Enough already on texting while driving discussions

Lawmakers in Texas are once again discussing stronger enforcements on texting while driving bans.  How long are we going to discuss this?  When will drivers get it through their heads that they can lose their lives along with others’ in a second over a single text message at the wheel of a motor vehicle?  I have not been an angel when it comes to the life risking activity until recently when I nearly crashed my car!  Thirty-nine states currently ban text messaging for a drives, but only four have primary enforcement.  Ten states currently prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving where a police officer may cite a driver for using a handheld cell phone without any other traffic offense. We need to enforce the same law, no cell phone usage while driving.  As a matter of fact, many people are just as distracted from speaking on a cell phone as much as texting.  I know when I am in a conversation, I tend to get lost or miss my exit on the freeway way too often.  It is a distraction, whether it’s texting, dialing a number, looking at the phone to see if an incoming call is a call you want to take or not, and the list goes on.  Just ban cell phone usage completely.  If a call must be made, then simply pull over to a safe spot.  If texting is banned in Texas, how can an officer differentiate whether a driver is texting or just simply making a phone call? Why should it make a difference? In both circumstances the driver of the motor vehicle is being distracted from the road for cell phone activity.  Law makers must stop wasting tax payers’ time and tax money on these repetitious meetings, and just set a statewide specific law on cell phone usage, period.

Texas is Pro-Work, Right?

I couldn’t agree more with Erica Grieder’s blog in "The Texas Monthly."  Her claim is that Texas should raise the minimum wage rate.  Her intended audience is for those that oppose to the hike, and she brings up valid points to consider the benefits Texas may gain as a result.  Obama called for a national raise to its minimum wage rate.  While this can ultimately benefit the low in-come/poverty stricken working class of America, could especially benefit Texas.   While many will argue that raising the minimum wage rate will hurt private sector businesses, at the same time it can help their profits.  As Grieder discusses the fact that Texas is one of only four states without state income tax, it relies heavily on sales tax for its general revenue funds.  If Texas hiked the minimum wage, it would see an increase in sales tax receipts.  Grieder also brought up a valid point of Texas’s known values and by raising the minimum wage it surely prove a point to national critics who don’t think we have worthy values.  I especially agree with Grieder’s statement, “If Texas wants to have fewer people living in poverty, it’s going to need the working poor to earn more money.”  One aspect of this statement is the amount of people who rely heavily on social services such a food stamps to help feed their family even when they are already working 40 or more hours a week making minimum wage pay.  People who make strong efforts to support themselves and their families should not have to work even more to make ends meet.  There are too many people taking advantage of social services and unemployment benefits due to laziness and the arrogant attitude of getting handouts without trying to work.  There needs to be a line somewhere, and the line needs to benefit the poor working class!