issues important to ordinary Texans.
Bill Dingus, the Democrat challenging Craddick for his House seat, says this should not be about political parties. "It's about rooting out the special interests and approaching problems in an honest, pragmatic way."
Obviously, the best thing for the Texas House of Representatives is to have Craddick not run for a second term and give someone else the opportunity to be Speaker that will take an interest in the majority of average Texans, not just the special interest groups.
The author's intended audience is anyone who cares about the upcoming election of the Speaker of the House. His argument is very solid because the author mentions several sources who all think the removal of Craddick would benefit Texans, and he provides a quote from Keffer who stated "Those who served last session remember all too well the four months of absolute chaos that preceded Craddick's last minute claim of absolute authority." This reminder can't be good for the hopeful Craddick.
Mark McCaig, a State Republican Executive Committee member, believes that the only way to keep a Republican majority in the House is for Craddick to not seek a second term. He believes that Craddick has strayed from the conservative principles that Republicans are supposed to promote and instead promoted a lobby-driven agenda at the expense of issues important to ordinary Texans.
Bill Dingus, the Democrat challenging Craddick for his House seat, says this should not be about political parties. "It's about rooting out the special interests and approaching problems in an honest, pragmatic way."
Obviously, the best thing for the Texas House of Representatives is to have Craddick not run for a second term and give someone else the opportunity to be Speaker that will take an interest in the majority of average Texans, not just the special interest groups.
The author's intended audience is anyone who cares about the upcoming election of the Speaker of the House. His argument is very solid because the author mentions several sources who all think the removal of Craddick would benefit Texans, and he provides a quote from Keffer who stated "Those who served last session remember all too well the four months of absolute chaos that preceded Craddick's last minute claim of absolute authority." This reminder can't be good for the hopeful Craddick.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Have We Forgotten Our Civics Lesson?
Responding to unjustified attacks on lawyers and the judiciary is a major priority of State Bar President Kelly Frels. In this editorial, "The Role of the Judiciary: Have we forgotten our civics lesson?" (Published in the Houston Chronicle; http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=15724&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm), Frels defends Texas' judiciary branch of government.
"In times such as these, we should recognize that judges are called upon daily to rule in cases to protect the rights and liberties afforded to all of us by our Constitution and laws." Frels takes a stand for the judges, juries, and the rest of the third branch who seems to go unappreciated in times such as these. Some judges and their families are even being threatened when the defendant or their family and friends don't agree with the decision made by the judge or jury.
Frels gives examples of cases of judges' family's being attacked and even killed. Our democratic system will become ineffective if judges are worried about themselves or their loved ones getting hurt. They should have the confidence to make their decisions following the rules the legislative branch lays down without the chance of negative repercussions. Frels intended audience is everyone, especially people who have feelings of contempt against any members of the judicial branch. Faith in America's democratic system is all that is needed for this country to run smoothly. Without faith and trust the well oiled democratic machine won't function, especially if one of its wheels isn't turning properly.
The theme of this editorial is "Have we forgotten our civics lesson?” Frels stresses the importance for Texans as well as Americans to go back to the basics and make sure we understand why our democratic system works the way it does and what makes it effective. She reminds us that "Legislative bodies make the laws and members of the judiciary apply the laws to the facts before them." It is extremely important that we must affirm and support our judicial branch as an independent third branch of government because it is a critical part of our democratic machine.Write a substantial (250-500 words) critique of an editorial or commentary about Texas state and local government from the opinion/editorial/commentary section.
"In times such as these, we should recognize that judges are called upon daily to rule in cases to protect the rights and liberties afforded to all of us by our Constitution and laws." Frels takes a stand for the judges, juries, and the rest of the third branch who seems to go unappreciated in times such as these. Some judges and their families are even being threatened when the defendant or their family and friends don't agree with the decision made by the judge or jury.
Frels gives examples of cases of judges' family's being attacked and even killed. Our democratic system will become ineffective if judges are worried about themselves or their loved ones getting hurt. They should have the confidence to make their decisions following the rules the legislative branch lays down without the chance of negative repercussions. Frels intended audience is everyone, especially people who have feelings of contempt against any members of the judicial branch. Faith in America's democratic system is all that is needed for this country to run smoothly. Without faith and trust the well oiled democratic machine won't function, especially if one of its wheels isn't turning properly.
The theme of this editorial is "Have we forgotten our civics lesson?” Frels stresses the importance for Texans as well as Americans to go back to the basics and make sure we understand why our democratic system works the way it does and what makes it effective. She reminds us that "Legislative bodies make the laws and members of the judiciary apply the laws to the facts before them." It is extremely important that we must affirm and support our judicial branch as an independent third branch of government because it is a critical part of our democratic machine.Write a substantial (250-500 words) critique of an editorial or commentary about Texas state and local government from the opinion/editorial/commentary section.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Another Race...
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/09/29/0929hd52.html
The race between the Democrats and the Republicans to replace retiring state Rep. Mike Krusee who has served Texas House District 52 for 16 years is heating up. The main Democratic candidate, Diana Maldonado, is excited for the challenge of winning this election after a decade of Republican domination. The Republican candidate, Brain Daniel, however, is not worried and counts in the traditional 2-to-1 advantage in straight-ticket voters in Williamson County.
It is unlikely that Democrats can win a majority in the Texas House of Representatives without a victory in District 52. However, a Republican defeat — even if the GOP retains control the House — would indicate serious erosion of a once-reliable conservative base.
The candidates opinions on what the main issue in Texas is differ. Maldonado thinks the Republican leaders have been "starving public education" and thinks the election should focus on education as the main topic. Daniel disagrees and states that property taxes is the prime issue that needs to be dealt with.
This article is important to read and understand because depending on which candidate wins this election and which party takes control, policies will be changed and our lives will be affected.
The race between the Democrats and the Republicans to replace retiring state Rep. Mike Krusee who has served Texas House District 52 for 16 years is heating up. The main Democratic candidate, Diana Maldonado, is excited for the challenge of winning this election after a decade of Republican domination. The Republican candidate, Brain Daniel, however, is not worried and counts in the traditional 2-to-1 advantage in straight-ticket voters in Williamson County.
It is unlikely that Democrats can win a majority in the Texas House of Representatives without a victory in District 52. However, a Republican defeat — even if the GOP retains control the House — would indicate serious erosion of a once-reliable conservative base.
The candidates opinions on what the main issue in Texas is differ. Maldonado thinks the Republican leaders have been "starving public education" and thinks the election should focus on education as the main topic. Daniel disagrees and states that property taxes is the prime issue that needs to be dealt with.
This article is important to read and understand because depending on which candidate wins this election and which party takes control, policies will be changed and our lives will be affected.
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