Education as a Necessity

For most of history universities have allowed those with exceptional intelligence to expand their knowledge and make for a better life.  Even at the present time, many believe they can make a good living without some university level education, and some certainly will.  However, as manufacturing processes become embalmed in robotics, the demand for traditional blue collar jobs will decline while opportunities for those with a formal education that can control production machines will rapidly increase.  Texas hosts’ many major research universities and has a multitude of programs to help individuals finance school.  Despite current programs, Texas, and America on a whole, is failing to enroll potential first generation college students and further, is not producing a work force tailored to the fast growing IT industry.

For most first generation college students the biggest issue seems to be establishing a start point.  Having no family input available, and with overcrowding in public schools, the information on where and how to begin a college career is not laid in plain sight for most seventeen-eighteen year old high school students.  Some schools, such as Austin Community College, have made considerable efforts in simplifying the process by providing perspective students a “road map” to college.  Another method for drawing in a crowd with no known direction is through the establishment of state and private programs providing assistance to those considering a college education.  Such programs could play a key role in creating a strong Texas work force that can meet the demands of a high tech economy.  Some programs, such as Con Mi Madre (read more hear) have already had a positive impact and helped individuals wanting to attain a formal education.

An issue not to be ignored is the chosen career paths of students once enrolled at a college or university.  Undoubtedly, there will always be a higher demand for those with a bachelor’s degree over those without.  Given advancement in technology in the last decade, though, there is a discernibly large gap between technically orientated majors (science/engineering) and all other majors.  Simply put, many employers do not see those without a Bachelor’s of Science as capable of performing at their expected level.  Failure to meet these expectations has many second and third order effects including unemployment and outsourcing.  Additionally, over a long enough period of time education will become the limiting factor in technological advancement.  Universities can take a step forward through the presentation of more scholarships for technical majors as well as eliminating any affirmative action programs in affected departments.  Federal and state programs offering an increase in grants available for needed majors could also impact the number of prospects to graduates.  Lastly, employer incentives, such as student loan repayment, tuition assistance, and guaranteed placement after graduation allows industry to directly dictate the education they feel their employees need. 

The number of college educated adults is constantly rising, but currently not a rate that can keep up with the demands of industry.  Considering education is the basis of any high tech economy, it is critical for these issues to be properly addressed in the near future. 

     

Formula 1 Fun

     Austin is home to a very interesting, and specific, demographic.  The city is full of young professionals with occupations in high tech industry.  When one adds in the diverse ethnic population generated by the University of Texas, the result is a field of individuals with money and time to indulge themselves in leisure activities. This crowd is usually drawn to major festivals such as South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and Fun Fun Fun Fest, however, on November 18^th a special treat is available.  For the first time since 2007 the United States will host a Formula 1 race.  The newly constructed Circuit of the America’s track, located in southeast Travis County, has an expected manifest of 200,000, many coming in from out of country.  The anticipated crowd has the potential to cause serious problems, but also presents many opportunities.

     One major issue still to be fully addressed is traffic in the surrounding area.  Austin is already known for having some of the worst traffic in the country.  When accounting for the additional 200,000 expected to be in town on race weekend, one is forced to wonder the outcome.  Certain measures have been taken, such as offering helicopter flights from several locations around Austin to the track, to alleviate congestion.  It is highly unlikely that the counter measures put into effect will qualm the issues and chances are that only after witnessing the magnitude of the event will the problem be properly solved.  One potential side effect of the traffic is a heavily reduced response time from emergency services should they be necessary.

     Security will also remain president over race weekend.  The influx of foreign travelers to Austin will have to be tended to by especially sharp TSA agents, while local authorities make an effort to provide a safe environment for the guests of Texas.  Any riot, act of terrorism, or Act of God could quickly and easily escalate to a catastrophic disaster.

     Despite the responsibility accrued with hosting an international event, there are certainly many benefits.  By far, the greatest opportunity lies in the financial departments of local business.  All traveling in from out of town will need lodging and food, which the hospitality industry of Austin is more than ready to take on.  Revenue generated by ticket and concession sales will certainly give a huge boost to an already healthy Austin economy. 

     In conjunction with the hospitality and restaurant sales, Central Texas can expect to see new high tech automotive industry establish itself in the area, generating high-end long term jobs.  Additionally, it would be of no surprise to many to see an increase in sports car sales and participation at other tracks in the area.

     All in all, Austin is very fortunate to be receiving such attention in the coming weeks.  All other cities supporting a Formula 1 track are the cultural and business centers of the world.  Austin’s, as well as Texas’, perception by the world population will certainly be elevated in establishing this major event.    

Read other F1 stories here

Vote straight R? Tell Us Why?

     While everyone is certainly entitled to supply their opinion to the masses, some are better instated than others.  These well sounded opinions can be seen as well-grounded arguments offering an informed view; those lacking in quality are brushed to the side as an un-educated rants.  David Jennings’ article, “Early voting starts today in Texas – vote straight R,” posted in Big Jolly Politics, is an attempt to persuade voters to lean right as they head to the polls this year.
   
      Jennings clearly establishes his conservative view point as he wishes to end the “four year nightmare known as the Obama administration,” with this year’s elections.  There are many individuals, especially Texans, looking to do their part to return power to Republicans on the national level and need no push, rhyme, or reason to do so.  However, many other (presumably more educated) voters would prefer to see some substantiating evidence before making any such decision.  Critical details as to why the Obama administration has been a “four year nightmare” are completely lacking.  Jennings presents no statistics, numbers, or failures of the Obama administration that are required to effectively sway the voting mass.  Even a simple sentence regarding an issue, such as the current unemployment level, would provide Jennings a foothold for his audience to get on.  The argument against the current administration lack logical persuasion, relying solely on ethos present in Jennings’ audience.
   
     On the other end is the argument in favor of voting Republican.  Jennings makes an attempt to back the Republican effort by stating Texas’ economy has thrived under conservative control.  Once again, however, there are no numbers or anecdotal examples supporting this claimed success.  Heavy reliance is placed on the emotions of the reader, using phrases such as “winning team” to create a positive psychological attachment to the Republican party.

     Jennings further attempts to distract his readers from the lack of empirical data by placing focus on the inability of the standard voter to make an informed decision on every elected position.  It is, undeniably, difficult for the average voter to be well versed in every candidate’s campaign, but resources are available to more quickly inform constituents on candidates primary philosophies and general stand point on issues.  The ability and willingness of individuals to take action in order to submit an informed vote should never be underestimated.

     Jennings does do the audience the favor of listing dates and times for voting as well as providing a link for voting locations; all critical information to the voting populous.  In general though, it seems Jennings is simply pushing for Republican votes without providing a firm argument in his favor.
 
Read the original blog here

Publically Elected Equates to Publically Open

     When constituents elect an official to office, it is assumed that individual has been selected due to their ability to best represent their people.  With this implication comes the expectancy of the elected officials to be honest and open in all that they do.  One can not expect to be elected and then conduct business behind closed doors.  Results of such action are many, few of which are for the better.  Certainly, there are certain issues that are best kept out of public ear shot; military funding being a good example.  With that said, more often than not it is in the best interest of the officials and the public to maintain open doors on a given issue.

Even at the municipal level elected officials have a level of power that much succeeds that of the average citizen.  Decisions they make can heavily influence business, criminal law, and even reach the federal level when issues escalate to the level of the Supreme Court.  For example; if officials meet in private to discuss the acquisition of land to create a new landfill, those that own the surrounding land are sure to be effected in their decision.  By ensuring that elected officials must present these topics to the public produces the opportunity for those with owning this theoretical land to object and make an effort to maintain their property value or receive proper compensation from the government.   

       Six years ago fifteen Texas officials were convicted of conducting business in private, and attempted to evade charges stating that it was a violation of the First Amendment to force covered issues to be available to the public.  The case made its way to the Supreme Court where the argument of the officials was said to be "nonsensical."  I, along with the article from the Houston Chronicle, agree with this decision.  It is absurd to believe that it is an infringement on anyone's First Amendment's rights to make any communication public.  Following the intent of the First Amendment leads one to believe that, if anything, it pushes for openness in government meetings.  Of further distraught to all should be the fact that, being public officials, taxpayers have been footing the bill for this case for the past six years.  The Houston Chronicle has done an excellent job in bringing this issue into the public's eye and properly addressing it.

    It appears the threat of a $500 fine and six weeks imprisonment is not enough to prevent officials from attempting to meet in private and govern Texas.  It is now on the shoulders of the constituents to take action against closed door politics by looking for some honest officials in future elections, and much credit is due to the Houston Chronicle for bringing such travesty to the attention of all.         

Read the original article here.

Connotation of Truth

It is the duty of the judicial branch of government to interpret the written laws governing an institution and any given body of people.  It is, however, the prerogative of the governed people to keep the institutions in check.  Often time’s officials will play on the connotation of a word to their advantage.  In the case of the Truth-in-Taxation laws (Article VIII, Sec 21 of Texas Constitution), established in 1978, government expenditures were to be made clear to tax payers.  As time has passed though, the Truth-in-Taxation laws have been contorted into, in some cases, a 52 step process to illustrate the dispersion of tax funds.  One possibility for the increased complication is an effort to conceal funds being misappropriated by government officials.  Credit is due to representatives who, at the 82^nd legislature, created guidelines to simplify and clarify the Truth-in-Taxation laws.  It is good to know that there are officials making an effort to bring the original intent of laws back, but it is also rather disturbing to know that the past 34 years have been filled with officials looking for ways to contort the “truth” in Truth-in-Taxation to their advantage.   

Original Article - Getting the Whole Truth About Taxation