Cautiously Optimistic

I recently wrote an article about the absolute sham that is the Texas marijuana "reform". I am happy to report that it seems our lawmakers do, actually, listen to us. During the prefile time period for the upcoming 85th legislature, multiple bills have been submitted for marijuana policy change. For marijuana in Texas, this past election was a good one; seating numerous pro-pot advocates into our House of Reps and Senate. Bills have been filed to decriminalize, create new courts for first time offenders, legalize, and expand (and reword) our already existing medicinal program.

Two men really stand out from the mix; Rep. Moody and Sen. Rodriguez. This is Rep Moody's 2nd time filing a bill on behalf of reform. His latest, HB 81, would remove the criminality of possession charges up to an ounce. Instead of a jailable offense, the consequences would be lowered to a civil citation and fine of $250. This is, if nothing else, perfect. If we could save the wasted resources spent on incarcerating minor marijuana possession, the state could focus on bettering Texas as a whole. We could spend that saved money on more effort to take down large drug trades (hard drugs), or child trafficking, or even put some money into our failing K-12 public schools. If our law enforcement didn't have to be so distracted with these non-violent crimes, they could be out doing their jobs and protecting us from the real dangers that lurk in every city. Also, to take away the criminal conviction and background would allow so many people to move forward with their lives. The way our system works now, if you have a minor possession charge you are disqualified from home buyers assistance, finacial aide to attend college, job opportunities and more. It just isn't fair that even if someone was sent to jail, paid their fines and completed probation, for the next 7-10 years their lives are put on hold. They are incapable of moving forward; and the pursuit of happiness is taken from them.

Sen. Rodriguez created a companion bill to Moody's; SB 170. This would also decriminalize and set up a civil punishment of a $250 fine for minor possession. Having a bill in both chambers is a wonderful advancement, and hopefully a good indicator of success. Rodriguez has also filed SJB 17, which would allow the citizens of this great state to vote on legalization rather than have the legislature decide for us. This would also be a fantastic idea since around 80% of Texans are in favor of legalization.The only issue there is, will enough people show up to vote? I would like to think that maybe they will. I hope they will. Following in the style of SJB 17, Rodriguez has also filed SJB 18; which would, again, allow voters to vote on legalization; but this time it would be for medical marijuana. We would vote to establish a system much like other successful states. Once again, the question to this however, is will the people show up to vote?

I am hopeful that during this next legislative session, something for the benefit of all will trump the nastiness of several other proposed bills. There are legislators who have filed the most inane, religiously backed, discriminatory bills; but if we could take just one step further into marijuana reform.....maybe there could be a silver lining that Texas could move forward and become more progressive. We are the laughing stock of the nation because of how regressive and backwards we are; so lets try to catch up.

A Response to a Classmate

My classmate Jordan has some interesting words for the Americans protesting Donald Trump's victory. I feel as though he has been swept away in the media's rendition of what is occurring during these protests, as well as a vague, ill-informed theory as to why they are happening in the first place. These protests are not because a particular candidate lost. Hell, some of the people protesting didn't even vote for Hilary Clinton. "The people" did not elect Trump, Clinton has won the popular vote by over 2 million at this point and continues to rise. So no, the people did not choose this man, they chose the lesser of the two evils. The protests are all that can currently be done to bring exposure to, and hopefully stop, any discriminatory actions that may very likely occur now that Trump is our President-Elect. These protests are not simply just anti-policy protests, they are a symbol for all who are afraid that there people who will care for, support, and will come to the aide of all who are targeted. While there is the possibility that Trump himself is not a racists, xenophobic, misogynist twit, there are millions (not all) of people who are and voted for him for sharing their "ideals". Trump, as the new figure head (as my classmate calls him), by not filtering himself, or condemning the actions of his followers, has given the green light to all those who feel deep rooted resentment towards certain groups of people. In the weeks since the election hate crimes have skyrocketed. People are being harassed, bullied, beaten, violated, and property has been vandalized. And this is from the side that won?! This horrible man has allowed a dark secret to re-emerge within our cities and towns. There is very much reason to be afraid, not only of damning and discriminatory policies, but also of their own countrymen. These protests, are not necessarily about Trump, but rather what he stands for. Yes there has been a few accounts of vandalism and violence at these protests, but there are really only a few few cases out of the hundreds that have been, and currently are still, held. Sure they shouldn't block roads, but how else would you get media attention? They want the world to see that they do not agree with, or belong with, the foul humans who voted for a power mad, lying, bigoted asshole. They want those in fear to know that they are not alone. Media attention can be a good thing if used properly. I think my classmate's tone in his article is harsh, un-empathetic, and rather more of a rant than a well thought out comment. Life is very hard, and for these minority groups it is even harder. As long as your skin color is white, and you are some form of God worshiping Christian, life can be relatively simple. These protests aren't "sniveling" kids boo-hooing about a lost election. It is so much more than that. If at any moment people actually stopped and looked into what is happening in our country, they would quickly realize this. So no, I and many like me will not "SHUT THE FUCK UP". We will continue to scream and fight until our lungs give out and our fists bleed. An injustice has been forced upon us and these protests are only the beginning.

Medical Marijuana In Texas: All Hope Might Be Lost

It seems, to me, as though Texas legislators just will not allow Texas to be a caring, understanding and progressive state. Through the model of numerous other states, we have clear evidence of the benefits of medical marijuana to not only the patients who receive it, but also to the economic well-being of the states themselves. Studies have shown time, and time again that, thus far, no negative effects of medical marijuana can be found on the body or brain. Crime rates in a few states that have legalized marijuana have dropped, the quality of life for sick patients has increased, teen marijuana use has dropped. But Texas just won't acknowledge these truths. We are forcibly held, against our will, from moving forward and accepting the advances in medical health. Yes, yes, I am aware that Abbott signed the Compassionate Use Act last year, but there are so many intentional mis-wordings throughout the bill that it is nothing more than words on a paper to appease the masses. The strict language used in the bill only allows one condition as eligible to receive the treatment. One very specific form of epilepsy is permitted to using low THC high CBD oil. Don't get me wrong, I think that's great. I mean...it could also benefit so many other people, but that's fine Texas; lets just dip our toes in the medical marijuana game. Except for the intentional fact that the bill dictates that doctors must "prescribe" the medical marijuana rather than suggest or refer a patient to use it. This specific language automatically prevents any doctor from ever allowing their patients to try medical marijuana. It is still federally illegal and a doctor would lose their licence, if not imprisoned, for "prescribing" the substance. So right off the bat we have a "compassionate" act that can only help one group of sufferers...and they can't even get the medicine because their doctors can not legally prescribe marijuana.

Now, just recently, the Texas Department of Safety has changed the licensing fees for potential dispensaries. The bill initially states that it would allow up to 12 vendors with a modest buy in of $6,000 and $6,000 every two years for renewal. A new amendment has been proposed to cut the number of vendors down to three and charge $1.3 MILLION for entry fees and $975,000 every two years for renewal. This is absurd! Absolute lunacy! This insane price would drive potential vendors away from Texas.We would be lucky if even one company agreed to buy in to this s**t plan. I read in an article by New Cannabis Ventures that mentioned the DPS tries to justify it by saying that they had to hike up the prices because of new requirements they came up with. They now want a State Trooper posted outside each dispensary 24/7 and that would cost them a lot of money to pay those guards, thus the need to make more money off incoming vendors. A lot of people, myself included, are concerned that even if a company did begin operations in Texas, the patients would no longer be able to pay for the medicine due to the company's need to remake some of the money lost just to open.

This whole horrible, deceitful, debacle is absolutely ludicrous. Our government sure does know how to weave loopholes, while doing just enough to get the votes they need for re-election.

The proposed amendments, and outrageous price, is up for a "comment" period until November 28th. I suggest we give 'em hell, and force our will on those a**holes. Let's find out just how open they really are to comments.

What Does A Surge Of Hispanic Voters Mean For Texas?

Political blogger, R.G. Ratcliff, wrote a an article for Texas Monthly's Burka Blog providing some information on how the Hispanic vote could alter the Presidential election in Texas. He writes about how he was once skeptical of a Clinton victory in Texas, but due to a sudden surge of registered Hispanic voters, a Democratic win could be possible. Ratcliff declares that, "There are 532,000 more registered Hispanic surname voters this year than in 2012." He provides evidence to this by citing the Secretary of State's office's numbers of a total of 15 million registered voters this year, with Hispanic surname registration accounting for 23% of those registered. Ratcliff points out that the 15 million registered voters is 1.7 million more than in 2012 and Hispanic registration takes up 30% of that increase alone. He mentions that while the gap in Texas for the presidential race has closed, Clinton is still stuck around the same level that President Obama received from Texas. Again he cites, using multiple sources, polls indicating that Obama received 44% of votes in 2008 and only 41% in 2012. Clinton, depending on which poll you look at, is between 38-46% so far. He also mentions that Trump has lost significant support in Texas, falling from a simple majority to around the mid 40s. He goes on to explain that for Clinton to take Texas, she would need between 950,000-1.2 million Republicans to vote for her, or not vote at all. Luckily for Clinton, Ratcliff says that it looks like half of those voters are either sitting out of the election, or are voting for a third-part candidate. The other half could potentially be covered by the influx of newly registered Hispanic voters. However, he explains that despite the Democrats hoping that the Latino voters would help them to get a foot in the door of Texas, it is a misconception that Latinos will specifically vote Democratic. He explains that in past elections, Republicans have received around 40% of Hispanic votes. For example, George W. Bush received between 40% and half, and Governor Greg Abbott received 44% of the Hispanic vote. He even brings in a recent poll from CBS News' Battleground Tracker Texas which found that 31% of Latinos already plan to Vote for Trump, despite his racist and cruel comments of Mexicans. He ends his statements commenting on how the chances of Clinton taking a victory in Texas are still very low, but if she does, ..."...Republicans can blame Trump, and Democrats can praise the strength of a new Hispanic voting bloc."

I though this article was well put together thought provoking. He provides so much evidence and provides an analysis in a clear and rational way. I find Ratcliff very reliable and I suspect that his intended audience is the citizens of Texas, in an attempt to get people thinking about what the future could potentially hold for us a political state.

Texas's Moral Failing

Ramiro Hinojosa, former infantry sergeant and writer for the Dallas Morning News, has written a scathing commentary,titled 'Denying help to refugees is a moral failure for Texas', criticizing the Texas decision to back out of the refugee resettlement program. He opens with a first-hand account of a personal experience with a refugee. He explains how this boy fled from Baghdad to America at a young age, only to wind up returning to Iraq in 2016 to fight as an American soldier and interpreter. This former refugee went above and beyond the call of duty not only as an interpreter, but also as a soldier. Hinojosa writes, "...he did not turn his back on his adopted country; he served it with honor." He goes on to accuse Gov. Gregg Abbott of having "...cowered to the political winds..." with the decision to pull out of the resettlement program. He asserts that this is a "...moral failing to turn our backs on those refugees seeking solace from a hellish existence for which we, as a country, are partially responsible..."

Hinojosa argues that this withdrawal "does nothing to address the supposed security problem he (Abbott) cites as a concern." Hinojosa claims that Abbott used these safety fears not for the betterment of Texas, but rather to benefit his fundraising. I would have liked to see some more information on this but his detailing stops there. He does however provide a link to an Austin American Statesman article quoting Abbott as using the withdrawal as a fighting point to get donations for his campaign. Hinojosa goes on the to also accuse Abbot of "...in addressing a perceived problem, Gov. Abbott has created a very real one." Quoting the Texas Impact Interfaith leaders, he explains that the decision would "siphon precious nonprofit and faith-based resources..." He explains that without the federal funding that the resettlement program offered, "...our state leaders have shifted the burden to school districts and health facilities and nonprofits..."

Hinojosa offers some light through all of this darkness by mentioning that "...Texans have stepped up He explains that nonprofit volunteer numbers have increased despite the attempted fear mongering. Again, he doesn't provide very much evidence of this, but goes on to comment on how Texans have always been "...a caring and welcoming people." He ends the article writing, "We like to boast about our accomplishments in Texas, and we should be able to brag about outsized levels of compassion, too."

Overall I agree with Hinojosa, that our government has let us down by focusing more so on political gains than on supporting Texas. I feel like he very strongly made his feelings on the matter clear, and the tone of his writing, I believe, would strike a chord within any Texan. His intended audience is very obviously all Texans, as this decision will affect all of us. I think he could have used a bit more evidence with his arguments though. A lot of this article is pure emotion, and I think some rational evidence to back up these emotions would benefit the underlying message.

Concerns Over Medicaid Therapy Cuts

Parents and providers have voiced concern about the fate of $150 million cut on state funded Medicaid payments for disabled children's therapy. The outcome remains unclear as the proposed cut is being battled in the Texas Supreme Courts over its legitimacy. Senate Finance Committee chairwoman, Sen. Jane Nelson, along with Republican lawmakers, believe the state needs to cut back on healthcare spending in an attempt to save money by reducing "wasteful and fraudulent spending" within the healthcare system. Charles Smith, the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services commission explained to the Senate Financial Committee that Texas Medicaid often pays more for therapy services than private health insurance, as well as, more than most other state's Medicaid programs. He predicted that a "reduction in payments would not cause a massive exodus of providers..." Parents and providers, however, are attempting to change the minds of the financial committee. They believe that the cut would be detrimental to the development of their children, and they claimed the disabled children may face setbacks without the benefits of such therapies as; speech, physical and occupational. In-home provider lobbyists have disputed Smith's claim that Medicaid pays more than other payers. Providers claimed the budget cut would drop their Medicaid revenues by 20 to 30 percent, which could lead to some children being denied services, and some providers have threatened to close. Parents testified that for medically fragile children, the budget cuts would do nothing but harm. Mayra Reyes spoke of her two-year old son, who was born with several brain conditions, and the amazing progress he has made due to his various therapies. She worries that the cuts threatened families like hers. In July the Supreme Court ruled that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission would not be allowed to cut any payments to therapy providers until the Justices conclude the ongoing court battle.

This article is important to read because the outcome could effect thousands of children and adults. It is interesting because the proposed healthcare cut is controversial and currently being debated within the Texas Supreme Court. 

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