Economy vs Environment

 The article Texas Insider Report suggest the possibility of the Keystone Pipeline being an option for President Obama in the event that he wins a second term. The question is whether or not the project would be environmentally safe. The Keystone Pipeline would be used to transfer toxic tar sands from Canada to the Gulf Coast in order to be refined into oil and then exported. Critics of this project state that it could have a devastating negative effect on the environment. In fact according to the NRDC, “Tar sands oil is not only difficult, costly and energy-intensive to produce but also dirtier and more corrosive than conventional oil. Leaks and spills threaten rivers, aquifers and communities all along the route.” However supporters of the project push that the Pipeline will, on the positive side, generate more jobs. Frankly I think that destroying or at the very least putting the environment at risk in order to create more jobs and strengthen our economy is senseless. As it is currently we are dealing with some heavy issues concerning the future of our environment and we should be taking steps to finding solutions on how to restore the damages done and not making things worse.  Also as stated by the U.S. State Department the majority of the jobs created would be only temporary so the keystone Pipeline as a solution to our unemployment and economy would be pointless. If our goal is to improve our economy then we should do so by investing in finding more innovative environmentally safe resources. I would think this would be an ongoing process and would generate permanent jobs.  

Funding for Charter Schools Investigated

When it comes to the Capital Annex blog I agree that the decision of the terms and provisions for funding to charter schools should be at least partially based on the successfulness of previous and current operating charter schools in the state. It is understandable for the state to be concerned about whether or not their money is being used properly. However I also believe that financing shouldn’t be the main concern or method of measurement when it comes to assessing the educational institutions criteria of curriculum and proper construction. As for the use of Turkish teachers and affiliation with the Turkish I am not sure how that would be a relevant concerning funding of the charter school of Harmony Schools.  

Alcohol at the Alamo Hall?

Decision to allow alcohol at Alamo Hall gets mixed reaction Eileen Pace - Texas Public Radio

"The Daughters of the Republic of Texas issued a statement saying they strongly 

object to serving alcohol at the Alamo complex. "

When I first came across this article I felt that the idea of allowing alcohol to be consumed at a historical site seemed somewhat disrespectful and inappropriate. However after further examining the story I came to the realization that the proposal could have a positive outcome for the venue as well as the people. This is done by the venue would generating more income for the state and the economy by attracting a broader range of guests and exposing the average person, then more attracted to the venue, to some history and culture.   While the consumption of alcohol might generally have a negative connotation attached to it, it is also known to play a minor role in our historical background as well as culture as citizens of Texas.  So let’s not forget we are Texans and we are expected to emanate Texas pride and what’s more Texan than engaging ourselves at an historical landmark with fellow Texans and tourist while having a couple beers and possible getting a little rowdy.