Contraband...Effects Prisoners AND Guards

Prisoners get severely punished for possessing contraband, but how do the items even get into the facility to begin with? Yes, some inmates manage to smuggle banned items, but we all know there is a much more direct route, security guards. I recently read a blog from Grits for Breakfast, updating us on the current contraband issues in our state prisons.

According to the blog, currently everyone coming in and out, including staff, must be searched when entering and exiting prison facilities, because certain contraband are on the rise. Employees are disgruntled about the requirements. They feel as though, "pat searches are triggering dozens of grievances and formal complaints." Also, employees, "have complained they are not being allowed to bring in lunches and other personal items." Through one of the websites included in the blog, it spoke about how cell phones are making their way beyond bars. In this article, it reveals how some inmates bring cell phones into the prison system. Some get through security by placing the cell phone and charger in their own rectums. Not every visitor was screened on visits. Security guards found it easy to take bribes because they do not feel like they have a high enough salary. The officers did not get as sever of sentences as prisoners caught with contraband.

I believe this blog was written for audiences of all ages. The vocabulary is not all too sophisticated. Although, it depends on who might actually be interested in the contraband problem within the prison system. In that case, I would say this article was written for ages 25 and up. I feel as though this blog is solely informative. The author did not seem to be biased in any way about contraband, merely informing audiences of the current situation. Personally, I think the security guards should not complain about the extra security sweeps. Yes, they may not be able to bring some of their personal items with them to work, but they ought to know that is the requirements of being a security guard. It comes with the territory. Also, the new policies probably would have never come to light if employees would not have taken bribes and brought contraband in to begin with. I think it is completely unfair that prisoners caught with banned items were sentenced from 2 to 40 years, whereas guards only served 8 days.

Judges: The Unkown Law Makers

What do you think of when you think of a judge? Typically, the image of a man with a powdered, curled wig and gavel comes to mind. There is much more to a judge than this sterotypical image. I read a commentary in the Austin American Statesman called, "Why Electing Good Judges Matters," by Craig Enoch. With his help, I will tell you why every citizen should be well informed when it comes to electing judges.

Judges have more power and responsibility than many citizens realize. As Enoch so appropriately wrote, "The Legislature is charged with writing laws. Judges are empowered to interpret and apply them." Through their interpretations, judges can create laws concerning every aspect of the average citizen's life. Thus, as Enoch believes and I completely agree with, citizens must take care when it comes to voting for judges because their influence, like so many other political offices, can change our lives.

I believe Craig Enoch, an Austin lawyer and former Texas Supreme Court justice, wrote his commentary with the intention of reaching older indiviuals. He writes, "most Texans make sure they know their children's teachers before sending them to school. Most learn about their doctors before entrusting their health to them." This indicates to me that he is addressing an older audience, because most youth do not have children or worry about doctors. I believe that we need to not only reach the older generation, but the younger as well. Yes, the older generation may have the ability to vote, but if we do not keep our youth informed, when they reach voting age, they will not use their new right wisely.

Is beauty worth $87 million?

Is beauty worth $87 million? How much would you pay to improve roads and develop park lands? If you believe in beautifying a city, how would you propose financing such a venture? The following summary of an article I read in the Austin American Statesman (http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/10/09/1009georgetownbond.html) will reveal how Georgetown is attempting to further develop and adorn their city.
On the November 4th ballot, citizens will find an $87 million bond, consisting of two propositions, that would create a large new park, restore existing park buildings, and expand roads. One proposition, for road projects, will cost $44.2 million. Parks and recreation projects, the other proposition, will cost $36.5 million. Issuing the bonds will cost $6.3 million. The mayor, George Garver, thinks the bond propositions will pass considering recent surveys reveal that citizens believe the improvements will better their city. The bonds will be funded through higher property taxes, ranging from a 3 cent to an 8 cent increase annually.
I believe it is important for readers, particularly Georgetown inhabitants, to read this article to be better informed about local news. By ignoring current events, people are in jeopardy of undergoing critical changes that might have been prevented. Personally, I like the idea behind the bond. Cities will continue to require some form of restoration and improvement. But I think the city officers ought to find a different way to fund such projects. By being uneducated about this bond, Georgetown citizens may end up paying higher property taxes and not even know why.