Blog 8: Response to the Extreme DWI Law

This blog is in response to a fellow student (Lone Star Showdown).  It details a new law that has gone into effect in Texas called the Extreme DWI Law.  This article gives some facts about the law as does my fellow student.

Basically, the new law states that anyone that takes a breathalyzer and blows a .15 or higher, will be subjected to the terms of the new law.  The punishment for an individual convicted could be a year in jail and a $4,000 fine -- double the penalty for a regular DWI.

I agree with my classmate that this is really a no-brainer to support.  I don't see any negative consequences for the new law.  However, my question is, will this actually impact the number of intoxicated drivers on our roads?  Does the new law provide any disincentive to intoxicated drivers over what current laws already provide?  Probably not.  If someone is okay with driving drunk at a level of .14, another 100th of a percent won't stop them.

I do think this is a good form of punishment if the person is caught driving this intoxicated.  But I'm assuming the law was meant to be a deterrent.  One problem with that is, how many people actually know about this law?  I can tell you that I didn't before reading this blog.  How effective can the law be if 50% of the population doesn't know about it?

In summary, I'll just say I agree with my classmate that anyone driving at a level of .15 does deserve an extra penalty so that hopefully it will keep them from repeating in the future.  I just wish there was a better method to spread the word and hopefully discourage people from getting behind the wheel if they are EXTREMEly drunk (or of course just a little drunk).

I'll take that bet!

I found an article on Austin American Statesman's website that I agree with.  The author of the article is Tim Eaton who's duties are to write about The House, gambling, insurance, agriculture, and health care reform.  This article was about the possibilities of expanding the legality of gambling in Texas.  He goes to explain that in the upcoming Legislative session, the topic is thought to have some merit due to the increasing budget shortfalls in Texas.  We are thought to be looking at a $18 billion shortcoming.

I completely agree that Texas is past due for legalizing gambling.  The article above talks mainly about just allowing race track owners to have slot machines onsite.  But if you look at the long term, I really think Texas should look at allowing full scale casinos to be permitted.  Currently, adults travel to either Louisiana or Oklahoma by car, or even Las Vegas to spend their hard earned money.  That means we are allowing other states to capitalize on the taxes from this money.  Texans are spending billions of dollars in states other than Texas.  What a shame, what a waste.  Pennsylvania approved slot machines at race tracks to lure gamblers back from West Virginia who allowed the machines.  But a short time after that, lawmakers voted to allow table games.  This really speaks to the idea that if you're going to allow any gambling, I feel that you should just allow full casinos.  I don't understand the idea that morally it's ok to play a slot machine, but it's not ok to play a hand of blackjack.

While there may be some social costs to the out of control gamblers, I think it's still a winning proposition. 

 

Jack Pratt who works for the Texas Gaming Association is requesting that Texas add 12 "world-class destination resort casinos" across the state.  I love the idea. For a change, lets get our neighboring states to come to Texas and contribute to our revenues! 

    

I guess this topic resonates with me because my wife and I actually enjoy going to the casinos in Louisiana.  My parents go there often.  While I don't love losing my money at a casino, I'd still rather lose it in Texas and benefit my state, my children's education and my taxes.

Blog 6: Comments about Red State, Blue City

     I took the time to read through each of my classmates blogs and knew immediately that the blog posted by Red State, Blue City was the one I needed to comment on.  The blog concerns the problems and frustrations with education system in Texas in relation to performance and budgeting.

     I agree wholeheartedly with the author, who is a mother of two who have gone through the school system.  The attachment I have to this article is my two young children that are both in the public Texas education system.
     I really can appreciate the facts laid out in my classmates blog as she does a really good job of painting the grim picture that is the reality of our education in Texas.
     We are growing faster than most every state, while we are being forced to cut school district budgets severely. I, again also agree with my classmate that improving the education budget and performance should be a priority no matter the cost. I agree that legalized gambling could bring in SO much more revenue for the state of Texas.  Money that is currently pouring across the borders into Louisiana and Oklahoma.
     It's very sobering to see the facts as to where Texas ranks nationally on the test scores. With the resources that Texas has available, the education system should NOT be suffering the way that it is!