Everything is Bigger and Better in Texas!!!

Isn't the saying that everything is bigger and better in Texas a common belief amongst U.S. folk? People need to realize that the time when everything in Texas was bigger and better is long gone. I was also one of the people that also believed in this idea of Texan superiority until my eyes were opened by the document Texas on the brink.

Texas on the Brink ranks Texas against other states by comparing different statistics.  The document Texas on the brink includes statistics from education, environment protection, government spending on citizens, taxes, etc. Overall Texas is better than other states, in the wrong categories.  Sure Texas gives its residents a break when it comes to taxes, but that only means it will also provide less programs and aid to its residents. You better have saved all the money you got from your tax break because you will need it when you need to put a child through education, when you retire, or when you lose your job.

Texas is the 4^th state with highest population living below the federal poverty level; Texas has the highest number of uninsured children, and the 2^nd largest birthrate. These numbers mean that there are many Texan residents in need of government aid but if the state is also broke, who will provide this aid.

Among the categories that Texas leads are environmental hazards not being contained. Texas ranks the highest in amount of carbon dioxide emissions, amount of volatile organic compounds released into air, amount of toxic chemicals released into water, amount recognized cancer-causing carcinogens released into air, etc. It is really sad that people like me are not seeing these statistics, and people who have seen these numbers should try to pass them on to others if Texas is to ever turn around.

Gun Crazy

                Texas is more and more becoming a heaven for gun-loving people. At this time there are several bills that will allow gun possession to expand in Texas. Senate bill 321 will allow for Texan employees to carry guns in their cars at their company’s parking lot. This bill in meant to allow gun possession in parking lots at Texas’ companies and will overrule any policies of Texas employers prohibiting guns.

I personally don’t see a need to have a gun at work inside your car. Most people will spend the vast majority of their time inside the company and not in the parking lot. If someone decides to attack you leaving work or walking to the building you’re probably not going to be able to run back to your car to get your gun. The only way for a Texas employee to be able to use the gun from their car for protection would be if you get attacked while inside your car of if another employee inside his/her vehicle sees the attack.

Another problem with this legislature could be what happens when an employee gets angry at his/her boss or another employee or people with limited shooting experience. People do irrational things when angry or scared and I don’t think it helps to have a gun ready for use after you get fired or reprimanded at work. People are also prone to making human mistakes. Even trained gun-professionals like police officers and soldiers make mistakes when pressed with high risk situations  and I would imagine an average Joe/Jane that only has the minimal requirements for gun possession would make more mistakes in these situations.