Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
What Do I Stand For?
I have decided to write a post about some of my opinions on popular topics that have been long-standing decision points for voters, so that you can make an informed decision based upon positions in the upcoming election. So I will continue to fill in the gaps weekly on where I stand on some important issues. I would like to start off with a big one this week, education. I have had several inquiries about my position on this issue, and I would like to respond to some of those.
First of all, just to get an idea of where things are, as a country our schools are not competitive in the world. We are ranked 21st in the world in terms of high school graduation, and 25th in standardized math testing. You can get the facts about the state of our public education system at EDin08.com. Now to narrow in a little more, Texas schools have been improving, we are headed in the right direction. Our schools have produced better results this year than last year in standardized testing. Ranking are available here.
"Statewide, about 46 percent of schools were exemplary or recognized this year, compared with about 37 percent last year. And 2.6 percent of schools were unacceptable this year, compared with 3.4 percent last year. Schools that are repeatedly rated unacceptable are subject to sanctions ranging from hiring private tutors to closure." Found here.
There is still more ground to take in this area. Parents who can't afford private schools are left with no other choice but to send their children to private schools, no matter how good or bad they may be. This is why I want to open up the choice for school districts to allow vouchers to fund children's education at private schools. This may not completely cover the costs of schooling at private schools, however it does open more options for parents who can afford to pay the difference between the tuition and what the voucher program provides.
A secondary issue that arises when a school voucher program is created is the question of the separation of church and state. I believe this does not cross that line. The choice is still left to the parents of whether their children are sent to a private school, and because no-one has to attend a religiously affiliated school without a choice to attend a public school, there is no violation of this primary safeguard. No-one is coerced into religiously affiliated school, and those that choose to, are allowed to go, and the funding that they would otherwise be paying towards public schools, is actually put to use for their choice instead.
What about the loss of funding that public schools will have? There is also a hidden benefit to this program. Students that choose to attend private schools will actually reduce the burden upon public schools. This means smaller classes, and more attention from teachers for the students that remain. Another important fact to notice is that the same amount of money per student will continue to be spent on public schools as is already spent. There is really no drawback to public schools from a school voucher program, and the benefits are all very attractive. Parents who can't afford private schools, due in part to the already high tax burden in America, will now have the opportunity to send their children to private schools at a reduced cost with a voucher program, and those children who remain in private school will enjoy the benefits of smaller class sizes, and more teacher attention. This is a win-win choice, and Texas would benefit from a school voucher program.
As always I invite your questions, and I acknowledge you for being someone who is making an informed choice for this coming election. I continue to be surprised and impressed at the public involvement in government in Texas, and I look forward to working for you.
First of all, just to get an idea of where things are, as a country our schools are not competitive in the world. We are ranked 21st in the world in terms of high school graduation, and 25th in standardized math testing. You can get the facts about the state of our public education system at EDin08.com. Now to narrow in a little more, Texas schools have been improving, we are headed in the right direction. Our schools have produced better results this year than last year in standardized testing. Ranking are available here.
"Statewide, about 46 percent of schools were exemplary or recognized this year, compared with about 37 percent last year. And 2.6 percent of schools were unacceptable this year, compared with 3.4 percent last year. Schools that are repeatedly rated unacceptable are subject to sanctions ranging from hiring private tutors to closure." Found here.
There is still more ground to take in this area. Parents who can't afford private schools are left with no other choice but to send their children to private schools, no matter how good or bad they may be. This is why I want to open up the choice for school districts to allow vouchers to fund children's education at private schools. This may not completely cover the costs of schooling at private schools, however it does open more options for parents who can afford to pay the difference between the tuition and what the voucher program provides.
A secondary issue that arises when a school voucher program is created is the question of the separation of church and state. I believe this does not cross that line. The choice is still left to the parents of whether their children are sent to a private school, and because no-one has to attend a religiously affiliated school without a choice to attend a public school, there is no violation of this primary safeguard. No-one is coerced into religiously affiliated school, and those that choose to, are allowed to go, and the funding that they would otherwise be paying towards public schools, is actually put to use for their choice instead.
What about the loss of funding that public schools will have? There is also a hidden benefit to this program. Students that choose to attend private schools will actually reduce the burden upon public schools. This means smaller classes, and more attention from teachers for the students that remain. Another important fact to notice is that the same amount of money per student will continue to be spent on public schools as is already spent. There is really no drawback to public schools from a school voucher program, and the benefits are all very attractive. Parents who can't afford private schools, due in part to the already high tax burden in America, will now have the opportunity to send their children to private schools at a reduced cost with a voucher program, and those children who remain in private school will enjoy the benefits of smaller class sizes, and more teacher attention. This is a win-win choice, and Texas would benefit from a school voucher program.
As always I invite your questions, and I acknowledge you for being someone who is making an informed choice for this coming election. I continue to be surprised and impressed at the public involvement in government in Texas, and I look forward to working for you.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What kind of government allows this absurdity?
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/5908047.html
Licking is now categorized as an assault? This is absurd. Police powers have grown out of control. This government is no longer in service to the people, but the people serve the will of the government. I pledge to make a change in the culture in Austin, to have the government be in service to the people to put an end to this culture of government rulership. This is America, where we celebrate freedom and liberty, and we will return to those values. Please pass this along.
Licking is now categorized as an assault? This is absurd. Police powers have grown out of control. This government is no longer in service to the people, but the people serve the will of the government. I pledge to make a change in the culture in Austin, to have the government be in service to the people to put an end to this culture of government rulership. This is America, where we celebrate freedom and liberty, and we will return to those values. Please pass this along.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ron Paul on the economy
This couldn't be put any better. The economy is declining due to the increased debt, and the US Government just printing up more money. The state government has the same syndrome, however Texas is one of those states which maintains a balanced budget, but we are still spending over $127.5 billion dollars on welfare and education, while our education system is 21st in the world, and other countries that are performing better in education spend only a fraction of what we spend.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Telecom Immunity Bill
Congress and the Bush administration has granted the telecom companies immunity. They don't have to answer for handing over personal records of their customers to the US Government. This immunity is also retroactive, and in effects stops the lawsuit against them for giving the US Government customer records that they requested. We may never know the extent or details of what information was handed over if this lawsuit does not continue. This new bill also opens the door for warrantless wiretapping, not only of your phone calls, but ANY electronic communication including text messages, IM, etc. This policy is an immediate danger to freedom. Our right of privacy is now stripped by the government. Our government can now spy upon it's citizens. Without any oversight this power will be abused, the only question remaining is how long until you are put under the microscope?
If you would like to take action please visit the EFF and donate, or contact your Senator or Congressman and ask them to act.
If you would like to take action please visit the EFF and donate, or contact your Senator or Congressman and ask them to act.
Bob Barr a real choice for President
I want to spread the word. There is some very exciting news. Bob Barr, who be one of three candidates on the ballot for President this year with O'Bama and McCain, will be speaking in Houston on Sunday, July 20th! Former Senator Barr's platform is based upon maintaining the balances delineated in the Constitution of the United States of America. Ensuring every American's civil liberties. Barr has been a major supporter of the ACLU, and a vehement watchdog over the abuse of power by the White House. He supports a non-intervention foreign policy with respect to use of the military. He respects the 4th amendment, the protection of citizens from unreasonable search and seizures. I ask that you give him your equal consideration with the other candidates. He is our only hope for the continued freedom of this nation.
For further info about the event, and to RSVP please visit the meetup.
For further info about the event, and to RSVP please visit the meetup.
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