Critique of "House gives OK to "choose life" license plate'

In my classmates article he makes the statement that we must not have enough going on in our lives, because we feel the need to raise a fuss about such a petty issue. The "issue" is referring to the democrats that do not believe that it is politically correct for someone to have the choice to have a license plate on their car that reads "Choose life." Instead they brought up the idea that it should say "Choose adoption" because that would be a more appropriate and polite approach. However, I believe that there is a point in all this “fuss.” The whole reason in having a license plate state "Choose life," would be because it would raise proceeds for organizations and adoptions. However, the democrats argue that the money raised should instead go to early childhood intervention programs.

Personally, I believe this is a good idea. First off, because of the originations the money would go toward. Secondly, because if someone feels that strongly about a subject they should have the freedom to display it. Driving around, I see all the time bumper stickers that read "pro-choice." Now I could easily be offended by that statement. But it is still okay for them to display it. I believe it is part of our right as citizens to support what we believe, even though others may not agree.

"Dewhurst questions senators' move toward using rainy day fund."

In an article published by the Austin American Statesman titled "Dewhurst question senators' move toward using rainy day fund," it talks about how Lt. Governor Dewhurst is not sure that using money from the state's rainy day fund to soften spending cuts to schools and nursing homes is a good idea. The Senate Finance Committee approved to use up to $3 billion out of the rainy day fund. Senators are starting to vote this Thursday on rather we should cut out $11 billion over the next two years. Although that sounds like a lot, it is still less than what the house approved earlier this month. David's idea is to use the nontax revenue items instead of the rainy day fund. This would include selling some of the states land and trying to liquidate state tobacco settlements. However, Senators did not side with Dewhurst.

Personally, I believe that using the rainy day fund is not a good idea either. Although I do believe we are in a time of need, I don't believe the need is great enough to tap into the fund that much. Maybe meeting in the middle would solve the endless battle. Realistically we are going to need to make up that shortfall somehow, so I do believe pulling funds would help make up the difference. But not $3 BILLION. That's an astounding amount!! I also see where David is coming from and believe we should sell off some of our states land and property. Although that may sound like a long shot, I believe Texas is in a position now where that might just save us. Yes, the economy is defiantly down the toilet, but we don't have it nearly as bad as the west or east coast so business/contractors would possibly be interested in buying that land. So to make a long story short, I believe meeting in the middle and taking half the amount out of the rainy day fund and selling our states property may just be enough to make up the shortfall and be the answer.

My response: Financial aid and student future

In Sovanna Dangol's article titled "Financial aid and student future" she talks about the affects of budget cuts for college students. Her stance, I believe is against budget cuts. She states that by next year the cuts could could take a plunge and decrease by 85 percent! That is very unsettling to the billions of students who receive that aid. That could essentially make college no longer an option for them.
Personally, I agree with Sovanna. I believe these cuts would hurt our generation along with our kids generation drastically. Not only would they not be able to attend college, most would also be stuck at minimum wage jobs- with little room to advance. This would most likely result in more people living in poverty. With those statistics rising the crime rate would also increase right a long with it. Also, not to mention the children of these parents would then continue the cycle. I do think that putting a more strick regulation on the funds would help save money as well as help students who are really serious about continuing there education. However, cutting it across the bored by such a drastic rate just doesn't seem like the answer.

Capeda: In teaching, why not get the best?

I found a shocking article in the commentary section of the Austin-American Statesman, titled "In teaching, why not get the best." In it, the author Esther J. Capeda of the Washington Post Writers group states that she believes teachers in America do not have to do much work to obtain their bachelor degree. She also goes on to make the claim that in most other professions, the tests are of much higher standards and more competitive. By saying that, Esther is referring to the fact that the test takers passing rates are at an all time low. Also, that the profession is one that is a "guaranteed-for-life job with no competition — for resources, pay incentives, or even glory — and little accountability for their performance in the classroom." What she means by "pay incentives" is that "Once you're a teacher, your pay goes up every year whether you're a superstar overachiever or completely ineffective." I believe Esther is way off. Although teachers do not have much competition in the everyday classroom, they do have competition to actually get hired in the first place. Teaching is one of the most popular professions for college students of today's society. Also, to graduate from any college institution you have to master more than just basic skills. To further my point and respond to Esthers claim about raises, I believe teachers are not in it for the money (which is her underlying message.) All you have to do flip on the TV, or open a newspaper to see all the budget cuts about to take place. If teachers were really money hungry they would not go into teaching in the first place! It is one of the lower paying salaries and averages under 45,000 yearly, not to mention it may get divided up into 12 not 9 months. Although Esther does have a valued opinion she fails to see that with teaching its almost like a "get what you paid for" kind of deal. Although the schooling isn't as prestigious as that for a doctor it shouldn't mean that you their less of a person. Also, since the schooling isn't as rigorous the pay should reflect that, which it does. Teachers don't make as much as doctors for a reason but it doesn't mean there job isn't as demanding. A lot of work that teachers do is outside of the classroom and on there own time so to say that a teacher has basically a "free ride" is not accurate and absurd.

New Scholarship in Texas set to benefit white men only

In doing my research, I came across an interesting article posted by Texas Fred, titled "New Scholarship in Texas Set to Benefit White Men Only". It basically states how the author Fred Witzell sees no problem in giving us "white people" the same opportunity that color people currently have; reserving scholarships for certain races. However, with that opportunity comes a problem. Fred believes white people are subjected to more attacks then colors and have an unfair fight against them. "If we had WET (White Entertainment Television), we’d be called racists." "If we had a White History Month, we’d be called racist for that."  Those are just a few of the "facts" that he stated, the list really does go on. Although I believe Fred’s approach is a bit harsh, I do side with him. If you read the details about what is required of the student to be eligible, there is much work involved. It would be different if they were just asking for proof of race. Instead, the student must maintain a gpa of 3.0 or higher, show a commitment to education, demonstrate financial need and be at least 25% Caucasian. This clearly shows that it’s not just handed to them. Also, the grant would be for $500, although that sounds like the individual is awarded a lot - it’s really not. That would be on average one semester of schooling not including books. Also, the color population could still be eligible to receive this exact award. The requirement states at least 25%, making it possible for people of other descents to be granted the money as well. If you look across time and how much other opportunities non-whites have, this debate seems so minuscule. Even more mind blowing is how Caucasians almost are considered the minority based on the numbers of the 2010 census. This goes to show that people need to stop trying to make a problem out of nothing, and concentrate on the bigger issues.
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911 Officials Concerned Over Staffing Shortages, Calls Placed On Hold

On Monday February 7, 2011 theAustin Austin American Statesman reported that over the past year there were 6,000 emergency calls placed on hold. Due to the high turnover rates of operators and no added positions in almost ten years, the shortage could hang around for a while. The Capital Area of City Council did however; approve a new system that is supposed to take affect this spring. With the old system in place, it gave operators very little information as to how long the caller was placed on hold and the severity of their call. The new system is believed to have better tracking information in order to resolve this issue. But that’s only half the problem, with only 79 full time operators serving the whole Austin area, the deficit isn’t going to disappear easily, as the chairperson of Commission said “We are going to have to revisit the situation.” I believe this article is worth reading because it’s an issue that affects everybody. Also, it’s of high importance, people call 911 to seek help or in extreme cases and to be placed on hold and not given immediate attention is not only unsafe but also scary. I know myself along with others would probably much rather have the peace of mind knowing that in an unexpected dangerous situation you will receive guaranteed assistance.