Commentary on a Commentary

Miss Petals commentary http://texasgovblog.blogspot.com/ on the abortion laws in Texas is a very interesting topic to write about.

I like that she chooses this prevailing and controversy topic. And, I also like that her commentary is well organised.

First, she introduces the reader to the stated example and gives a brief background information about the article in the Texas Tribune. In the middle section, she gives more background information about the abortion Bill that was passed in Texas. Her opinion is stated at the very end.  

I think she did a good job and made it very clear, what the article is about. Though, I am not truly convinced by the argument. I wish, she should have shown, just one or two more examples that support her argument. Either than that, very well done.

Is "Fracking", the answer?

So what is there else to say?

Fracking is a very successful way to get access to oil and gas. When we see the low prices of gas, we are happy to pay less. No doubt about it. But, would we still be happy about the price, if it comes with a high cost of our own health?

“Fracking”, everybody heard about “Fracking”, but does anyone know exactly what it is and what it will cause?

“Hydraulic fracturing”, is a technique to gain access to gas or oil from shale rock. Fracking is the procedure of injecting water, sand, and chemicals into the rock at a high pressure to led the gas flow out to the head of the well.

This procedure gets more and more explored and shows it’s effectively. In 2012, Texas had listed over six thousand oil and fracking wells in the state. But, while exploring the technique, there is a cost, to pay.

First of all, Fracking uses humongous amounts of water, that the state needs more for their civilians. Furthermore, the chemicals that get pressed into the rock may contaminate the groundwater. Our own water, that who knows what these will do to our health. And, research shows that fracking can cause earthquakes.

In November 2014, the Texas town, Denton, wanted to ban Fracking in city limits, because the civilians were concerned about the environment and also the unknown outcome what comes with the procedure of Fracking. Unfortunately, they lost the lawsuit against the major gas companies. Fracking will definitely grow in the next couple of years. But, to what cost? That is the question.

We don’t know what Fracking will do exactly to the environment, but there is a price to pay. But, we will probably find out in a view years, when its usually to late.

So, while you have a hint on the gas price, think about the price it also comes with.

Editorial Comment

This editorial comment "School discipline takes a needed, mindful change", from Laura Buckman, published on the 22 of February in the Star-Telegram Newspaper, discusses the disputed "Zero Tolerance Policy”, in Texas Public Education system.

The author in this comment critiques the political decision that was made by the State of Texas in the year 1995 when Texas government adapted the "Zero Tolerance Policy", for all public schools in Texas.

First, the author gives an informal introduction to the topic, which makes it not really clear to the reader, what the author want to comment on. But, towards the second paragraph, it gets pretty clear, what the article or comment critiques on.

In general the author follows the guidelines of a well written, editorial. The author represents the topic, which is discussed. Furthermore, she gives the reader a short overview and a little bit of background information about the topic, which is; Why and when Texas law decided to adapt the “Zero Tolerance Policy”. Then, she states facts about the present and introduces the reader to the new law, that will change the “Zero Tolerance Policy”, into a different way of “thoughtful decisions on expelling students”.

The author gives us some examples that can defend her opinion, but the comment needs more details or facts about why Texas schools would benefit from the new law that would change the “Zero Tolerance Policy. “

The author’s tone in this commentary is sometimes informal for instance the expression “ cracked down hard”, would usually not be used in a formal newspaper. But, since it is editorial, I think, it is fine.

All in all, the article gives the reader a slightly overview about the topic “Zero Tolerance Policy“, but I critique the author´s lack of given examples to defend her opinion and that she does not tell the reader , what the “Zero Tolerance Policy“, actually represents.

The article "Cheerleader Case can proceed, State Supreme Court Rules", from the Texas Tribune, is about a high school cheerleading squad, which is suing for their right to use religious banners at football games.

The event occurred in 2013, when the cheerleader squad first waved their banners, and got instructed by the Kountze Independent School District, to stop painting Bible verses on the banners. After the ordered school restriction, the cheerleaders parents filled out a lawsuit of their own, to fight for their children’s right; Freedom of speech.

The case has been in the legal system ever since. Last Friday, the Texas Supreme Court revealed, that the lawsuit will be continued, because  “the ban could reasonably be expected to be reinstated.”

In this article there are two arguments involved; the separation of church and state and the freedom of religion/religious tolerance. If the cheerleading squad is a direct representation of the school and it’s believes, than it crosses the boundaries of the separation of church and state. But, if it’s the personal volition of the students cheerleading squad, than it could be viewed as religious freedom, if there is not a third party involved. For instance, if there is a chance created by the coach or an employee by the school, and not fully by the cheerleaders themselves, that would change the whole situation of the lawsuit.

I find this article very interesting, because its ongoing, and it gives us a very well view on how lawsuits are proceeded in the Texas Law System.