Reply to Colleague’s work #2

Wendy Davis seems like a great candidate for Governor of Texas and I can see why you you believe she is a good candidate. As the Senator of Texas, Davis has a significant amount of political knowledge and has the ability to make Texas a successful state. The fact that Davis is interested in passing bills concerning cancer and sexual assault really make me interested in learning more about her. You don't typically get to see Governors push forward bills like those that Davis takes interest in. 

Your article does a great job of explaining why Texas needs a Senator like Davis. Not only does she qualify for the position, but I believe she has a lot to offer to the state. The fact that she showed determination during the filibuster during the summer of 2013 goes to show that she does not give up in what she believes in and will fight for what will benefit the state.

Here is the link to my classmates blog about Wendy Davis.

New Hit-and-run law in Texas

       As I was reading through the New York Times newspaper I found an interesting article that talked about an upcoming law in hit-and-run cases. I found it interesting that hit-and-run cases are very common and Texas which led me to read more about the issue. I believe that the safety of Texans on the road is very important and for any type of accident every victim should be examined to check if everyone involved is okay. 
       On September 1st any driver who hits another car should stop and make sure everyone involved is okay, but if the person fails to do so he or she will face serious charges. The penalties for anyone who hits-and-runs will be the same as intoxicated manslaughter. The felony can reach to up to 20 years in prison. I believe this will be a very effective law for the state because checking if someone is okay after an accident can make a difference. 
        If victims in accidents don't look out for one another, the more unattended victims of an accident there will be. It is important to make sure others involved in an accident are not hurt or seriously damaged so that they can receive the help they need. The number of years that have to be faced in jail may seem like a lot, but if someone hits-and-runs after an accident they should pay for it especially if there was a death.

Here is a link the article on the new law on hit-and-run cases. 

Criticism on Colleague’s Work #1

               I strongly agree that without the majority of Texans voting the idea of representation isn't what it should be. It is important for those eligible to vote to do it in order to get the representation that the people of Texas want and need. I think you made a great statement about people feeling as if their vote doesn't really make a difference because Texas has really strong Republican values. 
               Like you said, the population in Texas is constantly growing and the state is becoming very diverse. With diversity comes different values which means not all votes will be casted by Republicans. I believe you did an excellent job of explaining why voting in Texas is important in your Just Looking at the Voting Numbers... blog. 

What Happens Now That The Abortion Bill was Passed?

              Currently one of the most talked about political issues in Texas is abortion. Abortion has always been a very controversial topic because it is such an emotional issue that touches many. There are either those for it or those against it and those against it were pleased when the abortion bill was passed this month. Hundreds of people who fought for women's freedom protested in the capitol to get their voices heard. The outcome of the long fight to pass the abortion bill pleased anti-abortion activist and angered many who believed in women's freedom. The bill states that if a woman is 20 weeks into pregnancy she will be denied the right to abortion and it also states that abortions clinics must meet certain requirements. 
             There will never be an in-between when it comes to the issue of abortion and Texas politicians have done a great job of protecting future Texans as well as women and their health. Abortion will continue to be an ongoing issue even though the bill has been passed because not everyone agrees with the bill. In order for an abortion clinics to remain active, it must have all the surgical equipment and other requirements included in the bill. Some believe that getting rid of abortion clinics is a way for the government to make more money by getting clinics to meet up to the abortion expectations. Then there are those who believe that surgical clinics are safer for women and agree with the bill 100%. As for now, the bill has been passed in Texas and in the future will probably become a big issue again mainly because abortion is an issue that has two types of followers (pro-life and women's freedom activist).

Greg Abbott as Governor of Texas

          “If You Liked Rick Perry, You'll Love Greg Abbott” is a blog in the Austin Chronicle that talks about the Texas attorney who is running for Governor of Texas. The blog includes some of the roles Greg Abbott has played while being an attorney and what he has to offer to the state of Texas. In my opinion, the author is very credible because he gives the readers enough information to get a better understanding of what Greg Abbott is all about and what to expect from him if he gets elected as Governor. The author also includes similarities that Perry and Abbott have which benefits those Perry supporters.
          The author is arguing that Greg Abbott is a good candidate for Governor because he has similar political views as our current governor. I do agree that for those who are Rick Perry supporters will most likely support Greg Abbott as well, especially for those diehard liberals. Greg Abbott is a true Texan whom follows traditions much like Rick Perry and since Texas is filled with liberals the chances of Abbott being elected are rather high. The author includes a case in which Greg Abbott sued to keep the Ten Commandments on the capital lawn. The fact that Abbott was willing to fight for the Ten Commandments goes to shows how important our nations traditions are to him and how he will protect Texas and it's ongoing traditions as well. 

White Privileges

             "What is the White Privilege" is an article in the San Antonio Current arguing about the privileges whites get over other ethnicities. The author argues that whites don't always realize it, but they get privileges that other races at many times don't. Different races get looked at differently in many ways compared to whites because whites have this thing to them that makes them seem like the ideal americans. This article is probably intended for those who believe in race discrimination because typically in America whites are favored politically and other races not as much. 

        The author's article is credible because recent political issues are included to support his argument that whites are more privileged than other races in this nation. The two examples that the author included were the Zimmerman trial and Texas voting rights both of which deal with whites. Voting rights are a great of example of a white receiving more privileges than others because historically speaking at a point only white men were allowed to vote. Not only does the author provide recent issues that deal with race privileges, but also that whites tend to be perceived as these ideal, hard-working americans. Other races do not get the same amount of praise like the whites do. I agree with the article in many ways because as a hispanic living in Texas I sometimes feel like I get treated differently than whites in certain places and feel like they look down on me at many times. 

Abortion in Texas

YNN published the article "Texas State Passes New Abortion Restrictions" which covers the latest on the abortion bill passed in the state of Texas. The article covers a little of what the bill specifies and claims that the new bill is possibly one of the strictest bills in the nation. I recommend this article to anyone who particularly is interested to learn more about the latest abortion debate that has been going on for quit some time now. Not only is this article recommended for those who want to know more about abortion, but also for those wanting the latest scoop in Texas politics.