Texans Voice Their Opinion on the War in Afghanistan

I hesitate to touch on this subject because of my limited knowledge, however, after listening to the President’s address on sending an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan caused me to delve a bit further into the subject. Primarily because I have a brother stationed at Ft. Hood who has already endured 3 tours in Iraq and seems to be preparing for the possibility of yet another tour in Afghanistan.

On December 1st, KVUE reported on the effect of the war in Afghanistan to the communities of Killeen and Ft. Hood. The views on sending more troops are quite divided. This is not a war many feel we should be fighting.

KXAN reported that protestors marched outside Senator John Cronyn’s office in protest of sending more troops to Afghanistan. It further reported on the Texas Coalition for Peace who are asking President Obama to bring our men and women home. “Nobody wants to do it,” said Justin Brown who just returned from Afghanistan and will go back in 2010. “Everybody wants to go home, but we’ve got to follow orders.” It appears this division even applies to members of the military stationed at Ft. Hood. There seems to be no excitement maybe even skepticism in armed forces.

This isn’t just a few “nuts” protesting a senseless cause. Some of these groups include Dallas Peace Center, Texans for Peace, Crawford Peace House, Austin Center for Peace and Justice, Code Pink the South Texas Alliance for Peace and Justice, and some 30 plus additional organizations. Found from: “Coalition of Peace Conference Call Press Conference on Afghanistan for November 30 Near Ft. Hood."

The war in Afghanistan is nothing short of controversial considering our country is bankrupt while we are looking at billions upon billions to continue this war. While some see Obama’s commitment to send another 30,000 troops a realistic tactic, it appears to me that the majority of Americans want out.

The fact of the matter is we are seen as an unwanted occupying force in a country which is fighting a 300 year old war between Durrani and Ghilsai tribes of Pushtun. I am of the opinion that no matter what attempts we make to stabilize the corruption of the Afghan government, police force and military, this civil war will continue, as will the long standing corruption. We cannot buy support there.

Furthermore, the Taliban and Al Quida are reported to have found sactuary in nuclear Pakastan, a country we cannot officially occupy and with a reputation equal to that of corrupted, war-torn Afghanistan.

Increasing the troops in order to get out earlier I feel could backfire on the President’s decision. Whether or not he is successful in withdrawing US troops by 2011, the people, the prejudices and hatred for the western way of life will continue in these countries. I wish I had a solution, even an idea on how best to handle this. I only know sending more troops will fuel the fire. Bring our men and women home, Mr. Obama. We have no business there.

As Far As We've Come, There Is Still So Far To Go

The arguments that Michael raised in his blog: Texas Falls Short on the Civil Rights Train appeared not only thoroughly researched but poignant. It is obvious his plight is not only a difficult one, but a battle so many don't deserve to have to fight. From my personal experience, I can relate to his sorrow and oppression. Having faced the question of my own sexuality I experienced confusion, anxiety and fear of what others would perceive of me.

As Michael pointed out, the laws, both federal and state, are clear. If Christianity is the basis of these decisions the plain truth is Christ accepted everyone- from every walk of life. It's my opinion that the word marriage should be removed in both state and federal laws and replaced with "civil union". By doing this all people would be entitled to the benefits and protection of their civil partnership. Unfortunately, I believe this will take time, effort and patience just as the African American and Latino fight for civil rights did.

I was impressed with Michael's blog it left me sympathetic to his station and with a desire to help change the opinion of closed-minded individuals.

Medical Use of Marijuana

For 2-1/2 years I personally witnessed the ravaging effects of chemotherapy and radiation sickness upon my mother, who at the time was battling and being treated for breast cancer. The very same cancer which claimed the young life of many women in her family.

With bedroom curtains drawn in her room day after day, I watched helplessly in darkness as she withered slowly away, unable to muster an appetite and if she was able to eat, unable to keep anything down. Every known anti-nausea medication had been prescribed to her to no avail. Nothing the doctors could give her was able to alleviate her symptoms.

At the rate of her decline, our family had resigned ourselves to her declining strength and ultimate death. Shortly thereafter, during one of her chemo treatments a fellow patient passed my mother a marijuana cigarette and suggested she give it a try. It was, after all, rumored to help other chronically ill patients, despite opposition from most of the established medical society. Mother was reluctant, but even more desperate for relief. She made the conscience decision to smoke the marijuana.

The change was almost instantaneous. Within a matter of weeks, mother had regained some semblance of an appetite. To the family’s amazement, she seemed to have turned a corner and was able to eat. She actually began to put back on a little weight.

I am not here to advocate the general use of marijuana, but rather appeal to the State of Texas to seriously consider its use for seriously ill patients. Article after article has been written about the ineffectual benefits of marijuana use in such cases and I simply must wonder if their decision was predetermined or simply made out of ignorance. I have witnessed the benefits first hand and believe the State of Texas should join the increasing number of states that have finally recognized and admitted the benefits of the medical use of marijuana in seriously ill patients. The decision should be made by physicians who know and understand the positive effects and not a handful of legislatures who are basing their decisions on preconceived fears.

Deregulating Texas Electricity

The blog "Texas Electricity: Lower Prices, greater consumer choice" written by Emma Pickering, discusses the Austin-American Statesman's position on the deregulation of the State's electrical suppliers creating higher utility rates for the State's residents.
In her blog, Ms. Pickering brings to light the fact that the Statesman's report was based on incomplete and therefore inaccurate data between the years of 1999 and 2007. It seems that the Statesman based its calculations on an article prepared by the Cities Aggregation Power Project (CAPP). In brief, the report used figures dating back to 2002 before electricity was fully deregulated. I would agree with Ms. Pickering in that based on this fact alone, one cannot accurately conclude what, if any, the increases are.
As a Texas consumer, I feel that increasing choices in the marketplace is ultimately more beneficial in not only savings, but service as well. Ms. Pickering further outlines the vast choices deregulating has opened up. More specifically Texas has gone from four providers in 2002 to twenty-eight providers in 2007.
Ms. Pickering also brings light to the fact that among the five largest states electricity rates in Texas rank in the middle.
It is obvious at this early juncture that it is impossible, if not irresponsible, to declare that deregulating electricity has caused an increase to Texas consumers.
I was impressed by Ms. Pickering's consideration of important factors which the Statesman either chose to gloss over or simply ignore.
Her blog was not particularly long, nor did it go into great depth, but the points she raised were eye catching and of interest to every Texas consumer; and gave them a better understanding on the issues of electricity deregulation. Ms. Pickering summarized it best when she concluded with, " deregulation has helped Texas electricity consumers by opening the market to competition, boosting consumer choice, and at least holding the line on prices."

Austin Energy Makes Changes in Solar Rebate Program

The editorial, "Reductions in the city solar rebate program can make it better", written by the Editorial Board for the Austin American Statesman is quite informal regarding the decision made by Austin Energy to lessen its rebate program for solar panels.
While reading this editorial, it almost made me think that there was a representative from Austin Energy right next to the author telling him or her most of the information entailed. Just reading the title tells the reader how the author feels on the subject and which way their editorial will lean.
It is clearly all-for Austin-owned utility but does make a number of good reasons why they should get some credit for doing these environmentally/economic friendly deeds. The author referred back to the Cash for Clunkers program and the fact that, that as well Austin Energy officials made yet another good decision by making changes before the money they were giving out, ran out.
This editorial seems to be directed toward the specific people who were affected by or looking forward to this rebate program for solar panels. Apparently, many homeowners won't even be eligible for solar rebates unless they get some or all of a number of energy improvements to their home, which comes out to a "total cost of about $5,300, on average". The author makes statements like "we understand the disappointment" and the fact that this rebate was one of "the states most generous".
He then goes into detail on the specifics regarding the program. In the beginning of the program there was a limit of $4 million budget which they have come too close to, to continue without making changes like reducing the rebate for homeowners and changing the way they are giving rebates to businesses and nonprofits.
Also, another, more recent change in the program is the fact that many homeowners will become ineligible for the rebates if they do not make various energy saving updates/improvements to their home prior to the request of the rebate. The author gives many good (in my eyes) examples as to why these basic improvements should be made before bothering to make such a big step in spending so much on a solar panel when a portion of the energy being saved by those will be lost through the weathered/weak areas of the house.
The authors conclusion was clear and logical, the main points were stated, a reference of their source, Austin Energy, was made and a last sentence shows their readers exactly how they feel: "We believe the Austin-owned utility got it right".
I must say, I do agree with the writer of this editorial and think he or she did a good job in making clear and understandable statements and I think that Austin Energy made a good choice in the changes they made.

Wrongful Citations

We all know that parking is limited in some areas downtown, near lakes and streams, most shopping centers and all parks in Austin. We drive around endlessly looking until a spot becomes available. We also know which are the ones to be avoided because they specifically state parking is prohibited. This past Labor Day weekend a fellow Austinite decided to go for one of her regular jogs around Lady Bird Lake. She stated in the article that she "grew up running that trail". The parking lot in which she parked was located on West Riverside Dr. That specific lot contains over 20 diagonal parking spots which, you can imagine, fill up quickly. Behind the designated lots there is an unmarked curb which is where she parked her car and according to city maps the lot is city property. After her run she came up to an officer giving her a citation for illegally curb-side parking. She did inform and show the officer that there was no sign stating that parking was not allowed. Apparently, the driver of a large truck, parked in one of the angled spots, had trouble pulling out of his spot due to the cars parked along the curb, who called and filed a complaint. This isn't the first time citizens have been ticketed for parking along that specific curb. During the woman's hearing regarding the citation she was told that people have been getting ticketed there for nearly a year now. So my question is, why do officers continue to ticket our fellow citizens when there is NO WAY for them to know not to park along that curb? Its time to stop issuing citations or put up a sign or some paint on the curb to indicate parking is not allowed.

Here is the link to this article: Statesman.com