Air Pollution and Texas Goverment

                I find that the Texas Government is not regulating air pollution as closely as they should be.  I understand that the immigration issues seem to be a big issue right now but, the government should not overlook air pollution. This earth is disintegrating and we only get one; our health and livelihood should be important to our government.

                In the article by in the Chemical & Engineering News it is discovered that the Texas government has been slacking in their regulation of the air pollution. The federal government, under the clean air act, made it the state government’s responsibility to regulate the air pollution emissions from industries. It is stated in this article that the state government was given several reminders under the Bush administration, and once Obama came into office; EPA took control.

                I find it appalling that, after several reminders and warnings were given, our state government still failed to regulate air pollution. Although it is not the top issue, it should have never gotten to the point where the EPA had to step in. This article states that the EPA invalidated over 122 facilities permits; this all could have been avoided if our government just addressed these issues when they were originally warned.

                Our health is an important issue that should not continue to be put on the back burner. Our state government should make a driven effort to regulate air pollution.  They should not have to be forced by the Federal government to protect our health. Overall, I find that our state government is not putting enough effort into regulating air pollution.

RE: Abdallah's Law

            A college of mine recently posted an article about passing the “Abdallah’s Law”. This law will allow DWI convictions to be admissible in Texas. This law was inspired by the tragic story of the Khader family. They were rear ended a man under the influence and were all injured, and their son suffered %8o brain damage. This law would allow people with misdemeanors in other states to classify as a felony if they are caught again in Texas. Currently if someone has a misdemeanor DWI in say Florida and they come to Texas, they start another DWI record here and the previous does not apply.

            I completely agree that the government should pass this law.  I find it appalling that they are not able to take into account someone’s DWI convictions if it is within a different state. It should not matter what state they are in, the law is the same.

            The story of this family is tragic, but I am sure it is not the only one of its kind. If the government cannot take use a person’s DWI record from other states, they can just remain on the run. They can drink and drive wherever they please killing and injuring innocent people along the way. It is absurd, and DWI convictions SHOULD be admissible in Texas as well as every other state.

               

            Abdallah’s law or laws similar should be passed. I don’t believe there is a reason not to pass such laws. The government should try to protect us from those who choose to live precariously. Those who are convicted of DWI should be punished no matter what state it was in, we are all one country. This should not just be about Texas making DWI conviction admissible, but all other states as well. The government should not stand by and allow people to run and break laws that hard innocent family’s such as Khader’s.

Texas Government on Immigration: Blog Stage 5

                I believe that the Texas government spends a lot of their energy on immigration laws. This is an important issue that definitely needs to be addressed, but I believe they are going about it all wrong. Passing stricter immigration laws will cause Texas economy to drop significantly; there are other alternative ways to address this issue.

                Texas should not be spending all of their effort trying to deport people who are helping are economy; they should be making the process to gain citizenship easier. By working to shorten the processes to become a citizen, or gain a work permit, the government can help our economy other than harming it. Now a lot of people say that having too many immigrants will reduce the amount of jobs for native citizens and ultimately harm our economy. However, how is this possible when most immigrants are taking jobs Americans don’t want?

                Making this process easier will encourage immigrants to process their papers correctly instead of bypassing it due to it time consuming difficulty. I know there will be a lot of people who disagree with me, but I am not saying they should not completely withdraw stricter immigration laws. All immigrants do not seek citizenship, but that does not mean we shouldn’t try to make it easier for those who strive to be an American citizen. Along with some stricter immigration laws the Texas government should work to amend the process of citizenship.