Blog 8

http://renatagreen79.blogspot.com/

View from a Broad: Redux

The Deathly Matter of Bullying:

I was able to relate to the message delivered in your blog for several personal reasons.  I'm sure we all have been the victim of bulling at some point and time in our lives.

In elementary school I had several encounters with the “school bullies.”  I was raised in a small town outside of Waco TX, attending an all white school. Being African American during that time, it was to be expected. However, it wasn't called bulling then. It was called discrimination.

After moving to San Antonio in the early 70's and I thought that things would change because we now lived in “the big city”; however, it only got worse.  The kids bullied me on a daily basis for one reason or another. Often it was because my shoes had holes in them or my clothes old or simply because I was poor and black.  I was pushed into the wall in the hall ways after they would walk by and spit on it and being called the “N” word by a group of boys. They would either take my lunch or put something in it to prevent me from eating. I can only think of one time when things got so out of control one of the boy’s parents was called by a teacher (that had enough) requesting a meeting.  After his mother came to the school and listen to my story, she took him home and shaved his head.  She wanted him to see what it was like to be picked and laughed because he looked different.  I never had any problem with him again.

            I agree bullying should be a prosecutable offense.  This should never be allowed regardless. I strongly agree with their parents’ being punished as well but to what level? It’s hard to say.  Often parents are the last to know what their children are doing in school. I truly believe that this is a taught behavior and discipline should start in the home.  Bullying is a serious matter that’s been over looked for a very longtime.

           The only comment I have is you should attach a link of the article about the student who committed suicide would allow the readers see the point of view of his father.  What challenges did his father have to overcome to get the “Anit.bullying Bill” to pass? What should be the punishment be to the bullies? Other than that it was a good blog and an answer to a long time problem.

Blog 7

Amazon.com starts collecting Texas sales taxes in July according to agreement with Comptroller Combs

By:Maria Halkias/Reporter -mhalkias@dallasnews.com  |  Bio

After reading the article I had a flash back to one of the class lectures referring to the possibility of Amazon.com having to pay taxes and the effect that it would have on consumers and the State Revenue. 
         The comptroller's office had estimated that Amazon owed the state $269 million in uncollected sales taxes from 2004 to 2009 and penalties. In addition to operating a distribution center that closed, Amazon owns Carrollton-based Woot.com.  One would have to wonder how and why it took the Comptroller five years to try and collect the taxes owed?

The agreement reached with Texas Comptroller Susan Combs and Amazon.com indicates that it will begin to collect and remit Texas sales tax on July 1, 2012.  Combs and Amazon.com said today the agreement will "lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs in Texas by the online retailer."  As part of the deal, Amazon plans over the next four years to create at least 2,500 jobs and make at least $200 million in capital investments in the state.

After reading Amazon Plays Dumb in Internet Sales Tax Debate,  published back on February 13, 2008, I was able to understand Amazon.com arguments for not wanting to pay taxes on goods purchased online.  According to the Supreme Court ruling of 1992, Amazon was required to collect taxes from their customers when a purchase is made; however, Amazon argued that the costomers that purchased the item owed the taxes. Some have argued that electronic commerce would be hampered by additional tax burden. Who would determine which State taxes would be owed and which calculations rates would be appropriate as well.  This problem was resolved by Walmart.Com when selling items in various places and collecting taxes by following each States rules.  Other distributors were not as successful with handling the dispute over who should or should not collect taxes.

 A distribution center was closed by Amazon.com in Irving a year ago due to the dispute over whether it should collect sales taxes in Texas.  Now this agreement resolves all sales tax issues between Texas and Amazon. This is an important step in the leveling the playing field. It hasn’t been determined where Amazon would open it's new facilities; however, speculations are that the distribution center placement will be located in the highest sales tax collections areas like Dallas and Houston.  Texas will have the ability to obtain all the sales tax revenue.  Combs, feels that congress should enact federal legislation that will give states access to revenues that are due.

Although this appears to be a positive for the State of Texas, several Amazon customers are not so happy. After reading their comments many will opt to take their business else were. Many simply don’t want the extra expenses of sales taxes on top of shipping and handling fees. To them this is not such a great deal after all. The idea of getting the same product from a local retail store for the same price is clearly outweighs having to wait 2-3 days for delivery. 
          
        The message from the Amazon customers’ is clear, “the reason for shopping online is convenience and saving money.

Take your sales tax and Shove It!

I agree with Comb's actions requiring Amazon.com to except the responsible of collecting and remitting Texas sales tax.

      

              

Blog Six-Review of Blog: Hello, Texas

Controversy in $ -"Texans in Congress say they’ll keep backing fighter project despite massive cost overruns"

By Linda Nguyen

 There were several good points throughout the blog that shows how Congress were wasting money instead of being productive in the research of the F-35 lighting II aircraft; however, I’m inclined to think that the cause is worth the research but  the excessive amounts of money spent today would supersede the aircraft's ultimate outcome.  In other words I agree that the $1.4 trillion dollars spent will never be repaid in the delivery of supplies.

The Pentagon, the highest level of security and political era how could this level of stupidity exist?  We all depend on the Defense department to provide daily security for all Americans and still there’s not one or two technicians’ that could design an aircraft to support the all 3 branches of military with the supplies needed to protect the USA.

I disagree that congress it trying to pursue their goals, I believe that Winslow Wheeler (analysis at the Center for Defense) stated it best when he said, “The Pentagon bit off more than they could chew by trying to make one jet that could do so much”.   The fact that the Pentagon has no backup plan in place is really a frightening thought.

I think that the blog was good and the only thing that I would have done differently would be to list the amounts of money that was spent, list some the names of the people that were directly involved in the discussions making and give the purpose for the F-35 Lighting II aircraft as well. (To replace the America Cold War-era fighter jets that’s behind in technology).

                      

Blog 5 - Water Conservation in Texas

Blog 5

The importance of daily water usage

Texas should pass strict water conservation

 

Managing and protecting our water resources is one of the most critical issues facing Texas today. Some are predicting that the populations will double putting more pressure on the existing water supplies.  The fundamental measure of a city’s conservation effort is its progress in improving water use efficiency.

After reviewing ones daily usage of water, many will quickly learn the true value of having water vs. no water.  

My morning like most starts with a simple task of washing my face, brushing my teeth, taking shower, and flushing the toilet in an effort to prepare for my work day. This is something that we all do daily but how often do we stop and asks the question, “What would my day be like if there was no water?” 

           My next encounter was making that first cup of coffee. I can’t image starting my day without it; however, only a true coffee drinker would understand the possible disaster that could happen if the craving for caffeine is not satisfied.

No Water = No Coffee

The repercussions could be devastating

          Continuing on with breakfast, lunch and dinner, still determining the effect of what it would be like not to have water. While sitting in the restaurant having dinner I thought about the how the owner’s may have to make a decision of paying the higher cost of water or would they have to cut back on the usage of water behind closed doors.

The food may still appear to be fine on your plate, but what if the kitchens looked like this?

Dirty restaurants face naming and shaming with new hygiene ratings

In November of 2009, the Austin Water Implemented rising rates, with top ten tiers of $10 per thousand gallons for those who use more than the recommended amount.  When looking at the struggles of the average Austin Homeowners compared to some homeowners that use more than their share of water will make average person very angry.

After reading the article As Austin Struggle with drought, some homeowner use more than share of water    A list of the top ten users from the water utility is of course the homeowners with the most money.   The number one residential user of water in the last four months is Webber, a founder of dot-com. He used more than 1.74 million gallons of water.  This is enough to fill about three Olympic size swimming pools.   Another example is the home of U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, listed as number 7 used 135,000 gallons of water, although he blamed the underground sprinkler system.  As concerned citizens why do we accept his poor reasoning? JUST FIX THE STUPID SPRINKLER!!!  The other names listed as well as the amount of water they used will make one’s jaw drop and head spin.  How is this acceptable?  How is it that the city could assess a penalty of at least $475 (Rolled out on Sept. 6) for having a charity car wash but there’s not a penalty for abusers with money?

The article Drought hurting Lake Travis Businesses  demonstrates the importance of water and the affect the drought has on the businesses.    Austin is known for its water attractions on the lake but business are suffering from the drought, like Carlos and Charlie's, a lake business that depends on visitors spending for revenue.  The average visitor spending has dropped as much as $33.8 million. At least 241 jobs have been lost, accounting for $ 6.1 million in lost wages. Also there was a lost in Sales Tax revenue and hotels receipts by $45,000. A reduction of park visits by as many as 375,000 per year.

Picture of Carlos and Charlie's during 2011 drought

As concerned citizens what are we doing, or might I say, what are we not doing about to help with this major issue. Some may say that the Government should stay out of it, but I beg to differ.  If the Government does nothing at this level then there’s will be no water for later.   First, they should expand regulation on business to reclaimed water for irrigation.  Second, Texas cities should have a low-average rate for frugal water users and higher rates for water abusers.  Finally, Texas law makers should be more proactive in water conservation technologies and research that promote job growth and high water quality for the future.  WAKE UP AUSTIN!   Stop wasting water now because tomorrow will be too late.