Blog Number 8: Prop 8

I really enjoyed this post Edgar!
You really hit it on the nail with how I feel about same sex marriage and religion. Its funny, recently I have found myself having this same discussion with many people. I think what Judge Vaughn Walker decided holds truth. You cannot make same sex marriage unlawful because it has nothing to do with the law, it is all based on morality and religious views. I do believe one day we will be able to put all bias aside and treat everyone with the humanity respect we all deserve.
Everything you mentioned on religion I find similar. One of my biggest issues with religion is the hypocrisy and judgment.
I found your blog post very interesting and I enjoyed reading it.
Brianna

LATE Blog Number 5: End in Sight?

Currently in the United states Abortion is still legal. You need to meet certain criteria for it to actually be fully legal, as in which trimester and a 24 hour waiting period. Currently I have not official picked a side that I stand by. Although I lean more on the pro-choice side. I do not believe that other people should make decisions for others. What I go back and fourth on is the issue of irresponsibility. many of the abortions that happen today are from teenagers and young adults. I feel as though we need to strongly educate the youth about protective sex. People need to understand the risk before they participate in sexual acts. Everyone is always thinking it could never happen to them or they only use condoms when there susceptible for pregnancy. It is irresponsible attitudes and actions that need to be fixed first. I fear that if abortion is fully legalized many people will over-use it. If it is paid for and easy to get im scared that people will not try to prevent it as hard. Women could get multiple abortions and never change. That I do not think is right. Obviously accidents happen that is why I feel like abortion should never be illegal. Think about the women who were raped and then to find out that they got pregnant. That could be an unbearable burden for that child for the rest of his or her life. It works for people who are not financially stable or who know that they would be an unfit parent. Abortion is a hard issue. Many people get very emotional about it. Rightfully so, it is human life at stake.
People who are pro-life base the majority of their views from the Bible. Just like same-sex marriage these issues will go on for a long time. When religion is brought into laws things get a whole lot trickier and it causes many divides in culture. Both of these issues are extremely heart wrenching and it really can hurt people. As of now I see no end in sight, just more battling. Hopefully one day our nation can figure out these issues with the least amount of national damage.

LATE: Blog Number 3: Building trust

After reading the editorial, "Teaming to build a lasting trust between Austin Police and Community" from Austin American Statesman I felt good vibes. This editorial is about how two men, the head police officer of Austin Wayne Vincent and the president of NACCP Nelson Vinder are coming together to talk to minorities in Austin. Their whole goal is to create trust again and to educate the community on how to be arrested and inform them what is and is not ok when talking to a officer. The whole reason this mistrust skyrocketed was because of the fatal shooting of an 18 year old boy, Nathaniel Sanders. He was killed by an officer last year. Vincent wants to have the minorities to feel more at ease with police officers. He wants to get rid of the stigma that Austin cops are Anti-Latinos and Anti-African Americans. My only critique on the editorial was I was a little confused as to who the police officers were going to talk to and where? It mentioned a elementary school but I was shocked. I really do not think 2nd graders are going to care or really have the information stick. The author really gave Vincent and Linder lots of support and really made it a point to say that they were proud of the two and their courageous acts to keep this community together. I agree. I think that it is great that people care and want this community to stick together.In order for our community to remain one of the best (personally) it needs to come together and we need to respect one another. As much as we all do not "like" police officers they do protect us and keep our city patrolled and safe. I think that this is a great thing and hopefully more people will appreciate and respect police officers. Lets hope this can save some lives in the process!

http://www.statesman.com/opinion/teaming-to-build-a-lasting-trust-between-austin-828452.html

Blog Number Seven: State Aid Bill to help Teachers

Just Recently the house passed a bill that is expected to help teachers. The bill passed with a 247-161 vote. Democrats estimated the new spending could save 300,000 teachers jobs all over the nation. This causes lots of debate between the two political parties. Republicans feel as though Democrats spend to much government money and since we are in such a terrible economical state they do not agree with this much money being spent to teachers. Republican, John Boehner disapproves the bill stating that it is payoff to special interest. This upset many people and especially teachers. They are not special interest. They work very hard and deserve a lot more than they receive. The long hours they work and the determination they have with certain students is remarkable. Without teachers there would be no one to help and educate the future generations. I think that this is a great bill, I have always felt like teachers need more money. I know they love their job but I feel like they should receive more benefits. More of the public would want to be a teacher if they feel they could get more out of it. We can not strive as a country without good teachers. The more this generation becomes obsessed with money the less people will want to be a teacher. That is the sad reality of the issue and i'm glad we have started to finally help out teachers and give them what they deserve.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/08/house-passes-state-aid-bill-to-help-teachers-gop-freaks.php?ref=fpb

Blog Number Six: Benefits of Marijuana Reform

I decided to write my blog on the "Benefits of Marijuana Reform" written by the American Machine Blog. I feel as though this has been a hot issue amongst many people in my age genre. I support The American Machines opinion of legalizing marijuana. To me I feel as though every point that was mentioned in the blog was correct. Can you imagine how great it would be if the government could gain 778,000,000 dollars just off of tax revenue? Not only would it offer jobs but it would also help the DEA in solving more harsh drug related issues. The drug smuggling crime would decrease and people would no longer be giving money to criminals. I have no idea as to when the state or government will take as to really thinking about legalizing marijuana. I feel as though it will benefit is some many areas. I am not saying that marijuana is necessary a great thing for everyone but neither is alcohol or tobacco.
I thought that the writer of The American Machine found a great, creative article to use. I enjoyed reading all the replies as well.
Brianna Monks

Blog Number 4: Constant battle of Global Warming

Eli just recently posted a blog discussing the constant battle between conservatives and liberals of global warming. I am neither conservative nor liberal and I value everyone’s opinion. On the other hand, when it comes to global warming I am a strong believer. After reading Eli's blog I thought that it was funny and had a major touch of sarcasm. He provided minimal information but still was able to make a valid point and proved his argument. He quoted an article from a professor from Princeton. He predicted that as global warming becomes worse and worse more farmland in Mexico will be destroyed. He predicted that "For every 10 percent of lost crop yields, 2 percent more Mexicans will leave and most will try to come to the United States." Eli was making jokes at the conservative party by saying, " Conservatives may be willing to shrug off the possibility of rising sea levels, desertification and mass extinctions, but can they live with the risk of more Mexicans crossing the border to breathe their precious American air." I really like how he made a funny spin on the situation but I wish that he provided more information about global warming and its continuing effects. I think he classified the conservative party a little to much. I know many conservatives that believe in global warming but just not to the extent that others believe. I would have wanted Eli to point out the major differences between both parties’ beliefs on global warming.

Brianna Monks
http://firedoglake.com/

Blog Number 2: Libertarians to pick candidate for governor

Austin American Statesman recently wrote an article called "Texas Libertarians to pick candidate for governor." This article describes efforts of the Libertarian party to select their candidate for governor and other statewide offices. They will vote this Saturday in Austin and make revisions of the party platform on Sunday. Their main party platform is a smalled government, more personal liberties, and lower taxes. Although the libertarian party is small it has expanded and demonstrated growth. Their operating budget is $370,000 which is the highest it has ever been and has 10,000 people in their state party database. They are realistic knowing that they are often overlooked but they are hoping for a strong candidate to really kick start a successful election cycle.
Here is the article link below
http://www.statesman.com/news/texas-politics/texas-libertarians-to-pick-candidate-for-governor-740736.html