ONE FOR THE MONEY

Considering the fact that many U.S citizens attribute to that life living moto, of an individual performing what is necessary in order to maintain with whatever lifestyle one disires within their capability, makes the slightest doubt of goverance losing somewhat of their power enivetable to react upon. For Perry in this particular case it helps him gain the confedence in what needs to be done. Instead of us worrying about the actions that are done from someone who is superiorly empowered with a stronger and louder voice we should infact attempt to contribute to bettering within our own community. I do disagree on the "type" of facility he is wanting to contribute with but unfortunately whats going to be done is going to get done. http://themindofatexan.blogspot.com/

Getting in the Ring

Perry's refusal to debate is all swagger, no sweat.

Its good to know that one has been honored the title of becoming governor of a certain state. There is certain requirement that one should pursue with the benefit of. If not, why suppose to claim an unaccomplished title. According to Perrys refusal to debate is all swagger, no sweat.  But Libertarians see him as running away from the real challenge. "He seems to think that he owns our vote and that we're being disloyal by not supporting him." Perry arguably hasn't faced a tough election since his 1998 knockout of John Sharp to become lieutenant governor. Promoted to the Governor's Man­sion in 2000 when George W. Bush won the presidency, he won his first real election in 2002 when Dem challenger and Laredo oil man Tony Sanchez was less Cinderella Man, older fashioned palooka.

Does a vote actually matter?

Completely Lost

I totally agree with you on the fact that regarless ones opinion any politician can lie and promise you the moon, tell you they're going to do one thing then do the complete opposite. And i believe poitics should only interest those who are involved beacause what is the use of voting if you have no clue of what or who your voting for, like you mentioned, "is it best to make an uneducated vote or to simply not vote at all?" Many people believe that by voting that the vote will make a "difference" yes, in some aspect but whats the use if your not going to follow up and fully support whatever or whoever it is your voting for? Therefore i see a vote senselesss if your not going to continue on supporting that inactment.

Voters would cut spending, increase alcohol tax

New gambling backed in budget crunch, poll finds

"They don't want to see government grow," said pollster Micheline Blum, of Blum & Weprin Associates Inc., of New York. "When they do think about increasing revenue at all, they go for the vices."

Texas voters prefer spending cuts over new revenues to balance the budget, but if money must be raised, they would like to see it come from higher taxes on alcohol and expanded gambling, according to a poll conducted for the state's largest newspapers. The state is trying to raise 20 billion through the next two years for schools, healthcare for the poor and safety. Most of the voters agreed that money should come from higher taxes on alcohol and expanding gambling. Other would like to see cuts in spending in higher education such as colleges, while 17 % would like to see cuts in public safety. Personally i believe the revenue should come from higher taxes on alcohol and tabacco, maybe even higher fines on speeding violations and things of that nature. I do not believe the cuts should be made in schools or in healthcare, that would just affect the community more and more. Voters have mixed feelings about both of these options , some people believe cutting higher education is the best way to go, others believe bringing slot machines would increase the revenue.

Expensive Security

$1 million for Perrys' security over 7 years

White critical of foreign travel costs, but others say it's part of job

According to to records obtained by the Houston Chronicle, Taxpayers have spent almost $1 million in security cost for Governor Perry and his wife Anita. The state did not pay for many of the governor's direct travel costs. The cost of the security detail, however, was paid primarily from the state highway fund, which is fueled by the state gasoline tax and vehicle registration fees. Political analysts said it is not unusual for governors to travel outside the country. I agree with the political analysts that governos should be concerned over the economy and the rough time the state phases. Perry's chief of staff stated that he's broken records for foreign travel. The question is according to chief of staff, what residents really getting out of this? What's in it for taxpayers? Instead the money we taxpayers pay should be invested in something benefical such as education, health care, career opportunities and establishing a better economy. I believe that is a little oblivious that the DPS is somewhat involved with all this comotion because the DPS didnt realease all information and only released "certain info " to the public, if we the tax payers are paying for this security and these trips, then we should be entitled to all the info, not just a portions of it. 
For further detailed informations regarding Perrys Expensive security cost which is payed us the taxpayers please visit http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7247963.html

"Sen. McConnell offered a fully paid two-month extension of unemployment insurance."

McConnell proposed extending unemployment benefits using stimulus money

Most recently, in June 2008, Congress created the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (program so workers who had exhausted state unemployment benefits could receive up to 34 weeks of additional benefits and workers in states with high unemployment rates qualified for or up to 53 weeks of additional aid. Texas’ unemployment rate stayed steady from April at 8.3 percent, while North Dakota had the lowest rate 3.6 percent.

         

Congress and the sitting administration have approved unemployment benefit extensions in every recession since the late 1950s, Burtless said.

         The Senate majority leader, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, said on the Senate floor June 30, “We, as a Congress Democrats and Republicans have always extended unemployment benefits because it is an emergency. Case in point was that in February 2009, President Barack Obama signed the stimulus act, which extended through 2009 emergency unemployment insurance.        

         Congress subsequently extended benefits in November, December, and March and most recently in April, with an $18 billion bill extending benefits until June 2. From June 18 through June 30, Senate Democrats failed to secure enough votes to extend unemployment benefits while increasing the deficit. Republicans said they would support extending benefits if they were paid for up front. Summing all up from late, congressional efforts to extend unemployment insurance benefits have failed including McConnell's proposal to finance an extension by paying for it with stimulus funding.

         I believe that an extra 34 weeks of unemployment aid would be an excellent benefit. If I were to unemployed and looking for a job, 34 weeks can take me a long way and support me while I find a job and for the states that offer up to 53 weeks if additional aid, that is even a better benefit. For further information about this argument visit PolitiFact.com or statesman.com

The Eyes of Texas Cops are Upon You.

The Eyes of Texas Cops are Upon You

Police are buying license-plate readers so they know where you go.

   Back in June, Dallas Texas leaders in law enforcement who are egged on by the technology’s retailers are putting their new toys to creative use. There’s little doubt that the license plate readers could help law enforcement with serious duties. But what can help capture a fugitive or recover a stolen vehicle can also be used to conduct mass surveillance or target political disagreements. License plate readers are a dishonestly simple technology which basically consist of cameras either in a fixed site or mounted on the top of a car that are competent of capturing and processing thousands of license plates each hour even at high speeds, low light and bad weather. The plates are then automatically checked against databases of stolen vehicles, warrants, kidnapped children, and more. Now-a-days I believe it is truly essential for authority to maintain such devices. As crime rate drastically increases according to statistics (Texas Crime Rates 1960-2009,) more lives are vulnerable and exposed to danger “We’re moving in this direction anyway,” said Blumberg, the privacy supporter. “But the technology is moving much faster than public understanding and public discourse.”