Oil!

I'd like to address TX's Backup Plan For Gas, a blog entry submitted on Friday, April 25 in My Thoughts About Texas Government. The author asked many important questions about oil production, particularly with regard to our home state.

First off, yes, we do have oil in Texas! And wells across Texas have been producing oil since 1901. Oil production taxes are collected by the state, and the benefit to the state treasury is in the hundreds of millions. Historically, oil has benefited higher education in Texas, as well as public schools, scientific research, environmental protection, and has prompted philanthropy throughout the state.

The problem is that our cars cannot run on oil-they need gasoline, which requires the crude oil to be refined. There are 149 operable petroleum refineries in the United States, alone. Texas happens to not only have the largest number of oil refineries in the nation (27), but it also has the largest refinery in the United States. This particular refinery in Baytown, owned by ExxonMobil, produces over half a million barrels per day. I'm fairly certain that Texas is not “saving our oil for the future”…although the U.S. does have petroleum reserves. According to statistics from the U.S. Government, in 2005 the total world oil production was 82,532,000 barrels/day. This sounds like a lot, however, the total world oil consumption the same year was 83,607,000 barrels/day. (It’s impossible to consume more than we produce, so there must have been some carry-over from the last year.) Anyway, you get the picture...

Remember when we the article read about the effects of concentrated control of the media? Seven giant corporations control the majority of our nation's newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, book publishing houses, and movies. Likewise, oil industry consolidation is limiting competition in the oil refining sector. For instance, the largest five oil refiners in the United States are: ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, BP, Valero and Royal Dutch Shell; they now control over half (56.3%) of domestic oil refinery capacity. A May 2004 U.S. Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) report found that mergers in the oil industry directly led to higher prices—and these actions have not been challenged by the U.S. government. In summary, it is uncompetitive actions by a handful of companies with large control over our nation’s gas markets that is directly causing these high prices. We are all feeling the pinch. The most effective way to protect consumers is to restore competitive markets.

Voting

I took advantage of early voting last week. I knew how I felt about the Austin Independent School District’s bond proposal, and was prepared to vote accordingly. However, I was not so clear on how to cast my ballot for the people running for City Council. I regard the freedom to vote as both a privilege and a responsibility; it is my duty to vote with integrity and intelligence. Learning that local elections are usually nonpartisan, I had to base my decision on criteria other than party platform.

At one of the many convenient polling places a kindly volunteer gave me sample ballots to use as a starting point. So, I set aside an hour or so to do some investigating. The internet was, of course, my first avenue to search for information. I began by using Google to search for election facts. From there I got many hits directing me to web sites for local candidates. Each candidate has a bio and a list of endorsements, at the very least, so I began reading those. Local folks, to me, are better suited for Austin than “implants.” Furthermore, if a candidate is endorsed by an organization I do not approve of, then I cross them off the list. This process of elimination, if you will, served me well; I was able to go back to the poll and cast my vote with an education. While there, another kindly volunteer handed me a League of Women Voters voting guide. Sigh. It is a nonpartisan publication that contains responses from candidates to the same three questions (some chose not to respond). I did glance at it before voting, but I had already made my decision and felt that the hard work I did, to come to those conclusions, would serve me well.

This local election is the first one its kind that I have participated in, and I feel really good about doing my part. I look forward to the results and urge everyone to take time out to vote whenever there is an election that concerns you, as it is both a right and a responsibility.

"You should've gotten a job"

Last summer things seemed out of control, with a half dozen University of Texas Longhorn football players arrested for alleged criminal activities. One of them, Andre Jones, from El Paso, was given a full scholarship to the university. The defensive tackle turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued for a felony aggravated robbery charge. Jones maintains that it was a case of mistaken identity and that he is innocent of all charges. Nevertheless, Coach Mack Brown suspended Jones indefinitely pending the outcome. Meanwhile, Jones continues to take classes at the university.

So, many of you are thinking, "This is old news." Yes, it is...but I just want to give a shout out to Judge Brenda Kennedy of Travis County's 403rd Criminal District Court. Judge Kennedy heard testimony from Jones last week maintaining his innocence and asking for the State to pay for an investigation that he believes would prove his innocence. Click here to see the news clip from April 15th on KVUE. Judge Kennedy denied the motion, stating, "[He] should've gotten a job." The Judge went on to say, "You're going to have to work to get some things in life."

Kudos to Kennedy! I couldn't have said it any better; the man has had nine months to think about his actions and his future. Wouldn't earning money to pay for a defense (or an investigation) be on your list of priorities? Thank you, Judge Kennedy, for your reasoned response to, and dope slap/reality check for Jones; that's what I call justice for all.

Academic Freedom

This posting is in response to a classmate’s blog regarding the impending adoption of Bible course curriculum standards in Texas. The original posting by KCARR can be viewed at: Texas and Beyond.

I would like to address the question you ask in the last paragraph of your latest post, which is, "...is it possible for the teacher who teaches the (Bible) course to not allow their personal beliefs to influence what or how they are teaching the students?" As a future teacher, the answer is a resounding-no; I firmly believe that it is not ever really possible to separate your personal ideologies from how you teach. The only way that such an approach is possible is to take humanism out of the picture, and say, have the course content online. (Even then, though, the curriculum is subject to the scrutiny of what is selected to be taught and how questions are worded.)

I give you two examples to support my claim: First, I recently had the pleasure of observing a class of four and five year old children at the Asian American Cultural Center. While the focus of the school is to bring together East and West, there is absolutely no mention of religion with regard to the Early Childhood program. However, very focused observations revealed several subtle expressions of the ancient Chinese philosophies, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. The teacher (a PhD) never explicitly said, "Okay, class, today we're going to learn Confucianism." Rather, the culture of the school itself and the beliefs of the instructor were evident in the teaching style. Secondly, a few years back I took U.S. Government at ACC & it was taught by a feminist, liberal, Democrat. Need I say more? However, despite our differing ideologies the class was not only informative but enjoyable and challenging as well.

Your article failed to mention that the 2009 Texas Bible course will focus on the Bible's impact on history and literature, not at all "religious" in nature. After all, the works of Shakespeare have more than 1,000 biblical references, and even the U.S. Supreme Court has said that the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities

Additionally, I would like to point out that the State Board of Education is not counting on "[rolling] it out to the students", as you say, rather, they are leaving it up to the local school districts. Districts that have board members we elect & meetings that are open to the public. If one was really concerned, there is plenty of action that can be taken to make your voice heard.

Lastly, regarding possible legal suits for such a public school course offering in Texas let's not forget that it is an elective, as in the only students taking them will be those who choose to.

Panhandling in austin

It’s no secret, panhandling has become a hotly debated topic among city officials. Austinites seem to have varying and passionate opinions about the matter, as well.

Current Austin city ordinance applies to only certain areas of the city, including the downtown business district. Recent actions taken to expand the ordinance throughout Austin have been declared unconstitutional for the second time in less than three years, upholding the right to constitutionally protected speech.

According to research, as many as 1 in 7 buy alcohol and drugs with money they panhandle. So giving money often perpetuates the circumstances that have led to homelessness. Don't misunderstand - not all panhandlers are homeless, nor are they all drug abusers or alcoholics.

In an interview for KXAN, Wayne Krause with The Texas Civil Rights project was quoted as saying, “It’s important not to attack the symptoms, but to get to the roots of the problem of homelessness.”

So what should the city do to make real change? First off, the media need to continue to bring attention to the issue, because that creates awareness, which leads to activism. Secondly, a program is needed to educate tourists and residents about panhandling and an alternative means to help. I propose that Austin city officials model a program put in place in Portland, Oregon, called “Real Change, not Spare Change”. The program, a service provided by the Portland Business Alliance, offers education and an opportunity to interact with panhandlers through a voucher program, while supporting service agencies. It’s a win-win situation for those in need and helps tourists and families feel more comfortable.

By redirecting donations from panhandlers to targeted social service/treatment response systems, strengthens the capacity of agencies to provide food for the hungry, shelter and housing for the homeless, mental health support services, and substance abuse recovery services for those challenged by additions.

The Portland program uses decommissioned meters placed in various places throughout downtown, in which change can be deposited. The funds are collected on a monthly basis and directed to the service agencies. Also, a voucher program is in place, where citizens can purchase vouchers that can be redeemed for showers, transit and clothing. The vouchers are 25 cents, are available in books of four, can be purchased at various locations around the city, and given to panhandlers instead of spare change. Critical to such a program’s success is constant education and renewed efforts to publicize the program.

The idea is not to drive the homeless out of our city, but to address the problem in such a way that gets everyone involved. After all, this is our city.

$1 billion error caused cash crunch

Austin's toll roads definitely help decrease commutes for many Austinites. I don't use them frequently, but on the occasions that I do, I really appreciate their existence.

One might assume that since the toll roads opened last year, TxDOT is well on their way to paying for their construction. However, in an announcement made early last month, TxDOT stated that they will not accept any new contracts. This sent up a red flag to Texas legislators. Four days later, the department's executive director, Amadeo Saenz, Chief Financial Officer James Bass and three transportation commissioners spent three hours answering questions in an unusual, out-of-session joint meeting of the Senate Finance and the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security committees.

TxDOT officials told lawmakers that agency planners mistakenly counted $1.1 billion of revenue twice, which caused them to commit to more road projects than the agency could handle. The balance sheets and data provided by TxDOT left legislators perplexed and suspicious. The state auditor's office is expected to act quickly.

One of the interim charges of the Texas State Senate Committee on Finance is to "Study the effectiveness of cash management strategies of the state." Well done, Senators; this is a fabulous example of accountability. Despite his hostility during the stern questioning, former Austin Mayor, Senator Kirk Watson, was really paying attention! I love to see my tax dollars hard at work. Thank you to our legislators for giving us something to applaud them for. Austin's toll roads are a lovely addition to our growing city, so let's make sure that the entire project is successful from beginning to end.

To see Ben Wear's article in the Statesman, click here: $1 billion error caused cash crunch

Texas food stamp applications delayed

Now this is an article I can relate to! Not only is it worth reading because it's about other humans, but also because it's an example of bureaucratic injustice. The Statesman's article Texas food stamp applications delayed should be called State's inability to retain new employees cause families to starve to death!

There are 3.7 million Texans on public assistance (Medicaid, food stamps, etc.). The process goes something like this: a need is identified, resources located, appointment made, paperwork filled out, meeting with caseworker, information turned in, verification process, case number assigned, data entry, benefits approved or denied. The best one can hope for when they find themselves in this situation is seamless execution. But what if there are not enough employees to process the applications? Such is the case in Texas, where 676 out of 800 new workers hired since September 2007, have left. The consequence of this is twofold. First, families have to get emergency food from places like SafePlace, Texas Food Bank and churches. Second, available funds to feed deserving hungry families are sitting in the bank! We are paying twice, once with our tax money to fund social services like the food stamp program, and again when we participate in can food drives through the mailman, local scouts and clubs, or donate money to our churches.

The issue addressed in the Statesman glazes over the agencies attrition issue and goes in depth about the ups and downs of the new computer system, TIERS. The state's solution to retain workers? Give 6,000 employees raises and promotions. Ummm, wait a minute. How about incremental raises throughout the year, or wages based on the number of applications processed?

Thankfully, the federal government has standards in place to hold states accountable for timeliness. 95 percent of applications must be processed in 30 days. Right now the data shows that less than half - 48 percent- of Texas applications are being completed within that time requirement.

The Department of Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner, Albert Hawkins, states that benefits are retroactive to the date the person applied. Great. To which Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, replied: "How do you go back and feed a hungry child last month."

While I was enlightened by learning about the old and new computer systems and their efficiency or inefficiency to facilitate benefits for low-income families, this article was found under Public Services, not in the Technology section of the Statesman. I look forward to hearing more on this topic and the progress of public assistance programs to administer help to those in need.