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Captial Punishment: A Necessary Evil
This blog also caught my attention - and I agree. I am an advocate in the death penalty and also do not feel that Texas doesn't not abuse the punishment. And although I believe in a fair trial and the appeal process, there are too many inmates on deathrow...many for 10-15 years. I agree with Helena K's last statement with regards to the taxpayer dollar.

Top 10 Percent Rule

I must admit I was torn with regards to the Top 10 Percent Rule. Although this rule, which is a round-about-way of dealing with affirmative action with regards to college admission, does give opportunity to those students who may not be able to attend Texas universities. But, the rule doesn’t take into account the varying demands of different high schools. Some have criticized the program for not recognizing the work needed to stay in the top 15 percent of a demanding high school versus being in the top 10 percent of a less rigorous one. Some parents have now started to move their children to less competitive high schools to ensure their children will be in the top 10 percent, thus eligible for automatic admission.

It is my feeling that this plan is here to stay, but is in need of serious reform. Whether we cap the percentage of admitted students or we follow California’s example of choosing one Texas college as the Top 10 Percent Rule admittance college. If I had my preference, it would be that admission for all students was based on test scores, GPA, community service, and the all important essay – race would not be a factor. Whatever the reform plan, something will need to be done to ensure that all students have an equal chance at an admission review.

Concerns Rise over Bible Course Curriculum

Religious rights activists want the State Board of Education to slow down on their adoption of the newest course offering to students, the Bible. The major issues of discussion are that there are no instructors “qualified” to adequately teach the course and the possible infringement on student’s rights. What I find interesting is that our current educational system suffers and the State Board wants to bring in another course where they’ll be knocking around in the dark – but hey, why have it worked out before we roll it out to the students, let’s just fly with it. The law is also not clear with regards to whether the course will be voluntary or mandatory if more than 15 students request it, which could cause issue with some parents and students if not cleared up before the course offering in the 2009 school year. However, what I find most interesting is the approach that the State Board of Education will take in not imposing on the students’ religious beliefs and rights.

Chancey said it requires the "wisdom of Solomon" to balance the constitutional concerns, diverse religious sensitivities and academic quality. Teachers need specific standards, not the general framework that is up for consideration.

"Without such direction, they are likely to create problematic courses that would not withstand court scrutiny," he wrote in a letter to the board.

As stated in the article, Texas may be looking to Florida for ideas on how to role out the program as Florida has taken measures to “avoid legal trouble spots.” Florida has provided specific course guidelines, but again who is going to actually teach the course. And, is it possible for the teacher who teaches the course to not allow their personal beliefs to influence what or how they are teaching the students?

Election '08

I'm overdue on my political blog for Texas Government as I cannot seem to find anything of value to write about. If I gave a damn about the political race, well there would be plenty to write about I'm sure. However, I don't. Yes, I know...what a disgrace I am to mankind, not to mention America. But to be frank and to the point, I honestly don't care who wins the election in ‘08. None of the candidates are "exciting" to me and I am sick and tired of hearing about "Obamaism" and whether or not the debates between him and Hillary are civil. Aren't there enough bad reality television shows on already without me having to be subject news of what who said about who?

This next presidential term will be one filled with red tape and lost promises. Wait, there are no promises…we are just being offered “more of the same” or “change for the sake of change,” and we will get exactly what we purchase – style, looks, and a good speaker. This election isn’t based on the issues; instead it’s based on who is theorized to win by the ladies on “The View” or whose photo graces the cover of “Time Magazine.” When the media speculates the winner it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

For whoever is elected into office, be it Hillary or Obama, no real, hard-hitting issues will be able to be corrected or brought to the table. Our future president will be occupied with correcting the already existing issues of our previous presidency. The American people will look to this new president, and his or her cabinet, and wonder why the free world hasn't been fixed…today. Why haven't all the troops been pulled from Iraq? What about health care, gun control, education, the war on drugs, and the homeless? And as expected, bodies will begin to drop like flies from the bandwagon of democracy so bumper stickers of political party denial can be displayed proudly on the back of the family SUV.

Governor Perry - What a positive message?

I must first say that I am not a fan of blogs. I read them; I don’t write them. I can never seem to get my random thoughts and rants down coherently on paper. However, I found an interesting article in the Austin American Statesman that was very interesting, along with a commentary blog from Postcards from the Lege. The article was about Governor Rick Perry’s first book that “champions” the rights of the Boy Scouts of America to keep out those who are openly homosexual and those who do not believe in God. He also berates the ACLU for pushing to extend those rights to all those who want to participate. Postcards from the Lege has provided some excerpts from the book which are quite shocking given the changing tide of society today. I believe that the article and the blog are both important reads because although the Boy Scouts of America are an important organization for today’s youth, segregation and prejudice shouldn’t be something that is practiced and taught to our children.

A sample from Governor Perry’s book: “Though I am no expert on the ‘nature versus nature’ debate, I can sympathize with those who believe sexual preference is genetic. It may be so, but it remains unproved. Even if it were, this does not mean we are ultimately not responsible for the active choices we make. Even if an alcoholic is powerless over alcohol once it enters his body, he still makes a choice to drink. And, even if someone is attracted to a person of the same sex, he or she still makes a choice to engage in sexual activity with someone of the same gender.” There are several other samples available in “Excerpts: Perry on gays, Boy Scouts and ACLU”, from Postcards from the Lege. Gov. Perry gives the impression throughout that homosexuals have the potential to be sexual predators and those that don’t believe in God will turn our children into atheists. Seriously?