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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
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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