These are from the 25 multiple choice questions I gave to my two 2301 classes this week (34 students total). The average number correct was 13, just over half. I have no idea what the high and low grades were but I noticed a couple that went through the scanner that scored 22. I might want to get you two to pick up a lecture for me now and then.
These are the things my students seem to know:
- unjust rule by a group in power is called tyranny (89% correct)
- the unalienable rights include life liberty and the pursuit of happiness (83%)
- most Americans believe in the equality of opportunity, individual liberty and democracy (80%)
- the Constitution grants only expressed powers to the national government (77%)
- the inclusion of the Bill of Rights was the most important task of the first Congress (74%)
They didn't know the following:
- the necessary and proper clause allows for the expansion of national power (14%)
- Hamilton said the Bill of Rights was not necessary since national powers were limited (18%)
- police powers are reserved for the states (30%)
- parties are different than interest groups because they elect their members to office (30%)
- the Bill of Rights defines people as separate from government (33%)
Any surprises?
The results might be skewed a bit high since multiple choice tests present students options. I also asked students to define key terms. These results are a bit more disappointing.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
And if the Bolo Tie Was Not Enough...
HCR 15, again if it is signed by the governor, will officially designate Athens, Texas as the birthplace of the Hamburger.
Here's the scoop.
Here's an opposing viewpoint.
But can you trust the web (or the Texas Legislature while we're at it)?
Here's the scoop.
Here's an opposing viewpoint.
But can you trust the web (or the Texas Legislature while we're at it)?
Can't Hardly Wait
You're looking at the official State Tie of Texas, assuming Rick Perry signs HCR 12.
The photo was taken from the website of A.G Russell Knives.
A Star is Born?
As predicted once Samuel Alito was confirmed, the Supreme Court continues its march to the right, but no one could have predited that the beneficiary would be an increasingly irritated Ruth Bader Ginsburg--a superstar in the making.
In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Inc. the justices determined (by the unsurprising 5-4 breakdown) that a woman's sexual discrimination suit against her employers was not filed in a timely fashion and was dismissed. The dispute concerns when exactly the discriminatory act happened.
Pundits argue that this decision--along with the ruling on partial birth abortion--was a consequence of Sandra Day O'Oonnor's retirement and replacement with the more conservative Alito. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the court's lone female and is none too pleased with that fact:
The political fallout--if there is one--will be interesting to watch. Will women shift more to the Democrats in order to bolster their civil rights? Nothing mobilizes like loss. Polls should tell us whether this is occurring relatively soon. Democrats are already pledging to change the law in question to allow for such lawsuits to go forward, a direct responce to Ginsburg's plea.
In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Inc. the justices determined (by the unsurprising 5-4 breakdown) that a woman's sexual discrimination suit against her employers was not filed in a timely fashion and was dismissed. The dispute concerns when exactly the discriminatory act happened.
Pundits argue that this decision--along with the ruling on partial birth abortion--was a consequence of Sandra Day O'Oonnor's retirement and replacement with the more conservative Alito. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the court's lone female and is none too pleased with that fact:
"The word I would use to describe my position on the bench isShe sees this as a blow to her efforts, shared by O'Connor, to make it more difficult to treat women unequally before the law. Commentators made note of the fact that he not only wrote the dissenting opinion, she read it from the bench--which is how SC Justices show that they're ticked off. They predict that her stature may increase as a result. Expect more dissents read from the becnh.
'lonely,' "Ginsburg told USA Today this year. Asked what
difference O'Connor's departure would make, Ginsburg said
only: "This term may be very revealing."
The political fallout--if there is one--will be interesting to watch. Will women shift more to the Democrats in order to bolster their civil rights? Nothing mobilizes like loss. Polls should tell us whether this is occurring relatively soon. Democrats are already pledging to change the law in question to allow for such lawsuits to go forward, a direct responce to Ginsburg's plea.
Wrapping up the Texas Leg
My summer classes will be outlining the various bills passed by the Texas Legislature. We will go over a list of bills in class tomorrow. This page links to various wrap up articles on the Texas Legislature in state newspapers but they aren't very useful since they don't give us the bill number.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Riding the Circuits
Early Supreme Court members did it. Here's an argument that they should do it again.
A great point made by Timothy Sandefur:
" . . . one of the biggest reasons the Justices rode circuit was to explain the Constitution and its legal order to regular citizens. In fact, many of the great early Supreme Court pronouncements (like the wonderful Van Horne’s Lessee v. Dorrance are actually not decisions at all, but speeches made by the justices to juries, as part of this civic educational process.) True, the Justices today aren’t exactly John Marshalls or Joseph Storys. But they are the leaders of the legal profession in this country, and it is their duty to explain the constitution and the law to citizens."
Has the court system grown too detached from the citizenry?
A great point made by Timothy Sandefur:
" . . . one of the biggest reasons the Justices rode circuit was to explain the Constitution and its legal order to regular citizens. In fact, many of the great early Supreme Court pronouncements (like the wonderful Van Horne’s Lessee v. Dorrance are actually not decisions at all, but speeches made by the justices to juries, as part of this civic educational process.) True, the Justices today aren’t exactly John Marshalls or Joseph Storys. But they are the leaders of the legal profession in this country, and it is their duty to explain the constitution and the law to citizens."
Has the court system grown too detached from the citizenry?
Religion, the Enlightenment, and the Founding of the U.S.
This goes beyond the subject matter we're currently covering in class, but we'll hit it hard this summer.
Toleration is considered to be an essential component of democratization, but it has an Achille's Heel. Can tolerant societies survive if that toleration is applied to the intolerant? An example is religions such as radical Islam.
Religious authorities during the colonial period were not especially tolerant either--ask Roger Williams--but the generation that wrote the Constitution was and assumed that freedom of conscience (religion) was an essential component of a free society. Just what this implies for the level of their religiosity, and what role religion is meant to play in the governing process continues to be debated.
Here are some provocative posts. The authors not only suggest that the American founders combined religion with the enlightement, but argue that Islam need to do the same.
Are they being too easy on religious tolerance? Is there an American religious orthodoxy?
Toleration is considered to be an essential component of democratization, but it has an Achille's Heel. Can tolerant societies survive if that toleration is applied to the intolerant? An example is religions such as radical Islam.
Religious authorities during the colonial period were not especially tolerant either--ask Roger Williams--but the generation that wrote the Constitution was and assumed that freedom of conscience (religion) was an essential component of a free society. Just what this implies for the level of their religiosity, and what role religion is meant to play in the governing process continues to be debated.
Here are some provocative posts. The authors not only suggest that the American founders combined religion with the enlightement, but argue that Islam need to do the same.
Are they being too easy on religious tolerance? Is there an American religious orthodoxy?
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Saving Justice
With Monica Goodling set to testify tomorrow before Congress on possible political motivations behind the firings of U.S. attorneys, the following article states that Congress must save the Justice Department. One assumes from the White House.
A Joke, a Sad, Sad Joke
Now that the historical Fourth Ward (Freedmen's Town) has been effectively scrapped off the map, the remaining residents are reduced to fighting to preserve the remaining bricked streets.
It's nice to see the signs up designating the area a historic district. The irony is hard to miss.
It's nice to see the signs up designating the area a historic district. The irony is hard to miss.
Toast?
Speaker Craddick's leadership style is now being blamed for the legislature's stagnancy. Says the Chron: "Midnight tonight [5/22] is the deadline for House approval of all nonlocal Senate bills on second reading. Some 202 bills had been set for review on Monday and today, but only a handful had been acted on by Monday evening."
Reports suggest that he's now spending more time trolling the house floor for support against an expected insurgency than pushing for legislation.
Here are related articles:
- Craddick called to step down: GOP committee chair urges him to avoid '18 months of hell' in Legislature.
- Craddick challenge in House widens. Member calls for speaker to quit post after second candidate files.
- Craddick a velvet fist in an iron glove: Foes try to reconcile speaker's soft-spoken demeanor with his win-at-all costs style.
-
Reports suggest that he's now spending more time trolling the house floor for support against an expected insurgency than pushing for legislation.
Here are related articles:
- Craddick called to step down: GOP committee chair urges him to avoid '18 months of hell' in Legislature.
- Craddick challenge in House widens. Member calls for speaker to quit post after second candidate files.
- Craddick a velvet fist in an iron glove: Foes try to reconcile speaker's soft-spoken demeanor with his win-at-all costs style.
-
You Go Prime Girl
One of your fellow students started her very own blog--primegirl--and wonders about the direction Halliburton is taking.
Respond.
Respond.
This is why they make fun of us
House Bill 1634 would provide grants to encourage filmakers to work in Texas, but only if their films not include "inappropriate content or content that portrays Texas or Texans in a negative fashion."
Then what's the point?
Then what's the point?
Sunday, May 20, 2007
A Bad Idea
This author suggests that Ron Paul should be banned from future Republican debates because he isn't really a Republican, but a Libertarian who won election as a Republican.
This is true, but considering that Republicans have been competitive in recent elections because they have attracted the votes of libertarians (or libertarian minded moderates) and that their losses in the 2006 midterm elections seem due to the loss of this constituency, I can't help but think that they are shooting themselves in the foot by alienating this constituency further.
A radio story yesterday suggested that Paul's supporters may be small in numbers but they are tech savvy and persistent.
He is not likely to go away.
This is true, but considering that Republicans have been competitive in recent elections because they have attracted the votes of libertarians (or libertarian minded moderates) and that their losses in the 2006 midterm elections seem due to the loss of this constituency, I can't help but think that they are shooting themselves in the foot by alienating this constituency further.
A radio story yesterday suggested that Paul's supporters may be small in numbers but they are tech savvy and persistent.
He is not likely to go away.
Texas Legislative Update
The Texas legislature will end on the 28th with, apparently, not much to show for their efforts.
The session has been dominated by problems at Texas Southern University, the Texas Youth Commission, and the governor's executive order on the HPV vaccine.
Aside from the fact that the system of separated powers is designed to thwart individual agendas, the chron suggests:
- the assumption that Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst is planning to run for governor in 2010. This has led him to focus more on short term issues that can increase his vote--especially among conservative Republicans who do in fact vote--at the expense of long terms issues that may be immediately unpopular.
- the attempt to depse Speaker Tom Craddick earlier this session, which weakened his ability to lead the chamber. He might be kinder and gentler, but that doesn't help one herd chickens.
The session has been dominated by problems at Texas Southern University, the Texas Youth Commission, and the governor's executive order on the HPV vaccine.
Aside from the fact that the system of separated powers is designed to thwart individual agendas, the chron suggests:
- the assumption that Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst is planning to run for governor in 2010. This has led him to focus more on short term issues that can increase his vote--especially among conservative Republicans who do in fact vote--at the expense of long terms issues that may be immediately unpopular.
- the attempt to depse Speaker Tom Craddick earlier this session, which weakened his ability to lead the chamber. He might be kinder and gentler, but that doesn't help one herd chickens.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Cat Fight!
This is not how senators are supposed to act.
Feisty by nature, Dan Patrick has not abided by the traditional deference freshman senators are supposed to pay to their seniors. This seems to have gotten him into a bit of trouble. He may not mind but some wonder if this attitude limits his effectiveness.
More comments on Patrick.
Feisty by nature, Dan Patrick has not abided by the traditional deference freshman senators are supposed to pay to their seniors. This seems to have gotten him into a bit of trouble. He may not mind but some wonder if this attitude limits his effectiveness.
More comments on Patrick.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Split Coalition?
The more I read Republican reactions about Ron Paul's 9/11 comments (which by the way--he stated here last year when he spoke to us in the Texas Room) the more it seems that the Iraq War has the potential of doing major damage to the Republican Party, nationally if not in Texas.
Though some are highly critical of the congressman, more than a few seem to agree with him. This will not help the Republicans maintain the unity which has been the hallmark at least since they took over Congress in 1994.
I'm beginning to think more and more that Bush may be doing to his party what Lyndon Johnson did to the Democrats in 1968 with Vietnam. Stick them with a divisive war that breaks the party in two while it unifies the opposition. A party is only as long as it stays cohesive. Dr. Paul may have highlighted a growing division within his party.
Though some are highly critical of the congressman, more than a few seem to agree with him. This will not help the Republicans maintain the unity which has been the hallmark at least since they took over Congress in 1994.
I'm beginning to think more and more that Bush may be doing to his party what Lyndon Johnson did to the Democrats in 1968 with Vietnam. Stick them with a divisive war that breaks the party in two while it unifies the opposition. A party is only as long as it stays cohesive. Dr. Paul may have highlighted a growing division within his party.
The Pot is Stirred
The fall out from Ron Paul's comments continue.
The back and forth from this post is worth perusing. The poster promises to run against the good Doctor. He says he lives in Angleton--perhaps we can invite him and Dr. Paul to duke it out.
This online poll suggests Dr. Paul won the debate, but if the methodology is probably suspect--clouded by self selection and possibly multiple voting.
Andrew Sullivan thinks that the mainstream media and the Republicans are out to get him now.
Has anything more interesting than this happened yet in the presidential race? I don't think so.
The back and forth from this post is worth perusing. The poster promises to run against the good Doctor. He says he lives in Angleton--perhaps we can invite him and Dr. Paul to duke it out.
This online poll suggests Dr. Paul won the debate, but if the methodology is probably suspect--clouded by self selection and possibly multiple voting.
Andrew Sullivan thinks that the mainstream media and the Republicans are out to get him now.
Has anything more interesting than this happened yet in the presidential race? I don't think so.
More Iron Triangles
There are a few holdouts, but here are more policies my 2302's are going to investigate for evidence of Iron Triangles.
Tailpipe emissions
Tax Exemptions for Senior Citizens
Sexual Predators
Stem Cell Research
Global Warming
Public Transportation in Houston
K-12 Teacher's Issues
CHIP
Illegal Immigration
Agriculture
Hydrogen Cars
Some of these need to be focused a bit more than they are already, but it's a start. Let's start collecting articles and highlight the parties involved in each policy arena.
Tailpipe emissions
Tax Exemptions for Senior Citizens
Sexual Predators
Stem Cell Research
Global Warming
Public Transportation in Houston
K-12 Teacher's Issues
CHIP
Illegal Immigration
Agriculture
Hydrogen Cars
Some of these need to be focused a bit more than they are already, but it's a start. Let's start collecting articles and highlight the parties involved in each policy arena.
Go Ron Go!
Our very own House rep and presidential candidate Ron Paul stole the show at last night's Republican presidential debates by blaming American foreign policy for spurring Bin Laden to attack us on 9/11.
Quote:
"They attack us because we've been over there. We've been bombing Iraq for 10 years. We've been in the Middle East [for years]. I think (Ronald) Reagan was right. We don't understand the irrationality of Middle Eastern politics. Right now, we're building an embassy in Iraq that is bigger than the Vatican. We're building 14 permanent bases. What would we say here if China was doing this in our country or in the Gulf of Mexico? We would be objecting."
Does he have a point? Is our need to flex muscle bad policy?
Quote:
"They attack us because we've been over there. We've been bombing Iraq for 10 years. We've been in the Middle East [for years]. I think (Ronald) Reagan was right. We don't understand the irrationality of Middle Eastern politics. Right now, we're building an embassy in Iraq that is bigger than the Vatican. We're building 14 permanent bases. What would we say here if China was doing this in our country or in the Gulf of Mexico? We would be objecting."
Does he have a point? Is our need to flex muscle bad policy?
The Limits of Effective Local Government?
Not too long ago downtown Houston was the place to be. After years of neglect and desolation, it seemed to ride a trend favoring revitalized downtowns across the country. New hotels, bars and restaurants opened across the north-east segment along Main Street, Prarie, Market Square and the Theater District.
Then the city decided to get in the act and engaged in a variety of construction projects aimed at furthering downtown as a destination--most notably the construction of the rail line (not to mention the stadiums and expanded convention center with its own hotel).
And now downtown is dead again.
Did the city kill it off? Business owners blame it on the construction of the rail line and the reconstruction of downtown streets which made it difficult for people to get to (or want to get to) their businesses. Others argue that the city erred in trying to make downtown Houston party central after the Super Bowl a few years back.
A free marketeer might use this as evidence that market forces, not the visions of politicos, should drive development. City officials will argue that the real impact of their initiatives will not be felt yet.
We'll see.
Then the city decided to get in the act and engaged in a variety of construction projects aimed at furthering downtown as a destination--most notably the construction of the rail line (not to mention the stadiums and expanded convention center with its own hotel).
And now downtown is dead again.
Did the city kill it off? Business owners blame it on the construction of the rail line and the reconstruction of downtown streets which made it difficult for people to get to (or want to get to) their businesses. Others argue that the city erred in trying to make downtown Houston party central after the Super Bowl a few years back.
A free marketeer might use this as evidence that market forces, not the visions of politicos, should drive development. City officials will argue that the real impact of their initiatives will not be felt yet.
We'll see.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Jackson v. White
(ACC's own) Senator Jackson's bill to limit the ability of Houston Mayor Bill White to regulate Houston's air quality by regulating air polluters just outside the city's boundaries continues to move forward.
As mentioned below, this case touches on issue definition. Is this bill about the environment or about sovereignty? Or is it about anything that is has to be about in order to pass. No one wants to champion dirty air, but the environmental committees are tilted in favor of the bill while the committees that would hear a sovereignty issue are run by democrats. Jackson seem to be both saying that it is a sovereignty issue and steering it towards the environmental committees.
A run for the governorship seem to lurk behind the effort to regulate, or protect, the polluters. White is rummored to be ready to make his move and is likely to run against Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst--who is pushing Jackson's bill. Aside from the merit of either effort, is the conflict ultimately about prepositioning on issues likely to be on the agenda in 2010?
Also behind the scenes are suspisions that the mayor's techniques are heavy handed, not the only time he has been accused of this by the way.
As mentioned below, this case touches on issue definition. Is this bill about the environment or about sovereignty? Or is it about anything that is has to be about in order to pass. No one wants to champion dirty air, but the environmental committees are tilted in favor of the bill while the committees that would hear a sovereignty issue are run by democrats. Jackson seem to be both saying that it is a sovereignty issue and steering it towards the environmental committees.
A run for the governorship seem to lurk behind the effort to regulate, or protect, the polluters. White is rummored to be ready to make his move and is likely to run against Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst--who is pushing Jackson's bill. Aside from the merit of either effort, is the conflict ultimately about prepositioning on issues likely to be on the agenda in 2010?
Also behind the scenes are suspisions that the mayor's techniques are heavy handed, not the only time he has been accused of this by the way.
Iron Triangles
To my 2302 3 week mini students welcome and prepare for blast off. We'll be going hard and fast until the 29th. I want everyone to have a policy selected by tomorrow for the paper assignment.
The following have been selected.
Horse Slaughtering
Human Papiloma Virus
Religious Freedom Restoration
Corn Ethanol Production
Gas Price Controls
19 to go. Please remember that you are to outline the network of interests around each of these issues, or the competing interests if necessary. We'll spend plenty of time discussing this in class.
Here are some links that should help you:
- Wikipedia "Iron Triangle" entry
- Glossary of political terms: Iron Triangle.
The following have been selected.
Horse Slaughtering
Human Papiloma Virus
Religious Freedom Restoration
Corn Ethanol Production
Gas Price Controls
19 to go. Please remember that you are to outline the network of interests around each of these issues, or the competing interests if necessary. We'll spend plenty of time discussing this in class.
Here are some links that should help you:
- Wikipedia "Iron Triangle" entry
- Glossary of political terms: Iron Triangle.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Age Cohorts and Attitudes about the Iraq War
Andrew Sullivan points to a recent Gallup Poll showing that older Americans are more likely to oppose the war than younger Americans.
Why?
Gallup makes no definitive claims but states:
"A number of hypotheses could be advanced to explain this age effect, some based on the life experiences of specific age cohorts. Americans who are now in their 50s and early 60s were most likely to have been affected by the Vietnam War, and those who are now in their 70s and 80s were most likely to have been affected by World War II and the Korean War."
Generational experiences matter.
Why?
Gallup makes no definitive claims but states:
"A number of hypotheses could be advanced to explain this age effect, some based on the life experiences of specific age cohorts. Americans who are now in their 50s and early 60s were most likely to have been affected by the Vietnam War, and those who are now in their 70s and 80s were most likely to have been affected by World War II and the Korean War."
Generational experiences matter.
Dissing Ron Paul
It's true. Neither the mainstream media nor the other candidates want to take him seriously.
Andrew Sullivan calls him the only Republican candidate that respects individual liberty.
Andrew Sullivan calls him the only Republican candidate that respects individual liberty.
Warrantless Search
According to the Supreme Court of the state of Washington, it's OK for the police to send you a letter, ask you to mail back a response (under false pretences) and gather your DNA from the saliva left on the back of the stamp.
When I do crimes, I'll be sure to use self adhesive stamps.
When I do crimes, I'll be sure to use self adhesive stamps.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
$3.04
That's the average price of a gallon of gasoline as of today (May 8).
Isn't this good news for environmentalists?
Isn't this good news for environmentalists?
Monday, May 7, 2007
About Those Illegal Immigrants
Apparently the Texas Legislature is not anxious to wade deeply into illegal immigration, much to the chagrin of Rep. Leo Berman, who has authored several anti-illegal immigration bills, including a controversial proposal to effectively deny recognition of the citizenship of the native born children of illegals.
Berman's chief nemesis seems to be Rep. David Swinford, the chair of the State Affairs Committee who has the power to table bills in his committee and prevent them from reaching the House floor.
Berman's chief nemesis seems to be Rep. David Swinford, the chair of the State Affairs Committee who has the power to table bills in his committee and prevent them from reaching the House floor.
Senate Bill 1317
The unique nature of air, and the problems it poses for policymakers seeking to clean it, is on display at the state capital.
Senate Bill 1317, authored by ACC's Senator Mike Jackson, was passed last week and has been sent to the House were it was referred to Rep Bonnen's Committee on Environmental Regulation. The bill, though deliberately vague in its wording, is generally assumed to be a response to the efforts of Houston to regulate air pollution within city limits. The multiple sources of pollution have created several "hotspots" in the city where cancer rates are argued to be higher than normal and traceable to the pollutants. Houston's mayor argues that these pollutants, and the perception that it is a polluted city, make it difficult for Houston to attract the next generation of skilled workers.
The problem is that the source of much of this pollution lies outside of Houston's city limits. Air apparently does not recognize political boundaries. For Houston to limit pollution, it would have to negatively impact the economy of neighboring cities, including those represented by Senator Jackson.
As he explains it, cities can currently "define and prohibit any nuisance within the limits of the municipality and within 5,000 feet outside those limits." As I understand it, his bill simply redefines the word "nuisance" to not include air pollution. If passed and signed into law, neither Houston nor any other city in Texas would be able to prohibit air pollution produced by a source just next to the city.
Senator Jackson calls this a sovereignty issue. A city next to Houston that wishes to allow pollutants to be produced should not have to be subject to its will. Opponents aren't buying it and are calling it an anti-clean air bill.
There's much more to this issue than this brief overview. Here's background reading:
- Opposition by the Sierra Club.
- More on the Senate's Anti Clean Air Bill.
- Houston Gets Slapped.
Senate Bill 1317, authored by ACC's Senator Mike Jackson, was passed last week and has been sent to the House were it was referred to Rep Bonnen's Committee on Environmental Regulation. The bill, though deliberately vague in its wording, is generally assumed to be a response to the efforts of Houston to regulate air pollution within city limits. The multiple sources of pollution have created several "hotspots" in the city where cancer rates are argued to be higher than normal and traceable to the pollutants. Houston's mayor argues that these pollutants, and the perception that it is a polluted city, make it difficult for Houston to attract the next generation of skilled workers.
The problem is that the source of much of this pollution lies outside of Houston's city limits. Air apparently does not recognize political boundaries. For Houston to limit pollution, it would have to negatively impact the economy of neighboring cities, including those represented by Senator Jackson.
As he explains it, cities can currently "define and prohibit any nuisance within the limits of the municipality and within 5,000 feet outside those limits." As I understand it, his bill simply redefines the word "nuisance" to not include air pollution. If passed and signed into law, neither Houston nor any other city in Texas would be able to prohibit air pollution produced by a source just next to the city.
Senator Jackson calls this a sovereignty issue. A city next to Houston that wishes to allow pollutants to be produced should not have to be subject to its will. Opponents aren't buying it and are calling it an anti-clean air bill.
There's much more to this issue than this brief overview. Here's background reading:
- Opposition by the Sierra Club.
- More on the Senate's Anti Clean Air Bill.
- Houston Gets Slapped.
Reason for Houston to Worry?
Though it might be tough for us natives to imagine it, Houston wasn't always the world's energy capital. It's proxinity to oil fields and business friendly environment lured existing companies from placed like New York City.
Halliburton's move to Dubai, even if only it's CEO, is causing concern that Houston may be replaced by that upstart, much as it replaced NYC.
Telling quote from the Chron: "...Halliburton has to go where the growth is, and in coming years that will be in the Eastern Hemisphere rather than in North America."
There's more:
What's a CEO to do? If you are responsible for the solvency of an energy company wouldn't it be foolish not to move to where the action is?
Halliburton's move to Dubai, even if only it's CEO, is causing concern that Houston may be replaced by that upstart, much as it replaced NYC.
Telling quote from the Chron: "...Halliburton has to go where the growth is, and in coming years that will be in the Eastern Hemisphere rather than in North America."
There's more:
About 60 percent of Halliburton's business now comes from North
America, with the balance from the Eastern Hemisphere. But
[CEO] Lesar said he hopes the Eastern Hemisphere will represent
at least half of the business soon.
Dan Pickering, an analyst with Pickering Energy Partners in
Houston, estimates that, within 10 years, Halliburton will draw
35 percent of its business from North America. And he thinks
investors are likely to reward the company for expanding overseas,
rather than being so tied to volatile North America natural gas
cycles.
"I think Halliburton's move to Dubai is a signal of how important
the Middle East is and is going to be over the next decade or
more," Pickering said.
What's a CEO to do? If you are responsible for the solvency of an energy company wouldn't it be foolish not to move to where the action is?
It's Good to be in the Majority
In today's Chron: Houston companies are now sending PAC money to the re-election efforts of the chairs of the congressional committees that have control over legislation that affects their businesses. All Democrats.
Friday, May 4, 2007
The Food Safety Czar
I posted below about recent president's appointments of "czars" to help streamline policy implementation in some area of need. I promised a full list of the various types of czars we've had in the past 30 year (apparently Nixon appointed the first one: John Love-Energy Czar). I promised a full list, but have yet to deliver. Here's a brief list:
AIDS Czar
Drug Czar
Energy Czar
Health Care Czar
Intelligence Czar
I mention this because Bush has apparently named a Food Safety Czar in the wake of recent concerns about the food supply.
I don't know, it just doesn't have that ring. No shivers down the spine.
Here's some light reading on the subject: Ten Thousand Czars
AIDS Czar
Drug Czar
Energy Czar
Health Care Czar
Intelligence Czar
I mention this because Bush has apparently named a Food Safety Czar in the wake of recent concerns about the food supply.
I don't know, it just doesn't have that ring. No shivers down the spine.
Here's some light reading on the subject: Ten Thousand Czars
On Committees in Texas
The Texas Observer paints an unflattering portrait of Dennis Bonnen who represented the ACC campus until 2003's redistricting, but still represents southern portions of our district.
Unflaterring if you consider yourself an environmentalist, not so if your priority is protecting the local petro-chemical industry.
His eleven years in the House put Mr. Bonnen in a position to chair the House Committee on Environmental Regulation, which he apparently uses to stop legislation which proponents argue would clean the environment and opponents claim would harm industry.
Unflaterring if you consider yourself an environmentalist, not so if your priority is protecting the local petro-chemical industry.
His eleven years in the House put Mr. Bonnen in a position to chair the House Committee on Environmental Regulation, which he apparently uses to stop legislation which proponents argue would clean the environment and opponents claim would harm industry.
Future Conflict?
The National Journal reports that the push to expand corn based ethanol production has led corn growers to convert wetlands into corn fields in order to expand revenue.
I'm sure farmers can handle the predictable opposition from environmentalists, but since 70% of the nation's duck's are hatched in these wetlands, I'm not sure they'd like to take on hunters. Fewer ducks, fewer ducks to hunt.
Might the environmentalists want to cross lobby Duck's Unlimited?
I'm no expert on the subject--which doesn't mean I'm not qualified to start a Wikipedia page on it--but there's quite the debate on whether corn based ethanol is worth the trouble.
Con:
- CU scientist terms corn-based ethanol 'subsidized food burning'
- Corn-based ethanol not cheap, not green
- Corn-based ethanol: the biggest greenwash ever?
Pro:
- Corn-Based Ethanol Does Indeed Achieve Energy Benefits
- Industry Argues That Ethanol Delivers
Whatever the science tells us, the political science holds that once a subsidy is created, an issue network will develop to preserve and expand it. One way to expand a benefit is to redefine it so that it becomes the solution to an emerging problem. The problem is energy independence--or the lack of it. The solution is more corn.
Among the beneficiaries are the members of Congress who can hold onto their jobs because they can rightly point to the focused benefits they can bring to their districts.
So what of the hunters who might object to not having ducks to shoot? They will only be influential if they are either constituents of the members responsible for the additional corn production or can somehow mobilize sympathetic constituents against them. Tough to do if the constituents are counting incoming cash from these projects.
It's a classic negative externality. Costs are passed on to people not involved in the actual transaction.
I predict conflict down the line.
I'm sure farmers can handle the predictable opposition from environmentalists, but since 70% of the nation's duck's are hatched in these wetlands, I'm not sure they'd like to take on hunters. Fewer ducks, fewer ducks to hunt.
Might the environmentalists want to cross lobby Duck's Unlimited?
I'm no expert on the subject--which doesn't mean I'm not qualified to start a Wikipedia page on it--but there's quite the debate on whether corn based ethanol is worth the trouble.
Con:
- CU scientist terms corn-based ethanol 'subsidized food burning'
- Corn-based ethanol not cheap, not green
- Corn-based ethanol: the biggest greenwash ever?
Pro:
- Corn-Based Ethanol Does Indeed Achieve Energy Benefits
- Industry Argues That Ethanol Delivers
Whatever the science tells us, the political science holds that once a subsidy is created, an issue network will develop to preserve and expand it. One way to expand a benefit is to redefine it so that it becomes the solution to an emerging problem. The problem is energy independence--or the lack of it. The solution is more corn.
Among the beneficiaries are the members of Congress who can hold onto their jobs because they can rightly point to the focused benefits they can bring to their districts.
So what of the hunters who might object to not having ducks to shoot? They will only be influential if they are either constituents of the members responsible for the additional corn production or can somehow mobilize sympathetic constituents against them. Tough to do if the constituents are counting incoming cash from these projects.
It's a classic negative externality. Costs are passed on to people not involved in the actual transaction.
I predict conflict down the line.
Alvin Candidate's Forum
It's final here at ACC which put me behind in my postings and longing for the beach so my apologies for not posting about Tuesday night's candidate debate for three positions on Alvin's City Council (two uncontested) and two positions on the Alvin Independent School District (one uncontested).
Here are the questions posed to the candidates. Some of these were edited to remove any statements, as opposed to questions, or anything directed to one candidate. These are the unedited questions:
For city council candidates:
- If elected, what will be your #1 priority?
- What do you know about the Mayor's Committee on ADA (American Disability Association)?
- What do you see as the role of citizen's patrols? Do you support the efforts of citizen's patrols?
- How do you justify the city accepting the voluntary $3.00 EMS donation but still charging these people on their personal insurance and Medicare? Is this double dipping?
- As a family man, how will you improve lives of seniors of Alvin? Other than voting for Amendment #1 re discount for home taxes, as I'm sure you will, how can/will you make Alvin senior citizens glad to live here? And. remember, we're watching.
For AISD candidates:
- If elected, who do you represent?
- The surplus bond money was okayed by voters for specific use on the ballot. How can you justify your opinion of how to spend or maintain this money that is entrusted to your care?
- In the wake of the past school shooting what measures have been taken to promote safety in our schools? What are your recommendations concerning safety?
- How do you intend to keep kids first?
Since I served as a moderator and helped collect, edit and ask the questions, I was not able to fully pay attention to the answers. It was recorded for broadcast on out TV station here--KACC--and I'll have post the file to my website when I get a copy.
We had a nice turnout though--60 or so, mostly from the community, but only two faculty members. About ten students were there, which was a nice touch. The community members are the ones who ultimately determine the direction our institution takes by supporting or opposing our bond proposals and determining who serves on our board. The more they can see us as actual people, rather than a faceless institution the better.
It's interesting to note the different issues facing Alvin, an older community with entreched interests, and Manvel, a newer town posed for explosive growth.
Here are the questions posed to the candidates. Some of these were edited to remove any statements, as opposed to questions, or anything directed to one candidate. These are the unedited questions:
For city council candidates:
- If elected, what will be your #1 priority?
- What do you know about the Mayor's Committee on ADA (American Disability Association)?
- What do you see as the role of citizen's patrols? Do you support the efforts of citizen's patrols?
- How do you justify the city accepting the voluntary $3.00 EMS donation but still charging these people on their personal insurance and Medicare? Is this double dipping?
- As a family man, how will you improve lives of seniors of Alvin? Other than voting for Amendment #1 re discount for home taxes, as I'm sure you will, how can/will you make Alvin senior citizens glad to live here? And. remember, we're watching.
For AISD candidates:
- If elected, who do you represent?
- The surplus bond money was okayed by voters for specific use on the ballot. How can you justify your opinion of how to spend or maintain this money that is entrusted to your care?
- In the wake of the past school shooting what measures have been taken to promote safety in our schools? What are your recommendations concerning safety?
- How do you intend to keep kids first?
Since I served as a moderator and helped collect, edit and ask the questions, I was not able to fully pay attention to the answers. It was recorded for broadcast on out TV station here--KACC--and I'll have post the file to my website when I get a copy.
We had a nice turnout though--60 or so, mostly from the community, but only two faculty members. About ten students were there, which was a nice touch. The community members are the ones who ultimately determine the direction our institution takes by supporting or opposing our bond proposals and determining who serves on our board. The more they can see us as actual people, rather than a faceless institution the better.
It's interesting to note the different issues facing Alvin, an older community with entreched interests, and Manvel, a newer town posed for explosive growth.
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