Monday, April 18, 2011
"Smoking Ban"
The article "Smoking Ban (http://txjustice.blogspot.com)" posted by Asad on Wednesday march 2, 2011 is on smoking ban and I strongly Agree with him because he is right. Yes! Cigarette smoke absolutely stinks! I, as a non-smoker, fully agree with the public smoking ban, if it were to go in effect. Second hand smoking is a big health hazard and we non smoker should have a choice to live free of it. Public designated spots should be made available and smokers should be encourage to use them. Also, smoke ban will help discourage smokers and encourage the ones who wants to quit. In the long run, a ban would definitely help us lower our insurance cost. People with medical conditions such as asthma, can suffer asthma attack from the smoke. More and more people tend to visit places where smoking ban is in effect. All in all, by banning smoking in public places have many more advantages and will have the positive affect on the society.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Have He Forgotten Our Civics Lessons
Responding to unjustified attacks on lawyers and the judiciary is a major priority of State Bar President Kelly Frels. In this editorial, "The Role of the Judiciary: Have we forgotten our civics lesson?" (Published in the Houston Chronicle; http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=15724&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm), Frels defends Texas' judiciary branch of government.
"In times such as these, we should recognize that judges are called upon daily to rule in cases to protect the rights and liberties afforded to all of us by our Constitution and laws." Frels takes a stand for the judges, juries, and the rest of the third branch who seems to go unappreciated in times such as these. Some judges and their families are even being threatened when the defendant or their family and friends don't agree with the decision made by the judge or jury.
Frels gives examples of cases of judges' family's being attacked and even killed. Our democratic system will become ineffective if judges are worried about themselves or their loved ones getting hurt. They should have the confidence to make their decisions following the rules the legislative branch lays down without the chance of negative repercussions. Frels intended audience is everyone, especially people who have feelings of contempt against any members of the judicial branch. Faith in America's democratic system is all that is needed for this country to run smoothly. Without faith and trust the well oiled democratic machine won't function, especially if one of its wheels isn't turning properly.
The theme of this editorial is "Have we forgotten our civics lesson?” Frels stresses the importance for Texans as well as Americans to go back to the basics and make sure we understand why our democratic system works the way it does and what makes it effective. She reminds us that "Legislative bodies make the laws and members of the judiciary apply the laws to the facts before them." It is extremely important that we must affirm and support our judicial branch as an independent third branch of government because it is a critical part of our democratic machine.
"In times such as these, we should recognize that judges are called upon daily to rule in cases to protect the rights and liberties afforded to all of us by our Constitution and laws." Frels takes a stand for the judges, juries, and the rest of the third branch who seems to go unappreciated in times such as these. Some judges and their families are even being threatened when the defendant or their family and friends don't agree with the decision made by the judge or jury.
Frels gives examples of cases of judges' family's being attacked and even killed. Our democratic system will become ineffective if judges are worried about themselves or their loved ones getting hurt. They should have the confidence to make their decisions following the rules the legislative branch lays down without the chance of negative repercussions. Frels intended audience is everyone, especially people who have feelings of contempt against any members of the judicial branch. Faith in America's democratic system is all that is needed for this country to run smoothly. Without faith and trust the well oiled democratic machine won't function, especially if one of its wheels isn't turning properly.
The theme of this editorial is "Have we forgotten our civics lesson?” Frels stresses the importance for Texans as well as Americans to go back to the basics and make sure we understand why our democratic system works the way it does and what makes it effective. She reminds us that "Legislative bodies make the laws and members of the judiciary apply the laws to the facts before them." It is extremely important that we must affirm and support our judicial branch as an independent third branch of government because it is a critical part of our democratic machine.
Texas vs. Craddick
Recent evidence has pointed to a growing rift in the Republican Party over Tom Craddick's rule of the Texas House of Representatives. This rift has been caused by controversy over Craddick's favor of special interest groups. In (http://www.austinchronicle.com/blogs/) in the Austin Chronicle, it is stated that Representative Jim Keffer is 100% sure that Craddick will be replaced no matter which party has the power."The sentiment for change is not personal, members in the Texas House just want bipartisan leadership which is committed to restoring the rules of conduct and fairness," Keffer stated. Keffer, who is also running for Speaker of the House, promised that he will be a Speaker for the members and not just the special interest groups.
Mark McCaig, a State Republican Executive Committee member, believes that the only way to keep a Republican majority in the House is for Craddick to not seek a second term. He believes that Craddick has strayed from the conservative principles that Republicans are supposed to promote and instead promoted a lobby-driven agenda at the expense of issues important to ordinary Texans.
Bill Dingus, the Democrat challenging Craddick for his House seat, says this should not be about political parties. "It's about rooting out the special interests and approaching problems in an honest, pragmatic way."
Obviously, the best thing for the Texas House of Representatives is to have Craddick not run for a second term and give someone else the opportunity to be Speaker that will take an interest in the majority of average Texans, not just the special interest groups.
The author's intended audience is anyone who cares about the upcoming election of the Speaker of the House. His argument is very solid because the author mentions several sources who all think the removal of Craddick would benefit Texans, and he provides a quote from Keffer who stated "Those who served last session remember all too well the four months of absolute chaos that preceded Craddick's last minute claim of absolute authority." This reminder can't be good for the hopeful Craddick.
Mark McCaig, a State Republican Executive Committee member, believes that the only way to keep a Republican majority in the House is for Craddick to not seek a second term. He believes that Craddick has strayed from the conservative principles that Republicans are supposed to promote and instead promoted a lobby-driven agenda at the expense of issues important to ordinary Texans.
Bill Dingus, the Democrat challenging Craddick for his House seat, says this should not be about political parties. "It's about rooting out the special interests and approaching problems in an honest, pragmatic way."
Obviously, the best thing for the Texas House of Representatives is to have Craddick not run for a second term and give someone else the opportunity to be Speaker that will take an interest in the majority of average Texans, not just the special interest groups.
The author's intended audience is anyone who cares about the upcoming election of the Speaker of the House. His argument is very solid because the author mentions several sources who all think the removal of Craddick would benefit Texans, and he provides a quote from Keffer who stated "Those who served last session remember all too well the four months of absolute chaos that preceded Craddick's last minute claim of absolute authority." This reminder can't be good for the hopeful Craddick.
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