Bathroom Controversy

On Monday, May 9, 2016, Jennifer Silva published a commentary titled “Taking Culture Wars to the Toilets.” In her article, Silva discusses the highly controversial topic of allowing transgender individuals to use the bathroom of which they identify with.  

During the commentary, Silva shares her views on the topic and how this situation should be handled. Although she supports the transgender community, she feels that men and women should be able to feel safe while using the bathroom. She also introduces the topic of the Texas Legislature creating a ban that would enforce individuals to use the bathroom that agrees with the sex on their birth certificate. Lt. Dan Patrick has also expressed his feeling stating that, “I think the handwriting is on the bathroom wall: Men need to stay out of the ladies’ room. This isn’t about equal rights. This isn’t about being against anyone or anti-any person. This is about common sense, common decency and allowing women to have comfort when they’re in the bathroom.”

I agree with Jennifer Silva on this topic but I feel that if they have “completely” made the change, they should be able to use their restroom of choice. Silva stated that women will not feel comfortable with their children in the restroom with transgendered individuals but I feel that it would completely uncomfortable for me to use the restroom with a women with a full beard and mustache.

Mental Health Improvement

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) raised the budget for the Public Mental Health System in 2014. Although, the state has put forth a good effort and made some improvements, Texas is still having a hard time providing proper psychiatric care for all citizens that are in need. The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported that the number of accessible beds has remained constant since 2013, including all public and private institutions. Since the state is not able to place the patients in hospitals, many citizens are going without the proper care and attention that is desperately needed. State hospitals have recorded up to 400 people on waiting lists and with the Texas population steadily increasing, we are getting further behind. 

I do believe that the Government should make the necessary improvements to get as many people the appropriate help that they need. I understand that the main concern for the government would be money but there are some changes that can be made. As I discussed previously, reforming the Texas Criminal Justice System could dramatically effect the available funds for government. 

Abandoning those in need only creates a greater danger for society. Mental Health is a serious issue and we must address the problem.

Unnecessary Use of Force

On Thursday, April 7, 2016, Alyssa Rangel published a commentary titled “Texas Officer Appears to Body-Slam Middle School Girl in Shocking Viral Video." Rangel recounts the story of Officer Joshua Kehm video tapped slamming a 12 year old girl into concrete pavement. After stating all of the known facts of this case, I commend Rangel for expressing her opinion while remaining mutual between both parties.

During the commentary, Rangel discusses the situation and how it was handled by Officer Joshua Kehm. She recognizes that the whole truth may not be in the released film but wonders if there was an alternative route of action. Although I agree with her, I share a different view. Of course, there are numerous ways for a seasoned male officer to restrain a pre-teenage girl. I don’t understand the UNNECESSARY use of force. After communicating with Officer Jermaine Kenneth with the Austin Police Department, I was told that officers are trained in various ways to diffuse an altercation while using little to minimum force. It is very common for middle school aged girls to get into verbal altercations and there are many ways to handle them without force. If I got body slammed for every time I disagreed with someone in Middle School, I may not be alive today.

I agree with Alyssa Rangel that all facts may not be out in this case but it bothers me to see things like this.

Mass or Missed?

Previously, I covered the topic of mass incarcerations but today, I will introduce my own opinion. Many have begged for reform in the Texas Judicial System, mostly focusing on the higher imprisonment rate. Although we are only in the fourth month of 2016, Texas has performed 6 out of the 11 executionsin the US. The most recent occurring yesterday, April 7, 2016, after PabloVasquez was trialed and convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Although, Texas is ranked 36^th in the most violent state poll, I’m confused as to why our incarceration numbers contradict with being ranked in the top 10. Are the officers in Texas doing a much better job than other states with catching criminals? Are criminals in Texas being sent to jail for the same crimes that other states are letting off with probation? Are the defense attorney’s in Texas not as strong as the other states? These are the questions that come to mind when you take a look at our statistics.

I’m not sure what the problem may be but I do believe the numbers are too far left for government to not take a second look. These are problems that need to be addressed but without the knowledge, we will not be able to do anything.

On Thursday March 24, 2016, Grits for Breakfast, published an editorial titled “Can Washington D.C. Help Texas End Mass Incarceration?” The article reviews an essay called, “The Hill”, by Inimai Chettiar of the Brennan Center, which advocates for ways that the federal government can generate incentives for decreasing imprisonment in the states.

In this article, the editor focused on ways that the federal government generated incentives for apprehensions in Texas, specifically.  They discussed the role that the 1994 federal crime bill played in increasing captivity by offering stimulus to states that adopted the 85% completion rule. Although, Texas did not accept this offer, they adopted The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG), which also provided compensation for higher confinement and prosecutions rates. The editors argued that without much supervision, these grants only allowed better opportunity for scandal. They agree with the Brennan Center that incentives should be taken out but are skeptical that it will have a significant effect on Texas.

I feel that the author wants to capture the attention of minorities due to the fact that these programs affects us much more closely. I feel that everyone should be aware of these programs and acknowledge that there should be change.

Do I agree with this editorial? Not completely. I do agree that there should be a new modern bill passed that better suits our nation today. I don’t believe that offering incentives to decrease imprisonment is the best idea, because I feel it leaves a gap for wrongdoings. 

On Monday, February 22, 2016, Austin American-Statesman published an editorial titled “Lawmakers Need to Revisit Campus Carry Opt-Out for State Colleges”. Despite the recent decision to allow all licensed concealed handgun holders to bear their weapons on all public universities, they argue that it may not be the best idea.

The article disputes that allowing guns in colleges are dangerous and irresponsible. They feel that public universities should have the same opportunity as private institutions to opt-out of the law. After witnessing Baylor, Texas Christian and many other private campuses decline the amendment, they feel it illustrates the true feelings of college communities. The article asserts that this new law also hurts bigger public universities, such as the University of Texas, with recruits, which leads to failure to keep up with other Ivy-League schools. With all the current events involving deadly shootings at a learning institution, they feel it only creates an easier path to destruction. Some professors have even resigned due to their belief of lack of security.

I feel that the authors grabs the attention of all perspective and current college students, graduates and their families. Despite their intended audience, I believe that they feel it is everyone’s duty to fight this law. They advised to give all power to university leaders since they will have a better understanding of their institution needs.

Do I agree with this editorial? Not fully. I don’t believe that everyone should be able to open carry on college campuses but there should be a better defense in the wake of an emergency. An increase in security and improved training would make everyone feel more comfortable. I understand that legislation wants to prevent and discourage mass shootings at universities in Texas but this may not be the best way.

On Thursday, February 11, 2016, Texas Tribune released an article titled “Texas Regulators Uncertain on Hunt Deal” by Jim Malewitz. The article states that the Texas Regulators are still skeptical of allowing the Ray L Hunt family to purchase and revise the states biggest electric utility company, Oncor for $18 billion. The opposition comes from Texas ratepayers that believes the new scheme will tremendously transfer wealth to the Hunt family and investors. Consequently, losing currency for organizations like the states teacher pension fund, hedge fund and banks. Although supporters are insisting that the deal is positive and will help the company out of bankruptcy, many skeptics question the sincerity of the Hunt’s plan. The arrangement converts Oncor’s corporate structure into a Real Estate Investment Trust, that many believe could leave it financially unstable. With a deadline quickly approaching, regulators must come up with an idea much sooner than later. I believe this article is interesting and worth reading because the outcome could affect so many people and organizations. I don’t feel that we should lose funding for teacher pensions to help a company that is willing to pay $18 billion for the purchase.