RE: Blog #7

On August 2nd, a classmate posted a sincere op-ed about his experiences as a Hispanic constituent with some comments on mapping the Hispanic voting trajectory.

This post was inherently in reference to a previous post that asserted that
Even though Texas is mostly conservatives and has some of the top universities in the United States, it still has lots of uneducated and lots of liberal citizens."

The semantics of statement itself equivocated liberals with being uneducated. 

But with humility in mind, my classmate retracted his statement concluding that not all protestors are "illiterate." Though well written, there is a sense of alarm in his tone as he asserts in his "Blog #7" that somehow the Hispanic people have been conned into protesting for bills, such as the abortion bill, even though it was against their beliefs.

Though it is true that a majority of Catholics are Hispanic, thus religious beliefs forbid abortions, it is important to understand that Hispanics protesting against HB 1 were not protesting abortion: they were protesting a bill that limits health access to destitute women- most of whom are Hispanic. 

Furthermore, the assertion that the "liberal media" is corrupting minds and forcing protests is illogical. 

The end paragraph stating the importance of education may be a truthful point of view, but is demeaning to the Hispanic population he comes from. From my classmates experience, the majority of Hispanics that he has been around have been illiterate and "uneducated." He stresses the fact that education will change their point of view. While I completely agree that education is the frontier for knowledge, it is illogical and demeaning to somehow correlate a majority of the Hispanic population as illiterate and also saying that these same illiterate hispanics are at the forefront of protests.

One thing is for certain: The Hispanic population will continue to rise. Education and poverty levels in the Hispanic community are unfortunately low. But that aspect in no way, should be utilized to disenfranchise or stereotype  against the Hispanic population.


To read more go to: http://tpntt.blogspot.com/2013/08/blog-7-texas-state-and-local-govt.html

3rd Special Session

The last few months of Perry's regime have been filled with heavy action.

With a total of 3 special sessions, Perry has left his mark as governor.

So what exactly was on the docket for the 3rd special session?

Apparently the the transportation bill, had been on the docket since the first special session but due to the chaos caused by the infamous HB 1, it had been pushed back.

Passing with flying colors the transportation bill boosted the transportation fund by $1.2 billion allocated from excess gas & oil funds. 

Unfortunately, the increase of $1.2 billion is not enough to cover an estimated $4 billion worth in much needed improvements to Texas infrastructure. 

Texas has had a long withstanding reputation of economic stability and strength, despite the previous recession. But what really accounts for Texas' economic well-being? Some account Texas' stability to a hefty amount of almost $6 billion deposited safely in the Rainy Day Fund. 

For those not familiar with the fund, it is simply defined as a savings deposit that can be used in times of economic need. Growing in the past years from $500 million to almost $6 billion, the Rainy Day Fund proves to be a strong asset for the Texas economy.

But, keep one thing is mind: Is Texas' economic strength the result of Perry's stringent policies or the sheer fact that Texas is one of few states blessed with much needed natural resources- oil & gas?

Armchair Advocacy or Diffusion of Knowledge?

A fellow classmate blogger noted some interesting topics of conversation on his blog, "Its Called Texas." The assertion is clear from the first paragraph stating his penchant distaste for armchair activism in Austin. His argument addresses a phenomenon that has been occurring alongside the expansion of the social media platform- user knowledge diffusion. Current globalization demands the necessity for efficiently spreading information. Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have been at the forefront of user interaction and information awareness. With various apps on Facebook, users have the ability to be "activists" by championing for these causes.

According to Its Called Texas,  activism induced by social media is inherently "armchair activism." While I do essentially attest to the notion that the term "armchair" is accurate, activism itself has a dynamic definition.

Though I did think  Austin.. The Breeding Ground of the Armchair Advocate was a well- verbalized op-ed piece, I found it quite contradictory near the ending. The last assertion made in the second paragraph states a necessity to engage the  younger generation yet in the beginning, it was clear that social media activism was merely "armchair activism" fueled by rumors, inaccurate info, and heresay.
Despite the contradiction, I do strongly believe that youth activism is necessity to a reflective and effective governing body. However, the job of the legislature is not to encourage participation, rather spread accurate policy information. Participation is spurred through passion- something that can be ignited through education and formal internships.

Though there are certain parts of contention and agreement between my classmate and I, I do believe that youth activism is necessary.
But, I think it's important to note that interest in "what people do with their guns and their uteruses" are issues that affect a broad array of people and thus are necessary for "youth" and state to be engaged in.

3Peat: Perry's Political Problems

In 2000, Rick Perry found his silver lining. Luck was on his side as former Governor George W. Bush resigned for presidency, Perry crept his way into governorship. As former lieutenant governor, Perry thirsted for the spot as the supreme "figurehead" of Texas. Being the only governor elected to 3 full subsequent terms, Perry left behind a legacy. Though he has deeply asserted that he will not run for the upcoming governorship, Perry is doing everything in his nature to leave his sloppy trails behind.

Ideologically conservative Perry sought to create a reactionary, "religiously moral," pro-business state that would keep perpetuating the conservative Republican agenda. Figuratively speaking, Perry had the ability to streamline Texas politics from his trophy wife position as Governor. Furthermore, he cleverly utilized the little powers he did have as governor- line item vetos & setting the agenda for special sessions- to spit in the faces of public opinion and his own bureaucracy.

As Perry's tumultuous regime comes to an end, it is important to learn from our past mistakes: namely that of electing a superflous & self-interested character into public office. Understanding Perry's political agenda and how they shaped Texas policies is crucial to understanding exactly what NOT to do as a governor.

It all comes down to money. 
Perry claims his fiscal conservatism was responsible for Texas' job growth and stability. In recent theory, the idea that spending less is better  may make sense but IF and ONLY IF the resources are allocated efficiently. Perry is notorious for spending significantly less than the population increases in Texas thus inducing a surplus. BUT he is inconsistent in his fiscal conservatism, as he subsidies new business growth (taking away funds from the destitute to fund the power-hungry).

What is important to the well-being of a state? Is it saving money by cutting millions of dollars in much needed funding that ensures a well-fed, healthy, and skilled workforce? Or does it mean that the money saved should be allocated in subsidizing new business growth- business that would already come to Texas otherwise due to the lack of regulations and tax incentives already in place?

Public education, Women's Healthcare, Medicare, SNAP (food assistance programs) all suffer as they are underfunded but much needed.

For one blessing we can be certain: the end of Perry's regime is coming. 

Funding & Lies

According to conservative blogger David Jennings, there has been an apparent mix-up within the controversy over the clinics that will close due to HB 2. Jennings, merely a blogger and not a licensed physician, claims that Planned Parenthood went to extreme lengths to assert their claim that abortion clinics provide services other than abortions. Planned Parenthood went out to respond to this claim by addressing that due to funding procedures health centers share physical space with abortion clinics. So where does Jenning's logic lie in his desire to oust Planned Parenthood's apparent white lie?

Here's the reality: If an abortion clinic is forced to shut down due to lack of funding and it shares the same physical space as the Women's Health Center, then what makes it logical to think that the health center would remain open?

Texas Tea Party conservatives and Christian right-wing zealots have made the matter of funding both complicated and worse for Texas.

The history of the Texas female health program has been long skewed by Christian morals. On January 1st, Governor Perry decided to "revamp" the women's healthcare program by eliminating federal/state funding for Planned Parenthood clinics forcing approximately 100,000 low income women to find other doctors, often farther away and more expensive.

Did Jenning's forget to mention that these centers that were ALREADY closed down also provided cancer screenings, PAP smears, mandatory check-ups at affordable (sometimes even free of charge) to minority women? Where is the so-called lie in that?

The main flaw within Jenning's argument is that he simply does not have one. He asserts the "need for regulation" of abortion and blames the mixture of funds to Planned Parenthood, but never once holds conservatives responsible for the complexity of the healthcare issue. Texas has already tried to "regulate" abortions through this new Women's Health Program that only cut millions from funding while feigning to promote accessible and affordable care. Furthermore, with the passage of HB-2 causing more centers to close, Jenning's argument is that the health center will stay open? Furthermore, Jenning's statement is based on a lie. Abortion clinics provide cancer screenings.

It would seem that Jennings is actually a certified women's health care phyisican? Wrong. He is simply a blogger. Furthermore, those that are looking for actual information should avoid his blog as there seems to be a lack of evidence from credible sources.

If you aren't too busy laughing at the ignorance of this blogger, you should take a moment to read this
 "One other thing. Why do Texas Democrats, allegedly the party of diversity, continue to shill for a procedure in which 63% of the aborted babies are black and Hispanic? "


Jenning's decided it was credible to quote a Representative's twitter page.

So let me understand his logic, as a Democrat I should be against abortions because minority babies are supposedly being killed? Funny story. This matter could easily be flipped by asserting that the harsh regulations and eradication of much needed social welfare programs are more likely to put financial constraints of minority women. So would it be logical to blame conservatives for the abortions they cause?

The answer is no. The blame does not lie in either the Democrats or Republicans. It can be blamed on Christian fundamentalists that thirst to regulate policies to promote their own agenda.

The Texas State Capitol is not the proper area to proselytize.

"Civilized "in a Conservative Manner?

Our worst fears came true last Friday. Under the pressure of the Texas Conservative faction and pro-life special interest groups, HB 2 passed with flying colors. With a resume including an infamous filibuster and rallies almost everyday, HB 2 has stirred a buzz among the Texan community. Among the elated community lies conservative columnist Noemie Emery that argues about the importance of HB 2 to eliminate further murders (aka abortions)- citing the infamous Gosnell as a prime example of the apparent horrors of abortion clinics. In Emery's world, abortion clinics are all run like Gosnell's clinics. The Gosnell clinic constituted as a nasty, mismanaged, "murder-house" that no one justifies. 

    

 The Gosnell clinic is a prime example of the hardship that women face daily in regards to accessible care. Gosnell served a plethora of women in a state with harsh rules regarding abortions. He performed countless abortions using unsanitary tools and utilized preferential treatment of white women. What happened to the women under Gosnell's care is EXACTLY what happens when states push for extensive abortion regulations- women who are desperate for urgent care go to black market abortion clinics putting their health in major risk. Why is it that conservative members, like Emery, seem to forget disregard the fact that they are the ones that cause women to turn the black market out of desperation. It is strict abortion rules themselves that force the destitute and desperate to put their lives at risk under back-alley abortion clinics. 

It is a story we know all to well. 

Furthermore, Emery's harsh assertions are all based on ONE aspect of HB 2: the 20-week regulation. Contrary to popular belief, even "pro-choicers" realize that there should be a reasonable time limit  on when to get abortions. To most, a 20-week limit is reasonable. HB 2 constitutes more than a 20 week limit. There is one thing that needs to be quite understood: You can be Pro-Life and STILL be against HB 2. The consequences of HB 2 outweigh any benefit of setting a 20-week regulation. The forced closure of hospitals- leaving only 5 open in ALL OF TEXAS-will only create only leave women without access to care.

None of the consequences of the bill are addressed in Emery's "opinion article." She never once discusses the impact lack of accessible care will have on Texan women. Rather her focus is on semantics, regulations, and demeaning pro-choice advocates. 

With the passage of HB 2, the female voice has effectively been silenced. But I urge Texan women to fight for accessible care. Hospitals do not ONLY provide abortions, but also preventative care such as monograms. Let your voice not be silenced. 

"I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born, but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. That's not pro-life. That's PRO-BIRTH."

-Sister Joan Chittister 

To read Emery's full article go to: http://www.texasinsider.org/texas-brings-abortion-rules-in-line-with-civilized-world. 

#txlege Special Session: Addressing the Abortion Bill

On Tuesday July 9, audiences from all over Texas will be huddled in masses at the Texas Capitol to make sure their voices are heard in regards to the new, highly restrictive and controversial abortion bill. According to the Star-Telegram newspaper, this bill rises many issues unknown to the common voter.

Duly named SB 2, the new abortion bill premises on restricting abortions after 20 weeks. According to the Republican policymakers spear-heading the bill, the 20-week restriction is based on newfound science suggesting that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks.

Though inherently premised on a logical stance- eliminating fetal pain- the new abortion bill comes with a lot of other baggage. Most proponents of the bill, ranging from Republican members to strict pro-life groups, agree with the 20 week restriction but have failed to realize the complications this bill brings.

One of the biggest consequences of SB 2 is the fact that it sets extensive regulations on clinics. These extensive regulations include expansion of staff, supplies, and space: all which have a deadly cost.
Because hospitals have a limited amount of financial resources, the high costs associated with the new bill will force the closure of almost 37 clinics- making only 5 clinics available statewide to perform abortions. The statewide closure of these hospitals can mean devastating impacts to low-income & minority women who will now have a harder time to access abortion care at an accessible location and at an affordable cost. 

Unfortunately, the need for abortions will not be extinct with the passage of this bill. Rather women, especially minority and low-income women, will be put at an immense risk- a risk that could mean death. 


Not only is the article by Star-Telegram credible, it is filled with extensive knowledge on the bill. I highly recommend reading this article for further information on SB 2.