Should they stay?

The United States was founded on federalism. Federalism is when a system in which governmental powers are divided between a central government and smaller units, such as states. One complicated issue that both national and state governments are in disagreement is illegal immigration and what action needs to be taken. President Obama says we should reward anyone who is willing to work hard and play by the rules. In November of 2012, Obama's administration took action to fix our broken immigration system as much as he could through his immigration accountability executive actions. These actions are cracking down on illegal immigration at the border, deport felons, not families, accountability-criminal background checks and impose a tax for the undocumented immigrants

At a local level, the state of Texas implements the policy that immigrants are prohibited from receiving most public benefits. However, they are allowed to receive emergency services, health care and other programs that protect their life and safety. Even having access to these benefits, they are not safe from deportation or securing employment.

In conclusion, considering these two policies, I would have to agree with federal policy. I do not agree with restricting people's entry into this country, if they are willing to work, pay taxes and contribute to our society. I feel we are all winning in this game of life with this federal policy in place. I think Texas law, is great in providing the bare essentials, but how does this help the immigrants in the long run? They help contribute to our economy, but what do we do for them? I recently read that 72% of Americans believe in allowing illegal immigrants to stay in the country as long as they meet the specific standards, which I feel is further reinstating how federal law is a step in the right direction for finding a solution in illegal immigration. 

Would You Follow Her Lead?

I chose to write about an article from Off The Kuff, that brings to light the issues we have with same-sex marriages. I truly believe everyone should have the same opportunity as the next person, and ask what grounds do we have, to make that decision for someone else? Equality for all, is a subject that has caught my attention, along with discrimination.

The Rusk County Commissioners Court on Monday formally accepted the resignation of County Clerk Joyce Lewis-Kugle, apparently the first Texas elected official to quit rather than abide by the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage. "Before taking office, I was required to take an oath to uphold the laws of this State and the United States." Lewis-Kugle, elected in 2006, wrote in her resignation letter to County Judge Joel Hale last week. "Due to the recent decision by the Supreme Court, the laws I swore to have changed now."

Despite the controversy, I feel Lewis-Kugle made the right decision in stepping down and letting someone who does not have a problem abiding by the law to take over. We are all entitled to our opinions, but to force them on others is wrong. I can appreciate her approach to this difficult issue and wish more people took her lead. If you are in a position of power, do not abuse it, if you disagree. Simply, take yourself out of the equation, Lewis-Kugle may disagree, but I feel she did the most appropriate and respectful thing she could ever do. She did not engage in a direct discussion with anyone on how she does not agree with the law, and did not treat anyone directly with disrespect. There have been other county clerk in the news, that have not taken the same approach as did Lewis-Bugle. I think the author, Charles Kuffner, of this article did a great job in demonstrating the right thing to do in a hard situation, on whether to agree or disagree. He showed two instances of how two county clerks handled this situation and how to target an audience by showing both sides of the issue. Even though I am against discrimination, I can appreciate the approach and action of Lewis-Bugle.

Are You Crazy?

KXAN reported on a topic that has seem to get the people of Bastrop County all riled up. The topic is Operation Jade Helm. This article has sparked my interest, and I feel it is important to relay reliable information as oppose to rumors.

The special operation training, known as Operation Jade Helm 15, is an eight-week exercise from July 15- Sept.15, and is an exercise to Special Operations soldiers in all branches of the military for unconventional warfare. It is happening in not only Texas, but Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Many Bastrop County neighbors have questions to why the soldiers do not train at Fort Bragg, NC., where they have thousands of acres of land. Lt. Col. Mark Lastoria said Realistic Military Training, or RMT, happens off of federal reservations and on private property because soldiers have to learn how to adapt to unfamiliar terrain. Lastoria stated that people hear about RMTs and volunteer their private land to military training, which is what is said to have happened in Bastrop. There is only going to be 60 troops, two Humvees and a tank used to carry water. The training includes role playing, with soldiers in their uniform and others in civilian clothing. There will not be live ammunition, but may use blanks, also medics on hand and fire extinguishers if needed.

With that being said, there is still skepticism about what the government is really doing and what they are here for. Social media has put out theories of martial law and some of the residents of Bastrop County believe this theory,while others do not. I, personally, do not believe the government is training for martial law out there. I believe what is stated, is what is being conducted. My husband is a marine officer and has been apart of one of these exercises before. I think it is wrong for the media to misinform the public and to keep reporting on such ridiculous claims. I believe the military is taking all the proper precautions, especially for safety. I think the author, Anna Wiernicki, targeted the confused audience to be wary of the government. She posted what these people are scared of and how they feel. Some will pry on this making this issue a lot worse than it is. She did state the mayor does not feel like this is an issue and to put people at ease, they have involved the Texas National Guard.

Open Carry, Campus Carry Into Law

An article that interests me was published by KXAN news, about Governor Abbott signs open carry, campus carry into law. This law allows registered Texans to carry concealed handguns on college campuses and to openly carry them virtually everywhere else. This concerns me because i'm worried about the well being of these individuals and myself. I feel the requirements to carry a concealed weapon are pretty relaxed. The requirements are the following: applicants must be 21, pass a background check, receive classroom and shooting range instructions. One major qualification they did not mention is a psychological exam. I believe it is crucial in approving someone with an armed weapon, to go out in the public. Many times people have struggles that they are dealing with and sometimes take the law into their own hands. I feel we will encounter more news stories by this law putting a weapon in the wrong person's hands, if we do not properly scan the individuals. This is a huge responsibility and i just do not think many are fit for this.