When looking for a final article to criticize, this one caught my eye. Being a sports fan, and having a slight hatred for the San Antonio Spurs, I had to read. Having lived in San Antonio, I know how big the San Antonio Spurs organization is, and how it dramatically contributes to the economy of the city. One of my favorite things learning in this course was about progressive and regressive taxes, so when I saw Spurs and tax, I was already drawn in. I was surprised to find something so interesting.
At first, it was a little difficult to determine who this article was directed towards. I was unsure on who pays a venue tax, since it was not listed in the article, who’s argument, or claim is that taxing the venue of the San Antonio Spurs, the AT&T center in Bexar County would help with river improvements, and sports complexes, among other things. The article continues to state that the Spurs are the biggest supporter of tax, and architectural, engineering and construction firms are also contributors. It wasn’t until I saw the following statement that I decided to do a little of my own research: “The hospitality industry also donated, including several downtown hotels and the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association, which gave almost $6,000. That's in marked contrast from nine years ago, when the industry opposed the venue tax, worried it would depress tourism.” Forgive me for my confusion, but I didn’t understand how it would affect tourism negatively, if the people weren’t paying for it. So I went on google and researched: Who pays venue you tax in Bexar County, and found a very helpful article. When reading, I found who exactly pays for venue taxes. “The permissible venue taxes include; a sales and use tax, short-term motor vehicle rental tax, admissions tax, parking tax, facility use tax, and hotel occupancy tax.” From what I learned this semester, I learned that like most of the taxes in Texas, this is another regressive one, which I strongly oppose.
After discovering this new found information, I then knew that the audience this article is directed toward is a Republican one. In conclusion, my criticism of this article, like many other articles I find in the San Antonio Express News, is that it was moreover easy to discover who this article was directed to, and that with no surprise, it was a republican audience. My complaint is how scandalous this article was in not saying who REALLY pays for the tax, instead it lists every other corporation’s contributions. *Shakes my Head*
Friday, May 9, 2008
Comment on a colleague's work #2
Along with the other four comments posted to this blog already, I oppose just about everything this blog has to offer. Forgive me for my brutally liberal point of view on this, but I don't see a thing wrong with a woman's choice to an abortion. Expressing your religious beliefs is fine, but to abolish it for the entire state based solely on your faith is absurd. If one of pro-life standing is caught in the situation of an unexpected pregnancy, do as you please. As for myself, a supporter of pro-choice, I see things on a more realistic scale. I know that personally, I am currently lacking the resources to support a child and this is why I practice ways in which I will prevent being caught in such an unfortunate situation. As you may call it “ignorance” for one to be caught in this situation, I feel that a more ignorant decision would be to bring a baby into this world without the resources to care for it properly.
A supporter of pro-life is going to have to prove more to me than repeatedly using the same reason for abolishing it throughout the entire state: the baby has a choice too. As “stupid “as conservatives claim this mother that is considering abortion to be, I would still respect her decision more than a fetus who’s brain will be building in her uterus for up to 3 months. Another thing that I never understood, was calling it killing a life. How can it be murderous if the fetus has not been added to our population until it is ejected through the womb?
With the abolition of abortion, I don’t think much will be accomplished positively. Well, apart from the satisfaction of a conservative’s viewpoint. However, some statistics that will surely be raised in our society with the abolition of abortion will be: child abuse, abandonment, poverty, hmmm… need I say more? While conservatives have their strong opposed view of abortion, I have an even equal support for it. I believe that with pro-choice, everyone has THEIR own choice, and this issue should be continued to be practiced this way.
A supporter of pro-life is going to have to prove more to me than repeatedly using the same reason for abolishing it throughout the entire state: the baby has a choice too. As “stupid “as conservatives claim this mother that is considering abortion to be, I would still respect her decision more than a fetus who’s brain will be building in her uterus for up to 3 months. Another thing that I never understood, was calling it killing a life. How can it be murderous if the fetus has not been added to our population until it is ejected through the womb?
With the abolition of abortion, I don’t think much will be accomplished positively. Well, apart from the satisfaction of a conservative’s viewpoint. However, some statistics that will surely be raised in our society with the abolition of abortion will be: child abuse, abandonment, poverty, hmmm… need I say more? While conservatives have their strong opposed view of abortion, I have an even equal support for it. I believe that with pro-choice, everyone has THEIR own choice, and this issue should be continued to be practiced this way.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Texans trying to survive without health insurance
When searching for an article to comment, this one jumped out at me off hand. One of the biggest, most important issues in all of ours lives, (I Think), is the issue of health care. I found this article very helpful in supporting my preach for universal health care. It puts issues of our own fellow Texas's struggles with the absence of health care in the fore front. Texas has the highest portion of residents without insurance in the country at 25%. This number is out-standing and horrific. The issue here is not with unemployment either. Two thirds of those without health care in our state ARE in fact employed. The issue is THE COST. The cost of health care is not affordable for many, and those that do use their employer's health care often cannot afford to add their children. The differences in our state, compared to other states is the for one workers here are less likely than those in other states to get insurance from their jobs. And another, is the way Texas runs Medicaid. The program has shifted from providing our people with health care, including the access to emergency rooms, to prevention.
In the second part of this article it lists situations of a few Texans stories of their struggles with health care. One story that stood out was that of David Grose, a welder living in Paris, Tx. He had a cancerous growth on his nose but couldn't get treatment without insurance. He took a bus 300 miles to one of the country's premier cancer centers in Houston, only to be turned away because he didn't have insurance. This is just one of the many stories from one of the 5.7 million Texans living here without health care. A favorite quote I like from this article was from a lady who couldn't afford to place her children under her health care, "It's like we're playing with fire."
In the second part of this article it lists situations of a few Texans stories of their struggles with health care. One story that stood out was that of David Grose, a welder living in Paris, Tx. He had a cancerous growth on his nose but couldn't get treatment without insurance. He took a bus 300 miles to one of the country's premier cancer centers in Houston, only to be turned away because he didn't have insurance. This is just one of the many stories from one of the 5.7 million Texans living here without health care. A favorite quote I like from this article was from a lady who couldn't afford to place her children under her health care, "It's like we're playing with fire."
Friday, April 11, 2008
Lowering Tuition in Texas Schools
I couldn't agree more with the fact that tuition for Texas public schools and universities should be lowered. Having attended a public university in San Antonio for 2 years, I've witnessed plenty to justify my belief in that. For one, I lived on campus the first year, and that in itself was outrageous as far as pricing goes. I had 3 roommates and each of us paid 500 a month. Then, there's parking permits. I had to have one for parking in my own parking lot, $200, and another if I wanted to park on campus, $200. Not to mention the tickets for not having a parking permit were 150 each! This is nothing compared to University of Texas at Austin parking prices. I'm not even going to get started on textbooks. These are all things I would have included in criticizing a Texas state of local law.
Another thing I noticed when reading this commentary was that there was nothing that stated what could or could not be done to make it right, or why it was wrong, and how unfair the law was. If I was writing on behalf of this law, I would have stated how over-crowded these Universities are. Meaning = the more students, the higher tuition is. On behalf of the top ten percent rule, and other easy admission requirements for these state colleges and universities, almost anyone can get in... and how many of them actually stay past their freshman year?! I think in order to decrease tuition prices, these schools need limits on those they can admitt.
In conclusion, I couldn't agree more with the writer's opinion on this commentary, but as far as critical writing goes, I would have liked to hear her thoughts and ways on how to change or cut costs. I for one believe that will all of the things the government is responsible for, educating it's citizens should be of the most important things. There should be a reasonable and fair price for tuition, along with fair admission requirements.
Another thing I noticed when reading this commentary was that there was nothing that stated what could or could not be done to make it right, or why it was wrong, and how unfair the law was. If I was writing on behalf of this law, I would have stated how over-crowded these Universities are. Meaning = the more students, the higher tuition is. On behalf of the top ten percent rule, and other easy admission requirements for these state colleges and universities, almost anyone can get in... and how many of them actually stay past their freshman year?! I think in order to decrease tuition prices, these schools need limits on those they can admitt.
In conclusion, I couldn't agree more with the writer's opinion on this commentary, but as far as critical writing goes, I would have liked to hear her thoughts and ways on how to change or cut costs. I for one believe that will all of the things the government is responsible for, educating it's citizens should be of the most important things. There should be a reasonable and fair price for tuition, along with fair admission requirements.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Top 10 Percent
One disputable argument in Texas government is whether or not to eliminate the 10% rule। Those in favor of keeping it could argue that it gives reward to those students who graded the highest in their graduating class, and with that they should automatically be admitted to any Texas school of their choice। Those opposing the rule could argue that it’s somewhat unfair to those in more challenging schools. In my opinion, I side with those who oppose the rule.
From experience, I agree with those who oppose this rule. I went to attended different high schools. The first I attended, my GPA was a 2.3 and I ranked in the bottom 25%. When I transferred with my 2.3 as a junior, to a school with much lower standards in just about everything, I did so with the intention of raising my GPA to higher status for a better chance at colleges. In just one year I raised my GPA to a 2.8 at this school, shooting me to the top 25. I hate to think to myself, “Hmm, if I would have started there, I’d have graduated in the top ten, and be at any public school in the state of Texas right now.” My point is, and others may agree, that it’s unfair for the kids who magically made top 10 at my second school, one that ranks lowest among just about everything in the city of Austin, are UT students. Unfairness, however, is strictly an opinion.
When looking for other reasons to oppose this rule, I think about the complaining that University heads, professors, and politicians do about the overcrowding of college and the demand for more pay. With the elimination of this rule, it would prevent under qualified students from being accepted. The acceptance to college should be done on a harsher basis anyway. A high school GPA does not show the student’s potential.
In conclusion, when looking at Texas government, one thing that should be revised and looked at more closely is the top 10% rule amongst high schools.
From experience, I agree with those who oppose this rule. I went to attended different high schools. The first I attended, my GPA was a 2.3 and I ranked in the bottom 25%. When I transferred with my 2.3 as a junior, to a school with much lower standards in just about everything, I did so with the intention of raising my GPA to higher status for a better chance at colleges. In just one year I raised my GPA to a 2.8 at this school, shooting me to the top 25. I hate to think to myself, “Hmm, if I would have started there, I’d have graduated in the top ten, and be at any public school in the state of Texas right now.” My point is, and others may agree, that it’s unfair for the kids who magically made top 10 at my second school, one that ranks lowest among just about everything in the city of Austin, are UT students. Unfairness, however, is strictly an opinion.
When looking for other reasons to oppose this rule, I think about the complaining that University heads, professors, and politicians do about the overcrowding of college and the demand for more pay. With the elimination of this rule, it would prevent under qualified students from being accepted. The acceptance to college should be done on a harsher basis anyway. A high school GPA does not show the student’s potential.
In conclusion, when looking at Texas government, one thing that should be revised and looked at more closely is the top 10% rule amongst high schools.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Primary proves given key ingredients, Texans will vote Democratic
The first thing I look at when reading a political article, such as this one, is whether it leans to reach out to a republican or democratic audience। For once, I think that this article on TEXAS government and voting is reaching out to democratic readers. Texas has been considered republican for many years. With new breeds candidates to never grace the stage of election, changes in our demographics (ethnicity make-up and such), and the Bush’s out of the white house for good, makes a great opportunity for Texas to change that trend around.
The argument here is that Texas is no longer a red state। The evidence given implies that this may BECOME a true statement. Tuesday’s primaries attracted 2.8 million Texas voters. This was double of that of the Republican voters in primaries. It’s also a substantial increase in voting in past years. For example, in 1994, 1 million Democratic voters in Texas primaries was the maximum. With the two leading candidates being the first African American, and the first Woman, the interest in voters, especially those who don’t typically follow politics, is sure to increase. Another key ingredient in turning Texas blue, in my opinion, is the increase in youth voters. I am fortunate to say that I participated in voting in the primaries for my first time, and was happy to see that many other peers and people of my age group were out there voting as well. It’s a big step.
Another key piece of evidence that Democrats insist their time is coming has a large part to due with the change in demographic make-up. Texas is now 36% Hispanic, and 12% black. With Bush being out of the white house, minorities, who clearly tend to vote democratically, are eager for change. I am interested to see how the voting process turns out and if this huge change in Texas politics is sure to occur.
The argument here is that Texas is no longer a red state। The evidence given implies that this may BECOME a true statement. Tuesday’s primaries attracted 2.8 million Texas voters. This was double of that of the Republican voters in primaries. It’s also a substantial increase in voting in past years. For example, in 1994, 1 million Democratic voters in Texas primaries was the maximum. With the two leading candidates being the first African American, and the first Woman, the interest in voters, especially those who don’t typically follow politics, is sure to increase. Another key ingredient in turning Texas blue, in my opinion, is the increase in youth voters. I am fortunate to say that I participated in voting in the primaries for my first time, and was happy to see that many other peers and people of my age group were out there voting as well. It’s a big step.
Another key piece of evidence that Democrats insist their time is coming has a large part to due with the change in demographic make-up. Texas is now 36% Hispanic, and 12% black. With Bush being out of the white house, minorities, who clearly tend to vote democratically, are eager for change. I am interested to see how the voting process turns out and if this huge change in Texas politics is sure to occur.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Criminals Get a Break on Fines in Texas.
The headline of this article, found on the Austin American Statesman website, caught my eye. A new ruling was made in Texas Wed. Feb 6, 2008. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that many court fines must now run concurrently, instead of consecutively. Under this ruling, if a person is charged for multiple fines by a court, the defendant pays the largest fine assessed and then every other fine is considered "paid in full". This ruling was a result from a case of an El Paso lawyer, James Crook, who was found guilty of 13 counts of soliciting accident victims to file bogus injury lawsuits. In each of 13 counts, Crook recieved probation plus a separate $10,000 fine. However, just as the ruling states, Crook was only fined one $10,000 fine, saving him $120,000 dollars. An interesting quote in this article stuck out to me by Judge Cathy Cochran:
After reading this, I have to wonder how those swamped with thousands of traffic-tickets, feel about being in debt, while other fined for the same violations (after Feb. 6) are saving hundreds of dollars in tickets. Must be nice...
"One has never before paid the fine for the single most
expensie traffic-ticket violation and let all the others ride free. But a new
day has dawned," she wrote joined by Judge Paul Womack. "Traffic-ticket
scofflaws may rejoice."
After reading this, I have to wonder how those swamped with thousands of traffic-tickets, feel about being in debt, while other fined for the same violations (after Feb. 6) are saving hundreds of dollars in tickets. Must be nice...
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