After reading, An Early Start at Education for All, I am more aware of the financial implication on education programs. Adela Moreno forms an argument on how many families do not qualify for Early Start programs because they are only targeted towards families with poverty status. The argument is supported by the author’s own personal experience with the Early Start program. Although it takes away from the authors credibility when she says how she had to cheat the system. To make this argument stronger the author could of added more background of who can qualify for these programs. Reading the embedded article from the Statesman did not show any evidence to support these programs either. Moreno makes a strong point that the government needs to focus on these programs. With the House voting to replace No Child Left Behind, there needs to be a new standard created. The embedded article defines what how each political party feels on education. Positively I agree with Moreno, that standardized testing should be done away with. Overall this is a great argument that just needs more factual evidence. Focusing on the early fundamentals of a child’s education is the start to a bright future.

Texas Servers

Many servers in Texas have become dependent upon tips to support their lifestyles. Employers pay their employees a minimum of two dollars and thirteen cents, which is considered taxable income. After some servers split their tips with busboys and hosts there isn’t much left.

I researched gratuity in other countries and France has an interesting way of running the restaurant business. Usually in a establishment there are one to two servers. They take care of all the tables and interact with customers except when necessary. Since gratuity is factored into the bill, servers do not have to depend on customers. This system makes it possible for servers to have a salary, benefits, and vacation.

If this were implemented in Texas it would positively effect the workforce, but negatively as well. For some people, serving is their primary source of income. With a stable paycheck servers could create a lifestyle in which they could afford. On the other hand if gratuity is factored in, servers run the possibility of not receiving more than average gratuity. For restaurants they run the risk of unhappy customers due to poor service. If they cut their workforce to one or two servers a shift it will be a huge change in the culture of the business. Many customers are used to conversation and great customer service. These businesses will also have to pay to provide benefits to these workers. Overall, this system will not benefit our society in the long run.

If the state raises the wages for servers even just a little bit it would open new doors. Helping to make benefits possible for this workforce creates a future and stable lifestyle.

After reading Rant of the Day: Plastic Bag Ban, I understood a little more about the negative effects of plastic bags. In the blog I gathered that Lily's argument was that plastic bags are a large factor in our deteriorating environment. I somewhat agree with her statement especially after reading the effects it has on our ecosystems and human lives. She gives great evidence to support her argument.
In the second paragraph there is a transition to human use and bag bans in Austin. There are two main assumptions that I do not agree with. For example, "Citizens are opposed to the bag ban because of ignorance." As a manager for HEB, I listen to people from out of town and Austin residents complain about how much of an inconvenience it is to bring your bag. HEB has an emergency bags option that for a $1 you can use as many older plastic bags as you need for your order. Many customers have picked up on this option and will forget their bags on purpose. Not just because they want to be ignorant, but because they reuse these bags for other things. Honestly I believe majority of the time us as humans are lazy and forgetful. There was minimal evidence showing whether or not bag bans are successful. The credibility would have made the argument a lot stronger.
Secondly, I do believe to a sense that humans crave instant gratification. Although, I do not believe it was used in the right context. It takes away from the argument and changes the direction in which it was developing.
Overall Lily does a great job targeting the more liberal audience she is writing for. As a conservative the argument and evidence does not persuade me to reduce my use of plastic.

Penis Compensation Caucus is un-Texan; Gun Control

Gun control in Texas has been a controversial topic between both political parties. Since Texas is comprised of large and small towns, each demographic has a different view towards concealed handguns. In a small town, people would not be surprised that someone is walking around with a gun. While on the other hand, in a metro city, a person with a visible gun is considered suspicious. So depending on the area of the state, CHL laws can have different effects on society.

 On June 2, 2014, Harold Cook wrote a blog for Letters from Texas, which helps clear up his position on the concealed handgun law. Although this blog is targeted towards liberal readers, Cook admits his position is on guns is conservative. The author’s main point is that he agrees with the NRA’s view of activists. The NRA claims that activists are causing Texans to be out of character. Of course we as Texans must uphold our image of being friendly and neighborly.

“Using guns merely to draw attention to yourself in public not only defies common sense, it shows lack of consideration and manners.”  I do agree with Cook that it is nice to see the NRA oppose this type of behavior. It helps our society to feel comfortable because there is an understanding of safety. With the NRA so close knit with the Republic Party is it safe to say open carry activism will dwindle down? Regardless of NRA’s opinions towards these activists they will still remain loyal to the Republican Party.

Border Crisis is deemed a disaster

On Tuesday, July 15, 2014, San Antonio Express-News published an article on the Texas border crisis.  Representative Louie Gohmert has been expressing his frustration towards the minimal efforts shown by the Obama administration. There have been several eye-witnessing accounts that illegal immigrants are coming over in large waves. When Obama was in Texas last week, the Texas government had request him to visit the border area. The request was denied because the Obama administration was already "well informed" about the situation. Throughout the border crisis the Democratic Party has stood behind Obama. Yet after his visit many have become baffled by his actions towards resolving the border crisis.