ACC Campus Carry

Austin Community College is soon to usher in the new campus carry policy, so to create a smooth transition, a “campus carry task force”  committee was formed. The Committee has hosted three forums to educate the community. The concerns that many have expressed at these forms by faculty, teachers, and students alike are concerns based on fear, false facts, and narratives put out by Anti-gun advocates. http://Kxan.com/2017/04/28/acc-closer-to-refining-its-plan-for-campus-carry-law-in-august/

https://www.twcnews.com/tx/austin/news/2017/04/29/austin-community-college-prepares-to-implement-campus-carry.html
A concern vocalized multiple times was the idea that people are going to start shooting or brandishing a weapon over grades or controversial topics in a class room. This is not realistic because there is no evidence to suggest that this is a probable scenario. Evidence does suggest however, the more likely scenario where a crazed person comes into a gun free zone, which are magnets for people who want to commit mass murder. A person hell bent on causing maximum harm to others knows that they will have a window of time before anyone with a gun gets there. That is one primary reason why the data and statistics show gun free zones are more dangerous. Point in case, Columbine high school where 13 were killed, University of Texas 18 killed, Virginia tech 32 killed, Sandy hook elementary school 27 killed; all gun free zones, and the list goes on. Here is the reality: concealed carry holders are statistically the most law abiding group in the country. Texas as of 2016 had over 1 million licensed to carry holders. Concealed carry holders will make our campus safer, not less. When law abiding people have guns criminals are less empowered. I believe the new concealed carry laws give people a fighting chance to defend life, and disincentivises would be armed assailants; and the evidence and data backs up my belief. For instance, the 2013 CDC report commissioned by the anti-gun Obama administration and National Research Institute reluctantly concluded that the statistics and data unquestionably show that "the presence of a fire arm and concealed carry deters crime". There are 500,000 to 3.3 million cases of defensive gun use annually which is far greater then criminal usage.

The Campus Carry Task Force board members should help with the transition in implementing this new law by helping educate our teachers and faculty members on the facts, data, and statistics to help alleviate their irrational and misguided fears. The implementation and education of laws and policy should always be constructed on facts and not on emotion.

face value

I agree with your assessment that this blog you read is biased. Generally, it is understood that Blogs tend to have a narrative or lean heavily on one topic or opinion. Though the blog you read was heavily biased, I don’t believe that is reason alone to dismiss its claims. For example,

“The opinion that Democrats treat The New York Times as the gospel.”

This might be hyperbole, however, one would be hard pressed to find a democrat that didn’t take everything the New York Times prints at face value. Liberals praise the New York Times as being a reliable credible source of non partisan news. Perhaps democrats choose to ignore New York Times left leaning bias because their journalists views and articles comfortably coincide with their own world view.

Another example of bias you site is the bloggers opinion that “the Democratic Party is well on its way to marginalizing itself as an effective opposition party.” Even Democrats are worried about their sphere of influence. The DNC was rendered more ineffective after WikiLeaks revealed conspiring favoritism of Hillary, and cheating that took place during the primary. The Democrat party is already showing signs of loosing political influence. This opinion could at least be considered quantifiably true given the record number of republicans holding seats in office.

 The next opinion “Democrats are fueled by substance-less ideals and not offering plausible alternative policies;” sounds rather alarming and I would consider very far right as far as opinion goes. That said it is not without some merit as well.

Under the Obama administration our government enacted liberal policies that resulted in more income inequality, and an increase in the number of people on food stamps and other welfare programs. Under Democrat policies we just went through the worst recovery since the great depression. Minimum wage as a way to lift people out of poverty is one of those substance-less ideals. The unintended consequences of creating more unemployment, more expensive goods and services, and pricing young and low skilled people out of the labor market is certainly not a plausible solution to poverty.

You said you fear blogs like these because of how one sided their views are. The Fact of the matter is, blogs are going to be one sided and biased. This day and age it has become the norm to read or watch something that is one sided rather then impartial. Readers need to be educated in how to source information, recognize bias, and get to what’s truth and fact, separate from the Hyperbole and vilifying. I do agree that readers can be mislead and I think that it is a real problem that low information, intellectually lazy citizens, are taking blog sites at face value. May I suggest that its not bias that is the problem. Everyone is going to have their own bias, especially when it comes to politics. It is, and I agree with you, a huge problem to claim your unbiased when you’re not. What is important is that bloggers are up front about the perspective and bias lens they are receiving information through, and not purport to be giving a neutral bipartisan perspective; like the New York Times does. The real problem I believe is that readers need to be more skeptical and read opinions on every side before they cast their own judgments. You should not dismiss something outright because its presenting an opposing view. We should all be judging peoples claims and arguments based on their individual merit and consider all sides of the argument. In the case of the article you reviewed the authors claims are not outside of truth or reality, however biased or hyperbolic they are.

Keep Texas Red

Ever since the Democrats lost governing control of Texas they have been working tirelessly to gain it back. Most college age individuals support liberal efforts and organizations like “Turn Texas Blue” that aim to give Democrats back control of the State. Although, if Millennials took a closer look with an open mind, they would see that its not in their best interest to live in a Blue State.

Liberals like to talk about Compassionate Government but end up voting for policies that take more from citizens, increase the cost of living; setting up more road blocks to success through red tape, layers of bureaucracy, and Government dependance. Take California as an example, which has similar statistics as far as population size, demographics, and other measures in comparison to Texas. Both California and Texas are among the highest producing economies in the world. The difference is Democrat controlled California run with liberal policies take, spend, and waste much more of the wealth it takes from its citizens; and is arguably more corrupt and inefficient then Texas.

Our Texas politicians are public servants working part time for a meager pay, meeting for one legislative session every 2 years. California on the other hand is passing legislation year round by career politicians making handsome salaries.

The cost of living is 40% lower in Texas than in California. Nearly everything is more affordable in Texas and so we enjoy a higher standard and quality of living, especially those in the middle class. Entry to a comfortable middle class lifestyle is obtained at a much lower income level in Texas; compared to much of coastal California where an upper middle class income equates to a lower middle class lifestyle.

Texas does not have a state income tax, nor does it have the myriad of other taxes California attaches to everything from your restaurant dinning bill to the added cost at the gas pump.

Texas has been a model success story for economic growth over the past ten plus years; evidenced by simply removing job growth occurring in Texas, the remaining 49 US states would have had a net negative job growth over Obama’s presidency. Texas has enacted conservative low regulation, low tax policies creating a business friendly climate; attracting many businesses from other states to move here. The cost of food, gas, housing, goods and services are cheaper. The ability to start a business is easier and less costly too. Texas citizens are fortunate to not pay a state income tax, keeping more of their pay checks. By nearly every measure Texas is better, with the possible exception of the weather and overall natural landscape.

Liberals certainly lived comfortably in Texas under governor Rick Perry, who took a more libertarian approach to governing the state, largely focusing on economics rather then a social conservative agenda that legislates virtue.

Under Republican policies the past 12 years, Texas has seen every sector of society being raised; Rich, middle class, and poor.

Texas does a lot less in terms of social services then California, yet our outcomes for people in need don’t fare all that differently.

My message to liberals is to not get so bent out of shape about being governed by Republicans. The data refutes the “evil” narrative liberals perpetuate about conservatives and Republicans. Liberal Democrats should think twice about supporting the “turn Texas Blue” movement. Liberals and Conservatives alike have been extremely prosperous in Texas living under conservative policies; and all will continue to as long as you vote for more libertarian politicians and policies. If your argument is our government doesn’t do enough to help the poor, or whatever group or cause you support; then I encourage you to take personal responsibility. Create a budget that allows for you to give to people in need. Empower yourself and be a positive force in your community. Volunteer your time and help raise funds privately through charities and crowd funding websites; rather then demand government forcefully take from others in order to support your projects and causes.  A compassionate government is one that takes less form its citizens and leaves more in the hands of its people to effect change in their communities. Successful societies ere on the side of freedom, exhibiting community based volunteerism and free market solutions.  As evidence from history shows, and the success of Texas proves, power in the hands of the people is far more moral and efficient then in the hands of Government. So lets do what is best for all our citizens and Keep Texas Red. Or purple if you wish.

Ever since the Democrats lost governing control of Texas they have been working tirelessly to gain it back. Most college age individuals support liberal efforts and organizations like “Turn Texas Blue” that aim to give Democrats back control of the State. Although, if Millennials took a closer look with an open mind, they would see that its not in their best interest to live in a Blue State.

Liberals like to talk about Compassionate Government but end up voting for policies that take more from citizens, increase the cost of living; setting up more road blocks to success through red tape, layers of bureaucracy, and Government dependance. Take California as an example, which has similar statistics as far as population size, demographics, and other measures in comparison to Texas. Both California and Texas are among the highest producing economies in the world. The difference is Democrat controlled California run with liberal policies take, spend, and waste much more of the wealth it takes from its citizens; and is arguably more corrupt and inefficient then Texas.

Our Texas politicians are public servants working part time for a meager pay, meeting for one legislative session every 2 years. California on the other hand is passing legislation year round by career politicians making handsome salaries.

The cost of living is 40% lower in Texas than in California. Nearly everything is more affordable in Texas and so we enjoy a higher standard and quality of living, especially those in the middle class. Entry to a comfortable middle class lifestyle is obtained at a much lower income level in Texas; compared to much of coastal California where an upper middle class income equates to a lower middle class lifestyle.

Texas does not have a state income tax, nor does it have the myriad of other taxes California attaches to everything from your restaurant dinning bill to the added cost at the gas pump.

Texas has been a model success story for economic growth over the past ten plus years; evidenced by simply removing job growth occurring in Texas, the remaining 49 US states would have had a net negative job growth over Obama’s presidency. Texas has enacted conservative low regulation, low tax policies creating a business friendly climate; attracting many businesses from other states to move here. The cost of food, gas, housing, goods and services are cheaper. The ability to start a business is easier and less costly too. Texas citizens are fortunate to not pay a state income tax, keeping more of their pay checks. By nearly every measure Texas is better, with the possible exception of the weather and overall natural landscape.

Liberals certainly lived comfortably in Texas under governor Rick Perry, who took a more libertarian approach to governing the state, largely focusing on economics rather then a social conservative agenda that legislates virtue.

Under Republican policies the past 12 years, Texas has seen every sector of society being raised; Rich, middle class, and poor.

Texas does a lot less in terms of social services then California, yet our outcomes for people in need don’t fare all that differently.

My message to liberals is to not get so bent out of shape about being governed by Republicans. The data refutes the “evil” narrative liberals perpetuate about conservatives and Republicans. Liberal Democrats should think twice about supporting the “turn Texas Blue” movement. Liberals and Conservatives alike have been extremely prosperous in Texas living under conservative policies; and all will continue to as long as you vote for more libertarian politicians and policies. If your argument is our government doesn’t do enough to help the poor, or whatever group or cause you support; then I encourage you to take personal responsibility. Create a budget that allows for you to give to people in need. Empower yourself and be a positive force in your community. Volunteer your time and help raise funds privately through charities and crowd funding websites; rather then demand government forcefully take from others in order to support your projects and causes.  A compassionate government is one that takes less form its citizens and leaves more in the hands of its people to effect change in their communities. Successful societies ere on the side of freedom, exhibiting community based volunteerism and free market solutions.  As evidence from history shows, and the success of Texas proves, power in the hands of the people is far more moral and efficient then in the hands of Government. So lets do what is best for all our citizens and Keep Texas Red. Or purple if you wish.

Sanctuary cities not a real problem... Or are they?

My San Antonio Blog site titled Sanctuary cities not a real problem, where the author attempts to persuade the reader to take the opinion that our Lt. Governor is wrong to make sanctuary cities a priority for a plethora of reasons which I will dispute. Immigration is passed off as a non issue and one of little importance; one hot button issue to divisive to even touch. Because the Author does not offer any alternative view points I believe this author is appealing to an audience that is probably more like minded on the issues surrounding immigration.

The author asks the reader to “Consider: Texas gave Trump a win in the state by a margin that is historically low for Republican presidential candidates. His rhetoric on immigration is arguably why his margin was at that historic low.” I completely disagree with his assessment on why Trump won by a small margin in Texas. To say that Trump is not as popular in Texas as past presidents and therefore neither are his policies on immigration is illogical. Considering Ted Cruz won the state in the primaries, and his stance on immigration was just as strong as Trumps if not more, I very much doubt that Trumps rhetoric on immigration is what turned voters away at the polls. If the Author is suggesting that the majority of Texans are ok with having sanctuary cities and illegal immigration, I would say that is false. If that was the case Ted Cruz would not have won in the primary. Many conservatives didn’t vote for Trump because he was not conservative enough. Cruz supporters in particular had some beef with Trump and were part of the “never Trump” crowd, which could explain why his margin was lower.

The author makes the point that the bill, “would compel jails to cooperate with immigration authorities” But then positively states Texas jails are already “releasing flagged inmates who are undocumented to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” So if Texas jails are already adhering to immigration law, what is the problem? They should not have to worry about their funding being taken away. Right? It seems strange for the author to make a point that Texas already upholds immigration laws when further down the page they mention “Sally Hernandez, who won the race for Travis County sheriff, pledged during her campaign that she would kick ICE out of that county’s jail.” Also the very Blue city of Austin is mentioned as another “who would defy federal immigration laws.” So which is it? You can’t have it both ways. Texas is either enforcing the laws or not. Both can’t be cited favorably because they completely contradict each other.

The author casually notes the fact that if “ICE doesn’t pick up the criminal within 24 hours then they simply release the inmate;” which raises some red flags to say the least. I hope ICE officers get there in time before they release a rapist or murderer back out into the population. The author falsely states that “this is the right thing to do because constitutionally you cannot detain someone who faces no charges.” That would be true if we were talking about a citizen of this country but our laws do not pertain to noncitizens. The people in custody who have been flagged by ICE and requested to be turned over are most certainly facing charges or have already committed crimes; starting with the crime of entering the country illegally.

The author suggests that “this bill will lead to profiling and fear of the police; that this will lead to crimes going unsolved and criminals going free.” If this person is so concerned about criminals going free then why is this a non issue?  I do agree that if we started enforcing immigration law, illegal immigrants would become more fearful. They broke into the United States and evaded the countries legal system. I imagine that had I done the same entering into another country I would be looking over my shoulder too. I agree with the author that this bill would instill fear and perhaps contribute to less crimes being reported, but ignoring a problem does not make that problem go away. By allowing sanctuary cities and ignoring our immigration laws we continue to prop up pockets within our society where we cannot keep law and order. This problem is only going to get worse the longer law enforcement ignores immigration laws, making us all less safe.  If safety is a concern to this author or their readers, I suggest looking at the cost to ignoring the illegal population and not making this a priority for our state as well as our nation. I do believe that the cost of the crimes being committed far out way the costs of illegals feeling fearful.

“According to DPS (Texas Department of Public Safety), criminal history records,(from 2011-2017) criminal charges have thus far resulted in over 257,000 convictions including 476 homicide convictions; 25,519 assault convictions; 8,143 burglary convictions; 33,643 drug convictions; 235 kidnapping convictions; 18,332 theft convictions; 21,910 obstructing police convictions; 1,906 robbery convictions; 2,764 sexual assault convictions; and 3,589 weapons convictions. Of the convictions associated with criminal alien arrests, over 170,000 or 66% are associated with aliens who were identified by DHS status as being in the US illegally at the time of their last arrest.

Note: These are Texas charges for these criminal alien arrestees as reported to DPS by local agencies – the arrestees charted here may have offenses in other states. Texas arrestees who have not had interaction with the DHS which resulted in the collection of fingerprints are not included as their identity cannot be biometrically verified by DHS.”