Monday, December 7, 2009
Texas Government - Local and State
Texas local government across the board is not as strong as some, because there are so many chiefs. One agency has to report to another before they can get anything done. Our strongest local government is Houston with Mayor White, he can call shots without this huge assembly lien of agencies in the middle. He can even veto some decisions being made. There are several states that have local governments that operate this way, like New York and California has a few. Apparently people are not satisfied with that because many of them seem to be moving to the Great Texas. The local government of Texas is probably at its best this way, because the people's voices can be heard best. Being that the elected officials will be more accountable and if they want reelection they better listen more carefully to what the majority voter thinks. State government have even less accountability because there are so many agencies to pass the buck. We have for example four agencies that have to report to one agency and another group that has to report to another and so on and the effect of it all is losing momentum, strength, and effectiveness in reaching goals.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Abortion in Texas- Women Forgotten in the Fight
In response to: http://lonestarcrazy.blogspot.com/2009/11/abortion-in-texas-women-forgotten-in.html
I agree for the most part, it is our body, but children should have a voice as well. As I fairly recently experienced a close friend having to make a choice whether to continue to grow closer to her baby or to terminate the life growing in her. A decision not easily made to say the least. She and her husband were told their baby had a life ending illness, with 6 fingers and toes on each limb, his kidneys, were in very poor condition, his back exposed his organs, and at birth he would possibly live a short time and it would be the most painful life and death you can imagine. Anyone with a heart and to know his condition as it was; it would be selfish to allow such a sweet little one to have such an experience in his life and death. The love of a mother and father chose to let him rest peacefully in God's hands and he does. Abortion should not be used as a birth control, but before running and chaining ourselves to buildings and judging people, What is their story? Educate not only the woman making the decision, but the people that are hating other people over this matter. God is our judge, and we only have to answer to him. If in our heart we know we made the best decision, then that is all that matters.
I agree for the most part, it is our body, but children should have a voice as well. As I fairly recently experienced a close friend having to make a choice whether to continue to grow closer to her baby or to terminate the life growing in her. A decision not easily made to say the least. She and her husband were told their baby had a life ending illness, with 6 fingers and toes on each limb, his kidneys, were in very poor condition, his back exposed his organs, and at birth he would possibly live a short time and it would be the most painful life and death you can imagine. Anyone with a heart and to know his condition as it was; it would be selfish to allow such a sweet little one to have such an experience in his life and death. The love of a mother and father chose to let him rest peacefully in God's hands and he does. Abortion should not be used as a birth control, but before running and chaining ourselves to buildings and judging people, What is their story? Educate not only the woman making the decision, but the people that are hating other people over this matter. God is our judge, and we only have to answer to him. If in our heart we know we made the best decision, then that is all that matters.
Monday, November 23, 2009
TEXAS TOUGH HIDE
Texas government in a nut shell is "BULLY". Texas is really all about business not the people that live here. For years Texas have been planning and preparing for the big business, but they have failed miserably at it; as far as the amount of people it would attract here. We have a huge population problem with over priced housing, traffic problems and Texas is double charging the people through tollways. Texas, especially Austin, is forcing people to give their blood and now I read about Texas taking newborn blood samples and using them however they choose. How pathetic is that? And, then hide behind federal law. http://www.kxan.com/dpp/health/government-taking-newborn-dna-samples
DWI is a sad sacrifice of life to make because someone is irresponsible and selfish, but forcing someone to give their blood as evidence is quite radical. Everyone has a right to some privacy and until proven guilty, your blood by withdrawal is crazy. There was a time they had to wait until you left a napkin or used glass or something to use your DNA or blood to convict you. This is over the top bullying. Texas is interpreting the law the way they want.
www.kxan.com/dpp/mobile/Blood_draws_continue_despite_budget
The Texas tollways are already paid with tax dollars and they want us to pay again. How dare they recharge for such a thing and another thing they have rigged up the road where you can easily end up on the tollway without knowing it. The signs are very tricky, I have made it a point to figure them out to avoid them. I would rather sit in two hour traffic than to repay for a road that the city has mismanaged. http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/Default.asp?ArID=106596&addvid=21728
These are just small examples of the bullying Texas will do to get its way.
DWI is a sad sacrifice of life to make because someone is irresponsible and selfish, but forcing someone to give their blood as evidence is quite radical. Everyone has a right to some privacy and until proven guilty, your blood by withdrawal is crazy. There was a time they had to wait until you left a napkin or used glass or something to use your DNA or blood to convict you. This is over the top bullying. Texas is interpreting the law the way they want.
www.kxan.com/dpp/mobile/Blood_draws_continue_despite_budget
The Texas tollways are already paid with tax dollars and they want us to pay again. How dare they recharge for such a thing and another thing they have rigged up the road where you can easily end up on the tollway without knowing it. The signs are very tricky, I have made it a point to figure them out to avoid them. I would rather sit in two hour traffic than to repay for a road that the city has mismanaged. http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/Default.asp?ArID=106596&addvid=21728
These are just small examples of the bullying Texas will do to get its way.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Obama Must Get Going on Jobs
Jim Hightower's article about Obama creating jobs, was not terribly harsh, but it really does not matter what Obama does Republicans are not goign to be happy. I agree we need more than just jobs we need career mney making work. There are more lower paying jobs, because people are more frugal with their money. The whole process is a domino effect if the big companies are not straightened out they won'e offer the good positions. I feel the crunch just like the next person, but Obama is not a miracle worker. It took more than a year to make this mess now it will take some time to recover it. As a victim of this disaster I understand that we have to do our part by managing what we have, come together with family and friends to survive, and stay prayerful.
Jim Hightower's intended audience seems to be the conservative Republican of a lower or middle class status. His credibility lies with the newspaper he writes for and Texas because he is a seasoned writer and commentator with a smooth method of establishing his opinions. Jim has valid points, but they are one sided, because they do not look at the whole picture or offer any evidence of his criticism. He gives the first name of a lady as an example of what we know millions are going through or at least similar situations; isn't that what McCain and Palin did with "Joe the plumber"?
Jim Hightower's intended audience seems to be the conservative Republican of a lower or middle class status. His credibility lies with the newspaper he writes for and Texas because he is a seasoned writer and commentator with a smooth method of establishing his opinions. Jim has valid points, but they are one sided, because they do not look at the whole picture or offer any evidence of his criticism. He gives the first name of a lady as an example of what we know millions are going through or at least similar situations; isn't that what McCain and Palin did with "Joe the plumber"?
Monday, November 9, 2009
Krauthammer's Editorial: Obama a master of blame game
I understand many were so anxious for President Obama to be a Savior or something, but they only deceived themselves; he's human. The mess left behind took at least two Republican ran presidential terms to screw it all up; it always takes longer to get it right than to do it wrong.
President Obama's plans to recover the economy naturally will take time, it may not show up for the average person for a number of years, but we do have evidence of some improvement. If the American people had watched past administrations as closely, maybe we would not have the so called blame game. Krauthammer's comments I found to be somewhat partial, although he sounds like he may have voted for President Obama and has now become frustrated with his decision.
We need to give Obama this time to mend fences and not to forget how or who really made this mess. Obama once said, "there's enough blame to share" meaning even before Bush a new administration takes over and instead of reviewing or rethinking what was done previously they create a whole new mess of problems and it goes on until everyone is drowning (rich kids are joining the military and the oil man's money is being tampered with) and when the right people are affected it gets better attention.
Krauthammer's statement and requoting Obama is inconsiderate and not entirely thought through fairly he says, "Obama was elected a year ago. He became commander in chief two months later. He then solemnly announced his own "comprehensive new strategy" for Afghanistan seven months ago. And it was not an off-the-cuff decision. Obama is obviously unhappy with the path he chose in March. Fine. He has every right — indeed duty — to reconsider. But what Obama is reacting to is the failure of his own strategy". This may be the case, but why would you expect anything different from a new president in these very difficult days; I would be more worried if he did not rethink his plan. Starting out in any new position things are likely to change; because noone wants a man without a plan he had his plan a very good one at the time. Once in office the picture is much worse or at least different than originally planned for. All these critics with great plans that was needed years ago when the war was to begin. Give the man a break noone really has a better plan it only appears that way because they are not in his shoes.
President Obama's plans to recover the economy naturally will take time, it may not show up for the average person for a number of years, but we do have evidence of some improvement. If the American people had watched past administrations as closely, maybe we would not have the so called blame game. Krauthammer's comments I found to be somewhat partial, although he sounds like he may have voted for President Obama and has now become frustrated with his decision.
We need to give Obama this time to mend fences and not to forget how or who really made this mess. Obama once said, "there's enough blame to share" meaning even before Bush a new administration takes over and instead of reviewing or rethinking what was done previously they create a whole new mess of problems and it goes on until everyone is drowning (rich kids are joining the military and the oil man's money is being tampered with) and when the right people are affected it gets better attention.
Krauthammer's statement and requoting Obama is inconsiderate and not entirely thought through fairly he says, "Obama was elected a year ago. He became commander in chief two months later. He then solemnly announced his own "comprehensive new strategy" for Afghanistan seven months ago. And it was not an off-the-cuff decision. Obama is obviously unhappy with the path he chose in March. Fine. He has every right — indeed duty — to reconsider. But what Obama is reacting to is the failure of his own strategy". This may be the case, but why would you expect anything different from a new president in these very difficult days; I would be more worried if he did not rethink his plan. Starting out in any new position things are likely to change; because noone wants a man without a plan he had his plan a very good one at the time. Once in office the picture is much worse or at least different than originally planned for. All these critics with great plans that was needed years ago when the war was to begin. Give the man a break noone really has a better plan it only appears that way because they are not in his shoes.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Going the Extra Yard for Cyclists
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/2009/11/02/1102wear.html?
Author: Ben Wear, Austin American Statesman; November 2, 2009
I agree with being more careful when passing cyclist, but this article is not entirely accurate. Cyclist do not pay a fee for roads through their utility bill drivers pay for the roads through their utility bill. If you do not own a car you can request to have it removed with proof of course. I personally spoke with the city about this extra fee for my grandma's bill and we could have it removed because she does not own or have a vehicle of any kind.
This article is worth reading because if you are not aware of this change in the law you will not get to plead ignorance as a defense in court. While these laws are being put into place to protect a certain group of people it is a trap for the majority. If cyclist feel so inclined to have special laws they should have to register their bikes as cars do and pay a fee as such and then maybe there will be funds to go all around town and develop special lanes for them. They should also have to follow the same laws as cars, because these pick and choose rules they abide by are causing drivers big problems. Just as we have to be more careful around 18 wheelers because of their inability to stop or maneuver as quickly as a car or even average truck; they should be aware of our limitations. Cycling is a great instrument of transporting and exercising, but those who choose this method should be responsible for their safety as well. Many of them don't bother to wear protective gear, while drivers are required to use seat belts. What the heck is wrong with this picture? Looks to me like keeping Austin weird has been taken way too far, it's totally backwards.
Author: Ben Wear, Austin American Statesman; November 2, 2009
I agree with being more careful when passing cyclist, but this article is not entirely accurate. Cyclist do not pay a fee for roads through their utility bill drivers pay for the roads through their utility bill. If you do not own a car you can request to have it removed with proof of course. I personally spoke with the city about this extra fee for my grandma's bill and we could have it removed because she does not own or have a vehicle of any kind.
This article is worth reading because if you are not aware of this change in the law you will not get to plead ignorance as a defense in court. While these laws are being put into place to protect a certain group of people it is a trap for the majority. If cyclist feel so inclined to have special laws they should have to register their bikes as cars do and pay a fee as such and then maybe there will be funds to go all around town and develop special lanes for them. They should also have to follow the same laws as cars, because these pick and choose rules they abide by are causing drivers big problems. Just as we have to be more careful around 18 wheelers because of their inability to stop or maneuver as quickly as a car or even average truck; they should be aware of our limitations. Cycling is a great instrument of transporting and exercising, but those who choose this method should be responsible for their safety as well. Many of them don't bother to wear protective gear, while drivers are required to use seat belts. What the heck is wrong with this picture? Looks to me like keeping Austin weird has been taken way too far, it's totally backwards.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Change, At Last...
Politics, while quite interesting these days it is very scary not knowing what will happen to us economically. I find it comforting to watch the softer side more and just keep a peek in on the other things that are unfolding. I also want to address how I decided to vote and young Americas power to make it happen. Lastly I want to express my concerns for the President's safety and the effects it would have on America.
One thing that I consider the softer side and it really helps me remember there is hope, is watching the video of the Obama's first dance as the First Couple. They are so much in love with each other and we are in love with them . I think most people are more in love with having someone completely outside of the usual. It represents change coming, which brings to mind another video by Seal "Change is coming." I am so proud not only for him being the first African American President but, that he is not just some token person. Barack did not come from wealth he was born to a white mother and deserted by his African father, yet he stayed in tune with who he is and inspite of any of it he manage to rise above it all. Barack Obama is a very smart man, he did not get to where he is because his family was well known or into politics for personal gain, but by hard work, remarkable intelligence, and an humble spirit. Barack Obama has made very wise decisions along the way and he continues to make careful plans to recover America from many difficult problems it has come to face.
I watched most of this unfold as Obama announced his presidency and I was really torn between him and Hillary for the simple fact that I did not know much about him and I liked Hillary's husband as a president. I just watched and tossed between the two because for me Republican was not an option. I was then won over by his respect of people and his resilience to attacks from Hillary's campaign. He refrained from mud slinging and focused on the issues rather than name calling and low blows.
I am so very proud of young America because that is the group that really put Barack Obama in office and it shows other young voters that they can make a difference collectively. Young America has the power to erase the color lines and show the real meaning of United States of America. Young America must continue with the strength it has exemplified, thus far. "Power to the people, the American people".
Finally, my concerns for Obama's safety run deep, because I do not want anything to happen to him, as I understand there were many threats on his and his family's lives. America can not afford for something to happen to him because it could set America back many years into a deeper division than ever before. If America continues to be divided we could easily be defeated. Like the old saying goes "Divided we stand, divided we fall". I can't imagine anyone wanting that.
Let's keep the "YES WE CAN" attitude and move forward. Our president can't do it alone, let's pray for him and do our part, whatever that may be.
Enjoy the videos that keep me encouraged that dreams can become reality.
At Last.
Change is coming
One thing that I consider the softer side and it really helps me remember there is hope, is watching the video of the Obama's first dance as the First Couple. They are so much in love with each other and we are in love with them . I think most people are more in love with having someone completely outside of the usual. It represents change coming, which brings to mind another video by Seal "Change is coming." I am so proud not only for him being the first African American President but, that he is not just some token person. Barack did not come from wealth he was born to a white mother and deserted by his African father, yet he stayed in tune with who he is and inspite of any of it he manage to rise above it all. Barack Obama is a very smart man, he did not get to where he is because his family was well known or into politics for personal gain, but by hard work, remarkable intelligence, and an humble spirit. Barack Obama has made very wise decisions along the way and he continues to make careful plans to recover America from many difficult problems it has come to face.
I watched most of this unfold as Obama announced his presidency and I was really torn between him and Hillary for the simple fact that I did not know much about him and I liked Hillary's husband as a president. I just watched and tossed between the two because for me Republican was not an option. I was then won over by his respect of people and his resilience to attacks from Hillary's campaign. He refrained from mud slinging and focused on the issues rather than name calling and low blows.
I am so very proud of young America because that is the group that really put Barack Obama in office and it shows other young voters that they can make a difference collectively. Young America has the power to erase the color lines and show the real meaning of United States of America. Young America must continue with the strength it has exemplified, thus far. "Power to the people, the American people".
Finally, my concerns for Obama's safety run deep, because I do not want anything to happen to him, as I understand there were many threats on his and his family's lives. America can not afford for something to happen to him because it could set America back many years into a deeper division than ever before. If America continues to be divided we could easily be defeated. Like the old saying goes "Divided we stand, divided we fall". I can't imagine anyone wanting that.
Let's keep the "YES WE CAN" attitude and move forward. Our president can't do it alone, let's pray for him and do our part, whatever that may be.
Enjoy the videos that keep me encouraged that dreams can become reality.
At Last.
Change is coming
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